Recurrent UTIs Impair Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients, suggests study
Researchers have found in a new study that recurrent UTIs are common among kidney transplant recipients and significantly worsen morbidity and quality of life—especially for women. Using the RUTIIQ survey, researchers also identified substantial psychosocial impacts, including anxiety, social difficulties, and work disruptions.’
Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are common in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We aimed to assess the impact of rUTI on medical morbidity and quality of life (QOL). Single-center, retrospective review of adult kidney transplant recipients with rUTI during March 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023. QOL was assessed via the Recurrent UTI Impact Questionnaire (RUTIIQ) using a 10-point Likert scale. Results: Among 46 KTRs, the median age was 59.5 years, and 82.6% were women. Median time since transplant was 50.1 months; most were on tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone. Chronic kidney disease was present in 60.9%. Predominant uropathogens were Escherichia coli (54.3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (43.5%); 37% of patients had multidrug-resistant organisms. Sixty-five percent had UTI-related hospitalization, and 69.6% needed intravenous antibiotics during the study period.
Among 27 survey respondents, patients had generalized anxiety (median score 7), disrupted sleep (median score 5), and anxiety regarding sex life (median score 8.5). Work and daily activities were impaired, with a median score of 9 for regularly missing days of work or home responsibilities due to UTI. While there was high satisfaction with the content of medical care (median score 9), lower scores were noted for aspects such as feeling listened to by healthcare providers (median score 4) and access to specialists (median score 3). Recurrent UTI is associated with a significant impact on morbidity and adverse QOL in kidney transplant recipients, with female recipients bearing a disproportionate burden.
Clinicians must adopt a proactive approach to managing risk factors, optimizing graft function, and implementing prevention measures to minimize the burden of rUTIs in kidney transplant recipients.
Reference:
S. Jung, K. Chen, M. Kazim, M. Shah, A. L. Brubaker, and S. Aslam, “ Pilot Study to Assess the Impact of UTI Recurrence on Quality of Life and Medical Utilization in Kidney Transplant Recipients.” Transplant Infectious Disease (2025): e70137. https://doi.org/10.1111/tid.70137
