Efficacy of a reduced pill burden on therapeutic adherence to calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplant recipients: an observational study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of nonadherence in a cohort of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and to evaluate prospectively whether more intense clinical surveillance and reduced pill number enhanced adherence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 310 stable RTRs in whom adherence, life satisfaction, and transplant care were evaluated by specific questionnaires (time 0). The patients under tacrolimus (TAC; bis in die [BID]) were then shifted to once-daily TAC (D-TAC) to reduce their pill burden (Shift group) and were followed up for 6 months to reevaluate the same parameters. Patients on cyclosporin or still on BID-TAC constituted a time-control group. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonadherence was 23.5% and was associated with previous rejection episodes (P<0.002), and was inversely related to Life Satisfaction Index, anxiety, and low glomerular filtration rate (minimum P<0.03). Nonadherent patients were significantly less satisfied with their medical care and their relationships with the medical staff. A shift from BID-TAC to D-TAC was performed in 121 patients, and the questionnaires were repeated after 3 and 6 months. In the Shift group, a reduction in pill number was observed (P<0.01), associated with improved adherence after 3 and 6 months (+36%, P<0.05 versus basal), with no change in controls. Decreased TAC trough levels after 3 and 6 months (-9%), despite a slight increase in drug dosage (+6.5%), were observed in the Shift group, with no clinical side effects. CONCLUSION: The reduced pill burden improves patients' compliance to calcineurin-inhibitors, but major efforts in preventing nonadherence are needed.

Effects of a diet rich in N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on systemic inflammation in renal transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation reduces systemic inflammation and improves renal and cardiovascular prognosis in kidney transplant recipients. However, patient compliance is poor because bad-tasting fish oils are used as an n-3 PUFA source. Therefore, we explored whether the beneficial effects of n-3 can be obtained by administering a diet based on n-3-rich foods. METHODS: Sixty kidney transplant recipients were assigned to 2 different groups: the CON group (n = 28), which continued with their usual diet, and the DIET group (n = 32), which followed an n-3-rich diet for 6 months. Twenty-six patients in the DIET group and 24 in the CON group completed the study. End points of the study were changes in n-3 PUFAs intake, n-6:n-3 PUFAs ratio, systemic inflammation markers, and renal function during the 6 months of the dietary treatment. RESULTS: Three and 6 months after the beginning of the study, n-3 PUFA intake was significantly higher and the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was markedly lower than baseline in the DIET group. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and interleukin (IL)-6 decreased as well. IL-6 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were also lower than at the beginning of the study. Proteinuria and microalbuminuria were reduced by 50% with respect to the baseline, whereas glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was unchanged. No change in the aforementioned parameters was observed in the CON group throughout the study. CONCLUSION: In long-term kidney transplant recipients a naturally n-3 PUFA-rich dietary plan causes an increase in n-3 PUFA intake, decreases systemic inflammation and proteinuria, and improves plasma lipid pattern.

Renal sinus lipomatosis in transplanted kidneys: an unusual clinical case.

Renal sinus lipomatosis (RSL) represents an abnormal proliferation of the adipose tissue surrounding the renal pelvis of uncertain origin, associated with aging, obesity, steroid excess, infections, and calculosis. It represents a rare complication in transplanted kidneys, and, despite the accurate and prolonged radiological followup of transplanted organs, only a few cases of RSL have been described in graft recipients, with no remarkable effects on renal function. The diagnosis relies on ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and, finally, percutaneous biopsy. We describe the case of an extensive RSL in a 38-year-old renal transplant recipient, diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography. The patient underwent a radiologic study because of an acute, asymptomatic renal impairment, that led to the diagnosis of a RSL of unusual dimensions, associated with a discrete hydronephrosis. Paradoxically, after a short course of steroids, the recovery of renal function and the partial resolution of calyceal dilatation were observed. The rarity of this affection, the need of a differential diagnosis with fat-containing tumors, and the possibility of parenchymal inflammation associated with RSL, potentially responsive to steroids, are also discussed.