Bone Density Reduction and Its Associated Factors in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is one of the complications of kidney transplantation, which is associated with many factors. However, the findings of relevant studies are inconsistent and contradictory.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of BMD reduction and its associated factors in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

All kidney transplant recipients (n=69), referred to Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam, southwest of Iran, were included in this study between 2016 and 2018. The BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was examined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. According to the Z-score and T-score, the patients were divided into two age groups: <50 years and >50 years. All patients' demographic characteristics, background variables, and laboratory parameters were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were measured, and binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The overall prevalence of osteoporosis in the femur and lumbar spine was 38% and 32%, respectively. In patients aged <50 years, femoral head osteoporosis showed a significant relationship with the vitamin D level and sex. In patients aged >50 years, advancing age and duration of prednisolone consumption were associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia at the femoral neck (P<0.05). Besides, the duration of prednisolone use was associated with osteoporosis at the lumbar spine (RRR=1.02, P<0.05).

Conclusion

Various factors, including prednisolone consumption, affect BMD reduction in kidney transplant recipients. Regular monitoring of BMD, maximum reduction of prednisolone dose, training on the use of effective supplements, and other preventive and supportive measures can be helpful for this group.

Molecular epidemiology of Crimean- Congo hemorrhagic fever virus genome isolated from ticks of Hamadan province of Iran

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne member of the genus Nairovirus, family Bunyaviridae. CCHFV has been isolated from at least 31 different tick species. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, or by direct contact with CCHFV-infected patients or the products of infected livestock. This study was undertaken to study the genetic relationship and distribution of CCHFV in the tick population of Hamadan province of Iran.

METHOD

In this study, RT-PCR has been used for detection of the CCHFV genome.

RESULTS

This genome was detected in 19.2% of the ticks collected from livestock of different regions of the Hamadan province in western Iran. The infected species belonged to Hyalomma detritum, H. anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Argas reflexus. With one exception, genetic analysis of the virus genome isolates showed high sequence identity to each other. Even though they clustered in the same group with the strain circulating in Iran, they had a closer relationship to the Matin strain.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

Vector control programs should be applied for reducing population density of potential tick vectors in this province. Further surveys are indicated in this region to provide a better view of the distribution and epidemiology of the virus.