Male Renal Transplant Recipients' Experiences From Their Wives' Pregnancy and Childbirth.

This study aimed to analyze male renal transplant recipients' experience with their partners' pregnancy and childbirth and to investigate their methods of nursing their condition. We performed semistructured interviews and collected data from 6 Japanese males who underwent a kidney transplant after their partner had given birth. The data were analyzed using the Qualitative Synthesis Method (KJ Method). The mean age of the participants at data collection was 40.3 ± 4.7 years, whereas it was 34.7 ± 5.8 years when the transplant was performed. The Qualitative Synthesis Method revealed 7 symbols related to the pregnancy and childbirth experience of the partners of male kidney transplant recipients. Males who received a kidney transplant struggled with severe renal disease before the transplant. They also experienced indecisiveness about whether they should go through with the transplant. However, their lives changed because of the transplant and having children. This situation resulted in a sense of responsibility and a reason to live robustly for the male kidney transplant recipients. Nevertheless, they faced distress as kidney transplant patients. Their wives supported them through this experience. They communicated to their children what they learned from the experience while effectively dealing with their condition. The improvement in their sexual function resulting from the transplant influenced their determination to get married. It is necessary to offer information about the recovery of fertility and the possibility of having a child when choosing renal replacement therapy, give explanations based on evidence, and construct a counseling system.

Cognitive Impairment and Anxiety Are Prevalent in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), including kidney transplant recipients. Patients with cognitive problems may find it difficult to comply with medical recommendations after kidney transplantation (KT), which can be the cause of many complications, poorer prognosis, and increased hospitalization rates after transplantation. Additionally, some patients after KT may experience depression and anxiety, which are prevalent comorbidities in patients with ESKD. METHODS: In this single-center, cross-sectional study, we included 56 consecutive adult patients after KT. Cognitive function was assessed using the Addenbrooke Cognitive Test III (ACE III). In addition, all patients were screened for depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The impact of immunosuppressive therapy and other disease-related variables on cognitive function was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 56 KT patients, with a mean age of 50.3 ± 11.7 years, transplanted ≤35 months ago were included in the study. The prevalence of CI was 30%. Compared with cognitively unimpaired patients, patients with CI scored significantly lower in all cognitive domains. Furthermore, better cognitive functioning after KT was significantly associated with more years of schooling. We found no significant correlation between CI and age at assessment, duration of dialysis before KT, creatinine levels, creatinine clearance, uric acid levels, hemoglobin levels, comorbid cardiovascular diseases, and immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in screening tests was 12.5% and 27%, respectively, and patients receiving higher daily dose of prednisone had higher HADS scores on both the depression and anxiety subscales (not statistically significant). DISCUSSION: Cognitive disorders are a relevant issue in kidney transplant recipients. There might be many factors, both before and after KT, that have a negative impact on cognition. Therefore, further research is needed to increase knowledge about the course and profile of cognitive function after KT.

Long-term cognitive impairments in kidney transplant recipients: impact on participation and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is often present shortly after transplantation in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). To date, it is unknown whether these impairments persist in thelong term, to what extent they are associated with disease-related variables and whether they affect societal participation and quality of life (QoL) of KTR. METHOD: This study was part of the TransplantLines Biobank & Cohort Study in the University Medical Center Groningen. A total of 131 KTR, with a mean age of 53.6 years (SD = 13.5) transplanted ≥1 year ago (M = 11.2 years, range 1-41.7 years), were included and compared with 306 healthy controls (HC). KTR and HC were well matched; there were no significant differences regarding age, sex and education. All participants were assessed with neuropsychological tests measuring memory, mental speed, attention and executive functioning, and with questionnaires examining societal participation and QoL. RESULTS: Compared with HC, KTR performed significantly worse on memory, mental speed and measures of executive functioning (all P-values <0.05). Moreover, 16% of KTR met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), compared with 2.6% of the HC. MCI in KTR was not significantly correlated with age- and disease-related variables. Poorer cognitive functioning was significantly related to lower levels of societal participation and to lower QoL (all P-values <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows long-term cognitive impairments in KTR, which are not related to disease-related variables. Neuropsychological assessment is important to timely signal these impairments, given their serious negative impact on societal participation and QoL.

Identity disclosure between donor families and organ transplant recipients: an integrative review of the international literature.

Anonymity of deceased organ donation is a legal requirement in many international jurisdictions where legislation prohibits health professionals from disclosing identifiable information about donors, recipients or their families. Written correspondence between donor families and transplant recipients that is coordinated by healthcare professionals must remain anonymous. Internationally, an increasing number of donor families and transplant recipients have advocated for law reform and policy amendment to enable the exchange of identifiable written correspondence and/or face-to-face meetings. This paper aims to synthesise and critically evaluate published, peer-reviewed literature on the perceptions, benefits and challenges of identifiable communication or anonymity between donor families and organ transplant recipients in the international context. Analysis of the findings revealed two major themes: (1) views held by donor families, transplant recipients and healthcare professionals towards identity disclosure in the context of organ donation are diverse across and within groups (2) there are benefits and burdens associated with connecting donor families and transplant recipients through written correspondence. Less is known about the impact of face-to-face meetings between donor families and transplant recipients. However, what is known is that for some donor families, meeting with the transplant recipient(s) may provide a range of positive emotions.

Factors Affecting Knowledge Levels and Protective Behaviors to Prevent the Development of Skin Cancer in Organ Transplant Recipients as a High-Risk Group.

OBJECTIVES: Organ transplantrecipients are at high risk of skin cancer due to immunosuppressant therapy. This study investigated the factors affecting organ transplant recipients' knowledge and protective behaviors to prevent the development of skin cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of kidney (n = 82) and liver (n = 31) transplant recipients seen at our hospitals in Turkey from June 2019 to February 2020. A sociodemographic and clinical characteristics form, the Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge scale, the Sun Protection Behavior questionnaire, and the General Self-Efficacy scale were used to collect data. RESULTS: The mean age of organ transplant recipients was 46.63 ± 13.24 years. Self-efficacy and awareness that transplant increases the risk of skin cancer are 2 characteristics that affected the participants' knowledge level. The type of graft (kidney) affected participants' behavior in avoiding outdoor exposure between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Green/blue eye color and self-efficacy affected the participants' hatwearing behavior. These details showed that, as the patients' sensitivity and self-efficacy increased, their levels of knowledge and sun protection behaviors were positively affected. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge level of patients was affected by (1) awareness that transplant is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and (2) high levels of self-efficacy. We observed that (1) organ transplant recipients with high self-efficacy and kidney transplant recipients were more likely to avoid outdoor exposure between 10 am and 4 pm and that (2) organ transplant recipients with green/blue eyes and high levels of selfefficacy were more likely to wear a hat when outdoors. Organ transplant teams should provide education and counseling about skin cancer and sun protection in the follow-up care of transplant recipients.

Factors associated with frailty in kidney transplant recipients: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is prevalent in kidney transplant recipients and associated with multiple health care challenges. The association between frailty and outcomes has been extensively studied in kidney transplant recipients, but the status of frailty and its associated factors are not well studied, hindering efforts to develop strategies to improve care and reduce frailty. OBJECTIVES: To identify the factors that are associated with frailty in kidney transplant recipients comprehensively. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The associated factors of frailty were explored by a cross-sectional study of 185 kidney transplant recipients. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected using the general information questionnaire, the Charlson comorbidity index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator. Data were analyzed using the multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 75 (40.5%) kidney transplant recipients were assessed as frail by Chinese TFI. Age (ß = 0.228), time post-transplant (ß = 0.055), sleep quality (ß = 0.224) and psychological resilience (ß = -0.038) entered the final multiple regression equation and accounted for 41.8% of the total frailty variation (R2 = 0.418, F = 21.31, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was common among kidney transplant recipients. Old age, long time after transplantation, poor sleep quality and low psychological resilience were main associated factors for frailty. Integrated care interventions are therefore needed for this vulnerable population to prevent or delay frailty.

A compreensão das expectativas dos pacientes candidatos ao transplante hepático / Understanding the expectations of patients who are candidates for liver transplantation / Comprender las expectativas de los pacientes candidatos a un trasplante de hígado

As doenças hepáticas crônicas trazem alterações metabólicas no organismo que alteram a qualidade de vida do indivíduo. A depender da gravidade clínica, o transplante hepático surge como uma proposta terapêutica que necessita de inclusão no Sistema Nacional de Transplantes e avaliação multiprofissional. O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar as expectativas que os pacientes candidatos ao transplante hepático expressam sobre esta terapêutica. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou o método da pesquisa documental nos Formulários de Avaliação Psicológica Pré Transplante do serviço de psicologia de um hospital universitário em Fortaleza, Ceará. Foram analisados 202 Formulários pelo método de análise de conteúdo de Bardin que se dividiram em três categorias: 1. Diminuição dos sintomas a recuperação à saúde; 2. Esperança frente ao desconhecido; 3. Reconstrução da identidade. A pesquisa permitiu identificar as principais expectativas dos pacientes relacionados ao transplante hepático, delineando os aspectos que são sustentadores para que os sujeitos deem continuidade ao tratamento, a saber: rede social de apoio, possibilidade de melhora clínica e aumento da sobrevida, sentimentos de esperança e desejo de qualidade de vida. O desejo de cura está relacionado à recuperação da cirurgia e não apenas ao desaparecimento da doença hepática. (AU)

Chronic liver diseases bring metabolic changes in the body that affect the individual's quality of life. Depending on the clinical severity, liver transplantation emerges as a therapeutic proposal that requires inclusion in the National Transplant System and multidisciplinary evaluation. The aim of this study was to identify the expectations that patients who are candidates for liver transplantation express about this therapy. This is a descriptive, qualitative study that used the documentary research method in the Pre-Transplant Psychological Assessment Forms of the psychology service at a university hospital in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará. 202 Forms were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis method, which were divided into three categories: 1. Reduction of symptoms and recovery to health; 2. Hope in the face of the unknown; 3. Reconstruction of identity. The research identified the main expectations of patients related to liver transplantation, outlining the aspects that support subjects in continuing treatment, namely: social support network, the possibility of clinical improvement and increased survival, feelings of hope, and desire for quality of life. The desire for a cure is related to recovery from surgery and not just to the disappearance of liver disease. (AU)

Las enfermidades hepáticas crónicas traen alteraciones metabólicas en el organismo que alteran la calidad de vida. Dependiendo de la gravidad, el trasplante de hígado surge como una propuesta terapéutica que necesita de inclusión en el Sistema Nacional de Trasplante. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las expectativas que los pacientes candidatos al trasplante expresan sobre esta terapia. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, que se utilizó del método de la búsqueda documental en los Formulários de Evaluación Psicológica Pré Trasplante de un Servicio de Psicología de un Hospital Universitário de la ciudad de Fortaleza (Ceará). Se analizaron 202 Formulários por el método de análisis de contenidos de Bardin que se dividieron en tres categorias: Dismi-nución de los síntomas y la recuperación de la salud; Esperanza frente a lo desconocido; Reconstrucción de la identidad. La búsqueda permitió identificar las expectativas de los pacientes relacionados al trasplante de hígado. Desta-cando los aspectos que son fundamentales para que los sujetos continúen al tratamiento, tenemos: rede social de apoyo, posibilidad de mejora clínica y aumento de supervivencia, sentimientos de esperanza y deseo de calidad de vida. El deseo de cura está relacionado a la recuperación de la cirurgia y desaparición de la enfermedad hepática. (AU)

My Kidney Identity: Contextualizing pediatric patients and their families kidney transplant journeys.

BACKGROUND: Even though having a kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for children with kidney failure, it can cause anxiety for patients and their families resulting in decreased psychosocial functioning, adherence, and self-management. We set out to identify the information needs required to help pediatric patients and their families contextualize their posttransplant experiences as they recalibrate their understanding of normalcy throughout their transplant journey. METHODS: Participants submitted photographs related to feeling: (1) worried, (2) confident, (3) similar to peers without kidney disease, and (4) different from these peers. The photographs served as a foundation for an in-depth interview. RESULTS: Nineteen individuals (10 pediatric transplant recipients and 9 caregivers) were interviewed at a mean of 8 years posttransplant. We identified five specific themes and tensions our participants associated with recalibrating their version of "normal" throughout the transplant journey: (1) exchanging information (information consumers vs. information contributors, (2) transitional management (family management vs. self-management), (3) building confidence (worry vs. confidence), (4) telling one's story (hiding vs. self-expression), and (5) normalizing kidney transplantation (feeling different vs. feeling similar). These five themes/tensions form one's Kidney Identity, shift from negative to positive throughout the transplant journey, illustrating a more abstract and complex account of kidney transplantation over time. CONCLUSIONS: Having a patient view their Kidney Identity over time may support self-reflection of one's progress posttransplant and potentially help clinicians, patients, and their caregivers identify barriers and areas where they may need more support to ensure their successful engagement in their care.

Interconnectedness between periodontitis stage, oral hygiene habits, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and nutritional status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the associations between the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), nutritional status parameters, muscle strength, and periodontal status in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). 89 KTRs were included in this analysis, 40 (45%) women, with a mean age of 61 years (IQR = 13) and a mean time since kidney transplantation of 5 years (IQR = 6.6). An OHIP-14 questionnaire and questionnaire-based periodontal history were obtained from all participants, a comprehensive periodontal examination was performed. Body composition data, anthropometric and clinical parameters were collected for each study participant. The Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) was used to assess MeDi adherence, and handgrip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. Our results showed low adherence to MeDi in KTRs (28%) and almost 50% of KTRs suffer from severe forms of periodontitis. We also found a low OHIP-14 score and poor oral hygiene habits. KTRs with a less severe form of periodontitis had higher muscle mass and handgrip strength. MDSS score was associated with a higher number of teeth, and everyday cereal intake was inversely associated with the periodontitis stage. Our results demonstrate the associations between nutritional status, muscle strength, dietary habits, and periodontal health in Dalmatian KTRs.

Education and Psychosocial Factors Predict Odds of Death After Transfer to Adult health Care in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze demographic, psychosocial, and clinical factors in pediatric liver transplant recipients for their association with death or loss to follow up in adulthood. We aimed to better understand known health disparities in transplant outcomes and identify potentially modifiable risk factors prior to transfer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent liver transplantation at a large tertiary transplant center and were transferred to adult care between 2000 and 2015. RESULTS: During the study period, 101 qualifying patients were transferred. Ninety-three individuals followed with an adult provider, while 8 were lost to follow up. In total 23 of 93 patients died after transfer (24.7%). Several childhood factors were associated with adult death: Black race [odds ratio (OR) 6.59, P < 0.001]; psychiatric illness or substance use (OR 2.81, P = 0.04); failure to graduate high school before transfer (OR 9.59, P < 0.001); posttransplant tacrolimus medication-level variability index >2.5 (OR 5.36, P = 0.04); provider documentation of medication nonadherence (OR 4.72, P = 0.02); acute cellular rejection (OR 4.44, P = 0.03); the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR 5.71, P = 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (OR 2.82, P = 0.04). Failure to graduate HS was associated with loss to follow up ( P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, Black race, substance use, diabetes, and failure to graduate HS retained association with adult death (each P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Complex, intertwined patient characteristics are associated with increased odds of death in pediatric liver transplant recipients transferred to adult care. Early recognition of high-risk patients and intervention for modifiable factors, such as improved HS graduation and substance use prevention, may improve long-term outcomes.

Barriers to the donation of living kidneys for kidney transplantation.

Since the waiting time for deceased donor kidney transplantation continues to increase, living donor kidney transplantation is an important treatment for end stage kidney disease patients. Barriers to living kidney donation have been rarely investigated despite a growing interest in the utilization of living donor transplantation and the satisfaction of donor safety. Here, we retrospectively analyzed 1658 potential donors and 1273 potential recipients who visited the Seoul National University Hospital for living kidney transplantation between 2010 and 2017 to study the causes of donation discontinuation. Among 1658 potential donors, 902 (54.4%) failed to donate kidneys. The average number of potential donors that received work-up was 1.30 ± 0.66 per recipient. Among living donor kidney transplant patients, 75.1% received kidneys after work-up of the first donor and 24.9% needed work-up of two or more donors. Donor-related factors (49.2%) were the most common causes of donation discontinuation, followed by immunologic or size mismatches between donors and recipients (25.4%) and recipient-related factors (16.2%). Interestingly, withdrawal of donation consent along with refusal by recipients or family were the commonest causes, suggesting the importance of non-biomedical aspects. The elucidation of the barriers to living kidney donation could ensure more efficient and safer living kidney donation.

Treatment adherence and behavior of pediatric liver transplant recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected medical care worldwide. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric LT recipients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a structured internet or telephone survey was conducted among pediatric LT recipients. Survey results were compared with results of a survey conducted among pediatric patients with IBD. RESULTS: Seventy-six pediatric LT patients participated in the study. Of them, 58 (76.3%) reported fear of severe COVID-19 infection due to LT or LT-associated medications. Half of the patients reported needing emotional support. Most patients (51, 67.1%) reported strictly following official guidance, while more stringent protective measures were taken by 64 (84.2%) patients. None of the patients discontinued their medications due to COVID-19. Compared to pediatric patients with IBD, a higher proportion of pediatric LT recipients reported fears of contracting severe COVID-19 infection due to their illness or medications (45, 59.2% vs. 110, 45.1%). CONCLUSION: Among pediatric LT recipients a higher proportion reported fear of severe COVID-19 infection, implemented additional protective measures and expressed a need for emotional support, compared to patients with IBD. Medical teams should provide adequate information and offer a support system for this vulnerable population.

Psychological distress and associated factors among kidney transplant recipients and living kidney donors during COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant psychological distress globally. Our study assessed the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic among kidney transplant recipients and kidney donors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 497 participants (325 recipients and 172 donors) was conducted from 1st May to 30th June 2020 in Singapore. The survey questionnaire assessed knowledge levels of COVID-19, socio-demographic data, health status, psychosocial impact of COVID-19, and precautionary behaviors during the pandemic. Psychological distress was defined as having anxiety, depression, or stress measured by the validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Linear regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with higher psychological distress. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychological distress was 14.3% (95% confidence interval: 11.5-17.6%) in the overall population; it was 12.8% (9.79-16.6%) in recipients and 13.4% (9.08-19.6%) in donors with no significant difference (P = 0.67). Younger age (21-49 vs. ≥50 years), unmarried status, non-Singapore citizen, worse health conditions, and worrying about physical and mental health were associated with higher psychological distress. Malays (versus Chinese), taking precautionary measures (hand sanitization), and receiving enough information about COVID-19 were associated with lower psychological distress. No interactions were observed between recipients and donors. CONCLUSIONS: At least one in ten recipients and donors suffer from psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic. Focused health education to younger adults, unmarried individuals, non-Singapore citizens, and those with poor health status could potentially prevent psychological distress in recipients and donors.

Health-Related Quality of Life Score and Outcomes in Living Donor Renal Transplant Recipients With COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Renal transplant recipients with severe COVID-19 may have sequelae that can affect their quality of life and can have poor patient and graft outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, observational study between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, to assess patient and graft outcomes and quality of life using the EQ-5D quality of life survey score at baseline and at follow-up of at least 12 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 3100 renal transplant recipients with follow-up, 104 patients had COVID-19. Of these patients, 75 (72.1%) had mild-moderate disease and 29 (27.9%) had severe disease. In addition, 78 patients (75.0%) were hospitalized, with 43 patients (41.3%) in the intensive care unit. Remdesivir was used in 46 of the 78 hospitalized patients (58.9%) without any mortality benefitin the severe group. Sixteen patients (17.5%) were rehospitalized with opportunistic infection (n = 7), persistent graft dysfunction (n = 6), pulmonary sequelae (n = 2), and angina (n = 1). Thirteen patients (12.5%) died. On follow-up, the overall EQ-5D score was significantly lower, particularly the pain and anxiety/depression scores in patients with mild-moderate disease, whereas all components of the EQ-5D score were significantly affected in patients with severe COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Renal transplant recipients with severe COVID-19 are at high risk of mortality, acute graft dysfunction, and residual disability, severely affecting their quality of life score and requiring rehabilitation.

Associations between executive functioning, personality, and posttraumatic stress symptoms in adolescent solid organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric solid organ transplant recipients are susceptible to posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), given the presence of a life-threatening chronic medical condition and potential for complications. However, little is known about what individual characteristics are associated with an increased risk for PTSS among youth who received an organ transplant. The aim of the current study was to evaluate PTSS and its associations with executive functioning (EF) and personality (i.e., neuroticism and conscientiousness) among adolescents with solid organ transplants. METHODS: Fifty-three adolescents (Mage  = 16.40, SD = 1.60) with a kidney, heart, or liver transplant completed self-report measures of PTSS and personality, whereas caregivers completed a caregiver-proxy report of adolescent EF. RESULTS: Twenty-two percent of adolescent transplant recipients reported clinically significant levels of PTSS. Higher EF difficulties and neuroticism levels, and lower conscientiousness levels were significantly associated with higher PTSS (rs -.34 to .64). Simple slope analyses revealed that adolescents with both high EF impairment and high levels of neuroticism demonstrated the highest PTSS (t = 3.47; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Most adolescent transplant recipients in the present study did not report clinically significant levels of PTSS; however, those with high neuroticism and greater EF difficulties may be particularly vulnerable to PTSS following organ transplantation. Following transplantation, medical providers should assess for PTSS and risk factors for developing PTSS. Identification of those at risk for PTSS is critical, given the strong associations between PTSS and certain medical outcomes (e.g., medication nonadherence) among these youth.

Psychosocial outcomes 1-year post total pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplant.

BACKGROUND: A paucity of research regarding the psychosocial outcomes after TPIAT exists. METHODS: Adults (>18 years), adolescents (13-18 years), and children (5-12 years) with their parents were administered questionnaires at the time of evaluation for TPIAT and 1-year postsurgery to assess psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 13 adults (6 male, 46%; mean age 35.2 years) and 9 children/adolescents (4 female, 44.4%; mean age 11.78 years) with CP were included in the study. A total of 69.2% of the adults and 66.7% of the children and adolescents were insulin dependent at 1-year postsurgery. In adults, improvements on the SF-36 pain (p = .001) and general health (p = .045) subscales were generally observed 1-year postsurgery. Adult patients who underwent robotic-assisted surgery compared to open surgery specifically reported better general health on the SF-36 (p < .05) at 1 year. For children and adolescents, reductions in average pain in the last week (p < .05), pain interference (p < .001), and fatigue were observed (p < .05) at 1-year postsurgery. For the entire sample, using repeated measures ANOVA and covarying for age, significant differences were found 1-year postsurgery in average pain in the last week (p = .034) and pain interference with the following categories: general activity (p < .001), walking (p = .04), normal work (p = .003), sleep (p = .002), and enjoyment in life (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: While few transplant centers offer this treatment, the improvement in quality of life suggests this may be a viable treatment option for those with CP complicated by intractable pain. (IRB Approval PRO 19080302).

Posttraumatic stress and medication adherence in pediatric transplant recipients.

Adolescent transplant recipients may encounter a range of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) pre- and posttransplant, yet little is known about the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and medication adherence in this population. In the present study, adolescent recipients and caregivers completed psychosocial questionnaires at enrollment. Outpatient tacrolimus trough level data were collected over 1 year to calculate the Medication Level Variability Index (MLVI), a measure of medication adherence. Nonadherence (MLVI ≥2) was identified in 34.8% of patients, and most (80.7%) reported ≥1 PTE exposure. Levels of PTSS indicating likely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were endorsed by 9.2% of patients and 43.7% of caregivers. PTSS and MLVI were significantly correlated in the liver subgroup (r = .30, p = .04). Hierarchical multivariable linear regression analyses revealed overall patient PTSS were significantly associated with QoL (p < .001). PTEs are common in adolescent recipients; a minority may meet criteria for PTSD. PTSS screening to identify nonadherence risk requires further investigation and addressing PTSS may improve QoL. Caregivers appear at greater risk for PTSD and may require their own supports. The study was approved by each participating center's Institutional Review Board.

Prerenal Transplant Education and Evaluation Positively Impacts Outcomes.

Introduction: An outstanding question in kidney transplantation is how to prepare candidates and their social supports for optimal posttransplant outcomes. Project Aims: This program evaluation assessed whether a pretransplant quality improvement clinic improved clinical outcomes in the year posttransplant compared to recipients receiving standard of care. Design: The Countdown to Transplant Clinic was implemented with kidney transplant candidates expected to receive a transplant within the next few months. The clinic included an enhanced education session on posttransplant lifestyle management, confirmation of support (≥2 adults), and evaluations by transplant social work, psychology, and nephrology. Results: Seventy-five patients participated in the clinic and underwent a transplant. A retrospective chart review of posttransplant laboratory values, rehospitalizations (within 3-months posttransplant), biopsy-confirmed graft failure, and mortality (within 1-year posttransplant) were collected from both groups. Univariate and multivariate propensity score-weighted linear or logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between clinic participation and outcomes. In models adjusting for relevant covariates, participation in The Countdown to Transplant Clinic (vs standard care) was associated with a lower coefficient of variation of serum tacrolimus (all values collected 3-12 months posttransplant), 30-day posttransplant white blood cell counts (but not 90-day), 90-day posttransplant potassium, and 30 and 31 to 90 days rehospitalizations. Clinic participation did not predict serum glucose levels at 30- or 90-days posttransplant. Due to low rates of rejection and mortality, meaningful comparisons were not possible. Conclusion: Participation in a pretransplant, multicomponent clinic may improve certain outcomes of interest posttransplantation. Pilot testing for feasibility for randomized controlled trials is a necessary next step.

Identification of Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescent Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies demonstrate an association between mental health disorders and organ transplantation, with adolescents five times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their nontransplant peers. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression in adolescent kidney transplant recipients using standardized mental health screening tools. METHOD: The standardized screening tools, generalized anxiety disorder-7 for anxiety and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, were administered over 6 months to kidney transplant recipients aged 12-21 years during the transplant clinic visit. RESULTS: Mental health screening increased by 74.0%. Patients reported mild to moderate anxiety at 46.4% and depression at 35.7%. DISCUSSION: Routine screening for mental health disorders in the transplant clinic allows for early identification of anxiety and depression, prompt referrals to a mental health professional, and improved health outcomes in adolescent kidney transplant recipients.