Metabolic syndrome after kidney transplantation.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) can be linked to the progression of chronic renal transplant dysfunction (CRTD). Hyper- filtration in transplanted patients is a further risk factor for MS and for the progression of CRTD. Many studies show in kidney-transplanted subjects a prevalence of MS at 60% after 6 years posttransplantation. We studied 182 patients (126 men and 56 women) with functioning renal transplant in Messina and Rovigo Renal Units. In our patients we saw at 6 years postkidney transplant in men a prevalence of MS at 20% (NCEPATPIII criteria) or 30% (Rovigo-Messina more strict criteria), and women at 6 years posttransplantation a prevalence of MS at 25% (NCEPATPIII criteria) or 50% (Rovigo-Messina criteria). In our patients, the period of graft function was over 15 years. This result is due to continued follow-up of metabolic parameters and to moderate protein (0.8–0.9 g/kg/day), low lipid, and low caloric intake. These strategies permit the avoidance of hyperfiltration, the reduction of hyperlipidemia and obesity. Special attention is due to women 50–65 years old. In these patients the prevalence of metabolic syndrome 6 years post- transplant is very high (60%). Postmenopausal syndrome is an additional risk factor for MS, atherosclerosis, and the progression of CRTD.