Successful Renal Retransplantation after Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a rare but severe complication of renal transplantation. Reduction of immunosuppression is essential for controlling PTLD but may induce graft loss. Retransplantation after PTLD is considered dangerous, because immunosuppressive treatment resumption may trigger hematological relapse. We retrospectively report six patients (five adults, one child) who underwent a second renal transplantation after successfully treated PTLD. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serology was positive before the first transplantation in all patients except the child. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease was detected 6.6 months (range 4.5-9.4) after transplantation. Lymphoproliferation was always monomorphic, B-cell, and EBV-related. Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease was confined to the renal allograft (n = 4), multilocular (n = 1) or cerebral (n = 1). Immunosuppression tapering (6/6) and transplantectomy (5/6) led to hematological remission in all patients. Retransplantation was performed 77 months (range 50-128) after PTLD diagnosis. Immunosuppression included steroids (n = 6), ATG (n = 2), anti-CD25 (n = 2), cyclosporine (n = 4), tacrolimus (n = 2), mycophenolate mofetil (n = 4) and azathioprine (n = 1). After a median follow up of 30 months (range 24-47) patient survival was 100%, with no recurrence of PTLD. In conclusion, renal retransplantation can be considered in patients with monomorphic PTLD history, without major risk of hematological recurrence.     

Late pancreas retransplantation

Pancreas retransplantation, excluding immediate retransplantation for graft thrombosis, is a technically treacherous operation with the added challenges of adhesions from the prior transplant and difficulties identifying usable recipient vessels. The goal of this study was to review our single‐center experience with late pancreas retransplantation. Charts for all pancreas transplant recipients between 01/2003 and 04/2013 were reviewed for demographics, graft and patient survival, length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and technical complications. Of 473 pancreas transplants, there were 20 late pancreas retransplants compared to 441 first transplants. There were no significant differences in donor or recipient demographics. There was no significant difference in graft or patient survival. The mean and median lengths of stay were 22 and nine d, respectively (range 5–175 d), and 11 recipients required readmission within the first three months post‐transplant. Five patients were reexplored in the early postoperative period for an enteric leak at the site of the primary allograft (n = 1), complications of percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement (n = 1), hemorrhage (n = 1), and negative laparotomy for hyperglycemia (n = 2). Pancreas retransplantation is technically challenging but can be safely performed with graft and recipient survival comparable to primary transplants.     

Long-term follow-up of kidney transplant patients with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder: duration of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder-induced operational graft tolerance,interleukin-18 course,and results of retransplantation

BACKGROUND: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) can be resolved in many transplant patients by the reduction or cessation of immunosuppression, after which many grafts continue to function as the result of a form of operational tolerance. When graft function deteriorates, retransplantation may be an option. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-18 may play a role in PTLD tolerance induction and tumor regression. We report long-term follow-up on the duration of graft tolerance and the course of retransplantation in a series of patients who underwent kidney transplantation and demonstrated PTLD, and in whom we were able to perform IL-18 analyses. RESULTS: Patients were followed for up to 7 years after PTLD diagnosis. Treatment consisted of immunosuppression cessation with radiation therapy in cases with overt monomorphic lymphomas. All patients' PTLDs were resolved, and all patients but one (whose graft was removed) demonstrated a period of operational graft tolerance of up to 5 years. Five patients underwent retransplantation without sign of recurrence of the PTLD up to 3 years after transplantation. In the eight patients analyzed, IL-18 increased significantly during PTLD regression and follow-up in those with long-term operational tolerance. CONCLUSION: We report on a series of patients with resolved PTLDs demonstrating long-term recurrence-free survival, of whom most experienced a long period of operational graft tolerance. IL-18 seems to play a role in the resolution of the PTLDs. Five patients underwent retransplantation with standard immunosuppression without recurrence. A previous diagnosis of PTLD should not be regarded as a contraindication for later retransplantation.     

Outcomes of kidney retransplantation in recipients with prior posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders: An analysis of the 2000–2019 UNOS/OPTN database

This study utilized the UNOS database to assess clinical outcomes after kidney retransplantation in patients with a history of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). Among second kidney transplant patients from 2000 to 2019, 254 had history of PTLD in their first kidney transplant, whereas 28,113 did not. After a second kidney transplant, PTLD occurred in 2.8% and 0.8% of patients with and without history of PTLD, respectively (p = .001). Over a median follow-up time of 4.5 years after a second kidney transplant, 5-year death-censored graft failure was 9.5% vs. 12.6% (p = .21), all-cause mortality was 8.3% vs. 11.8% (p = .51), and 1-year acute rejection was 11.0% vs. 9.3% (p = .36) in the PTLD vs. non-PTLD groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in death-censored graft failure, mortality, and acute rejection between PTLD and non-PTLD groups in adjusted analysis and after propensity score matching. We conclude that graft survival, patient survival, and acute rejection after kidney retransplantation are comparable between patients with and without history of PTLD, but PTLD occurrence after kidney retransplantation remains higher in patients with history of PTLD.     

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of PTLD following intestinal transplantation

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) has the highest incidence following intestinal transplantation (ITx). Our center has seen a recent increase in PTLD. Our aim was to review a single‐center PTLD experience with a focus on clinical characteristics and outcomes. We completed a retrospective review of biopsy‐proven PTLD cases using a prospectively maintained database of 115 ITx recipients transplanted between 1991 and 2014. Nineteen (17%) ITx recipients developed 25 PTLD cases during a median follow‐up time of 6.4 (1.6‐14.6) years. The incidence of early PTLD was 6% (n = 7). There was a trend toward increased risk of PTLD in children compared with adults (P = .11) and a significantly increased risk of PTLD in re‐ITx compared with primary ITx recipients (P = .03). Most PTLD cases were diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 (n = 14). All early PTLD cases were EBV+ on in situ hybridization. Overall graft and patient survival are 68% and 74%, respectively. Second episodes of PTLD were diagnosed in 43% of surviving pediatric patients. Our program has a low incidence of early PTLD with overall excellent graft and patient survival following diagnosis. However, we have also seen a rising incidence of late PTLD. The cause of the increase is unknown as no major changes in immunosuppression protocols have occurred since 1999.     

Renal Transplantation in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis: A Single-Center 10-Year Experience

BackgroundAntineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a common cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis resulting in end-stage renal disease. The optimal timing of kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease due to AAV and the risk of relapse after kidney are poorly defined. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of AAV after kidney transplantation, namely the risk of relapse, rejection, and oncologic disease.MethodsThis retrospective study included all patients with AAV submitted to a kidney transplant between January 2011 and December 2020.ResultsTwenty-seven patients (20 males/7 females; mean age 47 years) received a kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease secondary to microscopic polyangiitis (n = 25) or granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 2). All patients were in clinical remission at the time of the kidney transplant, but 11 patients were ANCA-positive. A vasculitis relapse after kidney transplantation occurred in only 1 patient (3.7%). Rejection episodes, proven by allograft biopsy, were present in 3 patients (11.1%), with graft losses in 2 (66.7%). The median time until the graft was lost after the initial rejection diagnosis was 27 ± 8 months. Oncologic complications were present in 9 patients (33.3%). Five patients died (18.5%), and the main cause of death was cardiovascular disease (n = 3, 60.0%), followed by oncologic disease (n = 2, 40.0%).ConclusionsKidney transplantation is a safe and effective option for treating end-stage renal disease secondary to AAV. Current immunosuppression regimens make relapses and rejection infrequent but place oncologic complications at a higher incidence.     

Abdominal Wall Transplantation: Skin as a Sentinel Marker for Rejection

Abdominal wall transplantation (AWTX) has revolutionized difficult abdominal closure after intestinal transplantation (ITX). More important, the skin of the transplanted abdominal wall (AW) may serve as an immunological tool for differential diagnosis of bowel dysfunction after transplant. Between August 2008 and October 2014, 29 small bowel transplantations were performed in 28 patients (16 male, 12 female; aged 41 ± 13 years). Two groups were identified: the solid organ transplant (SOT) group (n = 15; 12 ITX and 3 modified multivisceral transplantation [MMVTX]) and the SOT‐AWTX group (n = 14; 12 ITX and 2 MMVTX), with the latter including one ITX‐AWTX retransplantation. Two doses of alemtuzumab were used for induction (30 mg, 6 and 24 h after reperfusion), and tacrolimus (trough levels 8–12 ng/mL) was used for maintenance immunosuppression. Patient survival was similar in both groups (67% vs. 61%); however, the SOT‐AWTX group showed faster posttransplant recovery, better intestinal graft survival (79% vs. 60%), a lower intestinal rejection rate (7% vs. 27%) and a lower rate of misdiagnoses in which viral infection was mistaken and treated as rejection (14% vs. 33%). The skin component of the AW may serve as an immune modulator and sentinel marker for immunological activity in the host. This can be a vital tool for timely prevention of intestinal graft rejection and, more important, avoidance of overimmunosuppression in cases of bowel dysfunction not related to graft rejection.     

CNI withdrawal for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for graft failure and mortality

Post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are associated with poor patient and graft survival. The risk of rejection and subsequent graft loss are increased by the reduction of immunosuppression therapy, the cornerstone of PTLD treatment. This multicentre, retrospective, nonrandomized cohort study includes 104 adults who developed PTLD after renal or simultaneous renal/pancreatic transplantation between 1990 and 2007. It examines the effect of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal on long‐term graft and patient survival. At 10 years postonset of PTLD, the Kaplan–Meier graft loss rate was 43.9% and graft loss or death with functioning graft was 64.4%. Cox multivariate analysis determined risk factors of graft loss as PTLD stage greater than I‐II and CNI withdrawal, and for graft loss and mortality, these remained risk factors along with age over 60 years. Type and location of PTLD, year of diagnosis, and chemotherapy regime were not independent risk factors. Multivariate analysis determined CNI withdrawal as the most important risk factor for graft loss (HR = 3.07, CI 95%: 1.04–9.09; P = 0.04) and death (HR: 4.00, CI 95%: 1.77–9.04; P < 0.001). While long‐term stable renal function after definitive CNI withdrawal for PTLD has been reported, this review determined that withdrawal is associated with reduced graft and patient survival.     

Kidney Retransplantation: Removal or Persistence of the Previous Failed Allograft?

A significant percentage of patients with failed renal graft are candidates for retransplantation. The outcomes of retransplantation are poorer than those of primary transplantation and sensitization is documented to be a major reason. The management of a failed allograft that is not immediately symptomatic is still very controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the failed allograft nephrectomy on a subsequent transplantation and its importance in the sensitization. We performed a retrospective analysis of the local prospective transplantation registry of the outcome of 126 second kidney transplantations among 2438 transplantations performed in our unit between June 1980 and March 2013, comparing those who underwent allograft nephrectomy prior to retransplantation with those who retained the failed graft. Primary endpoints were graft and patient survival. The levels of panel-reactive antibodies (PRA) and rate of acute rejections on retransplantation outcomes were also studied. Among the 126 patients who underwent a second renal transplantation, 76 (60.3%) had a prior graft nephrectomy (Group A), whereas 50 (39.7%) kept their failed graft (Group B). Group A showed significantly more positive PRA levels when compared with the other group (38% vs 10%; P < .001), as measured before the most recent transplantation, and a higher rate of acute rejection (19% vs 5.6%; P = .016). There were 28 (36%) renal allograft losses for Group A and 18 (36%) for those who had not had transplantectomy (P = not significant [NS]). One-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates were 96.6%, 90.7%, and 83.4%, respectively, in Group A and 95%, 82%, and 68.4%, respectively, in Group B, with no statistical differences (P = .19). Five-year actuarial patient survival rates in the 2 groups was 89.3% and 82.8%, respectively (P = .55). Multivariate analysis showed that PRA level and delayed graft function (DGF) had a statistically significant influence on graft survival (P = .028; odds ratio [OR] = 1.029; and P = .024; OR = 8.6), irrespective of whether the patient had graft nephrectomy or not. The allosensitization indicated by PRA increases after transplantectomy and leads to a higher incidence of acute rejection after retransplantation. Nephrectomy of failed allograft does not seem to significantly influence the survival of a subsequent graft. The decision to remove or retain a failed graft in the context of retransplantation should thus be based on known clinical indications for the procedure.     

Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder After Clinical Islet Transplantation: Report of the First Two Cases

We report the first two cases of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in recipients of islet transplants worldwide. First, a 44‐year‐old recipient of three islet infusions developed PTLD 80 months after his initial transplantation, presenting with abdominal pain and diffuse terminal ileum thickening on imaging. He was treated with surgical excision, reduction of immunosuppression, and rituximab. Seven months later, he developed central nervous system PTLD, presenting with vertigo and diplopia; immunosuppression was discontinued, resulting in graft loss, and he was given high‐dose methotrexate and underwent consolidative autologous stem cell transplantation. He remains in remission 37 months after the initial diagnosis. Second, a 58‐year‐old female recipient of two islet infusions developed PTLD 24 months after initial islet infusion, presenting with pancytopenia secondary to extensive bone marrow involvement. Immunosuppression was discontinued, resulting in graft loss, and she received rituximab and chemotherapy, achieving complete remission. Both patients were monomorphic B cell PTLD subtype by histology and negative for Epstein–Barr virus in tissue or blood. These cases document the first occurrences of this rare complication in islet transplantation, likely secondary to prolonged, intensive immunosuppression, and highlight the varying clinical manifestations of PTLD. Further studies are needed to determine incidence rate and risk factors in islet transplantation.     

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders in adult and pediatric renal transplant patients receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression

Between March 27, 1989 and December 31, 1997, 1316 kidney transplantations alone were performed under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression at our center. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) developed in 25 (1.9%) cases; the incidence in adults was 1.2% (15/1217), whereas in pediatric patients it was 10.1% (10/99; P<.0001). PTLD was diagnosed 21.0+/-22.5 months after transplantation, 25.0+/-24.7 months in adults and 14.4+/-18.2 months in pediatric patients. Of the 4 adult cases in whom both the donor and recipient Epstein Barr virus (EBV) serologies were known, 2 (50%) were seropositive donor --> seronegative recipient. Of 7 pediatric cases in whom both the donor and recipient EBV serologies were known, 6 (86%) were EBV seropositive donor --> seronegative recipient. Acute rejection was observed before the diagnosis of PTLD in 8 (53%) of 15 adults and 3 (30%) of 10 pediatric patients. Initial treatment of PTLD included a marked decrease or cessation of immunosuppression with concomitant ganciclovir therapy; two adults and two pediatric patients required chemotherapy. With a mean follow-up of 24.9+/-30.1 months after transplantation, the 1- and 5-year actuarial patient and graft survival rates in adults were 93% and 86%, and 80% and 60%, respectively. Two adults died, 3.7 and 46.2 months after transplantation, of complications related to PTLD, and 10 (including the 2 deaths) lost their allograft 3.7-84.7 months after transplantation. In children, the 1- and 5-year actuarial patient and graft survival rates were 100% and 100%, and 100% and 89%, respectively. No child died; one child lost his allograft 41.3 months after transplantation. One child had presumed recurrent PTLD that responded to discontinuation of tacrolimus and reinitiation of antiviral therapy. The mean serum creatinine level in adults was 2.5+/-1.2 mg/dl, and in children, it was 1.3+/-0.6 mg/ dl. Under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, PTLD is less common after renal transplantation in adults than in children, but PTLD in children is associated with more favorable outcomes than in adults.     

Lung retransplantation after posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD): a single-center experience and review of literature of PTLD in lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Retransplantation in adult lung transplant recipients developing progressive bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome as a consequence of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) therapy has not been reported in the literature. Literature on PTLD after lung transplantation is limited mostly to case reports or small case series, limiting the validity of conclusions. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients at our center. Analysis of pooled data published on lung transplant patients developing PTLD. RESULTS: Two patients who underwent pulmonary retransplants for PTLD have functioning grafts 23 and 36 months postoperatively, with no evidence of PTLD recurrence. Review and analysis of published data and from our center revealed that incidence of PTLD, proportion of patients with thoracic involvement, and proportion of patients who were Epstein-Barr virus seronegative before transplantation decreased continuously as a function of time from transplant. Patients developing PTLD within the first 6 months after transplantation had a clinically distinct pattern of PTLD and a significantly better survival than patients developing PTLD more than 6 months after lung transplant. CONCLUSIONS: Lung retransplantation can be considered after careful selection for lung transplant recipients developing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome as a consequence of reduced immunosuppression for PTLD. Acquisition of PTLD and pattern of organ involvement is a continuous process as a function of time. Defining "early PTLD" as occurring in the first 6 months more accurately predicts progress and prognosis of this disease than the traditional 1 year definition of early vs late onset PTLD.     

Islet transplantation as safe and efficacious method to restore glycemic control and to avoid severe hypoglycemia after donor organ failure in pancreas transplantation

The aim of this study was to assess safety and efficacy of islet transplantation after initial pancreas transplantation with subsequent organ failure. Patients undergoing islet transplantation at our institution after pancreas organ failure were compared to a control group of patients with pancreas graft failure, but without islet transplantation and to a group receiving pancreas retransplantation. Ten patients underwent islet transplantation after initial pancreas transplantation failed and were followed for a median of 51 months. The primary end point of HbA1c <7.0% and freedom of severe hypoglycemia was met by nine of 10 patients after follow‐up after islet transplantation and in all three patients in the pancreas retransplantation group, but by none of the patients in the group without retransplantation (n = 7). Insulin requirement was reduced by 50% after islet transplantation. Kidney function (eGFR) declined with a rate of ‐1.0 mL ± 1.2 mL/min/1.73 m² per year during follow‐up after islet transplantation, which tended to be slower than in the group without retransplantation (P = .07). Islet transplantation after deceased donor pancreas transplant failure is a method that can safely improve glycemic control and reduce the incidence of severe hypoglycemia and thus establish similar glycemic control as after initial pancreas transplantation, despite the need of additional exogenous insulin.     

Graft outcomes following diagnosis of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric kidney recipients: a retrospective study

Data related to graft outcomes following post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in pediatric kidney transplantation are scarce. Data were analyzed retrospectively from 12 children (eight boys) for 3 years after diagnosis of PTLD, with a loss of follow‐up after 2 years in two of 12. In all cases, intensity of immunosuppressive therapy was reduced, which switched from calcineurin inhibitor to a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor in ten cases. Nine children were treated with six doses of rituximab according to the PED‐PTLD‐2005 protocol, with additional treatment in one child as per protocol. One patient received EuroNet‐PHL C1. In four patients, donor‐specific antibodies were detected after PTLD diagnosis at 3, 4, 5 and 7 years, respectively. One patient developed chronic antibody‐mediated rejection (cAMR) 12 years after diagnosis, losing the graft 1 year later. Three patients with recurrence of the original disease also lost their grafts, one at the time of diagnosis of PTLD, and two after 4 years. Range‐based analysis of variance showed that there was no decrease in estimated GFR at 1, 2, or 3 years after diagnosis of PTLD (P = 0.978). In conclusion, treatment of PTLD with reduced immunosuppression is safe and efficient. This may be due to B‐cell‐depleting therapy of PTLD with rituximab.     

Influence of host-recipient origin on clinical aspects of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders in kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-known complication of immunosuppression associated with solid organ transplantation. The donor or host origin of PTLD may influence the outcome of the disease as it has been reported that a donor origin may be associated with a better prognosis. The aim of the study was to determine the origin (recipient or donor) of 12 PTLD occurring in kidney transplant recipients and to correlate the results with clinical findings. METHODS: Origin of PTLD was determined using HLA DRB1 molecular typing, analysis of multiple short-tandem repeat microsatellite loci, and HLA class I antigen expression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Combining the three techniques, we found that eight cases originated from the recipient and four cases originated from the donor. The results of the three techniques were concordant and altogether assigned the origin of the tumors. All the donor-origin PTLD were strictly localized to the kidney graft, developed after a mean time of 5 months after transplantation, and regressed after reduction of immunosuppression. In contrast, seven of the eight recipient-origin PTLD presented as multisystemic disease, occurred a mean time of 75.7 months after the transplantation, and had a worse outcome (mortality, five deaths of eight patients, 62.5%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PTLD originating from the donor arise in the first year after transplantation into the graft, and that recipient-origin PTLD develop later as an invasive disease. Because it permits simultaneously the analysis of cell morphology and tumor origin, immunohistochemistry is a more reliable technique in the case of graft tumors associated with allograft rejection. The determination of the origin of the tumors seems to be of value in the management of PTLD to predict the outcome and to adapt therapy.     

Plasmacytic post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder: a case series of nine patients

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of organ transplantation. Although PTLD typically has a B‐cell histology, an uncommon variant, plasmacytic PTLD can present as a monoclonal plasma cell proliferation similar to plasmacytomas seen in multiple myeloma. A retrospective analysis was performed on nine patients at our center with plasmacytic PTLD as characterized by plasmacytic histology with the presence of CD138 and lack of CD20. Of the 210 adult solid organ transplant PTLD patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2012, 9 (4%) had a histological appearance consistent with plasmacytic PTLD. The median time from transplant to diagnosis was 3.7 years (range 8 months–24 years). All patients presented with extranodal and often subcutaneous solid tumors. Laboratory features included elevated LDH and beta‐2 microglobulin levels, monoclonal gammopathy, and EBV positivity of the tumor. Unlike conventional multiple myeloma, patients had normal calcium levels and only mild anemia. Six patients who have completed treatment achieved complete responses with radiation therapy and/or reduction in immunosuppression with two patients now greater than 5 years in continuous complete response. Plasmacytic PTLD, despite its plasmacytic histology, is responsive to conventional therapies used for B‐cell PTLD including reduction in immunosuppression and radiation therapy.     

MELD at POD 1 as a predictor of outcome in liver allografts with peak AST >5000 U/l

Perioperative liver graft injury is associated with elevation of aminotransferases after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Values above 5000 U/l usually are regarded as extreme liver graft injury (ELGI). Some patients and organs recover from this critical condition. The aim of the study was to evaluate factors contributing to graft and patient survival after ELGI. From chart review we identified 64 of 917 OLT adult patients (median age 54.2 years; 68.8% males) transplanted between 11/2003 and 02/2012, who presented ELGI after OLT. Donor and recipient factors were analyzed and correlated with the outcome by univariable and multivariable methods. Multivariable cox proportional hazards showed that recipient's BMI (P = 0.01), model for end stage liver disease (MELD) score before OLT (P = 0.02) and laboratory MELD score 24 h after OLT (P = 0.01) were independently associated with patient survival. 30‐days and 12‐months survival in patients with a postoperative laboratory MELD higher than 31 was 21.4%, while patients with a postoperative laboratory MELD lower than 31 displayed 30‐days and 12‐months survival rates of 80% and 71.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). Retransplantation in the setting of ELGI after OLT should be based on all available data. Utilization of the postoperative labMELD enables the transplant physician within 24 h after transplantation to identify necessity of retransplantation objectively.     

Cardiac retransplantation: is it justified in times of critical donor organ shortage? Long-term single-center experience

Objective: Survival after heart transplantation has improved significantly over the last decades. There are a growing number of patients that require cardiac retransplantation because of chronic allograft dysfunction. With regard to the critical shortage of cardiac allograft donors the decision to offer repeat heart transplantation must be carefully considered. Methods: Since 1983 a total of 807 heart transplantations have been performed at our institution. Among them 41 patients received cardiac retransplantation, 18 patients because of acute graft failure and 23 because of chronic graft failure. Data were analyzed for demographics, morbidity and risk factors for mortality. The acute and chronic retransplant group was compared to those patients undergoing primary transplantation. Results: The mean interval between primary transplantation and retransplantation was 1.9 days in the acute and 6.7 years in the chronic retransplant group. Mean follow-up was 6.9 years. Baseline characteristics were similar in the primary and retransplant group. Actuarial survival rates at 1, 3, 5 and 7 years after primary cardiac transplantation compared to retransplantation were 83, 78, 72 and 64% vs 53, 50, 47 and 36%, respectively (p < 0.001). Early mortality after acute retransplantation was significantly higher compared to late retransplantation (10/18, 55.6% vs 4/23, 17.4%, p = 0.011). Major causes of death were acute and chronic rejection, infection and sepsis. Conclusions: Cardiac retransplantation is associated with lower survival rates compared to primary transplantation. However, results after retransplantation in chronic graft failure are significantly better compared to acute graft failure. Therefore, we consider cardiac retransplantation in chronic graft failure a justified therapeutic option. In contrast, patients with acute graft failure seem to be inappropriate candidates for cardiac retransplantation.     

Retransplantation of a cardiac allograft inadvertently harvested from a donor with metastatic melanoma

Donor-derived melanoma is easily transmitted through organ transplants and is highly aggressive in transplant recipients. The best treatment-withdrawal or reduction of immunosuppression-permits tumor rejection but risks allograft rejection. In recipients of nonrenal allografts, the prognosis is particularly grim, with transmission rates and mortality approaching 100%. Retransplantation has been proposed as a possible strategy but has never been performed for a cardiac allograft. This is the first report of cardiac retransplantation and only the second case of retransplantation of any nonrenal organ. Our patient received a heart transplant from a donor found to have occult metastatic melanoma at autopsy. He underwent retransplantation 17 days later. Close clinical and radiographic follow-up reveal no evidence of melanoma 22 months after transplantation. Based on the rapid development of donor-derived melanoma in previous reports, our patient is likely to remain free of donor cancer. Retransplantation and low-dose immunosuppression may have been lifesaving.     

Pancreas Transplantation in a Single Center: Risk Factors Associated With Pancreatic Allograft Thrombosis

BackgroundPancreas transplantation remains a challenging procedure for small and medium-sized transplants teams, despite improvements in graft survival. Data regarding the impact of the procurement team's experience on the outcomes of pancreas transplant are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors that lead to pancreatic allograft thrombosis, especially the experience of the pancreas procurement team.MethodsA retrospective study of 137 patients who underwent pancreas transplantation between March 2005 and May 2017 was conducted. Donor's and recipient characteristics were evaluated as well as their relationship to pancreatic allograft thrombosis. Cases were divided according to the number of pancreas procurements previously done by the procurement surgeon: group 1 (30 to 40 retrievals) and group 2 (≥40 retrievals).ResultsSimultaneous pancreas–kidney transplants accounted for 89.8% of cases (n = 123). Surgeons from group 2 performed 62.8% (n = 86) of the procurements. The graft was removed in 19 cases (13.8%) due to thrombosis. In univariate analysis, lower experience of the retrieval team was associated with allograft loss (P = .04). In multivariate analysis, donor intensive care unit time ≥5 days (P = .03) and lower experience of the procurement team were associated with increased risk of pancreatic allograft thrombosis (P = .02), whereas recipient's age from 30 to 40 years (P = .018) or ≥40 years (P = .02) was found as a protective factor.ConclusionsPancreatic allograft thrombosis remains an important cause of graft loss in pancreas transplantation. Recipient's age, prolonged donor intensive care unit time, and lower experience of the procurement team directly influence pancreatic allograft thrombosis.