Effects of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia on Allografts in Kidney Transplant

Benign prostate hyperplasia is frequently diagnosed in elderly chronic renal failure patients. Although it is asymptomatic because urine flow declines in those with chronic renal failure, it may become symptomatic when urine flow increases after renal transplant. Untreated benign prostate hyperplasia may lead to several complications that adversely affect the kidney allograft.

Our retrospective study investigated data from 286 male transplant patients. Data obtained included medical history, clinical examination, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, and residual urine volume results. Patients had completed an International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire to assess the low urinary symptoms. Creatinine level, residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, and uroflow-metry results were reviewed.

The average age of patients in our group was 54.8 years. Seven patients were diagnosed with benign prostate hyperplasia, and transurethral resection of the prostate was performed. The average creatinine levels before and after transurethral resection were 2.53 ± 0.76 mg/dL and 1.66 ± 1.12 mg/dL, respectively. Creatinine levels measured 6 months after transurethral resection versus before resection were statistically significant (P < .018). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference (P < .017) in the postmicturition residual urine volume between the preoperative and postoperative values, which were 132.14 ± 19.33 and 47.6 ± 18.6 mL, respectively. Maximum urine flow rates before and after transurethral resection were also significantly different (P < .017).

Although the main reasons for graft function loss after renal transplant are rejection and infections, obstructive pathologies should also be considered. Especially for elderly patients, anamnesis, uroflowmetry, and digital rectal examination play critical roles in the evaluation of benign prostate hyperplasia before and after transplant.