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Changes in Body Composition Compartments After Kidney Transplantation: A One-Year Prospective Study.
Emilia Ferrer-López1,2,3,4, Raúl López-Blasco5,6, Francisco Javier Rubio-Castañeda3,4
1Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral s/n, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Kidney transplant recipients experience varied weight changes and body composition shifts one year post-transplant. Factors like sex, age, and donor type significantly influence these outcomes, highlighting the need for personalized care.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation immunology
- Metabolic medicine
Background:
- Weight gain and body composition changes are common after kidney transplantation.
- These alterations can impact patient prognosis and long-term graft survival.
- Understanding the determinants of these changes is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze one-year changes in body compartments (weight, muscle mass, fat mass, visceral fat, total body water) after kidney transplantation.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with these body composition changes.
- To inform targeted interventions for improved post-transplant outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 112 adult kidney recipients.
- Multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis used at discharge and 3, 6, 12 months post-transplant.
- Statistical analysis (repeated-measures ANOVA, comparative tests) to assess associations with patient characteristics.
Main Results:
- Mean weight gain of 5.1% observed at 12 months, with variations based on sex, age, dialysis status, and donor type.
- Muscle mass increased initially, fat mass decreased then increased, and visceral fat progressively rose.
- Total body water declined in specific subgroups; smokers gained more weight, while diabetic patients gained less.
Conclusions:
- Post-transplant body composition is influenced by a complex interplay of patient demographics, clinical factors, comorbidities, and donor type.
- Monitoring body composition beyond simple weight measurement is essential for early detection of adverse metabolic changes.
- Personalized nutritional and lifestyle interventions are necessary to optimize long-term outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.
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