Review article

POST-TRANSPLANT ERYTHROCYTOSIS

ŽELJKA MUSTAPIĆ ; Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Nephrology, Zagreb, Croatia
NIKOLINA BAŠIĆ-JUKIĆ ; Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Nephrology, Zagreb, Croatia
VESNA LOVČIĆ ; General Hospital Bjelovar, Department of Nephrology, Bjelovar, Croatia
PETAR KES ; Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Department of Nephrology, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Post-transplant erythrocytosis is defined as an increase in hematocrit above 55%. It occurs in 10%-15% of renal transplant recipients, most commonly from 8 to 24 months after transplantation. Twenty-five percent of patients experience spontaneous remission within 2 years, while 75% develop symptoms and signs of hyperviscosity (headache, hypertension, plethora). The etiology is multifactorial and includes erythropoietin, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and IGF-1 as the main factors. RAS inhibition with either ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers is efficient therapy which decreases hematocrit in 90% of patients within 2 to 6 weeks, thus decreasing the incidence of fatal complications (like pulmonary embolism and stroke).

Keywords

erythrocytosis; renal transplantation; etiology; treatment

Hrčak ID:

89613

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/89613

Publication date:

1.3.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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