Determining the effect of nutritional status and habits on graft function in patients after renal transplantation

Renal transplantation (RT) is the process of transferring a solid kidney (graft) from a living or cadaver to patients with impaired renal function and end-stage renal failure. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the nutritional status and habits of RT patients on graft function. The study was conducted on 132 volunteer patients who were monitored in the Department of Internal Medicine at Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, Nephrology Department, at least 1 year after transplantation, 18 years and older, the dose of immunosuppressive drugs they used in the last 3 months was not increased by the physician and accepted the research. Patients were examined in 2 groups with GFR values below 60 and those over 60. The questionnaire consisting of 3 sections (demographic features, nutritional habits and 24-hour food consumption records) was applied using face to face interview technique in obtaining the data. In addition, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and some serum and urine biochemical analyzes were recorded. In the study, post-transplant patients with 70% appetite increase appetite reduction of GFR in the group who are under 60 (7.8%) than other groups (% 0,0) more (p<0.05), and GFR in patients over 60, per kg of protein intake daily protein intake daily protein portion of energy from the average, respectively 68,3 23.0 g, 1,00±0,36 g/kg and % from 17.7±4.4, and compared with the other groups was greater (p<0.05), Obese participants in GFR under 60 rate (% 43,1) than the other groups (% 28,4) where higher (P<0.05), waist-to-hip ratio fasting blood glucose (p<0,000; R=0.339), waist circumference value and systolic blood pressure (p<0.001; R = 0.292) were found to have a significant, positive directional and strong correlation. It is thought that providing nutrition education after RT and providing adequate and balanced nutrition with appropriate arrangements in diet will be effective in preventing possible health problems that may arise in patients. Keywords: Renal transplantation, nutritional status, nutritional habits, graft function