Incidence, Determinants, and Outcome of Chronic Kidney Disease After Adult Heart Transplantation in the United Kingdom

Subsequent kidney transplant after pediatric heart transplant: Prevalence and risk factors

Pediatric heart failure and transplantation carry associated risks for kidney failure and potential need for kidney transplant following pediatric heart transplantation (KT/pHT). This retrospective, United Network of Organ Sharing study of 10,030 pediatric heart transplants (pHTs) from 1987 to 2020 aimed to determine the incidence of waitlisting for and completion of KT/pHT, risk factors for KT/pHT, and risk factors for nonreceipt of a KT/pHT. Among pHT recipients, 3.4% were waitlisted for KT/pHT (median time of 14 years after pHT). Among those waitlisted, 70% received a KT/pHT, and 18% died on the waitlist at a median time of 0.8 years from KT/pHT waitlisting (median age of 20 years). Moderate-high sensitization at KT/pHT waitlisting (calculated panel reactive antibody, ≥ 20%) was associated with a lower likelihood of KT/pHT (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.95). Waitlisting for heart transplantation simultaneously with kidney transplant (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.73; 95% confidence interval, 2.01-6.92) was associated with increased risk of death on the KT/pHT waitlist. While the prevalence of KT/pHT is low, there is substantial mortality among those waitlisted for KT/pHT. These findings suggest a need to consider novel risk factors for nonreceipt of KT/pHT and death on the waitlist in prioritizing criteria/guidelines for simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation.

Role of Radiology in Assessment of Postoperative Complications of Heart Transplantation

Heart transplantation is a pivotal treatment of end-stage heart failure, and recent advancements have extended median posttransplant life expectancy. However, despite the progress in surgical techniques and medical treatment, heart transplant patients still face complications such as rejection, infections, and drug toxicity. CT is a reliable tool for detecting most of these complications, whereas MR imaging is particularly adept at identifying pericardial pathologies and signs of rejection. Awareness of these nuances by radiologists, cardiologists, and surgeons is desired to optimize care, reduce morbidities, and enhance survival.

Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate over the first year following repeat heart transplant in children and young adults

BACKGROUND

Renal function is reduced in patients undergoing heart transplant due to hemodynamic compromise, cardiorenal syndrome, and nephrotoxin exposure. No current studies evaluate renal function in retransplants.

METHODS

We reviewed all heart transplants at our center from 1995 to 2021 and matched first-time heart transplants with retransplants, based on age at transplant, sex, and race. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was derived from CKiD-U25 calculator using creatinine and measured prior to transplant, 1-week post-transplant, 1-3, 6, and 12 months post-transplant, and recent follow-up. Changes in eGFR were measured within and between patients using a piecewise linear mixed effect model with matching. Exploratory univariate analysis was performed to evaluate pre-transplant risk factors for decreased eGFR.

RESULTS

The unmatched cohort included 393 heart transplant recipients, with 47 being retransplants. Thirty-eight patients in both groups with at least 1 year of follow-up underwent matching. Both retransplants and first-time transplants had an initial decline in eGFR. eGFR rebounded to baseline or above baseline at 1-3 months post-transplant, but eGFR in retransplants remained significantly lower. At 1-year post-transplant, the average eGFR was 67.8 ± 4.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 versus 104.7 ± 4.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < .001) in the retransplants and first-time transplants group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study provides data on anticipated renal trajectory following retransplantation.

Safety and tolerability of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in bridge-to-transplant patients supported with centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist devices

BACKGROUND

The safety and tolerability of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with end-stage heart failure supported with left-ventricular-assist-devices (LVADs), irrespective of diabetes mellitus, is not known.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 31 outpatients implanted with LVADs as bridge-to-transplant (BTT) was conducted. Patients with biventricular support, aged under 18 years, who were discharged from the index hospitalisation, or were prescribed SGLT2i prior to their first outpatient clinic were excluded. Patient demographics, laboratory studies, pump haemodynamic and adverse event data was collected.

RESULTS

Sixteen (51.6%) of 31 patients were prescribed SGLT2i over median 101.5 days (37.5-190.8). No patients discontinued SGLT2i use or reported attributable adverse symptoms. No significant differences between patients prescribed SGLT2i compared to those SGLT2i-naïve were seen in: [1] renal function; [2] weight; [3] mean arterial pressure. There were numerically lower infection-related (n = 4 vs 7, HR 0.32 (0.08-1.28), p = 0.11) and haemocompatibility-related (n = 3 vs 4, HR 0.52 (0.09-2.83), p = 0.45) adverse events in the SGLT2i group, albeit non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

We found SGLT2i to be safe and well-tolerated in the BTT LVAD cohort with no significant difference in rates of infection or haemocompatibility-related adverse events with SGLT2i use. Larger studies will inform further beneficial effects of SGLT2i prescription in this cohort.

Post-transplant ejection fraction and renal failure in cardiac transplant recipients: An analysis of the OPTN database

BACKGROUND

Despite improved life expectancy from a heart transplant, transplant recipients remain at high risk for renal dysfunction and failure, including end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The onset of ESKD is a poor prognostic marker and is associated with increased mortality in this setting, as in others. There is a need to identify risk factors for ESKD among heart transplant recipients in contemporary settings.

METHODS

We conducted an analysis of adult heart transplant recipients transplanted between 2008 and 2021 in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database. 22 737 adult recipients of heart transplants alone were included in this analysis. We examined LVEF measured 1 year after transplant, and LVEF updated annually for association with ESKD using multivariate Cox regression models.

RESULTS

LVEF at 1-year after transplant was associated with ESKD in multivariate models (Hazard Ratio 1.33 per 10-unit decrease, 95% CI 1.23-1.43, p < .001). In multivariate models using categorized LVEF, mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF 40%-50%) was associated with ESKD (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.45-2.14, p < .001), as was reduced ejection fraction (EF < 40%, HR 2.86, 95% CI 2.01-4.07, p < .001), relative to individuals with preserved ejection fraction (EF > 50%). These associations were consistent when using annually updated ejection fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-transplant left ventricular ejection fraction has value in predicting end stage kidney disease among adults who receive heart transplants alone. LVEF is routinely measured as part of contemporary post heart transplant care, and a diminished LVEF should signal to clinicians that a recipient is at increased risk of renal failure.

Prognostic Factors of Renal Outcomes after Heart Transplantation: A Nationwide Retrospective Study

Renal dysfunction after heart transplantation (HT) is associated with poor survival. We investigated the predictive factors of renal outcomes after HT using nationwide cohort data. In this retrospective cohort study using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database of Korea, 654 patients who received HT between 2008 and 2016 and survived until discharge after HT were analyzed. The median (interquartile range) age was 52 (40-60) years, and 68.1% were male. Perioperative renal replacement therapy (RRT) was performed in 27.8% of patients. During 2.8 years of median followup, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) developed in 12 patients (1.8%). In a fully adjusted model, RRT > 3 weeks, the use of inotropes/vasopressors and non-use of ACEi/ARB were associated with ESKD. Preexisting renal disease tended to be associated with ESKD. Among the 561 patients without preexisting CKD, 104 (18.5%) developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). Age, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and RRT were associated with the development of CKD after HT. Our nationwide cohort study demonstrated that perioperative RRT was a predictor of poor renal outcomes after HT. These results suggest that an active renoprotective strategy is required during the perioperative period.

Donor-derived cell-free DNA is associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy

BACKGROUND

The role of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in screening for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is unknown. We hypothesized that dd-cfDNA correlates with CAV, markers of inflammation, and angiogenesis in stable heart transplant (HT) recipients.

METHODS

Sixty-five HT recipients ≥2 years post-transplant, without recent rejection, were stratified by high (≥0.12%) versus low levels (<0.12%) of dd-cfDNA. A targeted amplification, next-generation sequencing assay (AlloSure^® ; CareDx, Inc.) was used to detect dd-cfDNA. Peripheral blood inflammatory and angiogenesis markers were assessed using a multiplex immunoassay system (Bioplex^® ).

RESULTS

Of 65 patients, 58 patients had a known CAV status and were included. Thirty had high levels of dd-cfDNA (≥0.12%), and 28 had low levels (<0.12%). CAV was present in 63% of patients with high dd-cfDNA vs. 35% with low dd-cfDNA (p = .047). Donor-specific antibodies were present in 25% of patients with high dd-cfDNA vs. 3.8% in those with low dd-cfDNA (p = .03). There were no differences in rejection episodes, inflammatory, or angiogenesis markers. Importantly, dd-cfDNA levels were not different when stratified by time post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher dd-cfDNA levels were associated with CAV in stable chronic HT recipients. Further studies are warranted to investigate a possible association between dd-cfDNA levels and CAV severity and whether dd-cfDNA can predict CAV progression.

Increased Incidence of Chronic Kidney Injury in African Americans Following Cardiac Transplantation

OBJECTIVES

This study examined whether African American race was associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) post-cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND

CKD often occurs after cardiac transplantation and may require renal replacement therapy (RRT) or renal transplant. African American patients have a higher risk for kidney disease as well as worse post-cardiac transplant morbidity and mortality. It is unclear, however, if there is a propensity for African Americans to develop CKD after cardiac transplant.

METHODS

The Institutional Review Board of Columbia University Medical Center approved the retrospective study of 151 adults (57 African American and 94 non-African American) who underwent single-organ heart transplant from 2013 to 2016. The primary outcome was a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), development of CKD, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring RRT after 2 years.

RESULTS

African American patients had a significant decline in eGFR post-cardiac transplant compared to non-African American patients (- 34 ± 6 vs. - 20 ± 4 mL/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.0006). African American patients were more likely to develop CKD stage 2 or worse (eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2) than non-African American patients (81% vs. 59%, p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report that African American patients are at a significantly higher risk for eGFR decline and CKD at 2 years post-cardiac transplant. Future investigation into risk reduction is necessary for this patient population.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided selection for early noninvasive cardiac allograft vasculopathy screening in heart transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive screening for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) instead of invasive coronary angiography (ICA) within the first 3 to 5 years after heart transplantation (HTx) is controversial. We evaluated a strategy of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided conversion to early noninvasive screening post-HTx.

METHODS

A single-center study of 103 consecutive HTx recipients from 2008 to 2018 undergoing ICA at 1 year post-HTx. Of 88 patients with normal 1-year ICA, sixty-six patients underwent IVUS examination for risk stratification by maximal intimal thickness (MIT) into (i) low-risk group (MIT < 0.5 mm) (n = 41, 62%) followed noninvasively versus (ii) high-risk group (MIT ≥ 0.5 mm) (n = 25, 38%) followed with yearly ICA. Both groups underwent ICA at year 5 post-HTx. We evaluated a combined endpoint of angiographic CAV and death at 5-year follow-up post-HTx.

RESULTS

Median (IQR) age was 51 (33-60) years, and 62% were male. Follow-up was 1443 (1125-1456) days. Survival free from angiographic CAV (Kaplan-Meier) differed significantly between groups (log-rank p < .0001). A subgroup of 27 patients completed ICA at year 5, and the proportion of angiographic CAV was significantly lower in low-risk patients (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

IVUS-guided selection for early noninvasive CAV screening appears to be safe and holds promise as a novel strategy for early risk stratification and CAV surveillance post-HTx.

Long-Term Outcomes and Risk Factors of Renal Failure Requiring Dialysis after Heart Transplantation: A Nationwide Cohort Study

Acute kidney injury and renal failure are common after heart transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed a national cohort and identified 1129 heart transplant patients. Patients receiving renal replacement therapy after heart transplantation were grouped into the dialysis cohort. The long-term survival and risk factors of dialysis were investigated. Patients who had undergone dialysis were stratified to early or late dialysis for subgroup analysis. The mean follow-up was five years, the incidence of dialysis was 28.4% (21% early dialysis and 7.4% late dialysis). The dialysis cohort had higher overall mortality compared with the non-dialysis cohort. The hazard ratios of mortality in patients with dialysis were 3.44 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.73–4.33) for all dialysis patients, 3.58 (95% CI, 2.74–4.67) for early dialysis patients, and 3.27 (95% CI, 2.44–4.36; all p < 0.001) for late dialysis patients. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and coronary artery disease were at higher risk of renal failure requiring dialysis. Cardiomyopathy, hepatitis B virus infection, and hyperlipidemia treated with statins were associated with a lower risk of renal dysfunction requiring early dialysis. The use of Sirolimus and Mycophenolate mofetil was associated with a lower incidence of late dialysis. Renal dysfunction requiring dialysis after heart transplantation is common in Taiwan. Early and late dialysis were both associated with an increased risk of mortality in heart transplant recipients.

Heart and kidney transplant: should they be combined or subsequent?

AIMS

End-stage heart failure patients often present with severe kidney failure and have limited treatment options. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes among end-stage heart and kidney failure patients who underwent combined heart and kidney transplant (HKTx) with those who underwent kidney transplant after heart transplant (KAH).

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients from 2007-2016 who underwent combined HKTx (n = 715) and those who underwent KAH (n = 130) using the United Network for Organ Sharing database were included. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models compared survivals and identified predictors of death. Number of combined HKTx performed annually in United States increased from 59 in 2007 to 146 in 2016 whereas KAH decreased from 34 in 2007 to 6 in 2016. Among KAH patients, average wait time for kidney transplant was 3.0 years, time to dialysis or to kidney transplant after heart transplant did not differ with varying severity of kidney disease at baseline (P for both >0.05). Upon follow-up (mean 3.5 ± 2.7 years), 151 patients died. In multivariable models, patients who underwent combined HKTx had 4.7-fold greater risk of death [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.4-9.4) than KAH patients upon follow up. A secondary analysis using calculation of survival only after kidney transplant for KAH patients still conferred higher risk for combined HKTx patients [hazard ratio (HR) 2.6 95% CI 1.33-5.15]. In subgroup analyses after excluding patients on dialysis (HR 3.99 95% CI 1.98-8.04) and analysis after propensity matching for age, gender, and glomerular filtration rate (HR 3.01 95% CI 1.40-6.43) showed similar and significantly higher risk for combined HKTx patients compared with KAH patients. Lastly, these results also remained unchanged after excluding transplant centres who performed only one type of procedure preferentially, i.e. HKTx or KAH (HR 4.70 95% CI 2.35-9.42).

CONCLUSIONS

National registry data show continual increase in combined HKTx performed annually in the United States but inferior survival compared with KAH patients. Differences in patient characteristics or level of kidney dysfunction at baseline do not explain these poor outcomes among HKTx patients compared with KAH patients. Consensus guidelines are greatly needed to identify patients who may benefit more from dual organ transplants.

The impact of severe acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy on survival and renal function of heart transplant recipients - a UK cohort study

Severe acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), is associated with higher mortality postheart transplantation, but its long-term renal consequences are not known. Anonymized data of 3365 patients, who underwent heart transplantation between 1995 and 2017, were retrieved from the UK Transplant Registry. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for severe AKI requiring RRT, Kaplan-Meier analysis to compare survival and renal function deterioration of the RRT and non-RRT groups, and multivariable Cox regression model to identify predicting factors of mortality and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). 26.0% of heart recipients received RRT post-transplant. The RRT group has lower survival rates at all time points, especially in the immediate post-transplant period. However, conditional on 3 months survival, older age, diabetes and coronary heart disease, but not post-transplant RRT, were the risk factors for long-term survival. The predicting factors for ESRD were insulin-dependent diabetes, renal function at transplantation, eGFR decline in the first 3 months post-transplant, post-transplant severe AKI and transplantation era. Severe AKI requiring RRT post-transplant is associated with worse short-term survival, but has no impact on long-term mortality. It also accelerates recipients' renal function deterioration in the long term.

Incidence of end-stage renal disease after heart transplantation and effect of its treatment on survival

Aims

Many heart transplant recipients will develop end‐stage renal disease in the post‐operative course. The aim of this study was to identify the long‐term incidence of end‐stage renal disease, determine its risk factors, and investigate what subsequent therapy was associated with the best survival.

Methods and results

A retrospective, single‐centre study was performed in all adult heart transplant patients from 1984 to 2016. Risk factors for end‐stage renal disease were analysed by means of multivariable regression analysis and survival by means of Kaplan–Meier. Of 685 heart transplant recipients, 71 were excluded: 64 were under 18 years of age and seven were re‐transplantations. During a median follow‐up of 8.6 years, 121 (19.7%) patients developed end‐stage renal disease: 22 received conservative therapy, 80 were treated with dialysis (46 haemodialysis and 34 peritoneal dialysis), and 19 received a kidney transplant. Development of end‐stage renal disease (examined as a time‐dependent variable) inferred a hazard ratio of 6.45 (95% confidence interval 4.87–8.54, P < 0.001) for mortality. Tacrolimus‐based therapy decreased, and acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy increased the risk for end‐stage renal disease development (hazard ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.26–0.62, P < 0.001, and hazard ratio 4.18, 95% confidence interval 2.30–7.59, P < 0.001, respectively). Kidney transplantation was associated with the best median survival compared with dialysis or conservative therapy: 6.4 vs. 2.2 vs. 0.3 years (P < 0.0001), respectively, after end‐stage renal disease development.

Conclusions

End‐stage renal disease is a frequent complication after heart transplant and is associated with poor survival. Kidney transplantation resulted in the longest survival of patients with end‐stage renal disease.

Coronary revascularization after heart transplant - the search for prognostic factors

INTRODUCTION

Survival after heart transplantation (HTX) is extended due to continuous improvement of medical care, allowing enough time for coronary artery vasculopathy to develop. Data on the clinical outcome of cardiac transplantation patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still not extensively explored. The aim of our study was to assess whether heart transplantation itself compromises the outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and to assess survival rates as well as major cardiovascular complications in heart transplant recipients who had undergone PCI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-three heart transplant recipients who had undergone PCI in the years 2005 to 2015 in a single center were matched by age, sex and main risk factors of arteriosclerosis with 33 controls without heart transplant history. Mean age of patients was 54.6 ±11.4 years in the HTX group and 58.8 ±10.8 years in controls. Median time from heart transplant to PCI was 13 years (4.4-22 years). Case and control groups did not differ in terms of standard risk factors of coronary artery disease, apart from chronic kidney disease, which was present in 70% of patients after heart transplantation, and dyslipidemia, which was present in 91% of control subjects.

RESULTS

Patients after HTX had worse survival compared to controls (p = 0.04). When adjusted for comorbidities in the Cox regression model, there was no significant difference in survival between cardiac transplant recipients and the control group (HR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.10-11.24). Chronic renal disease was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality (HR = 29.9; 95% CI: 2.3-393). Considering other endpoints, HTX patients had considerably higher incidence of severe bleeding compared to the control group (27% vs. 3%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in myocardial infarction rate, revascularization or hospitalization rates.

Longitudinal changes in kidney function following heart transplantation: Stanford experience

Many heart transplant recipients experience declining kidney function following transplantation. We aimed to quantify change in kidney function in heart transplant recipients stratified by pre-transplant kidney function. A total of 230 adult heart transplant recipients between May 1, 2008, and December 31, 2014, were evaluated for up to 5 years post-transplant (median 1 year). Using 19 398 total estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assessments, we evaluated trends in eGFR in recipients with normal/near-normal (eGFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) vs impaired (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) kidney function and the likelihood of reaching an eGFR of 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 after heart transplant. Baseline characteristics were similar. Immediately following heart transplant, the impaired pre-transplant kidney function group showed a mean eGFR gain of 9.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 193) vs a mean decline of 4.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 37) in the normal/near-normal group. Subsequent rates of eGFR decline were 2.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 /y vs 2.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 /y, respectively. The probability of reaching an eGFR of 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less at 1, 5, and 10 years following heart transplant was 1%, 4%, and 30% in the impaired group, and <1%, <1%, and 10% in the normal/near-normal group. Estimates of expected recovery in kidney function and its decline over time will help inform decision making about kidney care after heart transplantation.

Long-term outcomes and management of the heart transplant recipient

Cardiac transplantation remains the gold standard in the treatment of advanced heart failure. With advances in immunosuppression, long-term outcomes continue to improve despite older and higher risk recipients. The median survival of the adult after heart transplantation is currently 10.7 years. While early graft failure and multiorgan system dysfunction are the most important causes of early mortality, malignancy, rejection, infection, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy contribute to late mortality. Chronic renal dysfunction is common after heart transplantation and occurs in up to 68% of patients by year 10, with 6.2% of patients requiring dialysis and 3.7% undergoing renal transplant. Functional outcomes after heart transplantation remain an area for improvement, with only 26% of patients working at 1-year post-transplantation, and are likely related to the high incidence of depression after cardiac transplantation. Areas of future research include understanding and managing primary graft dysfunction and reducing immunosuppression-related complications.

Circulating Galectin-3 Levels Are Persistently Elevated After Heart Transplantation and Are Associated With Renal Dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated changes in serum levels of galectin (Gal)-3 before and after heart transplantation (HTx) and assessed the role of pre-HTx Gal-3 as a biomarker for post-HTx outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Gal-3 is a novel biomarker that reflects cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. Elevated serum Gal-3 levels are associated with poor prognosis in heart failure patients. Whether Gal-3 levels change following HTx and the significance of post-HTx outcomes are unknown.

METHODS

Serum Gal-3 levels were measured in 62 patients at 118 days (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 23 to 798 days) before and 365 days (IQR: 54 to 767 days) post HTx. Cardiac tissue taken during routine post-HTx endomyocardial biopsy was evaluated to assess the correlation between tissue Gal-3 staining and serum Gal-3 levels and with the presence of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.

RESULTS

Serum Gal-3 levels remained significantly elevated (>17.8 ng/ml) in 35 patients (56%) post HTx. There was a significant inverse correlation between Gal-3 levels and glomerular filtration rate measured before and after HTx (p > 0.005). There was no association between Gal-3 serum level and Gal-3 staining of myocardial tissue or with the presence of myocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis post HTx. Elevated pre-HTx Gal-3 levels were associated with reduced post-HTx exercise capacity, but this association was not significant after adjustment for age, body mass index, and glomerular filtration rate.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to demonstrate the fact that Gal-3 levels remain elevated in the majority of patients despite HTx and is associated with renal dysfunction. Our findings suggest Gal-3 is a systemic rather than cardiac-specific biomarker.

Kidney transplantation as a therapeutic option for end-stage renal disease developing after heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Progressive renal failure is a frequent complication after heart transplantation (HTx). It may result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), prompting consideration of kidney Tx after HTx (KAH).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center study of 268 HTx recipients to evaluate outcomes after KAH compared with HTx recipients with and without ESRD.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 76 months, ESRD developed in 51 patients (19), and 39 of them (76%) underwent KAH. The mean time from HTx to ESRD was 83 months. The incidence of switching to a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free regimen based on sirolimus was significantly lower among recipients with ESRD (6% vs 57%, p = 0.0001), and prolonged exposure to CNI significantly increased the risk for ESRD (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.15; p < 0.005). Death-censored renal graft survival after KAH was 95%, 95%, and 83% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Median long-term survival of KAH patients was comparable to HTx recipients without ESRD (17.5 vs 17.1 years, p = 0.27) and significantly better compared with HTx recipients with ESRD (17.5 vs 7.3 years, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged exposure to CNI immunosuppression medications significantly increases the risk for ESRD among HTx recipients. KAH is a good therapeutic option for HTx recipients with ESRD, with survival benefit comparable to HTx without ESRD.

Clinical outcomes in overweight heart transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the impact of patient weight on heart transplant (HT) outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

Nine outcomes were compared in 2 groups of HT recipients (N = 347) based on their mean body mass index (BMI) during the first 3 years post-HT.

METHODS

Group 1 consisted of 108 non-overweight patients (BMI <25; mean age 52; 29.6% females; 16.7% minorities). Group 2 consisted of 239 overweight patients (BMI ≥25; mean age 52; 15.9% females; 13.8% minorities). Outcomes were: survival, re-hospitalization, rejections, infections, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), stroke, renal dysfunction, diabetes, and lymphoma.

RESULTS

Non-overweight patients had shorter survival, were re-hospitalized more days after the HT discharge, and had more lymphoma and severe renal dysfunction. Overweight patients had more CAV, steroid-induced diabetes, and acute rejections.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight HT patients had better survival, but more rejections, CAV, and diabetes. Non-overweight HT patients had worse survival, plus more re-hospitalization time, lymphoma, and renal dysfunction.

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation for liver transplant recipients with diabetes and uremia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a critical problem due to immunosuppressant related nephrotoxicity in liver transplant (LTx) recipients, especially in patients with pre-transplant risk factors. LTx recipients with uraemia and diabetes have poor prognosis even when treated with dialysis and insulin. Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) has been proven to be an effective treatment for patients with diabetic uraemia, but rarely performed in patients after LTx. Two cases of SPK after LTx were performed in our centre and we present our experience here.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two patients received LTx because of HBV related liver cirrhosis; both of them had pre-transplant diabetes mellitus (DM), which worsened after the administration of immunosuppressive drugs. These two patients suffered from CKD and developed uraemia due to diabetic nephropathy and immunosuppressive drugs induced renal toxicity years after LTx. They relied on dialysis and insulin injection. SPK were performed years after LTx and the clinical data was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

SPK was successfully performed in these two patients. Pancreatic fluid drainage was achieved via a side-to-side duodenojejunostomy into the proximal jejunum. No serious surgical complications, including pancreatitis or pancreatic fistula were observed postoperatively. In both cases, kidney and pancreatic grafts were functioning well as evidenced by euglycemia without the need for insulin injections and normal serum-creatinine level 7days after the operation. One of the patients presented with renal graft impairment 1week after the operation. FK506 was tapered and rapamycin was used when the renal graft biopsy indicated drug toxicity. The patient's kidney graft function recovered gradually after the adjustment. Both patients have good function of liver, kidney and pancreas grafts during a 60-month and 30-month period of follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

SPK could serve as an effective option for patients with diabetes and uremia after LTx. Perioperative management, especially the immunosuppressive strategy is crucial to improve the outcome of this procedure.

Everolimus initiation and early calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in heart transplant recipients: a randomized trial

In a randomized, open-label trial, everolimus was compared to cyclosporine in 115 de novo heart transplant recipients. Patients were assigned within 5 days posttransplant to low-exposure everolimus (3–6 ng/mL) with reduced-exposure cyclosporine (n = 56), or standard-exposure cyclosporine (n = 59), with both mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids. In the everolimus group, cyclosporine was withdrawn after 7–11 weeks and everolimus exposure increased (6–10 ng/mL). The primary efficacy end point, measured GFR at 12 months posttransplant, was significantly higher with everolimus versus cyclosporine (mean ± SD: 79.8 ± 17.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 61.5 ± 19.6 mL/min/1.73 m2; p < 0.001). Coronary intravascular ultrasound showed that the mean increase in maximal intimal thickness was smaller (0.03 mm [95% CI 0.01, 0.05 mm] vs. 0.08 mm [95% CI 0.05, 0.12 mm], p = 0.03), and the incidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was lower (50.0% vs. 64.6%, p = 0.003), with everolimus versus cyclosporine at month 12. Biopsy-proven acute rejection after weeks 7–11 was more frequent with everolimus (p = 0.03). Left ventricular function was not inferior with everolimus versus cyclosporine. Cytomegalovirus infection was less common with everolimus (5.4% vs. 30.5%, p < 0.001); the incidence of bacterial infection was similar. In conclusion, everolimus-based immunosuppression with early elimination of cyclosporine markedly improved renal function after heart transplantation. Since postoperative safety was not jeopardized and development of CAV was attenuated, this strategy may benefit long-term outcome.