Mechanisms and management of proteinuria in kidney transplant patients

Proteinuria is a common complication occurring after kidney transplantation. It is associated with an increased risk of renal failure and patient death. Treatment with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists (blockers) has been shown to reduce proteinuria after kidney transplantation, as well as improve both graft and patient survival. An increase in proteinuria has been observed in some patients after initiation of sirolimus therapy. Although the mechanism of this remains unclear, high proteinuria at baseline and poor renal function at baseline have been identified as potential risk factors for the development of proteinuria after conversion to sirolimus. Initiation of sirolimus therapy is not recommended in patients with early histological indicators of glomerular damage; however, in patients with healthy grafts, sirolimus may prevent future glomerulosclerosis. Early treatment with an ACE inhibitor and sirolimus, prior to the appearance of glomerular changes, may result in better outcomes.