Associations of Pretransplant Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Score With Kidney Transplant Outcomes

Simple and validated physical function measures are needed for kidney transplant candidates because pretransplant low physical function is a common and potentially modifiable risk factor. This single-center retrospective study investigated the associations between pretransplant physical function assessed by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System^® Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) computer adaptive testing and early posttransplant outcomes. We analyzed 154 adult kidney-alone transplant recipients. The median pretransplant PROMIS-PF score was 43 (interquartile range, 39-47). Patient characteristics were not significantly different across the score category (normal, score ≥45; mild, score of 40-45; and moderate/severe, score <40). The PROMIS-PF score was not associated with length of transplant hospital stay, delayed graft function, 6-month and 12-month graft function, or 12-month patient and graft survival. However, a lower PROMIS-PF score was significantly associated with a higher risk of emergency room visits [adjusted odds ratios compared to normal: mild, 1.68 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-3.83); moderate/severe, 3.23 (1.34-7.79)] and rehospitalization [adjusted odds ratios: mild, 2.61 (1.16-5.90); moderate/severe, 2.53 (1.07-6.00)] within 1 month posttransplant. Results suggest that PROMIS-PF is a practical tool for assessing physical function in kidney transplant candidates. Larger studies are needed to confirm the utility of PROMIS-PF to identify transplant candidates who would benefit from pretransplant prehabilitation.