Is There a Correlation with Pre-donation Kidney Volume and Renal Function in the Renal Transplant Recipient?: A Volumetric Computed Tomography Study

PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the predonation computed tomography (CT)-based calculated kidney volume and post-transplant renal function in recipients of renal transplants and to compare two different CT techniques.Material and methodsThe study group is comprised of 55 paired living kidney donor-recipients transplants. The total parenchymal renal volumes were calculated by using two CT-based techniques (3-dimensional renal volume [3DRV] and voxel-based volume calculation). Post-transplant creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels for the recipients at hospital discharge and sixth month were obtained. We tested the association with eGFR and creatinine by adjusting the renal volume to body weight and body mass index. For the creatinine levels above 1.5 mg/dL at discharge, a threshold value for renal volume-to-weight ratio on receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and odds ratio (OR) were calculated.ResultsThe renal volumes adjusted to weight were found to be moderately correlated with eGFR and creatinine levels at discharge (r = 0.51 and r = −0.54 for voxel-based calculation; r = 0.52 and r = −0.52 for 3DRV calculation, P < .001, respectively) and at sixth month (r = 0.55 and r = −0.58 for voxel-based calculation; r = 0.51 and r = −0.54 for 3DRV calculation, P < .001 respectively). A threshold value of 1.84 mL/kg was calculated for parenchymal volume-to-recipient weight ratio on ROC analysis (AUC±SE, 0.760 ± 0.078, P = .008). The likelihood of creatinine elevation above 1.5 mg/dL was found to be nine times greater for smaller renal volume-to-recipient weight ratios (OR = 9.6; 95% CI, 1.8–50.6)ConclusionsPredonation renal volume adjusted to recipient weight may estimate the renal function at discharge and 6 months after transplantation.     

Investigation of Urinary Angiotensinogen in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background

Recent studies have indicated that angiotensinogen (AGT) is also locally produced in the kidney and that urinary AGT is a marker of local renal renin-angiotensin system activation. Because urinary AGT levels are significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in patients without CKD and correlate with urinary albumin and other levels, urinary AGT is increasingly recognized as a marker for CKD monitoring, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, we investigated urinary AGT levels in renal transplant recipients.

Methods

Among the patients who were treated as outpatients at the Department of Urology of Osaka City University Hospital from March 2012 to April 2013, 146 stable renal transplant recipients and 50 donors who gave informed consent were studied. Urinary AGT and creatinine (Cr) levels were measured. The urinary AGT-to-Cr ratio was calculated, and its correlation with clinical parameters was examined.

Results

The urinary AGT-to-Cr ratio of the renal transplant recipients was significantly higher than that of the renal transplant donors (P = .0143). Furthermore, the urinary AGT-to-Cr ratio had a significantly positive correlation with the urinary albumin-to-Cr ratio (ACR; r = 0.39, P < .0001), while on the other hand, it had a significantly negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; r = −0.31, P = .0002). Multiple linear regression analysis of factors associated with eGFR showed that urinary AGT was a significant and independent factor after adjusting for age, sex, and ACR.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that urinary AGT levels were elevated in renal transplant recipients. In addition, urinary AGT significantly correlated with renal function and degree of albuminuria.     

Urinary CXCL10 Measurement in Late Renal Allograft Biopsies Predicts Outcome Even in Histologically Quiescent Patients

BackgroundCXCL10 is a promising early noninvasive diagnostic marker for allograft rejection and predictive for long-term outcomes. However, its value when measured later in the posttransplant course has not yet been accurately analyzed.MethodsWe investigated urinary CXCL10 in 141 patients from a prospective, observational renal transplant cohort with 182 clinically indicated allograft biopsies performed >12 months posttransplant and corresponding urines. Urinary CXCL10 was retrospectively quantified on stored urines using the MSD V-Plex Chemokine Panel 1 sandwich immunoassay (Meso Scale Discovery). The primary outcome was a composite of allograft loss/renal function decline (>30% estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]–decrease between index biopsy and last follow-up).ResultsSeventy-two patients (51%) reached the primary outcome, and their urinary CXCL10 levels were significantly higher at the time of their biopsy compared with patients with stable allograft function (median 9.3 ng/mmol vs 3.3 ng/mmol, P < .0001). Time-to-endpoint analyses according to high/low urinary CXCL10 demonstrated that low urinary CXCL10 (≤7.0 ng/mmol) was associated with 73% 5-year event-free graft survival compared with 48% with high urinary CXCL10 (>7.0 ng/mmol; P = .0001). Even in histologically quiescent patients, high urinary CXCL10 was associated with inferior endpoint-free graft survival (P = .003), and it was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (P = .03).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that urinary CXCL10 has a promising diagnostic performance for detection of late allograft rejection and is an independent predictor of long-term renal allograft outcomes, even in histologically quiescent patients.     

Statin Therapy Ameliorates Renal Allograft Function

Background

Statins have proven ability as antilipidemic agents and benefit cardiovascular survival in transplant recipients. The pleiotropic effects of statins on renal function in renal allograft recipients are still undetermined.

Methods

Statin therapy was initiated according to guidelines for cardiovascular protection. Serum creatinine concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed before and after introduction of statins. The 73 patients who were retrospectively studied included those who were dialysis-dependent. Mean changes in eGFR and lipid profile were compared before and after commencing statins using χ² tests.

Results

Mean serum creatinine concentration 18 months before starting statin therapy was 160.13 μmol/L, and 24 months after starting statin therapy was 172.22 μmol/L. Mean eGFR was 53.40 mL/min 18 months before starting statin therapy, and decreased to 49.43 mL/min after starting statin therapy. This represented a decline in renal function of 0.22 mL/min/mo over 18 months. The eGFR at 12 months after beginning statin therapy was 52.67 mL/min, and at 24 months was 49.06 mL/min. The rate of decline of eGFR after starting statin therapy was significantly lower: 0.02 mL/min/mo over 24 months (P < .001). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased after starting statin therapy (P < .001). Four of 73 patients developed graft failure within 24 months.

Conclusion

Statin therapy in our setting was associated with a lower rate of decline in renal function in renal allograft recipients within 2 years of starting treatment.     

High Perirenal Fat Volume Affect Negatively Renal Function in Living Renal Transplantation

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effect of perirenal fat volume (PFV) on graft functions by calculating the PFV of donor kidney with routine computed tomography before renal transplantation.MethodsFrom May 2019 to December 2020, a total of 54 living donors and recipients who met the criteria for kidney donor were included in the study. Left donor nephrectomy was performed to all donors. Data of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), PFV of the donors, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum creatinine measurement data of the recipients were recorded. Serum creatinine and eGFR of the recipients were recorded at the 12th month controls. The patients were sorted into 2 groups (G) according to their GFR values. G1, GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²; G2, GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m².ResultsThere was no difference in terms of recipient sex, recipient age, donor sex, recipient BMI, and donor BMI between the 2 groups. The mean of PFV was higher in G1 and was statistically significant (P= 0.01). The ability of the donor BMI and PFV to predict G2 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. It was determined that PFV predicted G2 to be statistically significant. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, PFV (odds ratio = 0.988, 95% GA = 0.977-0.999, P = 0.03) was found as an independent predictor of G2.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study showed PFV as an independent risk factor for low eGFR, revealing that the previously documented relevance of increased BMI with a low eGFR can be partially explained by PFV.     

Effects of Sugammadex Plus Rocuronium vs Neostigmine Plus Cisatracurium During Renal Transplantation on Graft Function: A Retrospective,Case-Control Study

BackgroundRocuronium can be used in patients with severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), but the duration of muscle relaxation is longer and results in an increased risk of postoperative residual neuromuscular block. Rocuronium can be antagonized by sugammadex, but the elimination of the complex they make (rocuronium-sugammadex complex) varies according to the renal function. Two case reports/series have reported the use of rocuronium-sugammadex complex during renal transplantation. A recently published retrospective study showed no differences in postoperative creatinine levels in patients receiving kidney transplantation. This retrospective case-control study aims to investigate the effects of rocuronium-sugammadex, used during renal transplantation, on transplanted kidney function.MethodsWe analyzed 113 medical records of patients undergoing kidney transplantation from January 2015 to December 2018. Forty-seven medical records were excluded because they did not report the administration of one of the following drugs during the transplantation: rocuronium, sugammadex, cisatracurium, neostigmine. The demographics of patients and donors were collected along with the following data: blood urea and creatinine, serum and urinary electrolytes, and diuresis. Marginal, single, or double kidney transplantations; Karpinski scores; and histologic evaluations of transplanted kidney were collected.ResultsWe included data from 66 medical reports from January 2015 to December 2018. Blood creatinine levels at 6, 12, and 24 hours were significantly lower in the rocuronium + sugammadex group than in the cisatracurium + neostigmine group (creatinine 6 hours P = .05, creatinine 12 hours P = .038, creatinine 24 hours P = .049). Blood urea levels for 24 hours after transplantation were significantly lower in the rocuronium + sugammadex group than in the cisatracurium + neostigmine group (urea 0 hours P = .025, urea 6 hours P = .011, urea 12 hours P = .03, urea 24 hours P = .011). We found no statistically significant differences in blood sodium, blood potassium, blood calcium, diuresis, urinary sodium, or urinary potassium levels before and after transplantation.ConclusionsIn this retrospective case-control study, the use of rocuronium and sugammadex during renal transplant surgery did not affect relevant kidney recovery outcomes in the first week after transplantation.     

Obesity Affects Short-Term Renal Function After Renal Transplantation

BackgroundThe literature has shown a significant association between body mass index (BMI) and patient and graft outcomes after renal transplantation. The purpose of this study was to reveal the effect of obesity on graft function in a Taiwanese kidney transplant cohort.MethodsTwo hundred consecutive patients who received kidney transplantation were enrolled in our study. Eight pediatric cases were excluded due to differing definitions of BMI among children. According to the national obesity criteria, these patients were divided into underweight, normal, overweight, and obese groups. Their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was compared accordingly using t tests. Cumulative graft and patient survivals were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. A P value of ≤ .05 was considered significant.ResultsThe mean age of our cohort (105 men and 87 women) was 45.3 years. There was no significant difference comparing biopsy-proven acute rejection, acute tubular necrosis, and delayed graft function between the obese and nonobese groups (P values: .293, .787, and .304, respectively). Short-term eGFR was inferior in the overweight group, but this effect was insignificant beyond 1 month. The 1-month and 3-month eGFR were found to be correlated with BMI groups (P = .012 and P = .008, respectively) but not significant after 6 months post–kidney transplantation.ConclusionsOur study found that short-term renal function was affected by obesity and being overweight, possibly due to the higher prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia in obese patients and the increased surgical difficulty.     

Urine Periostin as a Biomarker of Renal Injury in Chronic Allograft Nephropathy

Background

Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) represents the main cause of renal allograft failure after transplantation. Noninvasive CAN testing is required. Periostin promotes the expression of a mesenchymal phenotype in renal tubules and is a promising urine biomarker for progressive renal injury. Information regarding periostin expression in the setting of CAN remains scarce.

Methods

Subjects were recruited from our outpatient transplantation clinic. Random urine samples were collected from CAN patients (n = 24) and renal transplant patients with normal renal function (transplant controls, n = 18). Control samples were collected from healthy volunteers (n = 18) who had normal renal function. Urine periostin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The median urine periostin in CAN patients was significantly higher than in transplant and healthy controls (1.74 vs 0.00 vs 0.14 ng/mg creatinine, respectively; P < .001). Urine periostin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at a cutoff value of 0.152 ng/mg creatinine demonstrated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for distinguishing CAN patients from transplant patients with normal renal function (91.7%, 77.8%, and 85.7%, respectively). In addition, urine periostin levels correlated directly with urine protein creatinine ratio (R = 0.566, P < .001) and serum creatinine (R = 0.522; P < .001), whereas inverse significant correlations were evidenced with estimated glomerular filtration rate (R = −0.431; P < .001).

Conclusion

The appearance of urine periostin in CAN patients but not in healthy and transplant controls underscores its value as a potential biomarker for chronic progressive renal injury in transplant recipients.     

Study of Renal Function in Living Kidney Donors: Estimated or Measured Glomerular Filtration

IntroductionIn living kidney donations the accuracy of renal function is fundamental, especially for potential donors who have limited renal function (creatinine clearance levels [CCr] <90 mL/m/1.73 m²), are >50 years old, and who have cardiovascular risk factors that might favor the development of kidney diseases.ObjectiveTo compare the direct measured glomerular filtration (mGFR) using 51Cr-EDTA and the estimations based on creatinine (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]): CCr with 24-hour urine, and estimated using Cockroft-Gault (adjusted using body surface area, Mosteller formula), modification of diet in renal disease–4 (MDRD-4), MDRD-6, and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) to determine the usefulness of different methods to evaluate the kidney function.Patients and MethodsThe kidney function evaluation was performed for 37 potential kidney donors using the 51Cr-EDTA method. The GFR obtained through the 51Cr-EDTA was compared with the CCr values in 24-hour urine and eGFR based on creatinine (Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD-4, MDRD-6, and CKD-EPI).ResultsUsing the Bland Altman graph, the most dispersed results were obtained with the eGFR using CCr in 24-hour urine and CKD-EPI. By means of Passing and Bablok, MDRD-4 and MDRD-6 showed the highest approximation to the reference method proposed to be substituted, whereas CCr showed a high dispersion.ConclusionThe eGFR using MDRD-4 and MDRD-6 formulas revealed the best adjustment to the measure by 51Cr-EDTA. This might represent the best option if a direct eGFR measure is not available.     

Dopamine Treatment of Brain-Dead Fisher Rats Improves Renal Histology But Not Early Renal Function in Lewis Recipients After Prolonged Static Cold Storage

BackgroundBrain death (BD) and cold preservation are major risk factors for an unfavorable transplantation outcome. Although donor dopamine treatment in brain-dead rats improves renal function and histology in allogeneic recipients, it remains to be assessed if this also holds true for the combinations of BD and prolonged static cold preservation.MethodsBD was induced in F344 donor rats, which were subsequently treated with NaCl 1 mL/h (BD, n = 11), NaCl/hydroxy ethyl starch (BD-norm, n = 10), or 10 μg/min/kg dopamine (BD-dopa, n = 10). Renal grafts were harvested 4 h after BD and transplanted into bilateral nephrectomized Lewis recipients 6 h after cold preservation in University of Wisconsin solution. Renal function was evaluated by use of serum creatinine and urea concentrations at days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10. Ten days after transplantation, recipients were killed and the renal allografts were processed for light microscopy and immune histology.ResultsSerum urea concentrations at days 5 and 10 were significantly lower in recipients that received a renal graft from dopamine-treated rats; for serum creatinine, only a trend was observed at day 10. Immune histology revealed a lower degree of ED1-positive cells in the donor dopamine-treated group. Under light microscopy, Banff classification revealed significantly less intimal arteritis in these grafts (P < .05).ConclusionsAlthough donor dopamine treatment clearly improves renal histology in this model, the beneficial effect on early renal function was marginal. It remains to be assessed if donor dopamine treatment has a beneficial effect on renal function in long-term follow-up.     

Outcomes for peripheral vascular intervention and lower extremity bypass in kidney transplant recipients are superior to outcomes of patients remaining on dialysis

BackgroundImproved survival is reported for patients with end-stage renal disease who are kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) compared with dialysis-dependent patients (DDPs). Whether amputation-free survival (AFS) and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALEs) after peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) or lower extremity bypass (LEB) are superior after renal transplantation remains incompletely defined.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was undertaken of KTRs and DDPs undergoing infrainguinal PVI or LEB for symptoms of limb-threatening ischemia recorded in the Vascular Quality Initiative from 2003 to 2017. Primary outcomes were AFS and freedom from MALEs along with their components of assisted primary patency, limb salvage, and patient survival. The χ² tests and independent samples t-tests were used to compare demographic variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to estimate outcomes, and Cox regression analyses were used to confirm independent predictors of outcome.ResultsThere were 2707 PVI (351 KTRs and 2356 DDPs) and 1444 LEB (198 KTRs and 1246 DDPs) procedures performed for limb-threatening ischemia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, female patients, and African Americans were more common among the DDP group, as were lower preoperative hemoglobin values and older age. After PVI, KTRs had better AFS than DDPs (42% vs 66% at 1 year, 15% vs 26% at 2 years; hazard ratio [HR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-2.64; P < .001) and fewer MALEs (53% vs 64% at 1 year, 35% vs 49% at 18 months; HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.25-2.34; P = .001). PVI outcomes, AFS, and freedom from MALEs were driven primarily by differences in limb salvage and patient survival but not assisted primary patency. After LEB, KTRs also displayed improved AFS compared with DDPs (44% vs 65% at 1 year, 10% vs 36% at 3 years; HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.41-3.81; P = .001), driven by patient survival but not limb salvage, whereas differences in freedom from MALEs did not attain statistical significance (67% vs 58%; P = .08).ConclusionsFor patients with end-stage renal disease, subsequent kidney transplantation was associated with better AFS and freedom from MALEs after PVI but only improved AFS after LEB. Open or endovascular revascularization can be advocated in patients with limb-threatening ischemia who have received kidney transplantation to a greater degree than in those who remain dialysis dependent.     

Comparison of renal function after open radical cystectomy,extracorporeal robot assisted radical cystectomy,and intracorporeal robot assisted radical cystectomy

PurposeRenal function outcomes following robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) have not been well established. We sought to compare long-term renal function outcomes between open radical cystectomy, RARC with extracorporeal urinary diversion and intracorporeal urinary diversion at a high volume institution.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our institutional bladder cancer database for patients who underwent RC from 2010 to 2019 with pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 45 ml/min/1.73m². Changes in renal function were assessed through locally weighted scatter plot smoothing and comparison of median eGFR between surgical groups. Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3B was defined as eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73m². Renal function decline was defined as a ≥10 ml/min/1.73m² drop in eGFR. Kaplan Meier method with log-rank was used to compare CKD 3B-free survival and renal function decline. Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to identify predictors of CKD 3B.ResultsSix hundred and forty four patients were included with median follow-up of 32 months (IQR 12–56). Preoperative characteristics were similar among the groups with no differences in median pre-operative eGFR (ORC: 74.6, extracorporeal urinary diversion: 74.3, intracorporeal urinary diversion: 71.6 ml/min/1.73m², P = 0.15). Median postoperative eGFR on follow up was not different between groups (P = 0.56). 33% of patients developed CKD 3B. There were no differences in CKD 3B-free survival by surgical approach (P = 0.23) or urinary diversion (P = 0.09). 64% of patients experienced renal function decline with a median time of 2.4 years (P 0.23). Predictors of CKD were pathologic T3 disease or greater (HR: 1.77, P = 0.01), ureteroenteric anastomotic stricture (HR: 2.80, P < 0.001), preoperative CKD Stage 2 (HR: 1.81, P =0.02), and preoperative CKD Stage 3A (HR: 5.56, P < 0.001).ConclusionRenal function decline is common after RC. Tumor stage, pre-operative eGFR, and ureteral stricture development, not surgical approach, influence renal function decline.     

Higher preoperative eGFR is a predictor of worse renal function decline after robotic assisted radical cystectomy: Implications for postoperative management

IntroductionIn patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer or high risk noninvasive bladder cancer, renal function decline is a concern after radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. The pathophysiology of this decline is multifactorial, with subclinical acidosis and metabolic derangements from the diversion thought to contribute. It is unknown whether patients with baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of further decline in renal function.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of two high volume robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) centers between 2016 and 2020. Preoperative demographics and comorbidities were collected. Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at 12 and 24 months to determine short-term rate in decline of eGFR. Absolute and percent changes in eGFR were calculated.ResultsThere were a total of 555 patients who underwent RARC. Men comprised 76.2% of the cohort. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given in 31% of patients and adjuvant chemotherapy was given in 4.81% of patients. Higher preoperative eGFR (B -0.549, 95% CI -0.708 to -0.391, P < 0.001) and presence of diabetes mellitus (B -15.414, 95% CI -24.820 to -6.008, P = 0.001) were significant predictors of eGFR decline at 12 months. At 24 months, presence of diabetes mellitus (B -11.799, 95% CI -21.816 to -1.782, P = 0.021) and higher preoperative eGFR (B -0.621, 95% CI -0.796 to -0.446, P < 0.001) were correlated with a steeper decline in eGFR. Higher preoperative eGFR was also predictive of upstaging to CKD3 or higher post operatively (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.004–1.034, P = 0.015). Intracorporeal diversion was protective, whereas presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and higher preoperative eGFR predicted greater decline in eGFR.ConclusionPatients with higher preoperative eGFR and diabetes are at increased risk of renal function decline post RARC at 12 and 24 months. This suggests that patients with risk factors for renal function decline, but otherwise normal renal function at baseline, are a particularly vulnerable population for progression to CKD after RARC and should be counseled and closely followed postoperatively for renal function deterioration.     

Male Sexual Function in Patients Receiving Different Types of Renal Replacement Therapy

BackgroundPatients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) experience erectile dysfunction (ED). Although it is a benign disorder, ED is related to physical and psychosocial health, and it has a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL). The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of different renal replacement therapies on ED.MethodsA total of 100 ESRD patients and 50 healthy men were recruited to the present cross-sectional study. The study was consisted of 53 renal transplantation (RT; group I; mean age, 39.01 ± 7.68 years; mean duration of follow-up, 97.72 ± 10.35 months) and 47 hemodialysis (HD) patients (group II; mean age, 38.72 ± 9.12 years; mean duration of follow-up, 89.13 ± 8.65 months). The control group consisted of 50 healthy men (group III; mean age 39.77 ± 8.51 years). Demographic data and laboratory values were obtained. All groups were evaluated with the following scales: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 and Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaires, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The patients whose IIEF score were ≤21 were accepted as having ED.ResultsThe mean age of these groups were similar (P > .05). Total IIEF-5 scores of men in groups I, II, and III were 19.5 ± 4.5, 16.4 ± 5.9, and 22.5 ± 3.4, respectively. The mean total IIEF-5 score of control group was higher than those of groups I and II (P < .001). Posttransplant group mean total IIEF-5 score was also higher than the HD group (P < .05). Groups I and II significantly differed from control group in terms of presence of ED (IIEF score ≤21: Group I, n = 28 [52.8%]; group II, n = 29 [61.7%]; and group III, n = 12 [%24], respectively [P < .001]), whereas there was no difference between groups I and II. In the logistic regression analysis (variables included age, BDI, and renal replacement therapy [HD and transplantation]), ED was independently associated with age (odds ratio [OR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.2), BDI (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13). Additionally, ED was not associated with renal replacement therapy (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.60–3.57). Physiologic health domain of SF-36 was significantly better in healthy controls (P < .001). Patient groups were similar in terms of BDI score (P > .05). ED score was negatively correlated with BDI (r = ?0.368; P < .001), and positively correlated with SF-36 (r = 0.495; P < .001) in all patient groups.ConclusionPatients with ESRD had significantly lower sexual function and lower QOL scores than the healthy control men. Notably, the mode of renal replacement therapy had no impact on male sexual function.     

Serum Procalcitonin Correlates With Renal Function and Immune Components in Early-Stage Renal Transplant Recipients

BackgroundIn renal transplantation, monitoring procalcitonin (PCT) in the early post-transplant period can be a promising method for early tracking of infectious complications. However, the correlation between PCT and infection-related factors and immune components and renal function remains unclear.Patients and methodsBetween November 2017 and December 2018, 62 early-stage renal transplant recipients were selected, and 4 mL peripheral blood samples were collected to detect the changes of specific immune cells and cytokines. Our study was in compliance with the Helsinki Congress and the Declaration of Istanbul; no prisoners were used, and participants were neither paid nor coerced in our study.ResultsAccording to serum PCT levels, recipients were divided into a high group (PCT ≥ 0.5 ng/mL) and a low group (PCT < 0.5 ng/mL). Compared with the low group, creatinine, cystatin C, urea, T helper type (Th) 22 cells, IL-22 + Th17 cells, interleukin (IL)-22, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-17A increased while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was decreased in the high group. In addition, PCT was significantly correlated with eGFR in the high group.ConclusionsSerum PCT is related with renal function and seems to be associated with immune components in early-stage renal transplant recipients.     

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Envarsus Versus Immediate Release Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Delayed Graft Function

BackgroundThe incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) in the United States continues to increase. The effect of immediate-release tacrolimus (tacrolimus) compared with extended-release tacrolimus (Envarsus) among recipients with DGF is unknown.MethodsThis was a single-center open-label randomized control trial among KTRs with DGF (ClinicalTrials. gov, NCT03864926). KTRs were randomized either to continue on tacrolimus or switch to Envarsus at a 1:1 ratio. Duration of DGF (study period), number of dialysis treatments, and need for adjustment of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) doses during the study period were outcomes of interest.ResultsA total of 100 KTRs were enrolled, 50 in the Envarsus arm and 50 in the tacrolimus arm; of those, 49 in the Envarsus arm and 48 in the tacrolimus arm were included for analysis. There were no differences in the baseline characteristics, all P > .5, except donors in the Envarsus arm had higher body mass index (mean body mass index 32.9 ± 11.3 vs 29.4 ± 7.6 kg/m² [P = .007]) compared with the tacrolimus arm. The median duration of DGF (5 days vs 4 days, P = .71) and the number of dialysis treatments (2 vs 2, P = .83) were similar between the groups. However, the median number of CNI dose adjustments during the study period in the Envarsus group was significantly lower (3 vs 4, P = .002).ConclusionsEnvarsus patients had less fluctuation in the CNI level, requiring fewer CNI dose adjustments. However, there were no differences in the DGF recovery duration or number of dialysis treatments.     

The correlation between preoperative renal scintigraphy and postoperative renal function in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma patients following radical nephroureterectomy

ObjectiveTo predict the renal function after nephroureterectomy (NUR) for upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) based on preoperative technetium-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (99mTc-MAG3) renal scintigraphy.Subjects and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 238 patients who originally underwent nephroureterectomy for UTUC between 2007 and 2010. Of these patients, 129 underwent MAG3 renal scintigraphy before unilateral NUR. Serum creatinine was measured in all of the patients before surgery, and renal function was monitored for one year after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative eGFRs were compared and analyzed based on the preoperative MAG3 renal scintigraphy.ResultsA total of 129 patients, including 62 men (48%) and 67 women (52%) with an average age at surgery of 69.0 years (range from 48 to 87) were included in this study. The mean preoperative creatinine level was 1.42 mg/dL, and the baseline eGFR was 54.76 ml/min/1.73 m². One year after NUR, the mean creatinine level was 1.89 mg/dL, and the eGFR was 44.44 ml/min/1.73 m², a mean decrease of 18.73%. The preoperative effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) of the operated kidney was 91.65 ml/min/1.73 m², and that of the remaining kidney 158.30 ml/ min/1.73 m². The average preoperative ERPF of the resected kidney accounted for 34% of total preoperative ERPF, which was statistically significant in its relation to the decrease in eGFR. The decrease in eGFR ratio was also significantly correlated with the calculated decrease in ERPF ratio (R² = 0.279, p < 0.001). The predictive equation of renal function one year after NUR was established as following: eGFR decreased ratio = –0.80 × predictive ERPF decreased ratio +0.72.ConclusionWe developed an equation to predict postnephroureterectomy 1 year eGFR before surgery based on preoperative MAG3 renal scintigraphy results and preoperative eGFR. The equation could be more accurate in the situation if the diseased kidney is not hydronephrotic.     

Role of Computed Tomography Volumetry in Preoperative Donor Renal Function Evaluation of Living Related Kidney Transplantation

IntroductionRenal scintigraphy is used to evaluate split renal function. A computed tomography (CT) examination is also carried out for donor safety and appropriate transplantation surgery, and the renal volume (CT volumetry) can be obtained at that time. In this study, we evaluated donor kidney function by inulin clearance (Cin) before and after donor nephrectomy in living donor renal transplantation, and the predictive role of CT volumetry was compared with diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA).MethodFrom November 2005 to April 2018, 34 cases of living donor transplantation conducted at Fukuoka University Hospital were retrospectively studied. The donated kidney weight was measured in 25 cases, and postoperative Cin was measured in 19 cases.ResultsThe average donor age was 51.7 years old (from 35 to 71). Preoperative Cin and postoperative Cin of donors were 86.3 mL/min/1.73 m² (from 59.5 to 138.3) and 52.3 (from 40.5 to 76.6), respectively. The average CT volumetry of donated kidneys was 153.9 mL (from 107.8 to 219.3). Correlations of weight and DTPA and CT volumetry of donated kidneys were r = 0.033 (P = .8770) and r = 0.763 (P < .0001), respectively. Correlations of glomerular filtration rate of DTPA and CT volumetry and Cin of postoperative donor residual kidneys were r = 0.66 (P = .002) and r = 0.555 (P = .014).ConclusionThere was a significant correlation between CT volumetry and the weight of the removed kidneys, and a correlation between Cin after donor nephrectomy and CT volumetry of the remaining kidneys, but it did not exceed the predictive role of DTPA. However, it was suggested that it is worthy to use as a preoperative examination for split renal function equivalent to DTPA.     

Influence of Fluid Therapy on Kidney Function in the Early Postoperative Period After Lung Transplantation

BackgroundPerioperative fluid therapy among patients undergoing lung transplantation (LT) has a significant clinical importance, including developing of acute kidney injury (AKI). The presence of AKI in the early postoperative period is associated with increased mortality in lung transplant recipients. Analysis includes the relationship between the volume of infused fluids, the balances of crystalloids and colloids during LT procedure and in the first 24 hours and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in the following days of the postoperative period.MethodsRetrospective study of 73 consecutive patients undergoing LT between 2015 and 2018 in our institution. Deterioration of renal function was defined as the change in eGFR that occurred between baseline eGFR and the first and 7 first postoperative days following transplantation. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula was used to calculate the eGFR value.ResultsThe greatest decline of eGFR in the early postoperative period was demonstrated on day 7 (ΔeGFR = 75.76 ± 40.08). Increased negative crystalloid balances during the LT procedure were strongly associated to less decrease in eGFR value on the seventh day post-LT (r = –0.997, P < .05). Increased volumes of transfused colloids during LT were correlated to less decline of eGFR value on day 7 (r = –0.3981, P < .05).ConclusionsNegative crystalloid balance in the early postoperative period post-LT has a potentially protective effect on kidney function, although fluid balances management should be individually considered for potential clinical benefits. The impact of the fluid administration after LT on the occurrence and recovery of AKI among lung transplant recipients requires further investigation.     

Kidney injury molecule-1 correlates with kidney function in renal allograft recipients

IntroductionKIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1) is responsible for the clearance of debris from damaged renal tubules. KIM-1 can be expressed and excreted in urine within 12 hours after the initial ischemic insult and before regeneration of the epithelium, persisting over time thereafter. Urinary KIM-1 has been reported to be a noninvasive, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible biomarker of experimental nephrotoxic and ischemic acute kidney injury. Renal KIM-1 expression is significantly increased in human kidney tissue among patients with a wide range of kidney diseases, including various types of glomerulonephritis, chronic allograft nephropathy, acute rejection, hypertension, and Wegener's granulomatosis. Both renal and urinary KIM-1 correlate with kidney damage and negatively with renal function, but not with proteinuria. The aim of this study was to assess whether urinary KIM-1 correlated with kidney function in kidney allograft recipients.MethodsSerum NGAL, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated in 170 kidney allograft recipients on therapy with a calcineurin inhibitor plus mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine and prednisone as well as in healthy volunteers. KIM-1 was estimated in urine using a commercially available kit.ResultsKidney transplant recipients showed significantly higher KIM-1 values than the control group. Normotensive kidney allograft recipients displayed significantly lower NGAL results than hypertensive subjects. Urinary KIM-1 was significantly higher among diabetic than nondiabetic subjects, whereas creatinine did not differ significantly between them. Upon univariate analysis urinary KIM-1 strongly correlated with serum creatinine (r = .64) and eGFR (r = ?.71), and only weakly with other parameters. Upon multiple regression analysis, the best predictor of urinary KIM-1 was eGFR (beta ?0.61), which explained 61% of KIM-1 concentrations.ConclusionEven a successful kidney transplantation is associated with kidney injury as reflected by elevated urinary KIM-1 and lower eGFR. Therefore, KIM-1 needs to be investigated as a potential early marker for impaired renal function/kidney injury, especially in patients with other risk factors for damage such as hypertension or diabetes.