Neurologic complications of renal transplant

Neurologic problems have a major effect on the survival and quality of life in renal transplant recipients. This study sought to review the incidence and character of neurologic complications after renal transplant.

Medical records of 319 renal transplant recipients admitted to the Transplant Outpatient Clinic were reviewed retrospectively for neurologic complications.

Of the 319 transplant recipient patients reviewed, 124 patients (39%) were women and 193 patients (61%) were men. The mean patient age was 41 ± 11 years, and the transplanted kidney was received from deceased donors in 161 patients (51%) and living donors in 158 patients (49%). There were 50 patients (16%) who had neurologic complications, most commonly herpes zoster infection associated with immunosuppressive medication. Only 1 patient, who had glioblastoma multiforme, died. Treatment included corticosteroids in 296 patients (93%) and calcineurin inhibitors (including tacrolimus) in 111 patients (35%).

Neurologic complications are common after renal transplant. Most complications are associated with immunosuppressive medications.