Evaluation of metabolic syndrome and associations with inflammation and graft function in renal transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major determinant of mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Metabolic syndrome (MS) and chronic inflammation are currently considered non traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study evaluates the frequency of these conditions their associations with graft function. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and inflammation and their associations with graft function in renal transplant recipients. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out with 200 RTR. MS was defined by the NCEP-ATP III criteria. Inflammation was assessed by CRP levels. Renal function was assessed by GFR estimation using the MDRD equation. RESULTS MS occurred in 71 patients (35.5%). Patients with MS had higher CPR and decreased GFR levels. Inflammation was present in 99 patients (49.5%). Mean waist perimeter, body mass index, triglycerides and serum total cholesterol were significantly higher in inflamed patients. An association between MS and inflammation was demonstrated, 48 (67.6%) patients with MS were inflamed and among those without MS the rate of inflamed patients was 39.5% (51 patients) (p < 0.001). A significantly higher percentage of patients with MS in the group of patients in chronic renal disease stages III and IV was observed. CONCLUSION In RTR there is a significant association among MS and inflammation. MS is negatively associated with graft function. The clinical implications of these findings must be evaluated in longitudinal studies.