[Evaluation of the interdependence between homocystein and folic acid levels in patients after kidney transplantation during a 2 year observation period]. / Ocena zaleznosci homocysteinemii i kwasu foliowego u chorych po przeszczepieniu nerki w róznych okresach od momentu wykonania zabiegu w trakcie dwuletniej obserwacji.

UNLABELLED: Patients on maintenance dialysis have increased heomocystein (Hcy) serum levels. The aim of the study was to evaluate the interdependence between Hcy and folic acid (FA) levels in renal transplant patients (pts) at various time periods during a two year observation period after kidney transplantation (Ktx). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 51 pts (17 F, 34 M) aged 15-62 years (median 38.1) after deceased donors Ktx. Before Ktx, 46 pts were treated with maintenance hemodialysis (HD), while 5 by peritoneal dialysis (PD). The mean observation period equaled 21.2 months (6-24 months); while total observation period was 90 person/years. Hcy level was measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). FA level was measured using chemiluminesence method (standard methods) using the Immulite 2000 analyzer. Patients blood was drawn before Ktx and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months after procedure. RESULTS: An increased Hcy level (>15 micromol/l) - mean 28.5 +/- 17.8 micromol/l (range from 10.2 micromol/l to 116.8 micromol/I) was noted in the blood of 44 pts before Ktx (86.3% of the examined population). In 31 pts after Ktx (60.8% of the examined population), mean Hcy level remained increased above 15 micromol/I (mean Hcy - 19.2 +/- 5.8 micromol/I). A negative correlation was found between the levels of Hcy and FA directly before Ktx (R= -0.28, p<0.05). A statistically significant drop of FA level of 72.6% (mean 220.5 +/- 395.1 ng/ml to 60.3 +/- 129.8 ng/ mi) was noted 3 months after Ktx in the examined group (p<0.001 in the Wilcoxon test). However, in the following period time after Ktx, FA levels did not differ statistically (ANOVA Friedmana p=NS). Mean concentrations of Hcy after Ktx did not correlate significantly with levels of FA (R = -0.12, p = NS). No significant differences between mean levels of FA after Ktx in pts with normal and increased mean levels of Hcy were found; but one must note that presence of hiperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was associated with a 42% lower concentration of FA in relation to patients who had Hcy >15 micromol/l (36.4 ng/ml vs. 62.5 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant decrease of Hcy concentration was observed after Ktx as compare with values before procedure, however not reached normal values. Significant decrease of FA concentration after Ktx is most likely associated with the discontinuation of FA supplementation, as well as due to the restoration of the erythropoietic line.