Post-transplant anemia and associated risk factors: the impact of steroid-free therapy

Abstract

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of post-renal transplant anemia (PTA) reported in the literature is variable and several factors contribute towards its pathophysiology. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTA, its associated risk factors and the impact of therapy without steroids. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study in a renal transplantation unit at a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) < 12 g/dl in female adult recipients and < 13 g/dl in males. Donor and recipient age and gender, type of donor, creatinine, delayed graft function, acute rejection, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and therapy without steroids were investigated as risk factors for PTA through multivariate logistical regression analysis. RESULTS: Evaluations were performed on 258 recipients (mean age: 38.8 years; 60.5% males; 35.7% did not receive steroids). Anemia was diagnosed in 38% of the patients (at the sixth month, M6), 28% (M12), 32% (M24) and 45% (at last follow up). Donor age > 50 years was associated with greater risks of PTA at M6 (odds ratio (OR) = 4.68) and M24 (OR = 6.57), as well as with therapy without steroids at M6 (OR = 2.96). Delayed graft function was independently associated with PTA at M6 (OR = 3.66) and M12 (OR = 2.85). CONCLUSION:The lowest prevalence of PTA was observed between M9 and M24 after renal transplantation. Delayed graft function, donor age and therapy without steroids were the most important factors associated with PTA. RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO:A prevalência de anemia pós-transplante renal (APR) relatada na literatura é variável e vários fatores contribuem para sua fisiopatologia. Este estudo objetivou investigar a prevalência de APR, os fatores de risco associados e o impacto da terapia sem esteroides. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo em unidade de transplante renal em hospital terciário. MÉTODOS: Anemia foi definida como hemoglobina (Hb) < 12 g/dl em receptores adultos do sexo feminino e < 13 g/dl no masculino. Idade e gênero do doador e do receptor, tipo de doador, creatinina, função retardada do enxerto (FRE), rejeição aguda, uso de inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA)/bloqueadores dos receptores da angiotensina (BRA) e terapia sem esteroides foram investigados como fatores de risco para APR em análise de regressão logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e cinquenta e oito receptores foram avaliados (idade média: 38,8 anos; 60,5% homens; 35,7% em terapia sem esteroides). Anemia foi diagnosticada em 38% no sexto mês (M6), 28% (M12), 32% (M24) e em 45% dos pacientes na última data de acompanhamento. Idade do doador > 50 anos associou-se a maior risco de APR aos 6 (odds ratio, OR = 4,68) e 24 meses (OR = 6,57), bem como terapia sem esteroides aos 6 meses (OR = 2,96). FRE associou-se independentemente com APR aos 6 (OR = 3,66) e 12 meses (OR = 2,85). CONCLUSÃO: A menor prevalência de APR foi observada entre 9 e 24 meses pós-transplante...

Risk factors and current state of therapy for anemia after kidney transplantation

“…Infection with parvovirus B19 must be strongly suspected when refractory and severe anemia with reticulocytopenia develops after transplantation ( 61 ). Studies have also shown that avoiding the use of steroids in the first 6 months after kidney transplantation also increases the incidence of PTA ( 62 ). Acute kidney injury and nutritional deficiencies are also important influencing factors for early PTA ( 5 ).…”

“…The onset of late PTA is associated with impaired kidney graft function and the development of renal insufficiency ( 63 ). Delayed graft function, impaired kidney graft function, and acute rejection are risk factors for PTA ( 62 ). Serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rates have been shown to affect Hb in patients ( 20 ).…”