Objectives: In this study, our aim was to evaluate the systolic cardiac parameters and related risk factors in children within 6 months after kidney transplant.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 24 children who received kidney transplants. Clinical and laboratory parameters before and after transplant were recorded. Results were evaluated statistically, with a P value less than .05 considered significant.
Results: Before transplant, systolic cardiac functions were within normal limits. After transplant, ejection fraction (63.35% ± 5.38% vs 66.95% ± 4.62%; P = .01) was significantly increased and left ventricular mass index (32.63 ± 17.21 g/m2.7 vs 31.29 ± 15.65 g/m2.7; P = .78) was not significantly decreased, whereas fractional shortening (52.16% ± 15.32% vs 59.8% ± 12.94%; P = .54) did not change. Systolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure index, diastolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure index values were not statistically different before and after transplant (P > .05). The number of antihypertensive agents was significantly decreased (P = .001). Before and after transplant, cardiac geometry was normal in 15 patients (62.5%) and 17 patients (70.8%).
Conclusions: Our patients, who had stable systolic cardiac function before transplant, showed further improvements in systolic cardiac function even within 6 months after transplant. Therefore, strictly monitored and controlled blood pressure, volume, anemia, and nutrition in children before transplant may play important roles in achieving better cardiac systolic function after kidney transplant.