Inflammatory Markers and Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background: Increased levels of TNF-Alpha and IL6 are associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease among patients with normal kidney function. However, little is known about their association with outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: We collected socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters, medical and transplant history from 977 prevalent kidney transplant recipients enrolled in the MINIT-HU study. Serum cytokine levels were measured at baseline. Associations between serum TNF-Alpha and IL6 values and death with a functioning graft over a 6-year follow-up period were examined in unadjusted and adjusted models. Results: The mean+/-SD age of the study population was 51+/-13 years, 57% were men, 21% were diabetics. Median serum TNF-Alpha and IL6 concentrations were significantly higher in patients who died with a functioning graft as compared to those who did not die during the follow-up period (TNF-Alpha: median[IQR]: 1.92[1.43-2.67] vs. 2.25[1.63-3.08, p

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