Delayed Graft Function, Vitamin D Deficiency Linked

Renal transplant recipients who are deficient in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are at higher risk of delayed graft function (DGF), according to a Polish study published in Transplantation Proceedings (2009;41:3002-2005).

The study included 90 renal transplant recipients, all of whom received alfacalcidol before surgery. Investigators identified severe 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D deficiency in 83% of patients immediately after transplantation. DGF occurred in 44% of those with the deficiency versus 6% of those without a deficiency.

From the December 01, 2009 Issue of Renal and Urology News