The impact of renal transplantation on skin autofluorescence levels
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of renal transplantation on skin autofluorescence levels
IRAS ID
148734
Contact name
Gemma Sinead Ryan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Derby
Research summary
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), including post-transplant. Though clinical outcomes have improved in recent years the survival of dialysis patients remains poorer than that of many cancers and when compared to healthy subjects of the same age haemodialysis patients have a fivefold shorter life expectancy (Parfrey et al, 2003)
Reduced following transplantation this cardiovascular risk remains high with the greatest excess morbidity and mortality seen amongst youngest patients (Jardine et al, 2011))
Skin Auto fluorescence (SAF) levels are a strong predictor of cardiovascular mortality in CKD and of death and graft loss in the transplant patient
SAF measures Advanced Glycation end-products (AGE) a uremic toxin that accumulates in CKD due to impaired excretion and increased production (Arsov 2005).
SAF values in kidney transplant patients have been observed to be lower than in dialysis patients and similar to patients with CKD stage 3. A reduction in SAF following transplantation has recently been noted in a small group of patients (n=6) with data suggesting this occurs relatively soon after transplantation. (Crowley 2013). However there is a lack of evidence in this area.
SAF levels can be easily measured using a cutaneous AF device. Widely utilised in clinical practice across renal services at the Royal Derby Hospital it provides an easy, non-invasive method of assessing cardiovascular risk. (Hartog 2004)The aim of this project is to explore the impact of transplantation on SAF levels. It has been previously suggested that measuring SAF offers a clinically useful non-invasive method for assessing renal and cardiovascular risk in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.
Understanding what happens to SAF following transplantation may enhance our understanding of cardiovascular risk and its management in this patient group
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1056
Date of REC Opinion
6 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion