Impaired Microcirculation in Children After Kidney Transplantation: Everolimus Versus Mycophenolate Based Immunosuppression Regimen
Background/Aims: Whether the immunosuppressive regimen is associated with micro- and macro-vascular status in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTx) is unknown. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, case-control study in 44 pediatric KTx patients on either everolimus (EVR) plus calcineurin...
Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Karger Publishers
2018-05-01
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Series: | Kidney & Blood Pressure Research |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489915 |
Summary: | Background/Aims: Whether the immunosuppressive regimen is associated with micro- and macro-vascular status in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTx) is unknown. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional, case-control study in 44 pediatric KTx patients on either everolimus (EVR) plus calcineurin inhibitor or standard treatment, i.e. mycophenolate mofetil plus calcineurin inhibitor. Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) via ultrasound, central pulse wave velocity (PWV) by a cuff-based oscillometric technique, and skin microvascular blood flow during local heating via laser-Doppler-fluximetry (LDF) served as marker of subclinical vascular disease. Serum concentrations of angiopoietin-1 and -2, fibroblast-growth factor 23 (FGF23) and soluble klotho were measured. Results: EVR-treated patients exhibited a similar degree of hypertension, increased cIMT, elevated pro-inflammatory angiopoietin-2, and diminished endothelial survival factor angiopoietin-1 compared to healthy children but presented with a twofold more reduced skin micro-vascular function compared to standard treatment (each p< 0.001). By contrast, PWV and soluble klotho levels were normal in both groups. Conclusion: Endothelial dysfunction seems more frequent in KTx patients on EVR-based immunosuppressive regimen compared to standard immunosuppression. |
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ISSN: | 1420-4096 1423-0143 |