Hyperviscosity in renal transplant recipients

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Cardiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Plasma viscosity, the resistance of blood to flow, is elevated in cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding factors influencing plasma viscosity is crucial for managing renal transplant recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between clinical and laboratory findings and plasma viscosity in renal transplant recipients.
• To identify predictors of hyperviscosity in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-one renal transplant recipients with normal graft function were analyzed retrospectively.
• Plasma viscosity was measured and correlated with body composition, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and pulse-wave velocity.
• Graft function was assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline.

Main Results:

• Hyperviscosity was associated with higher serum low-density lipoprotein and C-reactive protein levels.
• Patients with high viscosity exhibited elevated daytime and office systolic blood pressure, increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI), hip circumference, and fat mass.
• Higher plasma viscosity correlated with a significantly greater eGFR decline over 2 years.

Conclusions:

• Hyperviscosity in renal transplant recipients may stem from inflammation, hypertension, increased fat mass, and elevated LVMI.
• Elevated plasma viscosity is closely linked to renal allograft dysfunction.