Effect of parathyroid hormone levels on carotid intima-media thickness after renal transplantation

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the intact parathyroid h ormone (iPTH)-dependent evolution of common carotid intima-media thickness (CC IMT) in renal transplant recipients (RTR) within a 12-month follow-up, ie, before (EO) 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, underw ent a RTX. The graft function was stable (clearance(Cockroft) >60 mL/min an d 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 EO ( 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 positiv ely and independently correlated with age (P <.01), gender (P <.01), and iP TH levels (P <.01). Conclusions: Normalization of iPTH levels is associated with a significant intima-media thickness (IMT) reduction. The increased IMT in renal transpla nt recipients may contribute to the high cardiovascular morbidity and morta lity in patients with end-stage renal failure. Am J Hypertens 2001;14:1012- 1018 (C) 2001 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.