Intravenous Phenylephrine Preconditioning of Cardiac Grafts From Non–Heart-Beating Donors

Background. Hypoxia and warm ischemia produce severe injury to cardiac grafts harvested from non–heart-beating donors. To potentially improve recovery of such grafts, we studied the effects of intravenous phenylephrine preconditioning.Methods. Thirty-seven blood-perfused rabbit hearts were studied. Three groups of non–heart-beating donors underwent intravenous treatment with phenylephrine at 12.5 (n = 8), 25 (n = 7), or 50 μg/kg (n = 7) before initiation of apnea. Non–heart-beating controls (n = 8) received saline vehicle. Hypoxic cardiac arrest occurred after 6 to 12 minutes of apnea, followed by 20 minutes of warm in vivo ischemia. A 45-minute period of ex vivo reperfusion ensued. Nonischemic controls (n = 7) were perfused without antecedent hypoxia or ischemia.Results. Phenylephrine 25 μg/kg significantly delayed the onset of hypoxic cardiac arrest compared with saline controls (9.6 ± 0.5 versus 7.7 ± 0.4 minutes; p = 0.00001), yet improved recovery of left ventricular developed pressure compared with saline controls (57.1 ± 5.3 versus 41.0 ± 3.4 mm Hg; p = 0.04). Phenylephrine 25 μg/kg also yielded a trend toward less myocardial edema than saline vehicle (p = 0.09).Conclusions. Functional recovery of nonbeating cardiac grafts is improved by preconditioning. We provide evidence that the myocardium can be preconditioned with phenylephrine against hypoxic cardiac arrest.(Ann Thorac Surg 1997;63:1664–8)     

Differential Effects of Pharmacological HIF Preconditioning of Donors Versus Recipients in Rat Cardiac Allografts

Ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) induces hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) in the myocardium, but the consequences remain elusive. We investigated HIF‐1 activation during cold and warm ischemia and IRI in rat hearts and cardiac syngrafts. We also tested the effect of HIF‐α stabilizing prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (FG‐4497) on IRI or allograft survival. Ex vivo ischemia of the heart increased HIF‐1α expression in a time‐ and temperature‐dependent fashion. Immunohistochemistry localized HIF‐1α to all cardiac cell types. After reperfusion, HIF‐1α immunoreactivity persisted in smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes in the areas with IRI. This was accompanied with a transient induction of protective HIF‐1 downstream genes. Donor FG‐4497 pretreatment for 4 h enhanced IRI in cardiac allografts as evidenced by an increase in cardiac troponin T release, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and activation of innate immunity. Recipient FG‐4497 pretreatment for 4 h decreased infiltration of ED1⁺ macrophages, and mildly improved the long‐term allograft survival. In syngrafts donor FG‐4497 pretreatment increased activation of innate immunity, but did not induce myocardial damage. We conclude that the HIF‐1 pathway is activated in heart transplants. We suggest that pharmacological HIF‐α preconditioning of cardiac allografts donors would not lead to clinical benefit, while in recipients it may result in antiinflammatory effects and prolonged allograft survival.     

缺血预处理对大鼠移植肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的　探讨缺血预处理 (ischemicpreconditioning ,IP)对大鼠移植肝脏缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。 方法　采用SD大鼠原位肝移植动物模型 ,供肝冷保存时间 10 0min ,无肝期 2 5min。 64只SD大鼠随机均分成两组 :对照组 ,获取供肝前仅以肝素生理盐水经门静脉灌注 ;IP组 ,获取供肝前阻断肝门血供 10min ,再灌注 10min ,然后再以肝素生理盐水经门静脉灌注。每组受体的一半 (n =8)用于观察存活率 ,另一半 (n =8)用于移植肝脏再灌注 2h后取血及肝脏检测。结果　IP组的 1w存活率、胆汁分泌量、抗氧化酶活力、血清NO水平均明显高于对照组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,血清ALT、AST、LDH、TNF及肝组织中的过氧化产物含量均明显低于对照组 (P<0 .0 5 ) ,组织的病理改变也轻于对照组。结论　IP能够提高血清NO水平 ,降低血清TNF含量 ,对大鼠移植肝脏的缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用     

Early Lung Transplantation Success Utilizing Controlled Donation After Cardiac Death Donors

Donation-after cardiac death (DCD) donor organs have potential to significantly alleviate the shortage of transplantable lungs. However, only limited data so far describes DCD lung transplantation (LTx) techniques and results. This study aims to describe the Alfred Hospital's early and intermediate outcomes following DCD donor LTx. Following careful experimentation and consultation DCD guidelines were created to utilize Maastricht category III lung donors from either the ICU or operating room(OR), with a warm ischemic time(WIT) of <60 min. Between May 2006 and December 2007, 22 referred DCD donors led to 11 attempted retrievals after withdrawal, resulting in 8 actual bilateral LTx (2 donors did not arrest in prescribed period and 1 donor had nonacceptable lungs). ICU WIT = 38.4 min (range 20–54, OR WIT = 12.7 min (11–15), p < 0.05. Post-LTx, 1 pulmonary hypertensive patient required ECMO for PGD3. The mean group pO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 hours was 307.7 (240–507) with an ICU stay of 9.5 days (2–21) and ward stay of 21.5 days (11–76). All 8 survive at a mean of 311 days (10–573) with good performance status and lung function. In conclusion, the use of Maastricht category III lungs for human LTx is associated with acceptable early clinical outcomes.     

远隔缺血预处理在瓣膜置换手术中的心肌保护作用

目的评估远隔缺血预处理在瓣膜置换手术中对心肌的保护作用。方法选取风湿性心脏病行瓣膜置换术的患者80例,将其随机分为远隔缺血预处理组(A组)和对照组(B组),每组各40例,分别于术前(T1)、开放主动脉前5 min(T2)、开放主动脉后30 min(T3)、开放主动脉后4 h(T4)和开放主动脉后24 h(T5)5个时相,动态观察患者心率、平均动脉压、心肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(cardiac troponinⅠ,cTnⅠ)、B型钠尿肽(B-brain natriuretic peptide,BNP)的变化。结果 1两组患者性别、年龄、体重、射血分数、手术类型、体外循环转流时间、主动脉阻断时间、在ICU停留时间和住院时间的差异无统计学意义(P0.05);2两组患者的心率和平均动脉压在手术后均明显升高(P0.001),但各时点两组患者心率、平均动脉压的差异无统计学意义(P0.05);3两组患者的cTnⅠ在T3、T4、T5较术前有明显升高(P0.001),远隔缺血预处理组患者在T3、T4和T5时相cTnⅠ较对照组明显下降(P0.001);4两组患者在T2、T4时相的BNP较术前明显下降,T5时相的BNP较术前明显升高(P0.001),远隔缺血预处理组患者在T5时BNP较对照组明显下降(P0.001)。结论在术中阻断时间和体外循环时间无差别的情况下,远隔缺血预处理减轻了心肌的缺血再灌注损伤,在瓣膜置换手术中对心肌起到了保护作用,具有一定的临床应用价值。     

Impact of Ex Vivo Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Function of Kidney Grafts From Cardiac Death Donors in Rat

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been applied to the treatment of various diseases, and MSC administration in marginal donor grafts may help avoid the ischemia–reperfusion injury associated with solid organ transplants. Given the reports of side effects after intravenous MSC administration, local MSC administration to the target organ might be a better approach. We administered adipose tissue–derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) ex vivo to donor rat kidneys obtained after cardiac death (CD).

Methods

Using male Lewis rats (8–10 weeks), and a marginal transplant model of 1hr CD plus 1hr sub-normothermic ET-Kyoto solution preservation were conducted. AT-MSCs obtained from double-reporter (luciferase–LacZ) transgenic Lewis rats were injected either systemically (1.0 × 10⁶ cells/0.5 mL) to bilaterally nephrectomized recipient rats that had received a marginal kidney graft (n = 6), or locally via the renal artery (500 μL ET-Kyoto solution containing the same number of AT-MSCs) to marginal kidney grafts, which were then preserved (1 hour; 22°C) before being transplanted into bilaterally nephrectomized recipient rats (n = 8). Serum was collected to assess the therapeutic effects of AT-MSC administration, and the recipients of rats surviving to Day 14 were separately evaluated histopathologically. Follow-up was by in vivo imaging and histological LacZ staining, and tumor formation was evaluated in MSC-injected rats at 3 months.

Results

Systemic injection of MSC did not improve recipient survival. In vivo imaging showed MSCs trapped in the lung that later became undetectable. Ex vivo injection of MSCs did show a benefit without adverse effects. At Day 14 after RTx, 75% of the rats in the AT-MSC–injected group (MSC[+]) had survived, whereas 50% of the rats in the AT-MSC–non-injected group (MSC[−]) had died. Renal function in the MSC(+) group was improved compared with that in the MSC(−) group at Day 4. LacZ staining revealed AT-MSCs attached to the renal tubules at 24 hours after RTx that later became undetectable. Histopathologic examination showed little difference in fibrosis between the groups at Day 14. No teratomas or other abnormalities were seen at 3 months.     

Ischemic Preconditioning (IP) of the Liver as a Safe and Protective Technique against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury (IRI)

The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of IP in LT, particularly in marginal grafts. From 2007 to 2008, 75 LT donors were randomized to receive IP (IP+) or not (IP–). Considering the graft quality, we divided the main groups in two subgroups (marg+/marg–). IP was performed by 10-min inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver utilizing a toruniquet). Donor variables considered were gender, age, AST/ALT, ischemia time and steatosis. Recipient variables were gender, age, indication to LT and MELD/CHILD/UNOS score. AST/ALT levels, INR, bilirubin, lactic acid, bile output on postoperative days 1, 3 and 7 were evaluated. Histological analysis was performed evaluating necrosis/steatosis, hepatocyte swelling, PMN infiltration and councilman bodies. Thirty patients received IP+ liver. No differences were seen between groups considering recipient and donor variables. Liver function and AST/ALT levels showed no significant differences between the main two groups. Marginal IP+ showed lower AST levels on day1 compared with untreated marginal livers (936.35 vs. 1268.23; p = 0.026). IP+ livers showed a significant reduction of moderate-severe hepatocyte swelling (33.3% vs. 65.9%; p = 0.043). IP+ patients had a significant reduction of positive early microbiological investigations (36.7% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.042). In our experience IP was safe also in marginal donors, showing a protective role against IRI.     

Preconditioning renoprotective effect of isoflurane in a rat model of virtual renal transplant

Background

The development of warm–cold ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury of the kidney grafts is inevitable during renal transplantation. However, there is currently no definite renoprotective strategy available in the protection of the graft tissue. In the present study, we compared the renal protection of preconditioning isoflurane with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a novel rat model of warm–cold renal IR injury.

Materials and methods

Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive inhaled isoflurane (1.5% for 2 h), NAC (1 g/kg, intra-arterial injection) or placebo before the induction of brief warm ischemia (10 min) followed by cold ischemia (45 min) periods. Plasma levels of creatinine and tissue inflammatory reaction in the kidney were analyzed 72 h after reperfusion.

Results

Elevated plasma level of creatinine and urea indicated the development of acute renal injury secondary to IR injury. The creatinine levels were reduced in animals pretreated with inhaled isoflurane and NAC, and the level was more significantly decreased in the isoflurane-treated group. Preconditioning with volatile isoflurane also significantly suppressed the tissue myeloperoxidase activity and expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase. Immunostaining confirmed that myeloperoxidase expression was most significantly attenuated in the glomerulus and peritubular capillaries of rats pre-exposed to isoflurane.

Conclusions

We present the first study demonstrating that the administration of volatile isoflurane before induction of experimental warm–cold renal IR injury provides preconditioning renoprotective effect, which is superior to the treatment with NAC. The beneficial renoprotective effect of isoflurane is most likely mediated by attenuation of proinflammatory reaction in the injured kidney.     

Compartment Syndrome of the Hand Induced by Peripherally Extravasated Phenylephrine

Background: Compartment syndrome of the hand is a rare and devastating complication of peripheral intravenous extravasation. With changes in critical care research, vasoactive medications are now more frequently administered through peripheral lines in the acute setting. Methods: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with compartment syndrome of the hand secondary to phenylephrine extravasation in the setting of hypovolemic shock. Results: The use of fasciotomy compartment release and intraoperative phentolamine resulted in significant improvement in tissue perfusion postoperatively. Conclusion: With incraesed incidence of peripherally administered vasoactive medications, the hand surgeon should be aware of potential complications and treatment of compartment syndrome with urgent fasciotomy and phentolamine administration.     

Kidney Graft Outcome and Quality (After Transplantation) From Uncontrolled Deceased Donors After Cardiac Arrest

The use of uncontrolled deceased donors after cardiac arrest (uDDCA) has been developed in France to compensate for organ shortage. The quality of these kidneys remains unclear. We analyzed kidney graft function and histology from 27 uDDCA and compared them with kidneys from 30 extended criteria donors (ECD) and from 24 simultaneous pancreas kidney (SPK) donors as a control group of optimal deceased donors. Kidneys from ECD and SPK donors were preserved by static cold storage while kidneys from uDDCA were preserved by pulsatile perfusion. The uDDCA graft function at 3 years posttransplantation (estimated with MDRD and measured with inulin clearance) did not differ from that of the ECD group (eGFR 44.1 vs. 37.4 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.13; mGFR 44.6 vs. 36.1 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.07 in the uDDCA and ECD groups, respectively). The histological assessment of 3‐month and 1‐year protocol biopsies did not show differences for interstitial lesions between the uDDCA and ECD grafts (IF score at M3 was 30 vs. 28% and at M12 36 vs. 33%, p = NS). In conclusion, the results at 3 years with carefully selected and machine‐perfused uDDCA kidneys have been comparable to ECD kidneys and encourage continuation of this program and development of similar programs.     

Donor Hemodynamics as a Predictor of Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation From Donors After Cardiac Death

Donation after cardiac death is an important source of transplantable organs, but evidence suggests donor warm ischemia contributes to inferior outcomes. Attempts to predict recipient outcome using donor hemodynamic measurements have not yielded statistically significant results. We evaluated novel measures of donor hemodynamics as predictors of delayed graft function and graft failure in a cohort of 1050 kidneys from 566 donors. Hemodynamics were described using regression line slopes, areas under the curve, and time beyond thresholds for systolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and shock index (heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure). A logistic generalized estimation equation model showed that area under the curve for systolic blood pressure was predictive of delayed graft function (above median: odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.90). Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated that slope of oxygen saturation during the first 10 minutes after extubation was associated with graft failure (below median: hazard ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.64), with 5‐year graft survival of 70.0% (95%CI 64.5%–74.8%) for donors above the median versus 61.4% (95%CI 55.5%–66.7%) for those below the median. Among older donors, increased shock index slope was associated with increased hazard of graft failure. Validation of these findings is necessary to determine the utility of characterizing donor warm ischemia to predict recipient outcome.     

缺血预适应对老年大鼠缺血-再灌注心肌的影响

目的探讨缺血预适应（ischemic preconditioning,IPC）对老年大鼠缺血-再灌注损伤（I/R）后心肌的影响。方法取Wistar大鼠56只,其中21~23月龄（老年鼠）和4~5月龄（青年鼠）各28只,建立离体心脏Langendorff灌注模型,按随机数字表法分为7组（每组8只）：青年对照组、青年I/R组、青年IPC组、老年对照组、老年I/R组、老年IPC组、老年强化IPC组。对照组采用全心灌流90 min,不做任何处理;I/R组采用心脏平衡灌流30min后,缺血30 min,再复灌30     

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Preliminary Analysis of Complications With Grafts From Elderly Donors

Objective

This study aims to determine if donor grafts of patients older than 65 years develop more post-transplantation complications than those of younger patients.

The Effect of High‐Mobility Group Box 1 in Rat Steatotic and Nonsteatotic Liver Transplantation From Donors After Brain Death

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been described in different inflammatory disorders, and the deleterious effects of brain death (BD) may counteract the protection conferred by ischemic preconditioning (IP), the only surgical strategy that is being applied in clinical liver transplantation. Our study examined how HMGB1 may affect preconditioned and unpreconditioned steatotic and nonsteatotic liver grafts from donors after BD (DBDs) for transplantation. HMGB1 was pharmacologically modulated in liver grafts from DBDs, and HMGB1‐underlying mechanisms were characterized. We found that BD decreased HMGB1 in preconditioned and unpreconditioned livers and was associated with inflammation and damage. Exogenous HMGB1 in DBDs activates phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase and Akt and reduces hepatic inflammation and damage, increasing the survival of recipients. Combination of IP and exogenous HMGB1 shows additional benefits compared with HMGB1 alone. This study provides new mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of BD‐derived liver graft damage and contributes to the development of novel and efficient strategies to ultimately improve liver graft quality.     

Liver Transplantation Using Grafts From Donors After Circulatory Death: A Propensity Score–Matched Study From a Single Center

The use of livers from donation after circulatory death (DCD) is increasing, but concerns exist regarding outcomes following use of grafts from “marginal” donors. To compare outcomes in transplants using DCD and donation after brain death (DBD), propensity score matching was performed for 973 patients with chronic liver disease and/or malignancy who underwent primary whole‐liver transplant between 2004 and 2014 at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Primary end points were overall graft and patient survival. Secondary end points included postoperative, biliary and vascular complications. Over 10 years, 234 transplants were carried out using DCD grafts. Of the 187 matched DCDs, 82.9% were classified as marginal per British Transplantation Society guidelines. Kaplan–Meier analysis of graft and patient survival found no significant differences for either outcome between the paired DCD and DBD patients (p = 0.162 and p = 0.519, respectively). Aspartate aminotransferase was significantly higher in DCD recipients until 48 h after transplant (p < 0.001). The incidences of acute kidney injury and ischemic cholangiopathy were greater in DCD recipients (32.6% vs. 15% [p < 0.001] and 9.1% vs. 1.1% [p < 0.001], respectively). With appropriate recipient selection, the use of DCDs, including those deemed marginal, can be safe and can produce outcomes comparable to those seen using DBD grafts in similar recipients.