Delayed graft function is not associated with an increased incidence of renal allograft rejection

Delayed graft function (DGF) is considered as a risk factor for renal allograft rejection, but this association might be confounded by diagnostic biases (e.g., higher biopsy frequency in patients with DGF, inclusion of clinically diagnosed rejection episodes, and limited details on the rejection phenotype). This retrospective study including 329 deceased donor transplantations aimed to clarify a causal relationship between DGF and rejection. DGF occurred in 93/329 recipients (28%), whereas immediate graft function (IGF) in 236/329 recipients (72%). The percentage of patients with ≥1 allograft biopsy within the first year post‐transplant was similar between the DGF and IGF group (96% vs. 94%; p = 0.60). The cumulative one‐yr incidence of biopsy‐proven clinical (35% vs. 34%; p = 0.62) and combined (sub)clinical rejection (58% vs. 60%; p = 0.79) was not different between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no differences regarding rejection phenotypes/severities and time frame of occurrence. By multivariable Cox regression analysis, donor‐specific HLA antibodies, younger recipient age, and immunosuppressive regimens were independent predictors for clinical rejection, while DGF was not. These results in an intermediate sized, but thoroughly investigated patient population challenge the concept that DGF is a risk factor for rejection and highlights the need for additional studies in this regard.     

肾移植术后的巨细胞病毒感染及其对急性排斥反应的影响

目的 探讨肾移植受者术后活动性巨细胞病毒（ＣＭＶ）感染的发生率、感染的原因以及ＣＭＶ感染对急性排斥反应的影响。方法 检测１８７例肾移植受者和供者术前血清抗－ＣＭＶ抗体;受者术后定期检测体内ＣＭＶ ＤＮＡ、对ＣＭＶ ＤＮＡ阳性的部分患者给予抗ＣＭＶ治疗,并比较各组排斥反应的发生率。结果 无论是供者还是受者,术前如血清抗－ＣＭＶ抗体阳性,受者术后发生活动性ＣＭＶ感染者明显增多,这些患者急性排斥反应的发     

Early acute cellular rejection: no effect on late hepatic allograft function in man

Whereas early acute cellular rejection, even if successfully treated, seems to have an impact on late function and survival of kidney and heart transplants, little quantitative data are available on its effect(s) on liver transplants. Routine liver function tests, the functioning liver cell mass (galactose elimination capacity) and microsomal metabolic capacity (aminopyrine breath test) were determined prospectively in 37 consecutive patients 1 year after liver transplantation. Of these, 19 (7 females and 12 males, 32–69 years of age) had previously required treatment for at least one biopsy proven acute cellular rejection episode occuring a median 7 days after grafting, while 18 (6 females and 12 males, 30–67 years of age) had not. The functioning liver cell mass and microsomal metabolic capacity were both within normal limits for the majority of patients and did not differ significantly between patients with and without previous acute cellular rejection episodes. In contrast to other solid organ transplants, early acute cellular rejection episodes do not affect late function of liver allografts in man. Received: 1 July 1998 Received in revised form 5 October 1999 Accepted: 12 October 1998     

The impact of first untreated subclinical minimal acute rejection on risk for chronic lung allograft dysfunction or death after lung transplantation

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a significant risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Although clinically manifest and higher grade (≥A2) ACR is generally treated with augmented immunosuppression, management of minimal (grade A1) ACR remains controversial. In our program, patients with subclinical and spirometrically stable A1 rejection (StA1R) are routinely not treated with augmented immunosuppression. We hypothesized that an untreated first StA1R does not increase the risk of CLAD or death compared to episodes of spirometrically stable no ACR (StNAR). The cohort was drawn from all consecutive adult, first, bilateral lung transplantations performed between 1999 and 2017. Biopsies obtained in the first‐year posttransplant were paired with (forced expiratory volume in 1 second FEV₁). The first occurrence of StA1R was compared to a time‐matched StNAR. The risk of CLAD or death was assessed using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The analyses demonstrated no significant difference in risk of CLAD or death in patients with a first StA1R compared to StNAR. This largest study to date shows that, in clinically stable patients, an untreated first A1 ACR in the first‐year posttransplant is not significantly associated with an increased risk for CLAD or death. Watchful‐waiting approach may be an acceptable tactic for stable A1 episodes in lung transplant recipients.     

心脏移植术后自主和起搏心肌内心电图诊断急性排斥反应的可靠性分析

目的 探讨心肌内心电图(IMEG)在诊断心脏移植术后急性排斥反应中的作用,并评估其可靠性.方法 2004年6月至2009年3月,对32例心脏移植受者植入永久性心脏起搏器,分析自主IMEG的QRS波幅(以下简称为"QRS")和心室起搏心电图(VER)的T波后支最大斜率(Tslew)变化在诊断急性排斥反应中的作用;同期进行心内膜心肌活检(EMB),对QRS和Tslew与EMB诊断急性排斥反应进行了对照.结果 共采集IMEG 523例次,同时有自主IMEG、心室起搏VER和EMB数据的41例次,其中病理检查诊断急性排斥反应阳性17例次,阴性24例次;QRS的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)0.7537,敏感度(Se)为88.24%,特异度(Sp)为62.50%,诊断符合率为73.17%;Tslew的AUC为0.9081,Se为94.12%,Sp为87.50%,诊断符合率为90.24%;QRS与Tslew的AUC比较,Tslew优于QRS,差异有统计学意义(x2=4.22,P＜0.05);联合诊断(QRS和Tslew之一阳性诊断为阳性,同时阴性诊断为阴性)AUC为0.7917,Se为100.00%,Sp为58.33%,诊断符合率为75.61%.结论 自主IMEG的QRS、心室起搏VER的Tslew用于诊断心脏移植术后急性排斥反应均是可靠指标,但Tslew优于QRS;联合应用两项指标诊断心脏移植术后急性排斥反应也是可靠指标.     

Evolution of lung and kidney allograft function in patients receiving kidney after lung transplantation

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) toxicity leads to end‐stage renal disease in almost half of long‐term survivors after lung transplantation, some of them receiving kidney transplants. Little is known about the outcomes of kidney and lung allograft function following kidney after lung transplantation (KALTPL) in the modern era. We retrospectively analyzed a group of 13 consecutive patients who received a KALTPL with respect to their renal and pulmonary function and immunological evolution over 2 years. We documented a stable evolution of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) after KALTPL in most patients as well as an excellent kidney graft during the 2‐year follow‐up period. In our small cohort, living donations showed a significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to deceased donation (75.7 compared to 41.6 mL/min). Patients who received a preemptive KALTPL were more likely to improve their lung function after KALTPL. Four patients developed de novo donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) against the kidney graft. There were no DSA against shared antigens from the lung allograft. De novo DSA did not lead to graft loss in any patient. All 13 patients survived the first 24 months after KALTPL.     

Soluble tumor necrosis factor-receptors are not a useful marker of acute allograft rejection: a study in patients with renal or cardiac allografts

In this study, we investigated soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNF-R) levels in plasma of patients with either a kidney or cardiac allograft when clinical suspicion of acute rejection was raised. In plasma of patients with acute renal graft rejection, the sTNF-R levels were strongly enhanced (20–150 ng/ml) as compared to plasma of patients with stable renal function. Following successful treatment of the rejection, a gradual decline in sTNF-R levels occurred with improving renal function, and an inverse correlation between creatinine clearance and sTNF-R was found. To determine whether the increase was caused by an accumulation of constitutively released sTNF-R and lack of clearance by the kidney, or whether the immunological process of the rejection caused the enhancement, we measured sTNF-R in patients suffering from acute cardiac graft rejection but with predominantly stable kidney function. Rejection of a cardiac graft did not lead to a significant enhancement of sTNF-R levels. However, treatment with ATG or OKT3 did cause enhanced sTNF-R levels, followed by a decline that reached starting values after 7 days. These results provide evidence that the immune reaction that occurs during rejection of a graft does not per se induce discernible changes in sTNF-R levels, whereas that induced by ATG or OKT3 does. Thus, sTNF-R levels are not a reliable marker in transplant recipient monitoring.     

Cytological monitoring of peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and transbronchial biopsy specimens during acute rejection and cytomegalovirus infection in lung and heart--lung allograft recipients

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Acute rejection and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are important complications after lung and heart--lung transplantation. We sought to investigate whether acute rejection and CMV infection demonstrated as CMV antigenemia had an effect on the cell profiles of peripheral blood (PB), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL-F), or TBB histology. PATIENTS AND DESIGN: In this prospective study, composition of cells in PB, BAL-F, and TBB samples from 20 lung or heart-lung transplantation patients were analyzed during episodes of acute rejection or CMV antigenemia. Rejection was graded according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria. As controls, samples with no evidence of rejection or infection were used. To evaluate the effect of time on cellular findings, samples were divided into three groups according to time after transplantation: 1--30, 31--180, and more than 180 d after transplantation. RESULTS: Acute rejection was associated with mild blood basophilia (p<0.05; specificity 94%, sensitivity 42%). In BAL-F during rejection, the number of basophils (p<0.05), eosinophils (p<0.05), and lymphocytes (p<0.05; specificity 77%, sensitivity 64%) was increased compared to controls during the post-operative month 1. Later-occurring rejections were associated with increased amounts of neutrophils in BAL-F (p<0.05; specificity 82%, sensitivity 74%). In TBB histology, acute rejections were associated with perivascular and/or peribronchial infiltration of lymphocytes (p<0.001) and plasma cells (p<0.05) compared to controls. In our patients receiving gancyclovir prophylaxis, CMV antigenemia did not significantly alter the cell profiles in PB and BAL-F nor the inflammatory cell picture in TBB histology. CONCLUSION: TBB histology remains the 'gold standard' for diagnosing rejection in lung and heart-lung transplantation patients, as the inflammatory cell findings in TBB specimens are highly specific for rejection. The cellular changes associated with rejection, mild PB basophilia and increased proportions of lymphocytes in early- and neutrophils in later-occurring rejection, observed in BAL-F cannot be considered specific for rejection, but may warrant clinical suspicion of rejection.     

Influence of kidney function to the impact of acute rejection on long-term kidney transplant survival

In kidney transplantation, timing of an initial acute rejection (AR) is correlated with a variable risk of graft loss. However, it is unknown whether the increased risk for graft loss because of AR is conditioned by impaired graft function. A total of 730 cadaveric kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively evaluated from 1994 to 2001. When AR occurred, the risk ratio (RR) for graft loss was strongly time-dependent and increased, the later the rejection episode occurred. Compared with the reference group (no rejection) having an AR within 0-30, 31-365, or >365 days post-transplant conferred a 3.1-, 9.1- and 49.3-fold risk for subsequent graft loss (P < 0.001). By including serum creatinine as an indicator for graft function at the time of rejection RR decreased to 2.4-, 7.1- and 21.8-fold, but remained still significant (P = 0.023). In conclusion, the higher risk of graft loss after late AR is not fully explained by impaired graft function measured by serum creatinine.     

骨化三醇和氨基胍联合应用减轻大鼠肾移植急性排斥反应

目的探讨骨化三醇和氨基胍(AG)联合应用对大鼠肾移植急性排斥反应的作用。方法选取清洁级近交系健康雄性Wistar大鼠和SD大鼠为供、受者。实验随机分为5组,每组10只。Ⅰ组为同基因对照组:Wistar大鼠肾脏移植给Wistar大鼠,术前和术后不做任何处理;其余各组均为异基因移植,Wistar大鼠肾脏移植给SD大鼠,Ⅱ组为排斥对照组:术前和术后不做任何处理;Ⅲ组为氨基胍治疗组:手术当日开始腹腔注射氨基胍200mg/kg,2次/d,至实验结束;Ⅳ组为骨化三醇治疗组:术前1d开始腹腔注射骨化三醇1μg·kg-1·d-1,至实验结束;Ⅴ组为联合治疗组:氨基胍和骨化三醇联合应用,给药方案同Ⅲ、Ⅳ组。观察各组受者生存期和移植后5d肾组织病理学变化,检测血清肌酐、尿素氮、钙、磷以及γ干扰素(IFNγ)含量。结果Ⅰ～Ⅴ组受者存活时间分别为(9.1±1.9)d、(5.3±0.8)d、(9.7±2.1)d、(8.6±1.6)d和(12.9±3.4)d。Ⅴ组较Ⅱ～Ⅳ组生存期延长,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Ⅲ、Ⅳ组受者存活期、移植肾排斥反应程度、肾功能及血清IFNγ表达水平较Ⅱ组明显改善或降低(P<0.01),Ⅴ组又较Ⅲ、Ⅳ效果更佳(P<0.05)。结论同种异体原位肾移植后联合应用用骨化三醇和氨基胍治疗可有效预防急性排斥反应,二者有明显的协同作用。     

Spirometrically significant acute rejection increases the risk for BOS and death after lung transplantation

Acute rejection (AR) is a common complication following lung transplantation and is an established risk factor for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). AR clinical presentation varies considerably and is sometimes associated with an acute decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). We hypothesized that lung transplant recipients who experience such spirometrically significant AR (SSAR), as defined by a ≥10% decline in FEV1 relative to the prior pulmonary function test, are subsequently at increased risk for BOS and worse overall survival. In a large single center cohort (n = 339), SSAR occurred in 79 subjects (23%) and significantly increased the risk for BOS (p < 0.0001, HR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.3-4.6) and death (p = 0.0001, HR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.5-3.5). These effects persisted after multivariate adjustment for pre-BOS AR and lymphocytic bronchiolitis burden. An analysis of the subset of patients who experienced severe SSAR (≥20% decline in FEV1) resulted in even greater hazards for BOS and death. Thus, we demonstrate a novel physiological measure that allows discrimination of patients at increased risk for worse posttransplant outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine mechanisms of airflow impairment and whether aggressive clinical interventions could improve post-SSAR outcomes.     

肾移植术后中远期急性排斥反应临床研究

目的探讨肾移植术后中远期移植肾急性排斥反应(AR)发生影响因素及移植肾生存情况。 方法回顾性分析浙江大学医学院附属第一医院肾脏病中心2018年1月至2019年12月因血清肌酐水平升高而接受移植肾病理活检并确诊移植肾AR受者临床资料,共纳入43例受者,其中急性抗体排斥反应组17例,急性T细胞排斥反应组26例;同时纳入同期(2周内)肾移植且移植肾功能正常的39例受者为对照组。正态分布计量资料比较采用配对t检验或单因素方差分析。计数资料比较采用χ²检验或Fisher确切概率法。采用Kaplan-Meier进行生存分析,并采用log-rank进行比较。P<0.05为差异有统计学意义。 结果急性抗体排斥反应组HLA-A错配2个比例(4/17)高于对照组(1/39),差异有统计学意义(P＝0.026)。急性抗体排斥反应组和急性T细胞排斥反应组AR发生时和末次血清肌酐和估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR)均高于AR发生前(P均<0.05);急性抗体排斥反应组和急性T细胞排斥反应组AR发生时和末次血清肌酐和eGFR均高于对照组(P均<0.05);急性抗体排斥反应组进入慢性肾脏病(CKD)-4期受者比例低于急性T细胞排斥反应组(χ²＝5.73,P<0.05);急性T细胞排斥反应组进入CKD-4期受者比例以及急性抗体排斥反应组移植肾失功比例均高于对照组(χ²＝17.727和9.882,P均<0.05)。AR发生时急性抗体排斥反应组和急性T细胞排斥反应组受者均接受PRA检测,前者PRA-Ⅰ和PRA-Ⅱ阳性比例分别为41.2%(7/17)和88.2%(15/17),均高于后者[11.5%(3/26)和26.9%(7/26)],差异均有统计学意义(P＝0.042,P<0.001)。急性抗体排斥反应组、急性T细胞排斥反应组及对照组术后分别有13、24和38例受者应用他克莫司。发生AR时,急性抗体排斥反应组他克莫司血药浓度[(3.72±0.76)ng/mL]与急性T细胞排斥反应组[(3.37±0.86)ng/mL]均低于对照组[(5.73±1.25)ng/mL],差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05);急性抗体排斥反应组与急性T细胞排斥反应组他克莫司血药浓度均低于发生AR前[(6.27±1.18)和(6.33±1.63)ng/mL],差异均有统计学意义(t＝7.120和6.216,P均<0.05)。急性抗体排斥反应组4例受者应用以环孢素为基础的免疫抑制方案,其中3例术后33、36和55个月环孢素血浓度分别为112.4、138.3和7.0 ng/mL,均低于要求血药浓度。急性T细胞排斥反应组2例应用环孢素受者术后16和177个月环孢素血药浓度分别为43.2和24.6 ng/mL,均低于要求血药浓度。随访至2021年6月30日,急性抗体排斥反应组移植肾生存率低于对照组(χ²＝8.738,P<0.05)。 结论HLA-A位点错配及他克莫司低血药浓度是肾移植术后中远期诱发AR的重要原因。急性抗体介导排斥反应是移植肾生存重要影响因素。     

Simkania negevensis and acute cellular rejection in lung transplant recipients

Simkania negevensis infection has been hypothesized to play a role in lung transplant rejection. The incidence of S. negevensis infection and its association with acute cellular rejection (ACR) were determined in a prospective cohort study of 78 lung transplant recipients (LTRs) in Toronto, Canada, and Pittsburgh, USA, from July 2007 to January 2010. Simkania negevensis testing was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The relationship between S. negevensis and ACR was examined using Cox proportional hazards models and generalized linear and latent mixed models. Cumulative incidence estimates for time‐to‐ACR in S. negevensis PCR‐positive vs. PCR‐negative LTRs were 52.7% vs. 31.1% at six months and 68.9% vs. 44.6% at one yr, respectively. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward a higher risk of ACR among S. negevensis PCR‐positive vs. PCR‐negative LTRs in all statistical models.     

不同途径行Sertoli细胞-肝脏联合移植对肝移植术后急性排斥的影响

目的通过不同途径行Sertoli细胞-肝脏联合移植，探讨Sertoli细胞是否可为移植肝提供免疫保护。方法“2步法”分离培养Sertoli细胞，“二袖套管法”行大鼠原位肝移植并以Wistar→SD组合建立排斥反应模型。通过三种途径进行Sertoli细胞-肝脏联合移植。分别观察术后各组症状、体征、肝功能变化、移植肝病理特征等。采用免疫组化、凋亡等技术检测Sertoli细胞功能及作用，探讨其对肝移植急性排斥的影响。结果肝移植急排模型不干预组14只，1只存活超过14d。Sertoli细胞腹腔注射组、阴茎背静脉注射组和供体移植前门静脉注射组分别有5、8、7只存活超过14d。各干预组存活率与对照组比较：后两组差异有显著性（P〈0．05），腹腔注射组差异不显著（P〉0．05）；各干预组之间存活率差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。供肝病理检查显示各干预组排斥反应较对照组轻。免疫组化及凋亡检测发现：肝移植后14d，Sertoli细胞仍存活并表达FasL，Sertoli细胞周围有淋巴细胞集聚及凋亡的淋巴细胞。结论Sertoli细胞对肝移植急性排斥有抑制作用，对供肝有诱导免疫耐受作用，Sertoli细胞通过Fas／FasL途径诱导淋巴细胞凋亡。     

Selective treatment of early acute rejection after liver transplantation: effects on liver, infection rate, and outcome

Abstract To evaluate the results of selective treatment of biopsy-proven mild acute rejection episodes, we retrospectively studied 1-week liver biopsies of 103 patients with a primary liver graft in relation to liver function tests. The overall incidence of rejection was 35 %. In four patients the biopsy showed histological features consistent with rejection; in 27 patients it showed mild acute rejection (grade 1), and in 5 patients it showed moderate acute rejection (grade 2). Study group 1 consisted of 19 untreated patients with grade 1 rejection and group 2 of 8 treated patients with grade 1 rejection. At 30 and 90 days, no differences in liver function tests were found. The infection rate, histology after 1 year, and survival in the two groups did not differ. It may, therefore, be concluded that withholding treatment in histologically proven mild acute rejection is possible in selected patients based on histological, biochemical, and clinical criteria. This may reflect the functional diversity of morphologically similar lymphocytic infiltrates observed in graft biopsies showing features of mild acute rejection.