Iron Parameters as a Graft Function Indicator in Renal Transplant Recipients

Abstract

INTRODUCTION[|]For those with severe kidney disease, renal transplantation is the best treatment option when compared with dialysis methods; however, it is important to consider potential complications that may occur and the negative effects on graft survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iron parameters on the development of post-transplant anemia (PTA) and post-transplant erythrocytosis (PTE).[¤]METHODS[|]This retrospective study was conducted with 214 renal transplant recipients. PTA was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level of <13g/dL for men and <12g/dL for women 6 months after transplantation, PTE was defined as an Hb level of >17g/dL for men and >15g/dL for women. The remaining patients were defined as the control group. [¤]RESULTS[|]PTA developed in 79 patients (36.9%), and PTE developed in 25 patients (11.7%). The iron level was lower in the PTE group before the transplantation and in the first 3 months after transplantation; however, it was also determined that in the PTA group, the iron level was low at 6 and 12 months. Even though the PTA patients' transferrin saturation (TS) was rose significantly in the first month after transplant, it was observed that the TS was lower in the PTE group at all time points. [¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Even if iron levels are low before kidney transplantation in case of proper replecement is performed and graft functions are intact; anemia may improve and even polycythemia may develop. TS increased in the initial post-transplant period; it may be an early indicator of PTA and the development of graft function failure.[¤]

Keywords

• iron parameters
• kidney transplant; post-transplant anemia; post-transplant erythrocytosis.