Recurrence of ANCA-associated vasculitis following renal transplantation in the modern era of immunosupression

Therapeutic apheresis in renal transplantation: An update

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) plays a significant role in various aspects of renal transplantation. It has been a necessary preconditioning component in ABO incompatible kidney transplants and an important modality in the removal of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies both in the context of desensitization protocols that have been developed to allow highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates to be successfully transplanted and as treatment of antibody mediated rejection episodes post transplantation. In addition, TA has been used with various results for the management of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence supporting the application of TA as an adjunctive therapeutic option to immunosuppressive agents in protocols both before and after kidney transplantation.

Therapeutic apheresis in renal transplantation: An update

Therapeutic apheresis (TA) plays a significant role in various aspects of renal transplantation. It has been a necessary preconditioning component in ABO incompatible kidney transplants and an important modality in the removal of anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies both in the context of desensitization protocols that have been developed to allow highly sensitized kidney transplant candidates to be successfully transplanted and as treatment of antibody mediated rejection episodes post transplantation. In addition, TA has been used with various results for the management of recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence supporting the application of TA as an adjunctive therapeutic option to immunosuppressive agents in protocols both before and after kidney transplantation.

Early post-transplant recurrence of ANCA vasculitis while on belatacept maintenance immunosuppression

Post-transplant recurrence of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) is infrequent, with recurrence within weeks of transplantation being even rarer. We describe an unusual case of AAV recurrence within 2 weeks post-transplant. Our patient received a deceased donor kidney transplant (KDPI 60%) after 6 years on hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease from AAV. She was induced with thymoglobulin and steroids, and maintained on belatacept, mycophenolate and prednisone. Time-zero biopsy showed acute tubular injury. Due to persistent delayed graft function by post-operative day 14, she underwent repeat biopsy, which showed focal segmental necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis, with positive MPO, PR3 and negative anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies. As her findings were in keeping with recurrent AAV, she underwent induction with rituximab, prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin, with repeat rituximab 14 days later because of increasing B-lymphocyte counts. Belatacept was replaced with tacrolimus due to concerns with autoimmunity. Fortunately, renal function began to recover 4 days after treatment. In addition to highlighting potential immunologic mechanisms in AAV and the use of rituximab in post-transplant recurrence, our case suggests that for systemic autoimmune disease, patients maintained on belatacept must be monitored closely for recurrence, particularly in the setting of delayed graft function.

Practice patterns and outcomes for pediatric ANCA vasculitis transplant recipients in a national cohort

BACKGROUND

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) vasculitis is a rare condition in pediatric patients. Little is known about practice patterns and outcomes of pediatric transplant patients. The purpose of our study was to examine differences in patient characteristics, immunosuppression, and long-term graft outcomes between ANCA and non-ANCA vasculitis recipients.

METHODS

We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to evaluate pediatric ANCA vasculitis recipients between the ages of 1 and 22 years old from 1991 to 2017 and compared them to non-ANCA vasculitis patients during the same time cohort in the USA.

RESULTS

A total of 26,431 transplant recipients were identified, of these, 337 with ANCA vasculitis. Mean 1-year eGFR was 62.46 and 64.92 ml/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.002), and mean 5-year eGFR was 57.95 and 59.38 ml/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.18) between the non-ANCA and ANCA groups, respectively. Five-year graft survival was similar in both groups (non-ANCA 75.5 vs. ANCA 78.6%; p = 0.19). Of those with graft loss within the ANCA group, only 0.6% was secondary to disease recurrence (p = 0.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney transplant is a safe treatment modality for children with ANCA-related kidney failure. ANCA patients have comparable graft survival when compared to the general transplant population with a low risk of recurrence. Thymoglobulin was used in a higher proportion within the ANCA group compared to the non-ANCA group. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid, and steroids were the predominant maintenance immunosuppression used in both groups. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Kidney transplantation in pediatric patients with rheumatologic disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Providers caring for children with end-stage kidney disease from rheumatologic conditions face questions such as when to proceed with kidney transplantation, how common is disease recurrence posttransplant, how does recurrent disease impact patient and allograft outcomes, and what approaches are available to prevent and treat recurrent disease. We discuss recent developments and relevant literature that address these questions for the most common rheumatologic disorders that lead to end-stage kidney disease in childhood namely, systemic lupus erythematosus, IgA nephropathy, IgA Vasculitis/Henoch Schoenlein Purpura, and Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data suggest that children with IgA nephropathy, IgA vasculitis, and ANCA-associated vasculitis have similar patient and allograft survival to other conditions despite the risk of recurrent disease, yet those with lupus have worse posttransplant patient and allograft outcomes. A period of disease quiescence may be prudent prior to transplantation to decrease the risk of recurrence, which is associated with decreased allograft survival. Data on preventive strategies and treatment options are limited.

SUMMARY

It is recommended that patients with systemic rheumatologic conditions not be excluded from kidney transplantation but that patients be counseled on the risk of potential recurrent disease with its impact on transplant outcomes.

Very Early Severe Posttransplant Recurrent Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis after Kidney Transplantation: Two Case Reports

Successful kidney transplantation (KTx) in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) has been reported with excellent patient and graft survival rates. The recurrence of AAV in transplant recipients is rare, and its mechanisms of action are not clearly known. The optimum time for KTx and the relevance of ANCA titer at the time of transplantation remain controversial. We report two cases of extremely rapid recurrent AAV after renal transplantation; both were still ANCA-positive at the time of transplantation, which led us to question the pathogenesis of ANCA antibodies in recurrence in a kidney allograft. Apheresis plus immunosuppressive therapies were ineffective in the first case and the patient became dialysis-dependent, whereas in the second case methylprednisone pulses plus rituximab infusions resulted in long-lasting remission.

Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis in Kidney Transplantation

Due to complex comorbidity, high infectious complication rates, an elevated risk of relapsing for primary renal disease, as well as inferior recipient and allograft survivals, individuals with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAVs) are often considered as poor transplant candidates. Although several aspects of recurrent and de novo AAVs remain unclear, recent evidence suggests that kidney transplantation (KT) represents the best option, which is also the case for this particular subgroup of patients. Special counselling and individualized approaches are strongly recommended at the time of enlistment and during the entire post-transplant follow-up. Current strategies include avoiding transplantation within one year of complete clinical remission and thoroughly assessing the recipient for early signs of renal or systemic vasculitis. The main clinical manifestations of allograft AAV are impaired kidney function, proteinuria, and hematuria with ANCA positivity in most cases. Mixed results have been obtained using high-dose steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclophosphamide. The aim of the present review was to summarize the available literature on AAVs in KT, particularly focusing on de novo pauci-immune glomerulonephritis.

Evaluating a Living Donor With Rheumatoid Arthritis for a Recipient With End-Stage Renal Disease From Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies Associated Vasculitis

A 60-year-old Caucasian female with sero-positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was evaluated as a potential kidney donor for her brother-in-law with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) secondary to c-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) associated vasculitis (AAV) and membranous nephropathy (MN). With little to no data supporting or contradicting this unique scenario, in addition to the varying viewpoints expressed by the different specialists, our multidisciplinary transplant committee encountered a difficult decision of whether to approve a candidate with RA for a living kidney donation or not. As a result, we carried out a careful literature review addressing aspects of recipients' outcomes following kidney transplants from a living donor with RA, especially when the recipient has AAV, living donor's short- and long-term outcomes post kidney donation, renal disease in AAV and RA, and maintenance of disease remission.

Recurrent Glomerular Diseases in Renal Transplantation with Focus on Role of Electron Microscopy

Background

The common causes of renal transplant complications include active or chronic rejection process, infections, and toxicity but also recurrent or de novo diseases, which play an important role in affecting long-term graft function or graft loss.

Summary

Recurrent disease in renal transplantation is defined as recurrence of the original kidney disease leading to end-stage kidney disease. They comprise a heterogeneous group of predominantly glomerular and some tubulointerstitial and vascular lesions, which include primary kidney diseases (e.g., focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous glomerulonephritis, and IgA nephropathy) or those secondary to systemic autoimmune, metabolic, and infectious processes that can range from subclinical to clinically overt acute, subacute, or chronic clinical presentations. In addition to the knowledge of prior renal disease and routine/periodic serum and urine testing for kidney function, a complete transplant renal biopsy examination is essential in the identification and differentiation of these diseases. The time of onset and severity of these diseases depend on the underlying etiopathogenetic mechanisms and the varied rates of recurrence in the early or late posttransplant period, often being modified by the current immunosuppressive protocols and other donor and recipient predisposing characteristics.

Key Messages

Transplant kidney biopsy findings provide diagnostic accuracy and prognostic information regarding the potential for reversibility along with detection of unsuspected or clinically symptomatic recurrent diseases, with any concomitant rejection process or toxicity, for appropriate therapeutic decision-making. Routine electron microscopy in transplant kidney biopsies is a valuable tool in recognizing fully developed or early/subtle features of evolving recurrent diseases, often during the subclinical phases, in for cause or surveillance allograft biopsies.

KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline on the Evaluation and Management of Candidates for Kidney Transplantation

The 2020 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline on the Evaluation and Management of Candidates for Kidney Transplantation is intended to assist health care professionals worldwide who evaluate and manage potential candidates for deceased or living donor kidney transplantation. This guideline addresses general candidacy issues such as access to transplantation, patient demographic and health status factors, and immunological and psychosocial assessment. The roles of various risk factors and comorbid conditions governing an individual's suitability for transplantation such as adherence, tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, perioperative issues, causes of kidney failure, infections, malignancy, pulmonary disease, cardiac and peripheral arterial disease, neurologic disease, gastrointestinal and liver disease, hematologic disease, and bone and mineral disorder are also addressed. This guideline provides recommendations for evaluation of individual aspects of a candidate's profile such that each risk factor and comorbidity are considered separately. The goal is to assist the clinical team to assimilate all data relevant to an individual, consider this within their local health context, and make an overall judgment on candidacy for transplantation. The guideline development process followed the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Guideline recommendations are primarily based on systematic reviews of relevant studies and our assessment of the quality of that evidence, and the strengths of recommendations are provided. Limitations of the evidence are discussed with differences from previous guidelines noted and suggestions for future research are also provided.

Allograft failure in kidney transplant recipients who developed kidney failure secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides are uncommon causes of kidney failure. In kidney transplant recipients who developed kidney failure secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis, disease recurrence is unlikely due to ongoing immunosuppression, and patients generally have good immunological outcomes. This study compared transplant outcomes between ANCA-associated vasculitis and other etiologies of kidney disease. All 18 901 adult kidney transplant recipients (1990-2018) were ascertained from the ANZDATA Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare allograft failure between etiologies of kidney disease. Of 254 participants whose primary disease was ANCA-associated vasculitis, 95 (37%) developed allograft failure; of those who developed graft failure, 62 (65%) died with a functioning allograft. Compared with patients with IgA nephropathy, those with ANCA-associated vasculitis had higher rates of all-cause allograft failure (HR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.7); however, rates of death-censored allograft failure were similar (HR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7-1.4). The most frequent causes of death in the ANCA-vasculitis group who died with a functioning graft were infection (23%) and malignancy (36%). Kidney transplant recipients who developed kidney failure secondary to ANCA-associated vasculitis may have had a higher risk of dying due to complications of immunosuppression compared with most other causes of kidney failure; however, they also had lower risks of disease recurrence and rejection.

Renal Disease in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, predominantly the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to sicca symptoms. Patients may have extraglandular disease involving multiple organs, including the kidneys. 5% of patients with pSS can have renal involvement. Kidney disease in pSS presents a diagnostic challenge, as clinical symptoms are often insidious and can precede sicca symptoms. pSS affects the kidney through lymphocytic infiltration of renal tubules or immune complex deposition, leading to an array of clinical features. Tubulointerstitial nephritis is the most common histological pattern of kidney disease. Other tubular injuries include renal tubular acidosis with hypokalaemia, Fanconi's syndrome and diabetes insipidus. Glomerular disease is less common and typically involves an immune complex-mediated process. Optimal treatment for kidney diseases in pSS is not established, and treatment is guided by the pattern of disease. For tubulointerstitial nephritis, management involves electrolyte imbalance correction and the use of immunosuppression, including steroids. Treatment of glomerular disease is targeted to the histological pattern, and often requires a combination of immunosuppressive agents. The risk of end-stage kidney disease is low. Nevertheless, patients with pSS and kidney disease have significantly reduced quality of life.

Recurrent Glomerulonephritis after Renal Transplantation: The Clinical Problem

Glomerulonephritis (GN) continues to be one of the main causes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with an incidence rating from 10.5% to 38.2%. Therefore, recurrent GN, previously considered to be a minor contributor to graft loss, is the third most common cause of graft failure 10 years after renal transplantation. However, the incidence, pathogenesis, and natural course of recurrences are still not completely understood. This review focuses on the most frequent diseases that recur after renal transplantation, analyzing rate of recurrence, epidemiology and risk factors, pathogenesis and bimolecular mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapy, taking into consideration the limited data available in the literature. First of all, the risk for recurrence depends on the type of glomerulonephritis. For example, recipient patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease present recurrence rarely, but often exhibit rapid graft loss. On the other hand, recipient patients with C3 glomerulonephritis present recurrence in more than 50% of cases, although the disease is generally slowly progressive. It should not be forgotten that every condition that can lead to chronic graft dysfunction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrence. Therefore, a complete workup of renal biopsy, including light, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy study, is essential to provide the diagnosis, excluding alternative diagnosis that may require different treatment. We will examine in detail the biomolecular mechanisms of both native and transplanted kidney diseases, monitoring the risk of recurrence and optimizing the available treatment options.

Long-term outcome of renal transplantation in childhood-onset anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

BACKGROUND

There have been a few reports of RTx for AAV in children; however, post-transplant recurrence rate and long-term prognosis remain unclear. Here, we describe the long-term outcomes of RTx in childhood-onset AAV.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of children who underwent RTx for AAV between 1999 and 2017 and had a follow-up period of >2 years.

RESULTS

Seven patients consisting of three children with MPA and four with RLV were analyzed. Age at Dx was 5.9 (median; range, 4.1-14.5) years. PD was instituted in all patients, and median time on dialysis was 26 (range, 14-63) months. Age at RTx was 12.8 (median; range, 8.7-16.3) years. There were no recurrences of AAV noted during the median follow-up period of 7.0 (range, 2.7-18.8) years after RTx. Graft loss occurred in one patient due to non-adherence. Estimated glomerular filtration rate of the remaining patients at the last follow-up was 73.0 (median; range, 50.7-93.9) mL/min/1.73 m² . No malignancies and deaths occurred during the observational period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that RTx for AAV with ESRD is a potentially safe and effective treatment choice for children with AAV.

Renal Transplantation in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: Current Perspectives

BACKGROUND

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is the leading cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, which may follow an unfavorable disease course. Despite therapeutic advances, a number of patients with AAV will eventually develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal transplantation (RTx) is associated with a survival benefit and improves quality of life in patients with ESRD.

SUMMARY

In recent years, RTx has been increasingly used also in patients with vasculitis. The posttransplant patient- and graft-survival rates in AAV were at least comparable to other diagnoses in most studies. Prior to transplantation, patients should be in stable remission for 12 months. Persistent ANCA positivity does not exclude patients from the waiting list. Even though the recurrence risk is generally low with modern posttransplant immunosuppression, including mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus, patients with AAV, particularly those with positive antiproteinase-3 ANCA who may have increased risk of relapse or recurrence of the disease, require constant surveillance. Similar to treatment of relapsing disease in the nontransplant setting, rituximab may become treatment of choice for posttransplant recurrences. Key Messages: RTx is the preferred renal replacement therapy of choice for AAV patients with ESRD. It is recommended that patients should be in remission for about 12 months prior to proceeding with RTx. ANCA positivity alone is not a contraindication for transplantation. The risk of relapse posttransplantation is minimal with currently used posttransplant immunosuppressive regimen.

Recurrent and de novo Glomerulonephritis After Kidney Transplantation

The prevalence, pathogenesis, predictors, and natural course of patients with recurrent glomerulonephritis (GN) occurring after kidney transplantation remains incompletely understood, including whether there are differences in the outcomes and advances in the treatment options of specific GN subtypes, including those with de novo GN. Consequently, the treatment options and approaches to recurrent disease are largely extrapolated from the general population, with responses to these treatments in those with recurrent or de novo GN post-transplantation poorly described. Given a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of GN and the development of novel treatment options, it is conceivable that these advances will result in an improved structure in the future management of patients with recurrent or de novo GN. This review focuses on the incidence, genetics, characteristics, clinical course, and risk of allograft failure of patients with recurrent or de novo GN after kidney transplantation, ascertaining potential disparities between “high risk” disease subtypes of IgA nephropathy, idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. We will examine in detail the management of patients with high risk GN, including the pre-transplant assessment, post-transplant monitoring, and the available treatment options for disease recurrence. Given the relative paucity of data of patients with recurrent and de novo GN after kidney transplantation, a global effort in collecting comprehensive in-depth data of patients with recurrent and de novo GN as well as novel trial design to test the efficacy of specific treatment strategy in large scale multicenter randomized controlled trials are essential to address the knowledge deficiency in this disease.

Anti-CD20 Blocker Rituximab in Kidney Transplantation

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal protein used in various clinical scenarios in kidney transplant recipients. However, its evidence-based use there remains limited due to lack of controlled studies, limited sample size, short follow-up and poorly defined endpoints. Rituximab is indicated for CD20+ posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. It may be beneficial for treating recurrent membranous nephropathy and recurrent allograft antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis and possibly for recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Rituximab, in combination with IVIg/plasmapheresis, appears to decrease antibody level and increase the odds of transplantation in sensitized recipients. The role of Rituximab in ABOi transplant remains unclear, as similar outcomes are achieved without its use. Rituximab is not efficacious in antibody-mediated rejection/chronic antibody-mediated rejection. Strict randomized control trials are necessary to elucidate its true role in these settings.

Recurrent glomerular disease after kidney transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With improving short-term kidney transplant outcomes, recurrent glomerular disease is being increasingly recognized as an important cause of chronic allograft failure. Further understanding of the risks and pathogenesis of recurrent glomerular disease enable informed transplant decisions, along with the development of preventive and treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple observational studies have highlighted differences in rates and outcomes for various recurrent glomerular diseases, although these rates have not markedly improved over the last decade. Emerging evidence supports use of rituximab to treat recurrent primary membranous nephropathy and possibly focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), whereas eculizumab is effective in glomerular diseases associated with complement dysregulation [C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS)].

SUMMARY

Despite the potential for recurrence in the allograft, transplant remains the optimal therapy for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) secondary to primary glomerular disease. Biomarkers and therapeutic options necessitate accurate pretransplant diagnoses with opportunities for improved surveillance and treatment of recurrent glomerular disease posttransplant.

[Current insights about recurrence of glomerular diseases after renal transplantation]

Recurrence of glomerular disease after renal transplantation is a frequent cause of graft loss. Incidence, risk factors and outcome of recurrence are widely due to the underlying glomerular disease. Graft biopsy analysis is required to confirm the definitive diagnosis of recurrence and to start an appropriate therapy that, in some cases, remains challenging to prevent graft failure. Increased use of protocol biopsy and recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of some glomerular diseases with the identification of some relevant biomarkers provide a unique opportunity to initiate kidney-protective therapy at early stages of recurrence on the graft. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the management of many recurrent primary and secondary glomerulonephritis after kidney transplantation.

Renal transplantation in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis

INTRODUCTION

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) has the propensity to acquire a devastating disease course. Despite the advances in therapeutics, a significant proportion of patients progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal transplantation is being increasingly employed in this population, with gradual improvement in outcomes over the years, however, recurrence of disease requires constant surveillance and is associated with graft failure. Areas covered: A structured literature search in PubMed and Medline and abstracts of international conferences was performed to identify cases and cohorts of AAV patients who had undergone renal transplantation for ESRD. The primary objective was to describe the long-term allograft and patient survival and to reflect on current trends in transplantation in AAV and provide recommendations for the phases of pre- and post-transplantation. Expert commentary: Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for AAV patients with ESRD. The risk of relapse is low with modern immunosuppressive regimes employing mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. It is recommended that the vasculitis be in clinical remission for 12 months prior to transplantation. Although ANCA positivity is not a contraindication for renal transplantation, these patients should be monitored closely for vasculitis relapse post-transplant.

Outcome of Patients With Small Vessel Vasculitis After Renal Transplantation: National Database Analysis

Background

Small vessel vasculitis commonly affects the kidney and can progress to end-stage renal disease. The goal of this study is to compare outcomes of patients who received a renal transplant as a result of small vessel vasculitis (group A) with those who received kidney transplants because of other causes (group B).

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing registry data for adult primary kidney transplants from January 2000 to December 2014. Group A patients (N = 2196) were compared with a group B (N = 6588); groups were case matched for age, race, sex, donor type, and year of transplant in a 1:3 ratio.

Results

Renal and patient survivals were better in the group A (P < 0.001). New-onset diabetes after transplant developed in 8.3% of the group A and 11.3% of group B (P < 0.001). Seventeen (0.8%) patients in group A developed recurrent disease. Of these, 7 patients had graft failure, 3 of which were due to disease recurrence. Group A patients had significantly higher risk of developing posttransplant solid organ malignancies (11.3% vs 9.3%, P = 0.006) and lymphoproliferative disorder (1.3% vs 0.8%, P = 0.026). Independent predictors of graft failure and patient mortality were recipients' morbid obesity, diabetes, age, and dialysis duration (hazard ratio of 1.7, 1.4, 1.1/10 years, and 1.1/year for graft failure, and 1.7, 1.7, 1.6/10 years and 1.1/year for patient mortality, respectively).

Conclusions

Renal transplantation in patients with has favorable long-term graft and patient outcomes with a low disease recurrence rate. However, they may have a higher risk of developing posttransplant malignancies.

Outcome of Renal Transplant in Recipients With Vasculitis

OBJECTIVES

End-stage renal disease develops in a high percentage of patients with vasculitis, in whom kidney transplant has become a therapeutic option. However, limited data are available on the prognosis and outcomes after kidney transplant in these patients. We aimed to compare the long-term graft survival and graft function in 8 renal transplant recipients with vasculitis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, Goodpasture syndrome, and Henoch-Schonlein purpura) with the other kidney recipients at a single center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients followed for chronic renal failure associated with vasculitis before renal transplant. We excluded patients with no biopsy-proven nephropathy.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the occurrence of metabolic and cardiovascular complications in our case group compared with the other graft recipients. Infections were frequent and included cytomegalovirus and urinary tract infection. The rates of bacterial and viral infection were equivalent in our population. The incidence of allograft loss was estimated at 1.8%, less than that seen in our entire transplant population. The presence of vasculitis was not significantly related to renal failure (P = .07). Extrarenal relapse occurred in 1 patient with microscopic polyangiitis. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody levels in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis did not seem to influence the renal outcome (P = .08). Circulating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were associated with the development of vascular lesions in the graft but were not significantly correlated with graft survival (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the theory that renal transplant is an effective treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease secondary to vasculitis. These patients fare similarly to, if not better than, other patients.

Induction treatment of previously undiagnosed ANCA-associated vasculitis in a renal transplant patient with Rituximab

We report the case of a 40-year-old female transplant patient with undiagnosed ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) and renal allograft dysfunction who achieved disease remission with restoration of transplant function following induction therapy with rituximab. There are currently no trial data looking at the use of rituximab for induction of remission of renal transplant patients with AAV. Although recurrence of AAV following renal transplantation is rare, such patients have invariably had multiple previous exposures to induction and maintenance immunosuppressive regimens, often limiting treatment options post-transplantation. In this case, rituximab was well tolerated with no side effects, and was successful in salvaging transplant function. Optimal treatment regimens for relapsed AAV in the transplant population are not known, and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab at inducing and maintaining disease remission in relapsed AAV following transplantation.

Recent advances in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis is an uncommon inflammatory disease of small to medium-sized vessels that frequently presents with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and renal failure though it can affect any organ system. If untreated, the vast majority of patients will die within a year. Current treatments improve prognosis but affected patients remain at a substantially higher risk of death and adverse outcomes. We review the classification of the disease, our understanding of the pathogenesis and epidemiology, and propose future directions for research. We also evaluate the evidence supporting established treatment regimens and the progress of clinical trials for newer treatments to inform the design of future studies.

Recurrence of ANCA-associated vasculitis in a patient with kidney trasplant

Renal disease secondary to vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) can lead to chronic renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy. In these patients, kidney transplantation offers excellent long-term rates of allograft and patient survival; consequently, they can be trasplanted when the clinical disease activity has remitted. However, the risk of disease relapses in the renal allograft remains, although at lower rates due to modern immunosuppressive regimens. We describe the case of a male patient with extracapillary glomerulonephritis type III C-ANCA (+) who developed a recurrence in the renal allograft 8 years after transplantation. Intensive immunosupression with plasmapheresis controlled the disease.

Place in therapy of rituximab in the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis are small vessel vasculitides characterized by circulating antineutrophil circulating antibodies. Standard treatment for active severe disease has consisted of cyclophosphamide with glucocorticoids with or without plasmapheresis, which achieves approximately 75% sustained remission, but carries significant adverse effects such as malignancy, infertility, leukopenia, and infections. The role of B cells in the pathogenesis of anti-neutrophil circulating antibodies-associated vasculitis has been established, and as such, rituximab, a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, has been studied in treatment of active granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis (induction) and in maintaining remission. Rituximab has been shown to be effective in inducing remission in several retrospective studies in patients with refractory disease or cyclophosphamide intolerance. The RAVE and RITUXVAS trials demonstrated rituximab is a noninferior alternative to standard cyclophosphamide-based therapy; however, its role in elderly patients and patients with severe renal disease warrants further investigation. Rituximab has been compared with azathioprine for maintaining remission in the MAINRITSAN trial and may be more efficacious in maintaining remission in patients treated with cyclophosphamide induction. Rituximab is not without risks and carries a similar adverse event risk rate as cyclophosphamide in randomized control trials. However, its use can be considered over cyclophosphamide in patients who have relapsing or refractory disease or in young patients seeking to preserve fertility.

Successful induction of granulomatosis with polyangiitis with tacrolimus

We report a 50-year-old female who presented with inflammatory arthritis, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and microscopic hematuria with nephrotic range proteinuria. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) were detectable and kidney biopsy showed pauci-immune focal necrotizing crescentic glomerulonephritis. She was treated with pulse intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC) and prednisolone. Patient developed severe leucopenia after the first dose and subsequently had leucopenia to low dose CYC, mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine were also tried. However, patient developed leukopenia with all the above agents. Initiation of tacrolimus (TAC) was followed by dramatic response: Proteinuria decreased, serum albumin normalized and C-ANCA and anti-PR3 ANCA assays became negative. This is the first successful case of TAC as an induction agent in a patient with GPA (ANCA associated vasculitis with renal involvement).

Renal transplantation in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

Despite major advances in the management of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) achieved in the last decades, a large proportion of AAV patients still develop end-stage renal disease. The survival of AAV patients dependent on dialysis is significantly worse compared with dialysis-independent AAV patients, but is comparable to other non-diabetic patients requiring dialysis. Renal transplantation (RTx) is the method of choice among renal replacement therapies and there has been increasing evidence that it is a suitable method with favorable patient- and graft-survival also in AAV patients. It is recommended to perform RTx after ≥12 months of remission, and ANCA positivity at the time of RTx is generally not considered a contraindication. Even though the risk of relapse after RTx is relatively low with current post-transplant immunosuppressive regimens, disease recurrence may occur. Besides cyclophosphamide, rituximab might become a therapeutic alternative for post-transplant AAV recurrence in the near future but its efficacy and safety in this setting needs to be confirmed in larger studies.

Renal transplantation in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to provide a state-of-the-art perspective on the role of kidney transplantation in cases of end-stage kidney disease due to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis. We focus on patient and graft survival in recent years, timing of transplant, impact of ANCA status, and relapse of vasculitis in the allograft.

RECENT FINDINGS

Graft and patient outcome compare very favorably with other causes of kidney failure and several recent studies have indicated that these outcomes have improved further in recent years. Relapse of vasculitis posttransplant appears to be lower in the modern era of transplant induction. There may be an excess mortality in those transplanted less than 1 year after induction of vasculitis remission, so it is probably wise to wait for this period before proceeding with the graft. ANCA status at transplant does not appear to influence outcome.

SUMMARY

Kidney transplantation is an excellent treatment for kidney failure due to vasculitis, although one must never lose sight of the cause of the original vasculitic kidney failure in the event of clinical deterioration of an allograft recipient, even if the diagnosis of ANCA vasculitis was many years previously.

Experience with rituximab in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis

Prior to the 1970s, severe cases of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis (AAV) were thought to be invariably fatal. However, the use of cyclophosphamide-based treatment regimens fundamentally altered disease outcomes, transforming AAV into a manageable, chronic illness. Despite the tremendous success of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of AAV, there remained a need for alternative therapies, due to high rates of treatment failures and significant toxicities. In recent years, with the introduction of targeted biologic response modifiers into clinical practice, many have hoped that the treatment options for AAV could be expanded. Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the B-lymphocyte protein CD20, has been the most successful biologic response modifier to be used in AAV. Following the first report of its use in AAV in 2001, experience with rituximab for treatment of AAV has rapidly expanded. Rituximab, in combination with glucocorticosteroids, is now well established as a safe and effective alternative to cyclophosphamide for remission induction for severe manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. In addition, initial experiences with rituximab for remission maintenance in these diseases have been favorable, as have experiences for remission induction in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Glomerular disease recurrence in the renal allograft: a hurdle but not a barrier for successful kidney transplantation

Almost all forms of primary as well as secondary glomerulonephritides may recur after renal transplantation. Recurrence of the original disease is now the third most common cause of late allograft loss. Nevertheless, in most cases it is difficult to assess the true impact of primary disease recurrence in the allograft; histological recurrence with mild features does not necessarily implicate clinically severe disease. Moreover it is often difficult to distinguish recurrent from de novo disease as in membranous glomerulopathy. Because recurrence occurs late, histological lesions of recurrent glomerulonephritis may be unmasked by chronic damage from other causes such as chronic rejection. Beside the difficulties to interpret renal histology due to the variety of allograft lesions, there are no well-established options to prevent clinically severe disease recurrence nor the therapeutic approaches to the problem. The purpose of this review was mainly to underline that almost all primary and secondary glomerulonephritides represent a contraindication to transplantation. For the majority of patients with end-stage renal disease due to glomerulonephritis, transplantation still represents the treatment of choice.

Recurrence of glomerulonephritis after renal transplantation

Recurrence of glomerulonephritis following renal transplantation is considered an important cause of allograft failure. The incidence of recurrence of glomerulonephritis varies widely depending on the definition of recurrence (pathologic recurrence or clinicopathologic recurrence) and the original glomerular disease. Moreover the impact of recurrence of glomerular disease on allograft outcome varies widely between different forms of glomerulonephritis. Whereas IgA nephritis recurs in up to one third of transplanted patients, this is not associated with adverse effects on graft survival. In contrast, recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranoproliferative glomerulopathy have an unfavorable prognosis. Overall, long-term graft survival in patients transplanted for glomerulonephritis is comparable to survival in patients with other causes of ESRD. In recent years, several mechanisms for recurrent disease after transplantation (e.g. PLA2R antibodies in membranous nephropathy and suPAR in FSGS) have been identified, and these findings have helped to elucidate the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. Although renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease as a consequence of glomerulonephritis, further studies are required to develop optimal strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat recurrent glomerular diseases.

Recurrence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis in the kidney allograft

We report a case of recurrent anti-cytoplasmic neutrophil antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis post kidney transplantation. A 60-year-old woman underwent uncomplicated deceased-donor kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to myeloperoxidase-specific ANCA-associated vasculitis, after six years of haemodialysis, and clinical remission. Immunosuppression was with tacrolimus/mycophenolate and prednisolone after basiliximab induction therapy. Five weeks post-transplantation, an allograft biopsy, done for a rising creatinine and glomerular haematuria, revealed pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis. This was treated with pulse methylprednisolone, increase in maintenance prednisolone, 7 sessions of plasma exchange, and replacement of mycophenolate with cyclophosphamide. Tacrolimus was continued throughout. After 3 months of therapy a repeat allograft biopsy showed quiescent vasculitis. The cyclophosphamide was then ceased, and mycophenolate reinstituted. The patient has maintained clinical and histological stability. Reported rates of ANCA-associated vasculitis recurrence post-kidney transplantation have varied but are low compared with other types of glomerulonephritis and seemed to have further declined in the era of modern immunosuppression. Given the low recurrence rate and excellent outcomes in suitable patients, kidney transplantation remains the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for ESRD due to ANCA-associated vasculitis. Whilst re-introduction of cyclophosphamide has been the mainstay of therapy, additional reported successful therapeutic strategies have included pulse methylprednisolone, plasma exchange and rituximab. Further study on the most effective and safest treatment options would be of use given the current paucity of data in this area.

Renal transplantation in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a common cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis resulting in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The optimal timing of kidney transplantation (KTX) for ESRD as a result of AAV and the risk of AAV relapse after KTX are not well defined. We report our experience with AAV patients who underwent KTX at our institutions between 1996 and 2010. Median follow-up was 64 months.

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter cohort study.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients (45 men/40 women; mean age 49 years) received a KTX for ESRD secondary to microscopic polyangiitis (n=43) or Wegener's granulomatosis (n=42). Twenty-four patients underwent preemptive KTX and 69 received a living-donor KTX. All patients were in remission at the time of KTX. Fifty-eight patients received induction therapy. In 64 patients, maintenance immunosuppression was with prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. At the time of KTX, 29 patients were ANCA-positive. The vasculitis relapse rate was 0.02 per patient-years and was not influenced by disease category, ANCA subtype, or remission duration before KTX. There were 23 rejection episodes in 13 patients with seven graft losses. Median serum creatinine at 1 year was 1.3 mg/dL in 75 patients with more than 1 year follow-up and 1.4 mg/dL at last follow-up. The graft and patient survival rates were 100% at 1 year, 97.9% and 93.4% at 5 years, and 79.0% and 67.4% at 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

KTX is a safe and an effective option for treating ESRD secondary to AAV. Relapses are rare with current immunosuppression.

Recurrence of secondary glomerular disease after renal transplantation

The risk of a posttransplant recurrence of secondary glomerulonephritis (GN) is quite variable. Histologic recurrence is frequent in lupus nephritis, but the lesions are rarely severe and usually do not impair the long-term graft outcome. Patients with Henoch-Schonlein nephritis have graft survival similar to that of other renal diseases, although recurrent Henoch-Schonlein nephritis with extensive crescents has a poor prognosis. Amyloid light-chain amyloidosis recurs frequently in renal allografts but it rarely causes graft failure. Amyloidosis secondary to chronic inflammation may also recur, but this is extremely rare in patients with Behcet's disease or in those with familial Mediterranean fever, when the latter are treated with colchicine. Double organ transplantation (liver/kidney; heart/kidney), chemotherapy, and autologous stem cell transplantation may be considered in particular cases of amyloidosis, such as hereditary amyloidosis or multiple myeloma. There is little experience with renal transplantation in light-chain deposition disease, fibrillary/immunotactoid GN, or mixed cryoglobulinemic nephritis but successful cases have been reported. Diabetic nephropathy often recurs but usually only after many years. Recurrence in patients with small vessel vasculitis is unpredictable but can cause graft failure. However, in spite of recurrence, patient and graft survival rates are similar in patients with small vessel vasculitis compared with those with other renal diseases. Many secondary forms of GN no longer represent a potential contraindication to renal transplantation. The main issues in transplantation of patients with secondary GN are the infectious, cardiovascular, or hepatic complications associated with the original disease or its treatment.

Recurrent glomerular disease after kidney transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recurrent glomerulonephritis is the third most common cause of graft failure, ranking only behind immunologic rejection and death with a functioning graft. Knowledge of the rates and timing of recurrent glomerular disease are important in counseling potential transplant recipients and preventive and therapeutic treatment strategies are necessary for those patients at risk.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large observational studies that have analyzed posttransplant biopsies have confirmed the high rates of glomerular disease recurrence in renal allografts. Newer immunosuppressive protocols over the past 10 years have not affected the rate of disease recurrence or graft loss. There is emerging evidence that rituximab may be efficacious in treating recurrent membranous nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; however, larger clinical trials are warranted.

SUMMARY

Recurrent glomerulonephritis is an important determinant of long-term outcomes after transplantation, requiring appropriate counseling to potential transplant recipients. Currently, there are no proven strategies to prevent recurrent glomerulonephritis in renal transplant recipients. Despite the high rates of recurrent disease, long-term graft survival is still very good and transplantation remains the best treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease from primary glomerulonephritis.

Wegener's granulomatosis in Finland in 1981-2000: risk of dialysis-dependent renal disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk of renal insufficiency requiring transient or chronic dialysis and its contributing factors in patients diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) between 1981 and 2000 in Finland.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study using hospital discharge registers with a review of hospital case reports. Data were complemented with files from the Finnish Registry for Kidney Diseases. All files were reviewed by 8 October 2005.

RESULTS

A total of 492 patients received a verified diagnosis of WG in 1981-2000. Of these, 84 (17%) needed dialysis by the end of follow-up. Of the 84 dialysed patients, 32 (38%) recovered initially, 32 (38%) needed chronic dialysis (dialysed > 3 months), and 19 (23%) received a kidney transplant. Forty-one (49%) of the dialysed patients were alive at the end of follow-up: 16 with a kidney transplant, 14 on dialysis, and 11 without dialysis. The cumulative rate of developing renal involvement leading to dialysis was 14.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.6-18.2] at 5 years and 29.6% (95% CI 21.5-40.0) at 20 years after onset of WG symptoms. Elevated creatinine levels at presentation were associated with an increased rate of renal insufficiency requiring chronic dialysis. Age, gender, and involvement of any particular organ system had no significant effect.

CONCLUSIONS

WG patients are at great risk of developing renal insufficiency, and this risk increases as the disease progresses. Elevated creatinine levels at presentation are associated with an increased risk of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease.