Incidence and Risk Factors for De Novo Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients

To estimate the incidence of de novo chronic rhinosinusitis and identify associated risk factors in kidney and liver transplant recipients without pre-existing sinonasal complaints.

Retrospective cohort study.

Multisite study across Mayo Clinic Enterprise locations in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Records of all patients who underwent kidney or liver transplantation between November 1, 2021, and November 1, 2022 were reviewed. Patients with documented sinonasal complaints prior to transplantation were excluded. Diagnoses were based on ICD-10 codes assigned by board-certified otolaryngologists, with follow-up extending through November 2024. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of de novo chronic rhinosinusitis.

Among 1459 transplant recipients (mean age 55.1 years, 59.8% male), the cumulative 2-year incidence of de novo chronic rhinosinusitis was 2.4% (24/986) in kidney and 2.3% (11/473) in liver transplant recipients (P = .89). The overall incidence rate was 12.0 cases per 1000 person-years, exceeding general population estimates. Transplant rejection (OR 3.2, 95% CI 2.5-3.9, P < .001) and additional organ transplantation (OR 5.0, 95% CI 3.4-6.5, P = .041) were independently associated with chronic rhinosinusitis development.

Kidney and liver transplant recipients experience a higher incidence of de novo chronic rhinosinusitis compared to the general population. Transplant rejection and additional organ transplantation significantly increase this risk. Early recognition and management of chronic rhinosinusitis in this population may support improved postoperative outcomes.