Abstract:
Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in kidney transplant candidates and recipients and
may be worsened by HIV. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of GIS in HIV-positive
kidney transplant recipients from HIV-positive donors, and those waiting to receive one. A GIS
rating scale (GSRS) was completed by 76 participants at baseline and at 6 months. GIS frequency
was defned as having at least one symptom (GSRS> 1). Severity was indicated by the GSRS score.
Transplant candidates: GIS frequency was 88.9% and 86.3% at baseline and 6 months respectively.
Indigestion was the most frequent (79.6% and 66.7% at baseline and 6 months), and severe GIS
(GSRS 2.3). Women reported global mean (p = 0.030) severity signifcantly more than men. Transplant
recipients: GIS frequency was 95.2% and 76.2% at baseline and 6 months respectively. At both
assessment points, indigestion occurred most frequently (85.7% and 61.9% respectively). Highest
GSRS was reported for indigestion at baseline (2.33) and at 6 months (1.33). Waist circumference (WC)
was positively associated with the severity of constipation GSRS. GIS are common in both groups,
especially indigestions. WC in transplant recipients should be monitored.
