Sequential body composition analysis by bioimpedance early post-kidney transplantation.

Background: While chronic renal failure patients present disturbed body water composition, few studies have been done on its behavior following kidney grafting (Tx). We report the changes associated with a successful Tx on body composition evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Methods: Twelve Tx (seven males, five females) were studied. The BIA was assessed before Tx, at month 1 and at month 3 post-Tx. Total body water (TBW), extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), Na:K exchange rate (Nae:Ke) and phase angle (PA) were studied. An healthy group and a HD group were evaluated three times in a year interval.

Results: Comparing before Tx with month 1 post-Tx, TBW, ECW and Nae:Ke increased, while ICW and PA decreased significantly. Comparing month 1 with month 3 post-Tx, ECW decreased, while ICW and PA increased. On comparing month 1 post-Tx with the healthy group, Nae:Ke was greater and PA was lower at month 1.

Conclusions: The BIA showed that the different body water compartments of Tx recipients quickly match the constitution of normal individuals, overcoming drug therapy side effects.