Risk factors and long-term consequences of new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation

New-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) confers risk of diabetes-related complications as well as a threat to graft function and overall patient survival. The reported incidence of NODAT varies from 14 to 37% in renal transplant recipients worldwide; however, NODAT is yet to be studied in the Irish renal transplant population.

Primary aims of this project were to estimate the incidence, to determine associated risk factors and to assess the long-term consequences of NODAT on graft survival and patient survival in the Irish renal transplant population.

Retrospective data collection of 415 renal transplant recipients over a 12-year period was performed to record presence of NODAT, patient characteristics and perioperative management. Preoperative screening was reviewed in a subgroup of patients to determine concordance with the International Consensus Guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival functions estimating NODAT detection over time, graft and patient survival. Risk factor association was determined using Cox proportional-hazards models.

NODAT incidence was 10.2% in the first 5 years of post-transplant. Risk factors for developing NODAT were recipient age and body weight. Risk of NODAT was highest in the first year of post-transplant and conferred decreased patient survival; however, it did not significantly affect graft survival. Only seven patients of a subgroup of 21 patients who developed NODAT had preoperative testing for diabetes.

NODAT incidence in the Irish renal transplant population is slightly below international figures. This project has highlighted current deficits in the national transplant guidelines for the detection of NODAT and NODAT-related risk factors.