Renal transplantation with expanded criteria donors: Which is the optimal immunosuppression?

Renal transplantation in older adults: retrospective cohort study to examine the impact of the new 2019 kidney offering scheme on older adult transplant recipients

INTRODUCTION

In 2019, a new kidney offering scheme was launched in the United Kingdom, aiming to better match estimated patient survival and graft life expectancy. The scheme's impact on older patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) is unknown. This study aims to compare the outcomes of older adult KT recipients before and after introduction of the 2019 scheme.

METHODS

A retrospective observational cohort study of older adults who underwent KT was undertaken. Group 1 were transplanted between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2019 (2006 allocation scheme) and group 2 between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2021 (2019 offering scheme). An older adult was any person ≥60 years old at the time of KT. Univariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

There were 107 older adult deceased donor KT recipients, 62 from group 1 and 45 from group 2. Median age at transplantation was 68 (interquartile range [IQR] 62-71) and 67 (IQR 64-73) years, respectively. Univariable analysis showed that re-intervention (OR 6.486, 95% CI 1.306-32.216, p = 0.022) and critical care admission (OR 5.619, 95% CI 1.448-21.812, p = 0.013) were significantly more likely in group 2. Group 2 recipients were significantly more likely to have a level 4 human leucocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch (OR 4.667, 95% CI 1.640-13.275, p = 0.004) and to have undergone previous KT (OR 4.691, 95% CI 1.385-15.893, p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of the 2019 offering scheme was associated with re-intervention and critical care admission for older KT recipients. We also observed less-favourable HLA matches but more KT in difficult-to-match groups.

Kidney transplants from elderly donors: what we have learned 20 years after the Crystal City consensus criteria meeting

Based on the current projection of the general population and the combined increase in end-stage kidney disease with age, the number of elderly donors and recipients is increasing, raising crucial questions about how to minimize the discard rate of organs from elderly donors and improve graft and patient outcomes. In 2002, extended criteria donors were the focus of a meeting in Crystal City (VA, USA), with a goal of maximizing the use of organs from deceased donors. Since then, extended criteria donors have progressively contributed to a large number of transplanted grafts worldwide, posing specific issues for allocation systems, recipient management, and therapeutic approaches. This review analyzes what we have learned in the last 20 years about extended criteria donor utilization, the promising innovations in immunosuppressive management, and the molecular pathways involved in the aging process, which constitute potential targets for novel therapies.

Development of a checklist framework for kidney transplantation

Background

Kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice for end-stage kidney disease, and a fast-growing transplant procedure worldwide. Diverse clinical practices for recipients and donors' selection and management between transplant centers hinder the creation and dissemination of an anesthesia-surgical checklist.

Methods

Components of the anesthesia-surgical checklist were selected after a review of the English literature using PubMed search for donor, recipient and graft protocols and outcomes of existing practices in the field of kidney transplantation. Key elements of the most relevant articles were combined with our own center's experience and formulated into the proposed checklist. The checklist is intended to be used perioperatively, once patient receives an offer.

Results

The perioperative checklist centers primarily on the following donor and recipient's factors: (i) Review of the pretransplant candidate workup; (ii) Assessment of donor/graft status; (iii) Hypothermic machine perfusion parameters; (iv) Operating room management; (v) Sign out. The proposed kidney transplant checklist was designed to ensure consistency and completeness of diverse tasks and facilitates team communication and coordination.

Conclusion

We present a novel standardized combined anesthesia-surgical checklist framework for kidney transplant aimed at increasing perioperative safety and streamline the perioperative care of recipients. Future validation studies will determine its clinical feasibility and post-implementation efficacy.

Challenges in perioperative blood transfusions in kidney transplantation and the need for Patient Blood Management

BACKGROUND

Anemia is highly prevalent in end-stage chronic kidney disease patients, increasing their risk of receiving blood transfusions during and on the days after a kidney transplant (KTx) surgery. However, there is currently a lack of data that thoroughly describes this phenomenon in this population, the associated risk factors, and how they could benefit from the application of Patient Blood Management (PBM) guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observational study. All adult patients who received a KTx between January 1st, 2020, and December 31st, 2021, were included and followed up to six months after transplantation. Those who received a multiorgan transplant, whose data was missing in the electronic health records, and who had primary non-function were excluded. We recorded donor and recipient characteristics, cold ischemia time, preoperative hemoglobin concentration, iron status deficiency biomarkers, incidence of delayed graft function and biopsy-proven graft rejections, and graft function at discharge and 6 months after transplantation.

RESULTS

We found that a high amount (39%) of KTx recipients required at least one blood transfusion during the perioperative period. And that 1) most of these patients had anemia at the time of transplantation (85.4%), 2) iron status upon admission was associated with the transfusion of more blood units (3.9 vs 2.7, p=0.019), 3) surgical reintervention (OR 7.28, 2.35-22.54) and deceased donor donation (OR 1.99, 1.24-3.21) were associated with an increased risk of transfusion, and finally, 4) there was an association between a higher number of blood units transfused and impaired kidney graft function six months after hospital discharge (1.6 vs 1.9, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, PBM guidelines should be applied to patients on the KTx deceased donor waiting list and especially those scheduled to receive a transplant from a living donor. This could potentially increase the utilization efficiency of blood products and avoid transfusion-related severe adverse effects.

Metabolomic and lipidomic landscape of porcine kidney associated with kidney perfusion in heart beating donors and donors after cardiac death

Transplant centers are currently facing a lack of tools to ensure adequate evaluation of the quality of the available organs, as well as a significant shortage of kidney donors. Therefore, efforts are being made to facilitate the effective use of available organs and expand the donor pool, particularly with expanded criteria donors. Fulfilling a need, we aim to present an innovative analytical method based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) - chemical biopsy. In order to track changes affecting the organ throughout the entire transplant procedure, porcine kidneys were subjected to multiple samplings at various time points. The application of small-diameter SPME probes assured the minimal invasiveness of the procedure. Porcine model kidney autotransplantation was executed for the purpose of simulating two types of donor scenarios: donors with a beating heart (HBD) and donors after cardiac death (DCD). All renal grafts were exposed to continuous normothermic ex vivo perfusion. Following metabolomic and lipidomic profiling using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer, we observed differences in the profiles of HBD and DCD kidneys. The alterations were predominantly related to energy and glucose metabolism, and differences in the levels of essential amino acids, purine nucleosides, lysophosphocholines, phosphoethanolamines, and triacylglycerols were noticed. Our results indicate the potential of implementing chemical biopsy in the evaluation of graft quality and monitoring of renal function during perfusion.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders following kidney transplantation: A literature review with updates on risk factors, prognostic indices, screening strategies, treatment and analysis of donor type

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is a devastating complication of kidney transplantation with an insidious presentation and potential to disseminate aggressively. This review delineates the risk factors, prognostic indexes, screening, current management algorithm and promising treatment strategies for PTLD. Kidneys from both extended criteria donors (ECD) and living donors (LD) are being increasingly used to expand the donor pool. This review also delineates whether PTLD outcomes vary based on these donor sources. While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a well-known risk factor for PTLD development, the use of T-cell depleting induction agents has been increasingly implicated in aggressive, monomorphic forms of PTLD. Research regarding maintenance therapy is sparse. The international prognostic index seems to be the most validate prognostic tool. Screening for PTLD is controversial, as annual PET-CT is most sensitive but costly, while targeted monitoring of EBV-seronegative patients was more economically feasible, is recommended by the American Society of Transplantation, but is limited to a subset of the population. Other screening strategies such as using Immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor require further validation. A risk-stratified approach is taken in the treatment of PTLD. The first step is the reduction of immunosuppressants, after which rituximab and chemotherapy may be introduced if unsuccessful. Some novel treatments have also shown potential benefit in studies: brentuximab vedotin, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Analysis of LD v DD recipients show no significant difference in incidence and mortality of PTLD but did reveal a shortened time to development of PTLD from transplant. Analysis of SCD vs ECD recipients show a higher incidence of PTLD in the ECD group, which might be attributed to longer time on dialysis for these patients, age, and the pro-inflammatory nature of these organs. However, incidence of PTLD overall is still extremely low. Efforts should be focused on optimising recipients instead. Minimising the use of T-cell depleting therapy while encouraging research on the effect of new immunosuppressants on PTLD, screening for EBV status are essential, while enabling shared decision-making during counselling when choosing kidney donor types and individualised risk tailoring are strongly advocated.

Deceased donor availability for uterus transplantation in Australia

BACKGROUND

Uterus transplantation is an emerging treatment option for uterine factor infertility. Most uterus transplantation research programs use living donors, although this comes with considerable surgical and psychological risks and not all women desiring uterus transplantation will have an available living donor. A deceased donor program eliminates donor risks; however, the availability of deceased uterus donors is currently unknown in Australia.

AIMS

To establish the feasibility of a deceased donor uterus transplantation program in Australia and consider expanded inclusion criteria for this model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of the New South Wales (NSW) Organ and Tissue Donation Service database was undertaken to identify potential deceased uterus donors, with comparison to the broad deceased donor inclusion criteria from three international uterus transplantation trials including female, brain-dead, multi-organ donation, no major abdominal surgery, and <60 years of age.

RESULTS

Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, 648 deceased donors were available in NSW. Of these, 43% (279/648) were female and 67% of the women (187/279) were also multi-organ donors. When the brain-dead donor-only and age criteria (<60 years) were applied, a total of 107 deceased donors met the available criteria for uterus transplantation, with an average of 21 deceased donors per year in NSW.

CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be adequate deceased donor organ availability to establish a deceased uterus transplantation program in NSW, Australia. Should interest in uterus transplantation increase, including criteria such as older and nulliparous donors could increase organ availability for a uterus transplantation program.

Renal function at 12 months of kidney transplantation comparing tacrolimus and mycophenolate with tacrolimus and mTORi in donors with different KDPI ranges. A multicenter cohort study using propensity scoring

Introduction

The combination of tacrolimus/mTORi compared to tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) was shown to be safe in the TRANSFORM trial. For donors with a high KDPI (Kidney Donor Profile Index), however, there are no data to support the effectiveness of this regimen. The main objective of this study was to explore the influence of the KDPI on 12-month renal function (eGFR) in patients receiving mTORi or MMF.

Methods

Multicenter cohort study of four Brazilian services that use the tacrolimus with mTORi as a protocol. Data from 2008 to 2018 of the tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) and tacrolimus/mTORi (mTORi) regimens in renal transplant recipients over 18 years old were collected. For better homogeneity, the propensity score was used. Afterward, the method used for group selection ("match") was the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) method. New analyses were performed on this new balanced sample, and two different subsamples were constituted based on the median KDPI.

Results

The global analysis (n = 870) showed that the major determinant of worse kidney function was high KDPI. Afterward, the three strata were analyzed. In the first stratum (KDPI up to 50), 242 patients were evaluated, with 121 in each group. The eGFR was 64 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the mTORi group compared to 63 in the MMF group, p = 0.4, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 61 in the mTORi and 53 in the MMF, p = 0.065. In the second stratum (KDPI from 50 to 85), 282 patients were evaluated, with 141 in each group. eGFR was 46 ml/min/1.73 m2 in mTORi compared to 48 in MMF, p = 0.4, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 40 mTORi and 41 MMF, p = 0.8. In the last stratum (KDPI higher than 85) with n = 126 and 63 cases per group, eGFR was 36 ml/min/1.73 m2 in mTORi compared to 39 in MMF, p = 0.2, and when imputed eGFR was evaluated, 30 mTORi and 34 MMF, p = 0.2.

Discussion

The regimen using mTOR inhibitor is an effective and safe regimen when compared to the standard regimen. In addition, the scheme seems to offer additional protection against infections and may be an important ally in cases of high risk for these pathologies.

European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT)-TLJ 3.0 Consensus on Histopathological Analysis of Pre-Implantation Donor Kidney Biopsy: Redefining the Role in the Process of Graft Assessment

The ESOT TLJ 3.0. consensus conference brought together leading experts in transplantation to develop evidence-based guidance on the standardization and clinical utility of pre-implantation kidney biopsy in the assessment of grafts from Expanded Criteria Donors (ECD). Seven themes were selected and underwent in-depth analysis after formulation of PICO (patient/population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) questions. After literature search, the statements for each key question were produced, rated according the GRADE approach [Quality of evidence: High (A), Moderate (B), Low (C); Strength of Recommendation: Strong (1), Weak (2)]. The statements were subsequently presented in-person at the Prague kick-off meeting, discussed and voted. After two rounds of discussion and voting, all 7 statements reached an overall agreement of 100% on the following issues: needle core/wedge/punch technique representatively [B,1], frozen/paraffin embedded section reliability [B,2], experienced/non-experienced on-call renal pathologist reproducibility/accuracy of the histological report [A,1], glomerulosclerosis/other parameters reproducibility [C,2], digital pathology/light microscopy in the measurement of histological variables [A,1], special stainings/Haematoxylin and Eosin alone comparison [A,1], glomerulosclerosis reliability versus other histological parameters to predict the graft survival, graft function, primary non-function [B,1]. This methodology has allowed to reach a full consensus among European experts on important technical topics regarding pre-implantation biopsy in the ECD graft assessment.

A modified Kidney Donor Risk Index for pediatric kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) by Rao et al. was developed to measure the quality of kidney allografts. While Rao's KDRI has been found to be a robust measure of kidney allograft survival for adult kidney transplant recipients, many studies have indicated the need to create a distinct pediatric KDRI.

METHODS

Our retrospective study utilized data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database. We examined 9295 deceased donor recipients' data for age < 18 years from 1990 to 2020. We performed a multivariate Cox regression to determine the significant recipient and transplant factors impacting pediatric kidney allograft survival.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis found 5 donor factors to be independently associated with graft failure or recipient death: age, female sex, anoxia as the cause of death, history of cigarette use, and cold ischemia time. Using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and analyzing the predictive value of each KDRI at 1, 5, and 10 years, the proposed pediatric KDRI had a statistically significant and higher predictive value for pediatric recipients at 5 (0.60 versus 0.57) and 10 years (0.61 versus 0.57) than the Rao KDRI.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed pediatric KDRI may provide a more accurate and simpler index to assess the quality of kidney allografts for pediatric recipients. However, due to the mild increase in predictive capabilities over the Rao index, the study serves as a proof of concept to develop a pediatric KDRI. Further studies should focus on increasing the index's predictive capabilities. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Pretransplant kidney transcriptome captures intrinsic donor organ quality and predicts 24-month outcomes

With the development of novel prognostic tools derived from omics technologies, transplant medicine is entering the era of precision medicine. Currently, there are no established predictive biomarkers for posttransplant kidney function. A total of 270 deceased donor pretransplant kidney biopsies were collected and posttransplant function was prospectively monitored. This study first assessed the utility of pretransplant gene expression profiles in predicting 24-month outcomes in a training set (n = 174). Nearly 600 differentially expressed genes were associated with 24-month graft function. Grafts that progressed to low function at 24 months exhibited upregulated immune responses and downregulated metabolic processes at pretransplantation. Using penalized logistic regression modeling, a 55 gene model area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for 24-month graft function was 0.994. Gene expression for a subset of candidate genes was then measured in an independent set of pretransplant biopsies (n = 96) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The AUROC when using 13 genes with three donor characteristics (age, race, body mass index) was 0.821. Subsequently, a risk score was calculated using this combination for each patient in the validation cohort, demonstrating the translational feasibility of using gene markers as prognostic tools. These findings support the potential of pretransplant transcriptomic biomarkers as novel instruments for improving posttransplant outcome predictions and associated management.

Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplant: Risk Factors, Consequences and Prevention Strategies

Background. Delayed graft function is a frequent complication of kidney transplantation that requires dialysis in the first week posttransplant. Materials and Methods. We searched for the most relevant articles in the National Institutes of Health library of medicine, as well as in transplantation, pharmacologic, and nephrological journals. Results. The main factors that may influence the development of delayed graft function (DGF) are ischemia–reperfusion injury, the source and the quality of the donated kidney, and the clinical management of the recipient. The pathophysiology of ischemia–reperfusion injury is complex and involves kidney hypoxia related to the duration of warm and cold ischemia, as well as the harmful effects of blood reperfusion on tubular epithelial cells and endothelial cells. Ischemia–reperfusion injury is more frequent and severe in kidneys from deceased donors than in those from living donors. Of great importance is the quality and function of the donated kidney. Kidneys from living donors and those with normal function can provide better results. In the peri-operative management of the recipient, great attention should be paid to hemodynamic stability and blood pressure; nephrotoxic medicaments should be avoided. Over time, patients with DGF may present lower graft function and survival compared to transplant recipients without DGF. Maladaptation repair, mitochondrial dysfunction, and acute rejection may explain the worse long-term outcome in patients with DGF. Many different strategies meant to prevent DGF have been evaluated, but only prolonged perfusion of dopamine and hypothermic machine perfusion have proven to be of some benefit. Whenever possible, a preemptive transplant from living donor should be preferred.

Doxycycline Alters the Porcine Renal Proteome and Degradome during Hypothermic Machine Perfusion

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a hallmark for tissue injury in donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidneys. The implementation of hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) provides a platform for improved preservation of DCD kidneys. Doxycycline administration has shown protective effects during IRI. Therefore, we explored the impact of doxycycline on proteolytic degradation mechanisms and the urinary proteome of perfused kidney grafts. Porcine kidneys underwent 30 min of warm ischemia, 24 h of oxygenated HMP (control/doxycycline) and 240 min of ex vivo reperfusion. A proteomic analysis revealed distinctive clustering profiles between urine samples collected at T15 min and T240 min. High-efficiency undecanal-based N-termini (HUNTER) kidney tissue degradomics revealed significantly more proteolytic activity in the control group at T-10. At T240, significantly more proteolytic activity was observed in the doxycycline group, indicating that doxycycline alters protein degradation during HMP. In conclusion, doxycycline administration during HMP led to significant proteomic and proteolytic differences and protective effects by attenuating urinary NGAL levels. Ultimately, we unraveled metabolic, and complement and coagulation pathways that undergo alterations during machine perfusion and that could be targeted to attenuate IRI induced injury.

Shifting Paradigms for Suppressing Fibrosis in Kidney Transplants: Supplementing Perfusion Solutions With Anti-fibrotic Drugs

Great efforts have been made toward addressing the demand for donor kidneys. One of the most promising approaches is to use kidneys from donation after circulatory death donors. These kidneys, however, suffer from more severe ischemia and reperfusion injury than those obtained via donation after brain death and are thus more prone to develop interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Even though machine perfusion is increasingly used to reduce ischemia and reperfusion injury, there are no effective treatments available to ameliorate interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, forcing patients to resume dialysis, undergo re-transplantation, or suffer from premature death. Safe and effective anti-fibrotic therapies are therefore greatly desired. We propose a new therapeutic approach in which machine perfusion solutions are supplemented with anti-fibrotic compounds. This allows the use of higher concentrations than those used in humans whilst eliminating side effects in other organs. To the authors' knowledge, no one has reviewed whether such an approach could reduce interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy; we therefore set out to explore its merit. In this review, we first provide background information on ischemia and reperfusion injury as well as interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, after which we describe currently available approaches for preserving donor kidneys. We then present an evaluation of selected compounds. To identify promising compounds, we analyzed publications describing the effects of anti-fibrotic molecules in precision-cut kidneys slices, which are viable explants that can be cultured ex vivo for up to a few days whilst retaining functional and structural features. LY2109761, galunisertib, imatinib, nintedanib, and butaprost were shown to exert anti-fibrotic effects in slices within a relatively short timeframe (<48 h) and are therefore considered to be excellent candidates for follow-up ex vivo machine perfusion studies.

Recipient efficacy and safety of kidney transplantation from older living donor: consideration for using older kidney as a solution to the shortage of organs

Background

As a solution to organ shortages, studies on kidney transplantation (KT) from older donors are being conducted. However, many controversies remain about its safety and efficacy.

Methods

In Samsung Medical Center, from January 2000 to May 2015, 1,141 patients underwent living KT. Cases of retransplantation, recipient and donor aged younger than 18 years, and multiorgan transplantation were excluded, and a total of 859 cases were selected. Analysis was performed by dividing the patents into two groups a younger donor group (donors <60 years old; n=826) and an older donor group (donors ≥60 years old; n=33).

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in patient death (log-rank P=0.173) or in postoperative complications. The older donor group had a higher acute rejection (P=0.034; hazard ratio [HR], 1.704) and graft failure rate (P=0.029, HR=2.352). There was no significant difference in the trend of estimated glomerular filtration rate over time (P=0.189).

Conclusions

KT using kidneys from old-aged donors is safe, but there is room for improvement due to problems with higher acute rejection and graft failure rate.

Rate, Factors, and Outcome of Delayed Graft Function After Kidney Transplantation of Deceased Donors

BACKGROUND

Delayed graft function (DGF) is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation affecting long-term outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 525 consecutive recipients (age 54.2 ± 13.4 years, 33% female) of kidneys from deceased donors transplanted between 2005 and 2012 were retrospectively examined. DGF was defined as the need of dialysis within the first week after transplantation.

RESULTS

DGF developed in 21.1% (n = 111). Factors associated with DGF (P ≤ .035, respectively) were recipient body mass index, C-reactive protein of the recipient, residual diuresis, cold ischemia time, donor age, and diuresis in the first hour after transplantation. Median duration of DGF was 16 (2-66) days. Patients after DGF had a significantly lower GFR compared with recipients without DGF either after 3 (32.9 ± 16.5 vs 46.3 ± 18.4 mL/min/1.73 m²) or after 12 months (38.9 ± 19.3 vs 48.6 ± 20.4 mL/min/1.73 m², P < .001, resp.). During DGF, 12.4% developed BANFF II and 18.0% BANFF I rejection, 20.2% had signs of transplant glomerulitis (first biopsy), and 16.2% (n = 18) remained on dialysis.

CONCLUSION

DGF affects 1 out of 5 kidney transplants from deceased donors. Minimizing modifiable risk factors, in particular immunologic risk, may ameliorate the incidence and outcome of DGF. The outcome of DGF depends mainly on the diagnosis of any rejection and worsens upon detection of transplant glomerulitis and pronounced interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA).

Quality Assessment of Donor Kidneys and the Tendency of Kidney Acceptance: A Single-Center Experience

PURPOSE

The increasing age of donors and the increasing tendency of comorbidities requires an extension in acceptance criteria. In this review, the tendency for acceptance and refusal was analyzed by examining reasons for declining donor kidneys at the kidney transplantation center in Debrecen. This analysis aimed to assess the quality of donor kidneys and indicate why two-thirds of donated organs were refused.

METHOD

Our center in Debrecen received 535 kidney offers (based on exclusion criteria) between November 2016 and August 2019, which were retrospectively analyzed. Donor kidneys were evaluated using expanded criteria donor, kidney donor profile index (KDPI), and kidney donor risk index criteria systems.

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent (n = 189) of the kidneys offered to the center in Debrecen had been approved in advance, and later 63% (n = 119) were transplanted. Using the KDPI system, 41% of donors had a KDPI above 85, of which 23% were accepted, while acceptance of kidneys with a KDPI of 0 to 35 was around 70%. When examining causes of donor kidney refusal, 90% of the organs had donor quality problems, 13% had logistical cause (long cold ischemic time, large age difference between donor and recipient), and 10.5% had immunologic cause. In 13% of cases, the refusal of donor organs was due to the coexistence of several problems.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that high-risk donor organs were being refused in our center; however, they are being transplanted at a higher rate in other Eurotransplant centers. The decision to refuse or accept donor organs depends on several factors, including expected waiting time, patient's clinical characteristics, and quality of life.

Assessing the Outcome of Adult Kidney Transplantation from a Deceased Expanded Criteria Donor: A Descriptive Study

Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) creates a great burden on the quality of life. Patients after kidney transplantation have been reported to have a greater quality of life and better outcomes health outcomes. Therefore, it is important to optimize the best method of following well-constructed criteria such as the expanded criteria donor (ECD) to reduce the chances of rejection rate and deaths post-transplantation particularly in elderly patients in conjunction with the kidney profile donor index (KDPI). Methods This is a retrospective descriptive study of all patients who received kidney transplantation from a deceased donor from the ECD as well as ECD with donation after cardiac death (DCD) at St. Joseph Health Care Hospital over a 24 month time period from January 2017 to January 2019. All adult recipients from standard criteria donor (SCD) and living donors were excluded from the study. Results The study included 60 patients with 36 (60%) from the ECD and 24 (40%) were from the ECD/DCD group. The most common cause of ESRD among recipients was diabetes mellitus (DM) involving 23 (38.3%) of the patients. The creatinine outcome was the highest in the ECD/DCD group at one month (211 ± 71) and the lowest creatinine recorded was also in the ECD/DCD at 12 months (160 ± 78). Lastly, only four patients died in 12 months and only six recipients reported graft loss over 12 months. Conclusion Descriptive data of the included ECD/DCD showed increase trend in survivability of the recipients when used among the elderly, giving us more insight on the benefits of ECD/DCD transplantation.

Impact of pre-transplant biopsy on 5-year outcomes of expanded criteria donor kidney transplantation

AIM

Compared to Standard Criteria Donors (SCD), Expanded Criteria Donor (ECD) kidneys are associated with poorer outcomes, although pre-transplant biopsy may mitigate risks. This study assessed 5-year outcomes of deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients, comparing recipients of ECD allografts evaluated histologically to recipients of SCD and ECD kidneys assessed clinically.

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective study. From November 2005 to December 2009 (Era 1), donors were assessed clinically for suitability for kidney donation. From December 2009 to October 2017 (Era 2), kidneys from ECDs and diabetics underwent pre-transplant biopsy and were allocated based on Remuzzi score. Outcomes of Era 1 and 2 recipients were compared.

RESULTS

ECD kidney transplantation increased from 30.4% to 40.0% from Era 1 to 2. Univariable Cox regression, stratified by transplant era, found that 5-year graft loss was highest with Era 1 ECD (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.5, P = .027) while graft loss for Era 2 ECD recipients was similar to SCD recipients. There was no difference in 5-year recipient survival. Amongst Era 1 ECD recipients, 51.2% experienced rejection compared to 30.8-41.5% for other subgroups. Five-year eGFR was higher with Era 2 ECD at 48.4 (33.3-60.7) ml/min/1.73 m² compared to 42.2 (35.8-57.3) ml/min/1.73 m² for Era 1 ECD. However, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Introduction of pre-transplant biopsy assessment may be associated with improved outcomes of ECD kidney recipients such that they are now comparable to SCD kidney recipients, with benefits persisting over 5 years.

Comparison of kidney allograft survival in the Eurotransplant senior program after changing the allocation criteria in 2010-A single center experience

Aims

The European Senior Program (ESP) aims to avoid waiting list competition between younger and elderly patients applying for renal transplantation. By listing patients ≥65 years on a separate waiting list and locally allocating of grafts ≥65 years exclusively to this cohort, waiting and cold ischemia times are predicted to be shortened, potentially resulting in improved kidney transplantation outcomes. This study compared a historic cohort of renal transplant recipients being simultaneously listed on the general and the ESP waiting lists with a collective exclusively listed on the ESP list in terms of surrogates of the transplantation outcome.

Methods

Total 151 eligible patients ≥ 65 years from Münster transplant Center, Germany, between 1999 and 2014 were included. Graft function, graft and patient survival were compared using surrogate markers of short- and long-term graft function. Patients were grouped according to their time of transplantation.

Results

Recipients and donors in the newESP (nESP) cohort were significantly older (69.6 ± 3.5 years vs 67.1 ± 2 years, p<0.05; 72.0 ± 5.0 years vs 70.3 ± 5.0 years, p = 0.039), had significantly shorter dialysis vintage (19.6 ± 21.7 months vs 60.2 ± 28.1 months, p<0.001) and suffered from significantly more comorbidities (2.2 ± 0.9 vs 1.8 ± 0.8, p = 0.009) than the historic cohort (HC). Five-year death-censored graft survival was better than in the HC, but 5-year graft and patient survival were better in the ESP cohort. After 2005, cold ischemia time between groups was comparable. nESP grafts showed more primary function and significantly better long-term graft function 18 months after transplantation and onwards.

Conclusion

nESP recipients received significantly older grafts, but experienced significantly shorter time on dialysis. Cold ischemia times were comparable, but graft function in the nESP cohort was significantly better in the long term.

Implementing of Active Brain-Dead Donor Identification Strategy in a Single Donor Center: One Year Experience

Background and objectives: Organ shortage is considered to be a major limitation for increasing transplantation rates. Brain-dead donors (DBDs) are an important source of organs, but up to 50% of potential DBDs might not be identified. An active brain-dead donor search could potentially increase a deceased donor pool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an active potential DBD identification program and to evaluate one year impact on the potential organ donor pool in Lithuania‘s biggest medical institution. Materials and Methods: An organ donor coordinator service was established and active DBD search strategy was implemented in the hospital of LSMU Kauno Klinikos, and retrospective data analysis was performed between December 2016 and December 2017. Collected data was compared to the available data of the previous year in the same center and to the donation dynamics of the whole country. Results: A total of 6734 patients were treated in all intensive care units (ICU), and 234 (3.5%) of them were identified as possible donors. No increase in potential donor’s number was observed in study year (n = 34) compared to remote year (n = 37). No significant difference in potential donor’s demographic data, cause of death, family refusals and medical contraindication rates. Cerebral angiography (CA) repeated in 20% of potential donors in order to confirm brain death diagnosis. More potential donors for whom CA was repeated had decompressive craniectomy done (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.018). Decompressive craniectomy statistically significantly increases the rate of repeated CA (OR 12.7; 95% CI, 1.42–113.37; p = 0.023). Active search strategy increased length of hospital stay of potential donors comparing to previous year (3.97 ± 4.73 vs. 2.51 ± 2.63, p = 0.003). An optimal time of the first four days of hospitalization to identify a potential donor was observed during our study (OR 10.42; 95% CI, 4.29–25.34; p = 0.001). Conclusions: We were not able to demonstrate active donor identification strategy superiority over the passive strategy during a short one year period; nevertheless, valuable knowledge was gained in brain death diagnostics, new terminology was implemented, and the stability of actual donor numbers was observed in the experimental donor center in the light of decreasing national results. Long-term strategy is required to achieve sustainable results in organ donation.

How Early Postoperative Urinary Tract Infections Affect Renal Graft Function at 1-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs in 21% of kidney recipients within the first 3 months after transplantation (KTx). It is associated with impaired graft function. Ureteral stent placement increases the occurrence of UTIs. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between double-J placement, UTI incidence, and graft function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted an observational study in 753 patients transplanted between 2010 and 2017 in compliance with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration. Recipients with preserved graft function at the 1-year follow-up were included. Medical records were searched for intraoperative double-J placement, UTI incidence, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on the 30th and 360th days post-transplant. Pretransplant hypothetical estimated GFR (heGFR) of each donor was calculated from donors' age and physiological age-dependent loss of functional nephrons. Spearman's correlation and linear regression analyses were applied. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

UTIs occurred in 239 (31.8%) patients. On the 30th day after KTx, eGFR was significantly lower in the UTI group (median, 39.5 vs 43.2; P < .01). A similar pattern was seen 1 year after KTx (47.5 vs 54.2; P < .01). Urinary stents were placed in 213 (28.3%) patients. UTIs occurred in 92 (43.2%) of them and in 147 (27.2%) of nonstented patients (odds ratio: 2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-2.8; P < .01). Median donor heGFR was 105.8 mL/min/1.73 m², whereas median donor Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) GFR was 64.2 mL/min/1.73 m². A moderate correlation between age-adjusted heGFR and 1-year transplant function (r = .47) was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

UTIs in the early post-transplant period decreased 1-year eGFR by 4 to 5 mL/min/1.73 m². UTIs occurred twice as often when a urinary stent was placed.

Early Postoperative Complications and Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Moderately Obese Patients

BACKGROUND

Obese renal transplant recipients (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m²) are at risk of delayed graft function and postoperative complications, such as infections or delayed wound healing. There is also a tendency to exclude extremely obese patients from transplantation (KTx). Nonetheless, no association between obesity and increased mortality has been reported. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of BMI on the most common surgical and infectious complications after KTx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An observational study in 872 patients transplanted from 2010-2017 was conducted. Median BMI was 24.6 (13.9-34.3), and 8.3% of the group was obese. Patient records were searched for early postoperative complications: lymphocele or hematoma (>33 mL), urinary leakage, or urinary tract infection (UTI). Mann-Whitney U and χ² or Fisher exact tests were used. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. The study complies with the Helsinki Congress and the Istanbul Declaration.

RESULTS

Renal primary nonfunction was observed in 1.4% (12/872) of patients. Surgical or infectious complications occurred in 52.7% (453/860) of patients. No correlation between BMI and complication rate was noted. Complications were observed in 56.9% (41/72) of obese vs 52.3% (412/788) of nonobese patients (P = .448), including lymphocele in 15.3% vs 16.4% (P = .810), hematoma in 22.2% vs 19.2% (P = .530), urinary leakage in 1.4% vs 4.6% (P = .203), and UTI in 31.9% vs 32.9% (P = .873), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Recipient's BMI has no significant association with the most common surgical complications after KTx. There is no need to delay KTx in moderately obese patients.

Machine Perfusion of Extended Criteria Donor Organs: Immunological Aspects

Due to higher vulnerability and immunogenicity of extended criteria donor (ECD) organs used for organ transplantation (Tx), the discovery of new treatment strategies, involving tissue allorecognition pathways, is important. The implementation of machine perfusion (MP) led to improved estimation of the organ quality and introduced the possibility to achieve graft reconditioning prior to Tx. A significant number of experimental and clinical trials demonstrated increasing support for MP as a promising method of ECD organ preservation compared to classical static cold storage. MP reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury resulting in the protection from inadequate activation of innate immunity. However, there are no general agreements on MP protocols, and clinical application is limited. The objective of this comprehensive review is to summarize literature on immunological effects of MP of ECD organs based on experimental studies and clinical trials.

Transplantation of Marginal Organs: Immunological Aspects and Therapeutic Perspectives in Kidney Transplantation

Recent data from the World Population Prospects projects that, by 2050, nearly all regions in the world will have a quarter or more of the population aged 60 and above. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high global prevalence (~13%) worldwide, and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease increase with age. Kidney transplantation remains the best therapeutic option for end-stage kidney disease, offering a survival benefit in comparison with dialysis maintenance for most patients. This review focuses on immunological aspects of kidney transplantation in older patients and marginal donors, i.e., 60 years or older deceased kidney donors or 50–59 years old deceased kidney donors with comorbidities. Clinical outcomes of kidney recipients in terms of renal and patient survival are more than acceptable even for patients over 70. In this population, the first cause of graft loss is death with a functional graft. However, the inherent issues of these transplantations are the acceptance or refusal of frail kidney from an old donor and the increased immunogenicity of these organs in balance with potential frail and immunosenescent recipients. Finally, the immunosuppressive regimen itself is a challenge for the future of the transplant, to prevent adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity and higher risk of infections or cancer in a population already at risk. Belatacept may have a good place in the immunosuppressive strategy to improve efficacy and the safety posttransplantation.

Optimization of tacrolimus in kidney transplantation: New pharmacokinetic perspectives

Tacrolimus is the cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapy after kidney transplantation (KT), but its use is complicated by a narrow therapeutic index and high inter- and intra-patient pharmacokinetic variability. There are three available oral formulations of tacrolimus: immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac), extended-release tacrolimus (ER-Tac) and a MeltDose® (LCPT) formulation, the latter favoring a prolonged drug release and increased bioavailability. The time-concentration curves of these formulations are different. Compared with IR-Tac and ER-Tac, LCPT has a relatively flat pharmacokinetic profile with less fluctuation between trough and peak exposures, and a delayed peak concentration. This translates to a more stable delivery of tacrolimus and may alleviate the risk of underexposure and allograft rejection or overexposure and toxicity. The once-daily formulation of both ER-TAC and LCPT may also offer a potential advantage on patient adherence. Fast metabolizers of tacrolimus, the elderly, and human leukocyte antigen-sensitized patients are at risk of poorer outcomes after KT, possibly associated with a different exhibited pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus or different requirements in terms of exposure. Simple, practical strategies are needed to identify patients at risk of suboptimal KT outcomes and those who would benefit from a more proactively personalized approach to tacrolimus treatment. This review aims to increase awareness of the link between the pharmacokinetics of oral tacrolimus formulations and the clinical needs of patients after KT, particularly among those who have clinically significant pharmacokinetic variation of tacrolimus.

[Control and prevention of kidney transplant rejection: the role and possibilities for the clinical use of regulatory T-cells in transplantation]

This article discusses the need to implement effective methods for monitoring immune status and rehabilitation of patients after kidney transplantation. Induction of immunological tolerance which allows minimizing or even completely canceling supportive immunosuppressive therapy is one of the key tasks in the field of organ transplantation. Regulatory T-cells (TREGs) play an important role in maintaining immunological homeostasis, including limiting kidney transplant rejection, and potentially contribute to the development of immunological tolerance. At the same time, for the introduction of TREG therapy into clinical practice, it is necessary to overcome a number of unsolved problems, such as induction and cultivation of a sufficient number of TREG cells for therapeutic action as well as reducing the risks associated with TREG conversion to effector lymphocytes or an undesirable non-specific immunosuppressive effect. This review examines both the impact of common post-transplant pharmacological immunosuppression approaches on TREGs and the therapeutic potential of TREG cell cultures in prevention of kidney transplant rejection. The questions of ex vivo TREG manufacturing process and possible threats of applying cell technologies in this branch of transplantology were considered.

Immunosuppression reduction in kidney transplant recipients during bacterial infection-A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression reduction is a common practice in the management of bacterial infection among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This practice, however, is based on limited evidence.

METHODS

Retrospective study comparing clinical outcomes of KTRs whose antimetabolite was discontinued vs continued during hospitalization due to bacterial infection, considering calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) levels. Primary outcome was a composite of clinical failure at day 5; all-cause mortality; and/or re-hospitalization at 90 days. Multivariable analysis of risk factors for the primary outcome was performed using a propensity-matched cohort.

RESULTS

We included 183 KTRs hospitalized with bacterial infection. Neither discontinuation of antimetabolites nor lower levels of CNI at infection onset were associated with a significant decrease the composite primary outcome. No significant difference in graft loss or rejection was demonstrated between patients with low vs high CNI levels or discontinuation vs continuation of antimetabolite. In multivariable analysis, CNI levels and management of antimetabolite were not significantly associated with adverse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppression reduction in hospitalized KTRs with bacterial infection did not offer a clinical advantage in terms of mortality, re-hospitalization, or clinical success. An interventional study evaluating continuation of immunosuppression vs reduction should be considered.

Increased Delta Neutrophil Index Is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Cadaver Donor Kidney Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Delta neutrophil index (DNI), representing an elevated fraction of circulating immature granulocyte in acute infection, has been reported as a useful, predictable marker for mortality in patients with sepsis. We have hypothesized that an increased recipient DNI is associated with poor prognosis in cadaver donor kidney transplantation.

METHODS

We investigated patients undergoing kidney transplantation from cadaver donors from March 2013 to January 2018. Rejection was diagnosed by kidney biopsy with Banff classification and excluded subclinical rejection.

RESULTS

In a total of 73 patients undergoing cadaver kidney transplantation, 25 (34.2%) patients were diagnosed with rejection based on the Banff classification. Among them, 11 patients were diagnosed with early rejection. The recipients' postoperative DNI (%) was different between patients with early rejection and patients without rejection (0.18 vs 1.21, P < .001). In the univariate logistic regression analysis, cold ischemic time, donor preoperative last creatinine level, postoperative DNI level, and perioperative infection were predictive of early rejection. However, in a multivariate adjusted logistic regression test, only a high level of DNI (odds ratio 12.307, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-129.82) was associated with early rejection. The C-statistic was 0.777 (95% CI 0.604-0.951, P = .004) for DNI. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the donor's last creatinine level (hazard ratio 2.25, 95% CI 1.26-4.13) and preoperative DNI (hazard ratio 14.02 95% CI 2.62-75.26) were predictors of renal survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased DNI in cadaver donor kidney transplantation recipients might be one of the predictive values of early kidney rejection and prognosis.

Phase Angle Is Associated With Handgrip Strength but Not With Sarcopenia in Kidney Transplantation Patients

OBJECTIVES

Phase angle (PhA) is a cell health marker and has been associated with muscle mass and strength in non-kidney disease individuals. However, it is unknown whether PhA is a predictor of sarcopenia and its components in kidney transplantation patients. The aim of the present study was to associate PhA with sarcopenia and its components in kidney transplantation patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty-nine kidney transplantation individuals were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. PhA and muscle mass were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance. Handgrip strength (HGS) was performed with a hand dynamometer and functional capacity with 4-m walk test. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the European Consensus Diagnostic Criteria for Sarcopenia. Participants were divided according to the PhA tercile, and 2 groups were evaluated: first versus second and third terciles, according to sex. The individuals in the first tercile had PhA values <5.8° and <6.2° for women and men, respectively.

RESULTS

Individuals in the lower tercile of PhA showed lower odds of having higher values of HGS (kg; odds ratio [OR] = 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82-0.97) and higher odds to have low HGS (OR = 5.97; 95% CI: 1.05-33.98). However, PhA was not associated with sarcopenia (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 0.71-5.39), low muscle mass index (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.41-3.36), and low functional capacity (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 0.45-13.48).

CONCLUSION

PhA was associated with HGS but not with sarcopenia and its other components. These results suggest that PhA can be used as a possible predictor of muscle strength in kidney transplantation patients.

Experiences With Expanded Criteria Donors: 10-Year Analysis of the Martin, Slovakia Transplant Center

OBJECTIVES

Kidneys from expanded criteria donors with diagnosis of brain death have become a part of the organ transplant program, which have thus increased the number of transplants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we identified the expanded criteria donors in a group of 156 kidney donors at our center. Basic parameters of the donors before kidney recovery were collected. Graft function, graft survival, and patient survival at 1, 3, and 5 years posttransplant were compared in expanded criteria versus standard criteria donors.

RESULTS

Expanded criteria donors were significantly older than standard criteria donors (P < .001), had higher body mass index (P = .006), and had more frequent arterial hypertension (P < .001) and diabetes mellitus (P = .004) in their histories. When we considered the estimated glomerular filtration rate, graft function in the first 6 months after transplant was significantly worse in kidneys from expanded criteria donors (P = .011). In addition, recipients of grafts from expanded criteria donors had significantly worse survival in the first year posttransplant (P = .023); however, no differences in graft survival were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

From the long-term aspect, graft function and graft and patient survival in cases of kidneys from expanded criteria donors were comparable to results with kidneys from standard criteria donors. Expanded use of organs available for transplant is important due to the constantly increasing demands versus limited offers of organs.

Endovascular Treatment of Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: Evaluation of Postoperative Outcomes and Risk Factors for Recurrence

Angioplasty with or without stenting has become a well-established procedure to treat transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). We evaluated our experience on postoperative outcomes following the intervention and identified potential predictive factors of TRAS recurrence. Consecutive patients who underwent endovascular treatment of TRAS were retrospectively reviewed. The study end points were the technical success, 30-day postoperative complications, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Thirty-two patients underwent endovascular treatment for TRAS. The technical success rate was 96.6%. Complications were observed for 7 (21.9%) patients: 4 had a dissection, 2 a pseudoaneurysm, and 1 (3.1%) patient developed an acute pulmonary edema. The mean eGFR significantly increased at 7 days, 3 months, and 6 months postintervention (43.1, 44.9, and 44.3 vs 33.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 preoperatively, P < .05). The TRAS recurrence was observed in 7 (21.9%) patients. These patients had significantly higher preoperative peak systolic velocity and systolic rise time (5 vs 4 m/s, P = .0383 and 103 vs 80 milliseconds, P = .0148, respectively). Endovascular treatment of TRAS is associated with high technical success and significant improvement in renal function. Further studies are required to confirm predictive factors of TRAS recurrence following endovascular treatment.

A technique for the salvage of megafistulas allowing immediate dialysis access

OBJECTIVE

Almost two million individuals are undergoing renal replacement therapy worldwide, with hemodialysis being the common form. Many factors influence the primary patency of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), including vessel size, fistula flow rates, cannulation practice, and thrombotic tendencies. Excess dilation of the AVF, resulting in the development of a megafistula, is a complication that can result in a need for AVF revision and subsequent failure.

METHODS

The charts of patients who underwent autogenous AVF revision because of the development of a megafistula with aneurysmectomy and vein transposition by a single surgeon during a 7-year period from 2009 through 2016 were reviewed. A technique is described in which after aneurysmorrhaphy, the repaired venous component of the AVF is transposed through a new tunnel while the vein is rotated 90 degrees. This allows the AVF to be accessed immediately, making placement of a tunneled dialysis catheter unnecessary.

RESULTS

There were 102 patients included in the study, with follow-up ranging from 7 to 95 months. In our cohort, 92 of the 102 revised AVFs (90.2%) maintained primary functional patency. Of the 102 patients who underwent this revision technique, there were 10 fistulas that subsequently failed after a mean of 29 months. There were only seven patients who experienced recurrent fistula dilation requiring repeated aneurysmectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a technique for management of the development of a megafistula that uses only autogenous tissue and, perhaps most important, eliminates the need for temporary dialysis catheter placement.

Evolving Trends in Racial Disparities for Peri-Operative Outcomes with the New Kidney Allocation System (KAS) Implementation

INTRODUCTION

To improve kidney transplant allocation equitability, a new Kidney Allocation System (KAS) was implemented December 4, 2014. The purpose of this study was to determine if the impact of KAS on peri-operative outcomes differed by recipient race/ethnicity.

METHODS

This was a time series analysis using data aggregated in monthly intervals from October 2012 through September 2015 using the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC). This includes national data aggregated at the center level of all US kidney transplant centers that participate in the UHC (416 centers). Segmented regression with interaction terms was used to determine the impact of KAS on outcomes and differences by race/ethnicity.

RESULTS

A total of 28,809 deceased donor kidney transplants were included with 25 months of pre-KAS data and 10 months of post-KAS data. After KAS implementation, the estimated transplant rate per month decreased significantly for Caucasians by 17.6 cases per month (p = 0.0001), and increased significantly for AAs by 37.8 (p = 0.0001), Hispanics by 16.3 (p = 0.0001), and other races by 8.2 cases per month (p = 0.0001). Delayed graft function, 7- and 14-day readmissions significantly increased after KAS, which did not differ by race. Hispanics saw a 7.7% decrease in ICU admissions after KAS, which differed as compared to other racial/ethnic cohorts (p = 0.0026). Costs of kidney transplantation increased significantly after KAS in all groups except Hispanics. Mortality, length of stay, in-hospital complications, and 30-day readmissions were not significantly impacted by KAS, also not differing by race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSION

KAS had substantial impact on transplant rates by race/ethnicity. KAS also led to increased costs, readmissions, and delayed graft function (DGF) across all racial/ethnic groups. The impact of KAS on ICU cases solely within Hispanics requires further investigation into potential etiologies.

Results of Kidney Transplantation from Expanded Criteria Donors: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Collection of kidneys from extended criteria donors (ECD) with diagnosed brain-death forms a part of the collection program that increases the number of transplantations.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the results of ECD with those of standard criteria donors (SCD).

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis in a group of 156 kidney donors, we identified ECD donors. We detected the basic parameters of the donors before kidney collection, and then evaluated the function of the graft, the survival of the graft, and the survival of the patients after 1, 3, and 5 years of transplantation. The results were then compared with the function of the graft from those of SCD donors.

RESULTS

The ECD donors were significantly (p<0.001) older than the SCD donors. They had a higher body mass index (p=0.006) and prevalence of hypertension (p<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.004) compared to SCD donors. The graft function within the first 6 months and the survival of recipients in the first year of transplantation were significantly worse in ECD than in SCD groups (p=0.01, and 0.023, respectively). No difference in the graft survival was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The long-term function of the graft and survival of patients and grafts in recipients of kidneys from ECD donors are comparable to SCD donors. Exploitation of the given organs for transplantation is important due to the constantly increasing demand versus limited offer of organs.

Association of Clinical Events With Everolimus Exposure in Kidney Transplant Patients Receiving Low Doses of Tacrolimus

A key objective in the use of immunosuppression after kidney transplantation is to attain the optimal balance between efficacy and safety. In a phase 3b, multicenter, randomized, open-label, noninferiority study, the incidences of clinical events, renal dysfunction, and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed at 12 months in 309 de novo renal transplant recipients receiving everolimus (EVR), low-dose tacrolimus (LTac), and prednisone. Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to estimate the probability of clinical events at specified combinations of time-normalized EVR and Tac trough concentrations. At 12 months, the highest incidence of treated biopsy-proven acute rejection (tBPAR) and graft loss occurred most often in patients with EVR trough concentration <3 ng/mL (64.7% and 10.5%, respectively). At 1 month and 12 months, increasing EVR levels were associated with fewer tBPAR events (both p < 0.0001). Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and decreased eGFR occurred more often in patients with lower EVR and higher Tac levels. AEs were most often observed in patients with EVR levels <3 ng/mL. This study supports maintaining an EVR trough concentration of 3-8 ng/mL, when combined with LTac, to achieve balanced efficacy and safety in renal transplant recipients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01025817.

[Deceased donation in renal transplantation]

OBJECTIVES

To review epidemiologic data's and medical results of deceased donation in renal transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Relevant publications were identified through Medline (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) and Embase (http://www.embase.com) database using the following keywords, alone or in association, "brain death; cardiac arrest; deceased donation; organ procurement; transplantation". Articles were selected according to methods, language of publication and relevance. The reference lists were used to identify additional historical studies of interest. Both prospective and retrospective series, in French and English, as well as review articles and recommendations were selected. In addition, French national transplant and health agencies (http://www.agence-biomedecine.fr and http://www.has-sante.fr) databases were screened using identical keywords. A total of 2498 articles, 8 official reports and 17 newspaper articles were identified; after careful selection 157 publications were eligible for our review.

RESULTS

Deceased donation may involve either brain death or non-heartbeating donors (NHBD). Organ shortage led to the procurement of organs from expanded-criteria donors, with an increased age at donation and extended vascular disease, leading to inferior results after transplantation and underlining the need for careful donor management during brain death or cardiac arrest. Evolution of French legislation covering bioethics allowed procurement from Maastricht categories II and recently III non-heartbeating donors.

CONCLUSION

The increase of organ shortage emphasizes the need for a rigorous surgical technique during procurement to avoid loss of transplants. A history or current neoplasm in deceased-donors, requires attention to increase the pool of organs without putting the recipients at risk for cancer transmission. French NHBD program, especially from Maastricht category III, may stand for a potential source of valuable organs.