Prognostic Value of Normal Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Renal Transplant Candidates
Nithima Chaowalit MD*, Maytinee Kittipovanonth MD*, Khemajira Karaketklang MPH**, Bussakorn Kitrattana RN*, Decho Jakrapanichakul MD*, Attapong Vongwiwatana MD***, Nalinee Premasathian MD***
Affiliation : * Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand *** Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Renal transplant candidates are at high-risk for cardiovascular events. No definite screening tool has been
recommended for the pre-operative evaluation.
Objective : The authors studied the prognostic value of normal dobutamine stress echocardiography in this population.
Material and Method: Dobutamine stress echocardiography was performed for the pre-operative assessment in 107 renal
transplant candidates (age 53.2 + 6.2 years, 66.4% male). The mean follow-up time was 2.8 + 1.7 years. The primary end-
point was total mortality.
Results : During follow-up, 16 (15.0%) died and 26 (24.3%) patients underwent kidney transplantation. The overall survival
probabilities at 1, 3 and 5 years were 87, 83 and 79%, respectively. Among those who underwent renal transplantation, the
survival probabilities at 1, 3 and 5 years were 100, 100 and 89%, respectively.
Conclusion : In renal transplant candidates, normal dobutamine stress echocardiography portends a good long-term
prognosis.
Keywords : Dobutamine stress echocardiography, Prognosis, Renal transplant
