Impact of kidney transplantation on the risk of retinal vein occlusion in end-stage renal disease

• Main Authors: Jangwook Lee, Hye Rim Choe, Sang Hyun Park, Kyung Do Han, Dong Ki Kim, Kwon Wook Joo, Yon Su Kim, Eun Kyoung Lee, Un Chul Park, Hyeong Gon Yu, Hajeong Lee, Yong Chul Kim, Baek-Lok Oh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-06-01
• Series: Scientific Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90765-8

Abstract It has been known that retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is associated with chronic kidney disease, especially end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, little is known about the effect of kidney transplantation (KT) on RVO incidence in ESRD patients. This study aimed to compare the incidence of RVO in KT recipients (n = 10,498), matched ESRD patients (n = 10,498), and healthy controls (HCs, n = 10,498), using a long-term population-based cohort. The incidence of RVO was 2.74, 5.68, and 1.02 per 1000 patient-years, for the KT group, the ESRD group, and the HCs group, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for RVO development compared to the HCs group, were 1.53 and 3.21, in the KT group and the ESRD group, respectively. In the KT group, multivariable regression analysis indicated that an age over 50, a Charlson Comorbidity Index score over 4, and a history of desensitization therapy were associated with an increased risk of RVO. In summary, KT recipients have a lower risk for development of RVO than ESRD patients treated with dialysis. However, the risk is still higher compared to healthy people who have normal kidney functions.