Life In Kidney Transplant Recipients Research Articles

#1462 Muscle mass, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients results of the TransplantLines Biobank & cohort study

Abstract Background and Aims Muscles play a vital role in nearly every aspect of daily living, and kidney transplant recipients (KTR) often experience reduced muscle mass and strength, potentially contributing to their diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the potential relationship of muscle mass and muscle strength with physical HRQoL in KTR. Method Data of stable KTR (≥1 year after transplantation) enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Studies were used. Muscle mass was assessed using both appendicular skeletal muscle mass (via bioimpedance analysis) indexed to height squared (ASMI) and 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion rate indexed to height squared (CERI). Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength indexed to height squared (HGSI). HRQoL was assessed using the physical component score derived from the Short Form 36 questionnaire. Results A total of 751 KTR (61% male, mean age 56 ± 13 years) at a median of 3 years after transplantation were included. Mean ASMI was 7.5 ± 1.2 kg/m2, mean CERI was 4.1 ± 1.1 mmol/24 h/m2 and mean HGSI was 12.4 ± 3.4 kg/m2. The mean physical HRQoL score was 70 ± 21. Lower ASMI, CERI and HGSI were all associated with lower physical HRQoL, independent of potential confounders. Both associations were best characterized by a significant non-linear relationship (see Figure). Below median values, ASMI, CERI and HGSI were each associated with physical HRQoL, whereas above median values, associations were far less pronounced. When associations of ASMI, CERI and HSGI were adjusted for each other, associations of below median values of ASMI and CERI with physical HRQoL materially weakened, while those of HGSI remained strongly associated. Compared to the 50th percentile, a decrease to the 10th percentile was associated with a decrease in physical HRQoL of 6.0% for ASMI (P = 0.006), of 5.1% for CERI (P = 0.006) and 13.2% for HGSI (P < 0.001), whereas an increase to the 90th percentile was associated with an increase in physical HRQoL of only 1.3% for ASMI (P = 0.22), of 3.6% for CERI (P = 0.05) and −0.4% for HGSI (P = 0.73). Conclusion Our findings suggest that low muscle mass and muscle strength are potentially modifiable risk factors for impaired physical HRQoL. Both muscle mass and muscle strength were complementarily associated with HRQoL. However, muscle strength was most strongly associated with physical HRQoL. The non-linear nature of the associations implies that KTR with low muscle mass or strength may particularly benefit from (p)rehabilitation interventions to improve HRQoL.

#1396 Anxiety level in kidney transplant recipients with adverse cardiovascular events

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplantation is the most cardioprotective method of renal replacement therapy and it has a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of patients. However, kidney transplant recipients have a higher cardiovascular risk and a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression than people in the general population. The aim of the study was assessment of anxiety levels and the quality of life of kidney transplant recipients preceding adverse cardiovascular events. Method The study included 154 kidney transplant recipients. 54 (35.1%) of them had adverse cardiovascular events (acute coronary syndrome, complicated hypertensive crisis or rhythm disturbance) for three years of observation. The comparison group was 100 (64.9%) recipients without cardiovascular complications during the observation period. The study groups were comparable by age, gender, graft function and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Results The average level of situational anxiety of kidney transplant recipients was 39 ± 7, the level of personal anxiety—43 ± 8. The structure was dominated by recipients with moderate personal anxiety—55.2% (n = 85) and moderate situational anxiety—66.9% (n = 103). However, the proportion of persons with high personal anxiety was quite high—40.9% (n = 63). The structure of anxiety levels had no significant differences depending on subsequent cardiovascular complications. Nevertheless, kidney transplantation recipients with adverse cardiovascular events had higher previous level of situational anxiety than recipients without cardiovascular events—41 ± 7 versus 38 ± 7, p < 0.05. During the study kidney transplant recipients were asked to rate their quality of life on a scale of 1 to 10. Recipients with subsequent adverse cardiovascular events had a lower subjective quality of life than recipients without cardiovascular complications—7 (6-8) versus 8 (7-8), p < 0.01. Conclusion Based on the study it was found that recipients with adverse cardiovascular events in the late postoperative period are characterized by a higher level of situational anxiety and a lower quality of life before these complications.

Mental health, COVID-19 burden and quality of life of kidney transplant recipients two years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Few studies have evaluated the psychological distress of COVID-19 in kidney transplantation and the psychological impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on kidney transplant recipients is not yet well understood. The present study aimed to investigate the change in symptom burden and health-related quality of life in the two years after initial assessment, by outlining the change over time of symptoms at 12 and 24 months of follow-up. This is a follow-up study. We performed a study published in 2021 (phase 1 of COVID-19); of the 89 kidney transplant recipients evaluated in this study, 60 completed the 12 months follow-up (March 2021 June 2021, phase 2 of COVID-19) and 57 completed the 24 months follow-up (March 2022 June 2022, post COVID-19). The same tools as in previous study were administered: the ad hoc questionnaire on emotional state and psychophysical well-being during COVID-19, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) to provide a simple and rapid quantification of the psychological and somatic symptoms and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was used to assess health-related quality of life. Compared to the first and second phase of COVID-19, the mean score of quality of life variables were higher in the post COVID-19 phase; thus the recipients physical health, mental health and their perception of their general health improved. Regarding the psychopathology variables the levels of Anxiety, Depression and Phobia in the Post COVID-19 phase decreased, while the Somatization score was higher. Lastly, burden of COVID-19 scores in the third phase, significantly decreased. Our study highlights a significant association between mental health and the burden of COVID-19 pandemic in kidney transplant recipients. This study showed, a significant worsening, over time, of some specific symptoms, such as somatization and phobias. However, the results showed that depressive symptoms improved during the study period. Long-term monitoring of kidney transplant recipients therefore remains fundamental. These results confirmed the need to provide integrated multidisciplinary services to adequately address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the most vulnerable subjects.

Medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study from a nursing clinical practice perspective

Medication non-adherence is implicated as one of the major causes of early and late kidney transplant rejection. The present study aimed to evaluate medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients. The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive. The sample was 144 kidney transplant patients, and sampling was by convenience. The researchers collected data using a three-part questionnaire, including demographic characteristics, clinical features, and simplified medication adherence questionnaire (SMAQ). Findings suggest that medication adherence in participants was at the desired level (94.4%; 95% CI: 89.8-97.3; P<0.001) and the number of hospitalizations was a predictor of medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients (95% CI: 0.236-1.009; OR:0.488; P=0.053). The mean serum levels of Tacrolimus, Sirolimus, Cyclosporine, and Everolimus in kidney transplant recipients were 8.22 (SD=4.75), 59.66 (SD=82.71), 138.25 (SD=74.99), and 5.7, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate and serum levels of Tacrolimus and Cyclosporine were higher in patients with appropriate medication adherence than those with poor medication adherence (P>0.05). With the increasing number of hospitalizations, medication adherence in these patients decreased. Overall, the medication adherence in kidney transplant recipients at the Kidney Transplantation Referral Center was at the desired level. Therefore, medicating related training programs are a promising approach to improve the quality of life in kidney transplant recipients and potentially reduce the incidence of transplant rejections among kidney transplant patients.

Sleep and quality of life in kidney transplant recipients with and without non-melanoma skin cancer: a comparative study.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is prevalent in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), related tothe immunosuppressive effects of anti-rejection therapy. Sleep disturbances can alterthe immune system and enhance oxidative stress, which may increase the risk of carcinogenesis. This study aimed to analyze the quality of life and sleep in KTR with and without NMSC. Participants answered a set of questionnaires, the WHOQOL-bref, thePittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), theEpworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Berlin Questionnaire and self-reported chronotype. The total sample was distributed in the following groups: KTR with NMSC (n = 42), KTR without NMSC (n = 43) and healthy controls (n = 41). The mean scores of the questionnaires were not statistically significant, except for 3 domains of PSQI (sleep quality, sleep latency and daily consequences of poor sleep). The KTR with NMSC and control group presented worse sleep quality. Worse sleep latency and more daytime consequences were found in KTR groups. All groups had a numerical predominance of low-quality sleep (PSQI) and greater sleepiness (EES). Higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea was not observed and the evening-type chronotype was most frequent. In the WHOQOL, compromised physical domain was observed in KTR. Significant results were reached in few aspects of quality of life and sleep comparing KTR and controls. All groups presented excessive daytime sleepiness and low-sleep quality.

Metabolic Syndrome and Dietary Intake are Associated With Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a significant risk factor, and dietary intake may affect the quality of life (QoL) of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), the association between them are unclear. This study identified MetS and nutritional factors associated with the QoL of KTRs. This study reports baseline data from a longitudinal study that was conducted at a hospital in Vietnam. KTRs aged ≥18 years and >3 months post-transplantation were recruited. Assessments included sociodemographic and blood biomarkers. Dietary intake was estimated from 24-hour recalls. A Short Form-36 Health Survey, comprising physical (PCS) and mental component summaries (MCS), was administered to assess QoL. Multivariate linear regression models were performed. The study included 106 patients (79 men) with a mean age of 43.2 years (± 11.9). Mean duration after kidney transplantation was 28.5 months (± 14.9). Patients with MetS had 6.43 lower PCS score (P < .05) and 3.20 lower MCS score (P < .05) than their counterparts without MetS. Calcium intake (β=-0.01; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.00) and inadequate protein (β=-14.8; 95% CI, -23 to -6.65) were negatively associated with PCS score. MCS score was negatively associated with calcium intake (β=-0.02; 95% CI, -0.04 to -0.01) and inadequate protein intake (β=-15.1; 95% CI, -24.3 to -5.86), and positively associated with fat intake (β=0.43, 95% CI, 0.02-0.85). MetS and poor dietary intake are independently associated with the QoL of KTRs. Nutritional intervention plans developed specifically for the recipients will improve dietary intake, reduce the incidence of MetS, and help enhance QoL.

Sleep quality, fatigue, societal participation and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study.

Fatigue and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are common among kidney transplant recipients (KTR). We hypothesized that both may partially be attributable to poor sleep. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data of KTR enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study were used. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Individual strength (i.e. a composite of fatigue, concentration, motivation and physical activity), societal participation and HRQoL were assessed using validated questionnaires. We included 872 KTR (39% female, age 56±13 years) and 335 healthy controls. In total, 33% of male KTR and 49% of female KTR reported poor sleep quality, which was higher compared with male and female healthy controls (19% and 28%, respectively, P<.001 for both). In logistic regression analyses, female sex, anxiety, active smoking, low protein intake, physically inactive lifestyle, low plasma magnesium concentration, using calcineurin inhibitors, not using mTOR inhibitors and using benzodiazepine agonists were associated with poor sleep quality. In adjusted linear regression analyses, poor sleep was strongly and independently associated with lower individual strength [standardized β (st.β) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45 to 0.74, P<.001], poorer societal participation (frequency: st.β = -0.17, 95% CI -0.32 to -0.01, P=.04; restrictions: st.β = -0.36, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.21, P<.001; satisfaction: st.β = -0.44, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.28, P<.001) and lower HRQoL (physical: st.β = -0.53, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.38, P<.001; mental: st.β = -0.64, 95% CI -0.78 to -0.50, P<.001). The associations with poorer societal participation and lower HRQoL were strongly mediated by individual strength (P<.001 for all), yet the suggested direct effects of poor sleep quality on HRQoL remained significant (Pphysical=.03, Pmental=.002). Longitudinal data of 292 KTR showed that sleep quality improves after kidney transplantation in males (P<.001), but not in females (P=.9). Poor sleep quality is common among KTR, and may be a potential target to improve fatigue, societal participation and HRQoL among KTR.

Frailty in kidney transplant candidates and recipients: pathogenesis and intervention strategies.

With the rapid aging of the global population posing a serious problem, frailty, a non-specific state that reflects physiological senescence rather than aging in time, has become more widely addressed by researchers in various medical fields. A high prevalence of frailty is found among kidney transplant (KT) candidates and recipients. Therefore, their frailty has become a research hotspot in the field of transplantation. However, current studies mainly focus on the cross-sectional survey of the incidence of frailty among KT candidates and recipients and the relationship between frailty and transplantation. Research on the pathogenesis and intervention is scattered, and relevant review literature is scarce. Exploring the pathogenesis of frailty in KT candidates and recipients and determining effective intervention measures may reduce waiting list mortality and improve the long-term quality of life of KT recipients. Therefore, this review explains the pathogenesis and intervention measures for frailty in KT candidates and recipients to provide a reference for the formulation of effective intervention strategies.

Understanding Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients: The Role of Symptom Experience and Illness Perceptions.

The purpose of our article is to investigate the impact of symptom experience on health related quality of life (HRQOL) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and whether illness perceptions mediated this impact. Symptom experience, illness perceptions, and HRQOL were measured at transplantation and 6weeks after transplantation in KTRs in an ongoing Dutch cohort study. Multivariable linear regression models were used for the analysis. 90 KTRs were analyzed. Fatigue and lack of energy were the most prevalent and burdensome symptoms at transplantation. Mental HRQOL at 6weeks after transplantation was comparable to that of the general Dutch population (mean [standard deviation, SD]: 49.9 [10.7]) versus 50.2 [9.2]), while physical HRQOL was significantly lower (38.9 [9.1] versus 50.6 [9.2]). Experiencing more symptoms was associated with lower physical and mental HRQOL, and the corresponding HRQOL reduced by -0.15 (95%CI, -0.31; 0.02) and -0.23 (95%CI, -0.42; -0.04) with each additional symptom. The identified mediation effect suggests that worse symptom experiences could cause more unhelpful illness perceptions and consequently lead to lower HRQOL. Illness perceptions may explain the negative impact of symptom experience on HRQOL. Future studies at later stages after kidney transplantation are needed to further explore the mediation effect of illness perceptions and guide clinical practice to improve HRQOL.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use, Fatigue, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results From the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study

Prior studies report that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can adversely affect gut microbiota and gastrointestinal uptake of micronutrients, in particular iron and magnesium, and are used frequently by kidney transplant recipients. Altered gut microbiota, iron deficiency, and magnesium deficiency have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic fatigue. Therefore, we hypothesized that PPI use may be an important and underappreciated cause of fatigue and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. Cross-sectional study. Kidney transplant recipients (≥1 year after transplantation) enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study. PPI use, PPI type, PPI dosage, and duration of PPI use. Fatigue and HRQoL, assessed using the validated Checklist Individual Strength 20 Revised questionnaire and Short Form-36 questionnaire. Logistic and linear regression. We included 937 kidney transplant recipients (mean age 56±13 years, 39% female) at a median of 3 (1-10) years after transplantation. PPI use was associated with fatigue severity (regression coefficient 4.02, 95% CI, 2.18 to 5.85, P<0.001), a higher risk of severe fatigue (OR 2.05, 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.84, P<0.001), lower physical HRQoL (regression coefficient-8.54, 95% CI,-11.54 to-5.54, P<0.001), and lower mental HRQoL (regression coefficient-4.66, 95% CI,-7.15 to-2.17, P<0.001). These associations were independent of potential confounders including age, time since transplantation, history of upper gastrointestinal disease, antiplatelet therapy, and the total number of medications. They were present among all individually assessed PPI types and were dose dependent. Duration of PPI exposure was only associated with fatigue severity. Residual confounding and inability to assess causal relationships. PPI use is independently associated with fatigue and lower HRQoL among kidney transplant recipients. PPI use might be an easily accessible target for alleviating fatigue and improving HRQoL among kidney transplant recipients. Further studies examining the effect of PPI exposure in this population are warranted.

Age and gender differences in symptom experience and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study.

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an increasingly important patient-reported outcome in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study explored relationships between symptom prevalence and burden with HRQOL, and age and gender differences in symptom experience. Eligible Dutch KTRs transplanted in Leiden University Medical Center were invited for this cross-sectional study. HRQOL, and occurrence and burden of 62 symptoms were measured using validated questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used for investigating the associations of symptom experience with mental and physical HRQOL, and differences in symptom experience between genders and KTRs of diverse age groups. A total of 631 KTRs were analyzed; the mean (standard deviation) age was 61.3 (11.3) years, and 62% were male. The median (interquartile range) number of symptoms was 14 (7-22), with a burden of 20 (8-37; range 0-244). Per extra symptom, physical and mental HRQOL decreased [-0.41 (-0.50; -0.31) and -0.51 (-0.59; -0.42), respectively, P<.001]. Most occurring symptoms were bruises, tiredness, lack of energy, urge to urinate at night and dry skin. Sexual problems were considered most burdensome. Female KTRs reported more symptoms than men. Amongst others, younger KTRs experienced more (18-50>50-65≥65 years) feelings of depression and both female and younger KTRs reported higher symptom prevalence concerning changes in physical appearance. KRTs' symptom experience differed depending on gender and age, highlighting the need to develop tailored treatment strategies to reduce symptom experience and subsequently improve HRQOL.

Iron Deficiency, Anemia, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Iron Deficiency, Anemia, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Exploring post-transplant life in kidney transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medication: A phenomenological study

BackgroundAdherence to immunosuppressive medication therapy is essential for long-term survival of kidney transplant recipients. This has major implications on quality of life. AimWe aimed to identify the nature of the experience of taking immunosuppressive medication and its implications on kidney transplant recipients. MethodsThe study used a descriptive phenomenological design, applying Giorgi's phenomenological method. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 10 kidney transplant recipients. Giorgi's four-step method was used to analyse the data. FindingsThe structure of the kidney transplant recipients' experiences of immunosuppressive medication were classified into four themes: “reformulating to the condition,” “resetting one's framework for living in a changed world,” “tuning to prevent becoming unbalanced,” and “voluntary restraint for normalising one's new life,” which can be further divided into 11 subconstituents. DiscussionAs compared to previous studies, our study was novel as it had a patient-centred point of view and focused on the lives of participants after starting immunosuppressants. We found that these patients sought stability and normality in their lives and viewed adherence to pharmacotherapy as a prerequisite to life. Our results may be used by nurses and healthcare providers as data to understand the perspective of patients taking immunosuppressants after kidney transplantation. ConclusionThis study provides a new perspective on the nature of patient experiences with immunosuppressive medication, instead of views on compliance and noncompliance. It also provides basic data for research to improve the quality of life and adaptation of kidney transplant recipients.

Hand dexterity, daily functioning and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients

Impaired interplay between sensory and motor function may be an important, often overlooked cause of the decreased daily functioning and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of kidney transplant recipients (KTR). We assessed this interplay using a hand dexterity test, and investigated its potential associations with daily functioning and HRQoL among KTR enrolled at the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study. A total of 309 KTR (58% male, mean age 56 ± 13 years) at median 4 [IQR: 1–11] years after transplantation were included. Impaired hand dexterity, as defined by a test performance slower than the 95th percentile of an age- and sex-specific reference population, was observed in 71 (23%) KTR. Worse hand dexterity was independently associated with worse performance on almost all measures of physical capacity, activities of daily living and societal participation. Finally, hand dexterity was independently associated with physical HRQoL (standardized beta − 0.22, 95%CI − 0.34 to − 0.09, P < 0.001). In conclusion, impaired interplay between sensory and motor function, as assessed by hand dexterity, is prevalent among KTR. In addition, poor hand dexterity was associated with impaired daily functioning and limited physical HRQoL. Impaired interplay between sensory and motor function may be therefore an important, hitherto overlooked, phenomenon in KTR.

412.6: Poor Sleep Quality, Fatigue, Social Participation and Healthrelated Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background: Fatigue and limited health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are common among kidney transplant recipients (KTR). We hypothesized that both may partly be attributable to poor sleep. Methods: We used data of KTR (≥1 year after transplantation) and healthy controls (HC) from the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study. Sleep quality was assessed using the validated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Determinants of poor sleep quality were identified using logistic regression. Associations of poor sleep quality with fatigue, societal participation, and HRQoL were assessed using linear regression. Among a subgroup of KTR, sleep quality was assessed before, at six and twelve months after transplantation, allowing to assess sleep quality trajectories over time. Results: We included 872 KTR (61.1% male, age 55.7±13.1y) with available data on sleep ≥1 year after transplantation, and 335 HC. In total, 16.7% of male KTR and 31.0% of female KTR reported poor sleep quality, which was significantly higher compared to HC (males: 8.8%, PChi-squared=0.017 and females: 15.5%, PChi-squared<0.001, (Figure 1). Next to female sex, more anxiety and calcineurin inhibitor usage were main determinants of poor sleep quality. Additional analyses suggested effect modification by age for the latter, and subgroup analyses confirmed that calcineurin inhibitors were associated with increased risk of poor sleep quality only in patients <57 years old (OR 6.14, 95%CI 1.87-20.15). Poor sleep quality was associated with more fatigue (st. β 0.34, P<0.001), lower ability to concentrate (st. β 0.27, P<0.001), poorer societal participation (restriction score: st. β -0.24, P<0.001), and lower HRQoL (physical component: st. β -0.32, P<0.001 and mental component: st. β -0.40, P<0.001, see Figure 2 for differences per subdomain of HRQoL) among KTR, which all remained independent of potential confounders. Longitudinal data in a subgroup of 124 participants showed that sleep quality improved after kidney transplantation in males (P<0.001), but not females (Figure 3). Conclusion: Poor sleep quality is common among KTR. Additionally, these results highlight the clinical and personal importance of sleep quality and indicate that sleep may potentially be a key target to improve fatigue, societal participation, and HRQoL. Astellas BV. Chiesi Pharmaceuticals BV.

412.8: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Use, Fatigue and Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients

412.8: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Use, Fatigue and Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Economic Evaluation of Screening for Polyomavirus Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Cost-Utility Analysis.

Background:Screening for polyomavirus infection after kidney transplantation is recommended by clinical practice guidelines, but cost-effectiveness of this strategy is uncertain. The aim of this study was to estimate the incremental costs and benefits of routine screening for polyomavirus infection compared with no screening in kidney transplant recipients.Methods:Probabilistic Markov models were constructed to compare the health and economic benefits of routine screening for polyomavirus infection using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. A series of 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to define the most influential variables in the model.Results:Monthly screening for 6 mo followed by 3 monthly screenings until 12 mo after transplant was dominant (lower costs and improved outcomes). Compared with no screening, the incremental benefits of screening were 0.294 life-years saved and 0.232 quality-adjusted life-years saved. Total savings from screening were $6986 Australian dollars ($5057 US dollars). The cost-effectiveness ratios were most sensitive to the costs of transplantation and dialysis, age of transplantation, prevalence of viremia, and probability of death in patients with a history of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that screening (compared with no screening) was the dominant strategy across all plausible ranges of transition probabilities.Conclusions:Screening for polyomavirus infections 1 year following transplantation appears to save money, improves survival, and improves quality of life in kidney transplant recipients.

A Cross-Sectional Study of the Association Between Chronic Oral Disease Burden and Serum Biomarkers in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Poor oral health can negatively affect general health and quality of life of kidney transplant recipients. The study aimed to investigate the association between chronic oral disease burden, serum biomarkers, and comorbidities in kidney transplant recipients. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted with 44 patients after kidney transplant. The burden of chronic oral disease was composed of the following observable variables: moderate periodontitis and presence of dental caries. Serum biomarkers and comorbidities data were collected. The chi-square or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables were used. Robust Poisson regression was used to model the association. Higher levels of mean uric acid (P = .01) and creatinine (P = .03) were observed in the group of patients with oral disease burden, while the highest level of high-density lipoprotein was observed in the group without oral disease. Higher values of uric acid were associated with the occurrence of chronic oral disease burden (Adjusted PR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.48, P = .019). There was no statistical difference between the groups with and without oral disease burden in comorbidities present. The findings suggest that chronic oral diseases burden can be associated with uric acid and creatinine levels in kidney transplant recipients.

Kidney Transplant Recipient Behavior During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey Study in Norway

Rationale & ObjectiveStudies published from countries with a high prevalence of COVID-19 have found increased incidence and a more severe disease course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in kidney transplant recipients than in the general population. We investigated how the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected the everyday life of kidney transplant recipients in a country with a low infection burden.Study DesignProspective case-control study.Setting & ParticipantsAll adult kidney transplant recipients in Norway with a functioning graft and listed in the public phone registry (n = 3,060) and a group of randomly recruited individuals >18 years from the general population (n = 20,000) were invited to participate in the study by an SMS text message. In parallel, all kidney transplant recipients in Norway were invited to measure severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG from mid-June to October 2020.PredictorsThe participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire focused on everyday life, travel history, exposure to known COVID-19 cases, and demographics.Analytical ApproachGroups were compared with independent tests using 2-sided 0.05 significance levels.ResultsA total of 1,007 kidney transplant recipients and 4,409 controls answered the questionnaire. The kidney transplant recipients reported being more concerned about SARS-CoV-2 infection (27%) than the control group (7%; P value < 0.001); ie, they behaved more carefully in their everyday life (not going to the grocery store, 5.9% vs 0.9%, P < 0.001; keeping at least 1 meter distance, 16.6% vs 5.8%, P < 0.001). Of the kidney transplant responders, 81% had a SARS-CoV-2 IgG taken; all were negative.LimitationsMortality data is not reliable because of the low number of SARS-CoV-2 infected kidney transplant recipients in Norway. The relatively low questionnaire response rate for kidney transplant recipients is not optimal.ConclusionsThe questionnaire shows that kidney transplant recipients have behaved more carefully compared with the general population with less social interaction and a very high degree of adherence to governmental advice.

Post-COVID-19 Sydrome and Decrease in Health-Related Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients after SARS-COV-2 Infection-A Cohort Longitudinal Study from the North of Poland.

Introduction: Patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently face “Post-COVID-19 Syndrome”, defined by symptoms that develop during or after COVID-19, continue for more than 12 weeks, and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. We aimed to evaluate the presence of post-COVID-19 syndrome and its predictors in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) 6 months after the disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 67 KTR (38 m) with a mean age of 53.6 ± 14 years, 7.3 ± 6.4 years post-transplant were included in the cohort longitudinal study. Thirty-nine (58.2%) of them were hospitalized, but not one required invasive ventilation therapy. They were interviewed 6 months after being infected, with a series of standardized questionnaires: a self-reported symptoms questionnaire, the modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, and EQ-VAS scale. Results: Post-COVID-19 syndrome was diagnosed in 70.1% of KTR and 26.9% of them reported at least three persistent symptoms. The most common symptoms were fatigue (43.3%), hair loss (31.3%), memory impairment (11.9%), muscle aches, and headaches (11.9%). Dyspnea with an mMRC scale grade of at least 1 was reported by 34.3% patients vs. 14.9% before infection; 47.8% stated that they still feel worse than before the disease. Mean EQ-VAS scores were 64.83 vs. 73.34 before infection. The persistent symptoms are more frequent in older patients and those with greater comorbidity. Conclusions: Persistent symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome are present in the majority of KTR, which highlights the need for long-term follow-up as well as diagnostic and rehabilitation programs.