Cardiovascular risk trajectory and its associated factors among candidates on the waiting list for deceased-donor kidney transplantation: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for wait-listed kidney transplant candidates. Since cardiovascular risk is related to a variety of factors and may change with time, longitudinal changes in cardiovascular risk and related factors in candidates need to be investigated.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the trajectory of the cardiovascular risk score and its related factors in patients on the waiting list for deceased-donor kidney transplantation (DDKT).

Methods: This longitudinal study enrolled 144 patients who were registered as candidates for a DDKT at a transplant center in South Korea. During the 5-year follow-up period, 3 candidates on the waiting list were transferred to other hospitals, 19 candidates died, and 31 candidates received kidney transplantation.

Results: Approximately 26.6 % of the candidates had a high level of cardiovascular risk, and this increased to 53.2 % after 5 years. A high risk of psychosocial status (β=0.351, p=.026) was the most significant predictor of cardiovascular risk, followed by higher comorbidity (β=0.263, p<.001). Comorbidities were a significant factor associated with cardiovascular risk throughout the 5-year period, whereas the duration of dialysis and waiting time were significant only within 1 year after baseline.

Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk during 5 years on the waiting list for DDKT was associated with multidimensional factors, including psychosocial status before transplantation, comorbidity, waiting time for transplantation, and the duration of dialysis. In addition to managing comorbid conditions, shortening the waiting time and duration of dialysis is important for reducing cardiovascular risk during the long-term care of candidates on the waiting list for DDKT.