Key result
Cognitive impairment affected 23% of kidney transplant recipients, with no significant difference in prevalence between males (23.1%) and females (22.9%).
Why the study?
Unexplained sex differences exist in CKD prevalence and KTx access, and cognitive impairment may negatively impact therapeutic outcomes, but the influence of sex on cognitive impairment in KTx recipients was unclear.
Cross-Sectional (n=126)
No
Cognitive impairment is highly prevalent (23%) among kidney transplant recipients, affecting both sexes equally despite systemic disparities in transplant access.
This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.
Background There are unexplained sex differences regarding prevalence, morbidity, and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of note, females are less likely to be waitlisted and experience longer waiting times for kidney transplant (KTx). Recently, interest in cognitive impairment among CKD patients has increased due to its potential negative impact on therapeutic outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the influence of sex on cognitive impairment prevalence and patterns, as well as modifiable dementia risk factors, in KTx recipients. Methods This cross-sectional study screened KTx recipients for cognitive impairment using the Mini-Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination. Demographic data, medical histories, and laboratory results were collected from medical records. Results The study included 126 consecutive KTx recipients, predominantly male (62%). Males showed higher serum creatinine (1.57 vs. 1.25 mg/dL; p = 0.001), urea (59.50 vs. 55.00 mg/dL; p = 0.046), and uric acid (7.20 vs. 6.20 mg/dL; p = 0.012) levels compared to females. However, creatinine clearance rates did not differ significantly between sexes (49.03 ± 20.29 vs. 50.79 ± 21.7 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.645). A non-significant trend toward higher smoking prevalence among males was observed (p = 0.054). Cognitive impairment prevalence in the overall cohort was 23%, with no significant sex difference (males: 23.1%, females: 22.9%). Conclusions There was a high prevalence of cognitive impairment among KTx recipients, affecting both sexes equally. Male predominance in the study cohort likely reflects systemic disparities in transplant access. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sex-specific considerations into the management and follow-up care of KTx recipients.
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23% of KTx recipients show cognitive impairment equally by sex; leaves open whether routine screening improves transplant outcomes.
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Olejnik et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Kidney failure after kidney transplant (n=126). Male sex vs. Female sex was evaluated on Prevalence of cognitive impairment (p=0.983). Cognitive impairment affected 23% of kidney transplant recipients, with no significant difference in prevalence between males (23.1%) and females (22.9%).
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