Kidney Transplantation from a Deceased Donor with COVID-19 Ad26.COV2-S Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND Vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia is a rare immune disorder documented after adenoviral vector ChAdOx1 nCOV-19 (AstraZeneca) and Ad26.COV2-S (Janssen) vaccine administration against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It is a rare adverse effect with an incidence of 1 case per 100 000 exposures. The disorder represents altered immune response with proliferation of antibodies that bind to platelet factor 4 (PF4), leading to formation of thrombi and consumptive coagulopathy. Thrombosis combined with thrombocytopenia generally occurs in the first month following vaccination and can lead to fatal outcome, even in young, previously healthy individuals. These young adults ultimately may become solid organ donors. The main concerns with vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia solid organ donors are anti-PF4 antibodies transmission potential, risk of early major graft thrombosis, and serious bleeding. CASE REPORT In our center, 2 kidney transplantations were performed from a single brain-dead vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia donor following Ad26.COV2-S COVID-19 (Janssen) vaccine in October 2021, which represents the first 2 cases of kidney transplantation from a deceased vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia donor after immunization with Ad26.COV2-S (Janssen) vaccine. Both recipients were closely monitored in the early post-transplantation period and after discharge from the hospital. To date, both recipients have a good functioning allograft, without any evidence of vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia transmission. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with those of previously published cases of successful vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia donor solid organ transplantation. Kidney allografts transplanted from vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia donors can have a good overall function with favorable outcomes.

Parvovirus B19 status in liver, kidney and pancreas transplant candidates: A single center experience

BACKGROUND

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations. The major presentation is erythema infectiosum. However, a persistent infection may cause pure red cell aplasia and chronic anemia in immunocompromized patients. The B19V seroprevalence varies with age and geographical location.

AIM

To determine the B19V serological status and DNAemia in kidney, liver, and pancreas transplant candidates.

METHODS

Patients who underwent kidney, liver, or simultaneous kidney and pancreas/liver transplantation between January 2021 and May 2022 were included in the study. The serum samples were collected before transplantation. For detection of B19V DNA, a LightMix Kit B19V EC (TIB MOLBIOL, Berlin, Germany) was used. B19V IgM and IgG antibodies were detected using a commercial ELISA test (Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany).

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-one transplant candidates were included in the study, 71.0% male, with an average age of 53.27 years ± 12.71 years. There were 68.7% liver, 27.5% kidney, 3.0% simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplant (SPKT), and 0.8% simultaneous liver/kidney transplant recipients. No patients had detectable B19V DNA. B19V IgG seroprevalence was 77.1%. No acute or recent infections were detected (IgM antibodies). There was no difference in the mean age of seronegative and seropositive patients (51.8 years ± 12.9 years vs 53.7 years ± 12.7 years, t = -0.603; P = 0.548). Although seropositivity was lower in patients aged less than 30 years (66.6%) compared to the patients aged 30-59 years and > 60 years (80.4% and 78.1%, respectively), this difference was not significant. In addition, there was no difference in seropositivity between male and female transplant candidates, 76.3% and 78.9% (χ² = 0.104; P = 0.748). The seroprevalence did not differ among organ recipients, with 77.8%, 80.6%, and 50.0% for liver, kidney, and SPKT, respectively, (χ² = 5.297; P = 0.151). No significant difference was found in the seroprevalence in kidney transplant patients according to dialysis modality. Seroprevalence was 71.1% in hemodialysis patients, and 100% in peritoneal dialysis patients (χ² = 0.799; P = 0.372).

CONCLUSION

The B19V seroprevalence is expectedly high among kidney, liver, and pancreas transplant candidates, but there are still 22.9% of seronegative individuals who remain at risk for primary disease and severe manifestations. Further research should elucidate the necessity of B19V screening in peri-transplant management.

Insights into hepatitis E virus epidemiology in Croatia

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging virus of global health concern. The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group.

AIM

To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed (animal-related professions) and nonexposed populations, as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

METHODS

Forestry workers (n = 93), hunters (n = 74), and veterinarians (n = 151) represented the exposed population. The general population (n = 126) and pregnant women (n = 118) constituted the control group. Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients (LTRs) (n = 83), kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) (n = 43), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCRs) (n = 39). HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test.

RESULTS

The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups: Veterinarians 15.2%, hunters 14.9%, forestry workers 6.5%, general population 7.1%, and pregnant women 1.7%. In transplant patients, the seropositivity was highest in LTRs (19.3%), while in KTRs and HSCRs, the seroprevalence was similar to the general population (6.9% and 5.1%, respectively). A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9% in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5% in those older than 60 years. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex, educational level, area of residence, and number of household members), eating habits (game meat, offal, and pork products consumption), and environmental and housing conditions (drinking water supply, type of water drainage/sewer, waste disposal, domestic animals) were not associated with HEV seropositivity. However, individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals (12.5% vs 7.0%).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection. In addition, age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.

Human pegivirus infection after transplant: Is there an impact?

The microbiome's role in transplantation has received growing interest, but the role of virome remains understudied. Pegiviruses are single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses, historically associated with liver disease, but their path-ogenicity is controversial. In the transplantation setting, pegivirus infection does not seem to have a negative impact on the outcomes of solid-organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. However, the role of pegiviruses as proxies in immunosuppression monitoring brings novelty to the field of virome research in immunocompromised individuals. The possible immunomodulatory effect of pegivirus infections remains to be elucidated in further trials.

Hepatitis E Virus in Croatia in the "One-Health" Context

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis globally. The first human case of autochthonous HEV infection in Croatia was reported in 2012, with the undefined zoonotic transmission of HEV genotype 3. This narrative review comprehensively addresses the current knowledge on the HEV epidemiology in humans and animals in Croatia. Published studies showed the presence of HEV antibodies in different population groups, such as chronic patients, healthcare professionals, voluntary blood donors and professionally exposed and pregnant women. The highest seroprevalence in humans was found in patients on hemodialysis in a study conducted in 2018 (27.9%). Apart from humans, different studies have confirmed the infection in pigs, wild boars and a mouse, indicating the interspecies transmission of HEV due to direct or indirect contact or as a foodborne infection. Continued periodical surveys in humans and animals are needed to identify the possible changes in the epidemiology of HEV infections.

Pre- and intraoperative predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after liver transplantation (LT) is a frequent and multifactorial event related to increased morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for AKI after LT still need to be clarified.

AIM

To identify the predictors of acute kidney injury after liver transplantation.

METHODS

The frequency and pre- and intraoperative predictors of AKI within the first 7 d after LT were evaluated in adult liver transplant candidates in a single LT center in Croatia. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

RESULTS

Out of 205 patients (mean age 57 ± 10 years; 73.7% males, 52.7% with alcohol-related liver disease) 93 (45.36%) developed AKI, and the majority of them (58.06%) had stage 1. Only 5.38% of patients required renal replacement therapy after LT. The majority of patients (82.8%) developed AKI within the first two days after the procedure. Multivariate logistic regression identified pre-LT body mass index (OR = 1.1, 95%CI: 1.05-1.24) and red blood cell transfusion (OR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.09-2.53) as independent predictors of early post-LT AKI occurrence. 30-d survival after LT was significantly better for patients without AKI (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Early AKI after LT is a frequent event that negatively impacts short-term survival. The pathogenesis of AKI is multifactorial, but pre-LT BMI and intraoperative volume shifts are major contributors.

Liver Graft Failure and Bile Cast Nephropathy

The consequences of graft failure after liver transplantation (LT) range far beyond the liver. The kidneys are often affected, where persistent and progressive cholestasis can result in acute kidney injury (AKI) leading to the development of bile cast nephropathy (BCN). BCN is an often unrecognized condition that is characterized by proximal tubulopathy and the formation of bile casts in the distal tubules, which is almost diagnosed exclusively on a kidney biopsy or autopsy. This condition is potentially reversible, provided the bilirubin levels can be reduced early. LT may represent a treatment option in the case of irreversible liver (or liver graft) failure, which is beneficial for both the liver and the kidney. This paper reports a case of BCN in a patient with idiopathic graft failure after LT. Despite his chronic kidney disease, liver re-transplantation led to the successful improvement of his AKI.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis E in patients on haemodialysis in Croatia

PURPOSE

Data on the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in heamodialysis (HD) patients are conflicting, ranging from 0 to 44%. The aim of this study was to determine the HEV seroprevalence and risk factors among HD patients in Croatia.

METHODS

A total of 394 HD patients from six medical facilities in five Croatian cities (three sites in the continental and three sites in the coastal region) were tested for HEV IgM/IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, all samples were tested for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 110 (27.9%) patients. The seroprevalence varied significantly between dialysis centres, ranging from 5.2 to 43.4% (p = 0.001). HEV IgM antibodies were found in 0.04% of IgG positive patients. All patients tested negative for HEV RNA. Factors associated with HEV IgG seropositivity were age > 60 years (OR 8.17; 95% CI 1.08-62.14), living in the continental parts of the country (OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.55-4.30), and transfusion of blood products (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.01-2.73). After adjusting for age and gender, patients from continental regions had higher odds of HEV seropositivity compared to patients from coastal regions (OR 2.88; 95% CI 1.71-4.85) and those who had RBC transfusions (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.02-2.69) compared to those who did not.

CONCLUSION

The study showed a high HEV seropositivity among HD patients in Croatia, with significant variations between geographical regions. Continental area of residence and RBC transfusion were the most significant risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Due to the high seroprevalence, routine HEV screening among HD patients, especially in transplant candidates should be considered.