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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Phase angle and donor type are determinants of coronary artery calcification in stable kidney transplant recipients
Fernanda G Rodrigues1, Megan S M Bruins2, Rozemarijn Vliegenthart3
1Department of Nephrology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Nutrition Post Graduation Program, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) in kidney transplant recipients is linked to cell integrity markers like phase angle and deceased donor transplants. These findings highlight new avenues for managing cardiovascular risk post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Kidney transplantation is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
- Coronary artery calcification (CAC) contributes to this excess morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding CAC determinants in transplant recipients is crucial for risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the determinants of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in stable kidney transplant recipients.
- To identify factors associated with CAC at 12 months post-transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Quantified CAC using the Agatston method via non-contrast computed tomography.
- Calculated age- and sex-standardized CAC percentiles.
- Employed multivariable multinomial logistic regression to identify independent determinants of CAC.
Main Results:
- Included 203 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).
- Identified narrower phase angle and deceased donor graft as independent determinants of higher CAC percentile (>75th).
- Phase angle, a marker of cell integrity, emerged as a significant factor.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic and transplant-related factors, alongside phase angle, are independent determinants of CAC post-kidney transplantation.
- Phase angle may serve as a valuable biomarker for vascular calcification risk.
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis warrants further research for assessing vascular calcification in KTRs.
