A Critical Analysis of the Specific Pharmacist Interventions and Risk Assessments During the 12-Month TRANSAFE Rx Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Medication safety issues have detrimental implications on long-term outcomes in the high-risk kidney transplant (KTX) population. Medication errors, adverse drug events, and medication nonadherence are important and modifiable mechanisms of graft loss. OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency and types of interventions made during a pharmacist-led, mobile health-based intervention in KTX recipients and the impact on patient risk levels. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data collected during a 12-month, parallel-arm, 1:1 randomized clinical controlled trial including 136 KTX recipients. Participants were randomized to receive either usual care or supplemental, pharmacist-driven medication therapy monitoring and management using a smartphone-enabled app integrated with telemonitoring of blood pressure and glucose (when applicable) and risk-based televisits. The primary outcome was pharmacist intervention type. Secondary outcomes included frequency of interventions and changes in risk levels. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were randomized to the intervention and included in this analysis. The mean age at baseline was 50.2 years; 51.5% of participants were male, and 58.8% were black. Primary pharmacist intervention types were medication reconciliation and patient education, followed by medication changes. Medication reconciliation remained high throughout the study period, whereas education and medication changes trended downward. From baseline to month 12, we observed an approximately 15% decrease in high-risk patients and a corresponding 15% increase in medium- or low-risk patients. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: A pharmacist-led mHealth intervention may enhance opportunities for pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions and mitigate risk levels in KTX recipients.

Significant hospitalization cost savings to the payer with a pharmacist-led mobile health intervention to improve medication safety in kidney transplant recipients.

This was an economic analysis of a 12-month, parallel arm, randomized controlled trial in adult kidney recipients 6 to 36 months posttransplant (NCT03247322). All participants received usual posttransplant care, while the intervention arm received supplemental clinical pharmacist-led medication therapy monitoring and management, via a smartphone-enabled mHealth app, integrated with risk-based televisits. Hospitalization charges were captured from the study institution accounts payable and non-study institution hospitalization charges were estimated using multiple imputation. Multivariable modeling was used to assess the impact of the intervention on charges. The intervention significantly reduced rates of hospitalization (1.08 per patient-year in the control arm vs 0.65 per patient-year in the intervention arm, p = .007). The control arm had estimated hospitalization costs of $870,468 vs $390,489 in the intervention arm. Modeling demonstrated a 49% lower hospitalization charge risk in the intervention arm (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.91; p = .022). From a payer or societal perspective, the net estimated cost savings, after accounting for intervention delivery costs, was $368,839, with a return on investment (ROI) of $4.30 for every $1 spent. These results demonstrate that a mHealth-enabled, pharmacist-led intervention significantly reduced hospitalization costs for payers over a 12-month period and has a positive ROI.

Etiologies and Outcomes Associated With Tacrolimus Levels Out of a Typical Range That Lead to High Variability in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: High tacrolimus intrapatient variability (tac IPV) is associated with poor outcomes in kidney transplantation, including rejection, donor-specific antibodies, and graft loss. A common cause of high tac IPV is related to patient nonadherence, but this is yet to be conclusively demonstrated. METHODS: This was a longitudinal cohort study comprising adult kidney recipients, who received transplants between 2015 and 2017, with follow-ups through February 2020. The goal of this study was to identify the most common etiologies of tac levels outside the typical range, which lead to high tac IPV, and assess the etiology-specific associations between high tac IPV and graft outcomes. Multivariate Cox regression was used to assess time-to-event analyses. RESULTS: In total, 537 adult kidney recipients were included; 145 (27%) were identified as having a high tac IPV (>40%) 3-102 months post-transplant. Common etiologies of tac levels significantly outside the standard goal range (6-12 ng/mL) leading to high tac IPV included patient nonadherence (20%), infections (19%), tac-related toxicities (17%), and undocumented issues (27%). In multivariable Cox modeling, those with high tac IPV because of nonadherence had a 3.5 times higher risk of late acute rejection (P = 0.019) and 2.2 times higher risk of late graft loss (P = 0.044). No other etiologies in the typical tac level range were significantly associated with either acute rejection or graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: Although high tac IPV has many causes, only high tac IPV caused by nonadherence is consistently associated with poor allograft outcomes.

Knowledge of neonatal brachial plexus palsy among medical professionals in North America.

PURPOSE: Early referral of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) patients to multidisciplinary clinics is critical for timely diagnosis, treatment, and improved functional outcomes. In Saudi Arabia, inadequate knowledge regarding NBPP is a reason for delayed referral. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge of North American healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of NBPP. METHODS: A 12-question survey regarding NBPP was distributed via electronic and paper formats to North American providers from various referring and treating specialties. NBPP knowledge was compared between Saudi Arabian vs. North American providers, referring vs. treating specialties, academic vs. community hospitals, and providers with self-reported confidence vs. nonconfidence in NBPP knowledge. RESULTS: Of the 273 surveys collected, 45% were from referring providers and 55% were from treating providers. Saudi Arabian and North American HCPs demonstrated similar NBPP knowledge except for potential etiologies for NBPP and surgery timing. In North America, referring and treating providers had similar overall knowledge of NBPP but lacked familiarity with its natural history. A knowledge gap existed between academic and community hospitals regarding timing of referral/initiation of physical/occupational therapy (PT/OT) and Horner's syndrome. Providers with self-reported confidence in treating NBPP had greater knowledge of types of NBPP and timing for PT/OT initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, North American providers demonstrated adequate knowledge of NBPP. However, both eastern and western physicians remain overly optimistic in believing that most infants recover spontaneously. This study revealed a unique and universal knowledge gap in NBPP diagnosis, referral, and management worldwide. Continuous efforts to increase NBPP knowledge are indicated.

A comprehensive review of the impact of tacrolimus intrapatient variability on clinical outcomes in kidney transplantation.

Tacrolimus (Tac) is widely used to prevent rejection and graft loss in solid organ transplantation. A limiting characteristic of Tac is the high intra and interpatient variability associated with its use. Routine therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is necessary to facilitate Tac management and to avoid undesirable clinical outcomes. However, whole blood trough concentrations commonly utilized in TDM are not strong predictors of the detrimental clinical outcomes of interest. Recently, researchers have focused on Tac intrapatient variability (Tac IPV) as a novel marker to better assess patient risk. Higher Tac IPV has been associated with a number of mechanisms leading to shortened graft survival. Medication nonadherence (MNA) is considered to be the primary determinant of high Tac IPV and perhaps the most modifiable risk factor. An understanding of the methodology behind Tac IPV is imperative to its recognition as an important prognostic measure and integration into clinical practice. Therapeutic interventions targeting MNA and reducing Tac IPV are crucial to improving long-term graft survival.

Patterns of emergency department utilization between transplant and non-transplant centers and impact on clinical outcomes in kidney recipients.

There is a high rate of Emergency Department (ED) utilization in kidney recipients post-transplant; ED visits are associated with readmission rates and lower survival rates. However, utilization within and outside transplant centers may lead to different outcomes. The objective was to analyze ED utilization patterns at transplant and non-transplant centers as well as common etiologies of ED visits and correlation with hospitalization, graft, and patient outcomes. This was a longitudinal, retrospective, single-center cohort study in kidney transplant recipients evaluating ED utilization. Comparator groups were determined by ED location, time from transplant, and disposition/readmission from ED visit. 1,106 kidney recipients were included in the study. ED utilization dropped at the transplant center after the 1st year (P < .001), while remaining at a similar rate at non-transplant centers (0.22 vs 1.06 VPPY). Infection and allograft complications were the most common causes of ED visits. In multivariable Cox modeling, an ED visit due to allograft complication at a non-transplant center >1 year post-transplant was associated with higher risk for graft loss and death (aHR 2.93 and aHR 1.75, P < .0001). The results of this study demonstrate an increased risk of graft loss among patients who utilize non-transplant center emergency departments. Improved communication and coordination between transplant centers and non-transplant centers may contribute to better long-term outcomes.

Preliminary assessment of safety and adherence to a once-daily immunosuppression regimen in kidney transplantation: Results of a randomized controlled pilot study.

Medication non-adherence is common after transplant and a major contributor to graft loss. The objective of this pilot study was to obtain preliminary safety and adherence data of a complete once-daily immunosuppression regimen of Extended-release-tacrolimus (LCP-tac), everolimus, and prednisone vs LCP-tac, mycophenolate Twice daily (BID), and prednisone through a randomized controlled pilot study of 40 patients (20 in each arm). At 3 ± 2 months post-transplant, patients were randomized to receive LCP-tac and everolimus once daily or LCP-tac and mycophenolate BID (control arm) for 6 months; 80 met eligibility, and 40 were randomized. Mean age was 51 ± 14 years, 33% were female, 45% African American, and 55% had a Calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) >20%. Both regimens were well-tolerated, and medication side effect burden tended to be less severe in the intervention group. Self-reported high medication adherence decreased in the control arm from baseline to 6 months (80%-59%), while remaining the same in the intervention arm throughout the study (45%-47%). For safety assessment, there was no rejection, graft loss, or death in either arm. These results provide preliminary evidence of the safety of a novel once-daily immunosuppression regimen. The impact of this once-daily regimen on medication adherence requires a larger long-term study.

Exploratory Analysis of the Impact of an mHealth Medication Adherence Intervention on Tacrolimus Trough Concentration Variability: Post Hoc Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Medication nonadherence is a leading cause of late allograft loss in kidney transplantation (KT). Tacrolimus trough coefficient of variation (CV), measured using the coefficient of variation, is strongly correlated with acute rejection, graft function, and graft loss. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if this mobile health (mHealth) intervention aimed at improving medication adherence in a nonadherent KT population would affect high intrapatient tacrolimus variability. METHODS: A 6-month, prospective, parallel-arm, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to determine the effects of an mHealth intervention on tacrolimus CV. Intervention arm participants utilized an electronic medication tray and an mHealth app to monitor home-based adherence. Tailored motivational reinforcement messages were delivered to promote competence for adherence. Tacrolimus CV was measured using a 12-month rolling average, assessed at monthly intervals (6-month intervention period and 6 months after completion of the study); 80 were included, 40 in each arm. RESULTS: At baseline, tacrolimus CV was similar between arms (37% ± 15% intervention, 37% ± 13% control, P = 0.894). Patients randomized to the intervention had a significant reduction in mean 12-month tacrolimus CVs (P = 0.046) and a significant improvement in the proportion achieving low tacrolimus CV (tacrolimus CV < 40%; P = 0.001), as compared with the control arm. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: High tacrolimus CV is a risk factor for acute rejection and graft loss; these results offer the potential promise of improved medication adherence and clinical outcomes through the use of innovative technology.

Assessment of magnetic resonance imaging derived fat fraction as a sensitive and reliable predictor of myosteatosis in liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Measures of skeletal muscle abnormalities are rapidly emerging as independent predictors of outcomes after liver transplantation (LT). We describe a simple, novel assessment of myosteatosis acquired prior to liver transplantation using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) derived fat fraction. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study included clinical and biochemical data from patients who underwent liver transplantation at our institution between Feb 2008 and Aug 2014. Patients transplanted for a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma were excluded from the study. The fat fraction of erector spinae muscles was estimated using MRI at the level where muscle volume was highest, with myosteatosis defined at a cut-off value of 0.8. RESULTS: 180 patients were included. At baseline, those with myosteatosis were, on average, older, more likely to be female, and more likely to receive a multi-organ transplant (p < 0.05). Patients with pre-transplant myosteatosis, as delineated by MRI derived fat fraction, also had increased length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study suggests myosteatosis, as measured by fat fraction on MRI prior to LT, may be associated with increased graft loss and mortality after transplant.

Long-standing diabetes mellitus and pancreas transplantation: An avenue to increase utilization of an ideal treatment modality.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased post-operative complications in various surgeries. Little data exist regarding the impact of long-standing DM (>25 years) on outcomes in pancreas transplantation (PTX). The objectives of our study were to determine if long-standing pre-transplant DM (>25 years) was associated with inferior outcomes following PTX. METHODS: Using a 13-year (April, 2000-May, 2012) retrospective analysis, we examined demographic and transplant factors, complications, and outcomes in patients without (Group A) and with (Group B) long-standing (>25 years) pre-PTX DM. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 4.2 years. Of 214 consecutive PTX performed, 137 (105 simultaneous PTX (SPK), 25 PTX after kidney (PAK), 7 PTX alone (PTA)) had pre-PTX duration of DM recorded, including 65 in Group A and 72 in Group B. There were no differences between cohorts with respect to demographics. There were no differences in post-PTX surgical/medical complications. There were no differences in outcomes between cohorts (ie, rejection, graft loss or death). CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale analysis demonstrated that PTX can be performed in patients with long-standing DM with excellent patient and graft outcomes. Long-standing DM did not lead to an increased post-PTX infections or complications. Our study suggests that duration of DM should not impact PTX candidacy.

Assessment of risk factors for increased resource utilization in kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: There are only a limited number of studies that have sought to identify patients at high risk for medication errors and subsequent adverse clinical outcomes. This study sought to identify risk factors for increased health care resource utilization in kidney transplant recipients based on drug-related problems and self-administered surveys. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, adult kidney transplant recipients seen in the transplant clinic between September and November 2015 were surveyed for self-reported demographics, medication adherence, and health status/outlook. Subsequently, patients were assessed for associations between survey results, pharmacist-derived drug-related problems, and health resource utilization over a minimum 6-mo follow-up period. Based on univariate associations, two risk cohorts were identified and compared for health care utilization using multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 8 mo. From the patient survey data, Medicaid insured or self-rated poor health status were identified as a significant risk cohort. From pharmacist assessments, those who received incorrect medication or lacked appropriate follow-up medication monitoring were identified as a significant risk cohort (pharmacy errors). The Medicaid insured or self-rated poor health status cohort experienced 43% more total health care encounters (incident rate ratios [IRR] 1.43, 1.01-2.02) and 35% more transplant clinic visits (IRR 1.35, 1.03-1.77). The pharmacy errors cohort experienced 4.2 times the rate of total health care encounters (IRR 4.17, 1.55-11.2), 4.1 times the rate of hospital readmissions (IRR 4.09, 1.58-10.6), and 2.3 times the rate of transplant clinic visits (IRR 2.31, 1.04-5.11). CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid insurance, self-rated poor health status, and errors in the medication regimen or monitoring were significant risk factors for increased health care utilization in kidney transplant recipients. Further research is warranted to validate these potential risk factors, determine the long-term impact on graft/patient survival, and assess the mutability of these risks through prospective identification and intervention.

Cytolytic Induction Therapy Improves Clinical Outcomes in African-American Kidney Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of cytolytic versus IL-2 receptor antibody (IL-2RA) induction on acute rejection, graft loss and death in African-American (AA) kidney transplant (KTX) recipients. BACKGROUND: AAs are underrepresented in clinical trials in transplantation; thus, there is controversy regarding the optimal choice of perioperative antibody induction in KTX to improve outcomes. METHODS: National cohort study using US transplant registry data from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009 in adult solitary AA KTX recipients, with at least 5 years of follow-up. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were utilized to assess the outcomes of acute rejection, graft loss, and mortality, with interaction terms to assess effect modification. RESULTS: Twenty-five thousand eighty-four adult AAs receiving solitary KTX were included, 16,927 (67.5%) received cytolytic induction and 8157 (32.5%) received IL-2RA induction. After adjustment for recipient sociodemographics, donor, and transplant characteristics, the use of cytolytic induction therapy reduced the risk of acute rejection by 32% (OR 0.68, 0.62-0.75), graft loss by 9% (HR 0.91, 0.86-0.97), and death by 12% (HR 0.88, 0.83-0.94). There were a number of significant effect modifiers, including public insurance, panel reactive antibody, delayed graft function, and steroid withdrawal; in these groups, cytolytic induction substantially improved clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that cytolytic induction therapy, as compared with IL-2RA, reduces the risk of rejection, graft loss, and death in adult AA KTX recipients, particularly in those who are sensitized, receive public insurance, develop delayed graft function, or undergo steroid withdrawal.

The Impact of Health Care Appointment Non-Adherence on Graft Outcomes in Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Non-adherence to medication is a well-studied and known cause of late allograft loss, but it is difficult to measure and prospectively monitor. The aim of this study was to assess if appointment non-adherence was correlated with medication non-adherence and a predictor of graft outcomes. METHODS: This was a longitudinal cohort study that used the National United States Renal Data System and veterans affairs health records data with time-to-event analyses conducted to assess the impact on graft and patient survival. RESULTS: The number of transplants that were included in the analysis was 4,646 (3,656 with complete records); 14.6% of patients had an appointment no show rate of ≥12% (non-adherence). Appointment and medication non-adherence were highly correlated and both were significant independent predictors of outcomes. Those with appointment non-adherence had 1.5 times the risk of acute rejection (22.0 vs. 14.7%, p < 0.0001) and a 65% higher risk of graft loss (adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) 1.65, 95% CI 1.38-1.97, p < 0.0001). There was a significant interaction between appointment and medication non-adherence; those with appointment and medication non-adherence were at very high risk of graft loss (aHR 4.18, 95% CI 3.39-5.15, p < 0.0001), compared to those with only appointment non-adherence (aHR 1.39, 95% CI 0.97-2.01, p = 0.0766) or only medication non-adherence (aHR 2.44, 95% CI 2.11-2.81, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that non-adherence to health care appointments is a significant and independent risk factor for graft loss.

Use of intra-aortic counterpulsation in cardiogenic shock post-liver transplantation.

Left ventricular dysfunction resulting in cardiogenic shock occurs infrequently following organ reperfusion in liver transplantation. The etiology of the cardiogenic shock is often multifactorial and difficult to manage due to the complex nature of the procedure and the patient's baseline physiology. Traditionally, this hemodynamic instability is managed medically using inotropic agents and vasopressor support. If medical treatment is insufficient, the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump for counterpulsation may be employed to improve the hemodynamics and stabilize the patient. Here, we analyze three cases and review the literature.

Across state lines: Fulminant Babesia microti infection in a liver transplant recipient.

The potential for transmission of Babesia microti by blood transfusion is well recognized. Physicians may be unaware that products used for transfusion may be collected from geographically diverse regions. We describe a liver transplant recipient in South Carolina who likely acquired B. microti infection from a unit of blood collected in Minnesota.

Valganciclovir (VGCV) followed by cytomegalovirus (CMV) hyperimmune globulin compared to VGCV for 200 days in abdominal organ transplant recipients at high risk for CMV infection: A prospective, randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: With the advent of effective antivirals against cytomegalovirus (CMV), use of CMV hyperimmune globulin (HIG) has decreased. Although antiviral prophylaxis in patients at high risk for CMV is effective, many patients still have late infection, never developing antibodies sufficient to achieve immunity. Utilizing a combination of antiviral and CMV HIG may allow patients to achieve immunity and decrease late CMV infections. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized, open-label, pilot study comparing valganciclovir (VGCV) prophylaxis for 200 days vs VGCV for 100 days followed by CMV HIG in abdominal transplant recipients at high risk for CMV. The primary outcome was a comparison of late CMV disease. RESULTS: Forty patients were randomized to VGCV for 200 days (n = 20) or VGCV for 100 days followed by 3 doses of monthly CMV HIG (n = 20). Numerically, more overall CMV infections occurred in the CMV HIG group (45 vs 20%, P = .09). No differences in overall CMV infections or late CMV disease were seen between groups (20% vs 15%, P = 1.00 and 0 vs 0, P = 1.00). All CMV disease occurred within 200 days, with 63% occurring while patients were on VGCV. No differences were found in toxicities, graft function, or rejection between groups. Patients with CMV infection at any time had a higher body weight than those who did not have an infection (82 vs 95 kg, P = .049). CONCLUSION: Use of CMV HIG sequentially with prophylaxis may be an effective and affordable prophylactic regimen in abdominal transplant recipients at high risk for CMV, and warrants larger prospective study. Increased monitoring for patients with obesity may be warranted.

A randomized, prospective comparison of transition to sirolimus-based CNI-minimization or withdrawal in African American kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of conclusive evidence to suggest if calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal or minimization with sirolimus is the best strategy for African Americans. METHODS: This was a randomized, prospective, open-label, pilot study comparing the two mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) transition strategies in adult African Americans between six and 24 wk post-transplant. The primary outcome was a comparison of the eGFR at one yr after conversion. RESULTS: Forty patients were randomized and analyzed in an intent-to-treat fashion. Median day of transition was day 96 (withdrawal) and 68 (minimization). Patients in the CNI-withdrawal group (n = 23) had significantly higher eGFR at one yr compared to the CNI-minimization group (n = 17, 73 vs. 56 mL/min, p = 0.03), as well as a significantly larger increase in eGFR from baseline (12 vs. 5 mL/min, p = 0.03). There were no differences in infections, acute rejection, death, or graft loss. Both regimens were constrained by disproportionately high discontinuation rates despite modest toxicity profiles. CONCLUSION: In spite of considerable withdrawal rate across both study arms, African American kidney transplant recipients who underwent early transition to a sirolimus-based CNI-withdrawal regimen had significantly better graft function at one yr compared to those transitioned to a sirolimus-based CNI-minimization regimen. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01005706.

Predicting and preventing readmissions in kidney transplant recipients.

A lack of research exploring post-transplant process optimization to reduce readmissions and increasing readmission rates at our center from 2009 to 2013 led to this study, aimed at assessing the effect of patient and process factors on 30-d readmission rates after kidney transplantation. This was a retrospective case-control study in adult kidney transplant recipients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to assess patient and process determinants of 30-d readmissions. 384 patients were included; 30-d readmissions were significantly associated with graft loss and death (p = 0.001). Diabetes (p = 0.049), pharmacist identification of poor understanding or adherence, and prolonged time on hemodialysis prior to transplant were associated with an increased risk of 30-d readmissions. After controlling for risk factors, readmission rates were only independently predicted by pharmacist identification of patient lack of understanding or adherence regarding post-transplant medications and dialysis exposure for more than three yr (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.10-4.71, p = 0.026 and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.22, 3.70, respectively), both of which were significantly modified by history of diabetes. Thirty-d readmissions are attributable to both patient and process-level factors. These data suggest that a lack of post-transplant medication knowledge in high-risk patients drives early hospital readmission.

Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of opportunistic infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

OIs present significant risks to patients following solid organ transplantation. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of OIs after kidney transplantation in pediatric patients and to evaluate the impact of OIs on outcomes in this patient population. A single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis including pediatric patients 21 yr of age or younger transplanted from July 1999 to June 2013 at an academic medical center was conducted. Patients were excluded if they received multi-organ transplant. A total of 175 patients were included in the study. Patients who developed OIs were more likely to be female and younger at the time of transplant. A six-factor risk model for OI development was developed. Death, disease recurrence, and PTLD development were similar between groups but trended toward increased incidence in the OI group. Incidence of rejection was significantly higher in the OI group (p = 0.04). Patients who developed OIs had several important risk factors, including younger age, EBV-negative serostatus, CMV donor (+)/recipient (-), biopsy-proven acute rejection, ANC <1000, MMF dose >500 mg/m(2), and any infection. Incidence of rejection was higher in the OI group, but rate of graft loss was not statistically different.

Kidney transplant recipients' attitudes about using mobile health technology for managing and monitoring medication therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess smartphone ownership, use of mobile health (mHealth) applications, and willingness to use this technology to facilitate medication management after kidney transplantation. METHODS: A survey was developed with the use of previously validated questions and administered to stable adult kidney recipients from May to July 2015. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to assess willingness to utilize mHealth technology as it related to sociodemographics, medication adherence, and medication side effects. Comparisons were also made to a survey administered in 2012. The primary outcome was the incidence of cell phone and smartphone ownership, willingness to use mHealth, immunosuppressant side effects, and self-reported nonadherence. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were approached, and 139 (98%) agreed to participate; 96% of respondents indicated mobile phone ownership, 61% owned a smartphone, 30% had prior knowledge of mHealth, and 7% were already using an mHealth app; 78% reported a positive attitude toward the use of mHealth for medication management. Smartphone ownership has nearly doubled since 2012 (61% vs. 35%; P <0.001). Patients <55 years of age were more likely to own smartphones (75% vs. 46%; P <0.001) and to strongly agree with the use of mHealth (62% vs. 36%; P = 0.015). Self-reported nonadherence or severe medication side effects did not appreciably influence a patient's willingness to use mHealth. CONCLUSION: Among recipients of kidney transplants, smartphone ownership has dramatically increased, and recipients have a positive attitude toward the use of mHealth for medication management.