Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO1041

Fluid, Fat, and Function: Bioimpedence Analysis in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Session Information

• Transplantation: Clinical - Outcomes, Malignancy, and Pathology
  October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Transplantation

• 2002 Transplantation: Clinical

Authors

• Bale, Charan Bhadrappa, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Charan Bhadrappa Bale, MD

• Singh, Sahibjeet, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Sahibjeet Singh, MD, MBBS

• Sajgure, Atul, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Atul Sajgure

• Wakhare, Pavan, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Pavan Wakhare, MD, MBBS

• Biradar, Vivek, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Vivek Biradar

• Makan, Anuja Pradeep, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Anuja Pradeep Makan, MD, MBBS

• Dighe, Tushar Anil, Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, MH, India

Tushar Anil Dighe, MD

Introduction

Kidney transplantation reverses many metabolic and nutritional abnormalities associated with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, the early post-transplant period is also associated with significant changes in body composition and metabolic profile. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) offers a practical bedside tool for serial assessment of hydration and nutritional parameters.

Case Description

This prospective observational study evaluated adult kidney transplant recipients at a tertiary care center. Serial body composition analysis using the Bodystat Quadscan 4000 device was performed on post-transplant day 1, day 7, day 30, and day 90. Parameters assessed included lean body mass, fat mass, extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), and third-space fluid. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters including lipid profile and HbA1c were also recorded.

Discussion

Serial assessment demonstrated dynamic changes in body composition during the early post-transplant period.

Lean body mass increased significantly as early as day 7 following transplantation. This trend continued through day 30 and stabilized thereafter, reflecting rapid reversal of the catabolic state associated with uremia and improvement in nutritional status.

Fluid parameters also improved substantially over time. Third-space fluid decreased significantly by day 30, indicating restoration of volume homeostasis and resolution of extracellular fluid overload following recovery of graft function. By day 90, hydration parameters had largely stabilized.

Among metabolic parameters, HDL cholesterol increased significantly by day 90, suggesting improvement in lipid metabolism after transplantation. In contrast, LDL cholesterol levels did not demonstrate major changes during follow-up.

HbA1c showed a modest increase over the study period, although values remained within non-diabetic ranges. This trend likely reflects the early diabetogenic effects of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.

Fat mass progressively increased during follow-up and became statistically significant by day 90. The divergence between increasing adiposity and stabilization of lean body mass suggests a shift toward fat accumulation during the later post-transplant phase.