Hyperlipidemia After Kidney Transplantation: Long-term Graft Outcome

Abstract

Introduction. Metabolic complications are common after kidney transplantation and can cause considerable morbidity and even threaten graft function. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and its impact on graft function in 10 years of follow-up of patients undergoing kidney transplantation. 

Materials and Methods. This prospective study was conducted on 73 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between April 1996 and April 1998 to evaluate their lipid profile and graft function as well as the effect of hyperlipidemia in long-term kidney allograft function. Kidney allograft dysfunction was defined as a serum creatinine level greater than 1.8 mg/dL.

Results. The mean serum triglyceride level was higher at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, but not 7 years, among patients with graft dysfunction in comparison with patients with normal graft function. However, these differences were not significant. The mean serum total cholesterol level was significantly higher in patients with graft dysfunction at 1 year (P = .03). Of the patients with graft dysfunction, 94.7% developed hypercholesterolemia at the first year visit, as compared to 70.4% of patients with normal graft function (P = .03). The frequency of hypercholesterolemia was higher among those with a serum creatinine greater than 1.8 mg/dL at all other visits, but without significant difference.

Conclusions. Hyperlipidemia is common after kidney transplantation, especially in the first year after transplantation. Higher serum total cholesterol levels might be related to graft dysfunction.