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Pericarditis following renal transplantation
M S Sever1, D R Steinmuller, J M Hayes
1Department of Hypertension and Nephrology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195-5042.
Transplantation
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Pericarditis affects 2.4% of renal transplant recipients within two months post-surgery. Uremia and cytomegalovirus infection are common causes, impacting graft function and survival.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Pericarditis is a potential complication following renal transplantation.
- Understanding its incidence, causes, and outcomes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency, etiology, and outcomes of pericarditis in renal allograft recipients.
- To identify risk factors and complications associated with early post-transplant pericarditis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1497 renal allograft recipients from 1963 to 1990.
- Identified 34 patients with 36 episodes of pericarditis within the first two months post-transplant.
- Compared pericarditis patients with matched controls for demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of early pericarditis was 2.4%.
- Common etiologies included uremia (14 episodes) and cytomegalovirus infection (3 episodes).
- Pericarditis group had more uremic complications and poorer graft function (5 non-functioning grafts vs. 1 in controls).
- Three patients developed cardiac tamponade.
Conclusions:
- Early pericarditis is a significant complication in renal transplant recipients.
- Uremia and CMV infection are key etiological factors.
- Prompt diagnosis and management, including invasive treatment for tamponade, are vital for improving outcomes.