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Post-renal transplant erythrocytosis
H C Chien1, C C Huang, J Y Huang
1Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Erythrocytosis, an increase in red blood cells, affects nearly 10% of kidney transplant patients. This study found a higher incidence of acquired renal cysts in these patients, with no increased risk of blood clots.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Erythrocytosis is a common complication after renal transplantation.
- It is associated with specific clinical conditions and increases the risk of thromboembolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical manifestations and risk factors of erythrocytosis in renal transplant recipients.
- To determine the association between erythrocytosis and acquired renal cysts, immunosuppressive regimens, and thromboembolic complications.
Main Methods:
- A study of 175 renal transplant patients was conducted.
- Erythrocytosis was defined as a hematocrit (Hct) > or = 50%.
- Patients were assessed for true vs. relative erythrocytosis, acquired renal cysts, serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels, and thromboembolic events.
Main Results:
- Erythrocytosis was observed in 9.7% of patients (17 out of 175).
- A significantly higher incidence of acquired renal cysts was noted in the erythrocytosis group.
- Cyclosporine use was associated with erythrocytosis, while most patients had normal serum EPO levels and no thromboembolic complications occurred.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of post-renal transplant erythrocytosis is 9.7%.
- Acquired renal cysts are more frequent in transplant patients with erythrocytosis.
- Erythrocytosis in this cohort was not linked to elevated EPO or thromboembolic events, suggesting a complex etiology possibly influenced by immunosuppression.