Relationship between pre-transplant physical function and outcomes after kidney transplant

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Geriatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Performance-based physical function measures predict surgical morbidity.
• Kidney transplant recipients' outcomes and post-transplant physical function changes require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine if pre-transplant physical function predicts outcomes after kidney transplant.
• Assess changes in physical function post-kidney transplant.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 140 living donor kidney transplant recipients.
• Physical function assessed via Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and grip strength.
• Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 30-day rehospitalizations, allograft function, and quality of life (QOL).

Main Results:

• Most patients had excellent pre-transplant physical function.
• Pre-transplant balance scores, more than SPPB, predicted outcomes.
• Decreased pre-transplant balance correlated with longer LOS and rehospitalizations (not QOL).
• 35% of patients showed meaningful gait speed improvement by 4 months post-transplant.

Conclusions:

• Reduced physical function may link to longer LOS and rehospitalizations post-kidney transplant.
• Further research is needed to confirm this association.
• Balance testing may enhance risk stratification for kidney transplant recipients.