Hypertension following cadaveric renal transplantation

Abstract

Summary The incidence and aetiology of hypertension following cadaveric-donor renal transplantation have been investigated in twenty-four patients. Initially, the diastolic blood pressure was persistently above 100 mmHg in 52% of the patients. By 1 month after renal transplantation the incidence had fallen to 17% but it then increased rapidly, so that by 5 months 83% had hypertension. Changes in blood pressure correlated poorly with changes in the dose of prednisone, extracellular fluid volume, exchangeable sodium, creatinine clearance and haemoglobin. The recipient's original diseased kidneys were removed after transplantation in seven patients. The blood pressure fell to normal levels in three, remained unchanged in two and became easier to control with antihypertensive drugs in the other two patients. Measurements of plasma renin concentration were of no value in predicting the response to recipient nephrectomy.