Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a known cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. We explored the influence of MS on the occurrence of atherosclerotic events (AEs) after renal transplantation.

METHODS:

Three hundred thirty-seven renal transplant recipients were included in the study. Various parameters (e.g., anthropometric and biological) were measured 1 year after transplant.

RESULTS:

One year after transplant, 32% of the study population met criteria for MS. Older age, male gender, pretransplant high body mass index, and an increase in body mass index>or=5% in the first year after transplant were predictive factors for development of MS at 1 year after transplant. Forty-two patients (12.4%) experienced AEs during the 8 years of follow-up. The cumulated incidence of AEs was greater in patients with MS compared with others without MS (25% vs. 7%; P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, patients with MS at 1 year after transplant had an increased risk of AE (hazard ratio 3.40, 95% confidence interval 1.58-7.32, P=0.002). Older age, low creatinine clearance, high C-reactive protein level, and a past history of cardiovascular disease were other independent risk factors for AE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Similar to the general population, MS is an independent risk factor for AE after renal transplantation. Relevant preventive measures targeting different aspects of MS would then have a potential impact on prevalence of AE in this population.