Is dietary intervention effective in post-transplant hyperlipidaemia?

Current therapies for hyperlipidaemia following renal transplantation include modification of dietary fat. We examined the effect of dietary intervention according to the American Heart Association Step One diet on serum lipids and lipoproteins among 26 men and women with post-transplant hyperlipidaemia. Weighed dietary records showed that the intake of total fat decreased from 30 to 27% and the intake of saturated fat decreased from 12 to 8% of total calories. Body-weight remained stable throughout the study. Serum total, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were unchanged following 12 weeks of therapy. Serum triglyceride levels decreased slightly. The decrease was seen only in participants with a body mass index < 26 kg/m2, compared to those whose body mass index was > or = 26 kg/m2 (0.4 versus 0 mmol/l; P = 0.03). Serum LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly correlated with serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, among renal transplant recipients, hyperlipidaemia appears to be partly related to impairment of renal function, and may not be responsive to modification of dietary fat without weight reduction attempted on an outpatient basis.