Fluctuations of exercise capacity in patients after kidney transplantation

The aim of this study was to assess changes in the exercise capacity in subjects with end-stage renal failure undergoing kidney transplantation.

The study group consisted of 16 subjects (9 males and 7 females) of mean age 43.3 +/- 11 years. The control group was composed of 7 healthy subjects (4 males and 3 females) of mean age 43.9 +/- 10 years. The first visit took place at 4-8 weeks after transplantation. Consecutive visits were scheduled for months 4, 10, 16, 24, 36, and 48 thereafter. Heart function was assessed using echocardiography and, an exercise test with analysis of peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)max). Results were correlated with VO(2)max (Pearson). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare study and control groups.

The results of eligible VO(2)max tests were as follows (medians and ranges): 1 month (n = 15), 19.5 (8.8-27.5) mL/kg/min; 4 months (n = 9), 21.7 (16.0-29.3) mL/kg/min; 10 months (n = 8), 23.3 (13.1-30.0) mL/kg/min; 16 months (n = 9), 26.6 (18.3- 36.0) mL/kg/min; 24 months (n = 9), 22.3 (14.1-35.0) mL/kg/min; 36 months (n = 9) 20.9 (16.4-32.1) mL/kg/min; 48 months (n = 5), 19.7 (17.0-30.9) mL/kg/min; versus 26.8 (26.5-42.5) mL/kg/min in the control group. VO(2)max results achieved by the study group were significantly lower than that in the control group, except for months 16, 24, and 48. VO(2)max was significantly negatively correlated with the following ultrasound parameters: interventricular septum diastolic and systolic diameter, and left ventricle systolic volume.

The exercise capacity of recipients seemed to be negatively affected by poor blood pressure control, resulting in heart muscle hypertrophy.