Purpose: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has emerged as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in renal transplant (RT) recipients. Post transplantation proteinuria is associated with reduced graft survival as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular events and death. We aimed to measure the relationship of serum FGF-23 with renal function, bone biomarkers, and proteinuria in RT patients.

Methods: A group of 160 RT recipients were included. Patients with increased creatinine levels were excluded. FGF-23 level was studied in every patient. Proteinuria (mg/day) of all patients were measured simultaneously with FGF-23. Last one year's parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium, phosphorus levels, office blood pressure measurements and demographic characteristics were also recorded from patient charts. Patients were divided into two groups according to median FGF-23 level: Group 1 (n:80) having high and Group 2 having low (n:80) FGF-23 levels.

Results: Groups were similar in means of demographic characteristics. Group 1 had higher phosphorus (p:0.045), parathyroid hormone (p: 0.03) and lower calcium (p: 0.04) levels. Proteinuria was significantly higher in Group 1 (1433 mg/d vs 269 mg/d, p:0.0001) while blood pressures were similar. A correlation analysis revealed that proteinuria was positively correlated with creatinine, FGF-23 and parathyroid hormone levels (p: 0.004-0.0001).

Conclusion: We suggest that increased FGF-23 levels appear to be independently associated with proteinuria and could be a potential biomarker in renal transplant recipients.

CITATION INFORMATION: Tutal E, Sezer S, Bal Z, Demirci B, Haberal M. Is There a Link Between Proteinuria and Increased FGF-23 Levels in Renal Transplant Patients. Am J Transplant. 2016;16 (suppl 3).

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