Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in renal transplant recipients predicts a better long-term clinical outcome, researchers found.
In a prospective study, Ernesto Paoletti, MD, University of Genoa, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy, and colleagues compared with 60 renal transplant recipients who experienced LVH regression and 40 recipients whose LVH remained unchanged or worsened. Subjects were participants in 2 randomized controlled trials aimed at evaluating the effect of active intervention on post-transplant LVH. The investigators evaluated the effect of LVH regression on a composite outcome of death and any cardiovascular (CV) or renal event.
During an 8.4-year follow-up, 8 deaths, 18 cardiovascular events, and 6 renal events occurred. In multivariable analysis, LVH regression was associated with a significant 58% decreased risk of the composite endpoint, Dr. Paoletti’s group reported online ahead of print in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.
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Patients who experienced LVH regression had significantly better survival rates compared with those who did not, according to the researchers. Better graft function and LVH regression predicted a significantly decreased risk of the cardiovascular endpoint. In addition, patients who had a decrease in left ventricular mass index had a significantly improved cardiac event-free survival.
