Respiratory Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Could Predict Morbidity and Mortality in Solid-Organ Transplant Patients: Başkent University Experience.

Abstract

Objectives: Respiratory tract infections are commonly seen and compose a great burden on health care. The causing pathogens might be either bacteria or viruses. Because treatment is different for each, prompt diagnosis and early treatment are crucial, especially in immunocompromised patients like solid-organ transplant recipients who often present with obscure findings. The aim of this study was to compare the respiratory multiplex polymerase chain reaction results of solid-organ transplant recipients with results of other hospitalized patients (control group) and to analyze whether results played a role in morbidity and mortality prediction.

Materials and methods: The study was approved by the ethical committee of Başkent University (KA23/233) and included all patients who were hospitalized from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, and who underwent multiplex polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of respiratory tract infection.

Results: Among analyses of 192 polymerase chain reaction samples performed in 177 patients (45 solid-organ transplant patients and 132 controls), no differences in frequency or pathogen type were shown between the groups. A positive result was associated with increased mortality in transplant patients but not in controls. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no difference for survival time within 6 months of follow-up between the groups. Logistic regression analysis showed an increase of 4.28-fold in mortality for transplant patients if a positive polymerase chain reaction result was present.

Conclusions: Respiratory multiplex polymerase chain reaction is a tool for fast diagnosis and prompt initiation of the right treatment. A positive result in transplant patients was associated with increased mortality.