A recent study conducted at Pennsylvania State University found bone fractures in the first five years after a kidney transplant can be predicted by the recipient's risk factors as well as the donor's characteristics. Recipient characteristics such as age, gender and race also influenced the risk.

Patients who received a kidney from a deceased donor were 30 percent more likely to suffer a fracture in the first five years compared with those who received a kidney from a living donor. Individuals over the age of 65, females, Caucasians, diabetics and patients who received more intense amounts of immunosuppressive medications are also at a greater risk of bone fractures.

This article originally appeared in the December 2008 issue of Kidney Transplant Today.