Gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donor

C. J. Martin,Z. Ebrahim,D. Labadarios,E. Muller,F. J. Veldman,S. M. Kassier

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-92016-2

Abstract

Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in kidney transplant candidates and recipients and may be worsened by HIV. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of GIS in HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients from HIV-positive donors, and those waiting to receive one. A GIS rating scale (GSRS) was completed by 76 participants at baseline and at 6 months. GIS frequency was defined as having at least one symptom (GSRS > 1). Severity was indicated by the GSRS score. Transplant candidates: GIS frequency was 88.9% and 86.3% at baseline and 6 months respectively. Indigestion was the most frequent (79.6% and 66.7% at baseline and 6 months), and severe GIS (GSRS 2.3). Women reported global mean (p = 0.030) severity significantly more than men. Transplant recipients: GIS frequency was 95.2% and 76.2% at baseline and 6 months respectively. At both assessment points, indigestion occurred most frequently (85.7% and 61.9% respectively). Highest GSRS was reported for indigestion at baseline (2.33) and at 6 months (1.33). Waist circumference (WC) was positively associated with the severity of constipation GSRS. GIS are common in both groups, especially indigestions. WC in transplant recipients should be monitored.

Highlights

Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in kidney transplant candidates and recipients and may be worsened by HIV
The latter group were managed with haemodialysis (HD) (n = 51) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) (n = 3)
These values fell within the 76–90% GIS frequency range experienced by HD and PD populations elsewhere[26,27]

Summary

Introduction

Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in kidney transplant candidates and recipients and may be worsened by HIV. Transplant candidates: GIS frequency was 88.9% and 86.3% at baseline and 6 months respectively. Indigestion was the most frequent (79.6% and 66.7% at baseline and 6 months), and severe GIS (GSRS 2.3). Transplant recipients: GIS frequency was 95.2% and 76.2% at baseline and 6 months respectively. At both assessment points, indigestion occurred most frequently (85.7% and 61.9% respectively). Patients with impaired kidney function very often experience gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) at all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD)[1]. Renal function is restored, the occurrence of GIS remains frequent and is often an under-estimated p roblem[7].

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Conclusion