Frailty in kidney transplant candidates: new therapeutic strategies to intervene.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Patients that present with a physical frail phenotype have a higher risk of poor kidney transplant outcomes and are therefore less likely to be wait listed for a transplant. The physical frailty phonotype is more prevalent in older adults >65years with chronic and end stage kidney disease, thus partly contributing to inequitable access to transplant. Frailty can potentially be reversed by prehabilitation.

Recent findings: Small studies of prehabilitation in kidney transplant candidates have demonstrated feasibility and safety. These pilot studies have shown efficacy for improving functional surrogates of frailty. Encouraging findings from one small pilot study reported a 50% reduction in postoperative length of hospital stay in patients that participated in prehabilitation. Exercise intervention should be supported with nutrition intervention aimed at increasing energy intake. Lifestyle behavior change coaching and case-by-case clinical psychology support are a key for successful uptake of prehabilitation and sustainable lifestyle change.

Summary: There is consensus from the American Society of Transplantation, the European Society of Transplantation, and healthcare providers that prehabilitation is a valuable peri-operative intervention. Robust, multicenter randomized controlled trials will facilitate the establishment of evidence-based guidelines and widespread implementation of prehabilitation into clinical care.