Changes in Patient Symptoms After Kidney Transplantation.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

• Kidney transplant recipients often experience immunosuppressant-related toxicities.
• Adverse effects of immunosuppression can significantly impact patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare patient-reported symptoms before and after kidney transplantation.
• To identify changes in the nature and frequency of symptoms experienced by kidney transplant recipients.

Main Methods:

• A single-center study involving 80 adult kidney transplant recipients.
• Symptom prevalence was assessed using questionnaires at 3-11 weeks post-transplantation.
• Statistical analyses included paired Student's t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (p < .05).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the total number of symptoms before and after transplantation (p = .098).
• Improved symptom frequency observed for itch, fatigue, nausea, headache, fidgetiness, and mind going blank.
• Worsened symptom frequency noted for hand tremor, other tremors, nocturnal waking, and dysesthesia (p ≤ .001 for most).

Conclusions:

• Tremor and dysesthesia are frequently reported new or worsening symptoms early post-kidney transplantation.
• Understanding and managing these specific toxicities is crucial in the early post-transplant period.
• Further research is warranted to address post-transplant symptom burden and optimize patient care.