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Polycythaemia after renal transplantation.
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Polycythaemia following renal transplantation is likely caused by increased erythropoietin production from both donor and recipient kidneys. This condition, characterized by elevated red cell mass, typically develops within a year post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Polycythaemia, an increase in red blood cells, can occur after renal transplantation.
- Distinguishing post-transplant polycythaemia from other causes is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and potential causes of polycythaemia in renal transplant recipients.
- To differentiate post-transplant polycythaemia from primary proliferative polycythaemia.
Main Methods:
- Studied haematological, biochemical, and clinical features of six renal transplant patients with polycythaemia.
- Assessed red cell mass, plasma volume, and whole blood volume.
- Excluded primary proliferative polycythaemia and evaluated potential contributing factors.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited an absolute increase in red cell mass with normal plasma and blood volumes.
- Polycythaemia developed within one year and persisted for 3-7 years.
- Chronic rejection, renal artery stenosis, hypertension, and corticosteroids were unlikely causes.
Conclusions:
- Post-transplant polycythaemia is probably due to cumulative erythropoietin production by donor and recipient kidneys.
- Venesections were generally not required, and occlusive vascular lesions were absent.