Martin, Claire J.Veldman, F.J.Labadarios, D.Ebrahim, Z.Muller, E.Kassier, S.M.2022-06-212022-06-212021-06Martin, C. J., Veldman, F. J., Labadarios, D., Ebrahim, Z., Muller, E., & Kassier, S. M. (2021). Gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donor. Scientific reports, 11(1), 12592. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92016-22045-2322 (online)10.1038/s41598-021-92016-2https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/85880Gastrointestinal 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.en© The Author(s) 2021. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.HIV-positive candidatesGastrointestinal symptoms (GIS)Kidney transplant candidatesKidney transplant recipientsHIV-positive donorHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Health sciences articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingGastrointestinal symptoms in HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donorArticle