HYPERLIPEMIA FOLLOWING RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (192) , 507-517
Abstract
In 70 renal transplant patients, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia 8 to 28 mo. following transplantation was 59%. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were normal but low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly elevated compared with controls. Lipid levels, measured before and sequentially after transplantation for 22 mo. in 10 patients were elevated over the first 6-10 mo. Thereafter the lipid values returned to normal in most patients. This change coincided with the attainment of maintenance steroid dosage (usually prednisolone 10 mg daily; mean 12.5 mg). A diet designed to decrease cholesterol and increase polyunsaturated fat intake, resulted in a significant reduction of serum cholesterol levels but not of triglyceride values over a 4 wk period. The hyperlipidemia in the initial mo. after transplantation may be related to the high dose steroid therapy during this period, and the lipid levels return to normal once low dose maintenance therapy is attained. Lipid profiles and levels in the first 8-12 mo. are variable and should not form the basis for therapy or assessment. Dietary modification alone is unlikely to be an effective form of treatment of severe hyperlipidemia in these patients.