Elevated soluble cellular adhesion molecules are associated with increased mortality in a prospective cohort of renal transplant recipients
2011

Cell Adhesion Molecules and Mortality in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Sample size: 378 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Grainne M Connolly, Ronan Cunningham, Peter T McNamee, Ian S Young, Alexander P Maxwell

Primary Institution: Queen's University Belfast

Hypothesis

Cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) would predict risk of death in patients with a renal transplant.

Conclusion

The study found that elevated levels of CAMs, particularly VCAM, are significant independent predictors of mortality in renal transplant recipients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Higher VCAM and ICAM levels were associated with increased mortality.
  • Patients with VCAM or ICAM in the lowest third had better survival rates.
  • The study included a large cohort of renal transplant recipients.

Takeaway

This study shows that certain proteins in the blood can help predict if kidney transplant patients will live longer or not.

Methodology

The study followed 378 renal transplant recipients over a median of 2441 days, measuring levels of VCAM and ICAM and collecting mortality data.

Potential Biases

The study may not be generalizable to other populations due to its specific demographic.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a single ethnic group and did not record other co-morbidities that could impact mortality.

Participant Demographics

All participants were white, with 64% male, 19% smokers, and 14% having diabetes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.030 for VCAM, p = 0.037 for ICAM

Confidence Interval

CI for VCAM: 1.21, 4.81; CI for ICAM: 1.22, 4.70

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2369-12-23

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