¹Medical Department D, University of Münster, Münster, Germany

Correspondence: Dr. Helge Hohage, Medizinische Poliklinik, Albert-Schweitzer-Strasse 33, D-48149 Münster, Germany E-mail: hohage@uni-muenster.de

Received 22 September 2000; Accepted 1 March 2001.

Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH)–dependent evolution of common carotid intima–media thickness (CC IMT) in renal transplant recipients (RTR) within a 12-month follow-up, ie, before (E0) and 3 months (E3), 6 months (E6), and 12 months after renal transplantation (RTX).

Methods: A total of 55 normotensive patients, aged 47 1.7 years, underwent a RTX. The graft function was stable (clearance_Cockroft >60 mL/min and S-creatinine <2.5 mg/dL) in all patients throughout the follow-up.

Results: In 67% of the RTR, the iPTH levels were classified as high at E0 (E6: 63%; E6: 49%; E12: 67%). The plasma iPTH levels decreased after RTX (P < .01). The arterial blood pressure remained stable. The CC IMT was positively and independently correlated with age (P < .01), gender (P < .01), and iPTH levels (P < .01).

Conclusions: Normalization of iPTH levels is associated with a significant intima-media thickness (IMT) reduction. The increased IMT in renal transplant recipients may contribute to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal failure.