Renal dysfunction is a strong and independent risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular complications in renal transplantation

Renal transplant recipients (RTR) have shortened life expectancy, primarily due to premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). Traditional CVD risk factors are highly prevalent. In addition, several non-traditional risk factors may contribute to the high risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of renal dysfunction on mortality and cardiovascular complications in 1052 placebo-treated patients of the Assessment of LEscol in Renal Transplantation (ALERT) trial. Follow-up was 5-6 years and endpoints included cardiac death, non-cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac event (MACE), non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke. The effects of serum creatinine at baseline on these endpoints were evaluated. Elevated serum creatinine in RTR was a strong and independent risk factor for MACE, cardiac, non-cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality, but not for stroke or non-fatal MI alone. Serum creatinine was associated with increased mortality and MACE, independent of established CVD risk factors. Graft loss resulted in increased incidences of non-cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, MACE and non-fatal MI. In conclusion, elevated serum creatinine is a strong risk factor for all-cause, non-cardiovascular and cardiac mortality, and MACE, independent of traditional risk factors, but not for stroke or non-fatal MI alone.