Sex Differences in Subclinical Cardiovascular Organ Damage After Renal Transplantation: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death after renal transplantation (RT). Sex-specific differences in CVD in the general population are well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex-specific differences in prevalence and course of subclinical cardiovascular (CV) organ damage in RT recipients during the first year after RT. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, we enrolled 121 patients (male 64%, age 51 ± 15 years). CV risk factors, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed at time of RT and 1 year later. Results: Women showed less prediagnosed CVD and better blood pressure (BP) control, and were less likely to be treated with calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Despite similar transplant function, LVMI increased in women and decreased in men (p = 0.027). In multivariable analysis, changes in LVMI were independently associated with female sex and systolic BP. Importantly, women receiving CCBs showed a decrease in LVMI and PWV. Conclusions: Our findings indicate a sex-specific association between RT and changes in LVMI. CCBs seem to have a positive impact on CV risk after RT, especially in women. Further studies on the effect of sex and CCB use in RT recipients are warranted.