Posttransplant anemia in solid organ recipients

Abstract

Posttransplantation anemia (PTA) is a prevalent sequela of solid organ transplantation and a potential independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. There are multiple causes of PTA, some of which are associated with early phase anemia (<6 months), whereas others more often induce anemia in the late posttransplant phase (>6 months). Although impaired kidney function contributes to PTA, it is only one of many factors that result in anemia in transplant recipients. Other causes include iron deficiency, medications, infections, acute rejection, inflammation, and erythropoietin deficiency. Unlike in the predialysis chronic kidney disease population, the impact of anemia after kidney transplantation outcomes is unknown. This is in large part due to the absence of controlled trials that address whether correction of anemia improves allograft function or patient morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines recommend evaluation for hemoglobin level of less than 12 g/dL and treatment when the value falls less than 11 g/dL and a target of 11 to 12 g/dL. Additional treatments may entail removing the cause of the anemia, nutritional supplementation, and/or an erythrocyte stimulating agent.