The effect of successful kidney transplantation on ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension

Heart disease is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease and the major cause of death in patients on renal replacement therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of successful kidney transplantation on systolic and diastolic ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The study included 35 patients >18 years of age with CKD who had successful kidney transplantations. Ventricular function and pulmonary arterial pressure were evaluated by echocardiography before and 1 year after transplant.

The mean age of subjects was 40 ± 14 years, and 63% were men. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 52 ± 16%. Before transplant, 28 (80%) of the patients had ventricular dysfunction (34.3% diastolic and 45.7% systolic). Pulmonary arterial hypertension was found in 48.6%. Ventricular dysfunction was associated with dialysis of >2 years duration before transplant. The LVEF of the entire group increased from 52% to 64% (P < .001) by 12 months after kidney transplant. Left ventricular diameters, wall thickness, and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure decreased significantly after transplantation Echocardiograms became normal 1 year after transplant in 8 (66.7%) of the patients with diastolic dysfunction and 9 (56.2%) with systolic dysfunction, and diastolic dysfunction persisted in 5 (31.2%).

Because kidney transplantation led to considerable improvement in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function as well as pulmonary arterial pressure of patients with CKD, optimal treatment for dysfunction and transplant as soon as possible is recommended.