Nutritional Status and Dietary Assessment in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common problem among solid organ transplant recipients contributing to morbidity and affecting patient as well as graft survival adversely. It can occur at any period following transplantation, but maximum incidence is observed in the first few months, with a second peak after a few years after transplantation. The pathogenesis is complex and poorly understood, however, it is associated with both dysfunctional beta-cells and insulin resistance. Both nonpharmacologic and antidiabetic therapies are important for adequate glycemic control. This point of view article provides a short review on PTDM in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients from a general physician's perspective.

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a major complication in kidney transplant recipients leading to reduced allograft and patient survival. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in Qatar, which is twice the global average, we were interested in determining the incidence of PTDM, identifying risk factors, and comparing clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients with and without diabetes. We retrospectively followed up 191 adult kidney allograft recipients transplanted between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016, for a median of 41months. A total of 76 patients (40%) had pre-existing diabetes. A total of 39 patients developed PTDM during follow-up; they represent 34% of patients who did not have diabetes prior to transplantation. Two thirds of PTDM occurred within 3-6months post-transplantation. Prediabetes before transplant [OR=6.07 (1.24-29.74), P=.026] older recipient's age at the time of transplantation [OR=1.10 (1.00-1.20), P=.039] and average fasting blood sugar during 3-6months post-transplant [OR=1.06 (1.01-1.11), P=.010] were independently associated with PTDM. Patient and kidney allograft survival rates exceeded 97% in all groups. The incidence of PTDM in kidney transplant recipients living in Qatar is high. Older age and prediabetes are independent risk factors for developing PTDM.

Although steroid withdrawal has been attempted to ameliorate various complications in kidney transplant recipients, a steroid-sparing strategy has more frequently led to acute rejection. We investigated the use of everolimus to safely overcome steroid withdrawal in kidney transplant recipients with posttransplant diabetes mellitus under maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. A total of 75 de novo consecutive kidney transplant recipients received conventional immunosuppressive therapy comprising tacrolimus (trough level of 5 ng/mL), mycophenolate mofetil (1000 mg), and methylprednisolone (4 mg). Patients with posttransplant diabetes mellitus underwent simultaneous everolimus administration (trough level of 3-5 ng/mL) and steroid withdrawal at 1 to 15 months after transplant. Graft outcomes were compared between the everolimus and steroid groups. In the everolimus group, renal function and hemoglobin A1c levels at 12 months after administration were compared with values before everolimus administration. The mean posttransplant follow-up period in the everolimus (n = 25) and steroid (n = 50) groups was 672 and 747 days, respectively. All grafts survived in both groups, and biopsy-proven acute rejection rates did not significantly differ between the groups (16% vs 12%; P = .72). Furthermore, no acute rejection occurred after everolimus administration. In the everolimus group, hemoglobin A1c significantly declined at 9 months after everolimus administration (6.94% vs 6.53%; P = .047). In addition, both serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates in the everolimus group were stable for 12 months after everolimus administration. Steroid withdrawal using everolimus as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplant recipients may safely ameliorate posttransplant diabetes mellitus, achieve better glycemic control, and maintain stable renal function.

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a prevalent complication in kidney transplant recipients, and has been associated with worse short-term and long-term outcomes. While hyperglycemia is frequently seen in the early posttransplant period because of surgical stress, infection, and use of high-dose steroids, the diagnosis of PTDM should be established after patients are clinically stable and on stable maintenance immunosuppression. In the early posttransplant period, hyperglycemia is typically treated with insulin, and pilot data have suggested potential benefit of lower vs. higher glycemic targets in this setting. Growing data indicate lifestyle modifications, including dietary interventions, physical activity, and mitigation of obesity, are associated with improved posttransplant outcomes. While there are limited data to support a first-line antidiabetic medication for PTDM, more established pharmacotherapies such as sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and dipetidyl peptidase IV inhibitors are commonly used. Given recent trials showing the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists upon kidney outcomes in nontransplant patients, further study of these agents specifically in kidney transplant recipients are urgently needed. Increasing evidence supports a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle modification, obesity treatment, judicious immunosuppression selection, and careful utilization of novel antidiabetic therapies in PTDM patients.

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is an important metabolic complication after KT that causes graft failure and cardiovascular complications in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients. Using the national claim data of South Korea, 7612 KT recipients between 2009 and 2017 were analyzed. PTDM was defined as a consecutive 30-day prescription history of antidiabetic medication after KT. Among these patients, 24.7% were diagnosed with PTDM, and 51.9% were diagnosed within 6 months after KT. Compared to patients without PTDM, those with PTDM were older, more likely to be men, more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension and cardio-cerebrovascular disease, and experienced more rejection episodes requiring high-dose steroid treatment after KT. During the follow-up, 607 DCGFs, 230 DWGFs, 244 MACEs, and 260 all-cause mortality events occurred. Patients with PTDM showed a higher risk of DCGF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.82; P < 0.001) and MACEs (aHR 1.76; 95% CI 1.33–2.31; P < 0.001) than patients without PTDM. The risks for all clinical outcomes were higher in the insulin group than in the non-use insulin group. PTDM in KT recipients resulted in both worse allograft and patient outcomes represented by DCGF and MACE, especially in patients needing insulin treatment.

New-onset diabetes after transplantation: 2003 International consensus guidelines. Proceedings of an international expert panel meeting. Barcelona, Spain, 19 February 2003.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) provide survival benefits in people with diabetes, including kidney transplant (KT) recipients with pre-existing diabetes. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is common, but the benefits of GLP1RAs remain undefined in this population. We aim to describe current usage practices and outcomes in PTDM. We used USRDS and Medicare claims data (2013-2022) to conduct a drug utilization profile of GLP1RA among 7681 first-time adult KT recipients with PTDM. We used survival analysis to estimate GLP1RA initiation incidence and associated patient, graft, and safety outcomes. A total of 430 adult KT recipients with PTDM were prescribed GLP1RA. Dulaglutide was the most commonly prescribed medication (46.1%). The 5-year cumulative incidence of GLP-1 receptor agonists prescription was 9.8%. Median (interquartile range) time from PTDM diagnosis to first prescription was 1.7 (0.6, 3.4) years. GLP1RA use was not associated with a difference in the risk of mortality or graft failure but was associated with a 1.80-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.91) increased risk of diabetic retinopathy. No increased risk of pancreatitis, biliary complications, or medullary thyroid cancer were identified. GLP1RA use in KT recipients with PTDM was not associated with graft or patient survival, though longer follow-up is necessary. GLP1RA use was associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, and care should be taken when initiating these agents.

Background. Although most people recover from acute COVID-19 within a few weeks, some have long-lasting clinical problems. The prevalence of these prolonged complications in kidney transplant (KT) recipients has not been determined.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Six months following of 148 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome admitted to three centers in Iran (Tehran, Shiraz and Babol) that underwent KT were included in this study. Also, one-hundred COVID-19 patients without KT were included as the control group. The demographic data, medications, and disease course were recorded. The baseline and demographic characteristics were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Moreover, students t-test were utilized to compare case and control groups.&#x0D; Results. The total number of patients was 248, of which 148 were in the case groups. Hospitalization associated with COVID-19 was for all patients; besides, there were 18 patients in control and 24 case groups admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). The most commonly reported symptom was fever. Multivariate analysis identified the history of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, cerebral vascular accident, and diabetes mellites as predictors for developing post-COVID clinical complications.&#x0D; Conclusion. Evidence shows the high commonness of post-COVID-19 syndrome among kidney transplant patients after COVID-19, and the most common symptoms were fever, chills, and myalgia. So, all patients recovered from acute COVID-19 should undergo long-term monitoring to evaluate and treat possible complications.

Background and Aims Kidney transplant recipients are at risk for glucometabolic deterioration. While many individuals recover their glycemic profiles, some develop posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM). Previous reports have shown that PTDM is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Here we aimed at assessing the association of PTDM with the development of CVD in kidney transplant recipients from a randomized trial. Method CVD with functioning graft (WFG), all-cause death WFG and death-censored graft loss were retrospectively investigated in N = 263 participants from the Insulin Therapy for the Prevention of New Onset Diabetes after Transplantation multicenter randomized-controlled trial (ITP-NODAT, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03507829). The clinical trial was conducted from November 2012 through May 2018; kidney transplant recipients without previous diabetes diagnosis had received basal insulin therapy or control for afternoon hyperglycemia. For the current analysis, CVD was defined as a composite of cerebrovascular disease (stroke, transient ischemic attack), coronary artery disease (myocardial infarction, revascularization, stenting), hospitalization for heart failure and vascular/peripheral arterial disease interventions. Participants were to perform three OGTTs at 6, 12 and 24 months posttransplant, which we handled as landmarks in our present analysis. Besides PTDM versus NON-PTDM, we stratified according to basal insulin intervention and control. Cox proportional hazard models were presented unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex and pre-transplant CVD. All patients gave informed consent to participate in the trial and we obtained institutional review board approval for the present analysis. Results Cumulative incidence curves for CVD WFG are presented in Fig. 1. The associated risk of PTDM at 6, 12 and 24 months for CVD WFG tended to be higher in PTDM versus NON-PTDM. At the respective timepoints, the control versus basal insulin groups were similar (Fig. 1). Cause-specific hazard ratios for CVD WFG, all-cause death WFG and death-censored graft loss are presented in Table 1. PTDM was associated with CVD WFG in the univariable models. Corresponding Hazard Ratios (with 95% Confidence Intervals) at 6, 12 and 24 months were 2.53 (1.23, 5.18), 3.19 (1.51, 6.78) and 4.28 (1.94, 9.48), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex and pre-transplant history of CVD, corresponding HRs (95% CIs) were 1.37 (0.64, 2.91), 1.37 (0.61, 3.06) and 3.01 (1.26, 7.22), respectively. PTDM was not associated with all-cause death WFG in the univariable models. Corresponding HRs (95% CIs) at 6, 12 and 24 months were 1.97 (0.82, 4.75), 2.44 (0.95, 6.25) and 2.32 (0.89, 6.05), respectively. PTDM was also not associated with death-censored graft loss in the univariable models. Corresponding HRs (95% CIs) at 6, 12 and 24 months were 1.44 (0.62, 3.36), 2.10 (0.89, 4.94) and 1.15 (0.39, 3.37), respectively. PTDM was neither associated with all-cause death WFG or death-censored graft loss in the adjusted models. Conclusion PTDM diagnosed by OGTT at month 24 was significantly associated with cardiovascular disease independent of age, sex or pre-transplant CVD. The association, however, was not significant when PTDM was diagnosed before month 24. It is possible that transient PTDM diagnosis, early CVD events and study discontinuations before month 24 may have contributed to the differing results over time. Timely PTDM diagnosis may open a window of opportunity for interventions, such as in the form of novel glucose-lowering agents, that may reduce cardiovascular risk in kidney transplant recipients.

Background and Aims Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (HCMA) due to renal tubular acidosis is a common complication in kidney transplant recipients(KTR). Potential renal dysfunction, rejection, ischemia, persistent hyperparathyroidism, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), etc. have been identified as causes but have not been fully proven, and whether HCMA is a determinant of poor graft prognosis in KTR is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the actual mechanism of HCMA in KTR. Method HCMA was defined as follows: i) simple strong ion difference (SID) Na-CL, which is the most dominant metabolic factor in physicochemical approach for acid-base balance, is 34 or less, or â…±) the alkalizing drugs have been started after the KT to correct HCMA. And all the cases of having diarrhea from mycophenolate mofetil(MMF), and gastroenterocolitis from cytomegalovirus infection were excluded. The study group consisted of 47 KTRs who underwent living-kidney transplantation(KT) at our hospital as well as a control group of 43 of the matched donors. Among them, a total of 26 KTRs received the renal hemodynamic studies which were based on urinary clearance of inulin and para-aminohippuric acid 1year after KT. 1) The incidence of HCMA in KTR at 3 months(3m) and 1 year(1y) after KT were examined. 2) To elucidate factors related to HCMA in KTR at 1y, we comprehensively examined factors and compared HCMA groups with non-HCMA groups; donor and recipient background (gender, age, body size), immunological factors, information on transplant surgery, salt and protein intake, effective buffering factors for extracellular body fluids such as albumin and hemoglobin, serum calcium and phosphate concentrations and their ratios, administration of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and diuretics,Tac trough level and Banff score of each histopathological lesion in 1y biopsy. As for the 26 KTRs who received the renal hemodynamic studies, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal plasma flow (RPF), filtration fraction(FF) (GFR/RPF) and pre-/post-glomerular vascular resistance (pre-/postVR) calculated from the Gomez' equations were also analyzed. Results 1) The incidence of HCMA in the KTR at 3m was 51% (24/47), which was much higher than the 6.9% (3/43) in those donors (p&amp;lt;0.001), and the range of odds ratios (vs donor) adjusted by the background factors (age,gender, estimated GFR, albumin and hemoglobin) was 6.7-15.7 (p=0.0001-0.001). The incidence of HCMA in KTR at 1y decreased to 34%. 2)The univariate analysis of HCMA in KTR at 1y compared with non-HCMA showed an increase in RPF (p= 0.016), a decrease in post-VR (p= 0.003), and a decrease in FF (p= 0.0001), suggesting an increase in post-glomerular peritubular blood flow. In addition, the aah lesion score, an indicator of CNI vasculopathy, was also significantly higher in the HCMA (p = 0.015). There was no difference in Tac trough levels between HCMA and nonHCMA, and no independent factors were found by multivariate analysis. All cases with HCMA were classified into low post-VR (Fig.1). Furthermore, in low post-VR alone (n= 15), the Tac trough level at 1y was significantly higher in the HCMA (p= 0.002) (Fig.2). Conclusion In kidney transplant recipients, increased post-glomerular peritubular blood flow is a key condition for the development of CNI-induced renal tubular acidosis. The presence of HCMA suggests that it is probably not a serious condition, but rather a desirable hemodynamic state, however, more attention should be paid not to elevate CNI concentration levels in such conditions.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) and dyslipidaemia are the most common metabolic complications in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). They are associated with a higher risk of lower graft function and survival, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this review is to provide current data on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and optimal management of these two principal metabolic complications in KTR. Several risk factors in this metabolic milieu are either already present or emerge after renal transplantation, such as those due to immunosuppressive therapy. However, the exact pathogenic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Awareness of these disorders is crucial to estimate CVD risk in KTR and optimize screening and therapeutic strategies. These include lifestyle (preferably according to the Mediterranean pattern) and immunosuppressive regimen modification, as well as the best available anti-diabetic (insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents) and hypolipidaemic (e.g. statins) regimen according to an individual's metabolic profile and medical history.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common metabolic complication following kidney transplantation, adversely affecting graft and patient outcomes. This study aims to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of PTDM among kidney transplant recipients at Alhada Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adult kidney transplant recipients from January 1984 to December 2023, excluding patients with pre-existing diabetes. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, encompassing demographics, clinical characteristics, transplantation details, and laboratory parameters. PTDM was diagnosed based on the American Diabetes Association criteria. Statistical analyses included t-tests, multivariate logistic regression, chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher’s exact tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined optimal cutoff values for predictive variables. Of 228 kidney transplant recipients (64% males, mean age 47.2 ± 14.6 years), 54 (23.7%) developed PTDM. PTDM patients were significantly older (53.1 ± 12.9 vs. 45.4 ± 14.6 years, p < 0.001) and had higher BMI (27.0 ± 4.7 vs. 25.2 ± 5.4 kg/m², p = 0.023). Hypertension was a more frequent cause of ESRD in the PTDM group (24.1% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.006). Tacrolimus levels ≥ 7 ng/mL were associated with higher PTDM incidence (70% vs. 52%, p = 0.032). Hypomagnesemia and uACR were also higher in PTDM patients compared to non-PTDM. Multivariate logistic regression identified age, hypomagnesaemia, uACR ≥ 9, and tacrolimus levels > 7 as independent PTDM predictors (p < 0.05). PTDM affects a substantial proportion of kidney transplant recipients, with older age, hypomagnesemia, increased uACR, and elevated tacrolimus levels emerging as key risk factors. Close monitoring and individualized immunosuppressive strategies may mitigate PTDM risk and improve post-transplant outcomes. Not applicable. The study is not a clinical trial.

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a complex condition arising from various factors including immunosuppressive medications, insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion and inflammatory processes. Its impact on patient and graft survival is a significant concern in kidney transplant recipients. PTDM's impact on kidney transplant recipients, including patient and graft survival and cardiovascular mortality, is a significant concern, given conflicting findings in previous studies. This meta-analysis was imperative not only to incorporate emerging evidence but also to delve into cause-specific mortality considerations. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the association between PTDM and clinical outcomes, including all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, sepsis-related mortality, malignancy-related mortality and graft loss, in kidney transplant recipients. PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were screened and studies evaluating the effect of PTDM on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, sepsis-related mortality, malignancy-related mortality and overall graft loss in adult kidney transplant recipients were included. Fifty-three studies, encompassing a total of 138917 patients, evaluating the association between PTDM and clinical outcomes were included. Our analysis revealed a significant increase in all-cause mortality [risk ratio (RR) 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53 to 1.89, P<.001] and cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.54, P<.001) among individuals with PTDM. Moreover, PTDM was associated with a higher risk of sepsis-related mortality (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.54, P<.001) but showed no significant association with malignancy-related mortality (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.88). Additionally, PTDM was linked to an increased risk of overall graft failure (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.54, P<.001). These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive management strategies and the need for research targeting PTDM to improve outcomes in kidney transplant recipients.

Calcineurin Inhibitor Avoidance Versus Steroid Avoidance Following Kidney Transplantation: Postoperative Complications

Background and Aims Insulin resistance determination in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) plays an important role to identify KTRs at risk of posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) development. Current methods to measure insulin resistance include the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic (HIEG) clamp technique, and minimal model approximation of the metabolism of glucose (MMAMG). These methods, however, require considerable time and are expense, complex, and invasive. As a result, indirect insulin resistance indices such as homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), or triglycerides-glucose (TyG) index, are used in epidemiological and clinical studies in the general population due to their simplicity and ease of use. However, it is unknown to what extent those indices may contribute to determine insulin resistance and PTDM development in KTRs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of indirect insulin resistance indices to determine insulin resistance and PTDM development in KTRs. Method We included 472 stable outpatient KTRs (with a functioning graft ≥1 year) without diabetes from a prospective cohort study. Crude and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to determine whether indirect insulin resistance indices (HOMA-IR, VAI, LAP, and TyG index) were prospectively associated with incident PTDM. We analyzed each measure using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the development of PTDM. The cut-off value was determined as the value with the highest Youden index score in the specificity dominant area. Results During a median 9.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 6.6–10.2] of follow up, 68 (14%) KTRs developed PTDM. In Cox regression analyses, all indirect insulin resistance indices associated with incident PTDM, independent of potential confounders. ROC curve was 0.764 (95% CI,0.703-0.826) for HOMA-IR, 0.685 (95% CI,0.615-0.757) for VAI, 0.743 (95% CI,0.678-0.808) for LAP, and 0.698 (95% CI,0.629-0.766) for TyG index, with no significant difference between them (p = 0.05). The cut-off values with their corresponding sensitivity and specificity for each indices are presented in Table 1. To test this cut-off value, the association between the indices and incident PTDM was examined by using each index as a categorical variable (HOMA-IR&amp;lt;2.47 vs ≥2.47; VAI&amp;lt;4.01 vs ≥4.01; LAP&amp;lt;87.04 vs ≥87.04; TyG index&amp;lt;4.94 vs ≥4.94). Indirect insulin resistance indices as a categorical variable predicted incident PTDM independent of age, sex, smoking, time to transplantation, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, and medication. Conclusion Indirect insulin resistance indices could be used to predict incident PTDM in KTRs. In addition to HOMA-IR, insulin-free surrogates of insulin resistance might serve as useful methods to identify KTRs at risk for PTDM development.