THE EFFECT OF RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION WITH A MINIMAL STEROID REGIME ON UREMIC HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA

Abstract

The lipid and associated biochemical indices in 18 renal transplant patients maintained on an alternate day prednisolone regime was studied. At an average 27 mo. following transplantation serum lipids were not significantly different from normals despite some renal impairment in the transplant recipients. In addition the blood sugar and plasma immunoreactive insulin levels were elevated in transplanted patients. The i.v. fat tolerance test (IVFTT) was not different from that of normals. In some patients IVFTT was performed before and after transplantation and it was shown that K2 (fractional removal rate of Intra-lipid) improved from abnormal to normal values. Previously abnormal lipid levels can evidently return to normal after transplantation and this may be related to alternate day steroid regimes. Impaired removal of triglyceride seen in chronic renal failure is improved by transplantation.