Time of Cold Storage Prior to Start of Hypothermic Machine Perfusion and Its Influence on Graft Survival

BackgroundHypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) has become a standard method of preservation for kidneys procured from expanded-criteria donors and donors after cardiac death. There are different systems and approaches to the HMP preservation period, with cold storage prior to HMP sometimes taking several hours. This study evaluated whether the time at which kidneys receive HMP had any influence on the outcomes of kidney transplantation.MethodsIn this analysis, patient and graft survival were evaluated over a 1-year post-transplantation period. Patients who received HMP kidneys (n = 379) were divided into 2 groups: those who received kidneys with a cold ischemia time (CIT) prior to HMP <295 minutes (group G1; n = 254) and those who received kidneys with CIT prior to HMP >295 minutes (group G2; n = 125).ResultsDelayed graft function was observed in 31.8% (81/254) of patients in group G1 vs 46.4% (58/125) of patients in group G2 (P = .007). One-year graft survival was statistically higher in the group G1 (93.2%; 233/254) vs group G2 (86.5%; 105/125, P = .029). Mean 1-year estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly better in the group G1.ConclusionsIn conclusion, introduction of HMP up to 295 minutes from procurement led to better early and 1-year graft results. Kidneys should receive HMP as soon as possible after retrieval, preferably during procurement.     

Incidence,Risk Factors,and Outcomes of Delayed Graft Function in Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation

ObjectiveDelayed graft function (DGF) is the most significant complication of a cadaveric kidney transplant. We aim to evaluate the predictable risk factors of DGF and its effects on the recipient and graft survival.MethodFrom January 2014 to December 2017, the medical records from 62 patients who received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor were retrospectively reviewed. We classified recipients into 2 groups. The risk factors of DGF associated with donor, recipient, and transplant procedures were analyzed. DGF's effects on the graft survival were examined.ResultsThe incidence rate of DGF was 43.5%. Older ages of donors, marginal donors (n = 15), length of stay in the intensive care unit, and terminal serum creatinine concentrations were observed to be statistically significant compared to recipients without DGF (P < .5). The ratio of serum creatinine concentrations before/after brain death was found to be significant for the groups with DGF (P < .05). Cold ischemia time (CIT) was examined as the most significant risk factor on DGF (P = .001). One-year patient survival rates were 94.5% and 92.3%, and graft survival rates were 92.1% and 87.5% (P = .05), respectively, for the groups with and without DGF.ConclusionOlder ages of donors, occurrence of acute kidney injury, its grade just before harvesting, and long duration of CIT are the most important risk factors for DGF. Brain death management, shortening the time between brain death and harvesting, and also shortening the duration of CIT can decrease the risk of DGF and can increase the graft survival.     

Clinical Impact of Ischemic Time of the Pancreas or Kidney Graft on Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Institution Study in Japan

BackgroundTotal ischemic time (TIT) potentially affects graft survival in organ transplantation. However, in simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation, the impact of TIT of the pancreas (P-TIT) and kidney graft (K-TIT) on posttransplant outcomes remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of P-TIT and K-TIT on postoperative outcomes in patients after SPK at our institution in Japan.Patients and MethodsThis study included 52 patients who underwent SPK at our hospital from April 2000 to March 2022. Of this patient group, the 52 patients were divided into a short P-TIT group (n = 25), long P-TIT group (n = 27), short K-TIT group (n = 42), and long K-TIT group (n = 10). Short- and long-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups.ResultsThe long K-TIT group had a significantly higher rate of patients who did not urinate intraoperatively (50% vs 7%; P = .0007) and those requiring postoperative hemodialysis (80% vs 38%; P = .0169), as well as a significant longer duration of postoperative hemodialysis (97 ± 147 days vs 6 ± 9 days; P = .0016). These were not significantly different between the short and long P-TIT groups. Kidney or pancreas graft survival was not significantly different between the short and long P-TIT or K-TIT groups.ConclusionsPatients with prolonged K-TIT during SPK exhibited poor short-term outcomes, but no significant influence of K-TIT was identified on long-term outcomes. The P-TIT did not affect any significant outcomes. These results indicate that shortening K-TIT may improve short-term outcomes after SPK.     

Impact of Prolonged Cold Ischemia Time on One Year Kidney Transplant Outcomes

BackgroundProlonged cold ischemia times (CIT) of kidney allografts remains a significant reason for graft refusal in the new allocation system. We sought to investigate the effect of prolonged CIT on kidney transplant outcomes at a center without an international airport.MethodsRetrospective study of kidney transplant patients treated at an academic medical center from January 1, 2018 to May 1, 2020. The 117 patients were divided into 2 categories. Fifty-four patients (46%) had CIT of 30-35.99 hours, and 63 (54%) had CIT of 36± hours. Kidney function was evaluated using creatinine and at 12 months, which was the primary endpoint.ResultsAll of the transplanted allografts were carefully selected and had ≤ 20% glomerulosclerosis and an average kidney donor profile index of 54%. Among the 117 patients analyzed in this study, there was no significant difference in creatinine at 12 months between groups with CIT above 36 hours and < 35.99 hours (2.07 vs 1.78; P value .2339). There were a total of 18 rejection events (15%) and no cases of primary non-function in either group. Patients that were able to be maintained on calcineurin inhibitors had improved graft function at 12 months (1.69 vs 2.96; P value .0267).ConclusionsOur study indicated that prolonged CITs over 36 hours were not associated with poorer patient outcomes at 1 year when using creatinine as an endpoint. They also had similar rates of rejection, consistent with previously published rates for kidney transplantation.     

Impact of Induction Immunosuppression on the Recurrence of Primary IgA Nephropathy

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the impact of induction immunosuppression on the incidence of recurrent IgA nephropathy (IgAN).MethodsWe conducted recurrence-free survival analysis of recipients of a first kidney transplant for IgAN who received a graft between 1995 and 2015. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to sort the significant risk factors for recurrence. A total of 226 recipients with biopsy-proven IgAN received a kidney transplant, and 218 recipients were enrolled.ResultsAmong the recipients, 29 cases of IgAN recurrence were observed. The recipients were categorized into 3 groups according to induction immunosuppression: no induction (group 1, n = 72), anti-CD25 (group 2, n = 86), and antithymocyte globulin (ATG, group 3, n = 60). The 5- and 10-year cumulative IgAN recurrence rates were 9.7% and 21.0%, respectively. Recipients receiving ATG (group 3) exhibited significantly higher 4- and 5-year recurrence-free graft survival rates (both 96.4%) than recipients who received anti-CD25 (group 2, both 85.1%, P = .03). However, the induction therapy used (ATG or basiliximab) was not the risk factor for IgAN recurrence.ConclusionsTherefore, we concluded that ATG induction seems to postpone IgAN recurrence. These findings should be evaluated with well-designed prospective studies.     

Borderline Changes in Renal Transplantation: Are We Aware of the Real Impact in Graft Survival?

BackgroundBorderline changes suspicious for acute T-cell–mediated rejection (BC) are frequently seen on biopsy specimens, but their clinical significance and clinical management are still controversial. Our goal was to compare clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BC vs acute T-cell–mediated rejection (aTCMR) and the influence of treating BC on graft outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed in all kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BC and aTCMR between January 2012 and December 2018, according to Banff 2017 criteria; patients with concomitant antibody-mediated rejection were excluded.ResultsWe included 85 patients, 30 with BC (35.3%) and 55 with aTCMR (64.7%). There was no difference between groups regarding demographics, HLA matching and sensitization, immunosuppression, or time of transplant. Treatment with steroids was started in 15 patients with BC (50%) and in all patients with aTCMR, with 4 of the latter additionally receiving thymoglobulin (7.2%). At 1 year post biopsy, overall graft survival was 71%, and despite presenting better estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at biopsy (33.3 ± 23.4 vs 19.9 ± 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m², P = .008), patients in the BC group presented the same graft survival as the aTCMR group according to Kaplan-Meyer survival curves. When analyzing the BC group (n = 30) and comparing the patients who were treated (n = 15) vs a conservative approach (n = 15), graft survival at 1 year was 87% for treated patients and 73% for nontreated patients (P = .651), with no difference in eGFR for patients with functioning graft. However, at longer follow-up, survival curves showed a trend for better graft survival in treated patients (70.2 ± 9.2 vs 38.4 ± 8.4 months, P = .087).ConclusionOur study showed that patients with BC did not present better graft survival or graft function at 1 year after biopsy or at follow-up compared with the aTCMR group, despite better eGFR at diagnosis. We found a trend for better graft survival in patients with BC treated with steroids compared with a conservative approach. These results reinforce the importance of borderline changes in graft outcomes and that the decision to treat can influence long-term outcomes.     

Effect of Pretransplant Body Mass Index on Kidney Transplant Recipient and Graft Long-term Survival

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the influence of pretransplant body mass index (BMI [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]) to the graft and patient 5- and 10-year survival.MethodsOur study group consisted of 706 patients who received their kidney transplant after the year 2000.ResultsAlmost half, 51.9% (n = 372) of the patients had BMI < 25, and 47.6% (n = 336) had BMI ≥ 25. Patients who were overweight or obese were significantly older than other groups (P = .01). The 5-year recipient survival was significantly better in the BMI < 25 group (n = 291, 79.5%) than the BMI ≥ 25 group (n = 238, 70.2%, P < .05). In addition, 10-year recipient survival was better in the BMI < 25 group (n = 175, 47.8%) compared with the BMI ≥ 25 group (n = 127, 37.5%, P < .05). Similarly, 5-year graft survival was better in the BMI < 25 group (66.9%, n = 242) compared with the BMI ≥ 25 group (61.1%, n = 204, P < .05). However, 10-year graft survival was not statistically significant (P = .08). Regarding the impact of diabetes on survival, we found patients with diabetes mellitus to have worse survival in all groups (P = .009).ConclusionsRecipient graft survival was affected by diabetes mellitus independently from being overweight. In the current study, we demonstrated that pretransplant obesity or being overweight affects recipient and graft short-term survival, but long-term comparison of patients who were overweight or obese with patients with normal BMI revealed minimal recipient survival differences and in graft survival analysis no difference. Although in many studies obesity and being overweight predict a bad outcome for kidney transplant recipient survival, our research did not fully confirm it. Diabetes mellitus had worse outcome in all patients groups.     

Outcomes After Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation Using Kidney Allografts With Marginal Perfusion Parameters

BackgroundThis study examines outcomes of deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT) in recipients of kidney allografts with marginal perfusion parameters.MethodsAllografts with marginal perfusion parameters (resistance index [RI] >0.4 and pump flow rate [F] <70 mL/min; MP group) were compared with those with good parameters (RI <0.4 and F >70 mL/min; GP group) for DDKT recipients between January 1996 and November 2017 after hypothermic pulsatile perfusion. Demographics, creatinine, cold ischemia times (CIT), delayed graft function (DGF), and recipient glomerular filtration rate at pre- and post-transplant were noted. The primary outcome was graft survival post-transplant.ResultsIn the MP (n = 31) versus GP (n = 1281) group, the median recipient was aged 57 years versus 51 years; the median donor was aged 47 versus 37 years; terminal creatinine was 0.9 versus 0.9 mg/dL; CIT was 10.2 versus 13 hours, and the RI and flow were 0.46 and 60 mL/min versus 0.21 and 120 mL/min. The DGF rate was 19% (MP) versus 8% (GP). The graft survival in the MP versus GP group was 81% versus 90% (1 year), 65% versus 79% (3 years), 65% versus 73% (4 years), and 45% versus 68% (5 years).ConclusionCarefully selected kidney allografts after comprehensive donor and recipient evaluation may allow for the use of these routinely discarded kidneys with marginal perfusion parameters.     

Hypothermic Machine Perfusion of Kidneys Compensates for Extended Storage Time: A Single Intervention With a Significant Impact

IntroductionDelayed graft function (DGF) adversely affects graft survival and function. Machine perfusion (MP) improves DGF rate and may compensate for extended storage time.Material and MethodsIn this single-center cohort study, we included 193 consecutive kidney transplantations. MP was used in 78 kidneys (36%) and static cold storage (CS) in 115 kidneys (64%). CS kidneys were transplanted first followed by MP kidneys if stored differently. Pairs of kidneys from the same donor were subjected for subgroup analysis and included 58 pairs. The primary endpoints were the rate of DGF and 1- and 5-year graft survival. The secondary endpoints were the rate of the primary nonfunction, mortality, acute rejection, duration of DGF, and 5-year estimated glomerular filtration rate.ResultsMedian cold ischemia time (CIT) was significantly different between the MP and CS groups (24 vs 20 hours, P < .05). MP significantly reduced the rate of DGF (MP vs CS: 21.8% vs 42.6%, P < .05, odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.67) with no impact on overall 1- and 5-year survival rates. Storage method did not affect the duration of DGF, mortality rate, acute rejection, or the 5-year estimated glomerular filtration rate.ConclusionsHypothermic pulsatile MP significantly reduced the rate of DGF in kidneys transplanted with CIT equal to or longer than 12 hours. It is safe and may compensate for longer storage time.     

Intraoperative adverse events and early outcomes of custom-made fenestrated stent grafts and physician-modified stent grafts for complex aortic aneurysms

ObjectivePhysician-modified fenestrated stent grafts (PMSGs) are a useful option for urgent or semiurgent treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAAs). The aim of this study was to describe in-hospital outcomes of custom-made fenestrated stent grafts (CMSGs) and PMSGs for the treatment of CAAAs and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).MethodsIn this single-center, retrospective study, all consecutives patients with CAAAs or TAAAs undergoing endovascular repair using Zenith CMSGs (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) or PMSGs between January 2012 and November 2017 were included. End points were intraoperative adverse events, in-hospital mortality, postoperative complications, reinterventions, target vessel patency, and endoleaks.ResultsNinety-seven patients were included (CMSGs, n = 69; PMSGs, n = 28). The PMSG group included more patients assigned to American Society of Anesthesiologists class 4 (n = 14 [50%] vs n = 16 [23%]; P = .006) and more TAAAs (n = 17 [61%] vs n = 10 [15%]; P < .0001). Intraoperative adverse events were recorded in eight (11%) patients in the CMSG group vs six (21%) patients in the PMSG group. No intraoperative death or open conversion occurred. In-hospital mortality rates were of 4% (n = 3) in the CMSG group and 14% in the PMSG group (n = 4). Chronic renal failure was an independent preoperative risk factor of postoperative death or complications (odds ratio, 4.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.65-14.43; P = .004). Rates of postoperative complications were 22% (n = 15) and 25% (n = 7) in the CMSG and PMSG groups. Spinal cord ischemia rates were 4% (n = 3) and 7% (n = 2) in the CMSG and PMSG groups. Reintervention rates were 16% (n = 11) in the CMSG group and 32% (n = 9) in the PMSG group. At discharge, target vessel patency rate in CMSGs was 98% (n = 207/210). All target vessels (n = 98) were patent in the PMSG group. Endoleaks at discharge were observed in 24% of the CMSG group (n = 16) vs 8% of the PMSG group (n = 2).ConclusionsOur study showed clinically relevant differences of several important in-hospital outcomes in the CMSG and PMSG groups. Larger cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to allow direct comparison. PMSGs may offer acceptable in-hospital results in patients requiring urgent interventions when CMSGs are not available or possible.     

Appointment Nonadherence and Graft Outcomes in Living Donor Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundMedication nonadherence is associated with worse graft outcomes but is hard to recognize in clinical settings due to its self-reporting nature. We hypothesized that appointment nonadherence might be associated with worse graft outcomes in living donor kidney transplantation.MethodsWe included 167 adult living-donor kidney transplants whose grafts survived >2 years from April 2011 to May 2020. Thirty-two cases of appointment nonadherence were identified and compared with the controls (n = 135).ResultsYounger age, male sex, higher body weight, and parent donor were significantly observed in the appointment nonadherence group. The appointment nonadherence group was significantly associated with worse graft survival (5 years: 82.3% vs 98.9%, P < .001, 10 years: 67.2% vs 89.6%, P < .001), de novo donor-specific antibody production, acute rejection, as well as the decline of graft function. Furthermore, appointment nonadherence had a 4-fold higher risk of graft loss after an adjustment with recipient age, sex, body weight, and donor type (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.93, 95% CI: 1.15-13.42, P = .029).ConclusionsAppointment nonadherence might be an alternative predictor for worse graft outcomes after living donor kidney transplantation.     

Comparative Study of 2 Extended-Release Tacrolimus Formulations in Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundDuring the 1900s, tacrolimus became the mainstay immunosuppressive agent to prevent rejection after kidney transplant. Subsequently, an extended-release tacrolimus (ER-Tac) formulation was developed to improve adherence, and its generic version has been marketed over the last years. This study examines the differences in efficacy and safety between the generic ER-Tac (Conferoport) and the reference brand-name drug (Advagraf).MethodsProspective, randomized and parallel single-center study (May 2020 to June 2021) with 52 kidney transplant recipients who were randomly assigned to 1 of the following groups: study group (Conferoport, n = 31) and control group (Advagraf, n = 21). The variables of interest were collected and analyzed to compare tacrolimus efficacy and safety between them. Demographic characteristics of the patients and clinical donor data were homogeneous in both groups (P > .05).ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found among treatments regarding dosage used, levels, creatinine, and proteinuria (P > .05), with these variables presenting a downward trend during follow-up and, consequently, the improvement of graft function. Analyses also revealed the absence of differences concerning the incidence of acute rejection and intrapatient variability (coefficient of variation) throughout the first year of evolution between both formulations (P > .05). A total of 5 graft losses occurred, 2 resulting from patient death.ConclusionsIn our experience, we found no significant differences between the measured parameters in relation to the efficacy and safety profile of both drugs, with generic ER-Tac being an alternative comparable with the reference brand-name ER-Tac.     

Perfusion of a Kidney Graft from a Donor After Cardiac Death Based on Immediately Started Machine Perfusion: An Experimental Study on a Big Animal

BackgroundDonation after circulatory death donors are becoming a common source of organs for transplant. Despite good long-term outcomes of grafts from donation after circulatory death, this group is affected by a higher occurrence of delayed graft function and primary nonfunction. Our hypothesis is based on the assumption that washing the kidney grafts in the donor's body using a simple mechanical perfusion pump will result in faster and better perfusion of the parenchyma and more efficient cooling compared with hydrostatic perfusion alone.MethodsA total of 7 experimental animals (pigs) were used. The animals were divided into 2 groups: group A (n = 3) and group B (n = 4). After a 30-minute ischemic period for the selected kidney (clamped renal vessels), intra-arterial perfusion was performed. In group A perfusion was performed using hydrostatic pressure; in group B mechanical controlled perfusion was performed. After perfusion, declamping of the renal vessels caused restoration of flow. For graft quality evaluation, biopsy specimens were harvested, and the cooling speed was observed. Laboratory markers or renal failure were determined.ResultsWe found no significant differences between temperature drop and total diuresis between groups A and B. A significant difference was found between the groups in both flow parameters (flow maximum and mean flow) (P = .007, respectively P = .019). No laboratory parameters were found to be statistically significantly different. Histopathological analysis strongly supports the hypothesis of better flushing of kidney grafts using mechanical perfusion.ConclusionsBased on our results, better kidney graft quality can be expected after immediately started mechanical perfusion in situ.     

The Resistive Index by Doppler Ultrasonography as a Predictor of the Long-Term Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundDoppler ultrasonography (US) is a noninvasive examination for assessing graft function after kidney transplantation. Although Doppler US is routinely performed, only a few reports have investigated whether a high resistive index (RI) detected by Doppler US affects graft function and survival. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between a high RI and inferior outcomes after kidney transplantation.MethodsWe included 164 living kidney transplant patients treated between April 2011 and July 2019. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to RI (cut-off, 0.7) 1 year after transplantation.ResultsThe recipient was significantly older in the high RI (≥0.7) group. Moreover, there were significant differences in the prevalence of pretransplant diabetes mellitus and the value of pretransplant hemoglobin A1c. Regarding long-term outcome, there was no significant difference in overall graft survival (5 years, 92.6% vs 91.8%; 10 years, 85.0% vs 67.9%; P = .64). On the other hand, the mortality was significantly worse in the high RI group (5 years, 99.1% vs 93.9%; 10 years, 96.4% vs 70.0%, P = .013).ConclusionsA high RI might predict mortality after kidney transplantation.     

Comparing the Outcomes of Deceased-Donor and Living-Donor Liver Re-Transplantation In Adult Patients

BackgroundPatients with liver graft failures have an extremely low chance of finding a cadaveric graft in countries with a scarcity of deceased donors. We compared the outcomes of liver re-transplantation with living-donor liver grafts (re-LDLT) and deceased-donor liver grafts (re-DDLT) in adult patients (>18 years).MethodsThe medical records of 1513 (1417 [93.6%] LDLT and 96 [6.3%] DDLT) patients who underwent liver transplantation at Memorial Hospital between January 2011 and October 2022 were reviewed. Forty patients (24 adults and 16 pediatric) were re-transplanted (2.84%); 24 adult patients (2.72%: 25 re-LDLT, 1 patient with second re-LDLT) were divided into 2 groups: re-DDLT (n = 6) and re-LDLT (n = 18). The groups were compared in demographics, pre-, peri-, postoperative characteristics, and outcomes.ResultsThe overall survival rates were 91.7%, 79.2%, 75.0%, and 75% for <30 days, 31 to 90 days, 1, and 3 years, respectively. The LDLT group was significantly younger (P = .022), had smaller graft weight (P = .03), shorter mechanical ventilation (P = .036) but longer operation time (P = .019), and hospitalization period (P = .003). The groups were otherwise comparable. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rates between the groups (P = .058), although the re-LDLT group had an evidently higher survival rate (88.9% and 83.3 % vs 50.0%).ConclusionRe-LDLT has shown comparable outcomes to re-DDLT, if not better (even not far from significance P = .058). These results may encourage performing re-LDLTs in patients with indications for re-LT without worrying about low chances of survival, especially in countries with limited sources of deceased donors.     

Should Immunosuppression After Kidney Transplant Be Adjusted Based on Renal Resistance During Pretransplant Hypothermic Machine Perfusion?

BackgroundThe hypothermic machine perfusion reduces delayed graft function after kidney transplant and allows, to some extent, predicting early graft function. However, it is difficult to identify exact perfusion criteria with which to exclude kidneys from transplant or modify post-transplant care. The aim of this study was to analyze whether renal resistance during the fourth hour of hypothermic machine perfusion is useful in the prediction of graft survival and acute rejection.Patients and MethodsData on pretransplant hypothermic machine perfusion parameters of 407 transplanted kidneys were available. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to find an optimal cutoff value of ratio for predicting a higher risk class of considered group of patients. According to this, patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received kidneys with renal resistance lower than 0.19 mm Hg/mL/min (R1; n = 187) and those who received kidneys with renal resistance equal to or higher than 0.19 mm Hg/mL/min (R2; n = 220). Within R2, we additionally analyzed 2 subgroups: patients who received induction therapy (R2−Ind+; n = 124) and those who did not received induction therapy (R2−Ind−; n = 96).ResultsAcute rejection in R1 within 1 month post transplant was 2-fold lower compared with R2 and was 6.4% vs 13.1% (P = .03), respectively. One-year graft survival was higher in R1 compared with R2 and was 94.6% vs 88.5% (P = .03), respectively. Acute rejection in the R2−Ind+ subgroup within 1 month post transplant was 2.46-fold lower compared with the R2−Ind− subgroup and was 8% vs 19.7% (P = .01), respectively.ConclusionImmunosuppression treatment after transplant should be adjusted to perfusion parameters.     

Analysis of Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes of Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Patients with a High Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score

BackgroundThe Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system can predict short-term survival among patients awaiting liver transplantation and is used to allocate organs prioritizing liver transplantation. Patients with high MELD scores have been reported to have worse early graft dysfunction and survival. However, recent studies have shown that patients with high MELD scores had satisfactory graft survival, although they showed more postoperative complications. In this study, we examined the effect of the MELD score on the short-term and long-term prognosis of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).MethodsThis study included 102 patients who underwent LDLT in our institution between 2005 and 2020. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to MELD score (low MELD group: ≤20, moderate MELD group: 21–30, and high MELD group: ≥31). Perioperative factors were compared among the 3 groups, and cumulative overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsThe patients’ characteristics were comparable, and the median age was 54 years. Hepatitis C virus cirrhosis was the most common primary disease (n = 40), followed by hepatitis B virus (n = 11). The low MELD group consisted of 68 patients (median score: 16, 10–20); the moderate MELD group, 24 patients (median score: 24, 21–30); and the high MELD group, 10 patients (median score: 35, 31–40). The mean operative time (1241 min versus 1278 min versus 1158 min, P = .19) and mean blood loss (7517 mL vs 11162 mL vs 8808 mL, P = .71) were not significantly different among the 3 groups. The vascular and biliary complication rates were similar. The periods of intensive care unit and hospital stay tended to be longer in the high MELD group, but the difference was insignificant. The 1-year postoperative survival rate (85.3 % vs 87.5 % vs 90.0 %, P = .90) and overall survival rate were also not significantly different among the 3 groups.ConclusionsOur study showed that LDLT patients with high MELD scores do not have a worse prognosis than those with low scores.     

Outcomes in Renal Transplantation with Expanded-Criteria Donors

BackgroundKidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. In recent years donor criteria have changed to increase the percentage of expanded-criteria donors (ECDs). The aim of this study was to analyze transplants from ECDs obtained at our institution from. 2010 to 2012. We studied the comorbidity of ECD, preimplantation histologic study, renal function, and survival of transplanted grafts.Patients and MethodsEighty ECDs (160 kidneys) were analyzed. Forty-nine grafts were not implanted owing to macroscopic lesions (37 kidneys) or histologic findings on preimplantation biopsy (12 kidneys). Finally, 60 grafts from ECDs were implanted in our center. We analyzed the characteristics of the grafts (kidney function, creatinine clearance) and compared the data with a control group of allografts from standard-criteria donors (n = 14).ResultsThe median age of the ECD group was 72 years (range 65–77). No differences were found in certain characteristics between the ECDs whose kidneys were or were not implanted (hypertension, diabetes, creatinine at the time of the donation or proteinuria). However, there were differences in donor age (75 vs 67; P = .043), increased preimplantation biopsy score (6.8 ± 1.3 vs 4.8 ± 1.1; P = .041), and a higher percentage of cardiovascular disease (62.5% vs 43%; P = .038). Comparison of ECD and non-ECD grafts showed a lower creatinine clearance at 1 year (50 ± 05 mL/min vs 69 ± 96 mL/min, respectively; P < .001) and 2 years (50 ± 07 mL/min vs 67 ± 74 mL/min; P < .001) after transplantation. There were no differences in delayed graft function or graft survival between the 2 groups at 2 years after transplantation (95% vs 100%; P = .38).ConclusionsWe found no differences in graft survival from ECD compared with the control group of standard-criteria donors. The evaluation of grafts from ECD may be a strategy to increase the number of kidney transplants.     

Patient and Graft Survival Outcomes During 2 Eras of Immunosuppression Protocols in Kidney Transplantation: Indiana University Retrospective Cohort Experience

BackgroundSince 1964 when Indiana University performed its first kidney transplant, immunosuppression protocol was steroid-based until 2004 when steroid-free immunosuppression protocol was adopted. We describe clinical outcomes on our patients administered early steroid withdrawal (ESW) protocol (5 days) compared with our historical cohort (HC), who were on chronic steroid-based immunosuppression.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study evaluating kidney transplant recipients between 1993 and 2003 (HC, n = 1689) and between 2005 and 2016 (ESW cohort, n = 2097) at the Indiana University program, with a median follow-up of 10.5 years and 6.1 years, respectively. Primary outcomes were patient and death-censored graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years in both study cohorts. Secondary outcomes were 1-year rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection; graft function at 1, 3, and 5 years; and risk of post-transplant infection (BK virus and cytomegalovirus) in the ESW cohort. Cox proportional model and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to estimate survival probabilities. Fisher exact tests were used to compare episodes of acute rejection in the ESW cohort.ResultsNo difference was observed in patient survival between the ESW and HC cohorts (P = .13). Compared with the ESW cohort, death-censored graft survival was significantly worse in the HC (5 year: 86.4% vs 90.6%, log-rank P < .001). One-year acute rejection reported in the ESW cohort alone was 15.7% and significantly worse in Black patients and younger patients (P < .05).ConclusionsIn this sizeable single-center cohort study with significant ethnic diversity, ESW is a viable alternative to steroid-based immunosuppression protocol in kidney transplant recipients.     

Description and Outcomes of Three Different End-to-Side Microsurgical Techniques for the Anastomosis of Accessory Renal Artery With the Dominant Renal Artery in Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundIn this study, we compared the outcomes of three different surgical microscope–assisted end-to-side anastomosis techniques between the dominant and accessory renal arteries during living donor kidney transplant.MethodsThe demographics, serum creatinine levels, warm and cold ischemia times, rate of complications, and incidence of delayed graft function of 135 kidney recipients were analyzed according to the type of arterial anastomosis. Group A (n = 98) had one dominant renal artery (DRA) with one end-to-side anastomosis to the external iliac artery (EIA) using a surgical microscope. Group B (n = 17) had one DRA plus one accessory renal artery (ARA) with two separate end-to-side anastomoses to the EIA using a surgical microscope. Group C (n = 20) had one DRA with end-to-side anastomosis to the EIA and one ARA with an ex vivo on-bench end-to-side anastomosis to the DRA using a surgical microscope.ResultsCompared with groups A and B, the cold ischemia time and the rate of delayed graft function were significantly higher in group C (P ≤ .001). At 6 months after transplant, group B demonstrated a higher creatinine value (2.40 ± 3.41 mg/dL) than group A and group B (P = .032). Also, the decrease in creatinine at postoperative month 6 was limited in group B as compared with groups A and C.ConclusionsAn end-to-side anastomosis between ARA (group B) and DRA (group A) of the kidney graft using a surgical microscope on the bench ex vivo results in superior outcomes. Single arterial anastomosis techniques are associated with a better function in a 6-month follow-up than two separate arterial anastomoses.