Vascular Calcifications in Kidney Transplant Recipient

The hypothesis of this study is that incidence and severity of arterial calcification raise with age of the patient and time spent on hemodialysis. Additionally, poorer graft and patient survival and overall risk for future cardiovascular events correlate with the severity of arterial calcifications following successful kidney transplantation. Study will include 50 patients who will undergo kidney transplantation. Non-contrast CT scan of abdomen and pelvis will be performed, and blood level of bone remodeling markers will be determined in all patients. Two radiologists will independently assess the severity of iliac artery calcifications, by using quantitative scoring system developed by Davis et al. and newly developed pelvic calcification score. Pelvic calcification score (PCS) will be determined by assessing common iliac artery (CIA) and external iliac artery (EIA) calcifications bilaterally, based on their morphology (no calcification, thin linear calcification, 1mm in thickness and bulky calcification\>2mm in thickness and convex luminal margins, scores 0-3), circumference and length (no calcification, 1-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, \> 76%, scores 0-4, respectively). PCS could vary from 0-44. Serum level of bone remodeling biomarkers will be determined on hospital admission. Demographic and clinical data (body mass index - BMI, principal disease and additional conditions, type and duration of renal replacement therapy, KT side-and arterial segment used, hospitalization time, and graft and overall survival) will be recorded. Patients will be followed at least one year after KT, the function of kidney transplant will be assessed by measurement of serum creatine and renal scintigraphy