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Scalea JR, Redfield RR, Arpali E, Leverson GE, Bennett RJ, Anderson ME, Kaufman DB, Fernandez LA, D'Alessandro AM, Foley DP, Mezrich JD. Does DCD Donor Time-to-Death Affect Recipient Outcomes? Implications of Time-to-Death at a High-Volume Center in the United States. Am J Transplant 2017; 17:191-200. [PMID: 27375072 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For donation after circulatory death (DCD), many centers allow 1 h after treatment withdrawal to donor death for kidneys. Our center has consistently allowed 2 h. We hypothesized that waiting longer would be associated with worse outcome. A single-center, retrospective analysis of DCD kidneys transplanted between 2008 and 2013 as well as a nationwide survey of organ procurement organization DCD practices were conducted. We identified 296 DCD kidneys, of which 247 (83.4%) were transplanted and 49 (16.6%) were discarded. Of the 247 recipients, 225 (group 1; 91.1%) received kidneys with a time to death (TTD) of 0-1 h; 22 (group 2; 8.9%) received grafts with a TTD of 1-2 h. Five-year patient survival was 88.8% for group 1, and 83.9% for group 2 (p = 0.667); Graft survival was also similar, with 5-year survival of 74.1% for group 1, and 83.9% for group 2 (p = 0.507). The delayed graft function rate was the same in both groups (50.2% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.984). TTD was not predictive of graft failure. Nationally, the average maximum wait-time for DCD kidneys was 77.2 min. By waiting 2 h for DCD kidneys, we performed 9.8% more transplants without worse outcomes. Nationally, this practice would allow for hundreds of additional kidney transplants, annually.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Scalea
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - R R Redfield
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - E Arpali
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - G E Leverson
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - R J Bennett
- University of Wisconsin Organ and Tissue Donation, Madison, WI
| | - M E Anderson
- University of Wisconsin Organ and Tissue Donation, Madison, WI
| | - D B Kaufman
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - L A Fernandez
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - A M D'Alessandro
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - D P Foley
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - J D Mezrich
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
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Kanta Goswami S, Banerjee S, Saha P, Chakraborty P, Kabir SN, Karimzadeh MA, Mohammadian F, Mashayekhy M, Saldeen P, Kallen K, Karlstrom PO, Rodrigues-Wallberg KA, Salerno A, Nazzaro A, Di Iorio L, Marino S, Granato C, Landino G, Pastore E, Ghoshdastidar B, Chakraborty C, Ghoshdastidar BN, Ghoshdastidar S, Partsinevelos GA, Papamentzelopoulou M, Mavrogianni D, Marinopoulos S, Dinopoulou V, Theofanakis C, Anagnostou E, Loutradis D, Franz C, Nieuwland R, Montag M, Boing A, Rosner S, Germeyer A, Strowitzki T, Toth B, Mohamed M, Vlismas A, Sabatini L, Caragia A, Collins B, Leach A, Zosmer A, Al-Shawaf T, Beyhan Z, Fisch JD, Danner C, Keskintepe L, Aydin Y, Ayca P, Oge T, Hassa H, Papanikolaou E, Pados G, Grimbizis G, Bili H, Karastefanou K, Fatemi H, Kyrou D, Humaidan P, Tarlatzis B, Gungor F, Karamustafaoglu B, Iyibozkurt AC, Ozsurmeli M, Bastu E, Buyru F, Di Emidio G, Vitti M, Mancini A, Baldassarra T, D'Alessandro AM, Polsinelli F, Tatone C, Leperlier F, Lammers J, Dessolle L, Lattes S, Barriere P, Freour T, Elodie P, Assou S, Van den Abbeel E, Arce JC, Hamamah S, Assou S, Dechaud H, Haouzi D, Van den Abbeel E, Arce JC, Hamamah S, Tiplady S, Johnson S, Jones G, Ledger W, Eizadyar N, Ahmad Nia S, Seyed Mirzaie M, Azin SA, Yazdani Safa M, Onaran Y, Iltemir Duvan C, Keskin E, Ayrim A, Kafali H, Kadioglu N, Guler B, Var T, Cicek MN, Batioglu AS, Lichtblau I, Olivennes F, de Mouzon J, Dumont M, Junca AM, Cohen-Bacrie M, Hazout A, Belloc S, Cohen-Bacrie P, Allegra A, Marino A, Sammartano F, Coffaro F, Scaglione P, Gullo S, Volpes A, Cohen-Bacrie P, Cohen-Bacrie M, Hazout A, Lichtblau I, Dumont M, Junca AM, Belloc S, Prisant N, de Mouzon J, Saare M, Vaidla K, Salumets A, Peters M, Jindal UN, Thakur M, Shvell V, Diamond MP, Awonuga AO, Veljkovic M, Macanovic B, Milacic I, Borogovac D, Arsic B, Pavlovic D, Lekic D, Bojovic Jovic D, Garalejic E, Jayaprakasan K, Eljabu H, Hopkisson J, Campbell B, Raine-Fenning N, Kop P, van Wely M, Mol BW, Melker AA, Janssens PMW, Nap A, Arends B, Roovers JPWR, Ruis H, Repping S, van der Veen F, Mochtar MH, Sargin A, Yilmaz N, Gulerman C, Guven A, Polat B, Ozel M, Bardakci Y, Vidal C, Giles J, Remohi J, Pellicer A, Garrido N, Javdani M, Fallahzadeh H, Davar R, Sheibani H, Leary C, Killick S, Sturmey RG, Kim SG, Lee KH, Park IH, Sun HG, Lee JH, Kim YY, Choi EM, Van Loendersloot LL, Van Wely M, Repping S, Bossuyt PMM, Van Der Veen F, Roychoudhury Sarkar M, Roy D, Sahu R, Bhattacharya J, Eguiluz Gutierrez- Barquin I, Sanchez Sanchez V, Torres Afonso A, Alvarez Sanchez M, De Leon Socorro S, Molina Cabrillana J, Seara Fernandez S, Garcia Hernandez JA, Ozkan ZS, Simsek M, Kumbak B, Atilgan R, Sapmaz E, Agirregoikoa JA, DePablo JL, Abanto E, Gonzalez M, Anarte C, Barrenetxea G, Aleyasin A, Mahdavi A, Agha Hosseini M, Safdarian L, Fallahi P, Bahmaee F, Guler B, Kadioglu N, Sarikaya E, Cicek MN, Batioglu AS, Segawa T, Teramoto S, Tsuchiyama S, Miyauchi O, Watanabe Y, Ohkubo T, Shozu M, Ishikawa H, Yelian F, Papaioannou S, Knowles T, Aslam M, Milnes R, Takashima A, Takeshita N, Kinoshita T, Chapman MG, Kilani S, Ledger W, Dadras N, Parsanezhad ME, Zolghadri J, Younesi M, Floehr J, Dietzel E, Wessling J, Neulen J, Rosing B, Tan S, Jahnen-Dechent W, Lee KS, Joo JK, Son JB, Joo BS, Risquez F, Confino E, Llavaneras F, Marval I, D'Ommar G, Gil M, Risquez M, Lozano L, Paublini A, Piras M, Risquez A, Prochazka R, Blaha M, Nemcova L, Weghofer A, Kim A, Barad DH, Gleicher N, Kilic Y, Bastu E, Ergun B, Howard B, Weiss H, Doody K, Dietzel E, Wessling J, Floehr J, Schafer C, Ensslen S, Denecke B, Neulen J, Veitinger T, Spehr M, Tropartz T, Tolba R, Egert A, Schorle H, Jahnen-Dechent W, Bastu E, Alanya S, Yumru H, Ergun B. FEMALE (IN)FERTILITY. Hum Reprod 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/27.s2.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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D'Alessandro AM, Peltier JW, Dahl AJ. The impact of social, cognitive and attitudinal dimensions on college students' support for organ donation. Am J Transplant 2012; 12:152-61. [PMID: 21992480 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2011.03783.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates how college students can be social support catalysts for organ donation and how social, cognitive and attitudinal dimensions impact organ donor registration. A total of 317 people participated in the exploratory portion of the project and a total of 1800 responses were obtained from an online survey to members of a national student organization. The findings show that perceptions of the benefits of organ donation and altruistic motives had the greatest impact on the support for organ donation while respondents' knowledge about how to register to be an organ donor was the dominant dimension for donor registration status. Social-based communications had the next greatest impact for both support and donor registration. Based on the findings, an 18-month social media campaign was launched with the student organization that had 20 421 website visitors, 4473 Facebook members, 1189 YouTube video submissions with 164 000 views, motivated 19 623 people to go to a state's organ donor registration page, and had 9000 documented organ donor registrations. Within the student organization, organ donor registration increased by 28%. On the basis of these project results, Donate Life America and other sponsors have provided funding for two additional years.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Department of Liver Transplantation, UW Organ Procurement Organization, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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4
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Peltier JW, D'Alessandro AM, Hsu M, Schibrowsky JA. A hierarchical communication model of the antecedents of health care professionals' support for donations after cardiac death. Am J Transplant 2011; 11:591-8. [PMID: 21299836 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2010.03433.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Using structural equation modeling, the direct and indirect impact of five variables on the support of donation after cardiac death from the perspective of health care professionals were investigated: knowledge, trust in the transplant team, whether patients are in a state of irreversibility, whether health care professionals participate in a patient's death, and perceptions about the brain death versus cardiac death donation process. In total, 10/15 relationships posited in the model had significant pathways. The results provide insight into sequential communication strategies for generating support for donations after cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Peltier
- Department of Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, McFarland, WI, USA.
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Pietropaoli D, Tatone C, D'Alessandro AM, Monaco A. Possible involvement of advanced glycation end products in periodontal diseases. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2010; 23:683-91. [PMID: 20943037 DOI: 10.1177/039463201002300301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontal diseases are considered as multifactorial conditions initiated by infection with pathogenic bacteria, promoted by inflammation and immune response against bacteria and modified by different environmental and genetic factors. Recently, interest in periodontal diseases has been increasing due to the awareness that the hyperinflammatory status associated with this disorder could impose a significant increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) relevant to numerous systemic diseases driven by a pro-oxidant profile. A highly complex interplay occurs between oxidative stress and AGEs (Advanced Glycation End products), a group of heterogeneous compounds that form constantly under physiologic conditions, although their rate of formation is markedly increased in hyperglycemia and oxidizing conditions. Starting from the most relevant hypotheses on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, the present review outlines its relationship with oxidative stress and inflammation response in order to make a critical evaluation of the potential role of AGEs in periodontal deterioration. Although direct evidence for the presence of AGEs in the periodontal ligament is still lacking, valuable approaches based on the use of periodontal cells along with genetic and biochemical studies in animal models and chronic periodontal patients support a potential role for protein glycation in the aetiology and severity of this disease. Following a review of the current literature, the present study highlights the need for further investigation on the presence of AGEs in the periodontal ligament as a means for the comprehension of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying periodontal diseases in order to develop prevention and treatment modalities for this dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pietropaoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Yagci G, Fernandez LA, Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Chin LT, Musat AI, Lucey MR, Said A, Pirsch JD, Leverson G, Kalayoglu M. The impact of donor variables on the outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatitis C. Transplant Proc 2008; 40:219-23. [PMID: 18261591 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Morphologic characteristics of the graft have been proposed as a major contributor to the long-term outcomes in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Our objective was to determine the impact of donor variables, including donor age, donor-recipient HLA match, and type of donation (DCD vs donation after brain death [DBD]), on the outcome of OLT in 192 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Fourteen patients underwent OLT from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors and 188 from DBD donors. Mean donor age, warm ischemia time at recovery, and cold ischemia time were similar between the groups. Overall graft survival rate at 1 year (55% DCD vs 85% DBD) and 5 years (46% DCD vs 78% DBD) was significantly lower in the DCD group (P = .0003). Similarly, patient survival rate at 1 year (62% DCD vs 93% DBD) and 5 years (62% DCD vs 82% DBD) was significantly lower in the DCD group (P = .0295). Incidences of hepatic artery thrombosis, portal vein thrombosis, and primary nonfunction were similar between the DCD and DBD groups. The incidence of liver abscess with ischemic-type biliary stricture was higher in recipients from DCD as compared with DBD (42% vs 2%). A trend toward lower graft survival was noted in recipients from donors older than 60 years of age in the HCV population (P = .07), with statistically lower patient survival (P = .02). Donor- recipient HLA matching did not appear to correlate with OLT outcome in patients with HCV. DCD donors and donors older than 60 years of age significantly impact patient and graft survival. Lower graft and patient survival in recipients from DCD donors does not appear to be related to early disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Yagci
- Division of Transplantation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
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D'Alessandro AM, Peltier JW, Phelps JE. Increasing organ donations after cardiac death by increasing DCD support among health care professionals: a case report. Am J Transplant 2008; 8:897-904. [PMID: 18324979 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2008.02155.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This case report focuses on the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Organ Procurement Organization (UWHC-OPO) efforts to produce a verifiable and demonstrable increase in organ donations by developing a replicable, transferable and feasible model intervention for increasing health care professionals' support for donation after cardiac death (DCD). A grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services funded a 3-year study allowing the UWHC-OPO to (i) identify barriers to and opportunities for increasing DCD support among those involved in the donation request process, (ii) implement this better understanding of these support factors in the creation of intervention materials designed to increase knowledge of and support for DCD and finally (iii) to track and document the progress made in increasing knowledge, support, number of hospitals with DCD protocols, actual requests made and number of DCD donors. The results of the model intervention were extremely positive, showing lasting increases in DCD knowledge and support, adoption of DCD protocols and referrals in the two tracking survey stages following the intervention. Perhaps most notably, DCD donor numbers within the UWHC-OPO region increased 93% in the year following the intervention and 179% to date.
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D'Alessandro AM, Peltier JW, Phelps JE. An empirical examination of the antecedents of the acceptance of donation after cardiac death by health care professionals. Am J Transplant 2008; 8:193-200. [PMID: 17973964 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2007.02019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Findings are reported from a US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) funded study to identify barriers to increasing support for donations after cardiac death by health professionals. A donations after cardiac death (DCD) acceptance model is conceptualized and tested via 806 survey responses from certified requestors, all of whom had their identities protected through Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocol. The overall model was significant and explained 35% of the variation in DCD support. Greater knowledge about DCD, greater trust in the organ procurement organization (OPO) and a belief that futility has been reached were all positively associated with DCD acceptance. Negative perceptions of DCD versus brain death, transitioning from caregiving to donation advocate, concerns about the DCD process and the idea that DCD leads to active participation in the death reduced its support. The three greatest impediments to support of DCD exist when health professionals feel they are playing an active role in killing the patient, that a state of death has not yet been reached, and that DCD has more psychological barriers than does the brain death donation process. Opportunities and strategic initiatives are discussed to overcome these barriers, including the value of communication and education initiatives and the need for well-trained requestors. The implementation of these strategic guidelines helped to increase the number of DCD donors by 225%.
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D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Chin LT, Fernandez LA, Yagci G, Leverson G, Kalayoglu M. Liver transplantation in pediatric patients: twenty years of experience at the University of Wisconsin. Pediatr Transplant 2007; 11:661-70. [PMID: 17663691 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3046.2007.00737.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Developments in surgical technique, immunosuppression, organ procurement and preservation, and patient selection criteria have resulted in improved long-term patient and graft survival after pediatric liver transplantation. In this study, we examined the results of 196 liver transplants performed in 155 pediatric patients at University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups according to age at the time of liver transplant. Infants under 12 months of age comprised Group 1 (n=74) and children from one to 18 yr comprised Group 2 (n=122). Outcomes for whole, reduced-size, and split liver transplantation were compared in infants and children. Biliary atresia was the most common indication in both groups. Patients underwent 128 whole size, 50 reduced size, and 18 split liver transplants. Forty-one retransplantations were performed in 14 infants (18.9%) and in 27 children (22.1%). One hundred eleven patients (56.6%) had one or more rejection episode [37 infants (50.0%) and 74 children (60.6%)]. Thirty-nine patients (19.8%) developed CMV infections, 42 (21.4%) developed EBV infections, and 14 developed PTLD (six infants and eight children). Thirty-six patients (18.3%) developed HAT. Seven patients (4.5%) developed malignancy (one infant and six children). Out of 155 patients, 33 (21.3%) died during the study period. The most common etiology of mortality included central nervous system pathology (n=7; 4.5%), sepsis (n=6; 3.8%), and cardiac causes (n=6; 3.8%). One-, five-, and 10-yr actuarial patient survival was 86, 79, and 74% in infants and 90, 83 and 80% in children. Graft survival at one, five, and 10 yr was 77, 73 and 71% in infants and 88, 81 and 78% in children, respectively. Despite its technical challenges, the outcomes of liver transplantation in pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease are excellent and result in significant long-term patient and graft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792-7375, USA
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10
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Sollinger HW, Becker YT, Burlingham W, D'Alessandro AM, Fernandez LA, Hullett D, Knechtle SJ, Odorico JS, O'Loughlin S, Pirsch JD, Rieselbach RE, Sundberg A, Voss B. The history of the University of Wisconsin transplant program. Clin Transpl 2007:271-287. [PMID: 18637475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H W Sollinger
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Madison, WI, USA
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Bernat JL, D'Alessandro AM, Port FK, Bleck TP, Heard SO, Medina J, Rosenbaum SH, Devita MA, Gaston RS, Merion RM, Barr ML, Marks WH, Nathan H, O'connor K, Rudow DL, Leichtman AB, Schwab P, Ascher NL, Metzger RA, Mc Bride V, Graham W, Wagner D, Warren J, Delmonico FL. Report of a National Conference on Donation after cardiac death. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:281-91. [PMID: 16426312 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2005.01194.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A national conference on organ donation after cardiac death (DCD) was convened to expand the practice of DCD in the continuum of quality end-of-life care. This national conference affirmed the ethical propriety of DCD as not violating the dead donor rule. Further, by new developments not previously reported, the conference resolved controversy regarding the period of circulatory cessation that determines death and allows administration of pre-recovery pharmacologic agents, it established conditions of DCD eligibility, it presented current data regarding the successful transplantation of organs from DCD, it proposed a new framework of data reporting regarding ischemic events, it made specific recommendations to agencies and organizations to remove barriers to DCD, it brought guidance regarding organ allocation and the process of informed consent and it set an action plan to address media issues. When a consensual decision is made to withdraw life support by the attending physician and patient or by the attending physician and a family member or surrogate (particularly in an intensive care unit), a routine opportunity for DCD should be available to honor the deceased donor's wishes in every donor service area (DSA) of the United States.
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Caraglia M, Beninati S, Giuberti G, D'Alessandro AM, Lentini A, Abbruzzese A, Bove G, Landolfi F, Rossi F, Lampa E, Costantino M. Alternative therapy of earth elements increases the chondroprotective effects of chondroitin sulfate in mice. Exp Mol Med 2005; 37:476-81. [PMID: 16264272 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2005.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The administration of mineral sulphur water is an alternative experimental approach for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), that cause the degeneration of bone and cartilage and sufferance to the patients. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a symptomatic slow acting nutropeucital agent currently used in molecular therapy of OA. Therefore, we have studied the role and efficacy of the selective soil paste from the mineral sulphur enriched spring (mud)-therapy alone or in combination with CS in the treatment of OA. The study was performed on 40 C57 Black 6N mice, an experimental model which spontaneously develop an osteoarthritic process. The animals were divided in 4 groups and were treated with the single agents or with the combination. After 30 days of treatment all the mice were sacrificed and right knees and blood were collected. It was found that CS determined a reduction of radiological and histological features of chondrodegeneration and that mud-therapy increased the effects of CS in the animal group treated with the combination. However, the effects of thermal therapy alone were not statistically significant. Since OA is characterized by an increase of the production of nitric oxide (NO) by chondrocytes in extracellular matrix with its consequent elevation in serum and synovial fluid, we have evaluated the effects of the treatments on serum NO levels. CS alone induced a statistically significant reduction of NO serum levels (90+/-13 micromM vs 219+/-60 microM of control group, P<0.05) while mud-therapy alone induced a not statistically significant reduction of serum NO (170+/-62 microM, P>0.05). However, the latter strongly potentiated the decrease of serum NO induced by CS (31+/-1.5 microM) with a high statistical significance if compared to both the control group (P<0.01) and the CS-treated group (P<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that mud-therapy with sulphur mineral water could represent an important phase of the therapeutic strategy of OA. This experimental strategy could integrate and potentiate the standard pharmacological tools. Moreover, we have set a valid experimental in vivo model for the study of the thermal effects on the development of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caraglia
- Specialty School of Medical Hydrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacological Division, Via S. Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138-Naples, Italy
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Lizzi AR, D'Alessandro AM, Zeolla N, Brisdelli F, D'Andrea G, Pitari G, Oratore A, Bozzi A, Ippoliti R. The effect of AZT and chloroquine on the activities of ricin and a saporin-transferrin chimeric toxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2005; 70:560-9. [PMID: 15982641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2005.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study deals with the combination of chloroquine (CQ, an anti-malaric drug) and 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT, anti-human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) drug) with a chimeric toxin (TS) obtained by chemical linking of saporin (a ribosome inactivating protein from the plant Saponaria officinalis) and human transferrin, in the intoxication of the human chronic myeloid leukaemia cells (K562). Our data demonstrate that AZT, at concentrations comparable to those reached in the blood of HIV-infected patients under pharmacological treatment with this drug, can increase the toxicity of TS in cooperation with CQ inducing an increased effect on protein synthesis in K562 cells ( approximately 50% inhibition of protein synthesis for TS alone, and TS with AZT and approximately 70% with both AZT and CQ). Furthermore, pre-treatment of cells with AZT alone can induce an increase of apoptosis in K562 cells intoxicated with TS. By comparing data obtained with the model toxin ricin, we get indications that the two toxins partially differ in their intracellular routes, also suggesting that chimeric constructs containing ricin-like toxins (i.e. immunotoxins) could be coupled with the use of common and cheap drugs for the treatment of cancer in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Lizzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio snc., loc. Coppito, 67010 L'Aquila, Italy
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Boccellino M, Giuberti G, Quagliuolo L, Marra M, D'Alessandro AM, Fujita H, Giovane A, Abbruzzese A, Caraglia M. Apoptosis induced by interferon-? and antagonized by EGF is regulated by caspase-3-mediated cleavage of gelsolin in human epidermoid cancer cells. J Cell Physiol 2004; 201:71-83. [PMID: 15281090 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) induces apoptosis and EGF can antagonize this effect in human epidermoid cancer KB cells. Since apoptosis occurs together with cytoskeleton reorganization we have evaluated if IFNalpha and EGF could modulate cell remodeling in our experimental conditions. We have found that 48 h 1,000 IU/ml IFNalpha induced structural reorganization of stress fibers and membrane delocalization and partial capping of the actin severing protein gelsolin. The transfection of KB cells with both a wild type (WT) or a C-terminal truncated form of gelsolin caused overexpression of the protein and an increase of both the spontaneous and IFNalpha-induced apoptosis and cell cytoskeletal modifications. In fact, after 48 h of treatment IFNalpha induced 45% of apoptotic cell death in parental cells while an approximately 80% of cell population was apoptotic in transfected cells. These effects occurred together with an increase of the expression and consequent degradation of gelsolin. Again the addition of EGF to IFNalpha-treated transfected cells caused a recovery of the apoptosis. Notably, IFNalpha and EGF did not modify the expression of other molecules associated to cytoskeleton such as focal adhesion kinase and vinculin. In the same experimental conditions IFNalpha induced also gelsolin cleavage that occurred together with caspase-3 activation and release of cytochrome c. All these effects were antagonized by the exposure of IFNalpha-treated KB to 10 nM EGF for the last 12 h. Moreover, the specific inhibition of caspase-3 with 20 microM DEVD completely abrogated apoptosis and gelsolin cleavage induced by IFNalpha. In conclusion, our data are the first demonstration that IFNalpha can induce morphological cell changes that are peculiar of apoptosis onset through the caspase-3-mediated cleavage of gelsolin. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that EGF is able to antagonize these effects through the inhibition of caspase-3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Boccellino
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biofisica, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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15
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Caraglia M, Marra M, Giuberti G, D'Alessandro AM, Baldi A, Tassone P, Venuta S, Tagliaferri P, Abbruzzese A. The eukaryotic initiation factor 5A is involved in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis induced by interferon-alpha and EGF in human cancer cells. J Biochem 2003; 133:757-65. [PMID: 12869532 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvg097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) can induce apoptosis, a process regulated by a complex network of cell factors. Among these, eukaryotic initiation factor-5A (eIF-5A) is peculiar because its activity is modulated by the post-translational formation of the amino acid hypusine. Here we report the effects of IFNalpha and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on apoptosis and eIF-5A activity in human epidermoid oropharyngeal KB and lung H1355 cancer cells. We found that 48-h exposure to 1000 and 2000 IU/ml IFNalpha induced about 50% growth inhibition and apoptosis in H1355 and KB cells, respectively, and the addition of EGF completely antagonized this effect. When IFNalpha induced apoptosis, a hyperactivation of MEK-1 and ERK signalling and a decrease of the hypusine-containing form and, thus, of eIF-5A activity were recorded. The latter effect was again antagonized by the addition of EGF to IFNalpha-pretreated cells, probably through the activation of the EGF-->ERK-dependent pathway, since the addition of the specific MEK-1 inhibitor PD098059 abrogated the recovery of intracellular hypusine content induced by EGF in IFNalpha-pretreated cancer cells. Subsequently, we evaluated if the hypusine synthesis inhibitor (and eIF-5A inactivator) N1-guanyl-1,7-diaminoheptane (GC7) synergized with IFNalpha in the induction of cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. The analysis of the isobologram of IFNalpha and GC7 demonstrated a strong synergism between the two drugs in inducing cell growth inhibition. We also found that GC7 and IFNalpha had a synergistic effect on apoptosis. These data suggest that the apoptosis induced by IFNalpha could be regulated by eIF-5A that, therefore, could represent a useful target for the potentiation of IFNalpha antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, II University of Naples, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80132, Naples, Italy
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16
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Del Prete S, Caraglia M, Russo D, Vitale G, Giuberti G, Marra M, D'Alessandro AM, Lupoli G, Addeo R, Facchini G, Rossiello R, Abbruzzese A, Capasso E. Percutaneous ethanol injection efficacy in the treatment of large symptomatic thyroid cystic nodules: ten-year follow-up of a large series. Thyroid 2002; 12:815-21. [PMID: 12481948 DOI: 10.1089/105072502760339398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We present a prospective study on the long-term efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) treatment of a large series of symptomatic thyroid cystic nodules (STCN). Ninety-eight patients (72 females and 26 males) were treated. The mean basal volume of the STCN was 35.3 mL. In 92 of 98 patients PEI treatment induced a greater than 50% nodule shrinkage, only 6 of 92 responder patients relapsed at a follow-up of 9 years. Moreover, all the patients had a significant clinical benefit because a significant reduction of the cyst-associated symptoms was recorded. Furthermore, a limited number of sessions was required for the treatment of cysts larger than 40 mL (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]: 2.7 +/- 0.75) demonstrating the feasibility of the procedure also in the treatment of large cysts. In conclusion, PEI is an effective and inexpensive procedure with a high patient compliance and long-lasting effects in the treatment of cysts larger than 40 mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Del Prete
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale S. Giovanni di Dio di Frattamaggiore, Italy
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17
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D'Andrea G, Di Ciccio L, Brisdelli F, D'Alessandro AM, Bozzi A, Oratore A. Purification and partial characterization of an alpha-2,8-sialyltransferase from human erythroleukemia K562 cells. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2001; 31:355-68. [PMID: 11765900 DOI: 10.1081/pb-100107482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
An alpha-2,8-sialyltransferase (ST8), the enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of polysialic acid chains, has been purified and partly characterized from undifferentiated human erythroleukemia K562 cells. Purification, based on a key step of affinity chromatography utilizing immobilized colominic acid, was greater than 1000-fold. The enzyme molecular weight determined by SDS-PAGE was estimated to be about 40 kDa, in good agreement with literature data. For the determination of the main kinetic parameters (Vmax and K(M)), fetuin turned out to be the unique substrate acceptor. In fact, other compounds such as asialofetuin, transferrin, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, and G(M3), routinely used to explore the different ST8 isoforms' activities, did not serve as substrate acceptors. In all cases, contrary to the routinely adopted protocol where a radioactive substrate donor is employed, for our purpose a non-radioactive, fluorescent substrate donor such as cytidine-5'-monophospho-9-(3-fluoresceinylthioureido)-9-deoxy-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (CMP-9-fluoresceinyl-NeuAc) was used. Thus, under our experimental conditions, by using fetuin, data reported in a typical Lineweaver-Burk plot gave a Vmax value of about 4 nkatal/mg of protein and a K(M) value around 0.61 mM. Just as with the estimated molecular weight, these kinetic data were also in good agreement with those already reported for the ST8 purified from human neuroblastoma CHP-134 cells. In particular, in both cases, Vmax values were almost similar (4 nkatal/mg of protein for our ST8 purified from K562 cells and 4.35 nkatal/mg of protein for ST8 purified from CHP-134 cells); conversely, the K(M) value we found was about 3.25-fold lower than that found by Stoykova and Glick (0.61 mM vs. 2 mM). Then, although our purification was lower than that obtained by Stoykova and Glick (1080-fold vs. 2910-fold), the enzyme we purified showed a greater apparent affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D'Andrea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
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18
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Cho CS, Knechtle SJ, Heisey DM, Hermina M, Armbrust M, D'Alessandro AM, Musat AI, Kalayoglu M. Analysis of tumor characteristics and survival in liver transplant recipients with incidentally diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Surg 2001; 5:594-601; discussion 601-2. [PMID: 12086897 DOI: 10.1016/s1091-255x(01)80101-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The use of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has generally become restricted to carefully selected cases of small oligocentric tumors. However, it is not uncommon to find previously undetected HCC within recipient cirrhotic livers at the time of hepatectomy. The impact of unsuspected HCC on patient outcomes remains unclear. A retrospective analysis of our institutional experience with adult primary OLTX was performed comparing recipients with incidental HCC (group 1), recipients with known or suspected HCC (group 2), and recipients confirmed by pathologic examination to be tumor free (group 3). Between 1984 and 2000, 27 patients in group 1, 12 patients in group 2, and 612 patients in group 3 underwent primary OLTX. Tumors were smaller (P = 0.0172) in group 1 than in group 2; however, the number of tumors and the histologic findings were similar in the groups. Incidence of bilobar involvement, vascular invasion, portal vein tumor thrombus, lymphatic involvement, and distant metastasis at the time of OLTX did not differ significantly between these groups. Four-year patient survival appeared to be lower in group 1 (70.0%) than in group 3 (79.0%) (P = 0.0546); 4-year patient survival was significantly worse in group 2 (31.0%) compared to group 3 (P = 0.0106). Thus, in our experience, incidentally diagnosed cases of HCC possess many of the same features of malignancy as preoperatively diagnosed HCC. Indeed, patient survival after OLTX appears to be adversely affected by the presence of incidental HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Cho
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wis. 53792, USA
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19
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Ploeg RJ, D'Alessandro AM, Groshek M, Gange SJ, Knechtle SJ, Stegall MD, Eckhoff DE, Pirsch JD, Sollinger HW, Belzer FO. Clinical experience with human anodal trypsinogen (HAT) for detection of pancreatic allograft rejection. Transpl Int 2001; 7 Suppl 1:S426-31. [PMID: 11271272 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.1994.tb01411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To date one of the major dilemmas in clinical pancreas transplantation is the lack of a reliable indicator for pancreas rejection. In a consecutive series of 52 patients undergoing simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation with bladder drainage technique between October 1991 and December 1992 a new test using serial levels of serum human anodal trypsinogen (HAT) was evaluated for its efficacy to detect pancreas rejection. Postoperative baseline levels of HAT were compared to peak HAT values at time of rejection. HAT profiles at time of rejection were calculated and compared to profiles of urinary amylase, serum amylase, fasting blood sugar and serum creatinine. In this series one year patient survival was 97%, graft survival of the pancreas 86% and of the kidney 90%. In 71% of the patients at least one rejection episode occurred. At time of kidney-biopsy proven rejection with a concurrent serum creatinine rise a significant HAT level rise to more than 1000 ng/ml was observed from baseline levels of 200 ng/ml (P < 0.001) indicating kidney and pancreas rejection (73%). Urinary amylase levels decreased in the majority of rejection episodes at the same time from baseline levels to less than 20,000 U/l. In 25% of the rejection episodes a significant serum creatinine rise was observed without a HAT rise or urinary amylase decrease indicating kidney-only rejection, while in 2% a urinary amylase decrease and simultaneous HAT also was observed with a negative kidney biopsy indicating pancreas-only rejection. We feel that increase in HAT levels significantly correlates with pancreas rejection. After SPK, determination of HAT is an additional helpful non-invasive test. In pancreas transplantation alone HAT can be a useful indicator to detect rejection and facilitate timing of a pancreas biopsy and initiation of antirejection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Ploeg
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Odorico JS, Leverson GE, Becker YT, Pirsch JD, Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Sollinger HW. Pancreas transplantation at the University of Wisconsin. Clin Transpl 2001:199-210. [PMID: 11038638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Based on the University of Wisconsin experience with 653 cadaver pancreas transplant performed since 1985, we noted that: 1. The overall 5- and 10-year patient survival rates were 87% and 80%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year pancreas graft survival rates were 70% and 60%, respectively, and the 5- and 10-year kidney graft survival rates were 80% and 60%, respectively. 2. An immunosuppressive regimen including TAC and MMF in both solitary pancreas and SPK transplants was very effective in reducing the rate of acute rejection and improving graft survival. 3. Pancreas graft survival in recipients of solitary pancreas transplants was equivalent to that in SPK recipients in the TAC-MMF era. 4. Anti-IL2 receptor monoclonal antibodies were safe and effective in solitary pancreas and SPK transplants. 5. Excellent short-term graft survival can be achieved in solitary pancreas transplants using enteric drainage.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Odorico
- University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, Department of Surgery, Madison, USA
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21
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Shames BD, D'Alessandro AM, Pirsch JD, Knechtle SJ, Odorico JS, Becker YT, Kalayoglu M, Chin LT, Sollinger HW. Living-unrelated renal transplantation at the University of Wisconsin. Clin Transpl 2001:149-56. [PMID: 12211777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Since 1984, we have performed 243 living-unrelated renal transplants at the University of Wisconsin. Rejection occurred in 47% of the patients. Graft loss occurred in 59 patients and 39 patients died. Graft survival in LURD transplants at 10 years is 54% and 43% at 15 years. Patient survival is 68% at 10 years and 54% at 15 years. These long-term results demonstrate that LURD is equivalent to haploidentical renal transplantation and superior to cadaveric transplantation. Husband-to-wife donation demonstrated improved graft survival when compared with wife-to-husband and nonspousal donation. Living-unrelated renal transplantation has been utilized successfully at the University of Wisconsin and may help to alleviate the donor shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Shames
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
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22
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Caraglia M, Marra M, Giuberti G, D'Alessandro AM, Budillon A, del Prete S, Lentini A, Beninati S, Abbruzzese A. The role of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Amino Acids 2001; 20:91-104. [PMID: 11332455 DOI: 10.1007/s007260170050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In the past years, the attention of scientists has mainly focused on the study of the genetic information and alterations that regulate eukaryotic cell proliferation and that lead to neoplastic transformation. An increasing series of data are emerging about the involvement of the initiation phase of translational processes in the control of cell proliferation. In this paper we review the novel insights on the biochemical and molecular events leading to the initiation and its involvement in cell proliferation and tumourigenesis. We describe the structure, regulation and proposed functions of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF-5A) focusing the attention on its involvement in the regulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation. Moreover, we describe the modulation of its activity (through the reduction of hypusine synthesis) in apoptosis induced either by tissue transglutaminase or interferon a. Finally, we propose eIF-5A as an additional target of anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Caraglia
- Dipartimento di Biochimica e Biofisica, Seconda Università di Napoli, Italy
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23
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D'Alessandro AM, Odorico JS, Knechtle SJ, Becker YT, Hoffmann RM, Kalayoglu M, Sollinger HW. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation from controlled non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs). Cell Transplant 2000; 9:889-93. [PMID: 11202574 DOI: 10.1177/096368970000900615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
From January 1993 through June 1999, 18 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPKs) were performed from controlled non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs) and 339 SPKs were performed from heart-beating donors (HBDs). No difference in donor characteristics was noted except for warm ischemic time, which was 14.8 min (range 4-46 min) for NHBDs. Following transplantation, no difference in pancreatic function was noted; however, a higher rate of enteric conversions was seen in pancreas transplants from NHBDs (32% vs. 13%; p < 0.01). Hemodialysis for acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was higher in kidney transplants from NHBDs (22.2% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.009) as was discharge serum creatinine (1.7 mg/dl vs. 1.5 mg/dl; p < 0.05). Also, the number of patients remaining rejection free was lower for NHBDs and approached significance (33.3% vs. 50.1%; p = 0.07). However, no difference in patient survival (100% vs. 95.4%) or pancreatic (87.4% vs. 86.5%) and renal (86.3% vs. 86.3%) allograft survival was noted during the study period. Our results indicate that SPK transplantation from controlled NHBDs is a viable method for increasing the number of pancreas and kidney transplants available for transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Division of Organ Transplantation, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792, USA.
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24
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D'Alessandro AM, Rinaldi AC, D'Andrea G, Brisdelli F, Di Ciccio L, Di Giulio A, Oratore A, Bozzi A. Evidences that zidovudine (AZT) could not be directly responsible for iron overload in AZT-treated patients: an in vitro study. Clin Chim Acta 2000; 300:119-30. [PMID: 10958868 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-8981(00)00314-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Zidovudine (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine or azidothymidine, AZT) has been the first antiretroviral agent approved for clinical use, and it is still currently used in combination therapy of human immunodeficency virus (HIV) infection. On the basis of increasing clinical reports and in vitro studies, a strict correlation between AZT treatment of HIV positive patients and both the development of anemia and iron overload have been in evidence over the last few years. In this report, we have examined some features of zidovudine to better assess a likely implication of this drug in iron overload. For this purpose, we first determinated the iron chelating ability of both AZT and some of its phosphorylated derivatives in solution. The iron chelating ability of AZT toward the intracellular 'chelatable' iron pool was also evaluated. Finally, we investigated the effect of AZT on both iron and transferrin uptake. Our findings indicate that AZT per se cannot be directly responsible for the development of the iron overload found in human or animal models, for which other possible mechanisms are claimed to be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University of L'Aquila, I-67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Collins BH, Pirsch JD, Becker YT, Hanaway MJ, Van der Werf WJ, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Odorico JS, Leverson G, Musat A, Armbrust M, Becker BN, Sollinger HW, Kalayoglu M. Long-term results of liver transplantation in older patients 60 years of age and older. Transplantation 2000; 70:780-3. [PMID: 11003357 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200009150-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in perioperative care and immunosuppression have enabled clinicians to broaden the indications for organ transplantation. Advanced age is no longer considered a contraindication to transplantation at most centers. Although short-term studies of elderly liver transplant recipients have demonstrated that the incidence of complications and overall patient survival are similar to those of younger adults, transplant center-specific, long-term data are not available. METHODS From August of 1984 to September of 1997, 91 patients 60 years of age or older received primary liver transplants at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This group of patients was compared with a group of younger adults (n=387) ranging in age from 18 to 59 years who received primary liver transplants during the same period. The most common indications for transplantation in both groups were Laennec's cirrhosis, hepatitis C, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and cryptogenic cirrhosis. There was no difference in the preoperative severity of illness between the groups. Results. The length of hospitalization was the same for both groups, and there were no significant differences in the incidence of rejection, infection (surgical or opportunistic), repeat operation, readmission, or repeat transplantation between the groups. The only significant difference identified between the groups was long-term survival. Five-year patient survival was 52% in the older group and 75% in the younger group (P<0.05). Ten-year patient survival was 35% in the older group and 60% in the younger group (P<0.05). The most common cause of late mortality in elderly liver recipients was malignancy (35.0%), whereas most of the young adult deaths were the result of infectious complications (24.2%). CONCLUSION Although older recipients at this center did as well as younger recipients in the early years after liver transplantation, long-term survival results were not as encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Collins
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792, USA
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26
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Rayhill SC, D'Alessandro AM, Odorico JS, Knechtle SJ, Pirsch JD, Heisey DM, Kirk AD, Van der Werf W, Sollinger HW. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation and living related donor renal transplantation in patients with diabetes: is there a difference in survival? Ann Surg 2000; 231:417-23. [PMID: 10714635 PMCID: PMC1421013 DOI: 10.1097/00000658-200003000-00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) and living related donor renal transplantation (LRD) in patients with diabetes. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA It remains unanswered whether diabetic patients with end-stage renal failure are better served by LRD or SPK. METHODS Using a longitudinal database, data from all diabetic patients receiving LRD or cadaveric renal transplants or SPKs from January 1986 through January 1996 were analyzed. Patient and graft survival, early graft function, and the cause of patient and graft loss were compared for 43 HLA-identical LRDs, 87 haplotype-identical LRDs, 379 SPKs, and 296 cadaveric renal transplants. RESULTS The demographic composition of the SPK and LRD groups were similar, but because of less strict selection criteria in the cadaveric transplant group, patients were 10 years older, more patients received dialysis, and patients had been receiving dialysis longer before transplantation. Patient survival was similar for the SPK and LRD groups but was significantly lower for the cadaveric renal transplant group. Similarly, there was no difference in graft survival between SPK and LRD recipients, but it was significantly lower for recipients in the cadaveric renal transplant group. Delayed graft function was significantly more common in the cadaveric renal transplant group. Discharge creatinine, the strongest predictor of patient and graft survival, was highest in the SPK group and lowest in the HLA-identical LRD group. The rate of rejection within the first year was greatest in SPK patients (77%), intermediate in the haplotype-identical LRD and cadaveric transplant groups (57% and 48%, respectively), and lowest (16%) in the HLA-identical LRD group. Cardiovascular disease was the primary cause of death for all groups. Acute rejection, chronic rejection, and death with a functioning graft were the predominant causes of graft loss. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that there was no difference in patient or graft survival in diabetic patients receiving LRD or SPK transplants. However, graft and patient survival rates in diabetic recipients of cadaveric renal transplants were significantly lower than in the other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Rayhill
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792-7375, USA
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27
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Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Armbrust MJ, Musat A, Kalayoglu M. Surgical portosystemic shunts for treatment of portal hypertensive bleeding: outcome and effect on liver function. Surgery 1999; 126:708-11; discussion 711-3. [PMID: 10520919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the advent of liver transplantation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS), the role of surgical portosystemic shunts in the treatment of portal hypertension has changed. However, we have continued to use portosystemic shunts in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension and in patients with Child's A cirrhosis. METHODS We performed 48 surgical portosystemic shunt procedures between 1988 and 1998. The outcomes of these patients were evaluated to assess the efficacy of this treatment. Data from 39 of 48 patients were available for analysis. The average follow-up was 42 months. RESULTS Liver function generally remained stable for the patients; only 2 patients had progressive liver failure and required transplant procedures. Gastrointestinal bleeding (3 patients), encephalopathy (3 patients), and shunt thrombosis (3 patients) were rare. Patient survival was 81% at 4 years, similar to survival with liver transplantation (P = .22). CONCLUSIONS Surgical shunts remain the treatment of choice for prevention of recurrent variceal bleeding in patients with good liver function and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Knechtle
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, USA
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28
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Becker BN, Odorico JS, Becker YT, Leverson G, McDermott JC, Grist T, Sproat I, Heisey DM, Collins BH, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Pirsch JD, Sollinger HW. Peripheral vascular disease and renal transplant artery stenosis: a reappraisal of transplant renovascular disease. Clin Transplant 1999; 13:349-55. [PMID: 10485378 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0012.1999.130412.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal transplant artery stenosis (RTAS) continues to be a problematic, but potentially correctable, cause of post-transplant hypertension and graft dysfunction. Older transplant recipients, prone to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), may have pseudoRTAS with PVD involving their iliac system. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 819 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 1993 and 1997 to determine the contribution of pseudoRTAS to renal transplant renovascular disease. Univariate analyses were performed for donor and recipient variables, including age, weight, gender, race, renal disease, cholesterol and creatinine values, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and immunosuppressive medications. Significant variables were then analyzed by a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Ninety-two patients (11.2%) underwent renal transplant arteriogram (Agram) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for suspected RTAS. RTAS or pseudoRTAS, defined as one or more hemodynamically significant lesions in the transplant artery or iliac system, was evident in 44 patients (5.4%). Variables significantly associated with RTAS by univariate analysis were weight at the time of transplant (p = 0.0258), male gender (p = 0.034), discharge serum creatinine > 2 mg/dL (p = 0.0041), and donor age (p = 0.0062). Variables significantly associated with pseudoRTAS by univariate analysis were weight at the time of transplant (p = 0.0285), recipient age (p = 0.0049), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM; p = 0.0042), panel reactive antibody (PRA) at transplant (p = 0.018), and body mass index (p = 0.04). Weight at transplant and donor age remained significantly associated with an increased risk for RTAS in a multivariate stepwise Cox proportional hazards model. IDDM, transplant PRA, weight at transplant, and donor age were significantly associated with an increased risk for pseudoRTAS in a multivariate stepwise Cox proportional hazards model. Importantly, both RTAS and pseudoRTAS were associated with poorer graft survival (p < 0.007 for each). CONCLUSIONS Renal transplant renovascular disease encompasses pre-existing PVD acting as pseudoRTAS, as well as classical RTAS. Efforts to identify and correct renal transplant renovascular disease of either nature are important, given its negative impact on graft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Becker
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792, USA.
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D'Andrea G, Gemini L, D'Alessandro AM, Oratore A. Deglycosylation of hen ovotransferrin under mild conditions: effect on the immunoreactivity and biological activity. Glycobiology 1999; 9:v-viii. [PMID: 10523079 DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.glycob.a018871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Becker BN, Becker YT, Heisey DM, Leverson GE, Collins BH, Odorico JS, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Pirsch JD, Sollinger HW. The impact of hypoalbuminemia in kidney-pancreas transplant recipients. Transplantation 1999; 68:72-5. [PMID: 10428270 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199907150-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoalbuminemia is associated with poorer outcomes in renal transplantation. Diabetes can compound hypoalbuminemia's detrimental effects. Kidney-pancreas transplantation alters the diabetic milieu; yet, some patients continue to be hypoalbuminemic. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 232 patients who underwent simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SPK) between 1993 and 1997 to determine the incidence and clinical correlates of hypoalbuminemia in SPK recipients. Post-SPK hypoalbuminemia was defined as a serum albumin level < or =3.5 g/dl. Univariate analyses were performed to determine whether post-SPK hypoalbuminemia was associated with pre-SPK variables. The effect of albumin level and hypoalbuminemia on the risk of post-SPK events (cardiac events, cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection, rejection, readmission, kidney and pancreas graft failure, and death) was examined with a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS The study population consisted of 149 men and 83 women. Average follow-up was 2.0+/-1.3 years. Hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin level < or =3.5 g/dL) was most common early after SPK (3 months: 44% of evaluable patients were hypoalbuminemic; 12 months: 15.3%; 36 months: 8.3%). Acute rejection episodes and readmission were the most common adverse events after SPK transplantation. There were 24 episodes of renal allograft loss and only 5 cardiac events. Ten SPK recipients died during the study time period. SPK-related hypoalbuminemia was associated with an increased risk for CMV infection (risk ratio [RR] 2.5; P<0.02), renal graft failure (RR 2.41; P=0.05), pancreas graft failure (RR 3.66; P=0.01), and a trend toward an increased risk for death (RR 2.8; P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS Post-SPK hypoalbuminemia resolves over time in many patients. Persistent post-SPK hypoalbuminemia is associated with an increased risk for CMV infection, graft loss, and a trend toward decreased survival. Efforts to improve nutrition, as it may affect hypoalbuminemia in SPK recipients, may be one strategy for improving SPK outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B N Becker
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792, USA.
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D'Alessandro AM, D'Andrea G, Di Ciccio L, Brisdelli F, Rinaldi AC, Bozzi A, Oratore A. 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine reduces the rate of transferrin receptor endocytosis in K562 cells. Biochim Biophys Acta 1999; 1450:232-41. [PMID: 10395935 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4889(99)00073-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
K562 cells, exposed for at least 24 h to 5 microM 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), gave rise to an overall increase in the number of cell surface transferrin binding receptors (18-20%). This effect was ascertained either with binding experiments by using 125I-transferrin and with immunoprecipitation by using a specific monoclonal antibody against the transferrin receptor. At higher AZT concentrations (20 and 40 microM), a further increase was found, that is, up to 23% by binding experiments and up to 110% by immunoprecipitation. However, Scatchard analysis of the binding data indicated that although the number of cell surface transferrin receptors increased, the affinity of transferrin for its receptor did not change (Ka=4.0x108 M). Surprisingly, immunoprecipitation of total receptor molecules showed that the synthesis of receptor was not enhanced by the drug treatment. The effect of AZT on transferrin internalization and receptor recycling was also investigated. In this case, data indicated that the increase in the number of receptors at the cell surface was probably due to a slowing down of endocytosis rate rather than to an increased recycling rate of the receptor to cell surface. In fact, the time during which half the saturated amount of transferrin had been endocytosed (t1/2) was 2.15 min for control cells and 3.41, 3.04, and 3.74 min for 5, 20, and 40 microM AZT-treated cells, respectively. Conversely, recycling experiments did not show any significant differences between control and treated cells. A likely mechanism through which AZT could interfere with the transferrin receptor trafficking, together with the relevance of our findings, is extensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio Coppito, I-67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Sorrentino S, D'Alessandro AM, Maras B, Di Ciccio L, D'Andrea G, De Prisco R, Bossa F, Libonati M, Oratore A. Purification of a 76-kDa iron-binding protein from human seminal plasma by affinity chromatography specific for ribonuclease: structural and functional identity with milk lactoferrin. Biochim Biophys Acta 1999; 1430:103-10. [PMID: 10082938 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4838(98)00269-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A pink-colored iron-binding protein has been found in large amount in human seminal plasma and identified as a lactoferrin isoform. Its purification, by a modification of a three-step chromatography procedure developed in an attempt to purify a ribonuclease from the same fluid, provided about 15-18 mg of pure protein from 100 ml of seminal plasma. Despite its ability to bind a ribonuclease ligand during the affinity step, the iron-binding protein did not display any detectable RNase activity in a standard assay with yeast RNA as substrate. It showed an apparent molecular weight of 76 kDa and resulted to be quite similar, if not identical, to human milk lactoferrin in many respects. Its N-terminal sequence (31 amino acid residues) starting with Arg-3 was identical to that of one of the N-terminally truncated lactoferrin variants isolated from human milk. Moreover, the amino acid sequence of a number of peptides, which represented about 23% of the entire sequence, has been also shown to be identical to that of the corresponding peptides of human milk lactoferrin. Double diffusion analysis revealed full recognition by antibodies anti-human milk lactoferrin of the human seminal plasma protein. Using immunoblotting analysis, both human milk lactoferrin and human seminal protein were recognized by antibodies anti-milk lactoferrin. When tested for its iron binding capacity, with Fe-NTA as iron donor, the protein purified was able to bind iron up to 100% saturation, as judged by absorbance at 465 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sorrentino
- Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Biologica, Università di Napoli, via Mezzocannone 16, I-80136, Naples, Italy
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Van der Werf WJ, Odorico J, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle S, Becker Y, Collins B, Pirsch J, Hoffman R, Sollinger HW. Utilization of pediatric donors for pancreas transplantation. Transplant Proc 1999; 31:610-1. [PMID: 10083258 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(98)01578-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Odorico JS, Becker YT, Van der Werf W, Collins B, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Pirsch JD, Sollinger HW. Advances in pancreas transplantation: the University of Wisconsin experience. Clin Transpl 1999:157-66. [PMID: 9919400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The data show that with careful surgical technique, modern immunosuppression with MMF and FK506, and pancreatic allograft biopsy, it should be possible to achieve: 1) a low rate of technical complications, 2) improved long-term graft survival, particularly in solitary pancreas recipients improving the risk/benefit ratio of this option for nonuremic diabetics, 3) a high safety profile with combined MMF and FK506 immunosuppression, 4) safe transplantation using enteric drainage without increased risk of rejection, infection or graft loss, and 5) successful pancreas transplantation without induction therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Odorico
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, USA
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Ametani MS, D'Alessandro AM, Southard JH. The effect of calcium in the UW solution on preservation of the rat liver. Ann Transplant 1998; 2:34-8. [PMID: 9869839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we investigated the effect of calcium addition to the UW solution on the quality of the preserved rat liver as judged by normothermic isolated perfusion. Rat livers were cold stored in UW solution containing varying concentrations of calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1.5, 5.0 mM) for periods of 0, 24 and 48 hours. At the end of the preservation period the livers were reperfused for 90 minutes at 37 degrees C with Krebs Henseleit Buffer. The quality of preservation was assessed by quantification of enzyme release, bile production and protein synthesis. The addition of 1.5 mM calcium to the UW solution suppressed the incidence of damage in the 24 hour cold stored liver similar to control livers (0 hours preserved). LDH release were significantly reduced from 22.1 +/- 7.3 (units/hr/g) in regular UW to 9.4 +/- 0.8 (units/hr/g) in UW plus 1.5 mM calcium. AST release also was suppressed by the addition of calcium to the UW. Bile production was enhanced by the addition of calcium; from 21.3 +/- 0.6 (mg/hr/g) in regular UW to 46.3 +/- 5.9 (mg/hr/g) in UW plus 1.5 mM calcium. Protein synthesis was reduced to 38% of control after 24 hr cold storage and was unchanged by the addition of calcium to the preservation solution. Although the addition of calcium to the UW solution improved the preservation of the 24 hour cold stored liver it did not offer the same degree of protection to the 48 hour preserved liver. Therefore, calcium addition may be one agent for improving preservation for short term cold storage of the liver but longer term storage will require other modifications as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Ametani
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53792, USA
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Odorico JS, Pirsch JD, Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Sollinger HW. A study comparing mycophenolate mofetil to azathioprine in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Transplantation 1998; 66:1751-9. [PMID: 9884272 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199812270-00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; Cell-Cept) is a potent and selective inhibitor of B and T lymphocyte proliferation that has proven effective in reducing the incidence of acute rejection in cadaveric kidney transplant recipients in several randomized, blinded clinical studies. Because the frequency and characteristics of rejection episodes may be different and more severe after combined pancreas-kidney transplantation, we hypothesized that MMF would have a significant impact on pancreas-kidney rejection and graft outcome. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of MMF versus azathioprine (AZA) in cyclosporine-treated simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations. METHODS A retrospective comparison of 358 consecutive primary SPK transplantations performed from 1990 to 1997 was conducted. Patients received either MMF (n=109, 3 g/day) or AZA (n=249, 2 mg/kg q.d.) in combination with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. All patients received a quadruple-drug sequential induction protocol with either OKT3 or Atgam. Several outcome parameters, including patient and graft survival rates and frequency of rejection, were analyzed. RESULTS MMF-treated patients demonstrated a markedly reduced rate of biopsy-proven kidney rejection (31 vs. 75% AZA, P=0.0001), clinically significant pancreas rejection (7 vs. 24% AZA; P=0.003), and steroid-refractory rejection (15 vs. 52% AZA; P=0.01). As a result, kidney and pancreas allograft survival was significantly better in MMF patients compared with AZA patients (2-year survival rates: kidney, 95 vs. 86%; and pancreas, 95 vs. 83%). Although surgical infections after transplantation were more frequent in MMF patients, MMF patients were more likely to have undergone enteric drainage. Importantly, we did not observe an increased incidence of any of the bacterial, fungal, or viral infections that typically plague immunosuppressed transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study demonstrates that MMF is a highly effective immunosuppressant in SPK transplantation. It is not associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections when a balanced immunosuppressive management approach is used. MMF strikingly reduces the frequency of acute cellular and steroid-resistant rejection. As a result of this combined experience, it is not unexpected then that we observe significantly improved graft survival rates in MMF-treated SPK patients compared with patients receiving a more traditional immunosuppressive regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Odorico
- University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, Department of Surgery, Madison 53792, USA
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Pirsch JD, Odorico JS, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Becker BN, Sollinger HW. Posttransplant infection in enteric versus bladder-drained simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients. Transplantation 1998; 66:1746-50. [PMID: 9884271 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199812270-00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although bladder drainage of the pancreas remains the most common site for drainage of exocrine secretions, enteric drainage is becoming more common in the United States. The most common cause of morbidity after pancreas transplantation is infection, particularly recurrent urinary tract infection. METHODS We examined the incidence of infectious complications for enteric-drained (ED) versus bladder-drained (BD) simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (PTx) to determine the incidence of post-transplant infection. The patient cohort included simultaneous pancreas-kidney PTx recipients from June 1995 through August 1997 using a similar induction protocol with antithymocyte globulin, mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and Neoral. During this time period, 48 BD PTx and 78 ED PTx were performed. Demographic data including age of transplant, gender, race, and duration of initial hospital stay were similar. However, mean follow-up for the BD PTx was 1.9 years vs. 0.9 years for ED PTx. Rejection, infection, and graft and patient survival rates were estimated by the method of Kaplan and Meier. RESULTS For the entire cohort, 1-year patient survival was 98%, kidney survival 94%, and pancreas survival 93%. There was no difference in survival between ED or BD PTx. At 6 months, kidney transplant rejection had occurred in 38% of BD PTx vs. 30% of ED PTx. Steroid resistant rejection was similar (BD 19%, ED 17%). Postoperative pancreatic leak occurred in 12% BD PTx and 5% ED PTx (P=0.06). There was no significant difference in time to first infection or first abdominal infection between groups. Opportunistic infections were much less likely to occur in ED recipients by 1 year (12% vs. 31%, P=0.002). Both cytomegalovirus infection rates (BD 21% vs. ED 8%, P=0.04) and fungal infection rates (BD 17% vs. ED 4%, P=0.04) were lower in ED PTx. The rate of first urinary tract infection was dramatically decreased with ED. At 1 year, only 20% of ED PTx developed a urinary tract infection vs. 63% of BD PTx (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION Enteric drainage of the pancreas is more physiologic, has similar results to bladder drainage, but has less infectious complications, particularly urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Pirsch
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792, USA.
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Odorico JS, Hakim MN, Becker YT, Van der Werf W, Musat A, Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Kalayoglu M. Liver transplantation as definitive therapy for complications after arterial embolization for hepatic manifestations of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Liver Transpl Surg 1998; 4:483-90. [PMID: 9791159 DOI: 10.1002/lt.500040609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Experience with hepatic artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic hepatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in Rendu-Osler-Weber disease is limited. We report 2 cases of hepatic AVMs that caused mesenteric angina-like symptoms that were treated with embolization. Both patients developed parenchymal and bile duct necrosis, intrahepatic bilomas, and refractory biliary sepsis, subsequently leading to liver failure. We hypothesize that the pathophysiological cause of biliary necrosis in this setting is similar to that which occurs in the setting of hepatic artery thrombosis of the liver allograft. Progressive liver failure in these patients was treated successfully by liver transplantation. Liver transplantation offers definitive therapy by removing the source of ongoing sepsis, restoring normal liver function, and eliminating the intrahepatic AV shunt.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Odorico
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
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D'Alessandro AM, Pirsch JD, Knechtle SJ, Odorico JS, Van der Werf WJ, Collins BH, Becker YT, Kalayoglu M, Armbrust MJ, Sollinger HW. Living unrelated renal donation: the University of Wisconsin experience. Surgery 1998; 124:604-10; discussion 610-1. [PMID: 9780978 DOI: 10.1067/msy.1998.91482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Living unrelated renal donation (LURD) has the potential to reduce the current waiting list significantly for kidney transplantation. The purpose of this study was to examine the long-term results of 150 LURDs performed at our center during a 16-year period. METHODS From Dec 23, 1981, to Feb 13, 1998, 150 LURDs, 219 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical, 577 haploidentical, and 1789 cadaveric kidney transplant procedures were performed. Surgical complications, rejection episodes, infectious complications, and the cause of graft loss and death were examined. Ten-year patient and graft survival rates between groups were compared. RESULTS Fourteen surgical complications including lymphocele (n = 7), ureteral stricture (n = 4), and ureteral leak (n = 3) were seen. Seventy-eight patients (52%) had 123 rejection episodes and 66 patients (44%) had 1 or more infections. Thirty-six allografts were lost and 25 deaths occurred. Patient survival rates at 10 years for HLA-identical, haploidentical, LURD, and cadaveric transplant procedures were 86%, 82%, 63%, and 64%, respectively. Allograft survival rates at 10 years for HLA-identical, haploidentical, LURD, and cadaver transplant procedures were 75%, 59%, 56%, and 44%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Long-term LURD allograft survival rates are lower than those for HLA-identical but equivalent to those of haploidentical and better than those of cadaveric kidney transplantations. Spousal and nonspousal LURDs should be actively encouraged to help alleviate the current donor kidney shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, USA
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Abstract
METHODS From December 1985 to October 1997, 500 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPKs) were performed at the University of Wisconsin. Bladder drainage (BD) was used in 388 and enteric drainage (ED) in 112. All pancreas transplants were preserved in UW solution. RESULTS Patient survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 96.4%, 88.6%, and 76.3%; kidney function, 88.6%, 80.3%, and 66.6%; and pancreas function, 87.5%, 78.1%, and 67.2%. Thrombosis of the pancreas occurred in three to four (0.6% to 0.8%) and primary nonfunction in one (0.2%). There was a 4.2% acute tubular necrosis rate for the kidney. Conversion from BD to ED was required in 24% of cases. Primary indications for enteric conversion (EC) were leak (14%), urethritis and extravasation (7%), and chronic hematuria (3%). No graft was lost as a result of EC. There was no difference in 1-year graft survival between ED and BD. Leading causes of pancreas loss were rejection in 45 patients and death with a functioning graft in 27 patients. Since June 1995, mycophenolate mofetil was used for immunosuppression (n = 109). One-year survival rates with mycophenolate mofetil are patient, 98.1 %; kidney, 94.2%; and pancreas, 93.1%. Steroid-resistant rejections decreased from 48% to 15%. CONCLUSIONS This series represents the world's largest experience with SPK, including the longest follow-up for BD pancreatic transplants. Ten-year graft survival rates exceed those of all other transplants, with the exception of HLA-identical living-related grafts. This series confirms that SPK is a highly successful procedure for selected diabetic patients with renal failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Sollinger
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison 53792-7375, USA
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Abstract
The generation of reactive aldehydes on the carbohydrate moieties of the human serum transferrin was performed by a derivatization procedure based on the mild oxidation with sodium periodate and subsequent reaction with peroxidase hydrazide. The synthesized conjugate was compared to that obtained by modification of the amino acid side chains of transferrin. The conjugate reaction mixture assayed by SDS-PAGE consisted, besides unreacted compounds, of three main bands, corresponding to a molar ratio transferrin:peroxidase of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3. After blotting, these bands were identified by either anti-peroxidase and anti-transferrin antibodies on nitrocellulose membrane. ELISA detection method showed that the conjugate via oligosaccharide moieties (glycans) was still recognized not only by the anti-transferrin antibodies but also by the specific cellular receptor, while the conjugate via amino acids failed to display this latter ability. The different behaviour can be probably due to a significant damage of the protein structure or, possibly, to the peroxidase binding at sites recognized by the receptor. The results reported here indicate that the conjugation procedure through glycans leads to stable and selected transferrin-conjugates fully exhibiting their biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M D'Alessandro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University of L'Aquila, Italy.
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Pirsch JD, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Odorico JS, Becker BN, Kalayoglu M, Sollinger HW. TACROLIMUS AND RETRANSPLANTATION: EQUIVALENT RESULTS TO PRIMARY RENAL TRANSPLANTATION. Transplantation 1998. [DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199806270-00679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Odorico JS, Rayhill SC, Heisey DM, Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Pirsch JD, Sollinger HW. Immunologic risks of combined kidney-pancreas transplantation. Transplant Proc 1998; 30:249-50. [PMID: 9532017 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(97)01246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J S Odorico
- University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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Van der Werf WJ, Odorico JS, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Pirsch JD, Kalayoglu M, Sollinger HW. Enteric conversion of bladder-drained pancreas allografts: experience in 95 patients. Transplant Proc 1998; 30:441-2. [PMID: 9532119 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(97)01347-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W J Van der Werf
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, USA
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Odorico JS, Heisey DM, Voss BJ, Steiner DS, Knechtle SJ, D'Alessandro AM, Hoffmann RM, Sollinger HW. Donor factors affecting outcome after pancreas transplantation. Transplant Proc 1998; 30:276-7. [PMID: 9532034 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(97)01263-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we demonstrated that Px grafts from donors older than 45 years are associated with an increased risk of developing poor glycemic control and premature loss of Px function. Previous studies corroborate our finding that age of the donor is the principal donor characteristic impacting postoperative Px survival. Whereas prior studies also implicated hyperamylasemia as a factor which contributes adversely to outcome, we were unable to demonstrate a significant influence of donor hyperamylasemia on long-term graft survival, although it did correlate with the degree of immediate postoperative pancreatitis and with the need for oral hypoglycemic agents. Similarly, elevated blood glucoses in the donor, which can be a result of many other factors unrelated to the quality of the graft, did not predict a poor outcome in the recipient. NHB donor pancreata did as well as HB pancreata with regards to all postoperative functional parameters. A marginally increased risk of developing major complications was associated with older donors. Despite the frequent use of non-ideal donors, including older and NHB donors, excellent overall Px graft survival can be achieved. Although the quality of the pancreas graft was not directly addressed in this study, we believe irrespective of hyperglycemia or hyperamylasemia, subjective assessment of organ quality by an experienced transplant surgeon is the most important determinant of suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Odorico
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, USA
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Abstract
This article discusses the guidelines for brain death determination, the criteria for donor selection, the management of the cadaveric donor, the surgical techniques of isolated renal and multiorgan retrieval, methods of organ preservation, and proper transport of organs to the recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Van der Werf
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, USA
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Van der Werf WJ, D'Alessandro AM, Knechtle SJ, Pilli G, Hoffmann RM, Judd RH, Odorico JS, Kirk AD, Rayhill SC, Sollinger HW, Kalayoglu M. Infant pediatric liver transplantation results equal those for older pediatric patients. J Pediatr Surg 1998; 33:20-3. [PMID: 9473092 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3468(98)90353-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
METHODS From July 1984 to July 1995, 99 pediatric patients underwent 127 orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) at the University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital. The patients were divided into four groups according to age at time of transplant: group I, 0 to 6 months (n = 20); group II, 6 to 12 months (n = 18); group III, 1 to 2 years (n = 10); and group IV, 2 to 18 years (n = 51). A retrospective analysis was performed to compare these four groups with regard to preoperative indications and demographics, intraoperative technique, complications, and survival. All patients were followed up for 2 to 13 years. RESULTS Biliary atresia was the most common indication for OLT in all four groups. The average waiting period varied from 19+/-18 days for group I to 44+/-64 days for group IV. Reduced-size liver transplant (I, 41%; II, 52%; III, 28%; IV, 21%), split-liver transplant (I, 0%; II, 7.4%; III, 17%; IV, 2.9%), or whole-liver transplant techniques were used. Although postoperative Intensive Care Unit stay was longer for the 0- to 6-month-old patients (I, 20+/-64; II, 7.6+/-9; III, 13+/-17; IV, 6.8+/-14 days), the total hospital stay (I, 43+/-63; II, 33+/-34; III, 32+/-20; IV, 29+/-31 days) was similar for all patients. The incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (I, 19%; II, 19%; III, 27%; IV, 16%), biliary tract complications (I, 4.8%; II, 15%; III, 20%; IV, 14%), and retransplantation (I, 9.5%; II, 41%; III, 33%; IV, 14%) were not significantly different between the four groups. Portal vein thrombosis (I, 9.5%; II, 11%; III, 6.6; IV, 0%) and primary nonfunction (I, 9.5%; II, 7.4%; III, 0%; IV, 3.1%) occurred more frequently in the 0- to 6-month and 6- to 12-month groups, however, the 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rate for patients (I, 85%, 79%, 79%; II, 89%, 74%, 74%; III, 80%, 80%, 80%; IV, 84%, 75%, 75%, respectively) and primary liver allografts (I, 69%, 69%, 69%; II, 72%, 72%, 63%; III, 70%, 70%, 70%; IV, 71%, 57%, 57%, respectively) were not significantly different (P = .98 and P = .83). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that OLT can be effectively performed on infants of all ages and that OLT should not be delayed because of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Van der Werf
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison 53792-7375, USA
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Sher LS, Cosenza CA, Michel J, Makowka L, Miller CM, Schwartz ME, Busuttil R, McDiarmid S, Burdick JF, Klein AS, Esquivel C, Klintmalm G, Levy M, Roberts JP, Lake JR, Kalayoglu M, D'Alessandro AM, Gordon RD, Stieber AC, Shaw BW, Thistlethwaite JR, Whittington P, Wiesner RH, Porayko M, Cosimi AB. Efficacy of tacrolimus as rescue therapy for chronic rejection in orthotopic liver transplantation: a report of the U.S. Multicenter Liver Study Group. Transplantation 1997; 64:258-63. [PMID: 9256184 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-199707270-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A study was performed by 17 different U.S. liver transplantation centers to determine the safety and efficacy of conversion from cyclosporine to tacrolimus for chronic allograft rejection. METHODS Ninety-one patients were converted to tacrolimus a mean of 319 days after liver transplantation. The indication for conversion was ongoing chronic rejection confirmed by biochemical and histologic criteria. Patients were followed for a mean of 251 days until the end of the study. RESULTS Sixty-four patients (70.3%) were alive with their initial hepatic allograft at the conclusion of the study period and were defined as the responder group. Twenty-seven patients (29.7%) failed to respond to treatment, and 20 of them required a second liver graft. The actuarial graft survival for the total patient group was 69.9% and 48.5% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The actuarial patient survival at 1 and 2 years was 84.4% and 81.2%, respectively. Two significant positive prognostic factors were identified. Patients with a total bilirubin of < or = 10 mg/dl at the time of conversion had a significantly better graft and patient survival than patients converted with a total bilirubin > 10 mg/dl (P=0.00002 and P=0.00125, respectively). The time between liver transplantation and conversion also affected graft and patient survival. Patients converted to tacrolimus < or = 90 days after transplantation had a 1-year actuarial graft and patient survival of 51.9% and 65.9%, respectively, compared with 73.2% and 87.7% for those converted > 90 days after transplantation. The mean total bilirubin level for the responder group was 7.1 mg/dl at the time of conversion and decreased significantly to a mean of 3.4 mg/dl at the end of the study (P=0.0018). Thirteen patients (14.3%) died during the study. Sepsis was the major contributing cause of death in most of these patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that conversion to tacrolimus for chronic rejection after orthotopic liver transplantation represents an effective therapeutic option. Conversion to tacrolimus before development of elevated total bilirubin levels showed a significant impact on long-term outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Sher
- Comprehensive Liver Disease and Treatment Center, St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90057, USA
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Knechtle SJ, Babalola JA, D'Alessandro AM, Pirsch JD, Kalayoglu M. Clostridial infection of a liver transplant treated with retransplantation. Clin Transplant 1997; 11:206-8. [PMID: 9193843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Clostridial infection of a liver transplant is reported and was treated successfully with immediate retransplantation and antibiotics. This strategy may salvage patients who otherwise have a fulminant course and certain death. This case supports the general principle that infection localized to the liver can be successfully treated with retransplantation when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Knechtle
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison 53792-7375, USA
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