mariarosaria Campise: Anemia after Kidney and Other Solid Organ Transplantation

Anemia has long been known to be a complication of end-stage renal disease, leading to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Restored renal function after successful kidney transplantation should be associated with the complete correction of anemia. There are only few data available on the real prevalence of anemia after kidney transplantation. But, since many transplanted patients have some degree of renal impairment, it can be assumed that they may also experience anemia as a complication. Accordingly, some recent studies have reported anemia in about one-third of transplanted patients, regardless of the length of the follow-up. Kidney function has been identified as the main determinant, but different transplant-associated factors may contribute to the development of anemia after kidney transplantation. More recently, anemia has emerged as a major problem also among recipients of non-renal solid organ transplantation. The event is mainly associated with the development of chronic kidney disease. Beside erythropoietin deficiency, immunotherapies as well as patient comorbidities contribute to anemia development. The incidence is 28, 50, and 65% among liver, heart, and lung transplant recipients, respectively. Erythropoietin therapy is not contraindicated in solid organ transplantation, although clear information about the correct hemoglobin target is not available yet. Correction of anemia is mandatory in order to reduce this threatening cardiovascular risk factor. (Trends in Transplant. 2009;3:137-45) Corresponding author: Mariarosaria Campise, [email protected]