How residence affects the survival of kidney transplant recipients, can it be improved by telemedicine?

Abstract

Background: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease. An adequate post-transplant follow-up improves the graft and patient's long-term survival. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of kidney transplant patients who live in the Medellin metropolitan area with those who live outside this area, to propose a model for follow-up care through telemedicine. Methods: Descriptive, retrospective and one-center study. Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the survival rate. Results: Between 2005 and 2015, 742 patients were transplanted, 42% of whom lived outside the metropolitan area. The survival rates after 1, 3 and 5 years of treatment in patients in the metropolitan area of Medellín compared to those outsides were 96.8%, 93.7% y 91.8% and 94.4%, 90.3% y 85.2% respectively, with statistically significant differences (Log-rank test p=0.048, Hazard ratio 1.68, IC 95% 0.99-2.84, p=0.052). Conclusion: The survival rate was lower in kidney transplant patients living outside the urban area. These findings motivate the development of a telemedicine project to facilitate the follow-up of these patients after a kidney transplantation.

Keywords

• graft survival
• kidney transplantation
• renal insufficiency chronic
• survival
• telemedicine