Associated characteristics and impact on survival of post renal-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease: case-control study from a regional registry.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) after renal transplantation (RT) is an unusual complication but one that impacts greatly on survival. We examined possible predisposing factors and their effect on survival using data from the Andalusian Transplant Co-ordination Information System (SICATA) regional computerized database of patients on renal replacement therapy due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: The study population comprised all RT undertaken at adult centers in Andalusia from January 1, 1990 to December 31, 2009 (N = 5577). We retrospectively analyzed cases at December 31, 2011 (N = 60). A control group comprised the 2 closest RT in time done at the same center and with equal or greater graft survival at the time of diagnosis of LPD in the associated case (N = 120). The basic variables were obtained from the general register (1990-2009) and widened from the specific register (2000-2009). Case-control comparison of survival was done with Kaplan-Meier from diagnosis to death or organ loss censored for death. Cox univariate and multivariate (LPD plus available covariables of demonstrated effect) analyses were done. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between cases and controls regarding the characteristics of the recipient or of the donor/organ, initial immunosuppression by intention to treat, or post-RT course. The impact on recipient survival 5 years after diagnosis was as follows: LPD, 35%; controls, 90% (P < .000). Cox univariate analysis showed the relative risk (RR) of death for LPD was 11.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2-20.9; P < .000) and the multivariate analysis showed relative risk (RR) = 13.87 (7.45-25.3; P < .000). The impact on death-censored graft survival 5 years after diagnosis was as follows: LPD, 65%; controls, 87% (P = .007). Cox univariate analysis was as follows: RR of failure for LPD, 2.70 (95% CI, 1.3-5.7; P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant differences between LPD cases and contemporary controls regarding the basic characteristics of the recipient, donor/organ, initial immunosuppression, or initial graft evolution. There was an enormous impact on both patient and graft survival.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in kidney transplant patients: RETENAL study.

Hypertension is common following renal transplantation, affecting up to 80% of transplant recipients. It is generally accepted that hypertension is associated with poor graft survival and reduced life expectancy, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk factors and mortality rates. The aim of the study was to compare the blood pressure (BP) control in kidney transplant patients through the use of ambulatory BP monitoring (ABMP) versus office BP measurements (oBP). A multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in 30 nephrology/kidney transplant units. Eligible patients included hypertensive cadaveric kidney transplant recipients aged <70 years, with a functioning kidney for at least 1 year and with an estimated glomerular filtration ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and a serum creatinine < 2.5 mg/dL. Recorded data included demographic characteristics, oBP, and ABPM and labroatory investigations. The 868 patients showed a mean recipient age of was 53.2 ± 11.6 years and mean follow-up after transplantation, 5.5 ± 2.8 years. Mean systolic and diastolic oBP were 140.2 ± 18 and 80.4 ± 10 mm Hg, respectively. Seventy-six percent of patients had oBP higher than or equal to 130/80 mm Hg. Mean 24 hour ABPM were 131.5 ± 14 and 77.4 ± 8.7 mm Hg for systolic and diastolic BP, respectively. Using the ABPM, we observed that 36.5% of subjects were controlled (mean 24-hour BP < 130/85 mm Hg). The two methods (oBP and ABPM) showed significant agreement. After ABPM, 65% of patients diagnosed as true controlled hypertension were considered to have white-coat RH. In clinical practice ABPM may help for better adjustment of drugs for adequate BP control.