Post-transplant anemia and associated risk factors: the impact of steroid-free therapy

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of post-renal transplant anemia (PTA) reported in the literature is variable and several factors contribute towards its pathophysiology. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTA, its associated risk factors and the impact of therapy without steroids. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study in a renal transplantation unit at a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Anemia was defined as hemoglobin (Hb) 50 years was associated with greater risks of PTA at M6 (odds ratio (OR) = 4.68) and M24 (OR = 6.57), as well as with therapy without steroids at M6 (OR = 2.96). Delayed graft function was independently associated with PTA at M6 (OR = 3.66) and M12 (OR = 2.85). CONCLUSION: The lowest prevalence of PTA was observed between M9 and M24 after renal transplantation. Delayed graft function, donor age and therapy without steroids were the most important factors associated with PTA.