Clinical Consequences of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients After Kidney Transplantation: A Paired Kidney Analysis

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been acknowledged as the most common disorder leading to end-stage renal failure in adults. Diabetic patients show higher survival rates after kidney transplantation (KTx) compared with dialysis therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate follow-up after KTx in patients with DM as a reason of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), or with long-lasting diabetes before transplantation, compared with patients without DM.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical consequences of DM in patients after KTx performed at the Gdansk Transplantation Centre between 2000 and 2016. To minimize donor bias, a paired kidney analysis was applied.

Results

The incidence of DM (types 1 and 2) was 13%; 145 patients with DM had pairs of nondiabetic patients, who received kidneys from the same donor and were included to the analysis. The DM group was older. The incidence of AR was similar among the 2 groups, DGF was observed more often in patients with diabetes. Kidney graft function 1 month after transplantation was equal in both groups (mean serum creatinine concentration 1.4 mg/dL). Five-year patient survival was better in the non-DM group (96.7% vs 81.5%). Kaplan-Meier survival curves did not differ significantly between the DM and non-DM groups. DM was not associated graft loss. In the univariate analysis age was the only factor associated with death.

Conclusion

Diabetic patient survival after KTx seems to be worse than in patients without diabetes, but generally the follow-up among diabetics is good, with graft survival similar to that observed in patients without DM.