Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in lumbar and femoral bone mineral density (BMD) in the post-transplant period. Material and Methods: A total of 69 consecutive adult (>18 years of age) patients who underwent kidney transplantation between Jan 2016 and Jul 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The demographic features and laboratory findings of the patients (serum corrected calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, eGFR, i-parathormone and 25(OH) D vitamin levels) were recorded. BMD was evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Results: According to the DEXA results, lumbar and femoral T scores were -1.1±1.3 and -1.1±1.1, respectively. Lumbar assessment revealed osteoporosis in 12 (17.4%) patients and osteopenia in 24 (34.8%) patients. Femoral assessment revealed osteoporosis in 7 (10.1%) patients and osteopenia in 29 (42.0%) patients. The first year, 1-2 year and >2 years follow up data revealed osteoporosis in 4.3%, 5.8% and 7.2% of patients in the lumbar region and in 2.9%, 2.9% and 4.3% of patients in the femoral region, respectively. There was no significant difference in cumulative steroid dose between patients with BMD loss in the lumbar (p=0.197) and femoral (p=0.971) region and patients with normal BMD measurement. In addition, no significant relation was observed between the induction therapy and loss of BMD in the lumbar region (p=0.671) and femur (p=0.126). Conclusion: As a result, 25(OH) D vitamin deficiency is quite common in transplant patients and the loss of BMD is observed especially in the lumbar region in the first year after transplantation.

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