Modifications of Coronay Artery Calcifications (CAC) and Correlations with C Reactive Protein (CRP) Levels in Renal Recipients after the First Year of Transplantation

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between presence and progression of Coronary Artery Calcifications (CAC) quantified with Agatston Score (AS) and inflammatory index as CRP and other parameters in unselected renal transplant recipients. Forty-five patients were underwent a baseline Multislice CT (MSCT) at the time of renal transplant and a repeat evaluation 12 - 16 months later. After second MSCT recipients were divided in three groups: Gr1 (26 patients) with absence of CAC at basal and second MSCT, Gr2 (11 patients) with reduction of CAC after one year and Gr3 (8 patients) with increased values of CAC after one year. Mean +/- Standard deviation of basal and after one year values of AS and CRP were respectively: Gr1: 2 +/-3; 2 +/- 5 and 0.4 +/- 0.3; 0.55 +/- 0.67; Gr2: 317 +/- 288; 212 +/- 242 and 0.9 +/- 1.1; 0.55 +/- 0.6; Gr3: 854 +/- 1168; 1032 +/- 1153 and 0.8 +/- 0.8; 1.1 +/- 0.96. We found capacity of renal transplantation to protect against development of new calcium deposits in recipients without CAC at time of transplantation. While we confirmed association in Gr2 between reduction of CAC with reduction of CRP levels and in Gr3 between increased levels of CRP with increasing of CAC. Conclusion: In this preliminary study, renal transplantation appears to slow down or increasing CAC, in strict association with modifications of CRP levels. Long term studies are needed to confirm our preliminary data and to determine the effects of CAC on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients.