Age and Altered Dietary Habits Influence Hyperlipoproteinaemia afterTransplantation of the Kidneys

Overview

Background.
Atherosclerosis of the blood vessels is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality of patientsafter transplantation of the kidneys with a long-term function of the graft. It is assumed that the most significant riskfactor for its development is secondary hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP). In the development of HLP a number of factorsmay participate (chronic renal insufficiency, proteinuria, immunosuppressive treatment, diet, increment of bodyweight, age, genetic factors).The objective of the investigation was to follow changes of the lipid spectrum after renal transplantation andevaluate the impact of different factors which participate in these changes.Methods and Results. The authors investigated in a retrospective metabolic study for a period of 18 months a totalof 348 patients after the first cadaverous kidney transplantation. They compared the findings in 34 patients (groupI) who had throughout the investigation period a total cholesterol of < 5.2 and triacylglycerols < 2.3 and group II(314 patients) who had elevated values of these factors.The mean values of different parameters differed highly significantly (group I vs. group II): cholesterol 4.6 ± 0.4vs 6.8 ± 1.5 (p < 0.001), triacylglycerols 1.8 ± 0.8 vs 3.6 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol 2.6 ± 0.6 vs 4.0 ± 1.1(p < 0.001), (all in mmol/l) and HDL/total cholesterol 0.28 ± 0.07 vs 0.20 ± 0.09 (p < 0.01).The authors did not detect a difference in the incidence of isoforms of apo E. There were no differences in themean cyclosporin A levels: 394 ± 114 vs. 489 ± 202 (ng/ml) and renal function CCr 1.0 ± 0.6 vs 0.9 ± 0.3 (ml/s).In group I there was a significantly higher intake of energy 150 ± 20 vs. 125 ± 25 (kJ), of fat 1.6 ± 0.3 vs. 1.0 ±0.2 (g/kg) and disaccharides (by 50 %). With this corresponded also a significantly higher increment of BMI 27.4 ± 4.6vs. 23.8 ± 3.3 (p < 0.01). Patients in group II were also significantly older (44.5 ± 14.1 vs 49.4 ± 12.5, p < 0.01).Conclusions. It is assumed that one of the main causes of the development of HLP after transplantation are poordietary habits of the patients associated with an excessive intake of energy, fats and disaccharides and an increaseof body weight. The patient’s age is significantly higher. Standard lower doses of immunosuppressive drugs haveobviously only a supportive effect.

Key words:
renal transplantation, atherosclerosis, hyperlipoproteinaemia, diet, age, immunosuppression.