Background and Objectives
The interaction between post-transplant anemia (PTA) and allograft function in kidney transplantation has not been evaluated directly. This study investigated the impact of hemoglobin (Hb) on graft failure (non-censored for death) and their interactions.
Methods
The study was carried out using the methodology described in Table 1.
Key Results
Prevalence of PTA PTA prevalence was 43.6% at 7 years and varied according to allograft function and gender of the recipient.
Factors influencing graft failure
Decreased hemoglobin levels were associated with an increased risk of graft failure (HR=1.83, p<0.001). Allograft function (post-transplant time-averaged estimated glomerular filtration rate and cut point: 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) had significant impact on graft failure (p=0.032).
7-year graft failure rates
Transplant recipients with PTA and low eGFR had a greater 7-year graft failure rate (HR=1.52) compared to those with PTA and high eGFR (HR=2.00), as depicted in Figure 1.
Conclusion
The unfavorable impact of PTA was significantly enhanced by low allograft function. PTA is likely to be associated with graft failure due to interaction with allograft function. Therefore, both hemoglobin levels and allograft function should be considered while determining the treatment strategy.
Source: Okumi M, Okabe Y, Unagami K. Clinical and Experimental Nephrology. 2019;23(8):1066–1075.
