Urodynamic Risk Factors for Recurrent Febrile Graft Pyelonephritis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess lower urinary tract function and morphological changes in kidney transplant recipients with a history of graft pyelonephritis and investigate the association between specific types of lower urinary tract dysfunction and the risk of recurrent graft pyelonephritis.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of kidney transplant recipients hospitalized for febrile graft pyelonephritis more than 1 year after transplantation between April 2019 and October 2023. Patients underwent cystography and urodynamic studies after infection control and were followed up for at least 12 months. They were classified based on urodynamic findings, and recurrence-free survival was analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients were included. Vesicoureteral reflux of the grafted kidney was observed in 20 (83.3%) patients. Detrusor overactivity, detrusor underactivity, and low-compliance bladders were diagnosed in 8 (33.3%), 12 (50.0%), and 7 (29.2%) patients, respectively. Based on urodynamic findings, treatment and bladder management were modified in 20 patients. During a median follow-up of 33 months, seven patients developed recurrent graft pyelonephritis. Detrusor overactivity remained an independent risk factor for recurrent graft pyelonephritis (odds ratio, 21.4; p = 0.04). Patients with detrusor overactivity or underactivity but not low-compliance bladder had significantly shorter recurrence-free survival compared with those without these dysfunctions (p = 0.017, 0.038, and 0.38, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent lower urinary tract dysfunction, particularly detrusor overactivity, is a significant risk factor for recurrent graft pyelonephritis. Comprehensive evaluation of vesicoureteral reflux and lower urinary tract function via urodynamic studies is important to improve posttransplant outcomes in patients with a history of graft pyelonephritis.