A Longitudinal Study Examining the Change in Functional Independence Over Time in Elderly Individuals With a Functioning Kidney Transplant

BACKGROUND: Functional disability is defined as the need for assistance with self-care tasks. OBJECTIVE: To document changes in functional status over time among older prevalent renal transplant recipients. DESIGN: Single center, prospective, follow-up study. SETTING: Single center, tertiary care transplant center. PATIENTS: Patients, with a functioning kidney transplant, aged 65 years or older who underwent assessment of functional status approximately 12 months previously. MEASUREMENTS: Validated tools used included Barthel Index, the Lawton-Brody Scale of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, the Timed Up and Go test, the Veterans Specific Activity Questionnaire, the Mini-Cog, and dynamometer handgrip strength. METHODS: Outpatient assessment by a trained observer. RESULTS: Of the 82 patients previously studied, 64 (78%) patients participated in the follow-up study (mean age 70.5 ± 4.4 years, 58% male, 55% diabetic). Among those completing functional status measures, 32 (50%) had functional disability at baseline. Over the 1-year period, 11 (17%) of these patients experienced progressive functional decline, 6 (9%) exhibited no change, and 15 (23%) had functional recovery. Eleven patients (17%) initially independent, developed new-onset disability. One of the strongest predictors of progressive functional decline was having 1 or more falls in the previous year. LIMITATIONS: Assessments were performed only on 2 occasions separated by approximately 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Fluctuations in disability states are common among older adults living with renal transplants. Episodes of functional disability may place individuals at higher risk of persistent and/or progressive disability.