Pre-transplant morphometry by computed tomography scan and post-transplant dialysis risk in overweight or obese kidney transplant recipients

Adipose distribution and sarcopenia could better assess kidney transplantation outcomes than body mass index (BMI) and have been poorly evaluated among obese and overweight recipients. We aimed to evaluate morphometric radiologic markers to predict post-operative dialysis within this population.

We conducted a retrospective study including patients with a BMI > 25 kg/m² undergoing kidney transplantation during 5 years. Subcutaneous adipose tissue surface (SAT), visceral adipose tissue surface (VAT), and psoas surface were measured on CT scans sections. A model predictive of post-transplantation dialysis was elaborated through a multivariable logistic regression and was compared to a model including only BMI.

Overall, 248 patients were included whom mean (SD) BMI and age were, respectively, 29.7 kg/m2 (3.6) and 56 years (12.7). Of them, 83 (33.5%) needed dialysis: 14 (5.7%) for primary kidney failure and 69 (27.8%) for delayed kidney function. On multivariable analysis, SAT, VAT and deceased donor were significantly associated with post-operative dialysis (respectively, OR [95%CI]:1.6 [1.1-2.6], 1.6[1.1-2.6], and 7.5 [1.6-56]). The area under the curve of this predictive model was 0.70 versus 0.64 for a BMI-based model.

High VAT and SAT were associated with post-transplantation dialysis. A predictive model based on these morphometrics could provide a better appreciation of graft recovery after transplantation among obese and overweight recipients. External validation is needed.