Effect of parathyroid hormone levels on carotid intima–media thickness after renal transplantation

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH)–dependent evolution of common carotid intima–media thickness (CC IMT) in renal transplant recipients (RTR) within a 12-month follow-up, ie, before (E0) and 3 months (E3), 6 months (E6), and 12 months after renal transplantation (RTX). Methods: A total of 55 normotensive patients, aged 47 ± 1.7 years, underwent a RTX. The graft function was stable (clearanceCockroft>60 mL/min and S-creatinine <2.5 mg/dL) in all patients throughout the follow-up. Results: In 67% of the RTR, the iPTH levels were classified as high at E0 (E6: 63%; E6: 49%; E12: 67%). The plasma iPTH levels decreased after RTX (P< .01). The arterial blood pressure remained stable. The CC IMT was positively and independently correlated with age (P< .01), gender (P< .01), and iPTH levels (P< .01). Conclusions: Normalization of iPTH levels is associated with a significant intima-media thickness (IMT) reduction. The increased IMT in renal transplant recipients may contribute to the high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal failure.