Incidence and Neurological Complications in Renal Transplant Patients

Abstract

Objective-Neurologic complications are frequent (30% -60%) in patients with end stage renal disease who have undergone renal transplant. There are very few longitudinal studies showing the effect neurologic problems have on the survival and quality of life in renal transplant recipients. This study sought to review the incidence and classify these complications. Methods- Patients of renal transplant (n=25) presenting to the renal transplant unit of a teaching tertiary care hospital were included in this study. A written informed consent was taken from all patients. Medical records and history were reviewed .Neurological assessment was done. Mental state was assessed based on a simple standardised questionnaire. Results-Out of the 25 patients examined, 23 (92%) were men and 2(8%) were women. The mean age of the recipients was 35±5 years (range 14-65 years). There were 11(44%) who had neurologic complications. Dementia was the commonest present in 3(12%) of our patients post transplant. Encephalopathy was observed in 3(12%) of our patients .Headache was present in 1 (4%) of our patients pre transplant. ConclusionNeurologic complications are common after renal transplant and are mainly associated with immunosuppressive medication.