Insulin Resistance, Body Fat Percentage, and Lipid Abnormalities as Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Renal Transplant Recipients: A 1-Year Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), insulin resistance, and lipid profile in 32 patients during the first year after renal transplantation by anthropometric measures. The homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA) was calculated for insulin resistance estimation. Anthropometric measures and biochemical markers were evaluated at the time of transplantation (T 0), and prospectively at 3 (T 3), 6 (T 6), 9 (T 9), and 12 (T 12) months posttransplantation. The HOMA index decreased significantly at 3 months after transplantation (T 3) (2.4 ± 1.5 vs 1.5 ± 1.1; P < .01); however, an increment was observed at T 6 and T 9 (1.8 ± 0.8 and 2 ± 1.5, respectively), remaining stable at T 12 (2 ± 1.7). BMI and BF% increased significantly over 12 months (23.3 ± 2.7 vs 24.4 ± 2.7 kg/m 2; P = .001 and 23.7 ± 7.8 vs 25.6 ± 7.7 %; P = .002). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels showed significant increases starting at T 3. In conclusion, insulin resistance decreased transitorily post–renal transplantation. BMI, BF%, and lipid profile showed unfavorable changes during the first year post–renal transplantation.