We investigated how persistent hypercalcemia—elevated calcium levels—affects hemoglobin levels in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Through a retrospective study including 385 patients, we analyzed the trajectories of hemoglobin in those with and without hypercalcemia.
Our findings revealed a surprising link: KTRs with persistent hypercalcemia exhibited higher hemoglobin levels over time—an increase of about 0.76 g/dL per year. This was especially pronounced in men, who showed an increase of 0.80 g/dL per year, compared to a more modest rise of 0.36 g/dL per year in women.
Additionally, our data indicated that these patients had a greater risk of developing post-transplant erythrocytosis, a condition characterized by an elevated red blood cell count. This relationship invites further consideration about the role of calcium levels in blood health, suggesting that rather than causing anemia as might be expected, hypercalcemia may drive erythrocytosis in this unique patient population.
Overall, this study emphasizes the complexity of calcium’s role in post-transplant health and highlights the importance of monitoring hemoglobin levels in KTRs, especially those with persistent hypercalcemia.
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