Assessment of Biochemical Parameters, Kidney Function, and Long-term Outcome in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background and Aims: New-onset of diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is the most significant complications arising post-renal transplantation and affecting the long-term graft outcome and recipient survival. Assessment of renal function in kidney transplant recipients might help in understanding the better outcome of the graft and also the factors associated with NODAT. The present study was aimed to estimate the biochemical parameters, electrolytes, and minerals in the serum among renal transplant recipients and healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate the graft function, graft outcome and patient survival. Materials and Methods: Biochemical parameters (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) were estimated in serum by enzymatic method using commercially available kits in 100 HC, 80 NODAT, and 80 Non-NODAT subjects. The graft outcome was assessed by comparing serum creatinine levels and urinary creatinine clearance at 0 month and 60 months. The survival rate was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Results: The mean age was significantly higher in NODAT versus non-NODAT at P < 0.0009. Significant gender difference was observed in NODAT and non-NODAT versus HC at P < 0.0001. The levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly more in NODAT versus HC at P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.006. The mean levels of sodium and phosphorus were significantly lower in NODAT versus HC at P < 0.008 and P < 0.029. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, male gender, creatinine, and urea significantly predicted the outcome and the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis revealed creatinine to be better marker for assessing kidney function. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed decreased survival rates in NODAT than non-NODAT. Conclusion: Older age (above 40), hyponatremia, and hypophosphatemia could be significant risk factors for NODAT development.