Pilot Study to Assess the Impact of UTI Recurrence on Quality of Life and Medical Utilization in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are common in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We aimed to assess the impact of rUTI on medical morbidity and quality of life (QOL). Methods Single‐center, retrospective review of adult KTRs with rUTI during March 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023. QOL was assessed via the Recurrent UTI Impact Questionnaire (RUTIIQ) using a 10‐point Likert scale. Results Among 46 KTRs, the median age was 59.5 years, and 82.6% were women. Median time since transplant was 50.1 months; most were on tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone. Chronic kidney disease was present in 60.9%. Predominant uropathogens were Escherichia coli (54.3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (43.5%); 37% of patients had multidrug‐resistant organisms. Sixty‐five percent had UTI‐related hospitalization, and 69.6% needed intravenous antibiotics during the study period. Among 27 survey respondents, patients had generalized anxiety (median score 7), disrupted sleep (median score 5), and anxiety regarding sex life (median score 8.5). Work and daily activities were impaired, with a median score of 9 for regularly missing days of work or home responsibilities due to UTI. While there was high satisfaction with the content of medical care (median score 9), lower scores were noted for aspects such as feeling listened to by healthcare providers (median score 4) and access to specialists (median score 3). Conclusion Recurrent UTI is associated with a significant impact on morbidity and adverse QOL in KTRs, with female recipients bearing a disproportionate burden. Clinicians must adopt a proactive approach to managing risk factors, optimizing graft function, and implementing prevention measures to minimize the burden of rUTIs in KTRs.