Simultaneous heart and kidney transplantation in patients with end-stage heart and renal failure.

Combined simultaneous organ transplantation has become more common as selection criteria for transplantation have broadened. Broadening selection criteria is secondary to improved immunosuppression and surgical techniques. The kidney is the most common extrathoracic organ to be simultaneously transplanted with the heart. A series of 13 patients suffering from both end-stage heart and renal failure underwent 14 simultaneous heart and kidney transplantations at Temple University Hospital between 1990 and 1999. This is the largest series reported from a single center. Three patients died during the initial hospitalization for an in-hospital mortality of 21%. Of 10 patients who left the hospital, 1-year survival was 100% and 2-year survival 75%. One patient required retransplant for rejection within the first year. Overall mortality at 1 and 2 years was 25 and 41%, respectively. Four out of nine (44%) patients greater than 5 years post-transplant were alive. Of the 10 patients who left the hospital, 66% were alive at 5 years. One patient succumbed to primary nonfunction of the cardiac allograft, while the four other deaths were secondary to bacterial or fungal sepsis. The patient's racial backgrounds were equally divided between African-American and white. These results are similar to those reported in a United Network of Organ Sharing Database (UNOS) registry analysis of 84 simultaneous heart and kidney transplants that found 1- and 2-year survival to be 76 and 67%, respectively. Simultaneous heart and kidney transplantation continues to be a viable option for patients suffering from failure of these two organ systems, although the results do not match those of heart transplant alone.     

Fatigue in kidney transplant recipients

Fatigue is still present in approximately 40%‐50% of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), rates comparable to that of the hemodialysis population. Correlates of fatigue include inflammation, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, and obesity. Fatigue in KTR determines a significant severe functional impairment, either when globally considered or when analyzed at the level of the single domains such as sleep and rest, homemaking, mobility, social interaction, ambulation, leisure activities, alertness behavior, and work limitations. In addition, fatigue in KTR is significantly associated with a severe deterioration of quality of life. Fatigue is very common among KTR poorly adherent to immunosuppressive therapy. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of studies about the treatments of this symptom in KTR. Efforts to detect and treat fatigue should be a priority in order to improve quality of life of KTR.     

Similar prevalence but different characteristics of pain in kidney transplant recipients and chronic hemodialysis patients

Masajtis‐Zagajewska A, Pietrasik P, Krawczyk J, Krakowska M, Jarz?bski T, Pietrasiewicz B, Zbróg Z, Nowicki M. Similar prevalence but different characteristics of pain in kidney transplant recipients and chronic hemodialysis patients.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E144–E151. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Chronic pain is frequent in both hemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients but its detailed characteristics have never been thoroughly investigated. Aim: To compare prevalence of pain, its locations and characteristics, and analgesics use in chronic HD and KTx patients. Methods: A cross‐sectional comparative study in 164 HD patients and 114 stable deceased donor KTx recipients. All participants completed the modified McGill Pain Questionnaire. Results: Overall, 63% of HD patients and 62% of KTx patients reported pain. Fifty‐four percent of HD patients and 67% of KTx patients indicated more than one location of pain. Severe pain was more common in HD patients, and prevalence of pain‐associated symptoms from major body systems was higher in HD patients. Pain in both groups was mostly local, paroxysmal and/or chronic. Fifteen percent of HD patients and 37% of KTx patients with chronic pain were not receiving pain relief drugs. The general feeling of illness was lower in KTx than HD patients (4.54 ± 2.1 vs. 5.6 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001); however, in the former group, it was systematically increasing with the time after transplantation. Conclusions: A successful kidney transplantation does not lead to a significant reduction in the prevalence of pain when compared to chronic HD patients. Pain relief medications are underused in KTx patients.     

Solid‐type RCC originating from native kidneys in renal transplant recipients should be monitored cautiously

Incidental hemodialysis‐related renal cell carcinoma (id‐RCC) has been reported to have a good prognosis. However, we have observed rapid progression of id‐RCC in some renal transplant patients. Operative indications for id‐RCC detected via computed tomography (CT) immediately before renal transplantation (RTx) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of immunosuppression on the progression of solid‐type RCC (s‐RCC) and cystic‐type RCC (c‐RCC). We divided 202 patients with id‐RCC into four groups as follows: Group 1, s‐RCC with RTx (n = 17); Group 2, c‐RCC with RTx (n = 27); Group 3, s‐RCC without RTx (n = 53); and Group 4, c‐RCC without RTx (n = 105). Five‐year cancer specific survival (CSS) rates were significantly worse in Group 1 than Group 3 (79.6% and 100%, respectively, P = 0.012), as were non‐recurrence rates (NRRs) (59.2 and 100%, respectively, P < 0.001). In contrast, 5‐year CSS rates were similar in Group 2 and Group 4 (100% and 95.7%, respectively, P = 0.295) as were NRR (100% and 98.7%, respectively, P = 0.230). Solid‐type RCC should be removed immediately after RTx, and more carefully monitored for recurrence during follow‐up.     

Significant benefits after renal transplantation in patients with chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are serious medical conditions with significant morbidity and mortality and often coexist. Because of perioperative risks in these patients, they may not be considered a candidate for renal transplantation (RTx).

Material and methods: We compare retrospectively RTx outcomes [graft/patient survival, rejection rates and adverse cardiac events] in study group [low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% by echocardiogram, n?=?63] and control group [normal LVEF ≥50%, n?=?537] from a developing country.

Results: The mean EF was 35?±?5.6 and 57?±?3% for the study and control groups, respectively (p?Conclusion: RTx may play a role in reversing LV systolic dysfunction. Once thought by many to be a contraindication for renal transplantation, this appears not to be the case. The outcomes between the 2 groups are comparable and transplant is an option for even low EF patients.     

Arterial stiffness correlated with cardiac remodelling in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: It is well known that both pressure and volume overloads contribute to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and left ventricular dilatation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Few studies have evaluated the association between increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) and LVH in CKD patients not yet receiving dialysis. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between arterial stiffness and cardiac remodelling in patients with CKD, and to determine the independent factors associated with increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and left ventricular volume index (LVVI). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 96 patients with CKD. Echocardiography and measurement of arterial stiffness by PWV were performed. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared and analysed. RESULTS: Associated with the increase of PWV, there were significant trends for progressive increase in LVMI, LVH, LVVI, left ventricular dilatation and left atrium in CKD patients. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that decreased PWV, in addition to increased haemoglobin and the use of beta-blocker, was an independent determinant associated with decrease in LVMI and LVVI. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated the progressive structural remodelling of left ventricle and left atrium in CKD patients associated with increased severity of arterial stiffness. PWV was an important determinant of LVMI and LVVI in CKD patients.     

Assessment of volume status and arterial stiffness in chronic kidney disease

Aim: There is limited information about arterial stiffness in chronic kidney disease (CKD) which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) are using to determine arterial stiffness. We aimed to study PWV, AIx, volume status in patients with stage 3B-5 CKD and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Methods: Sixty-six stage 3B-5 CKD patients, 21 CAPD patients, 34 healthy controls were included. Pulse wave velocity, AIx, volume status was evaluated by Mobil-O-Graph®, and bioimpedance spectroscopy, respectively. Results: The Median PWV was 7.5?m/s in CKD, 6.2?m/s in CAPD, 5.9?m/s in healthy controls, and while PWV was found to have increased significantly in CKD patients (p?=?0.002), the Alx values were similar in all groups. The median extracellular fluid excess was higher in both the CKD and, CAPD patients when compared with healthy controls (1.26 and 1.21?L, respectively). Overhydration was more prevalent in CKD and CAPD patients (p?0.001). Age, central systolic blood pressure, body mass index, fat mass, overhydration, CKD, eGFR were the major determinants of PWV. Conclusion: Increased PWV was found in stage 3B-5 CKD patients. Overhydration may contribute this increment.     

Prevalence and staging of chronic kidney disease in renal transplant recipients

Abstract: Introduction: Diagnosis and staging of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is important for management and prevention of renal disease progression. It is unclear whether K/DOQI guidelines of the National Kidney Foundation are applicable to diagnosis of CKD in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and which method is most appropriate for estimating glomerular filtration. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and staging of CKD in RTRs, according to K/DOQI guidelines, and the prevalence of complications of CKD. Subjects and methods: This cross‐sectional study included RTRs at least six months post‐transplantation followed at a single out‐patient service. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated with two different equations: the MDRD equation (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) with four variables (age, creatinine level, gender, and race) and the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) formula. Patients with GFR more than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² were diagnosed with CKD only in the presence of renal damage (hematuria, proteinuria, or evidence of injury in renal biopsy). CKD staging was compared to the two equations and the prevalence of complications was determined. Results: The study evaluated 241 RTRs (average age: 40.6 ± 12.5 yr, 62.2% male; 4.5% black, 50.6% from cadaveric donors). Average follow‐up time was 6.8 ± 6.1 yr and the average baseline creatinine level was 1.48 ± 0.72 mg/dL. CKD was diagnosed in 70.5% of RTRs, of whom 52.9% (MDRD)/47.6% (CG) were classified as Stage III (GFR: 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m²). The agreement between the two methods was very close with regard to CKD diagnosis (κ = 0.92) and close for stage‐dependent prevalence (κ = 0.68). The prevalence of anemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia (HF), hyperuricemia (HU), and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was 10.6%, 7.6%, 10.3%, 54%, and 73.4% for patients with CKD. Significant differences were observed for HU, HF and SAH in patients without CKD. Anemia, HU and SAH were associated with CKD stage (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD in the study population was high (70.5%). The two equations tested correlated closely when used for GFR estimation. Routine CKD staging in RTRs would provide patients with safer and more appropriate management.     

Post-liver transplant acute renal failure: factors predicting development of end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs in 5-50% of patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The aim of this study was to determine factors that might predict the development of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients who had ARF after OLT. METHODS: We studied all OLT recipients between 9/1/1988 through 12/31/2000. RESULTS: A total of 1602 patients underwent OLT during the study period. About 350 patients (22%) developed ARF requiring dialysis post-operatively. One hundred and twenty-three (39.8%) died within a year after OLT. Median follow up was 5.8 yr (range 1-12 yr). Forty-three patients (23%) developed ESRD over median of 3.79 yr (range 1-8 yr). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed creatinine levels > 1.7 mg/dL at 1 yr (p < 0.001), cyclosporine as immunosuppression (p = 0.026), and the presence of diabetes pre-OLT (p < 0.001) to be associated with the development of ESRD. The development of ESRD did not decrease patient survival (p = 0.111). ESRD patients who received subsequent kidney transplantation had significantly improved survival rates (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Serum creatinine levels at 1 yr, cyclosporine as immunosuppression, and the presence of diabetes pre-OLT are independent predictive factors for the development of ESRD. ESRD patients who received kidney transplantation had higher 10-yr survival rates when compared with patients maintained on dialysis.     

The aggressiveness of urinary tract urothelial carcinoma increases with the severity of chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess, in a retrospective cohort, urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UT‐UC) in patients with various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their clinicopathological features, as patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) have a higher incidence of UT‐UC, but the relationship between early stages of CKD and characteristics of UT‐UC are less well known.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 267 patients with pathologically confirmed UT‐UC from January 1994 to December 2006; all had a physical examination (blood pressure), and measurements of laboratory data (serum creatinine, serum haemoglobin) and pathological data. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Patients were divided into three groups by individual GFR (mL/min), i.e. >60 (no/mild CKD), 30–60 (CKD stage 3) and <30 (CKD stage 4/5).

RESULTS

The CKD stages included 81 (30.3%) patients with none/mild CKD, 121 (45.3%) with CKD stage 3 and 65 (24.3%) with CKD stage 4/5. There was a significant and parallel increase in the frequency of UT‐UC as CKD severity increased from none/mild CKD to stage 3 (11% vs 55%), and from CKD stage 3 to 4/5 (55% vs 71%; P < 0.05). Pathologically, the frequency of high‐grade and high T stage UT‐UC in patients with CKD stage 3 (90% and 35%, respectively) and CKD stage 4/5 (91% and 29%, respectively) were significantly greater than in the group with none/mild CKD (P < 0.001). Advanced age and more distant metastasis were independent risk factors for patient survival.

CONCLUSION

The aggressiveness of UT‐UC increased with the severity of CKD, and this might have important clinical consequences.     

Chronic renal outcome after living donor liver transplantation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the common complications after deceased donor liver transplantation. Although the worldwide pressing shortage in deceased donors has directed attention to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), LDLT cohort data focusing on chronic renal dysfunction is limited. A total of 280 adult LDLT recipients (median 49 yr, 156 men) at the University of Tokyo hospital between 1996 and 2006 were reviewed. A total of 224 pre‐transplant liver failure patients (80.0%) showed an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 60 mL/min/1.73 m². However, during follow‐up at a mean of 1222 d after transplantation, eGFR declined to 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and 30 mL/min/1.73 m² in 150 (53.2%) and 21 (7.5%), respectively, and four patients (1.4%) required maintenance renal replacement therapy. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model regression analysis revealed that recipient age (HR, 3.42 per 10‐yr increment; p < 0.001) and pre‐transplant eGFR (HR, 0.85 per 10‐mL/min/1.73 m² increment; p = 0.04) were associated independently with a post‐transplant decrease in eGFR to less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m². We conclude that higher age and lower pre‐transplant eGFR of an LDLT recipient indicate a high likelihood of subsequent development of advanced CKD. Preventive or therapeutic intervention should be optimized for these high‐risk patients.     

Postoperative renal function after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease: A comparison with radical nephrectomy

We assessed whether adequately functioning parenchyma is preserved in patients with pre‐existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) after partial nephrectomy (PN) compared with those who underwent radical nephrectomy (RN). A total of 95 patients with pre‐existing CKD who underwent curative surgery for pathological T1a‐T2N0M0 renal cell carcinoma with a follow‐up period of 12 months or more were the subject of the present study. Of these, 51 patients underwent RN, and 44 PN. Renal function was assessed by using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (e‐GFR). We classified the subjects into two groups according to the preoperative e‐GFR: preoperative e‐GFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m² (68 patients); and 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m² (27 patients). In the former group, the probability of freedom from new onset of e‐GFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m² stemmed from the significant difference between the PN and RN groups (P = 0.006; PN: 2 years 64%; RN: 2 years 22%). In contrast, in the latter group, the probability of freedom from new onset of e‐GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m² was not associated with a significant difference between PN and RN group (P = 0.80). Overall survival and the number of the patients who went on to develop end‐stage renal disease requiring renal replacement therapy between PN and RN were not significantly different in each group. Death from renal cell carcinoma was not noted in either group. PN could significantly prevent development to late‐stage CKD in patients with preoperative e‐GFR 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m² compared with RN. Patients with preoperative e‐GFR 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m² should be reviewed in a more strict study.