EVOLUTION OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AFTER KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION IN PATIENTS WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE: PP.31.226

Abstract

Background: Increased arterial stiffness (AS) is a major determinant of cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Little is known about AS evolution after renal transplantation. The aim of the study was to characterize the evolution of AS after renal transplantation in a population of ESRD patients, in comparison to those patients remaining in dialysis. Material and Methods: One hundred patients were recruited from the waiting list of the Transplant Service of the CHU of Nancy. Two vascular evaluations were performed at one-year interval. AS was assessed by carotid/femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). During this interval, thirty-nine patients were transplanted and forty-nine remained in dialysis. Results: At baseline PWV value was 10.6 ± 3.7 m/s. No difference between the two groups was found in the first and the second visit. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased in transplanted group (101 ± 14 vs. 95 ± 10 mmHg, p < 0.01 respectively) at one-year follow up. Multivariate analysis showed that PWV changes depend by changes in MAP and baseline PWV. Conclusion: Although no difference in the one-year PWV evolution was found, the lower MAP value in the transplanted group could result to a better long term evolution of arterial stiffness in this group, leading to a better cardiovascular prognosis after renal transplantation.