Fatigue in kidney transplant recipients

Fatigue is still present in approximately 40%-50% of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), rates comparable to that of the hemodialysis population. Correlates of fatigue include inflammation, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, and obesity. Fatigue in KTR determines a significant severe functional impairment, either when globally considered or when analyzed at the level of the single domains such as sleep and rest, homemaking, mobility, social interaction, ambulation, leisure activities, alertness behavior, and work limitations. In addition, fatigue in KTR is significantly associated with a severe deterioration of quality of life. Fatigue is very common among KTR poorly adherent to immunosuppressive therapy. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of studies about the treatments of this symptom in KTR. Efforts to detect and treat fatigue should be a priority in order to improve quality of life of KTR.