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Balani SS, Jensen CJ, Kouri AM, Kizilbash SJ. Induction and maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplantation-Advances and controversies. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e14077. [PMID: 34216190 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Advances in immunosuppression have improved graft survival in pediatric kidney transplant recipients; however, treatment-related toxicities need to be balanced against the possibility of graft rejection. Several immunosuppressive agents are available for use in transplant recipients; however, the optimal combinations of agents remain unclear, resulting in variations in institutional protocols. Lymphocyte-depleting antibodies, specifically ATG, are the most common induction agent used for pediatric kidney transplantation in the US. Basiliximab may be used for induction in immunologically low-risk children; however, pediatric data are scarce. CNIs and antiproliferative agents (mostly Tac and mycophenolate in recent years) constitute the backbone of maintenance immunosuppression. Steroid-avoidance maintenance regimens remain controversial. Belatacept and mTOR inhibitors are used in children under specific circumstances such as non-adherence or CNI toxicity. This article reviews the indications, mechanism of action, efficacy, dosing, and side effect profiles of various immunosuppressive agents available for pediatric kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi S Balani
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chelsey J Jensen
- Solid Organ Transplant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anne M Kouri
- Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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2
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Mohapatra A, Valson AT, Annapandian VM, David VG, Alexander S, Jacob S, Kakde S, Kumar S, Devasia A, Vijayakumar TS, Tamilarasi V, Jacob CK, Basu G, John GT, Varughese S. Post-transplant complications, patient, and graft survival in pediatric and adolescent kidney transplant recipients at a tropical tertiary care center across two immunosuppression eras. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e13973. [PMID: 33463876 PMCID: PMC7615901 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report pediatric PAKT patient and graft outcomes at a large tropical tertiary center spanning two transplant eras. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, all children ≤18 years who underwent kidney transplantation at our center between 1991 and 2016 were included. Data pertaining to their baseline characteristics, post-transplant events, and outcome were retrieved from transplant records and compared between transplant eras (1991-2005 and 2006-2016). RESULTS A total of 139 children (mean age 15.2 ± 2.9 years) underwent PAKT during this period. The incidence of UTIs, CMV disease, BKVN, invasive fungal infections, new-onset diabetes after transplant, leucopenia, and recurrent NKD was higher in the 2006-2016 era (P < .001 for all), while 1-year cumulative BPAR was comparable (P = .100). Five-year graft and patient survival in the two eras were 89.9% and 94.2% (P = .365) and 92.1% and 95.3% (P = .739), respectively. Incidence of CMV disease, BKVN, graft loss, and death was lower in the calcineurin withdrawal group. Non-adherence accounted for 36% of graft loss; infections caused 43.7% of deaths. On multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, independent predictors for graft loss were UTIs and blood transfusion naïve status and for death were serious infections and glomerular NKD. CONCLUSIONS PAKT in India has excellent long-term graft outcomes, though patient outcomes remain suboptimal owing to a high burden of infections. Current immunosuppression protocols need to be re-examined to balance infection risk, graft, and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Mohapatra
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Anna T. Valson
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | | | - Shibu Jacob
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Shailesh Kakde
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Antony Devasia
- Department of Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | | | - Gopal Basu
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Liverman R, Chandran MM, Crowther B. Considerations and controversies of pharmacologic management of the pediatric kidney transplant recipient. Pharmacotherapy 2021; 41:77-102. [PMID: 33151553 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric kidney transplantation has experienced considerable growth and improvement in patient and allograft outcomes over the past 20 years, in part due to advancements in immunosuppressive regimens and management. Despite this progress, care for this unique population can be challenging due to limited pediatric transplant data and trials, intricacies related to differences in children and adolescents compared with their adult counterparts, and limitations to long-term survival facing all solid organ transplant populations. Immunosuppression and infection prevention practices vary from one pediatric transplant center to another and clinical controversies exist surrounding treatment and dosing. This review aims to summarize key aspects of pharmacologic management in this population and present pertinent data that describe the influence of practice to serve as a resource for practitioners caring for this unique specialty patient population. Additionally, this review highlights select controversies that exist within pediatric kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Liverman
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Moss Chandran
- Department of Pharmacy, Childeren's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Barrett Crowther
- Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Services, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Wang Z, Xu Y, Zhao J, Fu YX. Epstein-Barr virus-associated monomorphic post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder after pediatric kidney transplantation: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:469-475. [PMID: 33521117 PMCID: PMC7812878 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i2.469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is the most common malignant tumor that occurs after kidney transplantation in children, and is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
CASE SUMMARY We report a case of PTLD that occurred in a 17-year-old female patient at 5 mo post-transplant. The first symptom was abdominal pain accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. EBV-associated monomorphic PTLD with multiple abdominal nodules was diagnosed by pathology, clinical manifestations, imaging results, and the presence of EB-DNA. After successful treatment with rituximab, the abdominal nodules in the spleen and liver disappeared.
CONCLUSION Early pathological biopsy to confirm the diagnosis is critical to treatment and prognosis. Reducing immunosuppression and rituximab therapy are effective methods for treating PTLD, but need to be initiated as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Ying-Xin Fu
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin 300192, China
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Ashoor IF, Dharnidharka VR. Non-immunologic allograft loss in pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Pediatr Nephrol 2019; 34:211-222. [PMID: 29480356 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-018-3908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Non-immunologic risk factors are a major obstacle to realizing long-term improvements in kidney allograft survival. A standardized approach to assess donor quality has recently been introduced with the new kidney allocation system in the USA. Delayed graft function and surgical complications are important risk factors for both short- and long-term graft loss. Disease recurrence in the allograft remains a major cause of graft loss in those who fail to respond to therapy. Complications of over immunosuppression including opportunistic infections and malignancy continue to limit graft survival. Alternative immunosuppression strategies are under investigation to limit calcineurin inhibitor toxicity. Finally, recent studies have confirmed long-standing observations of the significant negative impact of a high-risk age window in late adolescence and young adulthood on long-term allograft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isa F Ashoor
- Division of Nephrology, LSU Health New Orleans and Children's Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70130, USA.
| | - Vikas R Dharnidharka
- Washington University and St. Louis Children's Hospital, 600 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are commonly given to transplant recipients of kidneys and other solid organs and to patients with immune disorders, such as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome, and frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome. Although CNIs remain the most effective available immunosuppressant agent, there is clinical concern regarding possible long-term nephrotoxicity. This concern is especially significant in children who have a longer life expectancy and greater growth rate. DATA SOURCES In this review, we analyzed the literatures to identify original articles that examined use of CNIs in children who received organ transplantation and nephropathy to assess the available evidence of their nephrotoxicity. PubMed, Elsevier, and Tompson ISI Web of Knowledge were searched for identifying relevant papers. RESULTS Clinical research supports the presence of CNI-related nephrotoxicity. However, some researchers have questioned the prevalence and seriousness of chronic CNIs nephrotoxicity, especially because the pathological lesions typically associated with long-term CNI use are nonspecific. Many researchers have focused on early markers of CNI nephrotoxicity, and the methods that may help prevent and manage nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Future research should focus on investigating early markers of CNI nephrotoxicity and strategies for improved immunosuppressant therapy, and developing alternative treatments. CNI-mediated nephrotoxicity should always be taken seriously in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jian-Hua Mao
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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7
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Kanzelmeyer NK, Maecker-Kolhoff B, Zierhut H, Lerch C, Verboom M, Haffner D, Pape L. Graft outcomes following diagnosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric kidney recipients: a retrospective study. Transpl Int 2017; 31:367-376. [PMID: 28906028 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Data related to graft outcomes following post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in pediatric kidney transplantation are scarce. Data were analyzed retrospectively from 12 children (eight boys) for 3 years after diagnosis of PTLD, with a loss of follow-up after 2 years in two of 12. In all cases, intensity of immunosuppressive therapy was reduced, which switched from calcineurin inhibitor to a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor in ten cases. Nine children were treated with six doses of rituximab according to the PED-PTLD-2005 protocol, with additional treatment in one child as per protocol. One patient received EuroNet-PHL C1. In four patients, donor-specific antibodies were detected after PTLD diagnosis at 3, 4, 5 and 7 years, respectively. One patient developed chronic antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR) 12 years after diagnosis, losing the graft 1 year later. Three patients with recurrence of the original disease also lost their grafts, one at the time of diagnosis of PTLD, and two after 4 years. Range-based analysis of variance showed that there was no decrease in estimated GFR at 1, 2, or 3 years after diagnosis of PTLD (P = 0.978). In conclusion, treatment of PTLD with reduced immunosuppression is safe and efficient. This may be due to B-cell-depleting therapy of PTLD with rituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele K Kanzelmeyer
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,IFB Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Maecker-Kolhoff
- IFB Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henriette Zierhut
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Lerch
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,IFB Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Murielle Verboom
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dieter Haffner
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,IFB Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,IFB Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Renal transplantation in childhood is a well established procedure with excellent short-term outcomes. However, waiting times for transplantation are still relatively long if living donation cannot be performed, and long-term outcomes after transplantation have not significantly improved during the last decade. RECENT FINDINGS This review describes alternative modalities to improve donation rates such as en bloc kidney transplantation from young donors, ABO-incompatible transplantation and kidney paired donation. This review also deals with long-term post-transplant morbidities, such as follows: first, medication side-effects (metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease) and with the benefits of steroid and calcineurin inhibitor drug minimization; second, the deleterious impact of viral infections and their management and third, chronic antibody-mediated rejection, its therapeutic and prevention possibilities. SUMMARY Donor shortage and long-term morbidities, after transplantation, are still relevant issues in paediatric renal transplantation medicine. Significant research and efforts have been made to advance the field and create novel approaches for improvement of transplantation rates and post-transplant graft or patient survival. These modalities are to be established in the routine setting.
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Pape L, Ahlenstiel T. mTOR inhibitors in pediatric kidney transplantation. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:1119-29. [PMID: 23740036 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors sirolimus and everolimus are increasingly being used in pediatric kidney transplantation in different combinations and doses. Several studies have shown beneficial effects of using mTOR inhibitors in children after pediatric renal transplantation. A switch to a low-dose calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and mTOR inhibitor has been proven to stabilize the glomerular filtration rate. Additionally, de novo studies using a low-dose CNI and an mTOR inhibitor have shown good graft survival and a low number of rejections. Side effects of mTOR inhibitors, such as hyperlipidemia, wound healing problems, and proteinuria, mainly occur if high doses are given and if treatment is not combined with a CNI. Lower doses of mTOR inhibitors do not result in growth impairment or reduced testosterone levels. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors is also associated with a lower number of viral infections, especially cytomegalovirus. Due to their antiproliferative effect, mTOR inhibitors could theoretically reduce the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. mTOR inhibitors, especially in combination with low-dose CNIs, can safely be used in children after kidney transplantation as de novo therapy or for conversion from CNI- and mycophenolate mofetil-based regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Pape
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany,
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10
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Mathis AS, Egloff G, Ghin HL. Calcineurin inhibitor sparing strategies in renal transplantation, part one: Late sparing strategies. World J Transplant 2014; 4:57-80. [PMID: 25032096 PMCID: PMC4094953 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v4.i2.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplantation improves quality of life and reduces the risk of mortality. A majority of the success of kidney transplantation is attributable to the calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), cyclosporine and tacrolimus, and their ability to reduce acute rejection rates. However, long-term graft survival rates have not improved over time, and although controversial, evidence does suggest a role of chronic CNI toxicity in this failure to improve outcomes. Consequently, there is interest in reducing or removing CNIs from immunosuppressive regimens in an attempt to improve outcomes. Several strategies exist to spare calcineurin inhibitors, including use of agents such as mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), mycophenolate sodium (MPS), sirolimus, everolimus or belatacept to facilitate late calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal, beyond 6 mo post-transplant; or using these agents to plan early withdrawal within 6 mo; or to avoid the CNIs all together using CNI-free regimens. Although numerous reviews have been written on this topic, practice varies significantly between centers. This review organizes the data based on patient characteristics (i.e., the baseline immunosuppressive regimen) as a means to aid the practicing clinician in caring for their patients, by matching up their situation with the relevant literature. The current review, the first in a series of two, examines the potential of immunosuppressive agents to facilitate late CNI withdrawal beyond 6 mo post-transplant, and has demonstrated that the strongest evidence resides with MMF/MPS. MMF or MPS can be successfully introduced/maintained to facilitate late CNI withdrawal and improve renal function in the setting of graft deterioration, albeit with an increased risk of acute rejection and infection. Additional benefits may include improved blood pressure, lipid profile and serum glucose. Sirolimus has less data directly comparing CNI withdrawal to an active CNI-containing regimen, but modest improvement in short-term renal function is possible, with an increased risk of proteinuria, especially in the setting of baseline renal dysfunction and/or proteinuria. Renal outcomes may be improved when sirolimus is used in combination with MMF. Although data with everolimus is less robust, results appear similar to those observed with sirolimus.
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Abstract
Solid organ transplantation has transformed the lives of many children and adults by providing treatment for patients with organ failure who would have otherwise succumbed to their disease. The first successful transplant in 1954 was a kidney transplant between identical twins, which circumvented the problem of rejection from MHC incompatibility. Further progress in solid organ transplantation was enabled by the discovery of immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and azathioprine in the 1950s and ciclosporin in 1970. Today, solid organ transplantation is a conventional treatment with improved patient and allograft survival rates. However, the challenge that lies ahead is to extend allograft survival time while simultaneously reducing the side effects of immunosuppression. This is particularly important for children who have irreversible organ failure and may require multiple transplants. Pediatric transplant teams also need to improve patient quality of life at a time of physical, emotional and psychosocial development. This review will elaborate on the long-term outcomes of children after kidney, liver, heart, lung and intestinal transplantation. As mortality rates after transplantation have declined, there has emerged an increased focus on reducing longer-term morbidity with improved outcomes in optimizing cardiovascular risk, renal impairment, growth and quality of life. Data were obtained from a review of the literature and particularly from national registries and databases such as the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies for the kidney, SPLIT for liver, International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and UNOS for intestinal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Jin Kim
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D Marks
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, United Kingdom
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12
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Ganschow R, Pape L, Sturm E, Bauer J, Melter M, Gerner P, Höcker B, Ahlenstiel T, Kemper M, Brinkert F, Sachse MM, Tönshoff B. Growing experience with mTOR inhibitors in pediatric solid organ transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2013; 17:694-706. [PMID: 24004351 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Controlled trials of mTOR inhibitors in children following solid organ transplantation are scarce, although evidence from prospective single-arm studies is growing. Everolimus with reduced CNI therapy has been shown to be efficacious and safe in de novo pediatric kidney transplant patients in prospective trials. Prospective and retrospective data in children converted from CNI therapy to mTOR inhibition following kidney, liver, or heart transplantation suggest preservation of immunosuppressive efficacy. Good renal function has been maintained when mTOR inhibitors are used de novo in children following kidney transplantation or after conversion to mTOR inhibition with CNI minimization. mTOR inhibition with reduced CNI exposure is associated with a low risk for developing infection in children. Growth and development do not appear to be impaired during low-dose mTOR inhibition, but more studies are required. No firm conclusions can be drawn as to whether mTOR inhibitors should be discontinued in children requiring surgical intervention or whether mTOR inhibition delays progression of hepatic fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that use of mTOR inhibitors in children undergoing solid organ transplantation is efficacious and safe, but a number of issues remain unresolved and further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ganschow
- Pädiatrische Hepatologie und Lebertransplantation, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Monteverde ML, Ibañez J, Balbarrey Z, Chaparro A, Diaz M, Turconi A. Conversion to sirolimus in pediatric renal transplant patients: a single-center experience. Pediatr Transplant 2012; 16:582-8. [PMID: 22533794 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2012.01697.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We studied efficacy and safety of conversion from CNI- to SRL-based immunosuppression in 92 kidney TX recipients, mainly due to CAN (69%). Median time of conversion was 31 months (r: 0.3-165); median time of follow-up: 36 months (r: 2-102). In the whole group mean eGFR increased from 53 ± 22 to 67 ± 26mL/min/1.73 m(2) at three months (p = 0.02) and did not change subsequently. Patients with grade I CAN had higher eGFR than those with grade II CAN. Patient and graft survival was 96% and 70% 10 yr after conversion. Patients with grade I CAN had better graft survival than those with grade II CAN: 89% vs. 65% at six yr (p = 0.02) post conversion. There were two episodes of BPAR. Baseline proteinuria >20 mg/kg/day (HR: 10) and baseline eGFR <50 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (HR: 8) were independent predictors of graft loss. Sixty-seven of 92 subjects had ≥1 AEs: diarrhea (n = 52), urinary tract infections (n = 35), and lower respiratory tract infections (n = 12) were the most frequent. Patients with >2 AEs had SRL blood levels >9 ng/mL at month 3 (p = 0.01). In conclusion, patients converted from CNI to SRL had good graft survival and tolerable but frequent AEs. Independent predictors of graft loss were baseline proteinuria and eGFR.
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14
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Abstract
SRL, an mTOR inhibitor that inhibits cell cycle progression, represents an important alternative to CNIs, which are still the cornerstones of pediatric solid organ tx. Because there are still limited data on SRL use among pediatric solid organ recipients, further studies are needed to verify the efficacy and safety of SRL. It has unique pharmacokinetic characteristics concerning dosing intervals and reduction of the dose in combination with other immunosuppressants. SRL also has antineoplastic, antiviral, and antiatherogenic advantages over other immunosuppressive agents. The adverse effects of SRL including thrombocytopenia, hyperlipidemia, proteinuria, impaired wound healing, mouth ulcers, edema, male hypogonadism, TMA, and interstitial pneumonitis must be considered carefully in pediatric population. This article reviews the most recent data on SRL application in the field of pediatric renal tx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belde Kasap
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir, Turkey.
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15
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Hymes LC, Warshaw BL. Five-year experience using sirolimus-based, calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression in pediatric renal transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2011; 15:437-41. [PMID: 21338459 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2011.01477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
From December 2003 to December 2008, we employed a protocol for withdrawing TAC and converting to SRL in a cohort of low-risk renal pediatric transplant recipients. We report our experience in these children with respect to graft survival, AR episodes, renal function, and adverse events. All patients received basiliximab induction and TAC, MMF, and prednisone. Criteria for conversion to SRL included first transplants without histologic evidence for AR on three-month surveillance biopsies. Patient exclusion criteria included AR prior to or before surveillance biopsies, polyoma (BK) virus nephropathy, a history of nephrotic syndrome, or multiple organ transplants. Fifty-one of 137 patients who received transplants from December 2003 to December 2008 met criteria for withdrawal of TAC and were converted to SRL. SRL was discontinued in 11 children because of adverse events within 12 months after conversion. Among the remaining 40 patients, actuarial graft survival was 91% at five yr. AR occurred in 13% of patients within one yr after conversion. Complications from SRL included aphthous ulcers (30%); viremia with BK virus (20%), EBV (13%), and CMV (3%); proteinuria (7%); elevated cholesterol (7%); diabetes mellitus (2%); thrombocytopenia (2%); erectile dysfunction (2%); and lymph edema (2%). SRL was discontinued in 20%, predominantly for aphthous ulcers. Our experience with SRL-based immunosuppression demonstrates that a CNI-free regimen can be successful in lower-risk patients meeting our selection criteria. Aphthous ulcers and BK virus viremia were the most prevalent adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard C Hymes
- Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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16
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Höcker B, Tönshoff B. Calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression in pediatric renal transplantation: a viable option? Paediatr Drugs 2011; 13:49-69. [PMID: 21162600 DOI: 10.2165/11538530-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The introduction, in the mid-1980s, of calcineurin inhibitors - namely ciclosporin (cyclosporine) and later tacrolimus - has significantly improved short-term renal graft survival by lowering acute rejection rates in both adult and pediatric kidney transplantation. Nonetheless, long-term transplant survival is still not satisfactory, with calcineurin inhibitor-induced chronic nephrotoxicity being one of the main causes of progressive nephron loss and declining renal transplant function. Hence, different immunosuppressant regimens have been proposed to avoid or ameliorate calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity. These comprise the use of non-depleting or depleting antibodies for calcineurin inhibitor minimization, calcineurin inhibitor avoidance, or calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal from mycophenolate mofetil-based immunosuppressant protocols. De novo use of a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (sirolimus or everolimus) or conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor to an mTOR inhibitor may constitute another therapeutic option to avoid or reduce calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity. To date, complete calcineurin inhibitor avoidance seems to be inappropriate because other relatively potent immunosuppressant agents such as lymphocyte-depleting antibodies are needed for rejection prophylaxis, which are frequently accompanied by a higher incidence of infections and an unacceptably high acute rejection rate under calcineurin inhibitor avoidance. In some studies, calcineurin inhibitor withdrawal in adult and pediatric kidney allograft recipients with stable or declining transplant function has been associated with an amelioration of renal function; however, this is attained at the cost of a higher acute rejection rate in 10-20% of patients. It has been frequently stressed that conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor-based regimen to an mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppressant regimen should be performed early (e.g. 3 or 6 months post-transplant) in patients with well-preserved renal transplant function without significant proteinuria in order to prevent, or at least limit, calcineurin inhibitor-induced tissue damage and provide long-term benefit. It should be borne in mind though that the use of an mTOR inhibitor carries the risk of potential adverse events such as aggravation of proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, myelosuppression, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Even though everolimus may be better tolerated than sirolimus, studies on everolimus for calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression in the pediatric kidney transplant patient population are lacking. At present, the safest therapeutic strategy for pediatric renal allograft recipients with chronic calcineurin inhibitor-induced nephrotoxicity appears to be a mycophenolate mofetil-based regimen with low-dose calcineurin inhibitor therapy and corticosteroids; available published data show that dual immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids, as well as an mTOR inhibitor plus mycophenolate mofetil plus corticosteroid-based regimens, are associated with an increased risk of acute rejection episodes. In individual patients with evidenced chronic allograft dysfunction and over-immunosuppression leading to recurrent infections, dual maintenance immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids may be appropriate. As stated in the annual report issued by the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies (NAPRTCS) Registry, currently the most popular immunosuppressant protocol consists of a calcineurin inhibitor combined with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids: 59.1% and 53.2% of patients with a functioning graft receive a calcineurin inhibitor plus mycophenolate mofetil plus corticosteroid-based immunosuppression at 1 and 5 years post-transplant, respectively. 91.4% and 87.8% of patients are administered a calcineurin inhibitor-containing regimen 1 and/or 5 years after transplantation, respectively. Undoubtedly, the use of calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppressant regimens with or without antibody induction, plus an mTOR inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil, requires more comprehensive long-term investigations to determine whether acceptable rejection rates and conservation of renal function can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Höcker
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Filler G. Challenges in pediatric transplantation: the impact of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk factors on long-term outcomes and recommended management strategies. Pediatr Transplant 2011; 15:25-31. [PMID: 21155958 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2010.01439.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Barriers to successful outcomes following pediatric transplantation have shifted from ischemic reperfusion injury and rejection to more long-term complications. Of particular concern is the high prevalence of CKD owing to preexisting damage and nephrotoxicity, as well as other CV complications such as hypertension and cardiomyopathy. All of these contribute to graft loss and shortened life expectancy, thereby limiting the success story of solid-organ transplantation. Managing CKD and related CV morbidity should be integral to the care of pediatric transplant patients, and timely detection of any irregularities would increase the chances of restoring lost kidney function. GFR is still the widely accepted indicator of renal function, and nuclear medicine techniques are the gold standard measurement methods. These methods are limited by costs, radiation exposure and substrate injection, and current practice still uses the Schwartz estimate, despite its well-documented limitations. Newer endogenous markers of GFR, such as cystatin C clearance, give a more accurate measure of true GFR but have not been embraced in the management of pediatric transplant recipients. Furthermore, indirect markers (e.g., microalbuminuria and hypertension) could also aid early detection of renal damage. The effects of mainstay immunosuppressants on kidney and heart function are varied, with available data indicating favorable outcomes with tacrolimus compared with ciclosporin. There is a need for appropriately designed and powered randomized controlled trials to validate innovative concepts for tailored immunosuppression in the pediatric population. To date, very few studies have generated long-term data in pediatric renal transplant patients - results of 1-4-yr study favored tacrolimus over ciclosporin, but other immunosuppressive agents also need to be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Filler
- Department of Paediatrics, London Health Science Centre, Children's Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Niederhaus SV, Bloom DD, Chang Z, Hu H, Bartosh SM, Knechtle SJ. Cytokine kinetics profiling in pediatric renal transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2010; 14:636-45. [PMID: 20353407 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2010.01309.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric renal transplant recipients experience side effects of immunosuppression. Few immunoassays exist which can assess the adequacy of immunosuppression. We developed a CKT, whereby cytokine levels are measured in a five-day mixed lymphocyte reaction. We describe the in vitro cytokine responses to donor and third-party antigen in a pilot study of nine children after living-donor renal transplantation. The CKT identified five patterns of IFN-gamma secretion relative to donor and third-party alloantigen: no response to alloantigen (n = 2), hypo-response to donor (n = 3), equal response (n = 1), hyper-response to donor (n = 1), and intermediate response (n = 2). IL-2 and IL-13 patterning correlated with IFN-gamma expression. Two of nine subjects had acute rejection, which correlated with intermediate and hyper-responsive profiles. No rejection occurred during immunosuppression or donor-specific hypo-responsiveness. Significant immunosuppression was universal early after transplantation. Two of four children showed strong pretransplant responses to donor, which were regained three months post-transplant, and associated with rejection in one subject. The CKT reflects the level of immunosuppression and may offer a method to assess the adequacy of immunosuppression. A pattern of complete non-responsiveness or hypo-responsiveness correlated with lack of acute rejection. The CKT may prove useful in titrating immunosuppression and in improving live donor selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke V Niederhaus
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Transplantation is the preferred method of treatment for end-stage renal disease in children. The rate of pediatric kidney transplantation has been steadily rising over the past decade. The use of increasingly potent immunosuppressive drugs has lessened the risk for acute rejection substantially and improved short-term outcomes; however, the long-term outcomes have remained inadequate. RECENT FINDINGS The follow-up of pediatric cohorts and the encouraging results from data registries prompt us to revisit our practices in transplantation so as to devise additional strategies to improve long-term outcomes. SUMMARY This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the major issues in pediatric renal transplantation, the newer immunosuppression approaches to limit toxicities of therapies in children and some critical issues that remain to be addressed, specific to the care of the transplanted child. The ultimate goal of designing optimum conditions for equating graft survival to patient survival still remains a major goal for pediatric organ transplantation.
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