Prevalence of Anemia in Elderly Patients one Year After Renal Transplantation

Background: The number of elderly people undergoing kidney transplantations is increasing. In recent years, the issue of anemia in the elderly has gained importance and has been extensively discussed; however, scientific evidence regarding the prevalence of anemia in geriatric patients undergoing kidney transplantation is limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with late anemia among geriatric patients undergoing kidney transplantation. Patients and Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, we retrospectively studied 214 cases of kidney transplants in elderly patients to determine the prevalence of late post-transplant anemia (PTA). We defined anemia as a condition in which hemoglobin (hb) concentration was 13 mg/dl or less in men and 12 mg/dl or less in women; severe anemia was defined as a condition in which the hb concentration was 10 mg/dl or less in men and women. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish the correlation of PTA with risk factors such as renal allograft function, blood levels of cyclosporine A (CsA), and other laboratory test. Results: The mean age of the recipients was 68 ± 8 years (range, 60 to 84 years); 63% of them were men and 37% women. We found that the prevalence of PTA 1 year after transplantation was 35.5% (n = 76); mild to moderate anemia was observed in 27.6% (n = 59) of the recipients and severe anemia in 7.9% (n = 17). Multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for variable were significant in univariate analysis revealed that only plasma creatinine concentration was associated with a high probability of PTA. Conclusions: Anemia is very common in elderly patients undergoing kidney transplantation, particularly in patients with deteriorated allograft function. Anemia in elderly patients undergoing kidney transplantations is a serious adverse effect, which should be extensively studied.