Change in body compositions of Asian recipients after kidney transplantation

Kidney transplantation and accompanying medical conditions may result in changes in body composition. Such changes have been evaluated in Caucasian recipients, but not in Asian recipients. Herein, we conducted a study on Asian recipients because Asians have a different body composition from Caucasians. A total of 50 Asian recipients was enrolled as a prospective cohort. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis, body composition (muscle and fat mass) was assessed after 2 weeks (baseline), and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following kidney transplantation. To find predictors related to changes, the data were analyzed by multivariate analysis using forward selection. All of the patients had good graft function during the study period. Patients gained approximately 3 kg within 1 yr of kidney transplantation. The proportion of muscle mass significantly decreased (P(trend) = 0.001) and the proportion of fat mass significantly increased over time (P(trend) = 0.002). The multivariate results revealed that male recipients, deceased donor type, and low protein intake were associated with an increase in fat mass and a decrease in muscle mass. The results from this study may help to investigate differences in body composition changes between races, as well as the factors related to these changes.