Hypertension Resolution Following Kidney Transplantation Is Associated with Improved Graft Prognosis and Patient Survival
A research team led by Professors Hyeryoun Jang and Kyungho Lee from the Department of Nephrology at Samsung Medical Center, together with Professor Gyeongdo Han of Soongsil University, analyzed data from 11,317 kidney transplant recipients between 2006 and 2015. Their findings were published in the Journal of Hypertension, the official journal of both the International Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Hypertension.
The study found that in patients with end-stage renal disease, normalization of blood pressure following kidney transplantation, effectively resolving hypertension, was associated with improved graft survival and a reduced risk of patient mortality. This study is the first to investigate the association between hypertension and transplant survival in a large cohort of kidney transplant recipients.
According to the research team, patients with resolved hypertension exhibited a more favorable overall prognosis following kidney transplantation compared to those with persistent hypertension. Although hypertension frequently develops as renal function declines, and can further exacerbate renal dysfunction, the resolution of hypertension to normal levels following kidney transplantation may indicate a favorable prognosis.
Professor Hyeryoun Jang, who led the study, emphasized, “Normalization of blood pressure following kidney transplantation is a critical predictor of both graft survival and patient survival.” She further stated, 'Healthcare providers should closely monitor blood pressure control, educate patients on improving dietary habits, and develop personalized treatment strategies.