Single Center Study about Post-transplant Anemia (PTA) in Korean Renal Transplant Recipients: Prevalence and Risk factors for PTA

Lee, Jung Pyo; Ro, Han; Yang, Jae Seok; Ha, Jongwon; Kim, Sang Joon; Chae, Dong Wan; Ahn, Curie; Han, Jin Suk; Kim, Suhnggwon; Lee, Jung Sang

Abstract

PURPOSE
Post-transplant anemia (PTA) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the most common cause of mortality in renal transplant recipients. We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of PTA in patients who underwent kidney transplantation in Seoul National University Hospital. METHOD: We reviewed medical records of 223 patients who received renal transplants in Seoul National University Hospital from 1997 to 2003. We analyzed data to evaluate the prevalence of PTA and to define the risk factors for the development of PTA.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up period was 33.5+/-21.9 months. Male-to-female ratio was 1.7 : 1 and mean age was 38.4+/-11.9. The mean hemoglobin (Hb) at the time of transplantation was 9.7+/-1.7g/dL. At the time of transplantation 213 patients (96.4%) had anemia. PTA was frequent in early phase, but in many cases it resolved spontaneously. The prevalence of PTA reached a plateau in 1 year without further decrement (around 30%). The correlation between low Hb and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) became stronger in the late posttransplant period. Recipients' age (< or =20), number of HLA mismatches, and Hb at the time of transplantation were significant risk factors for PTA only in the early posttransplant period (P<0.05). Low GFR, donors' age (>50) and female sex were significantly associated with PTA in the early and late post- transplant period (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
About 30% or more patients had persistent anemia after 1 year of kidney transplantation. Persistent PTA requires thorough evaluation and management, especially in patients with risk factors for PTA.