Recurrent urinary tract infections in kidney transplant recipients during the first-year influence long-term graft function: a single-center retrospective cohort study

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) after kidney transplantation are associated with significant morbidity. However, data on the impact of UTI on graft survival are controversial. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 380 kidney transplant patients. Recipients with symptomatic UTIs during the first year after transplantation were categorized into three groups: early (< 3 episodes from months 1st to 6th), late (< 3 episodes during months 7th to 12th) and recurrent (≥ 3 episodes throughout the whole first year). Graft function at three years was considered the primary outcome. Symptomatic UTIs occurred in 184 (48.4%) kidney transplant recipients during the first year; 83 (21.8%) patients developed early UTIs, 50 (13.2%) late UTIs and 51 (13.4%) recurrent UTIs. We observed a significant improvement in graft function after three years in all patients (P < 0.001) except those who had recurrent UTIs. A Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that recipients with recurrent UTIs had worse graft outcome (eGFR value < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) (P = 0.01). Recurrent UTIs was an independent predictor of graft function at three years in a model adjusted for DGF and episodes of acute rejection (Hazard Ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.5; P = 0.001). Recurrent symptomatic UTIs during the first year after transplantation have negative impact on long-term graft function.