Risk factors for fractures after renal transplantation
In a recent study by Tsai, 2003, this issue was investigated.
Why is this important?
Kidney transplant recipients are at an increased risk of fractures, and preventive strategies are needed. Therefore, the authors of this study investigated a large population to identify risk factors for fractures in Taiwanese kidney transplant patients
What did the study show?
5,309 renal transplant recipients were identified, of whom 553 (10.4%) were diagnosed with post-transplant fractures. Independent predictors of post-transplant fractures included an age at transplant ≥65 years, female sex, fractures within 3 years prior to transplantation, and diabetes mellitus.
In addition, daily prednisolone doses was also an independent predictors of post-transplant fractures. Conversely, the use of peritoneal dialysis before renal transplantation, hypertension, tacrolimus, azathioprine, mycophenolate, mTOR inhibitors, and calcium supplements, were inversely correlated with post-transplant fractures.
What does this mean for you?
The authors recommended minimising daily steroid doses as early and as far as possible in conjunction with immunosuppressive regimens such as tacrolimus, azathioprine, mycophenolate, mTOR inhibitors, and calcium supplements; especially in older female recipients and in recipients with diabetes and a history of prior fractures.
Last Reviewed on 26 June 2024
