Nutritional management of diabetes mellitus in adult kidney transplant recipients

Helper T Cell (CD4+) Targeted Tacrolimus Delivery Mediates Precise Suppression of Allogeneic Humoral Immunity

Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is a major cause of dysfunction and loss of transplanted kidney. The current treatments for ABMR involve nonspecific inhibition and clearance of T/B cells or plasma cells. However, the prognosis of patients following current treatment is poor. T follicular helper cells (Tfh) play an important role in allograft-specific antibodies secreting plasma cell (PC) development. Tfh cells are therefore considered to be important therapeutic targets for the treatment of antibody hypersecretion disorders, such as transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases. Tacrolimus (Tac), the primary immunosuppressant, prevents rejection by reducing T cell activation. However, its administration should be closely monitored to avoid serious side effects. In this study, we investigated whether Tac delivery to helper T (CD4⁺) cells using functionalized mesoporous nanoparticles can block Tfh cell differentiation after alloantigen exposure. Results showed that Tac delivery ameliorated humoral rejection injury in rodent kidney graft by suppressing Tfh cell development, PC, and donor-specific antibody (DSA) generation without causing severe side effects compared with delivery through the drug administration pathway. This study provides a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing humoral rejection in solid organ transplantation. The specific and controllable drug delivery avoids multiple disorder risks and side effects observed in currently used clinical approaches.

Management of metabolic alterations in adult kidney transplant recipients: A joint position statement of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), the Italian Society for Organ Transplantation (SITO) and the Italian Diabetes Society (SID)

Chronic metabolic alterations such as post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM), dyslipidaemias and overweight/obesity significantly impact on kidney transplant (KT) outcomes. This joint position statement is based on the evidence on the management of metabolic alterations in KT recipients (KTRs) published after the release of the 2009 KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the care of KTRs. Members of the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), the Italian Society for Organ Transplantation (SITO) and the Italian Diabetes Society (SID) selected to represent professionals involved in the management of KTRs undertook a systematic review of the published evidence for the management of PTDM, dyslipidaemias and obesity in this setting. The aim of this work is to provide an updated review of the evidence on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of metabolic alterations in KTRs, in order to support physicians, patients and the Healthcare System in the decision-making process when choosing among the various available options.

Critical Appraisal of International Clinical Practice Guidelines in Kidney Transplantation Using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Education II Tool: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Although clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used for the development of local protocols in kidney transplantation (Ktx), the quality of their methodology is variable. This systematic review aimed to critically appraise international CPGs in all aspects of Ktx using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool.

METHODS

Clinical Practice Guidelines in Ktx and donation published between 2010 and 2017 were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Health Service and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Evidence Searches, and the websites of transplant societies. Using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II, 3 appraisers assessed the quality of CPGs. Interrater reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Searches identified 3168 records, and 115 CPGs were included. The highest scoring Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II domain was "scope and purpose" (80%; range, 30%-100%), followed by "clarity of presentation" (77%; range, 43%-98%), "editorial independence" (52%; range, 0%-94%), "rigor of development" (47%; range 6%-97%) and "stakeholder involvement" (41%; range, 11%-85%). The poorest scoring domain was "applicability" (31%; range, 3%-74%). Most CPGs were recommended for future use either with (63%) or without (18%) modifications. A small number (14%) were not recommended for future use or reviewers (5%) did not agree on recommending the CPG. The overall mean CPG quality score was 4 of 7 (range, 2-7). The mean ICC of 0.74 indicated substantial agreement between reviewers.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of international CPGs in Ktx was variable, and most CPGs lacked key aspects of methodological robustness and transparency. Improvements in methodology, patient involvement, and strategies for implementation are required.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intensive Nutrition Intervention Versus Standard Nutrition Care to Avoid Excess Weight Gain After Kidney Transplantation: The INTENT Trial

OBJECTIVE

Excessive weight gain is common after kidney transplantation and increases cardiovascular risk. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether an intensive nutrition and exercise intervention delivered alongside routine post-transplant care would reduce post-transplant weight gain.

DESIGN

Single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

Adult kidney transplant recipients at a regional transplant center were recruited during routine outpatient clinic visits in the first month after transplant. Patients with a body mass index >40 kg/m² or <18.5 kg/m², severe malnutrition, or ongoing medical complications were excluded.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized to intensive nutrition intervention (individualized nutrition and exercise counselling; 12 dietitian visits; 3 exercise physiologist visits over 12 months) or to standard nutrition care (guideline based; 4 dietitian visits).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was weight at 6 months after transplant adjusted for baseline weight, obesity, and gender, analyzed using analysis of covariance. The secondary outcomes included body composition, biochemistry, quality of life, and physical function.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven participants were randomized to the intensive intervention (n = 19) or to standard care (n = 18); one intensive group participant withdrew before baseline. Weight increased between baseline, 6 and 12 months (78.0 ± 13.7 [standard deviation], 79.6 ± 13.0 kg, 81.6 ± 12.9 kg; mean change 4.6% P < .001) but at 6 months did not differ significantly between the groups: 77.0 ± 12.4 kg (intensive); 82.2 ± 13.4 kg (standard); difference in adjusted means 0.4 kg (95% confidence interval: -2.2 to 3.0 kg); analysis of covariance P = .7. No between-group differences in secondary outcomes were observed. Across the whole cohort, total body protein and physical function (gait speed, sit to stand, grip strength, physical activity, and quality of life [all but 2 domains]) improved. However, adverse changes were seen for total body fat, HbA1c, and fasting glucose across the cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Kidney transplant recipients in the first year after transplant did not benefit from an intensive nutrition intervention compared with standard nutrition care, although weight gain was relatively modest in both groups.

The effect of intensive nutrition interventions on weight gain after kidney transplantation: protocol of a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Weight gain and obesity are common after kidney transplantation, particularly during the first year. Obesity is a risk factor for the development of new-onset diabetes after transplantation, and is associated with reduced graft survival. There is a lack of evidence for effective interventions to prevent weight gain after kidney transplantation.

METHODS/DESIGN

The effect of INTEnsive Nutrition interventions on weight gain after kidney Transplantation (INTENT) trial is a single-blind (outcomes assessor), randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of intensive nutrition interventions, including exercise advice, on weight gain and metabolic parameters in the first year after transplantation. Participants will be randomised during the first post-transplant month to either standard care (four visits with a renal dietitian over twelve months) or intensive nutrition intervention (eight visits with a renal dietitian over the first six months, four visits over the second six months, and three visits over the first six months with an exercise physiologist). In the intensive intervention group, nutrition counselling will be provided using motivational interviewing techniques to encourage quality engagement. Collaborative goal setting will be used to develop personalised nutrition care plans. Individualised advice regarding physical activity will be provided by an exercise physiologist. The primary outcome of the study is weight at six months after transplant, adjusted for baseline (one month post-transplant) weight, obesity and gender. Secondary outcomes will include changes in weight and other anthropometric measures over 12 months, body composition (in vivo neutron activation analysis, total body potassium, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and bioelectrical impedance), biochemistry (fasting glucose, lipids, haemoglobin A1c and insulin), dietary intake and nutritional status, quality of life, and physical function.

DISCUSSION

There are currently few randomised clinical trials of nutrition interventions after kidney transplantation. The INTENT trial will thus provide important data on the effect of intensive nutrition interventions on weight gain after transplant and the associated metabolic consequences. Additionally, by assessing changes in glucose metabolism, the study will also provide data on the feasibility of undertaking larger multi-centre trials of nutrition interventions to reduce the incidence or severity of diabetes after transplantation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12614000155695.

Nutrition in kidney transplantation

Organ transplantation has progressively established itself as the preferred therapy for many end-stage organ failures. However, many of these chronic diseases and their treatments can negatively affect nutritional status, leading to malnutrition and mineral deficiencies.Nutritional status is an important determinant of the clinical outcome of kidney transplant recipients.Malnutrition and obesity may represent a contraindication to transplantation in many cases and may increase the risk of postoperative complications after the transplantation. Nutritional support in kidney transplant recipients is challenging, since it must take into account the pre-transplant nutritional status, the side effects of immunosuppression, the function of the transplanted graft, the presence of infection, and the general status of the patient at the time of the transplantation.With these considerations in mind, we reviewed current literature on the impact of nutritional status on the outcome of kidney transplantation.

Nutrition care for renal transplant recipients: an evaluation of service delivery and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Weight gain post-renal transplantation is common. Recommendations from recent guidelines include providing structured nutrition care to target risk factors for chronic disease in the early post-transplant period.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrition care provided to renal transplant recipients following implementation of a dietetic model of care and to identify predictors of weight change up to one year post-transplant.

METHODS

A retrospective and observational study of one hundred and fifty-six patients that received a renal transplant from a state-wide transplant service in Australia between October 2009 and December 2010. Nutrition care provided compared with guideline recommendations within the first three months post-transplant and weight change at 12 months post-transplant, significant weight gain equating to >5% pre-transplant weight.

RESULTS

Only 35% of patients were provided with nutrition care according to guideline recommendations, were older, and had a higher BMI and diabetes. Significant weight gain was evident for half of the patients evaluated. Thirty-eight percent of healthy weight patients at transplant became overweight or obese and 23% of overweight patients at baseline became obese at 12 months. After multivariate analysis, time on dialysis was independently associated with weight change at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Nutrition care provided did not meet guideline recommendations, highlighting difficulty in implementing evidence to practice. Significant weight gain was evident particularly in patients classified as 'healthy weight' at the time of transplant. Long-term, prospective studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of implementing nutrition care to attenuate weight gain and improve clinical outcomes.