Awareness of post-transplant endocrine disorders among kidney transplant clinicians: results of an Italian survey.

PURPOSE: Endocrine disorders, which are commonly associated with End-Stage Kidney Disease, may either persist or emerge de novo in the post-transplant period. Despite their clinical relevance, the literature remains limited, and current guidelines offer only vague recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

A 44-item survey was sent via email to each kidney transplant center to assess transplant physicians' interest in the endocrine disorders of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) undergoing regular follow-up. The questionnaire was composed of 6 sections: general information; bone disease; thyroid disorders; pituitary disorders; adrenal disorders; gonadal disorders, fertility, and sexuality.

RESULTS

Out of the 41 centers, 29 transplant physicians participated in the study (70.7%). The prevalence of osteoporosis was greater than 50% in KTRs while the prevalence of fractures is likely underestimated, as most centers practice routine bone mineral density (BMD) screening through DEXA scan but do not routinely perform spinal radiography to detect vertebral deformities. The kidney transplant clinicians routinely assess thyroid hormone levels as part of clinical history although the timing varies widely among centers. Adrenal function is not routinely assessed during follow-up in a substantial number of centers, with only 14% conducting regular biochemical evaluations. Many centers show insufficient interest in investigating gonadal function, with 20% not addressing it during clinical history taking and 35% unaware of the incidence of menstrual irregularities or erectile dysfunction in their KTRs.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey revealed significant variability in the management of endocrine disorders across the Italian transplant centers. The development of guidelines for early detection and management would significantly improve the individualized care of this fragile patient population.