EFFECT OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUG REGIME ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PROFILE FOLLOWING KIDNEY-TRANSPLANTATION

We have previously studied cardiovascular risk markers apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)) and plasma fibrinogen in 146 control, 60 haemodialysis (H D), 53 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 66 renal t ransplant subjects. Fibrinogen concentration was higher in all 3 renal replacement groups compared to controls. Apo(a) was higher in the CAP D group only. We have now restudied those dialysis patients (24 HD, 16 CAPD) who have since undergone transplantation. Fibrinogen concentrat ion remained elevated in CAPD patients (mean (SE) 3.9 (0.17) vs. 3.77 (0.20) grams/l) and increased in HD patients (2.88 (0.16) vs. 3.72 (0. 13) grams/l, P < 0.0001). Apo(a) fell in both groups (CAPD, geometric mean 287 vs. 151 U/l, P = 0.008; HD, 230 vs. 179 U/l, P = 0.013). Fibr inogen concentration was higher in the recent group compared to the or iginal group (3.74 (0.11) vs. 3.19 (0.12) grams/l, P = 0.001). None of the 66 original patients received cyclosporin (cyA) compared to 35 of the 40 in the present study. In this recent group, patients maintaine d on prednisolone and azathioprine alone had significantly lower fibri nogen levels than those receiving cyA. Furthermore, the fall in apo(a) was smaller (31% vs. 74%) and the increase in apolipoprotein B (ape B ) greater (0.55 (0.15) vs. 0.18 (0.05) grams/l, P = 0.014) in cyA-trea ted patients. CYA may have an adverse effect on cardiovascular risk pr ofile in renal transplant recipients.