Weight-Gain–Related Factors in Renal Transplantation

Abstract

Objectives: Previous studies of renal transplant recipients have suggested that weight gain after transplantation is relatively common. The purpose of this study was to define the occurrence, magnitude, and predictors of weight gain in this group.

Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 100 renal transplant recipients from 2002 to 2004 at Imam-Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, to identify patterns of weight change attributed to sex, age at transplantation, socioeconomic class, and duration of dialysis. A descriptive study also was made on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in renal transplant recipients 12 months after transplantation. Patients’ weights were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after transplantation.

Results: Univariate analyses at 1 year posttransplantation showed that women had greater weight gains than did men (P = 0.003); older recipients had greater weight gains than did younger recipients (P = 0.009); weight gain was correlated with an increase in serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels (P = 0.000 and P = 0.004); and socioeconomic class was not correlated with weight changes (P = 0.955).

Conclusions: Female sex, older age, and increasing incidences of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly associated with weight gain 1 year after organ transplantation.