Prevalence of posttransplant anemia in patients undergoing renal transplantation at a tertiary care center in Kerala - A prospective observational study

Background: Studies on posttransplantation anemia (PTA) are scarce. There is a large variability in its prevalence (20%–70%). Research focuses on anemia in early (3–6 months) or late (>6 months) posttransplant period. Little is known about PTA within first 3 months. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and possible associated factors of immediate PTA in patients undergoing renal transplant. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent live renal allograft transplant. Follow-up period was 3-month posttransplant. Hemoglobin (Hb) was done at 1-week and 1, 2, and 3-month posttransplant. Erythropoietin (EPO) levels were recorded pre and posttransplant. Peripheral smear, lactate dehydrogenase, iron and ferritin levels, serum creatinine, days of hospital stay, rejections, infections, and immunosuppressive regime were recorded. Results: All patients were anemic within 1 week of transplantation and 40% had severe anemia. The prevalence of PTA at 3 months was 76.7%. PTA correlated with higher donor age, lower ferritin, Hb, and EPO levels in pretransplant period. However, even though EPO levels posttransplant were lower in patients with anemia, this correlation was not statistically significant. The lowest Hb correlated with Hb levels and dose of EPO-stimulating agents pretransplant. Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia is high in the immediate posttransplant period. High donor age, graft dysfunction, and iron stores before transplantation correlate with Hb levels at 3 months. It is prudent to maintain a better Hb in the pretransplant period to avoid PTA. Lower EPO levels before transplant may indicate immediate PTA. Correlation of EPO levels posttransplant with Hb needs further study