Metabolic syndrome and atherosclerotic events in renal transplant recipients

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 >= 5% in the first year after transplant were predictive factors for development of MS at I 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.