Pediatric liver transplant program at Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez

This article reports the experience of the largest pediatric liver transplant (LT) program in México. Between June 1998 and May 2011, 76 LT were performed in 74 recipients, including 80% cadaveric-whole organ grafts and 20% segmental grafts, 12% of those coming from live donors and 8% from cadaver reduced donors. The most common indication for LT was biliary atresia (43%), followed by metabolic disorders (13%) and fulminant hepatitis (12%). Most of the recipients were infants or toddlers weighing <15 kg (age range 0.7-17.2 years, weight range 6.5-66 kg), 73% had moderate to severe malnutrition and 72% had multiples surgeries previous to LT. There were 9 cases of hepatic artery thrombosis (11.8%) and 2 portal vein thrombosis (2.6%), however, 8 of these 10 grafts were rescued with early thrombectomy and reanastomosis. All biliary complications (19 cases, 25%) were solved with medical or surgical interventions and did not cause any graft loss. Acute cellular rejection (30 cases, 39%) required thymoglobulin in only 3 cases and chronic rejection (4 cases, 5%) has been retransplanted in 2 cases. CMV infection or reactivation occurred in 30% of cases and easily responded to preemptive therapy. Nine recipients developed postLT neoplasias (7 post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, one multivisceral Kaposi sarcoma and one systemic smooth muscle tumor). Five of them responded to decreasing or discontinuing immunosuppression, and 2 are completely tolerant to the graft. The one and five-year patient survival for those LT performed during 2001-2011 was 85 and 75%. The first successful live donor LT in the country was performed in 2001 at this program, as was the first simultaneous liver-kidney transplant in a child. This is the largest and most successful pediatric LT series in the country. Our results demonstrate that pediatric LT is a feasible undertaking in Mexico, with survival rates similar to those of foreign centers.     

A comparison of cyclosporin versus azathioprine treatment in renal transplants in Edinburgh

Three year graft survival rates were calculated for 66 patients on cyclosporin and prednisolone immuno-suppression and compared to survival rates for 73 patients on azathioprine and prednisolone. There was a temporary early advantage for the cyclosporin treatment group up to four months post transplant. There was no further significant difference between the two treatment groups with graft survival rate of 81.4% in cyclosporin and 76.7% in azathioprine group at three years post transplant. Fewer of the patients on cyclosporin had acute episodes of rejection. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine or urea at one year, but the haemoglobin level was higher in cyclosporin treated patients. Cyclosporin does not appear to have increased the survival rate significantly in our centre where there is already a high graft survival with azathioprine.     

The role of oxidative stress and arterial blood supply in the transplanted liver function

INTRODUCTION: Reperfusion injury and hepatic artery thrombosis are major causes of graft failure after liver transplantation. The magnitude of oxidative stress increases after reperfusion and the appearance of an arterial thrombosis presents a higher risk for the graft and patient survival. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to detect the level of oxidative stress in the perioperative period of transplantation. METHODS: Clinical documentations of 32 patients were investigated and the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was measured for the monitoring of the oxidative stress. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43 years and hepatitis C cirrhosis was the most common indication (14 cases, 43%). Two retransplantations were done. In 24 cases (75%) the primary graft functions and patient survival were good. Eight patients died, in two cases because of acute liver failure, in two cases due to primary non function and in four cases due to late complications. The incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis was 11% (4 cases) and the incidence of acute rejection was 35% (12 cases). The level of MPO was higher (65 ng/ml) in all patients before operation. After the first 48 hours this level increased significantly (p < 0.0001) up to the mean level of 123 ng/ml and decreased after one week. In the cases with acute liver failure and hepatic artery thrombosis high levels of MPO were measured. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of increased oxidative stress before liver transplantation. The magnitude of these changes increased after operation, mostly in cases with acute liver failure and hepatic artery thrombosis. Reducing the reperfusion injury and performing an "ideal" arterial supply for the liver-graft present better survival.     

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation--an alternative option for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus with renal failure

INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) transplantation is the only routinely used therapeutic option which can provide insulin independence, euglycemia and good renal replacement. AIMS: Analysis of the five years' experience of the first Hungarian SPK transplants. MATERIAL: From 29 October 1998. through 31 December 2003. 32 SPK transplants were performed from 53 type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with ESRD on the waiting list. Enteric drainage was performed in all transplanted patients in 20 combined with systemic venous drainage, whereas in 12 patients portal venous drainage was used. In 18 patients only maintenance immunosuppression was administered without ATG induction therapy. Anti IL-2R antibody, daclizumab was given as induction therapy in 14 patients. RESULTS: 24 patients out of 32 transplanted are insulin independent with excellent renal function. 2 patients were lost in the perioperative period due to septic complication. 2 patients died 5 months after transplantation. 1 patient became insulin dependent in 7 month following the SPK transplant, while preserving a marginal renal function. One patient became insulin dependent 2 years after the SPK transplant and was returned to chronic hemodialysis treatment one more year later. 2 patients are insulin independent but lost his renal graft due to therapy resistant rejection. CONCLUSION: SPK transplant is a routinely used therapeutic option with good survival rate and good quality of life for type I diabetes mellitus patients with ESRD.     

Survival and impact of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation at the Academic Hospital Groningen, 1990/'98

OBJECTIVE: To describe the results of the lung transplantation programme in Groningen in relation to the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), in the first 118 consecutive patients. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHOD: Data were collected on the 118 patients subjected to lung transplantation in November 1990 to June 1998 in the University Hospital Groningen, the Netherlands, regarding the prevalence of chronic transplant dysfunction (BOS) and survival. RESULTS: 117 lung transplantations (95 bilateral lung transplantations including 2 retransplants, and 22 single lung transplantations) and 1 heart-lung transplantation had been performed. The patients were 70 males and 48 females with a mean age of 42 years (range: 9-64). The mean (SD) survival at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years post transplantation was 83% (3), 70% (4), 66% (5) and 61% (5) respectively. The median survival amounted to 2447 days. The mean (SD) prevalence of BOS at respectively 1, 2, 3 and 5 years post transplantation was 32% (5), 36% (5), 44% (5) en 54% (6). After a diagnosis of BOS stage I the median survival was 649 days. CONCLUSION: The survival of the lung transplant programme of the University Hospital Groningen is considered to compare favourably with other centres. The prevalence of BOS is considerable, and comparable with the prevalence of BOS reported by other programmes. BOS is associated with a decreased life expectancy.     

Biliary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation. The Hungarian experience

INTRODUCTION: The authors summarize the characteristics of biliary complications following liver transplantation in the Hungarian liver transplant program. Aims were to analyze the frequency and the types of biliary complications as well as their effect on the patient and graft survival. The authors observed the known risk factors in the Hungarian practice, and they also try to find unknown risk factors for biliary complications. They review the therapy of biliary complications. METHOD: In the retrospective study, patients were divided into two groups, with and without biliary complication after liver transplantation. These two groups were compared with many factors, and with the survivals. The biliary complication group was divided into two parts: those who had an early and those with a late biliary complication. These two new groups were also compared with the controls. The results are summarized in tables and statistical figures. Categorical variables are evaluated by chi 2 -test, continuous ones are with Levine Test (for homogenicity of means), Student T test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Cumulative survivals are computed with Kaplan-Meier log rank analysis. RESULTS: Biliary complication appeared in 25% of the patients. The most frequent complications were stenosis (18%), biliary leakage (9%), biliary necrosis (6%), and ischaemic type of biliary lesions (3%). The 5-year survival is worse when biliary complications were diagnosed (55%) than without such a complication (66%). In the biliary complication group the retransplantation rate was higher (15%). The most frequent treatments were interventional radiologic methods (69%), surgical methods (17%), and the ERCP. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of biliary complications met the international reviews. Risk factors for biliary complications were cholangitis, hepatic artery thrombosis and stenosis, high rate of intraoperative blood transfusions, and acute rejection. Biliary complications frequently associated with the initial poor function of the transplanted graft. Early biliary complications have a negative impact on patient survival, while late complications influence a decreased quality of life. Biliary complications were treated mostly by interventional radiologic procedures.     

他克莫司个体内高变异度与肾移植受者移植结局的关系探讨

目的探讨他克莫司(tacrolimus，Tac)个体内变异度(intra-patient variability，IPV)是否与肾移植受者慢性移植物失功密切相关。 方法选取2009年1月至2016年12月在四川大学华西医院肾移植中心进行肾移植且在术后长期随访的肾移植受者共1167人，用移植后7~12月期间的Tac全血浓度计算得到Tac IPV。设定的结局(含终点)包括：(1)移植物衰竭，再移植，(再)开始透析，或肾小球滤过率(glomerular filtration rate，eGFR)≤15 ml/min，活检证实的急性排斥反应(biopsy-proven acute rejection，BPAR)；(2)组织学确定的移植肾小球病；(3)移植后12个月到最后一次随访期间，血清肌酐浓度加倍；(4)最后一次随访。分析不同IPV组肾移植受者肾脏功能差异，生存时间差异以及出现慢性移植物失功的情况。 结果纳入研究的1167位患者中，有79(6.8%)位到达了移植物失功的终点。肾移植受者移植后7~12月Tac IPV平均值为25.7%；高IPV组移植后第15个月血清肌酐显著高于低IPV组(P<0.05)，第15、21、24个月eGFR显著低于低IPV组(P<0.05)。多因素Cox回归分析结果显示：Tac IPV对肾移植预后的预测有一定作用，但并不显著(P=0.051，Harzards ratio：1.015，95%CI：1.000-1.031)。而受者的年龄、性别、移植后6 h的移植物功能，是移植物存活的独立预测因子。 结论高Tac IPV与肾移植受者移植物失功有一定临床相关性，同时高Tac IPV是预测肾移植受者移植后两年内肾脏功能的重要实验室指标。     

Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation

A simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the best treatment option for type I diabetic patients with advanced chronic renal failure. Infectious complications affect 7–50% of the patients receiving this procedure. We conducted a nested case–control study to assess the risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in patients receiving SPKT at our centre between 2000 and 2006. Of the 119 evaluated transplant recipients, 55 (46.2%) developed SSIs and the 30 day mortality was 11.8%. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant organisms isolated from SSIs. After multivariate logistic regression, the variables independently associated with SSI were: acute tubular necrosis, post-transplant fistula and graft rejection. This study demonstrated a high incidence of SSI in this patient cohort and variables related to the surgical procedure were closely associated with the development of SSI.     

Clinical study on 53 cases of cadaveric kidney transplantation at Osaka City University Hospital

BACKGROUND: In this study, we examined the effects of nonimmunological factors on cadaver kidney transplant. METHODS: Fifty-three cadaver kidney transplant recipients were studied. They were divided into two groups, Group I ( donor age<60, n=38 ) and Group II ( donor age > or = 60, n=15). These patients were studied to determine whether donor age and recipient Body Mass Index (BMI) affected transplant outcome. RESULTS: The 3 and 5-year overall graft / patient survival was 80.6 / 100% and 72.7 97.3%, respectively. The best S-Cr after transplantation was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Group I compared to Group II. The 1, 5 and 8-year graft survival was significantly (p<0.05) better in Group I. In the low BMI patients of Group II, 5-year graft survival was significantly (p<0.01) better than high BMI patients. DISCUSSION: An aged cadaver donor was a risk factor for decreased posttransplant renal functions and lower graft survival. However, if a recipient with a low BMI can be selected, the outcome of cadaver kidney transplants from aged donors may be improved.     

Projecting Long-Term Graft and Patient Survival after Transplantation

ObjectiveIn spite of increases in short-term kidney transplant survival rates and reductions in acute rejection rates, increasing long-term graft survival rates remains a major challenge. The objective here was to project long-term graft- and survival-related outcomes occurring among renal transplant recipients based on short-term outcomes including acute rejection and estimated glomerular filtration rates observed in randomized trials.MethodsWe developed a two-phase decision model including a trial phase and a Markov state transition phase to project long-term outcomes over the lifetimes of hypothetical renal graft recipients who survived the trial period with a functioning graft. Health states included functioning graft stratified by level of renal function, failed graft, functioning regraft, and death. Transitions between health states were predicted using statistical models that accounted for renal function, acute rejection, and new-onset diabetes after transplant and for donor and recipient predictors of long-term graft and patient survival. Models were estimated using data from 38,015 renal transplant recipients from the United States Renal Data System. The model was populated with data from a 3-year, randomized phase III trial comparing belatacept to cyclosporine.ResultsThe decision model was well calibrated with data from the United States Renal Data System. Long-term extrapolation of Belatacept Evaluation of Nephroprotection and Efficacy as Firstline Immunosuppression Trial was projected to yield a 1.9-year increase in time alive with a functioning graft and a 1.2 life-year increase over a 20-year time horizon.ConclusionsThis is the first long-term follow-up model of renal transplant patients to be based on renal function, acute rejection, and new-onset diabetes. It is a useful tool for undertaking comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness studies of immunosuppressive medications.     

Lung transplant

A lung transplant is usually the final therapeutic option for patients with respiratory insufficiency. In spite of the many advances in immunology and the management of complications, mortality and morbidity associated with this transplant are far higher than with others. Acute rejection is an almost universal problem in the first year, while obliterative bronchitis reduces long term survival. Respiratory infections also play a significant role in the complications associated with lung transplants due to the constant exposure of the graft to the outside. However, the success of this therapeutic option, which basically depends on a suitable selection of donor and recipient, are evident, above all with respect to quality of life.     

Heart transplant in Monterrey, Nuevo León

Heart failure constantly increases its incidence and prevalence in our society, it was imperative to start a heart transplant program to improve the survival rates of patients with end stages of the disease. Legal issues made impossible to transplant patients out of Mexico City until recent years. Even with an acute hemodynamic and clinic improvement after the transplant, these patients frequently develop complications such as graft rejection or opportunistic infections due to the immunosuppressive schemes increasing the morbidity and mortality of the procedure. In the present article we report the experience acquired with 65 heart transplant patients from 4 transplant programs in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, one of them from the socialized system and the other three from private hospitals. Our program not only has successfully transplanted patients with advanced age but, for the first time in Latin America we have transplanted patients assisted with the ambulatory Thoratec TLC II system. Even that we have faced obstacles like a newly started donation culture in our population and limited resources, our patient's survival rate push us to continue working with these very ill population.     

Diabetes following kidney transplantation. Report of 35 cases

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a frequent complication of renal transplantation. It has a prevalence rate ranging from 3 to 46%. We undertook a retrospective study of 175 nondiabetic renal transplant recipients to determine the prevalence rate, clinical characteristics, and risk factors of PTDM in kidney transplant recipients in our region. Thirty five patients (20%) developed PTDM, 50% were diagnosed by 3 months post transplantation. Eight patients (22.8%) were insulin recurrent. PTDM was independent of kidney source, family history of diabetes, age, sex, incidence of acute rejection, body weight gain, steroid or cyclosporine dose, use of beta-blockers and cytomegalovirus infection. Acturial 5 years survival was 79.4% in the diabetic compared to 80.5% in the control group. Patient survival was similar in the two groups. We conclude that PTDM is frequent in our patients. No significant risk factors of PTDM were identified in this study.     

移植肾自发性破裂的诊治和预防

目的 探讨移植肾自发性破裂的诊断、治疗和预防.方法 回顾性分析移植肾自发性破裂12例.临床表现均为突发性移植肾区疼痛、局部肿胀、血压下降,尿量减少等.彩色超声检查有助于诊断.手术探查11例,移植肾切除3例,移植肾破裂修补引流8例,其中2例修补后因再次破裂行移植肾切除;保守治疗1例.结果 本组12例患者中移植肾切除5例行血液透析维持,移植肾破裂修补6例及1例保守治疗患者痊愈出院.结论 移植肾自发性破裂的主要原因为急性排斥反应和急性肾小管坏死,结合临床症状行超声检查对诊断此症价值较高,尽早行内、外科联合处理对于移植肾自发性破裂的治疗是重要的.预防要从肾脏摘取与灌洗、移植肾手术、合理应用免疫抑制剂、及早处理排斥反应等多方面着手.     

Kidney transplant

The kidney transplant is the therapy of choice for the majority of the causes of chronic terminal kidney insufficiency, because it improves the quality of life and survival in comparison with dialysis. A kidney transplant from a live donor is an excellent alternative for the young patient in a state of pre-dialysis because it offers the best results. Immunosuppressive treatment must be individualised, seeking immunosuppressive synergy and the best safety profile, and must be adapted to the different stages of the kidney transplant. In the follow-up to the kidney transplant, cardiovascular risk factors and tumours must be especially taken into account, given that the death of the patient with a working graft is the second cause of loss of the graft following the first year of the transplant. The altered function of the graft is a factor of independent cardiovascular mortality that will require follow-up and the control of all its complications to postpone the entrance in dialysis.     

MRI、CT在移植肾中的应用

目的:探讨MRI、CT在肾移植术后并发症诊断中的应用价值。方法:应用磁共振(MRI和MRU)、MSCT和CTA检查技术,回顾性分析17例肾移植术后患者的MRI、CT表现。结果:7例患者术后出现移植肾压痛、无尿及发烧;6例表现为移植肾积水、输尿管与膀胱吻合口间梗阻,并经手术证实;3例表现为肾皮髓质结构模糊,诊断为排斥反应;1例移植肾肾周血肿形成;1例出现移植肾局部血管栓塞至肾梗死。结论:MRI、MSCT检查可显示移植肾内外的多种结构,能够提供丰富的肾脏血管、输尿管及周边组织的图像信息,具有重要的应用价值。     

Immunology in medical practice. XXX. Organ transplantation: indications and results

During the past 30 years, solid organ transplantation has developed into a routine medical procedure. Currently, one-year transplant survival rates for kidney, heart, liver and pancreas are between 80 and 90%; for most organs, the long-term results are fair with 5-year survival rates of 60%. Inclusion criteria for potential recipients have become less stringent. These days, potential recipients are rarely excluded on the basis of their calendar age alone. The development of more and stronger immunosuppressive drugs has facilitated transplantation across wider immunological differences between donor and recipient with good results. While the number of patients on the waiting lists for organ transplantation increased, the number of organs offered for donation decreased. This has resulted in waiting times of several years for most organ transplantations. While the short-term outcome has improved significantly over the past decades, the long-term outcome has not. Most renal transplants, for example, are lost due to chronic rejection. The challenge for the future will be to improve the long-term outcome of organ transplantation and to decrease the morbidity associated with chronic immunosuppressive therapy.     

Infectious diseases consult improves vaccination adherence in kidney transplant candidates

BackgroundVaccines prevent infections and avoid related complications. Low rates in immunocompromised patients are concerning due to increased morbidity. Vaccinations are less effective when administered post-transplant and should be administered prior. We describe pre-transplant vaccination rates among kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients.MethodsRetrospective review including adults receiving kidney or kidney-pancreas allografts at Cleveland Clinic from October 2013 to October 2016. Pre-transplant vaccinations, serologies, and transplant data were collected.Results393 patients were included; median age was 53 years with most (46%) being Caucasian males. Influenza vaccination rate was 48%; receipt of at least one pneumococcal vaccine was 77%. Vaccination rates were higher among dialysis patients for pneumococcal, hepatitis B, and varicella vaccines; rates were also higher with infectious diseases consults.ConclusionsVaccination rates at our institution for kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant candidates are consistent with previous literature. Rates were higher for candidates with infectious diseases consults or receiving dialysis.     

Nutrition assessment and support of organ transplant recipients

Timely nutrition assessment and intervention in organ transplant recipients may improve outcomes surrounding transplantation. A pretransplant nutrition assessment should include a variety of parameters including physical assessment, history, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests. Malnutrition compromises posttransplant survival; prolonged waiting times worsen outcomes when patients are already malnourished. Severe obesity may decrease graft function and survival in kidney transplant recipients. In the pretransplant phase, nutritional goals include optimization of nutritional status and treatment of nutrition-related symptoms induced by organ failure. Enteral tube feeding is indicated for patients with functional gastrointestinal tracts who are not eating adequately. Parenteral nutrition is rarely needed pretransplant except in cases of intestinal failure. When determining pretransplant nutrient requirements, nutritional status, weight, age, gender, metabolic state, stage and type of organ failure, malabsorption, induced losses, goals, and comorbid conditions must be considered. During the acute posttransplant phase, adequate nutrition is required to help prevent infection, promote wound healing, support metabolic demands, replenish lost stores, and perhaps mediate the immune response. Nutrient recommendations reflect posttransplant metabolic changes. The appropriateness of posttransplant nutrition support depends on the prevalence of malnutrition among patients with a specific type of organ failure and the benefits when nutrition support is given. Organ transplantation complications including rejection, infection, wound healing, renal insufficiency, hyperglycemia, and surgical complications require specific nutritional requirements and therapies. Many potential applications of nutrition in the pre- and posttransplant phases exist and require further study.