Spectrum of infections in renal transplant recipients, factors affecting long term patient and graft outcomes over 10 years including COVID pandemic periods

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple factors including infections affect graft and patient outcomes in Renal Allograft Recipients. Survival data from tropical countries is scarce, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. Subjects and Methods: In this ambispective study, records of KTRs between 2011 to 2019 and prospective follow up of subsequent transplants up till 2021 was done. Infection rate, etiology, and patient and graft outcomes were studied with appropriate investigations. Univariate and multivariate analysis was done to assess the predictors of patient and graft outcomes. Results: A total of 249 patients were studied, of which 218 episodes of infection occurred in 129 patients (49.79%). Bacterial infections were the most common (40.50%), followed by viral (35.20%), mycobacterial (11%), and fungal (8.10%). Of all infections, 52.3% of cases occurred within the 1st 6 months. Infections led to patient mortality in 14.7% of cases. Infections were significantly associated with graft rejection and chronic graft dysfunction. Donor age, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and graft rejection were independent predictors of chronic graft dysfunction. Recipient age and graft rejection were independent predictors of graft loss. Graft survival was 88.53%, 73.75%, and 44.90% at the end of 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, with average 18% of total graft losses occurring during the pre-COVID era as compared to 39% in COVID period. Conclusion: Invasive fungal infections and tuberculosis are more common in late transplant period. Recipient and donor age, graft rejection, CMV infection, and COVID pandemic period affected graft and patient outcomes. COVID pandemic period led to a disproportionately higher occurrence of graft loss.