Aim: To evaluate the relationship between glomerular filtration rate and arterial stiffness using Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) as an independent cardiovascular risk factor in renal transplanted patients.

Patients and methods: We studied transplanted patients followed in our outpatient clinic. After a medical examination, we measured blood pressure (Comfort Cuff- Skil-Care, USA), PWV (pOpmètre® - Axelife sas - France) after 10 min supine resting. pOpmetre® measures the finger to toe transit time, and according to a height chart, calculates the PWV. Three measurements were performed to study the repeatability. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using MDRD equation.

Results: Forty-four (30 men, 14 women) renal transplant recipients were included. No significant difference between men and women were found in age (M±SEM: 53.2±2.2 years), systolic blood pressure (SBP: 138±2 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP: 81±2 mmHg), eGFR (45.9±2.4 ml/min/1.73 m2) and PWV (10.4±1 m/s) [range: 6.0–15.7]. Repeatability expressed as the SD/mean of 3 measurements was very good: 5.4%.

PWV correlated positively with age (r²=0.16, p<0.009) and negatively with eGFR (r²=0.15, p<0.009). Using a stepwise regression model (including gender, age, SBP, DBP, height, weight), only age and pOpmetre PWV remained significantly associated with eGFR.

Conclusions: Glomerular filtration rate independently correlates with pulse wave velocity in renal transplant patients, supporting the hypothesis that kidney function plays a predominant role in arterial stiffness.