Resistive Renal Index of the Recipient and its Correlation With the Outcome of Kidney Transplantation at the End of the First Year: Preliminary Results

BackgroundRenal resistive index (RRI) of ultrasonography is a useful and potent tool for the assessment of patients who have undergone transplantations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of RRI with renal function 1 year after transplant.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 93 kidney allograft recipients. Data were collected from transplantations performed in our medical center between January 2014 and September 2018. Patients with acute loss of the renal function and renal survival <1 year were excluded from the study. We longitudinally compared the RRI at the first week after transplant and the third month, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, by Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation) at the end of the first year of transplantation. RRI was divided into 2 groups (RRI ≤0.80 or >0.80).ResultsFrom the total of 86 recipients, 59 (68.6%) were male recipients and 27 female recipients with a mean age of 48.3 ± 12.1 years. No correlations were found between the first week's RRI with sex and age of both donors and recipients (P > .05). Similarly, the first week's RRI was not correlated with delayed graft function (DGF) and 1-year eGFR after transplant (P > .05). On the contrary, RRI performed at the third month was strongly correlated to DGF and eGFR at the end of the first year. Last but not least, neither higher recipient age nor sex affects the value of resistive index in the third month after transplantation (P < .05).ConclusionsRRI values <0.80 in the third month after kidney transplantation were related to better annual renal function and a lower incidence of DGF.     

Risk Factors of the Development of Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundThe occurrence of diabetes mellitus is common after kidney transplantation (posttransplant diabetes mellitus [PTDM]) and enhances the cardiovascular risk and risk for kidney graft loss. The incidence of PTDM is about 5% to 40%. This study aimed to examine the potential risk factors that determine the occurrence of PTDM.MethodsThis study retrospectively included 298 patients from transplantation unit of Evangelismos who underwent kidney transplantation during a 10-year period (January 1, 2009, to January 1, 2019). Kidney transplant recipients with diabetes mellitus prior to transplantation or those with follow-up of <6 months were rejected from the study. In total, the study included 274 recipients with a mean age of 50 ± 18 years. The mean time of monitoring was 63 ± 18 months. The PTDM diagnosis was based on the 2018 criteria of the American Diabetes Association.ResultsOf 274 kidney transplant recipients, PTDM developed in 38 (13.8%) patients over a period of 11 ± 9 months after transplantation. Given that immunosuppressive therapy was identical in most patients, statistical analysis did not correlate the incidence of diabetes with treatment. However, there was a correlation for the occurrence of PTDM between the presence of hypomagnesemia and increased uric acid levels. Finally, there was a negative correlation between the age of the recipient and the time of PTDM onset.ConclusionHypomagnesemia and hyperuricemia increased the risk of PTDM in these patients. Given the association between hypomagnesemia and the development of diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation, prospective studies are needed to identify the causes of PTDM and to develop prevention strategies.     

Determinants of Parathyroid Hormone Levels During the First Year After Kidney Transplantation

BackgroundSpontaneous remission of secondary hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation requires time to occur. The aim of the present study was to investigate factors that may be related to the reduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after transplantation as well as the rate of its reduction.MethodsWe studied 81 kidney transplant recipients at our transplantation center between January 2014 and September 2017. The relationship of PTH values during the first year after transplant with renal function, type of kidney graft origin (deceased or living), and delayed renal graft function was examined. Moreover, we determined the correlation of the rate of PTH reduction within the first year with the value of PTH before transplant.ResultsOf the total of 81 recipients, 28 (35.1%) were women and 53 (64.8%) were men, with a mean age of 47 ± 11.87 years. At the same time, there was a decrease of PTH by 33% in the first half of the first year after transplantation and by 57% in the second. In addition, a statistically significant correlation of PTH with renal function was found (P = .001), with PTH values decreasing as the glomerular filtration rate increased. Finally, transplants from deceased donors were associated with higher values of PTH, whereas the value of PTH before transplant was positively correlated with the value after it (P = .001).ConclusionsSecondary hyperparathyroidism, which accompanies end-stage chronic renal failure, usually resolves adequately after transplantation. The determinants of this resolution are the recipient's renal function, the kidney graft origin (deceased), and the pretransplant PTH values.     

Low-dose In Situ Perfusion With Euro-Collins Solution Is Effective for the Procurement of Marginal Kidney Grafts From Donation After Circulatory Death Donors

We have adopted a modified method to resuscitate kidneys from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors with the use of Euro-Collins (EC) solution instead of University of Wisconsin solution. This study aimed to evaluate kidney transplantation (KTx) outcomes of DCD procured with low-dose in situ perfusion using EC solution.Patients and MethodsKTx was performed in 8 adults. Kidney grafts were procured following in situ perfusion with approximately 1 L of EC solution and preserved in the solution. The kidney donor profile index value was 88% ± 21%. The terminal creatinine level of the donors was 5.5 ± 3.4 mg/dL. Of the 8 donors, 6 experienced oligoanuria prior to graft procurement.ResultsThe mean age of the recipients and the hemodialysis vintage were 50 ± 10 years and 161 ± 25 months, respectively. The warm and cold ischemic times were 8.3 ± 7.9 minutes and 8.7 ± 4.3 hours, respectively. All grafts functioned after a delayed graft function of 10.6 ± 6.9 days (2–25 days). There was neither immediate graft function nor primary nonfunction. The patient and graft survivals were both 100% with a terminal creatinine level of 1.3 ± .5 mg/dL.ConclusionsKidney grafts procured from DCD donors with a high kidney donor profile index value demonstrated good renal function with an excellent midterm outcome. Low-dose in situ perfusion with EC solution is effective for the procurement of marginal kidney grafts from DCD donors under optimal conditions such as a relatively shorter preservation time.     

Overcoming Mismatch Concerns for Adult Recipients of Small Pediatric Deceased Donor Kidneys

BackgroundKidneys from very young pediatric donors continue to be underutilized. To reduce discard, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) policy was recently updated to allow kidneys from donors weighing <18 kg to be recovered en bloc.MethodsWe reviewed our center's experience with kidney transplantation in adult recipients of <18 kg pediatric donor kidneys to assess renal function outcomes specific to solitary vs en bloc usage.ResultsThe majority of <18 kg donors were used en bloc (n = 39, 72.2% vs n = 15, 27.8%). Donor weight (kg) was similar between the 2 groups (12.3 ± 3.2 vs 14.1 ± 2.5, P = .05). Recipient weight was lower in the solitary kidney group (P = .01). Both groups had a similar donor-to-recipient body weight ratio (0.24 ± 0.3 vs 0.18 ± 0.3, P = .51). The solitary kidney group had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 (56.9 ± 24.3 vs 81.8 ± 24.8, P = .01) and 2 years (72 ± 18.6 vs 93.7 ± 21.6, P = .03). By 2 years, both groups had an average estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min. Kidney allograft growth occurred in both groups, with the largest increase occurring the first month posttransplant (11.9%, 18.6%, P < .0001).ConclusionFor pediatric donors weighing <18 kg, improvements in renal function continue beyond the first posttransplant year. Risk for hyperfiltration injury appears low and renal mass-recipient mass matching is useful in guiding decision-making for solitary vs en bloc utilization.     

Kidney Transplantation From Circulatory Death Donors: Monocentric Experience

BackgroundDonation after circulatory death (DCD) is an accepted strategy to widen organ procurement worldwide. Authorized centers in Italy are spreading, increasing kidney transplantation (KTX) from DCD donors (40 in 2017 vs 24 in 2016). In this study, we describe DCD KTX activity at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Modena, Italy) since its beginning in November 2017.MethodsWe retrospectively studied DCD KTX performed in our center from November 2017 to June 2018. We considered donor characteristics (age, sex, cause of death) and recipient clinical data (length of hospital stay, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, delayed graft function [DGF]), primary nonfunction [PNF], HLA match). All the grafts underwent in situ normothermic (ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation-ECMO) and ex situ hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) with Kidney Assist machines. We monitored ex situ perfusion solution biochemical (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] and lactate) and dynamic (resistance and flow) parameters. A kidney biopsy was performed for allocation strategy according to Karpinski score.ResultsWe performed 6 kidney transplants (3 single and 3 double); the mean recipient (57.5 ± 4.9) and donor age (57.3 ± 7.5) were similar. Mean ECMO duration was 3 h 27 ± 57 min, HOPE was 4 h 47 min ± 119 min, lactate sample values (collected every 15 minutes from the beginning of perfusion) were always lower than1.6 mmol/L, and LDH maximum value was 400 UI/L. Median cold ischemia time was 11 h 18 min. Mean Karpinski score was 3.6; mean HLA match 1.7.We experienced 1 DGF (16.6%), no PNF, with a mean hospital stay of 14.6 days, mean creatinine at hospital discharge 2 ± 1.04 mg/dL), and mean eGFR 53.8 ±27.3 mL/min); at 1 month, mean creatinine and eGFR were 2 ± 1.34 mg/dL and 59.8 ± 24.5 mL/min, respectively.ConclusionsDCD is a promising resource for increasing organ donation. The Emilia Romagna regional organization allowed short ischemia times, with solid KTX outcomes, supporting further development of this program.     

Patient and Graft Survival After Dual Kidney Transplantation With Marginal Donors in Comparison to Matched Control Groups

BackgroundPostmortal organ donor rates remain low in Germany, whereas donor age has been increasing considerably in the last decades. As a consequence of low donation rates older and more marginal donor kidneys are accepted for transplantation. However, procured kidneys from very old a/o marginal donors may be considered as not suitable for transplantation as a single organ and subsequently be discarded. However, dual transplantation of both kidneys from such donors may provide an opportunity to nevertheless use these organs for renal transplantation, thereby providing the twofold nephron mass as a single kidney transplantation.MethodsWe compared in this retrospective analysis the outcome of 10 recipients of a dual kidney transplantation (DKT) with 40 matched recipients of a single kidney transplantation (SKT). Recipients were matched for donor and recipient age (ie, a maximum age difference of ±10 years in a ratio of 1:4 for DKT vs SKT recipients). In addition, a second SKT control group of 10 SKT recipients being transplanted immediately before each DKT recipient with a kidney from a donor aged ≥65 years was used for comparison. All renal transplant recipients were observed for up to 3 years or until July 31, 2020.ResultsMean donor and recipient age was 77.2 ± 4.6/75.1 ± 6.6/82.1 ± 7.9 and 66.4 ± 5.8/66.1 ± 6.0/64.8 ± 8.4 for SKT group 1/SKT group 2/DKT, respectively. Procurement serum creatinine concentrations were significantly higher in the DKT group in comparison to the SKT control group 1 (P = .019) as was the rate of transplant artery atherosclerosis (P = .021). Furthermore, Kidney Donor Profile Index, and Kidney Donor Risk Index were significantly higher (P = .0138/P = .064, and P < .001/P = .038) in the DKT group than in SKT group 1 and 2. Rates of acute rejection and delayed graft function were not significantly different between groups, though biopsy-proven acute rejection was numerically higher in the SKT groups. Patient survival and overall and death-censored graft survival rates were also not significantly different between groups, although they tended to be higher after DKT.ConclusionsDKT provides an opportunity to successfully use postmortal kidneys even from donors aged >80 years and a Kidney Donor Profile Index ≥95% for renal transplantation. DKT may thereby increase the available pool of donors to better serve patients with end-stage renal disease on the waiting list.     

Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation and the Use of Intraoperative Dialysis: A Monocenter Study

BackgroundSimultaneous liver and kidney transplants (SLKT) represent 1.1% of all liver transplants in Poland. Patients undergoing SLKT experience a longer operation time and concurrent kidney dysfunction may aggravate metabolic derangement associated with the procedure. The benefits of intraoperative dialysis (ioHD) in these patients have not been determined.MethodsA retrospective observational study of all adult patients undergoing SLKT in our center from January 2009 till December 2016.ResultsStudy group consisted of 10 patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (0.9% of all liver transplants): 6 patients treated with ioHD during SLKT (group 1) and 4 patients managed conservatively (group 2). All recipients were on chronic dialysis. The mean calculated Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 21 ± 0.9 in group 1 and 30 ± 9.5 in group 2 (P = .009). The mean preoperative serum potassium was 4.7 ± 0,6 mmol/L in group 1 and 3.97 ± 1,02 in group 2. Intraoperative serum potassium levels were comparable between the groups, but the maximum lactate and minimum bicarbonate levels were significantly worse in group 2. Postreperfusion syndrome occurred in no patient. Dialysis circuit clotting occurred in 50% of ioHD. Six patients (2 in group 1) required renal replacement therapy after SLKT; no patient was on dialysis on discharge. Three patients died within 1 year after surgery (2 in group 2).ConclusionsNo patient developed intraoperative hyperkalemia or postreperfusion syndrome. We observed a high frequency of circuit system clotting during ioHD. Clinical benefits of intraoperative hemodialysis during SLKT need to be determined in a larger study.     

Surgical Complications in Kidney Transplantation: An Overview of a Portuguese Reference Center

IntroductionKidney transplantation (KT) is a surgery performed worldwide and has some complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate our surgical complications, comparing the outcomes with those KTs without surgical complications.Patients and MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study of all surgical complications among 3102 kidney transplants performed between June 1980 and April 2018.ResultsOf 3102 kidney transplantations, 490 (15.8%) had the following complications: surgical complications (n = 527); urinary (n = 184; 5.9%); vascular (n = 140; 4.5%); wound-related (n = 78; 2.5%); lymphocele (n = 56; 1.8%); and others (n = 69; 2.2%). The most common complications were ureteral obstruction (n = 85; 2.7%) and urinary fistula (n = 72; 2.3%). The immunosuppression regimen did not influence the surgical complications rate. Surgical complications mainly occurred in male (71.4% vs 66.7%) and heavier (67.6 ± 13.9 vs 65.9 ± 13.5 kg) recipients (P < .05). The hospitalization time was also different (26.3 ± 30.6 vs 15.0 ± 38.8 days, P < .05). Serum creatinine values were different until the second year. After that, the renal function was approximately the same. Nearly 26.1% of complicated kidney transplants had delayed graft function (vs 14.8%, P < .001). Only 23.9% of complicated kidney transplants needed transplant nephrectomy (vs 6.2%, P < .001). The survival of kidneys with surgical complications was lower (64.2 ± 4.5 vs 94.09 ± 2.6 months, P < .001).Discussion/ConclusionKidney transplant surgical complications occur over time, especially urinary and vascular complications, remaining a problem that leads to prolonged hospitalization and decreased graft survival.     

The Effect of Adjuvant H1N1 Influenza Vaccine on Allograft Kidney Function

IntroductionAdministration of the adjuvant influenza vaccine has been suspected to increase the risk of allograft rejection; however, not much is known about the effect of adjuvant H1N1 vaccination on allograft kidney function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adjuvant H1N1 vaccine on allograft kidney function.MethodsA total of 78 stable kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in the study. These patients were vaccinated with a pandemic adjuvant H1N1 inactivated intramuscular influenza vaccine. Local and systemic adverse reactions occurring for 2 weeks after vaccination were recorded. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and 24-hour urine proteinuria were measured before and 1 and 3 months and 2.5 years after vaccination.ResultsMean patient age was 45 ± 14 years (range, 21–78 years). Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and 24-hour urine proteinuria levels were not significantly different between before and 1 month after vaccination (1.3 ± 0.35 vs 1.3 ± 0.5 mg/dL, 83 ± 28 vs 78 ± 31 mL/min, and 356 ± 437 vs 293 ± 307 mg, respectively). Serum creatinine level did not differ significantly between before and 2.5 years after vaccination (1.3 ± 0.35 vs 1.4 ± 0.39 mg/dL; P > .05). No rejection episodes occurred during 2.5 years of follow-up. Reported adverse reaction frequencies included pain (20%), muscle aches (4%), fever (2.6%), and headache (1.3%).ConclusionsThe use of pandemic adjuvant H1N1 influenza vaccination is safe in patients after kidney transplantation. However, larger cohort studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm this issue.     

The Effects of Different Induction Regimes on Serial Lymphocyte Subsets in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single Tertiary Center Experience

BackgroundImmunosuppressive therapy is the backbone of kidney transplantation in preventing acute rejection. T-cell depletion after doses of thymoglobulin is dose-dependent, as are their side effects. At the same time, basiliximab and other maintenance immunosuppressive drugs act at different signals on T lymphocytes. Therefore, studying the pattern of lymphocyte subset depletion depending on the induction regime given at transplantation could be an added tool in managing post-transplant recipients.MethodologyThis prospective observational study recruited kidney transplant recipients from August 2019 through April 2021 at the University of Malaya Medical Centre. Blood tests for lymphocyte subsets were taken at pre-transplant, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-transplantation. At transplantation, recipients received either basiliximab, low-dose thymoglobulin (cumulative dose: 1.5 mg/kg), or standard-dose thymoglobulin (cumulative dose: 5 mg/kg).ResultsA total of 39 patients were recruited: 38.5% received basiliximab (15 of 39), 15.4% received low-dose thymoglobulin (6 of 39), and 46.2% received standard-dose thymoglobulin (18 of 39). Absolute lymphocyte counts 1 week post-transplantation were 1.5 ± 0.84 × 10⁹/L for basiliximab, 0.7 ± 0.57 × 10⁹/L for low-dose thymoglobulin, and 0.1 ± 0.08 × 10⁹/L for standard-dose thymoglobulin (P < .001). The CD4+ and CD8+ counts were severely depleted in the standard-dose thymoglobulin group, with a statistically significant differenceup to 6 months post-transplantation. In the low-dose thymoglobulin group, the CD4+ and CD8+ counts were depleted at 1 week post-transplantation and recovered at 1 month post-transplantation. There was no difference in allograft function and incidence of allograft rejection across groups.ConclusionsThe effects on lymphocyte counts, CD4+ and CD8+, vary depending on the type and dose of induction immunosuppression. This could be a guiding tool in managing immunosuppression post-transplantation depending on the patient's immunologic risk.     

Survival benefit in bariatric surgery kidney recipients may be mediated through effects on kidney graft function and improvement of co-morbidities: A case-control study

BackgroundData on the benefits of bariatric surgery for morbid obesity among kidney transplant recipients are scarce.ObjectiveTo examine the effect of bariatric surgery on graft function and survival and on obesity-related co-morbidities.SettingUniversity hospital.MethodsThis case-control study used retrospectively collected data of all kidney recipients who underwent bariatric surgery in our institution between November 2011 and August 2016 (n = 30, 11 females). Nonbariatric operated kidney recipients matched for age, sex, and time elapsed since transplantation served as controls (n = 50, 23 females). Main outcomes were renal function, graft loss events, mortality, and obesity-related co-morbidities.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 2.4 ± 1.3 years for both groups. At final follow-up, there was an increase in estimated glomerular filtration rates for the bariatric surgery group, and a decrease for the controls (13.4 ± 19.9 and ?3.9 ± 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively, P < .001). The chronic kidney disease classification improved in 9 bariatric surgery group patients and in 6 controls (P = .1). Two patients in the bariatric surgery group and 6 controls died. Total death or graft function loss during the follow-up was 6.7% and 16.7%, respectively (P = .3). The total numbers of co-morbidities and medications were lower in the bariatric surgery patients (?.7 and ?2, respectively) and higher in the controls (+.3 and +1.1; P < .001) at study closure.ConclusionsThere was an improvement in renal function, graft survival, and obesity-related co-morbidities among kidney transplant recipients who underwent bariatric surgery compared with those who did not. These findings support bariatric surgery in this population and warrant prospective studies.     

Outcome of Renal Transplantation in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundAn increasing proportion of kidney recipients have diabetes mellitus (DM). Some concerns have been raised about the kidney transplantation results in diabetic patients. Therefore, we assessed the effect of DM on morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients with renal transplantation.MethodsWe retrospectively studied adult patients with and without DM who underwent living donor transplantation between 2007 and 2016. Information concerning demographic and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed by reviewing the patient files.ResultsOf the 1536 transplant recipients, 126 (8%) had diabetes mellitus (mean age 49.4 ± 11.8) and 525 patients were evaluated in the non-diabetic control group (mean age 36.2 ± 15.9). The diabetic and non-diabetic patient groups had a mean follow-up after kidney transplantation 42.5 months (0.27-101.7 months) and 58.8 ± 10.6 months, respectively. In the diabetic patient group, only 3 patients had lost graft and 13 patients were exitus. Three patients had lost graft and 5 patients were exitus in non-diabetic patient group. Cardiac death (54.5%) was the most common cause of mortality in diabetic group. The 6-year patient and graft survival rates are 84.9% and 95.3%; 97.5% and 97.2% in the diabetic and non-diabetic patient groups, respectively.ConclusionsBoth infection and cardiovascular diseases increase morbidity and mortality in renal transplant patients with diabetes mellitus. The mortality risk of diabetic patients after renal transplantation is higher than the non-diabetic kidney recipients. Therefore, diabetic patients need meticulous cardiac evaluation before renal transplantation and a close follow-up, in terms of infection, after transplantation.     

Early complications,long-term adverse events,and quality of life after duodenal switch and gastric bypass in a matched national cohort

BackgroundInsufficient weight loss is common in super-obese patients (body mass index >50) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Duodenal switch (DS) is more effective; however, it is considered to have an increased complication rate.ObjectivesTo compare early complications (≤30 d), long-term adverse events, and quality of life (QoL) between primary DS and RYGB.SettingSweden.MethodsNational cohort-study of super-obese patients after primary DS or RYGB in Sweden 2007 to 2017. Propensity-score matching was used to reduce confounders. Five national registers were cross-matched.ResultsThe study population consisted of 333 DS and 1332 RYGB (body mass index 55 ± 5 kg/m², 38.5 ± 11 yr, and 60.7% females). Laparoscopic approach was used in 25% of DS and 91% of RYGB. Early complications were more common after DS (15.3% versus 8.1%, P < .01), mainly because of more open surgery and related surgical site infections. During 4.6 ± 2.3 years mean follow-up, hospital admission rate was 1.4 ± 2.3 versus 1.1 ± 3.3 (P = .18), with 6.7 ± 18.3 versus 7.0 ± 43.0 in-hospital days, for DS and RYGB, respectively. An increased risk of malnutrition/malabsorption requiring inpatient care (2.8% versus .2%, odds ratio 12.3 [3.3–45.7]) and greater need for additional abdominal surgery (25.8% versus 15.3%, odds ratio 2.0 [1.5–2.7]) was observed for DS. However, QoL was more improved after DS.ConclusionDS was associated with more early complications because of more open surgery, but long-term requirement of inpatient care was similar to RYGB. The increased risk of malnutrition/malabsorption and need for additional abdominal surgeries was contrasted with a greater improvement in QoL for DS.     

Postoperative kidney oxygen saturation as a novel marker for acute kidney injury after adult cardiac surgery

ObjectiveAcute kidney injury is a severe complication and one of the stronger risk factors for death in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The relationship between postoperative brain oxygen saturation and kidney oxygen saturation with acute kidney injury in adults undergoing cardiac surgery has not been determined. We designed a single-center prospective study to determine if the continuous monitoring of postoperative brain oxygen saturation and kidney oxygen saturation could predict postoperative acute kidney injury.MethodsWe conducted a prospective open cohort study from January to September 2017. The primary outcome was postoperative acute kidney injury using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Brain oxygen saturation and kidney oxygen saturation, the metrics of which were area measurements (%-min), were recorded during the surgery and the first 48 hours after the cardiac procedure. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive power of kidney oxygen saturation for acute kidney injury.ResultsA total of 121 consecutive patients were enrolled. Thirty-five patients (28.9%) developed acute kidney injury. Brain oxygen saturation showed no statistical difference in both groups; however, kidney oxygen saturation was related to acute kidney injury (P = .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that kidney oxygen saturation could predict the risk of acute kidney injury. Kidney oxygen saturation less than 65% (area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic, 0.679 ± 0.054, 95% confidence interval, 0.573-0.785, P = .002) and 20% decrease from baseline (area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic, 0.639 ± 0.059, 95% confidence interval, 0.523-0.755, P = .019) showed the better performance, respectively.ConclusionsPostoperative kidney oxygen saturation is related to the development of cardiac surgery–associated acute kidney injury. Continuous kidney saturation monitoring might be a promising, noninvasive tool for predicting acute kidney injury during the postoperative period for adult patients after cardiac surgery.     

Clinical Assessment of Renal Function Stabilization After Living Donor Nephrectomy

BackgroundFew studies have evaluated the long-term effects of kidney donation on the donors themselves. This study investigated postoperative renal function stabilization in kidney donors after living-donor transplantation to determine the optimal follow-up period.MethodsBetween March 2006 and July 2010, 203 patients in our hospital underwent live donor nephrectomy. Renal function recovery patterns were analyzed by calculating the postoperative rate of change of their Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation estimating glomerular filtration rate (MDRD-GFR) versus their preoperative level (%MDRD). We divided normal (n = 121) versus chronic kidney disease subjects (CKD; MDRD-GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² at 6 months postoperatively, n = 82) for 1 year follow-up to compare time to renal function stabilization using the repeated measured data method.ResultsWhen all donors were considered together at 1 month after transplantation, MDRD-GFRs were significantly increased compared with earlier follow-up times (for postoperative days 1, 4, and 7), P values were < .001, .006, and .002, respectively). Among all donors, there was no significant difference between MDRD-GFRs at 1 versus 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplantation (P < .05 in all three comparisons), indicating renal function stabilization. Importantly the %MDRD was significantly higher among the normal than the CKD group at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6 (P < .05 for all comparisons), although after 12 months there was no significant difference between the groups (69.06 ± 9.28% versus 70.14 ± 8.38%, P = .442).ConclusionAfter live donor kidney transplantation, renal function began to stabilize at 1 month postoperatively. Poor renal functional recovery and CKD later were predicted by inferior stabilization at 1 month postnephrectomy. These data suggested that even patients with normal GFRs should be followed beyond 1 year postoperatively to determine their ultimate renal functional outcomes.     

The Quality of Sex Life Among Patients Before and After Lung Transplantation: A Single-Center Study

BackgroundLung transplantation (LTx) is the only effective method of treatment for patients with end-stage lung diseases; LTx prolongs and increases the quality of life (QoL). An important aspect of QoL that changes in the course of severe diseases is the quality of sex life. This aspect is yet to be discussed in relationship to LTx. We aim to compare patients’ quality of sex life at the qualification process with patients’ who underwent LTx.MethodsThe studied group consisted of 100 patients (24 women before and 16 after LTx, 39 men before and 21 after LTX) who were admitted to the lung transplantology department for qualification or to control the function after LTx. To assess the patients' quality of sex life, we used The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ) and World Health Organization (WHO) QoL-BREF. To assess lung function, patients underwent a 6-Minute-Walk-Test (6MWT).ResultsPatients after LTx obtained higher results—compared to patients qualified for LTx—in the WHO QoL-BREF in every domain (somatic, psychological, social, and environment). Men after LTx got more points in every domain and better total score (53 ± 5.62 vs 44.23 ± 10.28 point; P < .05) in CSFQ. Women before and after LTx obtained comparable results in CSFQ. Results of 6-Minute-Walk-Test were better among patients after LTx than in qualified patients (523.62 ± 95.71 vs 333.14 ± 145.38 and 524.12 ± 56.17 vs 317.20 ± 141.6, respectively for men and women).ConclusionsPatients after LTx show better pulmonary function and quality of sex life than qualified. Preliminary results encourage us to conduct research on a larger group.     

Impact of Donor Age on the Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation From Deceased Donors With Histologic Acute Kidney Injury

PurposeKidney transplantation from elderly donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) has increased recently due to donor shortage, but the safety and prognosis are not well known. We examined the effect of donor age on the outcomes of kidney transplantation (KT) from donors with histologic AKI.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 59 deceased-donor KTs with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) on preimplantation donor kidney biopsy between March 2012 and October 2017. Histologic evaluations of ATN, inflammation, glomerulosclerosis (GS), interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and arterial sclerosis were performed.ResultsTwenty and 39 recipients received kidneys from elderly (> 60, 68.9 ± 5.0 years) and young (≤ 60, 45.9 ± 9.6 years) donors with ATN, respectively. Among the elderly donors, significantly increased donor creatinine was observed in only 44% donors, and there were more diabetic patients and women and a higher proportion of GS than among the young donors. Six months after KT, estimated glomerular filtration rate was significantly lower in recipients who received kidneys from elderly donors compared to young donors. Donor creatinine level and AKI severity did not significantly affect the recipient outcomes in either group. However, the presence of ATN and GS were significant factors that exacerbated renal outcomes after KT from elderly donors only. On multivariate analysis, severe ATN was the strongest independent predictor of elderly recipient renal function.ConclusionsHistologic injury may predict renal outcomes in KT from elderly donors. A donor allocation protocol including preimplantation renal histology should be established for KT from elderly donors.     

The Survey of Diastolic Function Changes in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Before and 3 and 6 Months After Kidney Transplantation

IntroductionLeft ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which is prevalent in end-stage renal disease, predicts morbidity and mortality among affected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate diastolic function changes in end-stage renal disease patients before as well as 3 and 6 months after kidney transplantation.Methods and materialsThis longitudinal study from November 2008 to November 2009, enrolled 27 consecutive kidney transplant patients. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and echocardiograghic parameters such as ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, and diastolic functions were measured before, as well as 3 and 6 months after transplantation. Data were analyzed by repeated-measure analysis of variance and Friedman tests using SPSS version 18.ResultsThe mean patients age was 39.47 ± 12.27 years with 55.6% males. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular mass decreased significantly in the first 3 (125.44 ± 11.35, 78.51 ± 6.32, 141.94 ± 3.32) and 6 months (121.48 ± 10.63, 72.96 ± 4.21, 138.25 ± 3.12) after renal transplantation compared to the values before the procedure (136.77 ± 14.09, 81.92 ± 9.01, 158.30 ± 3.58 respectively; P < .05). The left ventricular ejection fraction increased significantly at 3 (63.00 ± 6.49) and 6 months (66.11 ± 5.87) compared with preoperative (62.48 ± 5.74; P < .05). Step mean diastolic function also decreased significantly at 3 (1.94) and 6 months (1.81) compared with before transplantation (2.24; P < .05).ConclusionAccording to our findings, transplantation can correct ejection fraction and systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lead to regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. Diastolic function was improved after transplantation.