Basiliximab induction and delayed calcineurin inhibitor initiation in liver transplant recipients with renal insufficiency

Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a highly complex and challenging field of clinical practice. Although it was originally developed in western countries, it has been further advanced in Asian countries through the use of living donor liver transplantation. This method of transplantation is the only available option in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to the lack of deceased organ donation. As a result of this clinical situation, there is a growing need for guidelines that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for evidence-based management throughout the entire process of liver transplantation, covering both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. In addition, the development of these guidelines has been a collaborative effort between medical professionals from various countries in the region. This has allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to a more comprehensive and effective set of guidelines.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation in pediatric patients

Combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting both liver and kidney organs. There are two types of CLKT: simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (smLKT) and sequential LKT (sqLKT). CLKT accounts for a small percentage of liver transplantations (LTs), particularly in pediatric cases. Nevertheless, the procedure has demonstrated excellent outcomes, with high survival rates and lower rejection rates. The main indications for CLKT in pediatric patients differ somewhat from that in adults, in which end-stage kidney disease after LT is the major indication. In children, congenital diseases are common reason for performing CLKT; the examples of such diseases include autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease with congenital hepatic fibrosis which equally affects both organs, and primary hyperoxaluria type 1, a primary liver disease leading kidney failure. The decision between smLKT or sqLKT depends on the dominant organ failure, the specific pathophysiology, and available organ sources. However, there remain significant surgical and societal challenges surrounding CLKT. Innovations in pharmacology and genetic engineering have decreased the necessity for CLKT in early-diagnosed cases without portal hypertension or kidney replacement therapy. Nonetheless, these advancements are not universally accessible. Therefore, decision-making algorithms should be crafted, considering region-specific organ allocation systems and prevailing medical environments.

Impact of Renal Replacement Therapy on Rejection among Liver Transplant Recipients

Introduction: Renal dysfunction in liver transplant recipients is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, with an even higher risk among patients requiring renal replacement therapy. There is limited data evaluating rejection outcomes in patients requiring renal replacement therapy after liver transplant. Program evaluation aims: To evaluate the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection, recipient and graft survival, infection, renal dysfunction, and immunosuppression practices. Design: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study. To be eligible, patients were deceased donor liver transplant recipients ≥18 year of age transplanted between January 2017 and August 2019 who received steroid-only induction and tacrolimus as part of their initial immunosuppression regimen. Results: Recipients that required renal replacement therapy (N  =  86) were compared to those who received no renal replacement therapy (N  =  158). Biopsy-proven acute rejection at 1-year posttransplant was significantly higher among those requiring renal replacement therapy (36% vs 13%, P < .001). Patient survival at 12 months was 77% for those requiring renal replacement therapy and 94% for those not requiring renal replacement therapy (P < .001). Infection (HR 3.8, 95% CI 1.6-8.8; P < .001), but not rejection (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3-1.7; P  =  .5) was an independent predictor of mortality. The use of renal replacement therapy after liver transplant necessitated careful titration of immunosuppression to balance the detrimental risks of infection versus rejection in this high-risk population.

The optimal immunosuppression management to prevent early rejection after liver transplantation: A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations

BACKGROUND

The optimal immunosuppression protocol to prevent early acute cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation (LT) avoiding prolonged hospitalization and early hospital readmission is undefined.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the most suitable immunosuppression regimen for inclusion in ERAS programs in order to minimize early ACR after LT and to provide expert panel recommendations DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

METHODS

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. Studies from January 2000 onward focusing on early ACR were included. Rates of early renal dysfunction and infection were evaluated. CRD42021245586 RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies met inclusion criteria; 23 randomized controlled trials, 14 retrospective or prospective observational comparative or noncomparative studies. Several sources of biases which potentially confound conclusions were identified: heterogeneity in immunosuppression protocols, higher serum tacrolimus levels than currently used in clinical practice, differences in the definition of ACR.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus is the standard immunosuppression after LT and can be used in combination with other drugs such as corticosteroids and MMF, and in association with anti-IL2 receptor antibody (IL2Ra) induction. (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong). Low dose or delayed introduction of tacrolimus in association with corticosteroids and MMF and/or anti-IL2Ra induction can be used to reduce acute kidney injury. (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong). Use of tacrolimus in association with corticosteroids and MMF and/or anti-IL2Ra induction does not lead to increased infection rates. (Quality of Evidence; Low | Grade of Recommendation; Weak).

Chronic Kidney Disease After Liver Transplantation

Improved survival after liver transplantation has led to an aging cohort of recipients at risk of renal dysfunction. The etiology of renal dysfunction is typically multifactorial; calcineurin inhibitors nephrotoxicity, pretransplant renal dysfunction, and perioperative acute kidney injury are important risk factors. Metabolic complications such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease also contribute to the development of renal disease. Most LT recipients will eventually develop some degree of renal dysfunction. Criteria to select candidates for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation have been established. Both delayed introduction of CNIs and renal-sparing immunosuppressive regimens may reduce progression of renal dysfunction.

Crossmatch, Donor-specific Antibody Testing, and Immunosuppression in Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Review

Since the introduction of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) in the 1960s, the potential for immunological protection from the liver allograft to a simultaneously transplanted kidney has been recognized. Due to expanded indications and changes in allocation policies, there has been increased utilization of SLKT. Despite growing experience, a lack of consensus exists regarding the extent of the immunological privilege of the liver the role for donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA) and crossmatch testing, and appropriateness of modern immunosuppression protocols in SLKT recipients. This review provides a detailed analysis of SLKT outcomes in the context of these factors, suggesting that although the liver can reduce the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection, attention should be given to liver allograft function, previous failed transplants, and other risk factors in pretransplant risk assessment. Current methods of DSA and crossmatch testing in SLKT are also discussed, and the role of specific DSA (high mean fluorescence intensity antibody, C1q+ binding) and their potential importance in posttransplant risk assessment are examined. Finally, trends in SLKT immunosuppression are discussed, including the use of nondepleting agents for induction and de-escalating use of steroids for maintenance immunosuppression. Ongoing research, including multicenter or randomized trials, will be necessary to optimize immune-related outcomes in SLKT recipients.

Induction Therapy With Antithymocyte Globulin and Delayed Calcineurin Inhibitor Initiation for Renal Protection in Liver Transplantation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Phase II-B Trial

BACKGROUND

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) based immunosuppression in liver transplantation (LTx) is associated with acute and chronic deterioration of kidney function. Delaying CNI initiation by using induction rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) may provide kidneys with adequate time to recover from a perioperative insult reducing the risk of early post-LTx renal deterioration.

METHODS

This was an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing use of induction rATG with delayed CNI initiation (day-10) against upfront CNI commencement (SOC; standard of care) in those patients deemed at standard risk of postoperative renal dysfunction following LTx. The primary end point was change in (delta) creatinine from baseline to month-12.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients were enrolled in each study arm. Mean Tacrolimus levels remained comparable in both groups from day-10 throughout the study period. A significant difference in delta creatinine was observed between rATG and SOC groups at 9-months (p=0.03) but not at month-12 (p=0.05). eGFR levels remained comparable between cohorts at all time points. Rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection at 1-year were similar between groups (16.3 vs 12.7%, p= 0.58). rATG showed no significant adverse effects. Survival at 12-months was comparable between groups (p= 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the use of induction rATG and concurrent CNI deferral in this study did not demonstrate a significant difference in delta creatinine at 1 year, these results indicate a potential role for rATG in preserving early kidney function, especially when considered with CNI deferral beyond 10 days and/or lower target Tacrolimus levels, with acceptable safety and treatment efficacy.

Basiliximab With Delayed Tacrolimus Improves Short-Term Renal Outcomes Post-Liver Transplantation-a Real-World Experience

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common after liver transplantation (LT). Induction with interleukin-2 receptor antagonists is often used as a "renal-sparing" strategy. The aim of this study was to assess this approach in a real-world setting in an LT center.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of LTs between 2011 and 2018 was performed to assess the impact of a renal-sparing strategy using basiliximab in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids from day 0 post-LT along with delayed introduction of tacrolimus. This was compared with a group receiving tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids from the outset.

RESULTS

The renal-sparing regimen was associated with significantly lower incidence of all-stage AKI at day 7 post-LT (36% vs 55%, P = .006) and less decline in renal function at 3 months (39% vs 57%, P = .01). No further significant differences in renal outcomes were observed at other time points on follow-up to 1 year post-LT. There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute cellular rejection, inpatient length of stay or graft survival. The decision to adopt a renal-sparing regimen was predominantly made on a clinically reactive basis within the first 24 hours post-LT in 77%, and was preordained in 23%. Cost-effectiveness analysis did not find evidence of a significant cost saving when using a renal-sparing strategy.

CONCLUSION

This study provides real-world analysis of the use of a renal-sparing immunosuppression regimen in LT. Although improvements in incidence of AKI in the short term were demonstrated, this did not translate to cost savings or improved renal outcomes after 3 months.

Basiliximab impairs regulatory T cell (TREG) function and could affect the short-term graft acceptance in children with heart transplantation

CD25, the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor, is expressed on activated effector T cells that mediate immune graft damage. Induction immunosuppression is commonly used in solid organ transplantation and can include antibodies blocking CD25. However, regulatory T cells (Tregs) also rely on CD25 for their proliferation, survival, and regulatory function. Therefore, CD25-blockade may compromise Treg protective role against rejection. We analysed in vitro the effect of basiliximab (BXM) on the viability, phenotype, proliferation and cytokine production of Treg cells. We also evaluated in vivo the effect of BXM on Treg in thymectomized heart transplant children receiving BXM in comparison to patients not receiving induction therapy. Our results show that BXM reduces Treg counts and function in vitro by affecting their proliferation, Foxp3 expression, and IL-10 secretion capacity. In pediatric heart-transplant patients, we observed decreased Treg counts and a diminished Treg/Teff ratio in BXM-treated patients up to 6-month after treatment, recovering baseline values at the end of the 12-month follow up period. These results reveal that the use of BXM could produce detrimental effects on Tregs, and support the evidence suggesting that BXM induction could impair the protective role of Tregs in the period of highest incidence of acute graft rejection.

Renal Dysfunction After Liver Transplantation: Effect of Donor Type

Recipients of donation after circulatory death (DCD) grafts are reportedly at higher risk of developing renal dysfunction after liver transplantation (LT). We compared the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) after LT in recipients of DCD versus donation after brain death (DBD) or living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) livers. Adult recipients of DBD, LDLT, and DCD between 2012 and 2016 at Toronto General Hospital were included. AKI was defined as a post-LT increase of serum creatinine (sCr) ≥26.5 µmol/L within 48 hours or a ≥50% increase from baseline, and CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/minute for >3 months. A total of 681 patients (DCD, n = 57; DBD, n = 446; and LDLT, n = 178) with similar baseline comorbidities were included. Perioperative AKI (within the first 7 postoperative days) was observed more frequently in the DCD group (61%; DBD, 40%; and LDLT, 44%; P = 0.01) and was associated with significantly higher peak AST levels (P < 0.001). Additionally, patients in the DCD group had a significantly higher peak sCr (P < 0.001) and a trend toward higher rates of AKI stage 3 (DCD, 33%; DBD, 21%; LDLT, 21%; P = 0.11). The proportions of recovery from AKI (DCD, 77%; DBD, 72%; LDLT, 78%; P = 0.45) and patients developing CKD (DCD, 33%; DBD, 32%; LDLT, 32%; P = 0.99) were similar. Nevertheless, patients who received DCD or DBD LT and required perioperative renal replacement therapy showed significantly lower patient survival in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 7.90; 95% confidence interval, 4.51-13.83; P < 0.001). In conclusion, recipients of DCD liver grafts experience higher rates of short-term post-LT renal dysfunction compared with DBD or LDLT. Additional risk factors for the development of severe kidney injury, such as high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, massive transfusions, or donor age ≥60 years should be avoided.

Posttransplant Calcineurin Inhibitors Levels and Intrapatient Variability Are Not Associated With Long-term Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

There is an interest in understanding the association between early calcineurin inhibitors exposure post-liver transplantation (LT) and long-term outcomes. We aimed to analyze this association exploring median calcineurin inhibitor levels and intrapatient variability (IPV) in a multicenter, retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Tacrolimus (Tac) and Cyclosporine (CsA) levels obtained during the first 15 days post-LT were collected. High immunosuppression (IS) was considered as a median of Tac, CsA blood trough levels 12 hours after drug administration, or blood levels 2 hours after drug administration higher than 10, 250, or 1200 ng/mL, respectively, or a peak of Tac >20 ng/mL. Optimal IS was defined as a median of Tac, CsA blood trough levels 12 hours after drug administration, or blood levels 2 hours after drug administration levels between 7 and 10, 150 and 250, or 800 and 1200 ng/mL. Low IS was defined as below the thresholds of optimal IS. IPV was estimated during the first 15 days post-LT.

RESULTS

The study included 432 patients with a median follow-up of 8.65 years. IS regimen was based on either Tac or CsA in 243 (56.3%) and 189 (43.8%), respectively. There were no differences in terms of graft loss among low versus optimal and high IS groups (P = 0.812 and P = 0.451) nor in high versus low IPV (P = 0.835). Only viral hepatitis and arterial hypertension were independently associated with higher graft loss (hazard ratio = 1.729, P = 0.029 and hazard ratio = 1.570, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to what has previously been reported, no association was found between very early postoperative over IS or high IPV and long-term outcome measures following LT. Strategies aimed at reducing these long-term events should likely focus on other factors or on a different IS time window.

Lack of Benefit and Potential Harm of Induction Therapy in Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplants

The number of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantations (SLKTs) and use of induction therapy for SLKT have increased recently, without much published evidence, especially in the context of maintenance immunosuppression containing tacrolimus (TAC) and mycophenolic acid (MPA). We queried the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network registry for SLKT recipients maintained on TAC/MPA at discharge in the United States for 2002-2016. The cohort was divided into 3 groups on the basis of induction type: rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG; n = 831), interleukin 2 receptor antagonist (IL2RA; n = 1558), and no induction (n = 2333). Primary outcomes were posttransplant all-cause mortality and acute rejection rates in kidney and liver allografts at 12 months. Survival rates were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. A propensity score analysis was used to control potential selection bias. Multivariate inverse probability weighted Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios. Among SLKT recipients, survival estimates at 3 years were lower for recipients receiving r-ATG (P = 0.05). Compared with no induction, the multivariate analyses showed an increased mortality risk with r-ATG (HR, 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.52; P = 0.002) and no difference in acute liver or kidney rejection rates at 12 months across all induction categories. No difference in outcomes was noted with IL2RA induction over the no induction category. In conclusion, there appears to be no survival benefit nor reduction in rejection rates for SLKT recipients who receive induction therapy, and r-ATG appears to increase mortality risk compared with no induction.

Update on Immunosuppression in Liver Transplantation

The standard therapy for decompensated end-stage chronic liver disease of any etiology and acute fulminant hepatic failure is liver transplantation (LT). Advances in immunosuppressive therapy decreased the rates of acute and chronic rejections. Thus, graft and patient survivals have significantly improved. However, long-term adverse effects of prolonged use of immunosuppressive agents such as malignancies, opportunistic infections, metabolic disorders, and other organ toxicities have now become a major concern. Consequently, alternative approaches are needed to deescalate the customary drugs and their side effects. Therapy must be individualized and additional preventive measures should be taken by patients with particular risk factors or predisposed to certain adverse effects. Current opinion favors a combination of agents with different mechanism of actions and toxicity profiles. Corticosteroids are employed in immediate and early postoperative period. Although they have a pronounced side effect profile, calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are still the backbone of early and late phase immunosuppressive regimens because of their proved efficacy. Antimetabolites are frequent choices for steroid and/or CNI-sparing strategies. Studies also have established a role for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in specific groups of recipients. Biologic agents are a hot topic of interest and made their way into current strategies for induction. Agents extrapolated from other transplantation or immunologic experience are being evaluated.

Basiliximab application on liver recipients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The benefits of the application of basiliximab induction therapy in liver transplantation are not clear. The present meta-analysis was to evaluate the pros and cons of basiliximab use in liver transplantation.

DATA SOURCES

We searched the associated publications in English from July 1998 to December 2015 in the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Basiliximab significantly decreased the incidence of de novo diabetes mellitus after liver transplantation (RR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.34-0.91; P=0.02). Subgroup analysis showed that basiliximab in combination with steroids-free immunosuppressant significantly decreased the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (RR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.39-0.97; P=0.04) and new-onset hypertension (RR=0.62; 95% CI: 0.42-0.93; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Basiliximab may be effective in reducing de novo diabetes mellitus. What is more, basiliximab in combination with steroids-free immunosuppressant shows statistical benefit to reduce biopsy-proven acute rejection and de novo hypertension.

Efficacy and safety of basiliximab in liver transplantation for patients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases: a single centre study

AIMS

We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of basiliximab in liver transplantation (LT) for patients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases.

METHODS

A total of 268 patients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases undergoing LT were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the usage of basiliximab. Total survival, the survival of high-risk patients defined by the posttransplant model for predicting mortality, acute rejection rate, biochemical parameters and other follow-up data were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Group Bas was composed of 131 patients who received basiliximab, and Group Triple enrolled the other 137 patients who did not. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in the cumulative survival of patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or in the cumulative survival of patients with HCC. For patients with benign end-stage liver diseases, Group Bas had more patients with a high risk of short- and medium-term mortality than Group Triple (22.81% vs. 8.85%, p = 0.017), but the survival curves of the two groups were not significantly different. The 1-year incidence of acute rejection was lower in Group Bas, although the difference was not significant (8.75% vs. 15.33%, p > 0.05). In both Group Bas and Group Triple, the level of serum creatinine (Scr) at 1 week posttransplantation was significantly lower than pretransplantation (61.00 vs. 88.50 μmol/l, p < 0.001; 61.50 vs. 74.00 μmol/l, p < 0.001; respectively). There was a significant difference in the pretransplantation Scr between the two groups (88.50 vs. 74.00 μmol/l, p = 0.005), but the values of Scr decreased to the same level 1 week (61.00 vs. 61.50 μmol/l, p > 0.05) and 4 weeks (61.00 vs. 59.00 μmol/l, p > 0.05) after transplantation. Significantly fewer recipients in Group Bas experienced hepatitis B relapse than in Group Triple (2/131 vs. 13/137, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

A basiliximab-induced immunosuppressive protocol is a safe regimen that achieves similar survival without increasing the acute rejection rate for LT recipients with hepatitis B virus-related diseases. For patients with benign end-stage liver diseases, this regimen reduces medium-term mortality in high-risk patients. This regimen remarkably improves renal function in the first month after LT and is correlated with a decreased hepatitis B recurrence rate in adult patients after LT.

Pretransplant urinary proteome analysis does not predict development of chronic kidney disease after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication after liver transplantation. Kidney biopsies cannot be easily performed before liver transplantation to predict patients at high risk for CKD. The aim of our study was to determine whether pre-, peri- and post-transplant factors, as well as peptides present in preliver transplant urine samples were associated with loss in kidney function at 6 months post-transplantation using proteome analysis.

METHODS

Eighty patients who underwent a liver transplantation and that had pretransplant glomerular filtration rate (GFR) value of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² (MDRD) were included in the study.

RESULTS

GFR decreased significantly after transplantation. At month 6 post-transplantation, 40 patients displayed a CKD, i.e. eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m², while the other 40 patients did not. Although thousands of peptides were identified, none was significantly associated with the development of CKD at 6 months after liver transplantation. Moreover, using a urinary peptidome classifier to detect preexisting CKD, no difference was found in CKD scores between the 2 groups. After analysis of a large number of pre-, peri- and post-transplant parameters, viral hepatitis as a cause for liver transplantation was the sole independent predictive factor for CKD. No difference in peptides with differential urinary abundance between patients who received a graft for virus related liver disease vs. all other causes of liver disease was observed.

CONCLUSION

Urinary peptidome analysis before liver transplantation failed to identify a peptide pattern associated with the development of CKD at 6 months after liver transplantation.

From immunosuppression to tolerance

The past three decades have seen liver transplantation becoming a major therapeutic approach in the management of end-stage liver diseases. This is due to the dramatic improvement in survival after liver transplantation as a consequence of the improvement of surgical and anaesthetic techniques, of post-transplant medico-surgical management and of prevention of disease recurrence and other post-transplant complications. Improved use of post-transplant immunosuppression to prevent acute and chronic rejection is a major factor in these improved results. The liver has been shown to be more tolerogenic than other organs, and matching of donor and recipients is mainly limited to ABO blood group compatibility. However, long-term immunosuppression is required to avoid severe acute and chronic rejection and graft loss. With the current immunosuppression protocols, the risk of acute rejection requiring additional therapy is 10-40% and the risk of chronic rejection is below 5%. However, the development of histological lesions in the graft in long-term survivors suggest atypical forms of graft rejection may develop as a consequence of under-immunosuppression. The backbone of immunosuppression remains calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) mostly in association with steroids in the short-term and mycophenolate mofetil or mTOR inhibitors (everolimus). The occurrence of post-transplant complications related to the immunosuppressive therapy has led to the development of new protocols aimed at protecting renal function and preventing the development of de novo cancer and of dysmetabolic syndrome. However, there is no new class of immunosuppressive drugs in the pipeline able to replace current protocols in the near future. The aim of a full immune tolerance of the graft is rarely achieved since only 20% of selected patients can be weaned successfully off immunosuppression. In the future, immunosuppression will probably be more case oriented aiming to protect the graft from rejection and at reducing the risk of disease recurrence and complications related to immunosuppressive therapy. Such approaches will include strategies aiming to promote stable long-term immunological tolerance of the liver graft.

Acyclovir versus Valganciclovir for Preventing Cytomegalovirus Infection in Intermediate-Risk Liver Transplant Recipients

Context

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic infection that causes profound morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplant (OLT). The CMV immunoglobulin G serostatuses of donors and recipients are the main factors influencing risk for development of CMV infection after transplant.

Objective

To compare acyclovir and valganciclovir for preventing CMV infection after OLT.

Design, Setting, and Patients

Retrospective assessment of adult OLT recipients at intermediate risk for CMV infection at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Intervention

All patients received ganciclovir 5 mg/kg intravenously every 12 hours or valganciclovir 900 mg orally every 12 hours for 7 days after transplant. On postoperative day 8, patients received antiviral prophylaxis according to risk stratification: acyclovir 800 mg orally 3 times daily in donor seronegative/recipient seropositive (D-/R+) patients or valganciclovir 900 mg orally once daily in donor seropositive/recipient seropositive (D+/R+) patients.

Main Outcome Measure

Composite incidence of CMV infection, syndrome, or tissue-invasive disease.

Results

Of 275 OLT recipients, 89 were at intermediate risk for CMV infection (29 D−/R+, 60 D+/R+). CMV infection, syndrome, or tissue-invasive disease occurred in 1 patient (3%) in the D−/R+ group and 5 patients (8%) in the D+/R+ group ( P=.66). One patient (3%) in the D−/R+ group had a CMV infection develop. Five D+/R+ recipients (8%) had CMV infection; 3 of them had CMV syndrome (5%), 1 had CMV hepatitis (1.6%), and the other had CMV esophagitis (1.6%); all events occurred after prophylaxis was discontinued. The rates of CMV infection were similar in D−/R+ patients treated with acyclovir and D+/R+ patients receiving valganciclovir. This risk-stratified approach to viral prophylaxis after OLT resulted in an acceptable rate of CMV infection in D−/R+ recipients and may avoid the costs and adverse effects associated with valganciclovir therapy.

Targeted versus universal antifungal prophylaxis among liver transplant recipients

Guidelines recommend targeted antifungal prophylaxis for liver transplant (LT) recipients based on tiers of risk, rather than universal prophylaxis. The feasibility and efficacy of tiered, targeted prophylaxis is not well established. We performed a retrospective study of LT recipients who received targeted prophylaxis (n = 145; voriconazole [VORI; 54%], fluconazole [8%], no antifungal [38%]) versus universal VORI prophylaxis (n = 237). Median durations of targeted and universal prophylaxis were 11 and 6 days, respectively (p < 0.0001). The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in targeted and universal groups was 6.9% and 4.2% (p = 0.34). Overall, intra-abdominal candidiasis (73%) was the most common IFI. Posttransplant bile leaks (p = 0.001) and living donor transplants (p = 0.04) were independent risk factors for IFI. IFIs occurred in 6% of high-risk transplants who received prophylaxis and 4% of low-risk transplants who did not receive prophylaxis (p = 1.0). Mortality rates (100 days) were 10% (targeted) and 7% (universal) (p = 0.26); attributable mortality due to IFI was 10%. Compliance with prophylaxis recommendations was 97%. Prophylaxis was discontinued for toxicity in 2% of patients. Targeted antifungal prophylaxis in LT recipients was feasible and safe, effectively prevented IFIs and reduced the number of patients exposed to antifungals. Bile leaks and living donor transplants should be considered high-risk indications for prophylaxis.

Current strategies for immunosuppression following liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

New strategies for immunosuppression (IS) after liver transplantation (LTx) are in part responsible for the increased patient and graft survival seen over time. With a few basic exceptions-notably the continued use of steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs)-IS drugs and regimens being used today are different from those used 30 years ago. While graft loss due to acute or chronic rejection has become rare, the side effect burden of IS drugs exerts a significant toll on patients.

CONCEPTS/TRENDS

CNIs continue to form the backbone of IS regimens, although their use is hampered by nephrotoxicity and other adverse effects. Consequently, a variety of CNI reduction or withdrawal strategies have formed the basis of clinical trials or entered into clinical practice. These trials have included the use of everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibodies. Basiliximab, as well as other lymphocyte nondepleting and depleting agents, have shown benefit in induction regimens.

SUMMARY

Along with steroid reduction or elimination, current strategies for IS after LTx continue to explore novel combinations of agents, with an aim toward striking a balance between diminution of rejection and the need for avoiding adverse effects of the IS drugs. Long-term maintenance strategies are also discussed in this review, as is development of tolerance and antibody-mediated rejection.

Basiliximab with delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors as a renal-sparing protocol following liver transplantation in children with renal impairment

Renal impairment is frequently compromised in patients with end-stage liver disease and is associated with increased long-term mortality post-LT. In contrast to CNI, basiliximab is an immunosuppressive agent with minimal nephrotoxic potential. This study reviews the experience of a single pediatric liver transplant center's renal-sparing approach with the use of basiliximab and MMF to compensate for delayed entry of CNI in children with renal impairment at the time of organ availability. There were no differences in renal function between pediatric patients with and without pre-LT renal impairment within the first year (cGFR: 135 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 144 mL/min/1.73 m2 ; p = 0.56) or at 5-8 yr following LT, (129 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 130 mL/min/1.73 m2 ; p = 0.97). In addition, there was no difference in ACR rates (50% vs. 43%, p = 0.62) between patients in the basiliximab group and those patients receiving standard CNI and steroid strategies. The utilization of a renal-sparing approach with basiliximab alongside delayed entry and lower early target trough levels of CNI in children with renal impairment at the time of LT is safe and maintains excellent long-term kidney function.

Zoledronic acid versus alendronate for the prevention of bone loss after heart or liver transplantation

CONTEXT

The first year after transplantation is characterized by rapid bone loss.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare zoledronic acid (zoledronate) and alendronate for prevention of transplantation bone loss.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A randomized clinical trial was conducted at a transplantation center.

PATIENTS

The study included 84 adults undergoing heart or liver transplantation and a concurrently transplanted, nonrandomized reference group of 27 adults with T scores greater than -1.5.

INTERVENTIONS

Alendronate (70 mg weekly for 12 months) or one 5-mg infusion of zoledronate were both initiated 26 ± 8 d after transplantation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was total hip bone mineral density (BMD) 1 yr after transplantation. Secondary outcomes included femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD and serum C-telopeptide, a bone resorption marker.

RESULTS

In the reference group, BMD declined at the spine and hip (P < 0.001). In the randomized groups, hip BMD remained stable. Spine BMD increased in the zoledronate group and did not change in the alendronate group; at 12 months, the 2.2% difference between groups (95% confidence interval, 0.6 to 3.9%; P = 0.009) favored zoledronate. In heart transplant patients, spine BMD declined in the alendronate and increased in the zoledronate group (-3.0 vs. +1.6%, respectively; between-group difference, 4.2%; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 6.3%; P < 0.001). In liver transplant patients, spine BMD increased comparably in both groups. Twelve-month C-telopeptide was lower in the zoledronate group than in the alendronate group (79 vs. 49%; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

One 5-mg infusion of zoledronate and weekly alendronate prevent bone loss at the hip and, in liver transplant patients, increase spine BMD. In heart transplant patients, spine bone BMD remained stable with zoledronate but decreased with alendronate.

Do kidney histology lesions predict long-term kidney function after liver transplantation?

Histological renal lesions observed after liver transplantation are complex, multifactorial, and interrelated. The aims of this study were to determine whether kidney lesions observed at five yr after liver transplantation can predict long-term kidney function. Ninety-nine liver transplant patients receiving calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based immunosuppression, who had undergone a kidney biopsy at 60±48 months post-transplant, were included in this follow-up study. Kidney biopsies were scored according to the Banff classification. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was assessed at last follow-up, that is, 109±48 months after liver transplantation. eGFR decreased from 92±33 mL/min at transplantation to 63±19 mL/min after six months, to 57±17 mL/min at the kidney biopsy, to 54±24 mL/min at last follow-up (p<0.0001). At last follow-up, only three patients required renal replacement therapy. After the kidney biopsy, 13 patients were converted from CNIs to mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, but no significant improvement in eGFR was observed after conversion. Elevated eGFR at six months post-transplant and a lower fibrous intimal thickening score (cv) observed at five yr post-transplant were the two independent predictive factors for eGFR≥60 mL/min at nine yr post-transplant. Long-term kidney function seems to be predicted by the kidney vascular lesions.

Prevention of de novo hepatitis B with adefovir dipivoxil in recipients of liver grafts from hepatitis B core antibody-positive donors

Lamivudine has been shown to prevent de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in liver transplantation (LT) patients receiving hepatitis B core antibody-positive (HBcAb(+)) grafts, but it may produce long-term resistance. Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) might be effective in preventing de novo hepatitis and resistance. A single-center, prospective trial was conducted with 16 adults (10 men and 6 women, mean age = 54 ± 11 years) who underwent LT with HBcAb(+) grafts between September 2007 and October 2009. After LT, patients were given ADV [10 mg daily (adjusted for renal function)]. No hepatitis B immune globulin was administered. At LT, all graft recipients were hepatitis B surface antigen-negative (HBsAg(-)), 38% were surface antibody-positive (HBsAb(+)), and 50% were HBcAb(+). The median follow-up after LT was 1.8 years (range = 1.0-2.6 years). All recipients had undetectable HBV DNA (<40 IU/mL) after LT until the end of follow-up. One recipient (6%) who was HBsAb(-) and HBcAb(-) before LT became HBsAg(+) after 52 weeks. One recipient was switched from ADV to entecavir for chronic renal insufficiency, and 19% of the patients had renal dose adjustments. There was a nonsignificant trend of increasing creatinine levels over time (1.2 mg/dL at LT, 1.3 mg/dL 1 year after LT, and 2.0 mg/dL 2 years after LT, P = 0.27). A comparison with a control cohort of LT recipients with hepatitis C virus who did not receive ADV showed no difference in the creatinine levels at LT or 1 year after LT. In conclusion, ADV prophylaxis prevents HBV replication in recipients of HBcAb(+) livers but does not fully protect recipients from de novo HBV. Long-term follow-up is needed to better determine the risk of de novo infection.