HEMATOCRIT LEVELS IN PATIENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED RENAL TRANSPLANTS – A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Post transplant erythrocytosis is defined as persistently elevated hematocrit level ≥51%, or hemoglobin level ≥17gm%, following kidney transplant. The prevalence of PTE and response to treatment in a tertiary health care centre in North Chennai were assessed in this retrospective study. The medical records of 168 renal transplant recipients at Stanley Hospital, Chennai were reviewed. The age, sex, date of onset, duration of PTE, complications, treatment modalities and renal functions in PTE patients were reviewed. The treatment given was either Phlebotomy or medication with Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Of the 28 patients who developed PTE, twenty were males and eight were females. 21 patients had received live related transplants and 7 had received cadaver transplants. Four patients were treated with Phlebotomies and 24 patients were given Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Remission was seen in all patients. PTE is a benign condition not affecting graft function and responding to ACE inhibitor or Phlebotomy.