Gender, age affect symptoms experienced by kidney transplant recipients

Researchers explained the importance of developing personalized treatment strategies to reduce symptoms after a study found that kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) experience symptoms differently depending on gender and age.

In the study including 631 KTRs, the median number of symptoms was 14, with a burden, measured using validated questionnaires, of 20. For every extra symptom, physical and mental health-related quality of life decreased.

Bruises, tiredness, lack of energy, urge to urinate at night, and dry skin were the most common symptoms, with sexual-related problems considered the most burdensome.

More symptoms were reported by women than men and younger recipients experienced more feelings of depression. Women and younger recipients had higher symptom prevalence about changes in physical appearance.

Reference
Veltkamp DMJ, Wang Y, Meuleman Y, et al. Age and gender differences in symptom experience and health-related quality of life in kidney transplant recipients: a cross-sectional study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2023;gfad023. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfad023. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36708170.