Bladder capacity in kidney transplant patients with end-stage renal disease

This study evaluated the clinical factors that influence bladder capacity and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) following kidney transplantation (KT) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Data were analyzed in ESRD patients who underwent KT between January 2011 and January 2013. The analyzed pre-KT parameters include bladder capacity, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), postvoid residual urine (PVR), micturition frequency, and voiding volume. Associations between pre-KT parameters, small bladder capacity (<100 cc), and parameters that influence the development of LUTD were also evaluated. LUTD after KT was defined as voiding symptoms that lasted >1 month and required specific treatment.

In total, 622 ESRD patients required KT. The mean age and dialysis duration were 43.9±11.2 years and 59.4±60.7 months. The mean bladder capacity before KT was 300.1±149.8 mL, and 14% of patients were diagnosed with small bladder capacity. VUR and PVR were observed in 110 (17.5%) and 83 (13.6%) patients. Factors associated with small bladder capacity included long-term dialysis, presence of VUR, and PVR (p<0.001, p=0.004, p=0.003). After KT, 31 patients (4.9%) needed treatment due to LUTD. Factors associated with the development of LUTD included age, VUR, and PVR (p=0.001 p=0.034, p<0.001). Bladder capacity did not affect LUTD after KT.

ESRD patients on long-term dialysis will likely have small bladder capacity and VUR; however, bladder capacity itself is not related to the occurrence of LUTD after KT.