Dyslipidemia and its therapeutic challenges in renal transplantation

Lipid Management in Kidney Transplant Recipients Per KDIGO and American Heart Association Guidelines: A Single-Center Experience

Background

The 2013 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines recommends statin treatment for all adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), except those aged <30 years of age and without prior cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), but does not specify on-treatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) target levels. The 2018 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines addressed the management of hyperlipidemia in the general population based on an individualized approach of the CVRF with a specific on-treatment LDL target.

Objective

To analyze dyslipidemia management according to the recommendations of the KDIGO and AHA guidelines.

Methods

This retrospective study included all KTRs who underwent transplantation between January 2017 and May 2020 at King Abdulaziz Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The rate of statins prescription in general, rate of statins prescription among KTRs per their CVRF, and rate of achieving the proposed LDL goals, as defined by the AHA, were analyzed.

Results

A total of 287 KTRs were included. Of the 214 (74.6%) patients aged ≥30 years, 80% received a statin. Statins were prescribed in 93% and 96% of KTRs with diabetes or coronary artery disease, respectively. In patients aged ≥30 years, LDL targets, per AHA guidelines, were achieved in 62% with a target of 2.6 mmol/l, and in 19% with a target of 1.8 mmol/l. Statin therapy resulted in non-significant changes in the mean LDL values from baseline to 12 months after transplantation (P = 0.607), even when only patients prescribed statin after transplantation were included (P = 0.34).

Conclusion

By applying the KDIGO guidelines, a high rate of statin prescriptions was achieved among KTRs with multiple CVRF and KTRs in general. However, a significant proportion of these KTRs did not achieve the LDL targets proposed by the AHA guidelines, suggesting that higher-intensity statins would be required to achieve these targets.

Economic Burden Associated with the Treatment with a Cardiovascular Polypill in Secondary Prevention in Spain: Cost-Effectiveness Results of the NEPTUNO Study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to estimate health-care resources utilization, costs and cost-effectiveness associated with the treatment with CNIC-Polypill as secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to other treatments, in clinical practice in Spain.

Patients and Methods

An observational, retrospective study was performed using medical records (economic results [healthcare perspective], NEPTUNO-study; BIG-PAC-database) of patients who initiated secondary prevention between 2015 and 2018. Patients were followed up to 2 years (maximum). Four cohorts were balanced with a propensity-score-matching (PSM): 1) CNIC-Polypill (aspirin+atorvastatin+ramipril), 2) Monocomponents (same separate drugs), 3) Equipotent (equipotent drugs) and 4) Other therapies ([OT], other cardiovascular drugs). Incidence of cardiovascular events, health-care resources utilization and healthcare and non-healthcare costs (2020 Euros) were compared. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per cardiovascular event avoided were estimated.

Results

After PSM, 1614 patients were recruited in each study cohort. The accumulated incidence of cardiovascular events during the 24-month follow-up was lower in the CNIC-Polypill cohort vs the other cohorts (19.8% vs Monocomponents: 23.3%, Equipotent: 25.5% and OT: 26.8%; p<0.01). During the follow-up period, the CNIC-Polypill cohort also reduced the health-care resources utilization per patient compared to the other cohorts, particularly primary care visits (16.6 vs Monocomponents: 18.7, Equipotent: 18.9 and OT: 21.0; p<0.001) and hospitalization days (2.3 vs Monocomponents: 3.4, Equipotent: 3.7 and OT: 4.0; p<0.001). The treatment cost in the CNIC-Polypill cohort was lower than that in the other cohorts (€4668 vs Monocomponents: €5587; Equipotent: €5682 and OT: €6016; p<0.001) (Difference: -€919, -€1014 and -€1348, respectively). Due to the reduction of cardiovascular events and costs, the CNIC-Polypill is a dominant alternative compared to the other treatments.

Conclusion

CNIC-Polypill reduces recurrent major cardiovascular events and costs, being a cost-saving strategy as secondary prevention of ASCVD.

Lipid management to mitigate poorer postkidney transplant outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Lipid disorder is a prevalent complication in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) resulting in cardiovascular disease (CVD), which influences on patient outcomes. Immunosuppressive therapy demonstrated the major detrimental effects on metabolic disturbances. This review will focus on the effect of immunosuppressive drugs, lipid-lowering agents with current management, and future perspectives for lipid management in KTRs.

RECENT FINDINGS

The main pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia indicates an increase in lipoprotein synthesis whilst the clearance of lipid pathways declines. Optimization of immunosuppression is a reasonable therapeutic strategy for lipid management regarding immunologic risk. Additionally, statin is the first-line lipid-lowering drug, followed by a combination with ezetimibe to achieve the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal. However, drug interaction between statins and immunosuppressive medications should be considered because both are mainly metabolized through cytochrome P450 3A4. The prevalence of statin toxicity was significantly higher when concomitantly prescribed with cyclosporin, than with tacrolimus.

SUMMARY

To improve cardiovascular outcomes, LDL-C should be controlled at the target level. Initiation statin at a low dose and meticulous titration is crucial in KTRs. Novel therapy with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, which is highly effective in reducing LDL-C and cardiovascular complications, and might prove to be promising therapy for KTRs with statin resistance or intolerance.

Nutrition Disturbances and Metabolic Complications in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Etiology, Methods of Assessment and Prevention-A Review

Nutrition disturbances occur at all stages of chronic kidney disease and progress with the decrease of the kidney filtration rate. Kidney transplantation (KTx) as the best form of kidney replacement therapy poses various nutritional challenges. Prior to transplantation, recipients often present with mild to advanced nutrition disturbances. A functioning allograft not only relieves uremia, acidosis, and electrolyte disturbances, but also resumes other kidney functions such as erythropoietin production and vitamin D3 metabolism. KTx recipients represent a whole spectrum of undernutrition and obesity. Since following transplantation, patients are relieved of most dietary restrictions and appetite disturbances; they resume old nutrition habits that result in weight gain. The immunosuppressive regimen often predisposes them to dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and hypertension. Moreover, most recipients present with chronic kidney graft disease at long-term follow-ups, usually in stages G2-G3T. Therefore, the nutritional status of KTx patients requires careful monitoring. Appropriate dietary and lifestyle habits prevent nutrition disturbances and may improve kidney graft function. Despite many nutritional guidelines and recommendations targeted at chronic kidney disease, there are few targeted at KTx recipients. We aimed to provide a brief review of nutrition disturbances and known nutritional recommendations for kidney transplant recipients based on the current literature and dietary trends.

Cost-Effectiveness of the CNIC-Polypill Strategy Compared With Separate Monocomponents in Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease in Portugal: The MERCURY Study

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) diseases remain a leading and costly cause of death globally. Patients with previous CV events are at high risk of recurrence. Secondary prevention therapies improve CV risk factor control and reduce disease costs. Objectives: To assess the cost-effectiveness of a CV polypill strategy (CNIC-Polypill) compared with the loose combination of monocomponents to improve the control of CV risk factors in patients with previous coronary heart disease or stroke. Methods: A Markov model cost-utility analysis was developed using 4 health states, SMART risk equation, and 3-month cycles for year 1 and annual cycles thereafter, over a lifetime horizon from the perspective of the National Health System in Portugal (base case). The NEPTUNO study, Portuguese registries, mortality tables, official reports, and the literature were consulted to define effectiveness, epidemiological costs, and utility data. Outcomes were costs (estimated in 2020 euros) per life-year (LY) and quality-adjusted LY (QALY) gained. A 4% discount rate was applied. Alternative scenarios and one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses tested the consistency and robustness of results. Results: The CNIC-Polypill strategy in secondary prevention provides more LY and QALY, at a higher cost, than monocomponents. The incremental cost-utility ratio is €1557/QALY gained. Assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of €30 000/QALY gained, there is a 79.7% and a 44.4% probability of the CNIC-Polypill being cost-effective and cost-saving, respectively, compared with the loose combination of monocomponents. Results remain consistent in the alternative scenarios and robust in the sensitivity analyses. Discussion: The model reflects increments in the number of years patients would live and in quality of life with the CNIC-Polypill. The clinical effectiveness of the CNIC-Polypill strategy initially demonstrated in the NEPTUNO study has been recently corroborated in the SECURE trial. The incremental cost of the CNIC-Polypill strategy emerges slightly above the comparator, but willingness-to-pay estimates and sensitivity analyses indicate that the CNIC-Polypill strategy is consistently cost-effective compared with monocomponents and remains within acceptable affordability margins. Conclusion: The CNIC-Polypill is a cost-effective secondary prevention strategy. In patients with histories of coronary heart disease or stroke, the CNIC-Polypill more effectively controls CV risk factors compared with monocomponents.

Dyslipidemia in Renal Transplant Recipients

Dyslipidemia is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation (KT) and is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are considered at high, or very high, risk of CVD, which is a leading cause of death in this patient group. Despite many factors of post-transplant dyslipidemia, the immunosuppressive treatment has the biggest influence on a lipid profile. There are no strict dyslipidemia treatment guidelines for RTRs, but the ones proposing an individual approach regarding CVD risk seem most suitable. Proper diet and physical activity are the main general measures to manage dyslipidemia and should be introduced initially in every patient after KT. In the case of an insufficient correction of lipemia, statins are the basis for hypolipidemic treatment. Statins should be introduced with caution to avoid serious side-effects (e.g., myopathy) or drug-drug interactions, especially with immunosuppressants. To lower the incidence of adverse effects, and improve medication adherence, ezetimibe in combination with statins is recommended. Fibrates and bile sequestrants are not recommended due to their side-effects and variable efficacy. However, several new lipid-lowering drugs like Proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type9 (PCSK9) inhibitors may have promising effects in RTRs, but further research assessing efficacy and safety is yet to be carried out.

The Use of Machine Learning Algorithms and the Mass Spectrometry Lipidomic Profile of Serum for the Evaluation of Tacrolimus Exposure and Toxicity in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic window; a whole-blood trough target concentration of between 5 and 8 ng/mL is considered a safe level for stable kidney transplant recipients. Tacrolimus serum levels must be closely monitored to obtain a balance between maximizing efficacy and minimizing dose-related toxic effects. Currently, there is no specific tacrolimus toxicity biomarker except a graft biopsy. Our study aimed to identify specific serum metabolites correlated with tacrolinemia levels using serum high-precision liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and standard laboratory evaluation. Three machine learning algorithms were used (Naïve Bayes, logistic regression, and Random Forest) in 19 patients with high tacrolinemia (8 ng/mL) and 23 patients with low tacrolinemia (5 ng/mL). Using a selected panel of five lipid metabolites (phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, arachidyl palmitoleate, and ceramide), Mg2+, and uric acid, all three machine learning algorithms yielded excellent classification accuracies between the two groups. The highest classification accuracy was obtained by Naïve Bayes, with an area under the curve of 0.799 and a classification accuracy of 0.756. Our results show that using our identified five lipid metabolites combined with Mg2+ and uric acid serum levels may provide a novel tool for diagnosing tacrolimus toxicity in kidney transplant recipients. Further validation with targeted MS and biopsy-proven TAC toxicity is needed.

Management of the Failing Kidney Transplant: Challenges and Solutions

The kidneys are the most transplanted organs, and the number of failed kidney transplants that require reinstitution of renal replacement therapy in patients is on the increase. Increased mortality has been noted in patients with failed grafts compared with transplant- naïve patients with chronic kidney disease who are treated with dialysis. Issues such as management of immunosuppression, the need for transplant nephrectomy, addressing the increased risk of cardiovascular events, malignancies, and infections are debatable and often based on individual or hospital practices. The optimal timing and modality of renal replacement therapy to be reinitiated are sometimes blurred, with considerable variations among physician practices. Guidelines are therefore needed to appropriately manage this special population of patients with the aim of improving outcomes. Here, our objective was to review the current practices in managing patients with failing kidney transplants so that recommendations can be made based on the available evidence.

Treatment of Mixed Dyslipidemia With Alirocumab in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Dyslipidemia is common in kidney transplant recipients owing to the disturbance of lipid metabolism caused by chronic kidney disease and the effect of immunosuppression on lipid metabolism. Patients receiving treatment with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors show more prominent lipid disorders, which are attributed mainly, but not only, to adipocyte lipid uptake disruption, lipolysis promotion and lipogenic gene expression enhancement. Dyslipidemias in kidney transplant recipients predispose these patients to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease; thus, current guidelines recommend treatment initiation with a statin, regardless of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration, with ezetimibe as a secondary option for patients who do not tolerate such therapy or for those with inadequate response. Treatment with pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors such as alirocumab, although effectively reducing LDL-C in patients with chronic kidney disease, has not been evaluated in kidney transplant recipients. In this case report, we present a case of a female kidney transplant recipient who developed substantial dyslipidemia after everolimus initiation. This case was resistant to treatment with simvastatin/ezetimibe combination, and the patient subsequently received alirocumab. Our patient showed a mean reduction of 46.6% in LDL-C during an 18-month period after alirocumab initiation, which is comparable to the results of studies on patients with or without renal impairment. Furthermore, treatment with alirocumab proved to be well tolerated without adverse effects or interactions with the immunosuppression regimen.

Non-HDL cholesterol is an independent predictor of long-term cardiovascular events in patients with dyslipidemia after renal transplantation

BACKGROUND

Posttransplant dyslipidemia is a common condition in renal transplantation recipients (RTR) and is related to poor cardiac outcomes. We aimed to demonstrate the value of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in predicting long-term major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in RTR with dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone renal transplantation between 2011 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed and were classified as normal non-HDL-C and high non-HDL-C groups based on first year levels. Development of high non-HDL-C levels was used to predict the occurrence of MACCE (a combination of cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and nonfatal stroke) and all-cause death during the long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 674 patients were included, of whom 470 (69.7%) were male; the mean age was 43.6 ± 13.2 years. The mean follow-up duration was 5.5 ± 2.29 years 1 year after the transplant. MACCE occurred during the follow-up in 102 (61.8%) patients in the high non-HDL-C group and 13 (2.6%) patients in the normal non-HDL-C group (P < .001). High non-HDL-C was a predictor of MACCE in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.02, P < .001). Smoking (HR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.16-3.20, P < .001), cadaver graft (HR: 2.55, 95% CI 1.52-4.26, P < .001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (HR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98, P < .001) were also predictors of MACCE. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that all MACCE components and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in the high non-HDL-C group (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Non-HDL-C was closely related to long-term cardiac outcomes in RTR with dyslipidemia. Non-HDL-C should be among the primary goals in lipid-lowering treatment in post-transplant dyslipidemia.

Management of dyslipidemia in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Dyslipidemia after kidney transplantation is a common complication that has historically been underappreciated, especially in pediatric recipients. It is also a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a top cause of morbidity and mortality of transplant patients. While most knowledge about post-transplant dyslipidemia has been generated in adults, recommendations and treatment strategies also exist for children and are presented in this review. Awareness of these applicable guidelines and approaches is required, but not sufficient, for the reliable management of dyslipidemia in our patients, and additional needs and opportunities for comprehensive care in this area (e.g., quality improvement) are outlined.

A practical approach to switch from a multiple pill therapeutic strategy to a polypill-based strategy for cardiovascular prevention in patients with hypertension

: Pharmacological treatment recommended by guidelines for very high-risk patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes lipid-lowering drugs, antihypertensive agents and antiplatelet therapy. Depending on the associated comorbidities, this baseline regimen has to be complemented with other drugs. Therefore, the number of pills to be taken is usually high and adherence to these multiple pill therapeutic regimens and long-term persistence on treatment is low, being the main factor for insufficient control of cardiovascular risk factors. The CNIC (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, España) polypill is the only polypill containing low-dose aspirin approved by the EMA and marketed in Europe, and has demonstrated to improve adherence. For this reason, guidelines recommend its use for secondary prevention of CVD, and also for primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and advanced atherosclerotic process at high risk of thrombosis and low risk of bleeding. This article pretends to simplify the steps that clinicians may follow to switch from any baseline regimen to the polypill with the use of several algorithms and tables showing the equivalent effective daily doses of different angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and statins to facilitate switching, as well as the steps to be followed depending of the initial levels of BP and LDL-cholesterol values to achieve BP and lipid control with the association to the polypill of other BP-lowering or lipid-lowering drugs whenever needed.

Effects of Statins on Lipid Profile of Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

To assess the benefits of statins on lipid profile in kidney transplant recipients via a meta-analysis.

Methods

We systematically identified peer-reviewed clinical trials, review articles, and treatment guidelines from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed (CBM), and Chongqing VIP databases from inception to April 2019. In the analysis, only randomized controlled clinical trials performed in human were included.

Results

Eight articles were included in the analysis, involving 335 kidney transplant recipients who received statins and 350 kidney transplant patients as the control group. Results revealed that statins improved the lipid profile of kidney transplant recipients. Specifically, statin therapy significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, it had no effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusions

The present study provides valuable knowledge on the potential benefits of statins in kidney transplant recipients. This meta-analysis shows that statin therapy modifies the lipid profile in this patient population.

The Many Faces of Calcineurin Inhibitor Toxicity-What the FK?

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are both the savior and Achilles' heel of kidney transplantation. Although CNIs have significantly reduced rates of acute rejection, their numerous toxicities can plague kidney transplant recipients. By 10 years, virtually all allografts will have evidence of CNI nephrotoxicity. CNIs have been strongly associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and new onset of diabetes after transplantation-significantly contributing to cardiovascular risk in the kidney transplant recipient. Multiple electrolyte derangements including hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypercalciuria, metabolic acidosis, and hyperuricemia may be challenging to manage for the clinician. Finally, CNI-associated tremor, gingival hyperplasia, and defects in hair growth can have a significant impact on the transplant recipient's quality of life. In this review, the authors briefly discuss the pharmacokinetics of CNI and discuss the numerous clinically relevant toxicities of commonly used CNIs, cyclosporine and tacrolimus.

Trained immunity in organ transplantation

Consistent induction of donor-specific unresponsiveness in the absence of continuous immunosuppressive therapy and toxic effects remains a difficult task in clinical organ transplantation. Transplant immunologists have developed numerous experimental treatments that target antigen-presentation (signal 1), costimulation (signal 2), and cytokine production (signal 3) to establish transplantation tolerance. While promising results have been obtained using therapeutic approaches that predominantly target the adaptive immune response, the long-term graft survival rates remain suboptimal. This suggests the existence of unrecognized allograft rejection mechanisms that contribute to organ failure. We postulate that trained immunity stimulatory pathways are critical to the immune response that mediates graft loss. Trained immunity is a recently discovered functional program of the innate immune system, which is characterized by nonpermanent epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of macrophages. Since trained macrophages upregulate costimulatory molecules (signal 2) and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines (signal 3), they contribute to potent graft reactive immune responses and organ transplant rejection. In this review, we summarize the detrimental effects of trained immunity in the context of organ transplantation and describe pathways that induce macrophage training associated with graft rejection.

Ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and risk of major cardiovascular events in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia is common in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. We analyzed the ratio of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) in KT recipients to identify risk factors for major cardiovascular events (MACE).

METHODS

We retrospectively included KT recipients with a lipid profile performed 1 year after transplantation. We classified patients according to the TG/HDL-C divided into quintiles. Subsequently, we analyzed the association between TG/HDL-C and MACE, defined as heart failure, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease confirmed by imaging studies.

RESULTS

A total of 1301 KT recipients were enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 7.4 years (interquartile range 4.4-11.1 years). During the follow-up period, 80 (6.2%) patients developed MACE, which included 38 of unstable anginas, 9 of MIs, 19 of heart failures, 18 of cerebral infarcts, and 4 of cerebral hemorrhages. The fourth and fifth quintiles of TG/HDL-C showed a significantly increased risk of MACE [fourth quintile: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 3.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-7.95; p = 0.005, fifth quintile: aHR, 2.67; 95% CI 1.13-6.30; p = 0.02]) compared to the second quintile of TG/HDL-C. This association is particularly evident in subgroups of non-DM, HTN, no history of CVD, and statin users.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher TG/HDL-C levels may be associated with MACE risk in KT recipients.

Management of dyslipidemia in adult solid organ transplant recipients

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) has revolutionized treatment of end-stage disease. Improvements in the SOT continuum of care have unmasked a significant burden of cardiovascular disease, manifesting as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Although several risk factors for development of post-transplant cardiovascular disease exist, dyslipidemia remains one of the most frequent and modifiable risks. An important contributor to dyslipidemia in SOT recipients is the off-target metabolic effects of immunosuppressive medications, which may alter lipoproteins and their metabolism. Dyslipidemia management is paramount as lipid-lowering therapy with statins has demonstrated reductions in graft vasculopathy, decreased rejection rates, and improved survival. Several nonstatin medication options are available, but data supporting their benefit in the SOT population are minimal, typically extrapolated from studies in the general population. Further compounding dyslipidemia management is the complex interplay of drug interactions between lipid-lowering and immunosuppressant medications, which can result in serious toxicity and/or therapeutic failure.

Common Questions and Misconceptions in the Management of Renal Transplant Patients: A Guide for Health Care Providers in the Posttransplant Setting

Once renal transplant recipients are stabilized and require less frequent follow-up with their transplant team, health care providers outside of the transplant setting play an integral role in patients' ongoing medical care. Given renal transplant recipients' inherent complexity, these health care providers often seek consult regarding decisions that may affect transplant-related medications or outcomes. In this review, we discuss answers to 10 of the questions commonly posed to our renal transplant team by other health care providers.

Immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplantation in adults: a systematic review and economic model

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease is a long-term irreversible decline in kidney function requiring renal replacement therapy: kidney transplantation, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The preferred option is kidney transplantation, followed by immunosuppressive therapy (induction and maintenance therapy) to reduce the risk of kidney rejection and prolong graft survival.

OBJECTIVES

To review and update the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of basiliximab (BAS) (Simulect(®), Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd) and rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (rATG) (Thymoglobulin(®), Sanofi) as induction therapy, and immediate-release tacrolimus (TAC) (Adoport(®), Sandoz; Capexion(®), Mylan; Modigraf(®), Astellas Pharma; Perixis(®), Accord Healthcare; Prograf(®), Astellas Pharma; Tacni(®), Teva; Vivadex(®), Dexcel Pharma), prolonged-release tacrolimus (Advagraf(®) Astellas Pharma), belatacept (BEL) (Nulojix(®), Bristol-Myers Squibb), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (Arzip(®), Zentiva; CellCept(®), Roche Products; Myfenax(®), Teva), mycophenolate sodium (MPS) (Myfortic(®), Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd), sirolimus (SRL) (Rapamune(®), Pfizer) and everolimus (EVL) (Certican(®), Novartis) as maintenance therapy in adult renal transplantation.

METHODS

Clinical effectiveness searches were conducted until 18 November 2014 in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Wiley Online Library) and Web of Science (via ISI), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment (The Cochrane Library via Wiley Online Library) and Health Management Information Consortium (via Ovid). Cost-effectiveness searches were conducted until 18 November 2014 using a costs or economic literature search filter in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), NHS Economic Evaluation Database (via Wiley Online Library), Web of Science (via ISI), Health Economic Evaluations Database (via Wiley Online Library) and the American Economic Association's electronic bibliography (via EconLit, EBSCOhost). Included studies were selected according to predefined methods and criteria. A random-effects model was used to analyse clinical effectiveness data (odds ratios for binary data and mean differences for continuous data). Network meta-analyses were undertaken within a Bayesian framework. A new discrete time-state transition economic model (semi-Markov) was developed, with acute rejection, graft function (GRF) and new-onset diabetes mellitus used to extrapolate graft survival. Recipients were assumed to be in one of three health states: functioning graft, graft loss or death.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine randomised controlled trials (RCTs), of variable quality, were included. For induction therapy, no treatment appeared more effective than another in reducing graft loss or mortality. Compared with placebo/no induction, rATG and BAS appeared more effective in reducing biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) and BAS appeared more effective at improving GRF. For maintenance therapy, no treatment was better for all outcomes and no treatment appeared most effective at reducing graft loss. BEL + MMF appeared more effective than TAC + MMF and SRL + MMF at reducing mortality. MMF + CSA (ciclosporin), TAC + MMF, SRL + TAC, TAC + AZA (azathioprine) and EVL + CSA appeared more effective than CSA + AZA and EVL + MPS at reducing BPAR. SRL + AZA, TAC + AZA, TAC + MMF and BEL + MMF appeared to improve GRF compared with CSA + AZA and MMF + CSA. In the base-case deterministic and probabilistic analyses, BAS, MMF and TAC were predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000 and £30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). When comparing all regimens, only BAS + TAC + MMF was cost-effective at £20,000 and £30,000 per QALY.

LIMITATIONS

For included trials, there was substantial methodological heterogeneity, few trials reported follow-up beyond 1 year, and there were insufficient data to perform subgroup analysis. Treatment discontinuation and switching were not modelled.

FUTURE WORK

High-quality, better-reported, longer-term RCTs are needed. Ideally, these would be sufficiently powered for subgroup analysis and include health-related quality of life as an outcome.

CONCLUSION

Only a regimen of BAS induction followed by maintenance with TAC and MMF is likely to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013189.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Immunosuppressive therapy for kidney transplantation in children and adolescents: systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

End-stage renal disease is a long-term irreversible decline in kidney function requiring kidney transplantation, haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. The preferred option is kidney transplantation followed by induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy to reduce the risk of kidney rejection and prolong graft survival.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and update the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of basiliximab (BAS) (Simulect,(®) Novartis Pharmaceuticals) and rabbit antihuman thymocyte immunoglobulin (Thymoglobuline,(®) Sanofi) as induction therapy and immediate-release tacrolimus [Adoport(®) (Sandoz); Capexion(®) (Mylan); Modigraf(®) (Astellas Pharma); Perixis(®) (Accord Healthcare); Prograf(®) (Astellas Pharma); Tacni(®) (Teva); Vivadex(®) (Dexcel Pharma)], prolonged-release tacrolimus (Advagraf,(®) Astellas Pharma); belatacept (BEL) (Nulojix,(®) Bristol-Myers Squibb), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) [Arzip(®) (Zentiva), CellCept(®) (Roche Products), Myfenax(®) (Teva), generic MMF is manufactured by Accord Healthcare, Actavis, Arrow Pharmaceuticals, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Mylan, Sandoz and Wockhardt], mycophenolate sodium, sirolimus (Rapamune,(®) Pfizer) and everolimus (Certican,(®) Novartis Pharmaceuticals) as maintenance therapy in children and adolescents undergoing renal transplantation.

DATA SOURCES

Clinical effectiveness searches were conducted to 7 January 2015 in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Wiley Online Library) and Web of Science [via Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)], Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) (The Cochrane Library via Wiley Online Library) and Health Management Information Consortium (via Ovid). Cost-effectiveness searches were conducted to 15 January 2015 using a costs or economic literature search filter in MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), NHS Economic Evaluation Databases (via Wiley Online Library), Web of Science (via ISI), Health Economic Evaluations Database (via Wiley Online Library) and EconLit (via EBSCOhost).

REVIEW METHODS

Titles and abstracts were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria, as were full texts of identified studies. Included studies were extracted and quality appraised. Data were meta-analysed when appropriate. A new discrete time state transition economic model (semi-Markov) was developed; graft function, and incidences of acute rejection and new-onset diabetes mellitus were used to extrapolate graft survival. Recipients were assumed to be in one of three health states: functioning graft, graft loss or death.

RESULTS

Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and four non-RCTs were included. The RCTs only evaluated BAS and tacrolimus (TAC). No statistically significant differences in key outcomes were found between BAS and placebo/no induction. Statistically significantly higher graft function (p < 0.01) and less biopsy-proven acute rejection (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.15 to 0.57) was found between TAC and ciclosporin (CSA). Only one cost-effectiveness study was identified, which informed NICE guidance TA99. BAS [with TAC and azathioprine (AZA)] was predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) versus no induction (BAS was dominant). BAS (with CSA and MMF) was not predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY versus no induction (BAS was dominated). TAC (with AZA) was predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY versus CSA (TAC was dominant). A model based on adult evidence suggests that at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000-30,000 per QALY, BAS and TAC are cost-effective in all considered combinations; MMF was also cost-effective with CSA but not TAC.

LIMITATIONS

The RCT evidence is very limited; analyses comparing all interventions need to rely on adult evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

TAC is likely to be cost-effective (vs. CSA, in combination with AZA) at £20,000-30,000 per QALY. Analysis based on one RCT found BAS to be dominant, but analysis based on another RCT found BAS to be dominated. BAS plus TAC and AZA was predicted to be cost-effective at £20,000-30,000 per QALY when all regimens were compared using extrapolated adult evidence. High-quality primary effectiveness research is needed. The UK Renal Registry could form the basis for a prospective primary study.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013544.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research HTA programme.

Dyslipidemia and lipid-lowering treatment in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant cohort: 25 years of follow-up data

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia is common after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Few data regarding the time course of lipid profiles after HSCT, the effect of multiple transplantations, and efficacy and safety of lipid-lowering treatments are available.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and treatment of dyslipidemia over a 25-year period in a large, single-center cohort.

METHODS

One thousand one hundred ninety-six adult patients (≥16 years) who underwent HSCT during 1973 to 2013 and who survived ≥100 days were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dyslipidemia before transplantation was 36% and 28% in the autologous and allogeneic groups, respectively (P < .001). Three months after HSCT, the prevalence rose to 62% and 74% (P < .001), and at 25 years, it was 67% and 89%. Lipid profiles were similar after first and subsequent transplants. Baseline dyslipidemia (odds ratio [OR] = 2.72), allogeneic transplant (OR = 2.44), and age ≥ 35 years (OR = 2.33) were independent risk factors for dyslipidemia at 1 year. Lipid-lowering treatment was given to 223 (19%) patients, primarily in the form of statins (86%) and was associated with a decrease in total cholesterol from 246 to 192 mg/dL (P < .01) and from 244 to 195 mg/dL (P < .001) in the autologous and allogeneic groups, respectively. There were 10 cases (4%) of muscle symptoms prompting cessation of lipid-lowering therapy, including 1 case of rhabdomyolysis. The OR for dyslipidemia among patients who suffered a cardiovascular event (conditional logistic regression) was 3.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.6-7.7, P = .002).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that dyslipidemia is a common and long-lasting phenomenon among both allogeneic and autologous HSCT patients. Statins are effective, generally well-tolerated and should be highly recommended for the management of post-HSCT dyslipidemia.

Renal association clinical practice guideline in post-operative care in the kidney transplant recipient

These guidelines cover the care of patients from the period following kidney transplantation until the transplant is no longer working or the patient dies. During the early phase prevention of acute rejection and infection are the priority. After around 3-6 months, the priorities change to preservation of transplant function and avoiding the long-term complications of immunosuppressive medication (the medication used to suppress the immune system to prevent rejection). The topics discussed include organization of outpatient follow up, immunosuppressive medication, treatment of acute and chronic rejection, and prevention of complications. The potential complications discussed include heart disease, infection, cancer, bone disease and blood disorders. There is also a section on contraception and reproductive issues.Immediately after the introduction there is a statement of all the recommendations. These recommendations are written in a language that we think should be understandable by many patients, relatives, carers and other interested people. Consequently we have not reworded or restated them in this lay summary. They are graded 1 or 2 depending on the strength of the recommendation by the authors, and AD depending on the quality of the evidence that the recommendation is based on.

Practical Recommendations for Long-term Management of Modifiable Risks in Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: A Guidance Report and Clinical Checklist by the Consensus on Managing Modifiable Risk in Transplantation (COMMIT) Group

Short-term patient and graft outcomes continue to improve after kidney and liver transplantation, with 1-year survival rates over 80%; however, improving longer-term outcomes remains a challenge. Improving the function of grafts and health of recipients would not only enhance quality and length of life, but would also reduce the need for retransplantation, and thus increase the number of organs available for transplant. The clinical transplant community needs to identify and manage those patient modifiable factors, to decrease the risk of graft failure, and improve longer-term outcomes.COMMIT was formed in 2015 and is composed of 20 leading kidney and liver transplant specialists from 9 countries across Europe. The group's remit is to provide expert guidance for the long-term management of kidney and liver transplant patients, with the aim of improving outcomes by minimizing modifiable risks associated with poor graft and patient survival posttransplant.The objective of this supplement is to provide specific, practical recommendations, through the discussion of current evidence and best practice, for the management of modifiable risks in those kidney and liver transplant patients who have survived the first postoperative year. In addition, the provision of a checklist increases the clinical utility and accessibility of these recommendations, by offering a systematic and efficient way to implement screening and monitoring of modifiable risks in the clinical setting.

[Using plant sterols in clinical practice: From the chemistry to the clinic]

This paper describes what are plant sterols, the chemical structure to understand their mechanism of cholesterol-lowering action, and indications and contraindications in clinical practice.

Risk assessment and management of post-transplant diabetes mellitus

The success rate of organ transplantation has been increasing with advances in surgical and pharmacological techniques. However, the number of solid organ transplant recipients who require metabolic disease management is also growing. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication after solid organ transplantation and is associated with risks of graft loss, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. Other risk factors for PTDM include older age, genetic background, obesity, hepatitis C virus infection, hypomagnesemia, and use of immunosuppressant agents (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor). Management of PTDM should be started before the transplantation plan to properly screen high-risk patients. Even though PTDM management is similar to that of general type 2 diabetes, therapeutic approaches must be made with consideration of drug interactions between immunosuppressive agents, glucose-lowering medications, and graft rejection and function.

Diabetes and other endocrine-metabolic abnormalities in the long-term follow-up of pancreas transplantation

Pancreas transplantation (PTX) has been demonstrated to restore long-term glucose homeostasis beyond what can be achieved by intensive insulin therapy or islet transplants. Moreover, PTX has been shown to decrease the progression of the chronic complications of diabetes. However, PTX patients require chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs with potential side effects. The long-term follow-up of PTX patients demands special care regarding metabolic deviations, infectious complications, and chronic rejection. Diabetes and other endocrine metabolic abnormalities following transplantation are common and can increase morbidity and mortality. Previous recipient-related and donor-related factors, as well as other aspects inherent to the transplant, act together in the pathogenesis of those abnormalities. Early recognition of these disturbances is the key to timely treatment; however, adequate tools to achieve this goal are often lacking. In a way, the type of PTX procedure, whether simultaneous pancreas kidney or not, seems to differentially influence the evolution of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Further studies are needed to define the best approach for PTX patients. This review will focus on the most common endocrine metabolic disorders seen in the long-term management of PTX: diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and bone loss. The authors here cover each one of these endocrine topics by showing the evaluation as well as proper management in the follow-up after PTX.

Cholesterol efflux capacity of high-density lipoprotein correlates with survival and allograft vasculopathy in cardiac transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major cause of mortality after cardiac transplantation. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is inversely associated with coronary artery disease. In 2 independent studies, we tested the hypothesis that reduced CEC is associated with mortality and disease progression in CAV.

METHODS

We tested the relationship between CEC and survival in a cohort of patients with CAV (n = 35). To determine whether reduced CEC is associated with CAV progression, we utilized samples from the Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation 05 (CTOT05) study to determine the association between CEC and CAV progression and status at 1 year (n = 81), as assessed by average change in maximal intimal thickness (MIT) on intravascular ultrasound.

RESULTS

Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated that higher levels of CEC were associated with improved survival (hazard ratio 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 0.63) per standard deviation CEC, p = 0.002). Patients who developed CAV had reduced CEC at baseline and 1-year post-transplant. We observed a significant association between pre-transplant CEC and the average change in MIT, particularly among patients who developed CAV at 1 year (β = -0.59, p = 0.02, R² = 0.35).

CONCLUSION

Reduced CEC is associated with disease progression and mortality in CAV patients. These findings suggest the hypothesis that interventions to increase CEC may be useful in cardiac transplant patients for prevention or treatment of CAV.

The association between atorvastatin administration and plasma total homocysteine levels in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Statins improve prognosis in patients with coronary heart diseases by decreasing the incidence of vascular events. Excess prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, has been observed in stable renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

OBJECTIVES

The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between atorvastatin administration and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels in RTRs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study in 148 cyclosporine A (CsA) treated stable RTRs. We compared tHcy level and other demographic and clinical variables in RTRs with and without atorvastatin.

RESULTS

58.1% of the 148 RTRs were treated with atorvastatin (20-40 mg/day). Mean tHcy levels were lower in patients treated with atorvastatin compared to nonusers (14.80 ± 5.13 µmol/l versus 16.95 ± 7.87 µmol/l, P = 0.04). The comparison of 85 patients treated with atorvastatin and 61 non-users revealed that those subjects with atorvastatin were older, with higher estimated creatinine clearance and elevated body mass index (BMI). They were more likely to have higher systolic blood pressure and CsA trough level (C0). The association between lower tHcy levels and atorvastatin use was confirmed in the multivariate regression model (P = 0.004). However tHcy levels were independently and negatively associated with serum folate (P = 0.0001) and vitamin B12 levels (P = 0.001) and positively with serum BUN (P = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.024) as well.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the association between lower tHcy levels and atorvastatin administration in RTRs. Further clinical trials are recommended to clarify homocysteine lowering effect of atorvastatin.

Post-transplant dyslipidemia: Mechanisms, diagnosis and management

Post-transplant dyslipidemia is highly prevalent and presents unique management challenges to the clinician. The two major outcomes to consider with post-transplant therapies for dyslipidemia are preserving or improving allograft function, and reducing cardiovascular risk. Although there are other cardiovascular risk factors such as graft dysfunction, hypertension, and diabetes, attention to dyslipidemia is warranted because interventions for dyslipidemia have an impact on reducing cardiac events in clinical trials specific to the transplant population. Dyslipidemia is not synonymous with hyperlipidemia. Numerous mechanisms exist for the occurrence of post-transplant dyslipidemia, including those mediated by immunosuppressive drug therapy. Statin therapy has received the most attention in all solid organ transplant recipient populations, although the effect of proper dietary advice and adjuvant pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents should not be dismissed. At all stages of treatment appropriate monitoring strategies for side effects should be implemented so that the benefits from these therapies can be achieved. Clinicians have a choice when there is a conflict between various transplant society and lipid society guidelines for therapy and targets.

Pathophysiologic and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease in end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantations

The inextricable link between the heart and the kidneys predestines that significant cardiovascular disease ensues in the face of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). As a point of fact, the leading cause of mortality of patients on dialysis is still from cardiovascular etiologies, albeit differing in particular types of disease from the general population. For example, sudden cardiac death outnumbers coronary artery disease in patients with ESRD, which is the reverse for the general population. In this review, we will focus on the pathophysiology and treatment options of important traditional and nontraditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients such as hypertension, anemia, vascular calcification, hyperparathyroidism, uremia, and oxidative stress. The evidence of erythropoietin-stimulating agents, phosphate binders, calcimimetics, and dialysis modalities will be presented. We will then discuss how these risk factors may be changed and perhaps exacerbated after renal transplantation. This is largely due to the immunosuppressive agents that are both crucial yet potentially detrimental in the posttransplant state. Calcineurin inhibitors, corticosteroids, and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, the mainstay of transplant immunosuppression, are all known to increase the risks of developing new onset diabetes as well as the metabolic syndrome. Thus, we need to carefully negotiate between patients' cardiovascular profile and their risks of rejection. Finally, we end by considering strategies by which we may minimize cardiovascular disease in the transplant population, as this modality still confers the highest chance of survival in patients with ESRD.

Current practices in coronary artery disease evaluation of renal transplant candidates prior to renal transplantation

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients and candidates awaiting transplant. Pre-transplant coronary artery disease evaluation can aid in determining transplant candidacy, identifying patients who may benefit from pre-operative cardiac intervention, and implementing measures to reduce perioperative and post-transplant cardiovascular events. However, the choice of investigations and approach in evaluation has yet to be well defined. This article aims to review the evidence for the use of non-invasive investigations and coronary angiography in prognostication, as well as the evidence for revascularization in reducing future cardiac events. The article will also summarize international recommendations and describe the local practice in coronary artery disease evaluation prior to transplant.

Does African American Race Impact Statin Efficacy in Renal Transplant Outcomes?

There is a lack of studies assessing if race impacts the efficacy of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibitor ("statin") therapy on renal transplantation (RTx) outcomes. We examined the association between statin therapy and RTx outcomes, while concurrently quantifying the effect modification African American (AA) race has on statin efficacy.This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of solitary adult RTx (n = 1176) between June 2005 and May 2013. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the impact of statin therapy on graft loss, death, and acute rejection and determine if significant interactions exist between statin therapy and race. Models were adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, cardiovascular history, medication use, and transplant characteristics.AAs (n = 624) and non-African Americans (n = 552) were equally likely to receive statin therapy (P = 0.922). Mean LDL and TGs in AA were 94 mg/dL and 133 mg/dL compared to 90 mg/dL and 163 mg/dL in non-AA, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, high statin users had 52% lower risk of developing graft loss (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29-0.80) and a nonstatistically significant reduction in death (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.23-1.06) compared to low statin users. Acute rejection was not significantly influenced by statin use (HR 0.77 95% CI 0.46-1.27). There was a significant interaction between race and statin therapy for death (P = 0.007), but not for graft loss (P = 0.121) or rejection (P = 0.605). After stratifying by race, high statin use reduced the risk of death in AAs (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20-0.94), but not in non-AAs (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.49-2.44).High statin use reduces the risk of graft loss in RTx, with a mortality benefit in AAs compared to non-AA, despite similar LDL levels. These results suggest a compelling reason to optimize statin therapy in renal transplant recipients (RTR), especially in AAs.

Characterization of clinical and genetic risk factors associated with dyslipidemia after kidney transplantation

We determined the prevalence of dyslipidemia in a Japanese cohort of renal allograft recipients and investigated clinical and genetic characteristics associated with having the disease. In total, 126 patients that received renal allograft transplants between February 2002 and August 2011 were studied, of which 44 recipients (34.9%) were diagnosed with dyslipidemia at 1 year after transplantation. Three clinical factors were associated with a risk of having dyslipidemia: a higher prevalence of disease observed among female than male patients (P = 0.021) and treatment with high mycophenolate mofetil (P = 0.012) and prednisolone (P = 0.023) doses per body weight at 28 days after transplantation. The genetic association between dyslipidemia and 60 previously described genetic polymorphisms in 38 putative disease-associated genes was analyzed. The frequency of dyslipidemia was significantly higher in patients with the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) Bcl1 G allele than in those with the CC genotype (P = 0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed that the NR3C1 Bcl1 G allele was a significant risk factor for the prevalence of dyslipidemia (odds ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.8–12.2). These findings may aid in predicting a patient's risk of developing dyslipidemia.

Hepatic syndecan-1 changes associate with dyslipidemia after renal transplantation

Syndecan-1 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan present on hepatocytes and involved in uptake of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins via its HS polysaccharide side chains. We hypothesized that altered hepatic syndecan-1 metabolism could be involved in dyslipidemia related to renal transplantation. In a rat renal transplantation model elevated plasma triglycerides were associated with fivefold increased expression of hepatic syndecan-1 mRNA (p < 0.01), but not protein. Expression of syndecan-1 sheddases (ADAM17, MMP9) and heparanase was significantly up-regulated after renal transplantation (all p < 0.05). Profiling of HS side chains revealed loss of hepatic HS upon renal transplantation accompanied by significant decreased functional capacity for VLDL binding (p = 0.02). In a human renal transplantation cohort (n = 510), plasma levels of shed syndecan-1 were measured. Multivariate analysis showed plasma syndecan-1 to be independently associated with triglycerides (p < 0.0001) and inversely with HDL cholesterol (p < 0.0001). Last, we show a physical association of syndecan-1 to HDL from renal transplant recipients (RTRs), but not to HDL from healthy controls. Our data suggest that after renal transplantation loss of hepatic HS together with increased syndecan-1 shedding hampers lipoprotein binding and uptake by the liver contributing to dyslipidemia. Our data open perspectives toward improvement of lipid profiles by targeted inhibition of syndecan-1 catabolism in renal transplantation.

Risk of metabolic complications in kidney transplantation after conversion to mTOR inhibitor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have been used in transplantation with the hope of minimizing calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced nephrotoxicity. However, mTOR inhibitors are also associated with a range of side effects, including metabolic complications. We aimed to determine the risks of metabolic complications after the conversion from CNI to mTOR inhibitor postkidney transplant. A systematic search in PubMed up to September 2013 identified nine relevant trials (a total of 2323 patients). The primary end points were the relative risks (RRs) of new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) and hypercholesterolemia. The overall RRs of NODAT and hypercholesterolemia associated with mTOR inhibitors were 1.32 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92-1.87) and 2.15 (95% CI 1.35-3.41), respectively, compared with CNI-based regimen. Subgroup analyses revealed no differences in the incidence of NODAT or hypercholesterolemia between sirolimus- versus everolimus-based regimen, or between early versus late conversion. Analyses of secondary outcomes revealed a higher risk of acute rejection, proteinuria and anemia, but no difference in the risk of opportunistic infections after mTOR inhibitor conversion. In conclusion, the conversion from CNI to mTOR inhibitor in low-to-moderate risk kidney transplant recipients was associated with nonsignificant trend toward increased risk of NODAT and significant increase in hypercholesterolemia, acute rejection, proteinuria and anemia.

More potent lipid-lowering effect by rosuvastatin compared with fluvastatin in everolimus-treated renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Pharmacotherapy with mTOR inhibitors aggravates dyslipidemia, thus necessitating lipid-lowering therapy with fluvastatin, pravastatin, or atorvastatin. These agents may not sufficiently lower lipid levels, and therefore, a more potent agent like rosuvastatin maybe needed.

METHODS

We have aimed to assess the lipid-lowering effect of rosuvastatin as compared with fluvastatin in RTR receiving everolimus. Safety was assessed as the pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction potential of a rosuvastatin/everolimus combination in RTR. A 12-hour everolimus PK investigation was performed in 12 stable RTR receiving everolimus and fluvastatin (80 mg/d). Patients were then switched to rosuvastatin (20 mg/d), and a follow-up 12/24-hour PK investigation of everolimus/rosuvastatin was performed after 1 month. All other drugs were kept unchanged.

RESULTS

In RTR already receiving fluvastatin, switching to rosuvastatin further decreased LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol by 30.2±12.2% (P<0.01) and 18.2±9.6% (P<0.01), respectively. Everolimus AUC0-12 was not affected by concomitant rosuvastatin treatment, 80.3±21.3 μg*h/L before and 78.5±21.9 μg*h/L after, respectively (P=0.61). Mean rosuvastatin AUC0-24 was 157±61.7 ng*h/mL, approximately threefold higher than reported in the literature for nontransplants. There were no adverse events, and none of the patients had or developed proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

Rosuvastatin showed a superior lipid-lowering effect compared to fluvastatin in stable RTR receiving everolimus. The combination of everolimus/rosuvastatin seems to be as safe as the everolimus/fluvastatin combination.

Therapeutic inertia in hypercholesterolaemia is associated with ischaemic events in primary care patients. A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The frequency of therapeutic inertia (TI) is very high in the management of vascular risk factors, although its impact on the incidence of ischaemic events is not well-established. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between TI in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia and the appearance of ischaemic events.

METHODS

An observational, multicentre, case-control study was conducted in 70 primary care centres in Spain. Case subjects (n = 235) were high-risk hypercholesterolaemic patients (both genders, ≥ 18 years) who had had a first event in the 12 months prior to recruitment. They were matched with 235 controls (by vascular risk, age and gender). The observation period was 18 months prior to the onset of a first event (cases) or to date of recruitment (control subjects).

RESULTS

The TI in the basal visit (an average of 7.8 months before the event) was slightly higher in cases than in controls (39.7% vs. 34.8%, NS). However, the accumulated TI was similar in both groups (70.7% for cases and 73.95% for controls, NS). The multivariate analysis, taking ischaemic events as the dependent variable, showed that the TI at baseline visit was significantly associated with the development of the event [OR 2.18 (95% CI 1.04-4.51), p < 0.05]. Other variables also associated with the ischaemic event were a family history of premature vascular disease [OR 3.38 (95% CI 1.35-8.49), p < 0.05] and uncontrolled hypertension [OR 2.35 (95% CI 1.02-5.43), p < 0.05].

CONCLUSION

The TI in high-risk hypercholesterolaemic patients in primary prevention in Spanish primary care centres doubled the risk of an ischaemic event in the short term.

Restoration of renal function does not correct impairment of uremic HDL properties

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in renal transplant recipients, but the underlying causative mechanisms for this important problem remain elusive. Recent work has indicated that qualitative alterations of HDL affect its functional and compositional properties in ESRD. Here, we systematically analyzed HDL from stable renal transplant recipients, according to graft function, and from patients with ESRD to determine whether structural and functional properties of HDL remain dysfunctional after renal transplantation. Cholesterol acceptor capacity and antioxidative activity, representing two key cardioprotective mechanisms of HDL, were profoundly suppressed in kidney transplant recipients independent of graft function and were comparable with levels in patients with ESRD. Using a mass spectroscopy approach, we identified specific remodeling of transplant HDL with highly enriched proteins, including α-1 microglobulin/bikunin precursor, pigment epithelium-derived factor, surfactant protein B, and serum amyloid A. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that HDL from kidney recipients is uniquely altered at the molecular and functional levels, indicating a direct pathologic role of HDL that could contribute to the substantial cardiovascular risk in the transplant population.

CYP2C9 and ABCG2 polymorphisms as risk factors for developing adverse drug reactions in renal transplant patients taking fluvastatin: a case-control study

AIM

To investigate whether an association exists between fluvastatin-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and polymorphisms in genes encoding the metabolizing enzyme CYP2C9 and the drug transporter ABCG2 in renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Fifty-two RTRs that experienced fluvastatin ADRs and 52 controls matched for age, gender, dose of fluvastatin and immunosuppressive use were enrolled in the study. Genotyping for CYP2C9*2, *3 and ABCG2 421C>A variants was performed by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

CYP2C9 homozygous and heterozygous mutant allele (*2 or *3) carriers had 2.5-times greater odds of developing adverse effects (χ² = 4.370; degrees of freedom = 1; p = 0.037; φ = 0.21, odds ratio [OR]: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.05-5.71). Patients who were the carriers of at least one mutant CYP2C9 allele (*2 or *3) and who were receiving CYP2C9 inhibitors, had more than six-times greater odds of having adverse effects than those without the inhibitor included in their therapy (p = 0.027; OR: 6.59; 95% CI: 1.24-35.08). Patients with ABCG2 421CA or AA (taken together) had almost four-times greater odds of developing adverse effects than those with ABCG2 421CC genotype (χ² = 6.190; degrees of freedom = 1; p = 0.013; φ = 0.24, OR: 3.81; 95% CI: 1.27-11.45). Patients with A allele had 2.75-times (95% CI: 1.02-7.40) greater odds of developing adverse effects than those with C allele.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data demonstrate an association between fluvastatin-induced ADRs in RTRs and genetic variants in the CYP2C9 and ABCG2 genes.

Long-term outcomes of children after solid organ transplantation

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.