Furunculosis and its complications: a cause of morbidity in renal transplant recipients. A retrospective observational study from Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation Karachi

Furunculosis in renal transplant recipients may be associated with increased morbidity. With the aim to study the presentation, morbidity, and risk factors for furunculosis, this observational study was conducted at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, between January to December 2014. All patients with furuncles or abscesses were included. The clinical presentation and risk factors were recorded. A morbidity scale of 0 and 1 was made on the basis of hospital stay for ≥7 days, bacteraemia, large abscesses and repeated furunculosis. Out of 38 patients, 29 (76%) had large abscesses and 9 (24%) had furuncles, with gluteal region being the most common site. Twelve (32%) had severe disease; 29 (76%) had morbidity scale of ≥1. High dose immunosuppression was significantly associated with severe disease while repeated furunculosis had significantly more risk factors. Furunculosis is a severe disease with high morbidity in renal transplant recipients and more studies are needed on skin colonisation and preventive strategies.