The clinical spectrum of neurologic disorders after intestinal and multivisceral transplantation

?ivkovi? SA, Eidelman BH, Bond G, Costa G, Abu‐Elmagd KM. The clinical spectrum of neurologic disorders after intestinal and multivisceral transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2009: DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01065.x
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Intestinal transplantation has evolved into an effective therapy for patients with intestinal failure and the inability to be maintained on total parenteral nutrition. Long‐term heavy immunosuppression and complex systemic disturbances increase the risk of the neurologic complications. Methods: This retrospective analysis identified the post‐transplant neurologic complications in adult patients who underwent intestinal transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between May 1990 and August 1998. The recipients received 28 isolated intestine, 17 composite liver‐intestine, and nine multivisceral allografts. Results: With a median follow‐up of 25 months, 46 of 54 recipients (68%) developed headaches (n = 27; 50%), encephalopathy (n = 23; 43%), seizures (n = 9; 17%), neuromuscular disorders (n = 4; 7%), opportunistic CNS infections (n = 4; 7%), and ischemic stroke (n = 2; 4%). Conclusions: Under high maintenance immunosuppression, intestinal transplant recipients were at high risk for neurologic complications. Future studies are needed to describe post‐transplant neurologic complications with modern immunosuppression protocols.     

Prospective study of polyomavirus BK replication and nephropathy in renal transplant recipients in China: a single‐center analysis of incidence,reduction in immunosuppression and clinical course

Huang G, Chen L‐Z, Qiu J, Wang C‐X, Fei J‐G, Deng S‐X, Li J, Chen G‐D, Zhang L, Fu Q, Zeng W‐T, Zhao D‐Q. Prospective study of polyomavirus BK replication and nephropathy in renal transplant recipients in China: a single‐center analysis of incidence, reduction in immunosuppression and clinical course.
Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01141.x
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: BK virus (BKV)‐associated nephropathy (BKVAN) in renal transplant recipients is an important cause of renal transplant dysfunction. Our aim was to determine the kinetics of BKV load within one yr after kidney transplantation under the impact of intensive monitoring and reduction in maintenance immunosuppression, the incidence of BKVAN, and the outcome of BKVAN treatment. Methods: Urine and peripheral blood (PB) were taken from 90 renal transplant recipients for BKV cytological testing and real‐time PCR for BKV DNA at one, three, six, nine, and 12 months after transplantation and treatment. Graft biopsies and urinary sediments of recipients with BKVAN were taken to monitor viral particles by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: By one post‐transplant year, urinary decoy cells (median, 8/10 HPF), BKV viruria (median, 2.60 × 10⁵ copies/mL), viremia (median, 9.65 × 10³ copies/mL ) , and BKVAN occurred in 42.2%, 45.6%, 22.2%, and 5.6% of patients, respectively. The incidence of BK infection was lower in patients who received cyclosporine A (CsA) (28.9%) compared to tacrolimus (FK506) (57.7%) (p = 0.007). An increased hazard of BK infection was associated with the use of FK506 (HR 2.6, p = 0.009) relative to CsA. After reduction in immunosuppression, viremia resolved in 95%, without increased acute rejection, allograft dysfunction, or graft loss. BKVAN was diagnosed in five patients (5.6%). The treatment of immunosuppression reduction was effective (i.e., decreased the viral load and number of decoy cells, and improved graft function) in our five patients with BKVAN. Quantitative count of decoy cells (e.g., >10 per 10 HPF) as a marker of viremia and BKVAN had increased positive predictive values of 85.7% and 57.1%, respectively. Conclusions: Choice of FK506 as immunosuppressive agent is an independent risk factor affecting BKV infection. Monitoring and pre‐emptive of immunosuppression reduction were associated with resolution of viremia and showed effective in BKVAN recipients at the early stage without acute rejection or graft loss. Quantitative count of urine cytology is a very convenient, useful, and sensitive method for evaluating BKV infection in renal transplant recipients.     

The Munich-LTX-Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation

Huppmann P, Neurohr C, Leuschner S, Leuchte H, Baumgartner R, Zimmermann G, Meis T, von Wulffen W, Überfuhr P, Hatz R, Frey L, Behr J for the Munich Lung Transplant Group (MLTG). The Munich‐LTX‐Score: predictor for survival after lung transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 173–183.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to create a prognostic score calculated one yr after LTX based on post‐transplant factors inclusive of donor and recipient characteristics that could be used to predict long‐term survival in patients after lung transplantation (LTX). Methods: Uni‐ and multivariate analysis in 206 consecutive LTX patients identified independent risk factors for post‐transplant mortality and onset of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Munich‐LTX‐Score is devised by summing up each identified risk factor. Results: Multivariate analyses revealed acute rejection, lymphocytic bronchiolitis, donor age ≥55 yr, and HLA‐A ≥ 2‐/DR ≥ 2 mismatch and single LTX to be independent negative predictors for long‐term survival (p < 0.05). Munich‐LTX‐Score identified three discrete groups: low‐, moderate‐, and high risk. The actuarial five‐yr survival after score calculation one yr after LTX of the entire cohort was 58%, compared with 91% in low‐, 54% in moderate‐, and 0% in the high‐risk group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Within our cohort of patients calculation of the Munich‐LTX‐Score, consisting of donor‐, recipient‐, and post‐transplant characteristics, one yr after LTX allowed to predict long‐term survival of lung transplant recipients. After prospective validation, this score could identify patients who may benefit from intensified surveillance after LTX.     

Risk of Thyroid Cancer Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Solid organ transplant recipients have an elevated incidence of thyroid cancer. We evaluated a wide range of potential risk factors in a cohort of 229 300 U.S. solid organ transplant recipients linked with 15 stage/regional cancer registries (1987–2012). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, transplanted organ, year of transplantation, and time since transplantation. Hazard ratios (HRs) for death and/or graft failure were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, transplanted organ, and year of transplantation. After transplantation, 356 thyroid cancers were diagnosed. Thyroid cancer incidence was 2.50‐fold higher in transplant recipients than the general population (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25–2.77). Among recipients of different organs, kidney recipients had the highest incidence of thyroid cancer (IRR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.03–1.53). Elevated thyroid cancer incidence was associated with cholestatic liver disease/cirrhosis as an indication for liver transplantation (IRR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.09–2.63), hypertensive nephrosclerosis as an indication for kidney transplantation (IRR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.03–1.94), and longer prior dialysis among kidney recipients (5+ vs. <1 year, IRR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.32–2.80; p‐trend <0.01). Posttransplantation diagnosis of thyroid cancer was associated with modestly increased risk of death (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.02–1.73). Overall, our results suggest that end‐stage organ disease and longer duration of dialysis may contribute to higher thyroid cancer incidence in transplant recipients.     

Prospective study of infectious complications in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Martín‐Peña A, Aguilar‐Guisado M, Espigado I, Parody R, Cisneros JM. Prospective study of infectious complications in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 468–474. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: This is a prospective, observational study of a consecutive cohort of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) adult recipients conducted between July 2003 and May 2006, with the aim of identifying the current incidence, etiology, risk factors for infections and associated mortality up to two yr after allo‐HSCT. Seventy‐four episodes of infection were recorded in 38 patients, 50 consecutive adult patients underwent 54 allo‐HSCT. The incidence of infection was 1.36 (68/50) episodes/patient after the first year of transplantation and 1.48 (74/50) episodes/patient after first two yr of transplantation. The most common syndrome was cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, followed by catheter‐related bloodstream infection and pneumonia. An etiological diagnosis was established in 85.1% of the episodes. Bacteria were the most common etiology (55.5%), followed by viruses (41.3%) and fungi (4.8%). CMV was the most common viral agent (73%), and all fungal infections were caused by molds. Myeloablative conditioning regimen, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease, and medical complications post‐transplant were independent risk factors for infection. The global mortality two yr after transplantation was 32%, and death was infection related in 12%. In spite of advances, infections continue to be a common cause of morbidity and mortality following allo‐HSCT.     

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) retransplantation in prior SPK recipients

LaMattina JC, Sollinger HW, Becker YT, Mezrich JD, Pirsch JD, Odorico JS. Simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) retransplantation in prior SPK recipients.
Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01540.x.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: We have performed 113 renal and 28 isolated pancreas retransplants in our cohort of more than 1200 prior simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) recipients. On the basis of these experiences, we began performing repeat SPK in prior SPK recipients (n = 9). Methods: This retrospective review summarizes our experience with repeat SPK transplantation in prior SPK recipients. Mean age at retransplant was 39 yr; mean interval to retransplant was 7.8 yr. Thirty‐three percent were pre‐dialysis. Eighty‐nine percent of patients underwent transplant nephrectomy (five during the repeat SPK and three prior to it), and 78% underwent transplant pancreatectomy (four during the repeat SPK and three prior to it). Enteric drainage was performed in all repeat SPKs. Results: Median length of stay was 11 d. Perioperative complications included the following: renal artery thrombosis (1), pancreatic portal venous thrombosis (1), enteric leak (1), and hematoma (2). Overall pancreatic allograft survival was 78% at one yr and 67% at two yr. Overall renal allograft survival was 89% at one yr and 78% at two yr. Patient survival at one and three yr was 100%. Conclusions: Survival of repeat SPK allografts is acceptable despite the increased technical and immunologic demands of retransplantation. Graftectomy prior to or at the time of retransplantation is often necessary.     

Solid organ transplantation in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation: a single institution case series and literature review

Beitinjaneh A, Burns LJ, Majhail NS. Solid organ transplantation in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation: a single institution case series and literature review.
Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E94–E102.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: For selected hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) survivors with severe organ dysfunction, solid organ transplantation (SOT) may offer the best chance for better quality of life and extended survival. However, SOT following HCT has not been well described. We report our institutional experience of SOT in 12 HCT recipients and present a review of the published literature of this procedure in HCT survivors. Our experience with transplanted organs included kidney (n = 7), lung (n = 3), liver (n = 2) and heart (n = 1). Age at HCT ranged from 2 to 56 yr. Median time between HCT and SOT was 7.9 yr (range 1.2–15.9 yr). Among the 11 patients with post‐SOT follow‐up information, 10 had normal function of the transplanted solid organ at the time of last contact or death. Infections and secondary malignancy were the most common complications. Four other institutional experiences with kidney transplant, 21 case reports of liver transplant, 11 case reports of lung transplant and one cardiac transplant are also summarized. SOT is feasible for selected HCT survivors with organ failure and may be associated with favorable long‐term survival and graft function. More research is needed to further delineate the subset of survivors who will benefit the most from SOT with the least risk of complications.     

Mineral metabolism in renal transplant recipients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation: a prospective observational study

Evenepoel P, Sprangers B, Lerut E, Bammens B, Claes K, Kuypers D, Meijers B, Vanrenterghem Y. Mineral metabolism in renal transplant recipients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation: a prospective observational study.
Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01524.x.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The calcimimetic cinacalcet is approved for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. Biochemical profiles and clinical outcomes in patients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation are scarce. Methods: We performed a prospective observational cohort study, including 303 incident renal transplant recipients, of whom 21 were on cinacalcet treatment at the time of transplantation. Parameters of mineral metabolism and incidence of parathyroidectomy and nephrocalcinosis in patients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation patients (“cinacalcet +”) were compared to cinacalcet‐naïve patients (“cinacalcet –”). Mean follow‐up was 35.6 ± 15.8 months. Results: At the time of transplantation, parameters of mineral metabolism were similar in both groups. Conversely, at month 3, serum ionized calcium (p = 0.0007), calcitriol (p = 0.02), biointact parathyroid hormone (p = 0.06) levels and urinary fractional excretion of phosphorus (p = 0.06) were higher, while serum phosphorus levels (p = 0.06) were lower in “cinacalcet +.” Analysis based on matching at the time of initiation showed that the course of post‐transplant mineral metabolism in cinacalcet‐treated patients (median treatment period 12.5 months) vs. cinacalcet‐naïve patients was identical. “Cinacalcet +” patients are characterized by a high‐incidence proportion of both post‐transplant nephrocalcinosis (45% at month 3) and parathyroidectomy (28.6%). No difference in renal function was observed between “cinacalcet +” and “cinacalcet?” patients. Conclusion: Cinacalcet does not affect the course of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients awaiting kidney transplantation. Biochemical profiles and a high parathyroidectomy rate suggest rebound hyperparathyroidism in renal transplant recipients discontinuing cinacalcet at the time of transplantation, which may be related to the short exposure time specific to this population. Risk/benefit studies are urgently required to define the role of continued calcimimetic treatment in renal transplant recipients and to determine the optimal treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients listed for transplantation.     

Long-term renal function and survival of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit

Arulkumaran N, West S, Chan K, Templeton M, Taube D, Brett SJ. Long‐term renal function and survival of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit.
Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E24–E31.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: We determined the long‐term mortality and renal allograft function of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A single institution retrospective observational cohort study of all renal transplant patients admitted to the ICU was performed. Serum creatinine was recorded up to one yr after hospital discharge and survival data were collected for three yr. Results: Chest sepsis was the commonest reason for ICU admission. ICU and hospital mortality were 32% and 19% respectively. Predictors of hospital mortality included the presence of sepsis and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Of the patients who were discharged from ICU, three‐yr mortality was 50%. Renal function at one yr was worse than that at hospital discharge and at baseline, though not statistically significant. Death‐censored allograft loss was 11% over the three‐yr follow up period. Conclusions: Sepsis and requirement for MV are independent predictors of mortality in renal transplant recipients admitted to ICU. Renal transplant recipients with chest sepsis may warrant earlier ICU admission. Any loss of renal allograft function during an episode of critical illness appears to have a lasting effect, and longterm patient and allograft survival is poor.     

High mortality in orthotopic liver transplant recipients who require hemodialysis

Zand MS, Orloff MS, Abt P, Patel S, Tsoulfas G, Kashyap R, Jain A, Safadjou S, Bozorgzadeh A. High mortality in orthotopic liver transplant recipients who require hemodialysis.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 213–221. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Acute renal failure is a significant risk factor for death in patients with liver failure. The goal of this study was to analyze the impact of peri‐transplant dialysis on the long‐term mortality of liver transplant recipients. We performed a single‐center, retrospective cohort study of 743 adult liver transplants; patients who received first liver transplants were divided into four groups: those who received more than one dialysis treatment (hemodialysis [HD], continuous veno‐venous hemodialysis [CVVH]) pre‐orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), post OLT, pre‐ and post OLT, and those not dialyzed. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean survival time for patients who were not dialyzed or dialyzed only pre‐OLT. Mean survival times were markedly reduced in patients dialyzed post OLT or both pre‐ and post OLT compared with those never dialyzed. Mortality risk in a Cox proportional hazards model correlated with hemodialysis post OLT, intra‐operative vasopressin or neosynephrine, donor age >50 yr, Cr >1.5 mg/dL at transplant, and need for subsequent retransplant. Risk of post‐OLT dialysis was correlated with pre‐OLT dialysis, intra‐operative levophed, pre‐OLT diabetes, African American race, pre‐OLT Cr >1.5, and male gender. We conclude that renal failure requiring hemodialysis post liver transplant, irrespective of pre‐transplant dialysis status, is a profound risk factor for death in liver transplant recipients.     

CMV‐specific T‐cell immunity,viral load,and clinical outcome in seropositive renal transplant recipients: a pilot study

Sund F, Lidehäll A‐K, Claesson K, Foss A, Tötterman TH, Korsgren O, Eriksson B‐M. CMV‐specific T‐cell immunity, viral load, and clinical outcome in seropositive renal transplant recipients: a pilot study.
Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 401–409. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Abstract: Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is still the leading opportunistic infection following solid organ transplantation. The aim of this prospective study of renal transplant recipients was to evaluate the dynamics of CMV‐specific T‐cells, viral load, and clinical symptoms of CMV infection. Methods: Levels of tetramer‐selected CD8⁺ T‐cells (TetraCD8), CMV‐specific interferon‐γ producing CD8⁺ T‐cells (IFNγCD8), and CD4⁺ T‐cells (IFNγCD4), measured using major histocompatibility complex‐tetramer and cytokine flow cytometry techniques, and CMV DNA were monitored monthly in 17 CMV‐seropositive patients up to one yr (median 12 months, range 3–12) after transplantation and correlated to clinical outcome. Results: CMV DNAemia was detected in 94% of the patients, but only one patient developed CMV disease. CMV DNAemia >1 million copies/mL was seen in asymptomatic patients. CMV‐specific T‐cells decreased rapidly after transplantation. TetraCD8 and IFNγCD8 regenerated within three months, whereas IFNγCD4 recovery was impaired up to one yr after transplantation. The proportion of IFNγCD4 at two months post‐transplantation as compared with baseline, correlated strongly with the magnitude of the CMV DNAemia. Conclusions: Monitoring the reduction of IFNγCD4 compared with baseline during the first months after transplantation could be considered in predicting risk for high‐grade CMV DNAemia and in deciding strategic approaches for pre‐emptive and prophylactic therapy.     

Enteric conversion after pancreatic transplantation: resolution of symptoms and long-term results

Kleespies A, Mikhailov M, Khalil PN, Preissler G, Rentsch M, Arbogast H, Illner W‐D, Bruns CJ, Jauch K‐W, Angele MK. Enteric conversion after pancreatic transplantation: resolution of symptoms and long‐term results.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 549–560. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Purpose: Bladder drainage (BD) of pancreatic transplants is associated with a unique set of complications. We intended to analyze the incidence, indications, complications and long‐term results of enteric conversion procedures (EC). Methods: Using a prospective database, 32 EC patients out of 433 simultaneous pancreas–kidney‐transplant (SPK) recipients were identified. Graft and patient survival rates were compared with those after primary enteric drainage (ED). Results: The mean SPK‐EC interval was 5.0 yr, and the mean patient follow‐up was 13.8 yr. Indications for EC were genitourinary symptoms (62.5%), duodenal complications (15.6%), graft pancreatitis (12.5%), pyelonephritis (6.3%), and metabolic acidosis (3.1%). All patients reported significant long‐term resolution of symptoms. Surgical complications, reoperations, early graft loss, and 30‐d mortality occurred in 31.3%, 25.0%, 6.3%, and 3.1% of cases, respectively. Pancreatic graft and patient survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 yr after SPK were comparable between EC patients and ED patients at the same institution. Conclusion: For the treatment of symptoms associated with BD, EC results in excellent long‐term graft function and significant resolution of symptoms even years after SPK. Postoperative morbidity after EC including early reoperation and graft loss, however, has to be considered.     

Outcomes of renal transplantation in recipients with Wegener’s granulomatosis

Shen J, Gill J, Shangguan M, Sampaio MS., Bunnapradist S. Outcomes of renal transplantation in recipients with Wegener’s granulomatosis.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 380–387. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is the leading cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis‐induced end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we compared transplant outcomes between recipients with ESRD caused by WG to recipients with ESRD secondary to other causes. Using OPTN/UNOS data from 1996 to 2007, 919 recipients with WG were identified. Post‐transplant outcomes included rates of delayed graft function, acute rejection within one‐yr post‐transplant, overall and death‐censored graft survival, and patient survival and were compared between recipients with ESRD secondary to WG versus ESRD from other causes. Recipients with ESRD because of WG had superior unadjusted and adjusted rates of graft loss, patient death, and functional graft loss (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.711, 0.631, and 0.625 respectively, p < 0.001). When we compared the WG cohort to a non‐WG, non‐diabetic population, the HR for graft loss was still significant, but patient death and death‐censored graft loss were not. Subgroup analysis of recipients aged over 60 confirmed that WG recipients had better unadjusted outcomes. This study supports the notion that renal transplantation is an effective treatment option for patients with ESRD secondary to WG. They fare similarly, if not better, than other patients.     

Hypogammaglobulinemia and bronchiectasis in mycophenolate mofetil‐treated renal transplant recipients: an emerging clinical phenomenon?

Boddana P, Webb LH, Unsworth J, Brealey M, Bingham C, Harper SJ. Hypogammaglobulinemia and bronchiectasis in mycophenolate mofetil‐treated renal transplant recipients: an emerging clinical phenomenon?
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 417–419. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) inhibits T‐ and B‐cell proliferation and can cause acquired or secondary hypogammaglobulinemia. This finding and the subsequent development of opportunistic infection, including pneumonia, have been reported in patients receiving MMF. Chronic pulmonary infection and hypogammaglobulinemia predispose to bronchiectasis, and we aimed to establish the incidence and clinical pattern of this condition within our MMF‐treated renal transplant population. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of MMF‐treated transplant recipients. Two hundred and eighty‐nine patients were identified and for each, demographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory data from case notes and electronic records were collected. Results: Twenty‐three of 289 patients had recurrent severe chest infections (>2 episodes) between 12 and 95 months after the introduction of MMF. The mean age was 53 ± 17 yr. Pulmonary lesions fulfilled clinical, radiographic and computerized tomography criteria for bronchiectasis in 7/289 (2.4%). All seven patients with bronchiectasis had low serum IgG levels. Three patients had sufficient samples available for B‐cell phenotype analysis but no conclusive results emerged. No cases of post‐transplant bronchiectasis were identified in our transplant population not receiving MMF. Discussion: We report seven cases of bronchiectasis in renal transplant patients receiving MMF. We speculate that low immunoglobulin levels may contribute to the development of this significant pulmonary disease.     

Osteoporosis is a prevalent finding in patients with solid organ failure awaiting transplantation – a population based study

Dolgos S, Hartmann A, Isaksen GA, Simonsen S, Bjørtuft Ø, Boberg KM, Bollerslev J. Osteoporosis is a prevalent finding in patients with solid organ failure awaiting transplantation – a population based study
Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2010.01231.x.
© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Post‐transplant bone disease is common in solid organ recipients; however, there is limited information on their pre‐transplant bone status. We aimed to compare bone mineral density (BMD) in different categories of patients with end‐stage organ failure awaiting transplantation (Tx) in Norway. Overall 291 adult patients were enrolled, including 60, 84, 81 and 66 patients with end‐stage lung, liver, kidney and heart failure, respectively. Mean age was 51 ± 12 yr with no significant differences between the groups. We measured BMD in lumbar spine, femur, proximal one third and ultra‐distal radius by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Differences in T‐ and Z‐scores between the groups were compared by ANOVA. Low bone mass was found in all four groups of patients. Both T‐ and Z‐scores differed (p < 0.05) at all measured sites between the groups. Patients with lung failure had the highest prevalence of osteoporosis (67%) and lowest Z‐scores, followed by patients with liver (31%), kidney (24%), and heart (23%) failure. Osteoporosis is prevalent in all groups of organ transplant candidates, and poor bone health is remarkably pronounced in patients with chronic lung disease. General practitioners and specialists who care for these patients before they are referred for transplantation should consider measures to prevent osteoporosis at an earlier stage.     

Transplantation tourism: high risk for the recipients

Yakupoglu YK, Ozden E, Dilek M, Demirbas A, Adibelli Z, Sarikaya S, Akpolat T. Transplantation tourism: high risk for the recipients.
Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 835–838. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The shortage of donor organ supply is forcing patients with end‐stage renal disease to alternative searches. The aim of this study is to present the clinical and laboratory data of five patients who were transplanted in Egypt from paid living‐unrelated donors and followed at our institution. Methods: Five patients (four male, one female, mean age 51 yr) were included in this retrospective study. Results: All allografts still have good function with a mean serum creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL. Surgical and medical problems were common such as wound infection (n = 3), evisceration (n = 2), deep vein thrombosis (n = 2), unexplained abdominal incision requiring removal of an abdominal surgical compress left in situ during previous surgery, placement of allograft on the side of an unrepaired indirect inguinal hernia and transplant pyelonephritis. Conclusion: Although recent developments increased success in renal transplantation, receiving a kidney from a paid living donor at a commercial transplant center still carries great risks for the recipient.     

Effect of early EBV and/or CMV viremia on graft function and acute cellular rejection in pediatric liver transplantation

Indolfi G, Heaton N, Smith M, Mieli‐Vergani G, Zuckerman M. Effect of early EBV and/or CMV viremia on graft function and acute cellular rejection in pediatric liver transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E55–E61.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: The clinical impact of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in the early post‐transplantation period are poorly documented. We investigated the prevalence and timing of EBV and CMV infections during the first 21 d post‐transplantation in relation to graft function and acute cellular rejection in a large cohort of pediatric liver transplantation recipients. Patients and methods: Clinical, biochemical, virological, and histopathological data of 62 consecutive children who received a liver transplant were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Seventeen patients (27%) developed EBV and 11 (18%) CMV viremia (mean interval from surgery: 7.6 d, SD 3.6 and 8.7 d, SD 6.4, respectively). EBV and CMV viremia were more common as a consequence of reactivation than of primary infection. EBV viremic recipients had more often abnormal bilirubin levels [p = 0.01; OR 5.8: 95% CI 1.3–25.5]. Acute rejection was diagnosed in 20 recipients (32.3%). No correlation was found between rejection and EBV and CMV serology before transplantation and viremia after transplantation (mean interval between the diagnosis of rejection and the detection of EBV DNA and CMV DNA: one d, SD 4.4 and five d, SD 9.2, respectively). Conclusion: EBV and CMV viremia occur at a very early‐stage post‐transplantation and do not appear to affect the short‐term outcome of the transplant.     

Increasing incidence of melanoma after solid organ transplantation: a retrospective epidemiological study

The risk of melanoma in organ transplant recipients (OTR) is increased compared with the general population. This retrospective study registered all cases of post‐transplant melanoma in kidney, heart, lung, and liver transplant recipients followed in our specialized post‐transplant Dermatology Clinic since 1991. The yearly prevalence of melanoma and skin carcinoma between 2000 and 2015 was computed and compared in this population. Based on another cohort of kidney transplant recipients grafted since 2005, adjusted age‐ and sex‐standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated using a renal transplantation registry. In our overall OTR cohort, between 1991 and 2000, five melanomas occurred in 1800 OTRs (0.28%), whereas between 1991 and 2015, 53 melanomas were diagnosed in 49 of 4510 OTR (1.09%), representing a 3.9‐fold increase in prevalence after 2000. Remarkably, the prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancers remained unchanged over this period. Two deaths related to melanoma were recorded with an overall follow‐up of 62 months. In our cohort of 1102 renal transplant recipients, the SIR of melanoma was 4.52. Our data suggest that contrasting with nonmelanoma skin cancer, the risk of post‐transplant melanoma has considerably increased over the last decade.     

Lung transplantation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Whitson BA, Shelstad RC, Hertz MI, Kelly RF, D’Cunha J, Shumway SJ. Lung transplantation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01482.x.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: Pulmonary insufficiency following bone marrow transplant (BMT) is common and has significant associated mortality. Lung transplantation (LTX) is the only viable treatment for patients with end‐stage pulmonary disease, but LTX after BMT is an uncommon event given the medical candidacy of the potential recipients. We sought to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of LTX in BMT recipients. Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of our institution’s longitudinal LTX and BMT databases. Demographic and outcomes variables were collected. Results: We identified 639 LTX from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2009, and 5525 BMT from program inception, March 21, 1974, through December 31, 2009. From the cross‐referenced cohort, we identified four patients who had BMT followed by LTX. Our series was composed of two men and two women, with a mean age of 32.3 yr (range, 20–59 yr). Single LTX were performed in two recipients (50%). All patients had significant and expected morbidities related to their transplant immunosuppression. Three patients (75%) required cardiopulmonary bypass at the time of LTX. The two recipients who underwent bilateral LTX required open chest management and subsequent tracheostomy. All patients are still alive at follow‐up (range, 19–119 months, median 39.5). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that LTX in the setting of BMT is a high‐risk operation with the potential for a tumultuous perioperative course. Despite this, good outcomes and survival are obtainable in carefully selected patients. Selection factors include clinically stable patients without active sepsis and preoperative optimization of nutrition in anticipation of a prolonged recovery. An experienced multidisciplinary team approach and a protocol‐driven management plan are paramount for successful outcomes in this challenging population.     

Inverse association of serum long-acting natriuretic peptide and bone mineral density in renal transplant recipients

Hsu B‐G, Ho G‐J, Lee C‐J, Yang Y‐C, Chen Y‐C, Shih M‐H, Lee M‐C. Inverse association of serum long‐acting natriuretic peptide and bone mineral density in renal transplant recipients.
Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01575.x.
© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and fasting serum long‐acting natriuretic peptide (LANP) concentration in renal transplant recipients. Patients and methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 65 renal transplant recipients. BMD was measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). Serum LANP levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit. Results: Six patients (9.2%) had osteoporosis and 28 patients (43.1%) had osteopenia in renal transplant recipients. Increased serum LANP (p < 0.001) was significantly correlated with low lumbar T‐score cut‐off points between groups (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis) in renal transplant recipients. Female patients had lower lumbar BMD than male renal transplant recipients (p = 0.027). Univariate linear regression analysis indicated that lumbar BMD were positively correlated with height (p = 0.038), body weight (p = 0.003), and body mass index (BMI; p = 0.019), whereas negatively correlated with LANP (p = 0.004) among the renal transplant recipients. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables revealed that body weight (R² change = 0.132; p = 0.006) and LANP (R² change = 0.093; p = 0.008) were the independent predictors of lumbar BMD values in the renal transplant recipients. Conclusion: Serum LANP concentration correlates negatively with lumbar BMD values in renal transplant recipients.