Increased prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with impaired quality of life in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive therapies have been associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, which may impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: In this survey, 4,232 renal transplant recipients from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden completed the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). SF-36 scores were compared with country norm values. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify immunosuppressants associated with GI symptoms. RESULTS: The prevalence of troublesome GI symptoms (GSRS>1) was 83% for indigestion, 69% for abdominal pain, 58% for constipation, 53% for diarrhea, 47% for reflux, and 92% for any GI symptom. Compared with the general population, HRQoL was most commonly meaningfully impaired in the general health dimension (53% of patients). The presence and severity of GI symptoms were associated with worse HRQoL. Tacrolimus showed a significant association with diarrhea (odds ratio [OR]: 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-2.0) and constipation (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.6), and sirolimus with indigestion (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.0-8.1) and abdominal pain (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-4.4). CONCLUSIONS: GI symptoms are associated with impaired HRQoL in the renal transplant population. Managing GI symptoms by careful choice of immunosuppressants should be a focus for improving HRQoL in renal transplant recipients.     

Sleep disorders and quality of life in renal transplant recipients

Kidney transplantation provides the best outcome for patients with end-stage renal failure both in terms of morbidity and mortality and health-related quality of life (QoL). Health-related QoL has become recognized as an important outcome measure in patients with different chronic medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). There are several factors in kidney-transplanted patients which have a negative impact on QoL in these patients. Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), and restless legs syndrome (RLS), are common in kidney-transplanted patients and clearly belong to this group of factors, although there is only limited published data available about the association between sleep problems and QoL in this patient population. The prevalence of both insomnia and RLS is reduced in kidney-transplanted patients compared to dialysis patients, and it is similar to the prevalence observed in the general population. The prevalence of sleep apnea, however, is very high, around 30%. The association between the presence of these sleep disorders and impaired QoL has been relatively well documented in dialysis patients, but there is only scarce published information about this association in the kidney transplant population. In this paper, we will summarize data from the literature describing the impact of sleep problems, which are potentially treatable, on QoL in kidney-transplanted patients. We suggest that the appropriate diagnosis and management of sleep disorders may improve QoL in kidney-transplanted patients.     

Health-related quality of life and employment among renal transplant recipients

Chisholm‐Burns MA, Erickson SR, Spivey CA, Kaplan B. Health‐related quality of life and employment among renal transplant recipients.
Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01541.x.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Objective: To examine the relationship between health‐related quality of life (HQoL) and employment status in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Methods: Eighty‐two RTRs met inclusion criteria: 21–65 yr of age; greater than one yr post‐transplant; and received calcineurin inhibitors. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a demographics questionnaire and the following HQoL instruments: SF‐12 Health Survey version 2 (Physical Component Summary [PCS‐12] and Mental Component Summary [MCS‐12]) and Kidney Transplant Questionnaire (KTQ). Two multivariate logistic regression analyses (SF‐12 model and KTQ model) were conducted to determine whether HQoL and demographic variables were independently associated with employment status. Results: Seventy‐five RTRs were included in the analysis. Compared with employed RTRs, a greater number of unemployed RTRs were non‐white, had lower education levels, and had deceased donor transplants (p < 0.05). Employed RTRs had significantly higher SF‐12 scores (p < 0.05). In the SF‐12 logistic regression model, PCS‐12 and education level were significant predictors of employment status (p < 0.05). In the KTQ model, the Fatigue subscale and education level were significant predictors of employment status (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Findings suggest higher PCS‐12, higher KTQ‐Fatigue, and education level are independently associated with employment status. Interventions targeted to improve HQoL, decrease fatigue, and increase education level are discussed.     

Lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in renal transplant recipients

A review of the literature and our own series revealed 38 patients with lower gastrointestinal (LGI) hemorrhage among 4086 renal transplant recipients (0.9%). These patients represent 30% of 128 patients with major colorectal complications in this group. Of the 32 patients whose treatment and outcome were reported, only 12 (38%) were treated operatively. The overall mortality rate was 72%. The causes of LGI hemorrhage included colitis from opportunistic infections (42%); pseudomembranous, ischemic, or uremic colitis (40%); and idiopathic ulcers of the colon (18%). Colonoscopic, gross, and histopathologic findings of a patient with massive LGI hemorrhage from a fungal ulcer of the colon are the focus of this study, as are the implications of such findings. We propose an algorithm for diagnostic and therapeutic management decisions. We emphasize prompt diagnosis and the importance of colonoscopy. We propose withdrawal of immunosuppression and early operative intervention if the patient survival rate is to improve.     

Assessment of health-related quality of life in renal transplant recipients and dialysis patients

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is becoming an important outcome measure in evaluation of various forms of renal replacement therapy (RRT). The Short Form-36 (SF-36), Giessen Subjective Complaints List (GBB-24), and Zerssen's Mood Scale (Bf-S) are internationally validated questionnaires for the assessment of HRQoL. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the HRQoL of renal transplant recipients and compare it with that of patients on different forms of RRT. The study population consisted of: (1) 120 patients on hemodialysis (HD); (2) 43 patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD); (3) nine recipients who lost their grafts and went back to dialysis; (4) 120 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (controls); and (5) 48 renal transplant recipients. The mean SF-36 scores were not significantly different between control group and transplant recipients as well as HD and PD patients including previously transplanted patients. The dialysis patients scored significantly worse in all eight SF-36 domains compared with transplant recipients and healthy subjects. In all GBB-24 components, the transplant recipients scored significantly higher than HD and PD patients. In the “fatigue tendency,” “limb pain,” and “cardiac complaints” components, recipients scored significantly higher than control group subjects. The mood analysis (Bf-S) showed that the scores of transplant recipients and controls did not differ, being significantly higher than those of dialysis patients. The HRQoL of patients on HD and PD were similar and lower than that of the general population. Renal transplantation significantly improved HRQoL at least to the level of healthy individuals. Graft loss was associated with significant worsening of HRQoL.     

Health-related fitness and quality of life following steroid withdrawal in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Exercise capacity increases significantly soon after transplantation; however, over time it does not further improve and patients remain low compared to normal levels. The limitations to exercise following transplantation have not been identified, but may be related to immunosuppression therapy regimens that include prednisone. METHODS: We studied health-related fitness measures (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition) and quality of life in renal transplant recipients randomized into two groups: those using standard maintenance immunosuppression, including prednisone therapy (N = 14); and those undergoing rapid withdrawal of steroids using Simulect[interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor inhibitor] (N = 9). Testing was done at 3 and 12 months following transplant and the 12-month data were compared to 15 normal sedentary controls. RESULTS: Compared to those maintained on steroids, the steroid withdrawal group showed greater gains in VO2peak (P = 0.05) and quadriceps peak torque (P = 0.05) and greater gains in the vitality score and the Physical Composite Scale on the SF-36 questionnaire (P < 0.05). At 1 year, all patients had significantly lower exercise capacity compared to the sedentary controls (P = 0.01). No differences were observed in body composition, with both patient groups increasing in body weight (primarily body fat) over time. At 12 months, all patients were not different in body fat percentage compared to the sedentary controls. CONCLUSION: We conclude that prednisone is not the cause for increased body fat following transplantation; however, it may contribute to lower spontaneous improvements in exercise capacity possibly by limiting increases in muscle strength. The low exercise capacity in all transplant recipients studied at 1 year suggests a need for exercise training to optimize physical functioning following transplant.     

Gastrointestinal symptoms impair quality of life in Italian renal transplant recipients but are under‐recognized by physicians

We assessed patient‐ and physician‐reported prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and their impact on quality of life (QOL) in Italian renal transplant recipients with stable graft function. Patients ≥18 years with a renal allograft functioning for ≥6 months and stable serum creatinine levels of <2.5 mg/dl were enrolled. Physicians and patients completed an Italian translation of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaires. The average time since transplantation (n = 1130) was 5.9 years. Forty‐two immunosuppressant drug regimens were reported. The top three regimens (cyclosporine/mycophenolate mofetil/steroids; tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil/steroids; cyclosporine/steroids) accounted for approximately 40% of patients. In the physician interview, 39.2% of patients had ≥1 gastrointestinal symptom vs. 88.3% of patients in the self‐administered questionnaire. The prevalence of GSRS symptoms was similar for each of the most frequently prescribed immunosuppressant drug regimens. GIQLI total score was significantly poorer in patients with versus those without gastrointestinal symptoms (121.8 ± 17.6 vs. 138.4 ± 3.7; P < 0.0001), and there was a strong inverse correlation between GIQLI and patient‐reported GSRS scores (Pearson’s correlation coefficient ?0.816; P < 0.0001). Gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent in renal transplant patients, are under‐evaluated by physicians and may adversely impact on patient QOL.     

Treatment adherence in renal transplant recipients: a questionnaire survey on immunosuppressants

INTRODUCTION: To achieve a high graft survival rate, patient adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is critical. It is extremely difficult to establish the actual adherence status of transplant recipients; only a few surveys on the issue have been performed in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a questionnaire survey mainly on treatment adherence to calcineurin inhibitors among renal transplant recipients. RESULTS: The survey demonstrated some degree of nonadherence in a relatively high percentage of the patients. The adherence rate was significantly lower for the evening than the morning dose (McNemar test, P < .001). It significantly decreased with time following transplantation for both the morning and the evening doses (logistic regression analysis, P = .025 and <.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppressive treatment places a substantial burden on patients, some of whom cannot continue regular treatment at specified time points due to daily life restrictions after they have returned to work.     

Influence of economic and demographic factors on quality of life in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of annual income, Medicare status, and demographic variables on the health-related quality of life (HQoL) of renal transplant recipients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was mailed to 146 Georgia renal transplant recipients who had functional grafts. Data were collected using the SF-12 Health Survey (version 2), a demographics survey, and 2003 tax documents. One-way ANOVAs and Pearson's R correlations were used to examine relationships between annual income, Medicare status, demographic variables and SF-12 scores. Significant variables were included in stepwise multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Data from 130 participants (89% response rate) were collected. Recipients with no Medicare coverage had significantly higher scores on the Physical Functioning and Role Physical SF-12 scales (p = 0.005) compared to recipients with Medicare. Annual income was positively correlated with General Health (p < 0.05). Age and race were significant predictors of Vitality (p = 0.004) and Physical Component Summary (p < 0.001) scores. Age, race, and Medicare status were significant predictors of Physical Functioning and Role Physical scores (p < 0.001). Age, annual income, race, and years post-transplant were significant predictors of General Health score (p < 0.001). Age was the sole predictor of Bodily Pain score (p = 0.002), and marital status was the sole predictor of Social Functioning score (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Interventions designed to offset financial barriers may be needed to bolster renal transplant recipients' HQoL.     

自编康复运动操对肾移植患者生活质量的影响

目的探讨康复运动护理干预对肾移植术后患者生活质量的影响。方法将64例康复出院的肾移植患者随机分为观察组和对照组各32例,两组均按照出院常规护理,观察组在此基础上采用自编的康复运动操进行3个月的康复训练。结果干预后观察组患者生活质量总分及生理功能、心理职能、疾病治疗3个维度评分显著高于对照组(P0.05,P0.01)。结论康复运动护理干预有利于提高肾移植术后患者的生活质量,促进其整体康复。     

男性肾移植受者阴茎勃起功能障碍对生活质量的影响

目的 探讨阴茎勃起功能障碍(ED)对男性肾移植受者生活质量的影响.方法 随机选择接受肾移植的已婚男性受者150)例,进行ED国际问卷-5(IIEF-5)评分,将其分为ED组(63例)和非ED组(87例).应用健康状况调查简表(SF-36)评价2组受者的生活质量,应用汉密顿焦虑量表对比2组受者的心理健康状态.结果 ED组在躯体功能、生理职能、躯体疼痛方面与非ED组的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);ED组在总体健康、活力、社会功能、情感职能、心理健康方面的SF-36评分明显低于非ED组(P＜0.05);ED组有13例受者伴焦虑障碍,占20.6％,明显高于非ED组(占3.4％,P＜0.05).结论 ED是影响男性肾移植受者生活质量的一项重要因素.     

Management of surgical gastrointestinal complications in renal transplant recipients.

Gastrointestinal (GI) complications developed in 19 (7.2%) of 265 patients after renal transplantation, and 3 (16%) patients died. Complications included colon perforations, colonic bleeding, small-bowel infarction, pancreatitis, subphrenic abscess, and upper GI tract bleeding. Ulcers located in the second portion of the duodenum developed in six patients; four of them required operation for massive hemorrhage, which occurred during or immediately after the administration of high-dose methylprednisolone for rejection. However, the association of methylprednisolone and colon perforation was not clear from this report. Early diagnosis and prompt operation for surgical-type GI complications in transplant recipients contribute to a low mortality.     

Quality of life and psychosocial factors in renal transplant recipients

An ideal method for quality of life (QOL) assessment in renal transplant recipients (RTR) has not yet been determined. Present assessments of QOL in RTR are lengthy, cumbersome to administer, and difficult to interpret. We used a previously validated single question QOL scale score (QLS) that directly asks about the patients' overall assessment of their QOL; "Considering all parts of my life-physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial--over the past 2 days the quality of my life has been ... ". The QLS ranges from 0 ("very bad") to 10 ("excellent"). Patients were contacted prior to their routine office visit when they were free of acute medical problems. Fifty RTR participated. Psychosocial and medical variables included the Beck Depression Inventory, Illness Effects Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, time since transplant, age, creatinine, hemoglobin, and albumin levels. Of the patients, 64% were African-American and 48% were women; 94% of patients had a score>5. Mean QLS was 7.5+/-2.3. Perception of a better QOL correlated with less perception of depression and illness effects and with perception of greater social support and satisfaction with life (all P<.05). Perception of QOL did not correlate with age, time since transplantation, creatinine, hemoglobin or albumin levels. We concluded that QLS is a quick tool to measure subjective QOL in RTR for correlation with psychosocial factors of interest in this group. These studies should be replicated in larger multiethnic populations.     

Employment and quality of life in liver transplant recipients.

The purposes of liver transplantation (LT) include the extension of survival, improvement in quality of life, and the return of the recipient as a contributing member of society. Employment is one measure of the ability to return to society. The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting employment/subemployment after LT. A total of 308 adult liver transplant recipients who were seen at the University of California, Los Angeles were administered the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36) and a questionnaire regarding work history and insurance coverage. Multivariate analysis were used to identify independent variables associated with posttransplantation employment. Interaction terms were used to examine effect modification. Of 308 transplant recipients, 218 (70.8%) worked prior to transplantation, and 78 (27%) worked posttransplantation. Pretransplant variables that were independently associated with posttransplantation employment included the following: lack of disability income (odds ratio [OR] = 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-7.18; P = 0.36); health maintenance organization (HMO)/preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance (OR = 3.08; 95% CI, 1.32-7.18; P < 0.01); the number of hours worked (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08-1.28; P < 0.01); and the lack of diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.70-0.73; P < 0.01). An interaction term between disability income and hours worked prior to transplantation (OR = 0.16; 95 % CI, 0.03-0.83; P = 0.03) was independently associated with posttransplantation employment. In a separate regression model of SF-36 responses, posttransplantation physical functioning (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.26; P < 0.01) and role-physical (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16; P < 0.01) were independently associated with employment after transplantation. In conclusion, HMO or PPO insurance, lack of disability income coverage prior to transplant, the absence of diabetes mellitus, the number of hours worked prior to transplantation, and high physical functioning were associated with posttransplantation employment.     

肝移植术后患者生活质量体验的质性研究

目的探讨肝移植术后患者生活质量的体验,为提高患者生活质量提供参考。方法对13例肝移植患者进行半结构式访谈,资料分析采用MAXQDA10软件。结果肝移植术后患者生活质量体能得到改善,但存在并发症威胁和记忆力下降;豁达、乐观,幸福、感恩,困惑、担心等多样化心理;频繁复诊、出行受限、饮食对生活造成的不便;以及感受到家庭和病友的支持,但自觉经济压力大。结论肝移植使患者生活质量得到提高,但针对并发症、心理、经济等方面还需进一步关注。