Effect of renal transplantation on multiple hormone levels in patients of chronic kidney disease: A single center study

Abstract

AimTo assess the level of hormones in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and the effect of renal transplantation (RTx) on these hormones. Materials and methods17 patients enrolled and levels of 11 hormones i.e. FT3, FT4, TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, testosterone, cortisol, growth hormone, PTH and insulin were measured in every patient before and at 1st, 3rd and 6th month after RTx with correlation to serum creatinine. Patients with underlying endocrine disorders were excluded. ResultAt 1st and 3rd month of follow up after RTx, there was no statistical significant change in the hormones level except in PTH, which normalised (Pre transplant levels: 262.542 ± 239.706 and 1 month levels: 101.412 ± 66.615 p = 0.024 at 3rd month level: 113.02 ± 95.960 p = 0.036). At 6th month, along with PTH, LH level decreased significantly (LH level pre-RTx 8.387 ± 4.536 and 3.091 ± 2.139 at 6th month p = 0.024). Levels of other hormones also normalised. Mean serum creatinine at 6th month had increased from its nadir level post RTx (1.149 ± 0.164 mg/dl to 1.386 ± 0.323 mg/dl p = 0.034), due to rise of serum creatinine in 4 patients. FT3, cortisol, prolactin and insulin levels also increased in parallel with serum creatinine, however insulin level correlated significantly (r = 0.759 with 95% CI = 0.015–0.962). ConclusionRTx corrects most of the hormonal disturbances in CKD patients, particularly abnormalities in PTH and LH levels in early post transplant period. Even mild allograft dysfunction significantly affects the hormonal levels in a manner which is similar to the changes seen in CKD.