Can Solid-Organ-Transplanted Patients Perform a Cycling Marathon? Trends in Kidney Function Parameters in Comparison...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Medicine
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Limited data exists on the safety of intense physical activity for solid-organ transplant recipients.
• Understanding kidney function changes during prolonged exercise in this population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess kidney function parameters in organ-transplanted patients (TP) during and after a long-distance cycling race.
• To compare these parameters with those of healthy volunteers (HV).

Main Methods:

• Nineteen TP (10 renal, 8 liver, 1 heart) and 35 HV participated in a 130 km cycling race.
• Kidney function markers (creatinine, eGFR, urea, uric acid, urine specific gravity, microalbuminuria, proteinuria) were measured before, immediately after, and 18-24 hours post-race.

Main Results:

• No adverse events were reported in either group.
• TP had lower baseline eGFR and higher baseline microalbuminuria and proteinuria compared to HV.
• Both groups showed a temporary decline in eGFR and increased protein excretion post-race, returning to baseline levels by 18-24 hours.

Conclusions:

• Selected, well-trained organ-transplanted patients can tolerate intensive exercise.
• Temporary kidney function modifications during intense exercise are comparable between TP and HV.
• Baseline differences and therapies in TP do not preclude safe participation in strenuous physical activities.