Reproduction and transplantation: report on the AST Consensus Conference on Reproductive Issues and Transplantation

Risk of obstetrical complications in organ transplant recipient pregnancies

Pregnancy after kidney and liver transplantation is becoming relatively common, although, in both groups, maternal complications are higher than in the general population. Both mean gestational age and mean birthweight seems significantly greater for liver transplant versus kidney transplant recipients and the risk of hypertension during pregnancy seems also lower for liver transplant than kidney transplant recipients. Thus, sequelae of chronic kidney diseases have stronger adverse effects on pregnancy, leading to a higher occurrence of adverse neonatal complications. Also, gestation in heart recipients may be complicated and preeclampsia seems to occur more frequently. However, the transplanted heart seems to adapt well to changes caused by pregnancy, such as increased cardiac workload and output, and elevated maternal oxygen consumption. More problematic is pregnancy in lung transplant recipients. Spontaneous pregnancy and healthy childbirth after bone marrow grafting is relatively rare due to irradiation, but, if gestation occurs, no specific problems have been identified. Obstetrical syndromes associated with transplantation reflect the pathology of defective deep placentation, where conversion of uterine spiral arteries remains largely restricted to the decidual segment. The myometrial segments of the uteroplacental arteries have a unique vascular memory and are at great risk to develop obstructive, atherosclerotic lesions. A similar increased risk of complications already existed in pregnancies during the years before transplantation. The effect of immunosuppressive therapy remains speculative. Therefore, the main target for improving the outcome of pregnancy in women at risk is the strict antihypertensive treatment from the earliest stage of pregnancy.

Roles of the pharmacist in the use of safe and highly effective long-acting reversible contraception: an opinion of the women's health practice and research network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy

The U.S. population continues to experience an alarmingly high rate of unintended pregnancies that have an impact on individual families and society alike. Lack of effective contraception accounts for most unintended pregnancies, along with incorrect use of contraceptives. The most common reversible contraceptive method used in the United States is the oral contraceptive pill, which has significant failure and discontinuation rates. Use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods has been increasing in recent years after efforts to educate providers and patients. Women are more likely to use LARC methods when barriers such as access and cost are removed. An uptake in the use of LARC methods would allow for markedly reduced contraception failure rates and higher user satisfaction and thus higher continuation rates than those seen with current contraception use. Promoting the use of LARC methods is an important strategy in improving both individual and public health outcomes by reducing unintended pregnancies. The pharmacist's role in family planning is expanding and can contribute to these efforts. Although knowledge regarding LARC has not been studied among pharmacists, a knowledge deficit exists among health care professionals in general. Thus pharmacist education and training should include LARC methods along with other contraceptives. The American College of Clinical Pharmacy Women's Health Practice and Research Network advocates for the pharmacist's role in the use of safe and highly effective LARC methods. These roles include educating patients, informing providers, facilitating access by providing referrals, and modifying institutional procedures to encourage provision of LARC methods.

Contraceptive awareness and birth control selection in female kidney and liver transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE(S)

Interest has increased regarding the issue of contraception in transplant recipients. The purpose of this study was to assess birth control selection and the role of contraceptive counseling sessions in female kidney transplant (KT) and liver transplant (LT) recipients.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional single-center survey study of 217 female organ recipients (KT, 137 and LT, 80), aged 18-45 years, met the study criteria. Patients were asked 43 questions regarding their pre- and posttransplantation use of contraceptive methods, birth control awareness, contraception counseling and the factors determining the selection of effective contraception (hormonal contraception, intrauterine devices and female sterilization).

RESULTS

Thirty-three percent (5/15) of patients who had undergone the transplantation within 1 year prior to study inclusion were unaware of the necessity to use contraception. Both of the groups studied did not differ significantly in terms of the rates of pre- and posttransplantation consultations on effective contraception (KT: 26% vs. 34%; p=0.153 and LT 38% vs. 35%; p=0.729). Effective posttransplantation contraception was used by one in three patients, as indicated by posttransplantation consultations (KT: 30% vs. LT: 29%; p=0.910). The following factors affected the posttransplantation use of effective contraception: the presence of posttransplantation counseling on effective contraception [odds ratio (OR): 6.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12-20.1] and infrequent sexual activity prior to transplantation (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35-0.89).

CONCLUSION(S)

The selection of effective contraception in KT and LT recipients remain suboptimal. Despite the low numbers of women who received contraceptive counseling in this study, consultation was nonetheless associated with choosing an effective method of contraception.

IMPLICATION

Current literature and data regarding contraception among female organ transplant recipients remain limited and are predominantly limited to a single population. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of satisfaction and the reasons underlying birth control selection in female kidney and LT recipients.

Pregnancy outcomes in liver and cardiothoracic transplant recipients: a UK national cohort study

Introduction

There are an increasing number of reports of pregnancy in transplant recipients but many questions remain regarding the effect of the transplant on pregnancy outcome, the pregnancy on the graft and the medication on the fetus. The majority of studies reporting outcomes in transplant recipients have focused on women with kidney transplants, and have included retrospective, voluntary registries or single centre studies.

Methods

The UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) was used to prospectively identify all pregnant women with a liver or cardiothoracic transplant in the United Kingdom, between January 2007 and January 2012. Data were collected on demographics, transplant characteristics, immunosuppression regimens, antenatal care, maternal, graft and neonatal outcomes. In an exploratory analysis, we tested for associations between “poor fetal outcome” and medications used before or during pregnancy.

Results and conclusions

We report 62 pregnancies in 56 liver transplant recipients and 14 pregnancies in 14 cardiothoracic transplant recipients (including 10 heart, three lung and one heart-lung recipient). Liver transplant recipients, in comparison to cardiothoracic, had similar livebirth rates (92% vs. 87%) but better fetal outcomes (median gestational age 38 weeks vs. 35 weeks; median birthweight 2698 g vs. 2365 g), fewer caesarean deliveries (47% vs. 62%), fewer maternal intensive care (ICU) admissions (19% vs. 29%) and fewer neonatal ICU admissions (25% vs. 54%). Nine women (12%) were taking mycophenolate mofetil at conception, which was associated with adverse fetal outcomes. Pregnancy in transplant recipients may have successful outcomes, but complication rates are high, emphasising the role of pre-conception counselling and further research into the long-term effect on maternal and graft survival rates.

Pregnancy outcomes for kidney transplant recipients

Pregnancy outcomes in a transplant population have not been well documented. Data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) and the National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU) were analyzed. We described pregnancy outcomes within the transplant population and compared these to outcomes for the general population. Six hundred ninety-two pregnancies in 447 transplant recipients were reported between 1971 and 2010 (ANZDATA); a corresponding 5 269 645 pregnancies were reported nationally in Australia between 1991 and 2010 (NPESU). At pregnancy transplant mothers had a median age of 31 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 27, 34), a median creatinine of 106 µmol/L (IQR: 88, 1103 µmol/L) and a functioning transplant for a median of 5 years (IQR: 3, 9). The mean gestational age at birth was 35 ± 5 weeks in transplant recipients, significantly shorter than the national average of 39 weeks (p < 0.0001). Mean live birth weight for transplant recipients was 873 g lower than the national average (2485 ± 783 g vs. 3358 ± 2 g); a significant difference remained after controlling for gestational age. There was lower perinatal survival rate in babies born to transplant recipients, 94% compared with 99% nationally (p < 0.001). Although transplant pregnancies are generally successful, outcomes differ from the general population, indicating these remain high-risk pregnancies despite good allograft function.

Kidney disease in pregnancy: (Women's Health Series)

Kidney disease and pregnancy may exist in two general settings: acute kidney injury that develops during pregnancy, and chronic kidney disease that predates conception. In the first trimester of pregnancy, acute kidney injury is most often the result of hyperemesis gravidarum, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. In the second and third trimesters, the common causes of acute kidney injury are severe preeclampsia, hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets syndrome, acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and thrombotic microangiopathies, which may pose diagnostic challenges to the clinician. Cortical necrosis and obstructive uropathy are other conditions that may lead to acute kidney injury in these trimesters. Early recognition of these disorders is essential to timely treatment that can improve both maternal and fetal outcomes. In women with preexisting kidney disease, pregnancy-related outcomes depend upon the degree of renal impairment, the amount of proteinuria, and the severity of hypertension. Neonatal and maternal outcomes in pregnancies among renal transplant patients are generally good if the mother has normal baseline allograft function. Common renally active drugs and immunosuppressant medications must be prescribed, with special considerations in pregnant patients.

Women and transplantation: fertility, sexuality, pregnancy, contraception

Since 1958, thousands of women with kidney transplants have become pregnant. Although most pregnancies in kidney transplant recipients are successful, they are high-risk endeavors. This seems more a function of the associated issues and comorbidities that often affect individuals with kidney transplants (eg, hypertension) or immunosuppression side effects rather than the kidney transplant per se. Regardless of the underlying pathophysiology, these pregnancies are associated with a high rate of preeclampsia diagnoses, preterm deliveries, Cesarean sections, and small-for-gestational-age babies. Given these risks, it is critical to counsel and inform transplant recipients and prospective transplant recipients of childbearing age and their partners regarding many aspects of pregnancy, including the need for contraception to prevent pregnancy after transplant, immunosuppression concerns, and the potential effect of pregnancy on the outcome of the mother, baby, and kidney transplant.

Long-term impact of immunosuppressants at therapeutic doses on male reproductive system in unilateral nephrectomized rats: a comparative study

Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus are commonly used in renal transplant recipients to prevent rejection. However, information for comparative effects of these agents on the male productive system is extremely limited and controversial. In a physiologically and clinically relevant rat model of unilateral nephrectomy, we demonstrated that long-term oral administration of both cyclosporine and sirolimus at doses equivalent to the therapeutic levels used for postrenal transplant patients significantly affects testicular development and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis accompanied by profound histological changes of testicular structures on both light and electron microscopic examinations. Spermatogenesis was also severely impaired as indicated by low total sperm counts along with reduction of sperm motility and increase in sperm abnormality after treatment with these agents, which may lead to male infertility. On the other hand, treatment with therapeutic dose of tacrolimus only induced mild reduction of sperm count without histological evidence of testicular injury. The current study clearly demonstrates that commonly used immunosuppressants have various impacts on male reproductive system even at therapeutic levels. Our data provide useful information for the assessment of male infertility in renal transplant recipients who wish to father children. Clinical trials to address these issues should be urged.

Clinical pregnancy after uterus transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To present the first clinical pregnancy after uterus transplantation.

DESIGN

Case study.

SETTING

Tertiary center.

PATIENT(S)

A 23-year-old Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome patient with previous vaginal reconstruction and uterus transplantation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Eighteen months after the transplant, the endometrium was prepared for transfer of the thawed embryos.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Implantation of embryo in an allografted human uterus.

RESULT(S)

The first ET cycle with one day 3 thawed embryo resulted in a biochemical pregnancy. The second ET cycle resulted in a clinical pregnancy confirmed with transvaginal ultrasound visualization of an intrauterine gestational sac with decidualization.

CONCLUSION(S)

We have presented the first clinical pregnancy in a patient with absolute uterine infertility after uterus allotransplantation. Although the real success is the delivery of a healthy near-term baby, this clinical pregnancy is a great step forward and a proof of concept that the implantation phase works.

Chronic kidney disease in pregnancy

Parturients with renal insufficiency or failure present a significant challenge for the anesthesiologist. Impaired renal function compromises fertility and increases both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Close communication amongst medical specialists, including nephrologists, obstetricians, neonatologists and anesthesiologists is required to ensure the safety of mother and child. Pre-existing diseases should be optimized and close surveillance of maternal and fetal condition is required. Kidney function may deteriorate during pregnancy, necessitating early intervention. The goal is to maintain hemodynamic and physiologic stability while the demands of the pregnancy change. Drugs that may adversely affect the fetus, are nephrotoxic or are dependent on renal elimination should be avoided.

Pregnancy management of diabetic renal transplant patients

Advances in medical care and options for medications for diabetic kidney transplant recipients have allowed for successful pregnancies to be carried to full term. End-stage renal disease leads to impaired fertility. Fertility is restored 1 to 6 months after a successful kidney transplant. Poor glycemic control near the conception period leads to a higher incidence of major fetal malformations and spontaneous abortion. Preconception counseling about risks of medications, control of comorbid conditions, stability of allograft function, and potential risks to mother, fetus, and allograft has to be done. Close and careful monitoring of mother, fetus, and allograft is important in ensuring a good outcome.

Pregnancy following liver transplantation: review of outcomes and recommendations for management

Liver transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for end-stage liver disease and its success has led to an increase in the number of female liver transplant recipients who are of childbearing age. Several key issues that are noted when counselling patients who are considering pregnancy following liver transplantation include the optimal timing of pregnancy, optimal contraception methods and the management of immunosuppression during pregnancy. The present review summarizes the most recent literature so that the clinician may address these issues with their patient and enable them to make informed decisions about pregnancy planning. The authors review recent studies examining maternal and fetal outcomes, and the rates of complications including risk of graft rejection. Subsequently, the authors provide recommendations for counselling prospective mothers and the management of the pregnant liver transplant recipient.

Pregnancy after cardiac transplantation

More women are reporting pregnancy following heart transplantation. Although successful outcomes have been reported for the mother, transplanted heart, and newborn, such pregnancies should be considered high risk. Hypertension, preeclampsia, and infection should be treated. Vaginal delivery is recommended unless cesarean section is obstetrically necessary. Most outcomes are live births, and long-term follow-up of children show most are healthy and developing well. Maternal survival, independent of pregnancy-related events, should be part of prepregnancy counseling.

Pregnancy in renal transplant recipients: a UK national cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Most reports of pregnancy outcome in women with kidney transplants are single-center, retrospective, and include small numbers and few are compared with controls. The aim of this study was to collect information about pregnancy outcomes among all kidney transplant recipients in the United Kingdom, managed with current antenatal and nephrologic care, and to compare these data with a contemporaneous control group.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Pregnant women with a kidney transplant were identified through the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS) between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009. Data on a comparison cohort were obtained from the UKOSS database, containing information on comparison women identified in previous studies. Outcomes were also compared with national data.

RESULTS

There were 105 pregnancies identified in 101 recipients. Median prepregnancy creatinine was 118 μmol/L. Preeclampsia developed in 24% compared with 4% of the comparison group. Median gestation at delivery was 36 weeks, with 52% of women delivering at <37 weeks, significantly higher than the national rate of 8%. Twenty-four infants (24%) were small for gestational age (<10th centile). There were two (2%) cases of acute rejection. Potential predictive factors for poor pregnancy outcome included >1 previous kidney transplant (P=0.03), first trimester serum creatinine >125 μmol/L (P=0.001), and diastolic BP >90 mmHg in the second (P=0.002) and third trimesters (P=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pregnancies in the United Kingdom in women with kidney transplants are successful but rates of maternal and neonatal complications remain high.

Pregnancy outcomes among solid organ transplant recipients in British Columbia

OBJECTIVE

Since 1954, over 14 000 women have given birth after having had an organ transplantation. Unfortunately, some women and physicians remain misinformed about the feasibility and outcomes of pregnancy post transplantation. Our primary objective was to assess their perceptions and difficulties with regard to becoming pregnant. Our secondary objectives were to determine the incidence of pregnancies among transplant recipients in British Columbia and any maternal, graft, or fetal complications.

METHODS

From 1997 to 2007 in British Columbia, there were over 500 female recipients of solid organ transplants. We surveyed recipients in this group who were of child-bearing age.

RESULTS

One hundred forty of 295 (47%) eligible recipients responded: 44 of these women had attempted pregnancy after transplant, and 31 women gave birth to 47 children. One half of the respondents planned to have children post transplant; 108 of 140 (77%) had no children before transplant. One quarter of the respondents were advised against pregnancy by their physician, and 33% of these women found a new physician to support their pregnancy. Rates of miscarriage (27%), rejection (21%), and prematurity (65%) were higher than expected. Infections were rare, and no birth defects or noteworthy health problems in the offspring were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, pregnancy appears to be safe following solid organ transplantation, but careful monitoring and counselling are recommended.

Long-term outcome after liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, acute liver failure, and liver tumors. Over the past 4 decades, improvements in surgical techniques, peritransplant intensive care, and immunosuppressive regimens have resulted in significant improvements in short-term survival. Focus has now shifted to addressing long-term complications and improving quality of life in liver recipients. These include adverse effects of immunosuppression; recurrence of the primary liver disease; and management of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, osteoporosis, and de novo malignancy. Issues such as posttransplant depression, employment, sexual function, fertility, and pregnancy must not be overlooked, as they have a direct impact on the liver recipient's quality of life. This review summarizes the latest data in long-term outcome after liver transplantation.

Long-term medical management of the liver transplant recipient: what the primary care physician needs to know

Recognition, management, and prevention of medical complications and comorbidities after liver transplant is the key to improved long-term outcomes. Beyond allograft-related complications, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, and malignancies are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Primary care physicians have an important role in improving outcomes of liver transplant recipients and are increasingly relied on for managing these complex patients. This review serves to assist the primary care physician in the long-term management issues of liver transplant recipients.

Pregnancy after renal transplantation: a review of registry and single-center practices and outcomes

Registries from North America, Australia and Europe are rich sources of clinical data on pregnancy after kidney transplantation. Single-center reports of pregnancy outcomes are limited by small sample sizes but not by the potential reporting bias that can impact registry data. Despite the differences in data pools, the obstetric and graft outcomes reported by single centers and registries have been similar. The majority of pregnancies are successful in renal transplant patients, but the risk of complications like pre-eclampsia, low birth weight and premature birth is high. Pregnancy has no significant impact on graft function or survival when baseline function is normal.

Parenthood in pediatric liver transplant patients

Liver transplantation has become a universally accepted treatment for numerous congenital and acquired hepatic disorders that cause liver failure. Without liver transplantation, patients in their reproductive years are afflicted with oligospermia or azoospermia in men and amenorrhea in women, with infertility being a consequence in both sexes. The aim of this study is to describe our experiences concerning the parenthood of pediatric individuals who are successful recipients of liver transplantations coming into the reproductive years of life. We retrospectively analyzed data of 207 pediatric liver transplanted patients (96 women, 111 men). Among them, three women conceived and delivered four babies, and two men admitted to paternity of two children after they all had been recipients of liver transplants. All female transplant recipients had received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Preterm delivery was the most clinically important complication among these patients. Only one of the female patients experienced hypercalcemia during the pregnancy. None had any other complications such as hypertension, preeclampsia, cholestasis, or diabetes. There was no graft insufficiency, rejection, or birth defect. We concluded that maternity and paternity in liver transplant patients show normal outcomes even though this procedure occurs in childhood, and pregnancy did not seem to impair graft function in patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs.

Pregnancy after Lung Transplant

The purpose of this study was to analyze pregnancy outcomes in female lung transplant recipients. Data were collected from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry via questionnaires, interviews, and hospital records. Twenty-one female lung recipients reported 30 pregnancies with 32 outcomes (1 triplet pregnancy). Outcomes included 18 live births, 5 therapeutic abortions, and 9 spontaneous abortions. No stillbirths or ectopic pregnancies were reported. Mean (SD) interval from transplant to conception was 3.6 (3.3) years (range, 0.1–11.3 years). Comorbid conditions during pregnancy included hypertension in 16, infections in 7, diabetes in 7, preeclampsia in 1, and rejection in 5 women. Ten of the 21 recipients received a transplant because of cystic fibrosis and accounted for 12 pregnancy outcomes (7 live births, 3 spontaneous abortions, and 2 therapeutic abortions). At last recipient contact, 13 had adequate function, 2 had reduced function, 5 recipients had died (2 with cystic fibrosis), and 1 recipient had a nonfunctioning transplant. Mean gestational age of the newborn was 33.9 (SD, 5.2) weeks, and 11 were born preterm (<37 weeks). Mean birthweight was 2206 (SD, 936) g and 11 were low birthweight (<2500 g). Two neonatal deaths were associated with a triplet pregnancy; one fetus spontaneously aborted at 14 weeks and 2 died after preterm birth at 22 weeks. At last follow-up, all 16 surviving children were reported healthy and developing well. Successful pregnancy is possible after lung transplant, even among recipients with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

Pregnancy in renal transplantation: Recipient and donor aspects in the Arab world

OBJECTIVE

There are many kidney transplant recipients and living donors of reproductive age, and the prevalence of pregnancies in kidney transplant recipients can reach 55% in the Middle Eastern countries. Living kidney donation is predominant in this region. As the risks and outcomes of pregnancy should be a part of counselling for both recipients and donors, we reviewed available reports on maternal and foetal outcomes in these particular populations.

METHODS

Information was obtained from retrospective analyses of a large database, and from single-centre reports indexed in PubMed on pregnancy in donors and kidney transplant recipients. The keywords used for the search included 'fertility', 'kidney disease', 'pregnancy', 'maternal/foetal outcomes', 'kidney transplant recipient', 'immunosuppression side-effects', 'living donor' and 'Arab countries'.

RESULTS

Pregnancies in kidney transplant recipients are most successful in those with adequate kidney function and controlled comorbidities. Similarly to other regions, pregnant recipients in the Middle East had a higher risk of pre-eclampsia (26%) and gestational diabetes (7%) than in the general population. Caesarean section was quite common, with an incidence rate of 61%, and the incidence of pre-term birth reached 46%.

CONCLUSIONS

Most living donors can have successful pregnancies and should not be routinely discouraged. Women who had pregnancies before and after donation were more likely to have adverse maternal outcomes (gestational diabetes, hypertension, proteinuria, and pre-eclampsia) in the latter, but no adverse foetal outcomes were found after donation. The evaluation before donation should include a gestational history and counselling about the potential risks.

Intrauterine hypotrophy and premature births in neonates delivered by female renal and liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Neonates born to mothers, who underwent organ transplantation require close medical monitoring. It is unknown how chronically diseased mother's organs or immunosuppressive drugs affect fetal growth and development; some immunosuppressants are teratogenic and contraindicated during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction in neonates born to women who have undergone renal or liver transplantation.

METHODS

Our retrospective analysis identified 53 (25 renal and 28 liver) cases of neonates delivered by female graft recipients between January 2005 and December 2009. Hypotrophy was defined as a birth weight<10th percentile for gestational age. We excluded newborns diagnosed with severe hypotrophy (<5th percentile).

RESULTS

Neonates born prematurely were predominate in the renal (16/25, 64%), but less than half of the liver cohort (13/28, 46%). Hypotrophy less than the 10th percentile was noted significantly more often among renal than liver recipients; 36% versus 14% (P<.05). Severe hypotrophy was also observed significantly more often among renal than liver transplant neonates: 28% versus 3.6% (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with liver insufficiency, chronic kidney diseases have stronger effects on the fetus, leading to adverse neonatal complications. A greater prevalence of preterm births, as well as hypotrophic newborns, especially less than the 5th percentile, was observed among neonates delivered by mothers after kidney transplantation.

Use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in renal transplant recipients: a retrospective case review

Our objective was to report on the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS, Mirena®) in renal transplant recipients. A retrospective case review was done to identify renal transplant recipients for whom a LNG-IUS had been inserted. All of the women had been seen in the Gynecology Department, Beaumont Hospital, during the period 2000 to 2010. Parameters including age, year of transplantation, indication for insertion, duration of use, discontinuation and complications were documented. The main outcome measure was discontinuation of the LNG-IUS due to pelvic infection. Eleven women were identified who had undergone renal transplantation and were using the LNG-IUS. The mean duration of use was 38 (range 1-84) months. Four women were using the LNG-IUS for contraception and seven were using it for the treatment of menorrhagia, either alone or in conjunction with endometrial ablative procedures. One woman discontinued use in order to conceive. There were no unplanned pregnancies. There were no documented cases of pelvic infection in women using the device. Renal transplant recipients have a critical need for safe and effective contraception. The use of the LNG-IUS has been avoided in the patients due to the theoretical risk of intrauterine device-related pelvic infection in immune-suppressed patients. However, on the basis of our results, we believe that it is acceptable to use the LNG-IUS in renal transplant recipients for both contraception and for the treatment of menorrhagia as the theoretical risk of infection in these immune-suppressed patients does not appear to be increased.

Pregnancy risk in female kidney and liver recipients: a retrospective comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare maternal, neonatal and graft outcomes in pregnant women after kidney or liver transplantation, who had delivered from 1 January 2005 to 1 February 2010.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center study provided in Warsaw, Poland.

RESULTS

Complete data were collected in 38 deliveries in 37 women. Preexisting hypertension was present in 15 of 19 (79%) pregnant kidney recipients and in 2 of 19 (10.5%) women after liver transplantation (p < 0.000). The incidence of preeclampsia was also more often in pregnant kidney recipients (p = 0.04). Mean gestational age at labor was lower in the kidney group (34.9 ± 3.56 vs. 37.5 ± 1.62, p = 0.000). A similar relation was observed in the frequency of preterm deliveries before 37 weeks of gestation (42% vs. 11%, respectively, p = 0.02) and neonates small for gestational age (47% vs. 11%, respectively, p = 0.008). Cesarean sections were performed in approximately 79% (15/19) and 95% (18/19) liver and kidney posttransplant pregnancies, respectively. Four of 38 infants presented structural malformations.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancies after kidney transplantation are complicated with a higher prevalence of prematurity and worse neonatal prognosis, which depends mainly on the underlying condition.

Pregnancy outcomes in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Approximately 50,000 women of reproductive age in the United States are currently living after kidney transplantation (KT), and another 2800 undergo KT each year. Although KT improves reproductive function in women with ESRD, studies of post-KT pregnancies are limited to a few voluntary registry analyses and numerous single-center reports. To obtain more generalizable inferences, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between 2000 and 2010 that reported pregnancy-related outcomes among KT recipients. Of 1343 unique studies, 50 met inclusion criteria, representing 4706 pregnancies in 3570 KT recipients. The overall post-KT live birth rate of 73.5% (95%CI 72.1-74.9) was higher than the general US population (66.7%); similarly, the overall post-KT miscarriage rate of 14.0% (95%CI 12.9-15.1) was lower (17.1%). However, complications of preeclampsia (27.0%, 95%CI 25.2-28.9), gestational diabetes (8.0%, 95%CI 6.7-9.4), Cesarean section (56.9%, 95%CI 54.9-58.9) and preterm delivery (45.6%, 95%CI 43.7-47.5) were higher than the general US population (3.8%, 3.9%, 31.9% and 12.5%, respectively). Pregnancy outcomes were more favorable in studies with lower mean maternal ages; obstetrical complications were higher in studies with shorter mean interval between KT and pregnancy. Although post-KT pregnancy is feasible, complications are relatively high and should be considered in patient counseling and clinical decision making.

Pregnancy following liver transplantation during childhood and adolescence

More than 80% of pediatric transplant recipients will survive to reach adulthood, and many will consider having children. We report on outcomes and management of five pregnancies in four women undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation during childhood or adolescence and followed up at our Transplant Center. A retrospective clinical folder audit was performed. Mean age at transplantation was 13.3 ± 3.4 yr (range, 10-18 yr). Mean interval between transplantation and pregnancy was 15.4 ± 4.9 yr (range, 10-22 yr). Mean maternal age at conception was 28 ± 3.5 yr (range, 23-32 yr). Mean gestational age was 36.6 ± 1.7 wk. Mean birth weight was 2672 ± 249 g. Immunosuppression was cyclosporin based in three women and tacrolimus based in one woman. Pregnancy complications necessitating the induction of labor included fetal distress and rising maternal liver enzymes in two women, cholestasis of pregnancy and impaired renal graft function in one woman, fetal distress and preeclampsia in one woman. Modes of delivery were normal vaginal delivery in three women and cesarean section in one woman. No maternal or fetal deaths and no congenital malformations occurred. No episodes of rejection occurred during pregnancy. Two women experienced acute cellular rejection requiring an increase in baseline immunosuppression in the first year, following delivery. No graft losses occurred during a mean follow-up of 44 ± 17.9 months post-delivery. With careful management, pregnancy post-liver transplantation can have a successful outcome.

Management of acquired cardiac disease in the obstetric patient

Physiologic changes incurred by pregnancy can cause severe decompensation in the parturient with underlying cardiac disease. The result is increased morbidity and mortality for both mother and child. Appropriate anesthetic management can significantly impact these outcomes. This review systematically presents the pathophysiology, peripartum risk, and anesthetic management in the puerperium of specific acquired cardiac abnormalities including: valvular disease, pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathy, cardiac transplantation, ischemia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.

Pregnancy in heart- and heart/lung recipients can be problematic

OBJECTIVE

The first successful pregnancy after heart transplantation was reported in 1988. Worldwide experience with heart and heart/lung transplanted (H-HLTx) pregnant women is limited. To expand this knowledge the collaborating Nordic thoracic transplant centers wanted to collect information on all such pregnancies from their centers.

DESIGN

Information was retrospectively collected on all H-HLTx pregnancies in the Nordic countries.

RESULTS

A total of 25 women have had 42 pregnancies and all survived the gestation. Minor complications were increasing incidence of proteinuria, hypertension and diabetes. Major problems were two rejections (early post partum), two severe renal failures, seven pre-eclampsias and 17 abortions. Five women died two to 12 years after delivery. Of 25 live born children, one was born with cancer and one died early after inheriting the mother's cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy after H-HLTx can be successful for both mother and child. There are, however, many obstacles which should be addressed. Respecting the couple's desire for children the attitude should be carefully, not too optimistic, after proper pre-pregnant information and counseling. Delivery should preferably take place at the transplant center.

Successful pregnancy after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

The effect of pregnancy on simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients has previously been described, but experience is limited. We describe the case of a thirty-five-year-old female who previously underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant for type 1 diabetes mellitus-complicated nephropathy. An integrated multidisciplinary team including the transplant team, nephrologist, endocrinologist, and obstetrician closely followed progress during pregnancy. Blood glucose levels and HbA1c remained within normal limits, and she did not require insulin treatment at any point. She experienced deterioration in renal indices and underwent an uncomplicated, elective Caesarean section at thirty-week gestation. She delivered a male infant of 1.18 kg, appropriate for gestational age, who had hypothermia and respiratory distress, which required intubation and ventilation and an eleven-week stay in the special care baby unit. At eighteen-month followup the infant shows normal development, and there has been no deterioration in either grafts' function.

Management of renal disease in pregnancy

Although renal disease in pregnancy is uncommon, it poses considerable risk to maternal and fetal health. This article discusses renal physiology and assessment of renal function in pregnancy and the effect of pregnancy on renal disease in patients with diabetes, lupus, chronic glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and chronic pyelonephritis. Renal diseases occasionally present for the first time in pregnancy, and diagnoses of glomerulonephritis, acute tubular necrosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy are described. Finally, therapy of end-stage renal disease in pregnancy, dialysis, and renal transplantation are reviewed.

[Liver transplantation and pregnancy]

Patients with liver failure have menstrual cycle irregularities or amenorrhea. Liver transplantation restores menstrual pattern among women with cirrhosis in childbearing years. It is now accepted that a planned pregnancy is possible among liver transplant recipients at least 1 year after liver transplantation, with stable allograft function and under immunosuppressive regimens, to minimize the risks of preterm delivery and pregnancy-induced hypertension. After 1 year, the risk of graft loss decreases and is not related to pregnancy. It is a high-risk pregnancy which requires a specific and regular multidisciplinary joint follow-up (obstetrician, hepatologist, and anaesthesiologist), which leads in most cases to successful outcome for mother and child. But, early prevention and multidisciplinary management of the most common complications (pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction) is essential. The prematurity rate, maternal morbidity and mortality are higher than in the general population. Usual immunosuppressive treatments (corticoids, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil) may require dose adaptation during pregnancy. Immunosuppressive drugs are not teratogenic, but breast feeding is not allowed.

Sexual dysfunction in chronic liver disease: is liver transplantation an effective cure?

The goal of liver transplantation is not only to ensure patient long-term survival but also to offer the opportunity to achieve psychologic and physical integrity. Quality of life after liver transplantation may be affected by unsatisfactory sexual function. Before liver transplantation, sexual dysfunction and sex hormone disturbances are reported in men and women mainly due to abnormality of physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and, in some cases, origin of liver disease. Successful liver transplantation should theoretically restore hormonal balance and improve sexual function both in men and women, thus improving the reproductive performance. However, after transplantation, up to 25% of patients report persistent sexual dysfunction, and approximately one third of patients describe the appearance of de novo sexual dysfunction. Despite the described high prevalence of this condition, epidemiologic data are relatively scant. Further studies on pathophysiology and risk factors in the field of sexual function after liver transplantation along with new strategies to support and inform patients on the waiting list and after surgery are needed.