Cardiovascular disease in renal allograft recipients is associated with elevated sialic acid or markers of inflammation

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is more common in patients with renal failure, even after renal transplantation. We wished to examine the relationship between markers of inflammation and CVD in stable renal transplant patients. Methods: Ninety stable renal transplant outpatients with no recent illnesses or rejection were invited for study. Blood was drawn for a variety of inflammatory markers including total plasma sialic acid (SA) levels. Results: Patients with CVD were significantly older than patients without (54 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 14 yr, p