Cardiovascular risk assessment in kidney transplantation

Kidney Int. 2015 Mar;87(3):527-34. doi: 10.1038/ki.2014.335. Epub 2014 Oct 8.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most common cause of death after kidney transplantation worldwide, with the highest event rate in the early postoperative period. In an attempt to address this issue, screening for CVD prior to transplant is common, but the clinical utility of screening asymptomatic transplant candidates remains unclear. A large degree of variation exists among both transplant center practice patterns and clinical practice guidelines regarding who should be screened, and opinions are based on mixed observational data with great potential for bias. In this review, we discuss the potential risks, benefits, and evidence for screening for CVD in kidney transplant candidates, and also the next steps to better evaluate and treat asymptomatic kidney transplant candidates.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asymptomatic Diseases
  • Coronary Angiography
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / surgery*
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Myocardial Infarction / etiology
  • Myocardial Infarction / prevention & control*
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / surgery*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Waiting Lists