Impact of post-transplant anemia on patient and graft survival rates after kidney transplantation: a meta-analysis

Long-term changes in cardiac remodelling in prevalent kidney graft recipients

BACKGROUND

Approximately 15% of kidney transplant (KT) recipients develop de novo heart failure after KT. There are scarce data reporting the long-term changes in cardiac structure and function among KT recipients. Despite the improvement in renal function, transplant-related complications as well as immunosuppressive therapy could have an impact on cardiac remodelling during follow-up. We aimed to describe the long-term changes in echocardiographic parameters in prevalent KT recipients and identify the clinical and laboratory factors associated with these changes.

METHODS

A centralised blinded review of two echocardiographic examinations after KT (on average after 17 and 39 months post-KT respectively) was performed among 80 patients (age 50.4 ± 16.2, diabetes 13.8% pre-KT), followed by linear regression to identify clinico-biological factors related to echocardiographic changes.

RESULTS

Left atrial volume index (LAVI) increased significantly (34.2 ± 10.8 mL/m2vs. 37.6 ± 15.0 mL/m2, annualised delta 3.1 ± 11.4 mL/m2/year; p = 0.034) while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased (62.1 ± 9.0% vs. 59.7 ± 9.9%, annualised delta -2.7 ± 13.6%/year; p = 0.04). Male sex (β = 8.112 ± 2.747; p < 0.01), pre-KT hypertension (β = 9.725 ± 4.156; p < 0.05), graft from expanded criteria donor (β = 3.791 ± 3.587; p < 0.05), and induction by anti-thymocyte globulin (β = 7.920 ± 2.974; p = 0.01) were associated with an increase in LAVI during follow-up. Higher haemoglobin (>12.9 g/dL) at the time of the first echocardiography (β = 6.029 ± 2.967; p < 0.05) and ACEi/ARB therapy (β = 8.306 ± 3.161; p < 0.05) were associated with an increase in LVEF during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the existence of long-term cardiac remodelling after KT despite dialysis cessation, characterised by an increase in LAVI and a decrease in LVEF. A better management of anaemia and using ACEi/ARB therapy may prevent such remodelling.

Anemia after kidney transplantation

Anemia is a frequent complication in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with a variable reported prevalence estimated between 20 and 80% depending on how defined. Causes of and risk factors for post-transplantation anemia (PTA) are multifactorial with iron deficiency being the primary cause of early PTA (within the first 6 months after transplantation) and impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR) commonly responsible for late PTA (after 6 months). Medications, viral infections, chronic inflammation, and comorbidities also play a role. PTA has relevant long-term consequences and is a potential risk factor for allograft dysfunction, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. Thus, an anemia evaluation, approximately 3 months post-transplantation, is recommended in order to start early treatment and improve prognosis. Iron status, vitamin B12, folate, markers of hemolysis, and viral PCR should be checked, and medications, in particular combinations of medications, should be carefully evaluated. PTA treatment may be challenging and should be directed to the underlying causes. Iron supplementation and erythropoietin therapy, not extensively used in KTR, may be indicated. Every effort should be made to avoid blood transfusions in the pre-transplant period to avoid allosensitization. Anemia should be corrected to prepare candidates for kidney transplantation in order to reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusions as well.

Treatment Options for Anemia in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Review

Anemia is common after kidney transplantation. The etiology may be multifactorial, such as causes of anemia in the general population and causes that are unique to the kidney transplant setting. Posttransplant anemia, particularly when severe, may be associated with adverse effects such as graft failure, mortality, and a decline in kidney function. After careful investigation, that is, having excluded or treated reversible causes of anemia, treatment of anemia in patients with a kidney transplant is based on iron supplementation or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), although there are no specific guidelines on anemia management in this patient population. Iron therapy is often needed, but optimal and safe iron-deficiency management strategies remain to be defined. Evidence suggests that ESAs are safe and potentially associated with favorable outcomes. Better graft function has been reported with ESA use targeting hemoglobin levels higher than those recommended in the general population with chronic kidney disease and with no apparent increased risk of cardiovascular events. These results require further investigation. Data on the use of hypoxia-inducible factor inhibitors are limited. Prevention and treatment of anemia in kidney transplantation can improve patients' quality of life, life expectancy, allograft function, and survival.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Posttransplant Anemia With Overall Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Kidney Transplant Recipients

Introduction: Posttransplant anemia is a common finding after kidney transplantation. A previous meta-analysis reported an association between anemia and graft loss. However, data on cardiovascular outcomes have not yet been reported. Objective: We conducted an updated meta-analysis to examine the association between posttransplant anemia and outcomes after transplantation including cardiovascular mortality in adult kidney transplant recipients. Methods: We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to November 2021. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects model. Generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird was employed to calculate the risk ratios and 95% CIs. Results: Seventeen studies from August 2006 to April 2019 were included (16 463 kidney transplantation recipients). Posttransplant anemia was associated with overall mortality (pooled risk ratio = 1.72 [1.39, 2.13], I² = 56%), graft loss (pooled risk ratio = 2.28 [1.77, 2.93], I² = 94%), cardiovascular death (pooled risk ratio = 2.06 [1.35, 3.16], I² = 0%), and cardiovascular events (pooled risk ratio = 1.33 [1.10, 1.61], I² = 0%). Early anemia (≤6 months), compared with late anemia (>6 months), has higher risk of overall mortality and graft loss with a pooled risk ratio of 2.63 (95% CI 1.79-3.86; I² = 0%) and 2.96 (95% CI 2.29-3.82; I² = 0%), respectively. Discussion: In addition to increased risk of graft loss, our updated meta-analysis demonstrated that posttransplant anemia was significantly associated with poor outcomes after kidney transplantation including overall mortality, graft loss, cardiovascular death, and cardiovascular events. Future studies are required to assess the effects of treatment strategies for posttransplant anemia on posttransplant outcomes including cardiovascular mortality.

Ferric Carboxymatose in Non-Hemodialysis CKD Patients: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

No information is available on the efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in real-world CKD patients outside the hemodialysis setting. We prospectively followed 59 non-hemodialysis CKD patients with iron deficient anemia (IDA: hemoglobin <12.0/<13.5 g/dL in women/men and TSAT < 20% and/or ferritin < 100 ng/mL) who were intolerant or non-responders to oral iron. Patients received ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) (single dose of 500 mg) followed by additional doses if iron deficiency persisted. We evaluated efficacy of FCM in terms of increase of hemoglobin, ferritin, and TSAT levels. Direct and indirect costs of FCM were also analyzed in comparison with a hypothetical scenario where same amount of iron as ferric gluconate (FG) was administered intravenously. During the 24 weeks of study, 847 ± 428 mg of FCM per patient were administered. IDA improved after four weeks of FCM and remained stable thereafter. At week-24, mean change (95%CI) from baseline of hemoglobin, ferritin and TSAT were +1.16 g/dL (0.55–1.77), +104 ng/mL (40–168) and +9.5% (5.8–13.2), respectively. These changes were independent from ESA use and clinical setting (non-dialysis CKD, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant). Among ESA-treated patients (n = 24), ESA doses significantly decreased by 26% with treatment and stopped either temporarily or persistently in nine patients. FCM, compared to a FG-based scenario, was associated with a cost saving of 288 euros/patient/24 weeks. Saving was the same in ESA users/non-users. Therefore, in non-hemodialysis CKD patients, FCM effectively corrects IDA and allows remarkable cost savings in terms of societal, healthcare and patient perspective.

An evaluation of PJP prophylaxis and anemia among renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Dapone and atovaquone are therapeutic options for PJP prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of anemia in renal transplant recipients receiving these agents.

METHODS

This is an IRB-approved, retrospective analysis of adult renal transplant recipients who received either dapsone or atovaquone. The primary endpoint was the change in hemoglobin within 90 days of drug initiation. Other endpoints of interest included incidence and management of anemia at multiple time points post-transplant. Categorical variables were compared with Pearson's chi-squared or Fischer's exact test and continuous data were compared utilizing Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 14.2.

RESULTS

A total of 478 patients were screened for inclusion; 50 patients were evaluated in both the dapsone and atovaquone groups. In the dapsone and atovaquone groups, the median age was 52 and 50.5 years, 44% and 42% were Caucasian, and median time to treatment initiation was 27 and 39 days post-transplant, respectively. All patients receiving dapsone had normal G6PD function. There was no difference in baseline hemoglobin between groups (9.7 g/dL vs 9.8 g/dL, P = .83). The median nadir hemoglobin values were 8.6 g/dL and 9.6 g/dL in the dapsone and atovaquone groups, respectively (P = .047). The median decrease in hemoglobin from baseline to nadir was 1.3 g/dL in dapsone patients and 0.2 g/dL in atovaquone patients (P = .001). Dapsone was discontinued in 46% of patients, whereas atovaquone was discontinued in 18% (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Among renal transplant recipients with normal G6PD activity, dapsone is associated with greater hemoglobin reductions and rates of drug discontinuation as compared to atovaquone.

The effect of maintaining high hemoglobin levels on long-term kidney function in kidney transplant recipients: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Posttransplant anemia may be a major determinant of chronic allograft nephropathy. However, the impact of correcting anemia on graft function remains controversial.

Methods

A 3-year follow-up of an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving kidney transplantation recipients examined whether sustained maintenance of target hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations at a high level (12.5–13.5 g/dL, n = 64) with either darbepoetin alfa or epoetin beta pegol would slow the graft function decline rate as the primary efficacy endpoint, compared with maintenance of a low Hb concentration (10.5–11.5 g/dL, n = 63).

Results

The mean blood pressures in the two groups were well controlled throughout the study. In the high Hb group, mean Hb concentrations increased to >12 g/dL at 3 months, reaching the target range at 18 months. At the end of this study (36 months), the mean Hb concentration was 12.8 ± 0.7 g/dL in the high Hb group and 11.5 ± 1.2 g/dL in the low Hb group. The decline rate of the estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) rate was considerably greater in the low Hb group (ΔeGFR, −5.1 ± 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m²) than in the high Hb group (−1.0 ± 8.4 mL/min/1.73 m²) (P = 0.02). Of note, only a few high Hb patients developed cardiovascular events and returned to hemodialysis, but the low Hb patients did not.

Conclusion

This prospective study suggests that correcting anemia to the target Hb level range (12.5–13.5 g/dL) slows renal function deterioration by >3 years in the chronic phase of allograft nephropathy.

Influence of Calcineurin Inhibitor and Sex on Mycophenolic Acid Pharmacokinetics and Adverse Effects Post-Renal Transplant

Tacrolimus or cyclosporine is prescribed with mycophenolic acid posttransplant and contributes to interpatient variability in mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics and response. Cyclosporine inhibits enterohepatic circulation of the metabolite mycophenolic acid glucuronide, which is not described with tacrolimus. This study investigated mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics and adverse effects in stable renal transplant recipients and the association with calcineurin inhibitors, sex, and race. Mycophenolic acid and mycophenolic acid glucuronide area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours (AUC_0-12h ) and apparent clearance were determined at steady state in 80 patients receiving cyclosporine with mycophenolate mofetil and 67 patients receiving tacrolimus with mycophenolate sodium. Gastrointestinal adverse effects and hematologic parameters were evaluated. Statistical models evaluated mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics and adverse effects. Mycophenolic acid AUC_0-12h was 1.70-fold greater with tacrolimus (68.9 ± 30.9 mg·h/L) relative to cyclosporine (40.8 ± 17.6 mg·h/L); P < .001. Target mycophenolic acid AUC_0-12h of 30-60 mg·h/L was achieved in 56.3% on cyclosporine compared with 34.3% receiving tacrolimus (P < .001). Mycophenolic acid clearance was 48% slower with tacrolimus (10.6 ± 4.7 L/h) relative to cyclosporine (20.5 ± 10.0 L/h); P < .001. Enterohepatic circulation occurred less frequently with cyclosporine (45%) compared with tacrolimus (78%); P < 0.001; with a 2.9-fold greater mycophenolic acid glucuronide AUC_0-12h to mycophenolic acid AUC_0-12h ratio (P < .001). Race did not affect mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics. Gastrointestinal adverse effect scores were 2.2-fold higher with tacrolimus (P < .001) and more prominent in women (P = .017). Lymphopenia was more prevalent with tacrolimus (52.2%) than cyclosporine (22.5%); P < 0.001. Calcineurin inhibitors and sex contributed to interpatient variability in mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics and adverse effects post-renal transplant, which could be attributed to differences in enterohepatic circulation.

Posttransplantation Anemia in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Posttransplantation anemia (PTA) is common among kidney transplant patients. Early PTA is usually defined as anemia which develops up to 6 months after transplantation, and late PTA is defined as anemia which develops after 6 months. There are multiple causes, with iron deficiency being the major contributor. The occurrence of late PTA has been associated with impaired graft function. Early PTA has been shown to be a predictor of late PTA. PTA is associated with reduced mortality, reduced graft survival, and a decline in GFR. The association with mortality is related to the severity of the anemia and to specific causes of anemia. Treatment of PTA should probably begin as soon as possible after kidney transplantation. The optimal target hemoglobin level in kidney transplant recipients with anemia is higher than recommended in chronic kidney disease and should probably be up to 12.5-13 g/dL. In order to achieve this target, appropriate treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) and iron is indicated.

Post renal transplant anemia: severity, causes and their association with graft and patient survival

Background

Post transplantation anemia (PTA) is common among kidney transplant patients. PTA is associated with increased graft loss and in most studies with increased mortality. However, the effect of the severity of anemia on this associations was not thoroughly evaluated.

Methods

Patients who underwent kidney transplantation in Rabin Medical Center (RMC) were included in the study. Data were collected during the years 2002–2016. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) level less than 12 g/dL in women and less than 13 g/dL in men, in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Severe anemia was defined as hemoglobin lower than 11 g/dL. Primary outcome was a composite of patient and graft survival. We used univariate and multivariate models to evaluate association between severity and specific causes of anemia with the outcomes. As the risk associated with anemia changed over time we analyzed the risk separately for the early and the late period (before and after 1251 days).

Results

Our cohort included 1139 patients, 412 (36.2%) of which had PTA and 134 (11.7%) had severe anemia. On multivariable analysis, severe anemia was highly associated with the primary outcome at the early period (HR 6.26, 95% CI 3.74–10.5, p < 0.001). Anemia due to either AKI & acute rejection (11.9% of patients) or infection (16.7%), were associated with primary outcome at the early period (HR 9.32, 95% CI 5.3–26.41, p < 0.001 and HR 3.99, 95% CI 2.01–7.95, p < 0.001, respectively). There was non-significant trend for association between anemia due to Nutritional deficiencies (29.1%) and this outcome (HR 3.07, 95% CI 0.93–10.17, p = 0.067).

Conclusion

PTA is associated with graft loss and mortality especially during the first three years. Anemia severity affects this association. An anemia workup is recommended for PTA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-019-1244-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence and predictors of blood transfusion after pediatric kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion after kidney transplant carries a risk of sensitization to the graft as well as blood borne infections. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of blood transfusions in pediatric recipients of kidney transplants and to determine the factors associated with transfusions during the perioperative period. Additionally, to describe the changes in hemoglobin levels during the first 12 months following transplant.

METHOD

A retrospective, single center analysis using data collected prospectively between 2010 and 2017. Red blood cell transfusion within the first week after transplant and anemia at 3 months were used as outcomes. Multivariate analysis was performed on significant variates with results described according to odds ratio (OR) and interquartile range (IQR).

RESULTS

Transfusions were given after 21 of 42 (50%) transplants in recipients aged between 1 and 17 years (median 14 years). Age, height, weight, and pre-transplant hemoglobin predicted transfusion in univariate analyses. Regression analysis identified pre-transplant hemoglobin as an independent factor (OR 0.85, IQR 0.73-0.98; p = 0.02). Anemia was present at 3 months after 15 (36%) transplants. Anemia at 3 months was associated with older and larger recipients, lower pre-transplant hemoglobin, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis identified eGFR at 3 months as the only independent predictor of anemia at 3 months (OR 0.93, IQR 0.87-0.99; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusions are prevalent in the perioperative period after pediatric kidney transplantation. Lower pre-transplant hemoglobin increases the risk of transfusion. Graft function predicts hemoglobin levels at 3 months.

Factors associated with anaemia in kidney transplant recipients in the first year after transplantation: a cross-sectional study

Background

Anaemia after kidney transplantation may reduce quality of life, graft or patient survival. We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for anaemia in the initial 12 months after transplantation.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study at 6 and 12 months after transplantation. Anaemia was defined by World Health Organization criteria taking into consideration erythropoietin use. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between demographic, clinical and pharmacological risk factors for the main outcome of moderate-severe anaemia.

Results

A total of 336 transplant recipients were included and the prevalence of moderate-severe anaemia was 27.4% at 6 months and 15.2% at 12 months. Lower kidney function, female gender, transferrin saturation below 10% and proteinuria were associated with moderate-severe anaemia at both time points. Recent intravenous immunoglobulin treatment was associated with anaemia at 6 months. Recent infection and acute rejection were also associated with anaemia 12 months. Around 20% of patients had at least one blood transfusion but they were uncommon beyond 3 months.

Conclusions

Anaemia remains highly prevalent requiring treatment with erythropoietin and transfusions. Most identifiable risk factors relate to clinical problems rather than pharmacological management, while markers of iron-deficiency remain difficult to interpret in this setting.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-018-1054-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Early Blood Transfusion After Kidney Transplantation on the Incidence of Donor-Specific Anti-HLA Antibodies

Little is known about the impact of posttransplant blood transfusion on the sensitization of anti-HLA antibodies and the formation of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs). The aims of our study were to determine the 1-year incidence of DSAs (assessed using a solid-phase assay) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant patients who had or had not received a blood transfusion during the first year after transplantation. Included were 390 non-HLA-sensitized patients who had received an ABO-compatible kidney transplant and had not previously or simultaneously received a nonkidney transplant. Overall, 64% of patients received a red blood cell transfusion within the first year after transplantation, most within the first month. The overall 1-year incidence of DSAs was significantly higher in patients that had undergone transfusion (7.2% vs. 0.7% in patients with no transfusion, p < 0.0001). AMR occurred more often in the transfusion group (n = 15, 6%) compared with the nontransfusion group (n = 2, 1.4%; p = 0.04). Blood transfusion was an independent predictive factor for de novo DSA formation but not for AMR. Patients who had a transfusion and developed DSAs were more often treated with cyclosporin A (n = 10, 55.5%) rather than tacrolimus (n = 45, 19.4%; p = 0.0001). In conclusion, early posttransplant blood transfusion may increase immunological risk, especially in underimmunosuppressed patients.

Longitudinal Assessment of Serum Creatinine Levels on Graft Survival After Renal Transplantation: Joint Modeling Approach

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem. The eventual outcome of CKD is end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Early diagnosis and proper management play an important role in preventing CKD progression to ESRD. Dialysis and kidney transplantation are the only treatment options available for patients suffering from ESRD.

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the etiological role of recipient and donor characteristics on serum creatinine changes within the follow-up period, graft failure risk, and the impact of longitudinal serum creatinine levels on graft survival after renal transplantation.

Patients and Methods

This study was carried out at the department of nephrology, Baqiyatallah hospital, Baqiyatallah University, Tehran, Iran, between April 2005 and December 2008. During that time period, 461 patients who had undergone renal transplantation were entered in the current study. Time to graft loss and serum creatinine levels at each visit were the primary data gathered for the study. A joint modeling of survival and longitudinal nonsurvival data was used to assess the association between the two processes and investigate the influential factors.

Results

Median follow-up time was 6.80 months. A linear decreasing trend in serum creatinine level over time was found (P < 0.001). The results showed a positive correlation between serum creatinine levels and risk of graft failure (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The major finding of this study is that one unit increase in serum creatinine level suggests an increased risk of graft failure of up to four times.

Treatment With Darbepoetin During the First Year After Renal Transplantation: The Starting Point

INTRODUCTION

Multiple factors are associated with post-transplantation anemia, and renal function is the main factor. The aims of this study were to compare the evolution of hemoglobin in the first year post-transplantation according to darbepoetin (DA) treatment, and factors related to it, to evaluate the difference between earlier versus delayed treatment, and to describe the dose change pattern.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We describe a retrospective study of cohorts in 462 transplant recipients (2004-2011). The variables reported were from donor, transplantation recipient, and DA treatment.

RESULTS

In this study, 67.5% of patients were treated with DA, 32.5% were not. The comparison of hemoglobin in both groups during the first year showed a similar evolution with significant differences between consecutive measures until the second trimester. The hemoglobin of the treated group was significantly lower. The evolution of renal function was not different. Multivariate analysis related DA treatment to delayed graft function (DGF) and albuminuria in the first year. Patients with early versus delayed DA introduction did not show a difference regarding length of treatment, but the total dose in the delayed introduction was lower. The evolution of creatinine and hemoglobin was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of DA was related to DGF and albuminuria. The delayed introduction of DA meant the following: less total dose than earlier introduction, no difference in length of treatment, and a similar evolution in hemoglobin and renal function in both groups. The lack of guidelines about DA treatment in renal transplantation makes it difficult to establish a pattern of dose adjustment.

Post-renal transplantation anemia at 12 months: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on clinical outcomes

PURPOSE

To investigate any association between post-transplantation anemia (PTA) and clinical outcomes following living donor kidney transplantation.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 887 patients who received living donor kidney transplantations at our medical center between January 2006 and December 2012 to evaluate whether PTA, defined as serum hemoglobin (Hb) levels of <130 g/l in men and <120 g/l in women, at 12 months is associated with post-transplant outcomes, including graft function, death-censored graft survival, or patient survival.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PTA at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 84.3, 39.5, 26.2, and 21.6 %, respectively. Donor age [hazard ratio (HR), 1.03; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.05] and acute rejection (HR 2.13; 95 % CI 1.28-3.54) were found to be independent risk factors for PTA at 12 months. Recipient age (HR 0.98; 95 % CI 0.95-1.00), pre-transplantation Hb levels (HR 0.99; 95 % CI 0.98-1.00), and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) at 12 months (HR 0.96; 95 % CI 0.94-0.97) were found to confer slight protection against PTA at 12 months. PTA at 12 months was associated with increased graft loss (HR 1.046; 95 % CI 1.045-1.046). For each increase in anemia degree, there was a 2.77-fold greater risk of graft loss (HR 2.77; 95 % CI 1.50-5.13). When stratified according to eGFR, PTA was found to be a predictor of graft loss in patients with an eGFR of <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (HR 4.57; 95 % CI 1.98-10.56) but not in patients with an eGFR of >60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (HR 1.89; 95 % CI 0.13-27.78). PTA was not found to be a predictor of patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia is common after kidney transplantation, and its prevalence declines with time after transplantation. Presence of anemia at 12 months post-transplant was an independent predictor of graft loss, with higher risk of graft loss in patients with anemia and poorer kidney functions.

Post-transplantation Anemia Predicts Cardiovascular Morbidity and Poor Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate whether low post-transplantation-period hemoglobin levels are predictive of cardiovascular morbidity in terms of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and vascular stiffness and to determine the contributing factors of post-transplantation anemia in kidney transplant (KT) recipients.

METHODS

One hundred fifty (mean age, 38.9 ± 10.8 y; 113 male) KT recipients with functioning grafts were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent clinical and laboratory evaluations (24-hour urinary protein loss, complete blood count) and transthoracic echocardiography to assess LV systolic function. Arterial stiffness was measured by means of carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV). Mean hemoglobin levels were analyzed at the 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th months after transplantation. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence of anemia: patients with anemia (group 1; n = 120) and normal (group 2; n = 30).

RESULTS

PWV values (6.8 ± 1.9 m/s vs 6.4 ± 1.1 m/s in groups 1 and 2, respectively; P = .002) and LV mass index (LVMI; 252.1 ± 93.7 g/m(2) vs 161.2 ± 38.5 g/m(2) groups 1 and 2, respectively; P = .001) were significantly higher in group 1. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and (64 ± 28.5 m/min vs 77.8 ± 30 m/min in groups 1 and 2, respectively; P = .001) LV systolic function (57.2 ± 5.8% vs 77.8 ± 30% in groups 1 and 2, respectively; P < .005) were significantly lower in group 1. In regression analysis, LV systolic function and LVMI were predictors of post-transplantation hemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-transplantation anemia contributes to cardiovascular morbidity by deteriorating LV function and increasing PWV and is therefore associated with poor prognosis for graft survival. Early correction of post-transplantation anemia, especially with the use of erythropoietin, may be beneficial for both graft and recipient survivals.

Anemia control in kidney transplant recipients using once-monthly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator: a prospective, observational study

In a multicenter, prospective, observational study of 279 kidney transplant recipients with anemia, the efficacy and safety of once-monthly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (C.E.R.A.) were assessed to a maximum of 15 months. The main efficacy variable was the proportion of patients achieving a hemoglobin level of 11-12 g/dL at each of visits between months 7 and 9. At study entry, 224 patients (80.3%) were receiving erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) therapy including darbepoetin alfa (98), epoetin beta (61), and C.E.R.A. (45). The mean (SD) time between C.E.R.A. applications was 34.0 (11.9) days. Among 193 patients for whom efficacy data were available, mean (SD) hemoglobin was 11.1 (0.99) g/dL at study entry, 11.5 (1.1) g/dL at month 7, 11.6 (1.3) g/dL at month 9, and 11.4 (1.1) g/dL at month 15. During months 7–9, 20.7% of patients had all hemoglobin values within the range 11-12 g/dL and 64.8% were within 10–13 g/dL. Seven patients (2.5%) discontinued C.E.R.A. due to adverse events or serious adverse events. In this observational trial under real-life conditions, once-monthly C.E.R.A. therapy achieved stable hemoglobin levels in stable kidney transplant recipients with good tolerability, and with no requirement for any dose change in 43% of patients.

Blood disorders after kidney transplantation

Post transplant anemia (PTA) is a common issue in kidney transplant recipients. Most importantly it is associated with an impaired allograft function. Other important factors associated with PTA are immunosuppressive drugs (MPA, AZA and SRL), iron deficiency, infections (Parvo B19), older donor age, rejection episodes, an increased inflammatory state, and erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness. As there are no adequately powered RCTs in the kidney transplant population on anemia treatment with ESA, we have to rely on what we know from the large RCTs in the CKD population. The recently published KDIGO guidelines do not recommend treatment with ESA if Hb is >10 g/dl. Repletion of iron stores is emphasized. Post transplant leukopenia (PTL) and thrombocytopenia (PTT) are frequent complications especially in the first six months after kidney transplantation. Myelosuppression caused by immunosuppressive agents (MPA, AZA, SRL, rATG), antimicrobial drugs (VGCV), and CMV infection is the predominant cause. There are no widely accepted guidelines on treatment strategies, but most often dose reduction or discontinuation of causative medication is done. Most clinicians tend to decrease MPA dose, but this is eventually associated with an increase in acute rejection episodes. VGCV dose reduction (preemptive treatment instead of CMV prophylaxis) may be a successful strategy. In severe cases G-CSF treatment is an important management option and seems to be safe.