Impact of vascular calcification on bone health and mortality in kidney transplant patients

Objetive: To assess the prevalence of vascular calcification and vertebral fractures in a cohort of patients undergoing kidney transplantation and its association with all graft-related causes of mortality and dysfunction, as well as the relationship with biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism. Material and methods: Prospective, observational, single-center study, which included 405 patients undergoing kidney transplants, with collection of clinical, biochemical, epidemiological parameters, and of radiological vascular calcification and vertebral fractures by simple radiography at the time of transplantation, with a minimum follow-up of two years. We assessed cardiovascular mortality and all causes and decreased glomerular filtration. In addition, 39 bone densitometry studies carried out in the months prior to transplantation were reported. Results: Patient survival was significantly lower in the group of patients with vascular calcification (131 +/- 1.5 months without calcification compared to 110 +/- 3.5 months with vascular calcification, p<0.001). A greater decrease in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was observed using the CKD-EPI formula in all patients who presented vascular calcification, this being an independent risk factor (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.6-4, 4; p<0.001). The prevalence of vertebral fractures was significantly higher in the vascular calcification group (12%), independently of other risk factors (OR=9.2; 95% CI: 1.2-73.4; p=0.036). The prevalence of vertebral fractures has been associated with lower hip bone mass assessed by bone densitometry (T-score -1.2 vs. -2.4, p=0.02) Conclusions: Vascular calcification prior to transplantation, evaluated using a simple, cheap and accessible method such as plain radiography, determines the morbidity and mortality of the patient undergoing a kidney transplant and has a great impact on the evolution of graft function, regardless of other risk factors. traditional. The association between bone fragility, vascular calcification and the prognosis of the patient and the renal graft should make us think about adding bone densitometry to the protocol for inclusion in the transplant waiting list. It is relevant to promote not only the best possible vascular health but also to promote the least impact on bone tissue in the progression of chronic kidney disease before the time of transplantation.