Introduction

BMI is a well-known risk factor for transplant patients, and transplant is contraindicated in patients with high BMI.

Research question

The Study assessed the impact of BMI on the post-transplant outcomes in kidney transplant recipients

Methodology

Researchers reviewed data from the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients that included approximately 300, 000 adults who received a solitary kidney transplant from 2000-2019. In the study, BMI levels were charted pre-transplant and compared the outcomes for recipients. Interaction terms and stratified analyses based on demographic, clinical and donor characteristics.

Results

In the overall Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients-extracted population, BMI showed a remarkable ‘J-shape’ risk profile with increased risk for an all encompassing graft loss among low BMI recipients (BMI<20 Kg/m²) and a raised chance among obese and morbidly obese recipients.

Conclusion

It was found that several factors substantially altered the effects of BMI, including age, diabetic status, and race. Obesity was reported to have a more prominent influence among younger recipients. Similar differential effects also included a significantly reduced risk of obesity among African Americans compared with Caucasians, reduced risk of obesity among diabetics compared with non-diabetics and an increased risk linked obesity with lower quality donors. Male recipients also had a higher effect of obesity and had lower BMIs compared to female recipients. Hence, it can be concluded that a highly variable association of BMI with post-transplant outcomes for kidney transplant recipients. This will play an important role in optimizing care and stratify risk.

Source: Schold J, et al. Abstract 41. Presented at: American transplant Congress; May 30-June 1, 2020. (virtual meeting)