Adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in solid organ transplant recipients: A multicenter cohort, 2015-2020.

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) frequently receive adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy (AGT) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). This multicenter cohort of SOTRs with PJP admitted to 20 transplant centers in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia, was examined for whether AGT was associated with a lower rate of all-cause intensive care unit (ICU) admission, 90-day death, or a composite outcome (ICU admission or death). Of 172 SOTRs with PJP (median [IQR] age: 60 (51.5-67.0) years; 58 female [33.7%]), the ICU admission and death rates were 43.4%, and 20.8%, respectively. AGT was not associated with a reduced risk of ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.21-1.12]), death (aOR [95% CI]: 0.80 [0.30-2.17]), or the composite outcome (aOR [95% CI]: 0.97 [0.71-1.31]) in the propensity score-adjusted analysis. AGT was not significantly associated with at least 1 unit of the respiratory portion of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score improvement by day 5 (12/37 [32.4%] vs 39/111 [35.1%]; P = .78). We did not observe significant associations between AGT and ICU admission or death in SOTRs with PJP. Our findings should prompt a reevaluation of routine AGT administration in posttransplant PJP treatment and highlight the need for interventional studies.

Serum Apolipoprotein B and A1 Concentrations Predict Late-Onset Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus in Prevalent Adult Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Glucose metabolism links closely to cholesterol metabolism. Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) adversely affects posttransplant outcomes, but its risk factors in relation to cholesterol metabolism have not been fully delineated. The apolipoprotein B/A1 (Apo B/A1) ratio, which is associated with insulin resistance, has not been evaluated in kidney transplant recipients as a risk factor for PTDM. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether serum apolipoprotein profiles predict late PTDM, defined as a new onset diabetes occurring greater than 3 months posttransplant. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of a prevalent population of kidney transplant recipients. SETTING: Large transplant center in Ontario, Canada. PATIENTS: We identified 1104 previously nondiabetic adults who received a kidney transplant between January 1, 1998, and December 1, 2015, and were followed at 1 transplant center. MEASUREMENTS: Recipients provided testing for serum apolipoprotein B (Apo B) and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) concentrations from 2010, either at 3 months posttransplant for new transplant recipients or the next clinic visit for prevalent recipients. Late PTDM defined using Canadian Diabetes Association criteria as occurring ≥3 months posttransplant was recorded until May 1, 2016. METHODS: All analyses were conducted with R, version 3.4.0 (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Comparisons were made using Student t test, Fisher exact test or chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier methodology with the logrank test, or Cox proportional hazards analysis as appropriate. Covariates for the multivariate Cox proportional hazards models of PTDM as the outcome variable were selected based on significance of the univariate associations and biological plausibility. RESULTS: There were 53 incident late PTDM cases, or 1.71 cases per 100 patient-years. Incident late PTDM differed between the highest and lowest quartiles for Apo B/A1 ratio, 2.47 per 100 patient-years vs 0.88 per 100 patient-years (P = .005 for difference). In multiple Cox regression analysis, first measured serum Apo B/A1 concentration better predicted subsequent PTDM than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; hazard ratio [HR] = 7.80 per unit increase, P = .039 vs HR = 1.05 per unit increase, P = .774). Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations also did not predict PTDM (P = .136). By contrast to Apo B, Apo A1 was protective against PTDM in statin users (HR = 0.17 per unit increase, P = .016). LIMITATIONS: Posttransplant diabetes mellitus cases occurring before apolipoprotein testing was implemented were not included in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Apolipoproteins B and A1 better predict late PTDM than conventional markers of cholesterol metabolism.

CONTEXTE: Le métabolisme du glucose est étroitement lié à celui du cholestérol. Le diabète sucré post-transplantation (PTDM­Post-Transplant Diabetes Mellitus) compromet l'état de santé après la greffe, mais le risque qu'il représente sur le métabolisme du cholestérol n'est toujours pas clairement défini. Le taux d'apolipoprotéine B/A1 (Apo B/A1), associé à l'insulinorésistance, n'a toujours pas été évalué en tant que facteur de risque pour le PTDM chez les receveurs d'une greffe rénale. OBJECTIF: Cette étude visait à déterminer si les profils sériques de l'apolipoprotéine sont prédicteurs d'un PTDM d'apparition tardive, soit d'un diabète se déclenchant plus de trois mois post-transplantation. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Une étude rétrospective des dossiers médicaux d'une population prévalente de receveurs d'une greffe rénale. CADRE: Un important centre de transplantation de l'Ontario (Canada). SUJETS: L'étude porte sur 1 104 adultes non-diabétiques ayant subi une greffe rénale entre le 1er janvier 1998 et le 1er décembre 2015 et ayant été suivis dans un centre de transplantation. MESURES: À partir de 2010, les sujets se sont soumis à une épreuve mesurant les concentrations sériques d'Apo B et Apo A1 trois mois post-greffe pour les nouveaux receveurs ou lors de la prochaine consultation en clinique pour les receveurs prévalents. La survenue d'un PTDM d'apparition tardive, soit au minimum trois mois post-greffe selon le critère de l'Association canadienne du diabète, a été enregistrée jusqu'au 1er mai 2016. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Toutes les analyses ont été menées avec le logiciel R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing version 3.4.0). Selon le cas, les comparaisons ont été effectuées par le test t de Student, le test de Fisher exact, le test de chi-deux, la méthode de Kaplan-Meier avec le test de Mantel-Haenzel ou l'analyse de régression aléatoire proportionnelle de Cox. Les covariables du modèle multivarié de régression aléatoire proportionnelle de Cox avec le PTDM comme variable résultat ont été choisies en fonction de l'importance des associations univariées et de la plausibilité biologique. RÉSULTATS: On a répertorié 53 nouveaux cas de PTDM d'apparition tardive, soit 1,71 cas par 100 années-patient. Le nombre de nouveaux cas de PTDM d'apparition tardive différait entre le quartile le plus élevé et le quartile le plus bas pour le taux d'Apo B/A1, avec 2,47 par 100 années-patient et 0,88 par 100 années-patient respectivement (P = 0,005 pour la différence). Selon l'analyse par régression multivariée de Cox, la première mesure de la concentration d'Apo B/A1 s'est avérée un meilleur prédicteur d'un PTDM subséquent que la mesure de LDL-C (RR à 7,80 par augmentation d'une unité pour Apo B/A1, P = 0,039 contre 1,05 par augmentation d'une unité pour LDL-C, P = 0,774). Les taux de cholestérol non HDL n'ont pas non plus prédit un PTDM (P = 0,136). Contrairement à Apo B, Apo A1 protégeait contre le déclenchement d'un PTDM chez les utilisateurs de statines (RR: 0,17 par augmentation d'une unité, P = 0,016). LIMITE: Les cas de PTDM survenus avant que l'épreuve d'apolipoprotéine ne soit mise en œuvre n'ont pas été inclus dans cette analyse. CONCLUSION: Les apolipoprotéines B et A1 ont mieux prédit la survenue du PTDM d'apparition tardive que les marqueurs traditionnels du métabolisme du cholestérol.

Safety and efficacy of prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia involving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole dose reduction in kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the drug of choice for anti-Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Post-transplant management balances preventing PcP with managing TMP-SMX-related adverse effects. TMP-SMX dose reduction addresses adverse effects but its implications to incident PcP are unclear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients transplanted between 2011 and 2015 prescribed daily single strength TMP-SMX for twelve months post-transplantation as PcP prophylaxis. Actual TMP-SMX dose and duration, adverse effects, number of dose reductions and reasons, and PcP events were captured. Multivariate logistic regression analyses for risk factors associated with dose reduction were performed. RESULTS: Of 438 KTR, 233 (53%) maintained daily TMP-SMX and 205 (47%) sustained ≥1 dose reduction, with the point prevalence of a reduced dose regimen being between 18 and 25%. Median duration for daily TMP-SMX was 8.45/12 months, contributing 4137 patient-months daily TMP-SMX and 1110 patient-months with a reduced dose. PcP did not occur in any patients. There were 84 documented dose reductions for hyperkalemia and 102 for leukopenia, with 12 and 7 patients requiring TMP-SMX cessation. In multivariate analysis, a living donor transplant protected against hyperkalemia (Odds Ratio 0.46, 95% CI 0.26-0.83, p < 0.01) while acute rejection risked leukopenia (Odds Ratio 3.31, 95% CI 1.39-7.90, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: TMP-SMX dose reduction is frequent in the first post-transplant year but PcP does not occur. To limit the need for TMP-SMX dose reduction due to adverse effects, a clinical trial comparing daily to thrice weekly single strength TMP-SMX in de-novo KTR is justified.

Monitoring Kidney Dysfunction in Kugelberg-Welander Syndrome.

BACKGROUND Kugelberg-Welander (K-W) syndrome is a type of spinal muscular atrophy that causes weakness of the hip-girdle muscles. If severe enough, this weakness can confine patients to a wheelchair in adult life. Proteinuria, a manifestation of kidney dysfunction, is associated with disorders of many organ systems. The evaluation of kidney function in the context of K-W syndrome is challenging. CASE REPORT A 45-year-old man with K-W syndrome first diagnosed at 5 years of age developed peripheral edema and was found to have proteinuria under 1 g/24 h. His past history was significant for hypertension for 7 years. He was managed conservatively initially, but over the next year the serum creatinine concentration increased from 18 to 32 µmol/L (0.2 to 0.36 mg/dL). A percutaneous kidney biopsy was performed in the fetal position due to an inability of the patient to lay prone or supine. Minimal change disease (MCD) was diagnosed. Treatment consisted of dietary salt restriction, ramipril, amiloride, and hydrochlorothiazide, while avoiding corticosteroids. The serum creatinine concentration initially returned to the 18-20 µmol/L (0.2-0.22 mg/dL) range with increased fluid intake, but then slowly declined to 6 µmol/L (0.07 mg/dL) over the next 14 years. Muscle strength remained poor. CONCLUSIONS K-W syndrome, when associated with proteinuria, presents novel diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the latter. The serum creatinine concentration may be unhelpful in assessing kidney function in K-W syndrome. A conservative management approach to MCD is reasonable to minimize comorbidity.

Pre-Transplant Left Ventricular Geometry and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND Preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after kidney transplantation motivates pre-transplant cardiac evaluation that includes two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The relationship of relative wall thickness (RWT) to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in predicting post-transplant MACE is unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this multi-ethnic Canadian single-center cohort study, we identified 1063 adults undergoing pre-transplant TTE within 1 year pre-transplant and with minimum 6 months of post-kidney transplant follow-up for MACE, defined as a composite of coronary revascularization, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac death. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH, >131 g/m² in men and >100 g/m² in women) and increased RWT (>0.45) were a priori used to define normal (no LVH, normal RWT), concentric remodeling (no LVH, increased RWT), eccentric hypertrophy (LVH, normal RWT), and concentric hypertrophy (LVH, increased RWT). RESULTS There were 134 MACE over 3577 patient-years of post-transplant follow-up. Both LVH (HR 1.58, p=0.022) and high RWT (HR 1.44, p=0.041) predicted MACE in multivariate survival regression analysis independently of common pre-transplant MACE risk factors. Concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy all increased the risk for MACE (4.44, 5.05, and 5.55 events per 100 patient-years, respectively) versus normal echocardiography (2.71 events per 100 patient-years, all p<0.05 for difference). In Cox interactive regression analysis, LVMI and RWT were independently associated with MACE (p=0.015, p=0.025) and significantly interacted (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS LV geometric parameters beyond LVH alone can assist post-transplant prognostication in kidney transplant candidates.

The Impact of Total Gastrectomy on Pharmacokinetics in Kidney Transplant Immunosuppressive Drug Regimes: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring reliable gastrointestinal drug absorption of orally administered immunosuppressive medications posttransplant is critical to ensuring graft survival. METHODS: A 66-year-old man of East Asian origin with a previous total gastrectomy was evaluated for living donor kidney transplantation. Pretransplant pharmacokinetic testing was performed to determine the most appropriate posttransplant medication strategy. The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and Gastrointestinal Rating Scale questionnaires were administered to gauge immunosuppressive medication-related side effects in the absence of a stomach. RESULTS: The patient's ability to absorb cyclosporin, tacrolimus (Tac), enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) and sirolimus (SRL) in oral dosage forms was well-preserved. Compared to nongastrectomy reference populations, the rate and extent of absorption of SRL and mycophenolic acid from EC-MPS were similar. The absorption of Tac and cyclosporin was greater than expected. Mycophenolate mofetil did not provide mycophenolic acid absorption as well as EC-MPS. The patient had worsened gastrointestinal symptoms with mycophenolate mofetil or EC-MPS in combination with Tac and cyclosporin, but this was not seen with isolated SRL. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that commonly used postkidney transplantation immunosuppressive regimes may be prescribed after total gastrectomy as long as their limitations are noted.

Metabolic syndrome definitions and components in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events after kidney transplantation.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) associates with cardiovascular risk post-kidney transplantation, but its ambiguity impairs understanding of its diagnostic utility relative to components. We compared five MetS definitions and the predictive value of constituent components of significant definitions for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a cohort of 1182 kidney transplant recipients. MetS definitions were adjusted for noncomponent traditional Framingham risk factors and relevant transplant-related variables. Kaplan-Meier, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards analysis were utilized. There were 143 MACE over 7447 patient-years of follow-up. Only the World Health Organization (WHO) 1998 definition predicted MACE (25.3 vs 15.5 events/1000 patient-years, P = 0.019). Time-to-MACE was 5.5 ± 3.5 years with MetS and 6.8 ± 3.9 years without MetS (P < 0.0001). MetS was independent of pertinent MACE risk factors except age and previous cardiac disease. Among MetS components, dysglycemia provided greatest hazard ratio (HR) for MACE (1.814 [95% confidence interval 1.26-2.60]), increased successively by microalbuminuria (HR 1.946 [1.37-2.75]), dyslipidemia (3.284 [1.72-6.26]), hypertension (4.127 [2.16-7.86]), and central obesity (4.282 [2.09-8.76]). MetS did not affect graft survival. In summary, although the WHO 1998 definition provides greatest predictive value for post-transplant MACE, most of this is conferred by dysglycemia and is overshadowed by age and previous cardiac disease.

A comparison of the extended-release and standard-release formulations of tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplant recipients: a 12-month outcome study.

BACKGROUND: Limited comparative data are available on the outcomes between extended-release and standard-release tacrolimus when used de novo in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). METHODS: We identified KTRs transplanted at our institution during 2009-10 routinely prescribed extended-release tacrolimus and compared them with those transplanted during 2008-09 prescribed standard-release tacrolimus. Graft function (eGFR by MDRD-7 equation) at 12 months post-transplant (primary outcome); new-onset diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, BK viremia incidence, acute rejection, and graft survival to 12 months (secondary outcomes) were compared by intent-to-treat analysis. Time-to-steady-state concentration and number of dose adjustments required to attain steady state were recorded. RESULTS: There were no important demographic differences between the extended-release (N = 106) and standard-release (N = 95) cohorts. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 12 months was similar (58.8 ± 17 versus 59.2 ± 18 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P = 0.307). There was no difference in new-onset diabetes (17 versus 20%, P = 0.581), BK viremia (10 versus 7%, P = 0.450), acute rejection (7 versus 16%, P = 0.067) or graft survival (97 versus 95%, P = 0.301). Time-to-steady state was similar (9.2 ± 1.1 versus 8.1 ± 4.7 days, P = 0.490) although extended-release patients required fewer adjustments to attain steady state (1.2 ± 1.7 [0-8] versus 1.7 ± 1.5 [0-7], P = 0.030) but a similar dose (7.2 ± 2.4 [2-17] versus 7 ± 2.7 [2-16] mg/day, P = 0.697). CONCLUSION: De novo KTRs prescribed extended-release or standard-release tacrolimus demonstrate similar 12-month outcomes.

Paraoxonase 1 Phenotype and Mass in South Asian versus Caucasian Renal Transplant Recipients.

South Asian renal transplant recipients have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease compared with Caucasian renal transplant recipients. We carried out a study to determine whether paraoxonase 1, a novel biomarker for cardiovascular risk, was decreased in South Asian compared with Caucasian renal transplant recipients. Subjects were matched two to one on the basis of age and sex for a total of 129 subjects. Paraoxonase 1 was measured by mass, arylesterase activity, and two-substrate phenotype assay. Comparisons were made by using a matched design. The frequency of PON1 QQ, QR and RR phenotype was 56%, 37%, and 7% for Caucasian subjects versus 35%, 44%, and 21% for South Asian subjects (χ(2) = 7.72, P = 0.02). PON1 mass and arylesterase activity were not significantly different between South Asian and Caucasian subjects. PON1 mass was significantly associated with PON1 phenotype (P = 0.0001), HDL cholesterol (P = 0.009), LDL cholesterol (P = 0.02), and diabetes status (P < 0.05). Arylesterase activity was only associated with HDL cholesterol (P = 0.003). Thus the frequency of the PON1 RR phenotype was higher and that of the QQ phenotype was lower in South Asian versus Caucasian renal transplant recipients. However, ethnicity was not a significant factor as a determinant of PON1 mass or arylesterase activity, with or without analysis including PON1 phenotype. The two-substrate method for determining PON1 phenotype may be of value for future studies of cardiovascular complications in renal transplant recipients.

Lower total and percent of high-molecular-weight adiponectin concentration in South Asian kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Ethnicity is an important determinant of post-renal transplant outcomes. Limited data are available on cardiovascular risk differences in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) based on ethnicity. METHODS: A group of 129 clinically stable age-matched KTR [43 South Asian (SA), 86 Caucasian]) were assessed for plasma total and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin, cystatin C, apolipoproteins A1 and B, C-reactive protein, uric acid, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and transplant-specific plus traditional Framingham risk factors. SA and Caucasians were compared by t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum or chi-square testing. Accounting for the matched design, multivariable linear regression was performed to determine predictors of adiponectin concentrations. RESULTS: SA did not differ from Caucasians in background cardiac disease or cardioprotective medication use or risk factors other than smoking (26 versus 56%, P = 0.001). Total adiponectin (9.5 ± 3.5 versus 12.9 ± 6.7 µmg/mL, P < 0.001) and HMW adiponectin (22 ± 9 versus 29 ± 11%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in SA. Determinants of total adiponectin included SA ethnicity (P = 0.02), cystatin C-eGFR (P < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (P < 0.0001) and waist-to-hip ratio (P < 0.001), while those of HMW adiponectin included SA ethnicity (P < 0.001), cystatin C-eGFR (P = 0.03) and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.001). There were no important differences in the other measured biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Total and HMW adiponectin concentrations are lower in SA KTR and may be promising exploratory biomarkers of post-transplant cardiovascular risk.

South Asian ethnicity as a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: South Asians (SAs) comprise 25% of all Canadian visible minorities. SAs constitute a group at high risk for cardiovascular disease in the general population, but the risk in SA kidney transplant recipients has never been studied. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In a cohort study of 864 kidney recipients transplanted from 1998 to 2007 and followed to June 2009, we identified risk factors including ethnicity associated with major cardiac events (MACEs, a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary intervention, and cardiac death) within and beyond 3 months after transplant. Kaplan-Meier methodology and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to determine risk factors for MACEs. RESULTS: There was no difference among SAs (n = 139), whites (n = 550), blacks (n = 65), or East Asians (n = 110) in baseline risk, including pre-existing cardiac disease. Post-transplant MACE rate in SAs was 4.4/100 patient-years compared with 1.31, 1.16, and 1.61/100 patient-years in whites, blacks, and East Asians, respectively (P < 0.0001 versus each). SA ethnicity independently predicted MACEs along with age, male gender, diabetes, systolic BP, and prior cardiac disease. SAs also experienced more MACEs within 3 months after transplant compared with whites (P < 0.0001), blacks (P = 0.04), and East Asians (P = 0.006). However, graft and patient survival was similar to other groups. CONCLUSIONS: SA ethnicity is an independent risk factor for post-transplant cardiac events. Further study of this high-risk group is warranted.

Twenty four-hour ambulatory blood pressure profiles 12 months post living kidney donation.

Summary Small blood pressure (BP) elevations may occur post kidney donation. This prospective study determined 24-h ambulatory BP (ABP) and other cardiovascular risk factor changes in 51 living donors over 12 months postdonation. Donors also provided 24-h urine collections for monitoring protein and creatinine clearance, 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and fasting lipids. Nondipping was defined as night-day systolic (SBP) ratio >or=0.9. Baseline and 12-month pre to postdonation comparisons were made both for dippers and nondippers. Of 51 donors, 35 were dippers and 16 nondippers. In these two groups, predonation 24-h SBP were 115.2 +/- 8 and 115.6 +/- 10 mmHg; serum creatinine (SCr) 69.3 +/- 12 and 71.1 +/- 13 micromol/l; and 24-h urine protein 0.12 +/- 0.05 and 0.09 +/- 0.03 g (all P = NS) while at 12 months, 24-h SBP were 111.4 +/- 11 and 114.3 +/- 8 mmHg (P = 0.384), SCr 97.9 +/- 16 and 97.7 +/- 21 micromol/l (P = 0.810); and 24-h urine protein 0.139 +/- 0.09 and 0.111 +/- 0.07 g/d (P = 0.360) respectively. The 24-h SBP was significantly lower in the dippers at 12 months as compared with predonation (P = 0.036). OGTT and lipid profiles remained normal in both groups. Predonation nocturnal nondipping does not carry adverse postdonation consequences over 12 months.

A prospective observational study of changes in renal function and cardiovascular risk following living kidney donation.

The effect of unilateral nephrectomy on the cardiovascular risk profile of living kidney donors has not been prospectively studied. We performed an observational cohort study of 58 living donors to 6 months postdonation for changes in 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure profiles, renal function, urine protein excretion, body mass index, glucose tolerance, and fasting lipid profiles. The 24-hr systolic blood pressure average and night-day ratio were unchanged from pre- to postdonation (118.9+/-11 vs. 118.1+/-14 mm Hg, P=0.77; 0.87+/-0.07 vs. 0.87+/-0.09, P=0.68, respectively). Estimated glomerular filtration rate declined from 91.9+/-16 to 61.6+/-12 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P<0.0001). Protein excretion, body mass index, glucose, and lipids were unchanged. No significant differences were noted between dippers and nondippers either pre- or postdonation. In summary, living kidney donation in the short term is safe. We suggest further observation of individuals with lower glomerular filtration rate for possible increased cardiovascular risk factors in the future.