Clinical correlates, outcomes and healthcare costs associated with early mechanical ventilation after kidney transplantation

Background Information is lacking on the frequency, clinical implications, and costs of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation after kidney transplantation. Methods US Renal Data System records for Medicare-insured kidney transplant recipients (1995 to 2007; n = 88,392) were examined to identify post-transplantation mechanical ventilation from billing claims within 30 days after transplantation. Results Post-transplantation mechanical ventilation was required among 2.1% of the cohort. Independent correlates of early mechanical ventilation included recipient age, low body mass index, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Post-transplantation mechanical ventilation was twice as likely with delayed graft function (adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; P <.001) and 35% lower among recipients of living versus deceased donor allografts. Patients needing early mechanical ventilation experienced 5-fold higher 1-year mortality, as well as significantly higher Medicare costs during the transplant hospitalization and first post-transplantation year. Conclusions Recognition of patients at risk for post-transplantation respiratory failure may help direct protocols for reducing the incidence and consequences of this complication.