Kidney Transplant Candidates Research Articles

Standardized risk-stratified cardiac assessment and early posttransplant cardiovascular complications in kidney transplant recipients.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipient (KTR). There is a dearth of standardized guidelines on optimal cardiovascular evaluation of transplant candidates. This single-center cohort study aims to determine the effectiveness of our standardized risk-stratified pretransplant cardiovascular screening protocol, which includes coronary angiography (CAG), in identifying advanced CVD, the proper pretransplant management of which could lead to a reduction in the incidence of major cardiac events (MACE) in the early posttransplant period. Out of the total 776 KTR transplanted between 2017 and 2019, CAG was performed on 541 patients (69.7%), of whom 22.4% were found to have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Asymptomatic obstructive CAD was observed in 70.2% of cases. In 73.6% of cases, CAG findings resulted in myocardial revascularization. MACE occurred in 5.6% (N = 44) of the 23 KTR with pretransplant CVD and 21 without pretransplant CVD. KTR with posttransplant MACE occurrence had significantly worse kidney graft function at the first year posttransplant (p = 0.00048) and worse patient survival rates (p = 0.0063) during the 3-year follow-up period compared with KTR without MACE. After adjustment, the independent significant factors for MACE were arrhythmia (HR 2.511, p = 0.02, 95% CI 1.158-5.444), pretransplant history of acute myocardial infarction (HR 0.201, p = 0.046, 95% CI 0.042-0.970), and pretransplant myocardial revascularization (HR 0.225, p = 0.045, 95% CI 0.052-0.939). Asymptomatic CVD is largely prevalent in KTR. Posttransplant MACE has a negative effect on grafts and patient outcomes. Further research is needed to assess the benefits of pretransplant myocardial revascularization in asymptomatic kidney transplant candidates.

Unrecognized opportunities: The landscape of pediatric kidney-paired donation in the United States.

Pediatric (age < 18 years) kidney transplant (KT) candidates face increasingly complex choices. The 2014 kidney allocation system nearly doubled wait times for pediatric recipients. Given longer wait times and new ways to optimize compatibility, more pediatric candidates may consider kidney-paired donation (KPD). Motivated by this shift and the potential impact of innovations in KPD practice, we studied pediatric KPD procedures in the US from 2008 to 2021. We describe the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric KPD recipients with comparison to pediatric non-KPD living donor kidney transplants (LDKT), pediatric LDKT recipients, and pediatric deceased donor (DDKT) recipients. Our study cohort includes 4987 pediatric DDKTs, 3447 pediatric non-KPD LDKTs, and 258 pediatric KPD transplants. Fewer centers conducted at least one pediatric KPD procedure compared to those that conducted at least one pediatric LDKT or DDKT procedure (67, 136, and 155 centers, respectively). Five centers performed 31% of the pediatric KPD transplants. After adjustment, there were no differences in graft failure or mortality comparing KPD recipients to non-KPD LDKT, LDKT, or DDKT recipients. We did not observe differences in transplant outcomes comparing pediatric KPD recipients to controls. Considering these results, KPD may be underutilized for pediatric recipients. Pediatric KT centers should consider including KPD in KT candidate education. Further research will be necessary to develop tools that could aid clinicians and families considering the time horizon for future KT procedures, candidate disease and histocompatibility characteristics, and other factors including logistics and donor protections.

A pragmatic approach to selective genetic testing in kidney transplant candidates.

Advances in the field of genetic testing have spurred its use in transplantation. Potential benefits of genetic testing in transplant nephrology include diagnosis, treatment, risk stratification of recurrent disease, and risk stratification in potential donors. However, it is unclear how to best apply genetic testing in this population to maximize its yield. We describe our transplant center's approach to selective genetic testing as part of kidney transplant candidate and donor evaluation. Transplant recipient candidates were tested if they had a history of ESRD at age <50, primary FSGS, complement-mediated or unknown etiology of kidney disease, or had a family history of kidney disease. Donors were tested if age <35, were related to their potential recipients with known genetic susceptibility or had a first-degree relative with a history of kidney disease of unknown etiology. A targeted NGS gene panel of 385 genes was used. Clinical implications and downstream effects were monitored. Over 30% of recipients tested within the established criteria were positive for a pathogenic variant. The most common pathogenic variants were APOL1 high-risk genotypes as well as collagen 4-alpha-3, -4 and -5. Donor testing done according to our inclusion criteria resulted in about 12% yield. Positive test results in recipients helped with stratification of the risk of recurrent disease. Positive test results in potential donors guided informed decisions on when not to move forward with a donation. Integrating targeted panel genetic testing into a kidney transplant clinic in conjunction with a selective criteria for testing donors and recipients ensured a reasonable diagnostic yield. The results had implications on clinical management, risk stratification and in some cases were instrumental in directing downstream changes including when to stop the evaluation process. Given the impact on management and transplant decisions, we advocate for the widespread use of genetic testing in selected individuals undergoing transplant evaluation and donation who meet pre-defined criteria.

Predicting wait time for pediatric kidney transplant: a novel index

BackgroundOver one thousand pediatric kidney transplant candidates are added to the waitlist annually, yet the prospective time spent waiting is unknown for many. Our study fills this gap by identifying variables that impact waitlist time and by creating an index to predict the likelihood of a pediatric candidate receiving a transplant within 1 year of listing. This index could be used to guide patient management by giving clinicians a potential timeline for each candidate’s listing based on a unique combination of risk factors.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 3757 pediatric kidney transplant candidates from the 2014 to 2020 OPTN/UNOS database was performed. The data was randomly divided into a training set, comprising two-thirds of the data, and a testing set, comprising one-third of the data. From the training set, univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify significant predictive factors affecting wait times. A predictive index was created using variables significant in the multivariable analysis. The index’s ability to predict likelihood of transplantation within 1 year of listing was validated using ROC analysis on the training set. Validation of the index using ROC analysis was repeated on the testing set.ResultsA total of 10 variables were found to be significant. The five most significant variables include the following: blood group, B (OR 0.65); dialysis status (OR 3.67); kidney disease etiology, SLE (OR 0.38); and OPTN region, 5 (OR 0.54) and 6 (OR 0.46). ROC analysis of the index on the training set yielded a c-statistic of 0.71. ROC analysis of the index on the testing set yielded a c-statistic of 0.68.ConclusionsThis index is a modest prognostic model to assess time to pediatric kidney transplantation. It is intended as a supplementary tool to guide patient management by providing clinicians with an individualized prospective timeline for each candidate. Early identification of candidates with potential for prolonged waiting times may help encourage more living donation including paired donation chains.Graphical A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information

Frailty and Dependency in Kidney Transplant Candidates

Frailty and Dependency in Kidney Transplant Candidates

Influence of HLA-A, [sbnd]B, and -DRB1 genes and panel-reactive antibodies on the waitlist time for kidney transplantation in the state of Sao Paulo-Brazil

BackgroundBrazil ranks second in the absolute number of transplants. However, the supply remains insufficient to meet the demands, resulting in a lengthy waitlist. This study aimed to analyze whether the frequency of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and the value of calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) would influence the waiting time for kidney transplantation. MethodsThe HLA-A, B, and -DRB1 frequencies and the cPRA value were analyzed in 11,186 kidney transplant candidates included in the waitlist from 2006 to 2016. ResultsThe most frequent alleles were HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35, and HLA-DRB1*13. The overall mean length of stay on the list was 986 ± 1001 days. The mean waiting time for the three most frequent alleles of the HLA-A and B loci showed no significant difference when compared with the least frequent alleles; however, for the HLA-DRB1 locus, the most frequent alleles showed a shorter waiting time. In the association between HLA and PRA, the average length of stay on the list increased according to the candidate's degree of sensitization, regardless of the analyzed HLA frequency. ConclusionThe length of stay on the waitlist is influenced by the frequency of the HLA alleles of the DRB1 locus and the degree of sensitization.

Survival of patients with kidney failure awaiting transplantation stratified by age and ethnicity: population-based cohort analysis.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for people living with kidney failure who are suitable for surgery, but survival benefits for older and/or ethnic minority candidates are unclear. To inform decision-making, the survival of patients on a waiting list for kidney transplantation was assessed. A retrospective study was undertaken of registry data for patients with kidney failure listed for transplantation in the UK. From 1 January 2000 until 30 September 2019, all patients listed for a first kidney-alone transplant were included. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. After testing for violations of the proportional hazards assumption, an extended Cox regression model factoring in transplantation as a time-dependent variable according to the intention-to-treat principle was developed. The study cohort included 47 917 patients on a waiting list for kidney transplantation, of whom 34 558 (72.1%) subsequently received a transplant. Transplantation compared with remaining on dialysis was associated with an overall survival benefit (HR 0.17, 95% c.i. 0.16 to 0.18; P < 0.001), occurring immediately within 30 days, and observed regardless of ethnicity. For White kidney transplant candidates aged at least 65 or at least 70 years, a significant survival benefit was observed within 6 months (HR 0.49, 0.29 to 0.82) and 1 year (HR 0.45, 0.25 to 0.79) after transplantation respectively, which contrasted with 3 years after kidney transplantation for candidates from ethnic minorities aged at least 65 years (HR 0.53, 0.36 to 0.78) or at least 70 years (HR 0.53, 0.36 to 0.78). Although time-to-survival benefits are stratified by age and ethnicity, all kidney transplant candidates on the waiting list are better off with transplantation compared with remaining on dialysis. The absence of any early postoperative mortality suggests that some high-risk patients with kidney failure may not be receiving transplantation opportunities.

Frailty and Kidney Transplant Waitlisting: A Single-Center Experience

Frailty is widely prevalent among kidney transplant (KT) candidates and is associated with poor peri and post-transplant outcomes. Whether frailty is a modifiable risk factor in KT candidates is unknown. Efforts to intervene in frailty have been hindered by a lack of a standardized approach to testing and treating frailty in clinical practice. Patients undergoing evaluation for kidney transplantation underwent frailty testing during their clinical visits using a combination of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) instruments. Scores from the SPPB and GFI were combined to stratify patients into 4 risk groups. Patients in the highest-risk groups were referred to physical therapy (PT) and returned for repeat frailty testing. Pre- and post-PT scores were compared with assessment for improvement. Forty patients met the criteria for PT, of which 16 (40%) completed PT and returned for repeat frailty testing. The mean SPPB score improved from 5.88 to 8.94 after PT (P < .01). The mean GFI score improved from 5.25 to 4.06 after PT but was not statistically significant (P = .081). Our unique approach of using 2 validated scores, SPPB and GFI, together addressed many components of frailty evaluation, including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial components. We used PT as a targeted intervention for addressing both the physical and non-physical impairments among frail KT candidates. Physical therapy was noted to have a positive impact on each of these components.

A study of knowledge and acceptance of kidney xenotransplantation among Chinese kidney transplant recipients and candidates.

In recent years, the implementation of the first case of pig-to-human heart xenotransplantation and the report of three cases of pig-to-brain-dead human recipient kidney transplantation indicate that xenotransplantation is getting closer to clinical application. In the near future, China may also launch clinical trials of kidney xenotransplantation. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the level of knowledge and acceptance of xenotransplantation among kidney transplant recipients and candidates in China. This study aims to investigate the level of comprehension and acceptance of kidney xenotransplantation in kidney transplant recipients and explore related factors, providing a reference for promoting the application and clinical trials of xenotransplantation in the near future. A questionnaire was completed by 211 kidney transplant recipients and 21 candidates. Answers to the questionnaires were self-administered by the respondents. Scores were compared using nonparametric tests, as well as using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test to compare differences in answers. Respondents demonstrated a high score of 75 (out of 100) on knowledge and acceptance of kidney xenotransplantation. The sector "Knowledge and Attitude" received the overall highest score from respondents (85.0 out of 100), while "Risks and Concerns" received the lowest score (50 out of 100). Interestingly, respondents paid more attention to infection risks but showed less concern about rejection or unknown risks. Furthermore, 191 respondents (82.3%) expected that pig kidney xenografts could function for at least 5 years or more. The scores were statistically significant in terms of age, gender, level of education, level of knowledge on the case of xenotransplantation clinical trial, and willingness to donate organs. cognition CONCLUSIONS: The awareness rates of xenotransplantation are high among kidney transplant recipients and candidates, for which the majority showed a generally favorable attitude towards this procedure. Respondents did not have a comprehensive understanding of the specific knowledge of xenotransplantation and expressed more concern about the risk of infection compared to the risk of rejection and other unknown risks, while also expecting long-term survival similar to allograft transplantation for pig kidney xenografts.

Imunological aspects of kidney retransplantation.

The number of patients on the waiting list for akidney retransplant has increased. Patients who are candidates for asecond kidney transplant often have higher levels of PRA (Panel of Reactive Antibodies). The previous failed kidney transplant is one of the main factors that leads to the production of antibodies against human leukocyte antigens ‒ HLA. The consequences of sensitisation are along waiting time for repeated kidney transplantation and anegative effect on graft survival after retransplantation.The aim of our analysis was to evaluate the immunological parameters of patients undergoing renal retransplantation at the Kosice Transplant Centre, their influence on graft function, the occurrence of rejection episodes and to analyse the sensitisation status of recipients on the waiting list for renal retransplantation at the Kosice Transplant Centre.We retrospectively analysed 46 adult patients who underwent secondary renal transplantation. In the group of retransplanted patients, we found ahigher immunological risk and PRA values (p<0.001) and ahigher need for induction therapy to reduce the lymphocyte count (p<0.001). Retransplant patients with DGF were 48% more likely to experience acute rejection.In the context of the published literature, we have observed increased sensitisation in retransplanted patients, which is amajor challenge to overcome the immunological barrier in transplantation medicine (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 24). Keywords: retransplantation, sensitisation, panel of reactive antibodies.

The Use of Kidneys With Lower Longevity From Deceased Donors to Improve Access to Preemptive Renal Transplantation for Elderly Patients: A Qualitative Study.

There is a gap between the number of patients waiting for a transplant and the number of kidneys available. Some deceased donor kidneys are currently nonutilized, as medical teams fear that they will experience suboptimal graft survival. However, these organs could provide an acceptable therapeutic option if they were allocated for preemptive kidney transplantation in elderly candidates. This project aims to gather patients' perspectives on the allocation of kidneys with lower longevity for preemptive kidney transplantation in elderly patients. Individual interviews. The Center hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinic. Patients aged between 64 and 75 years with CKD G4-5 ND, followed at the CHUM and who have not initiated dialysis yet. Between March and July 2023, we conducted 14 individual interviews with patients aged between 64 and 75 years who had CKD G4-5 ND and were followed at the CHUM. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted. Most participants were in favor of using kidneys with lower longevity to increase their access to transplantation, improve their quality of life, enable accelerated transplantation, and avoid dialysis. Patients also wanted to be engaged in the decision-making process, underlining the importance of informed consent. Although the use of kidneys with lower longevity offers the hope of returning to "normal" life, some patients were concerned about the risk of reduced graft survival and the need for a subsequent kidney transplant. In these cases, patients were interested in using mitigation strategies, such as prioritization for kidney transplantation from standard donors in case of early graft loss associated with receiving kidneys with lower longevity. They also recommended the development of a separate waiting list for patients consenting to preemptive transplantation with kidneys with lower longevity. This study was conducted in only 1 nephrology clinic in the province of Quebec with French-speaking patients. Consequently, the results may not be generalizable to other populations, including ethnic minorities. The use of kidneys with lower longevity for preemptive kidney transplantation appears to be an interesting option for elderly kidney transplant candidates. However, patient information and participation in the decision-making process are essential. Moreover, organ donation organizations and transplant programs should develop a separate waitlist for transplant candidates who have preconsented to receive organ offers of deceased donor kidneys with lower longevity. Not registered.

Immunology Status of Patients During Kidney Transplant.

The immunology status of a patient has a crucial role in kidney transplant. We investigated the effectiveness of a desensitization protocol, guided by the immunology status of patients, for kidney transplant candidates. Antibody screening for human leukocyte antigens was conducted with the Luminex single-antigen microsphere bead assay method for 34 patients from June 2021 to June 2022. Donor human leukocyte antigen genotypes at 8 loci (A*, B*, С*, DRB1*, DQA1*, DQB1*, DPA1*, and DPB1*) were determined, to correlate the specificities of recipient human leukocyte antigen antibodies with donor antigens and identify unacceptable donor antigen combinations. Specialized immunology studies measured panel reactive antibody levels and human leukocyte antigen class I and class II antibodies. A crossmatch compatibility test using complementdependent cytotoxicity was conducted. Of the 34 patients, 10 completed all 3 stages of the desensitization therapy. Most patients experienced decreased sensitization to human leukocyte antigen class I and class II antibodies. Two patients achieved complete clearance of A1 and DQ5 antibodies, respectively, whereas 1 patient exhibited an increase in donor-specific antibody mean fluorescence intensity. Prior to desensitization therapy, the crossmatch compatibility test yielded positive results with T and B lymphocytes. After completing the therapy, the crossmatch test showed negative results in 4 cases with T lymphocytes and positive results with B lymphocytes. Plasmapheresis sessions effectively reduced circulating antibodies. However, the combination of rituximab and plasmapheresis alone did not achieve a negative crossmatch test required for kidney transplant. It is crucial to assess the reduction of donor-specific antibody quantity, considering both the percentage and the mean fluorescence intensity. To avoid false-positive results in crossmatch analysis, drug half-life must be considered. Laboratories should have various crossmatch techniques, such as flow cytometry and single-antigen microsphere bead assay technology, available for research and urgent cases that require crossmatch analysis.

External Validation of Proposed American Heart Association Algorithm for Cardiovascular Screening Before Kidney Transplantation.

Screening for cardiovascular disease is currently recommended before kidney transplantation. The present study aimed to validate the proposed algorithm by the American Heart Association (AHA-2022) considering cardiovascular findings and outcomes in kidney transplant candidates, and to compare AHA-2022 with the previous recommendation (AHA-2012). We applied the 2 screening algorithms to an observational cohort of kidney transplant candidates (n=529) who were already extensively screened for coronary heart disease by referral to cardiac computed tomography between 2014 and 2019. The cohort was divided into 3 groups as per the AHA-2022 algorithm, or into 2 groups as per AHA-2012. Outcomes were degree of coronary heart disease, revascularization rate following screening, major adverse cardiovascular events, and all-cause death. Using the AHA-2022 algorithm, 69 (13%) patients were recommended for cardiology referral, 315 (60%) for cardiac screening, and 145 (27%) no further screening. More patients were recommended cardiology referral or screening compared with the AHA-2012 (73% versus 53%; P<0.0001). Patients recommended cardiology referral or cardiac screening had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR], 5.5 [95% CI, 2.8-10.8]; and HR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2-3.9]) and all-cause death (HR, 12.0 [95% [CI, 4.6-31.4]; and HR, 5.3 [95% CI, 2.1-13.3]) compared with patients recommended no further screening, and were more often revascularized following initial screening (20% versus 7% versus 0.7%; P<0.001). The AHA-2022 algorithm allocates more patients for cardiac referral and screening compared with AHA-2012. Furthermore, the AHA-2022 algorithm effectively discriminates between kidney transplant candidates at high, intermediate, and low risk with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause death.

Wait Time Advantage for Transplant Candidates With HIV Who Accept Kidneys From Donors With HIV Under the HOPE Act.

Kidney transplant (KT) candidates with HIV face higher mortality on the waitlist compared with candidates without HIV. Because the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act has expanded the donor pool to allow donors with HIV (D + ), it is crucial to understand whether this has impacted transplant rates for this population. Using a linkage between the HOPE in Action trial (NCT03500315) and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we identified 324 candidates listed for D + kidneys (HOPE) compared with 46 025 candidates not listed for D + kidneys (non-HOPE) at the same centers between April 26, 2018, and May 24, 2022. We characterized KT rate, KT type (D + , false-positive [FP; donor with false-positive HIV testing], D - [donor without HIV], living donor [LD]) and quantified the association between HOPE enrollment and KT rate using multivariable Cox regression with center-level clustering; HOPE was a time-varying exposure. HOPE candidates were more likely male individuals (79% versus 62%), Black (73% versus 35%), and publicly insured (71% versus 52%; P < 0.001). Within 4.5 y, 70% of HOPE candidates received a KT (41% D + , 34% D - , 20% FP, 4% LD) versus 43% of non-HOPE candidates (74% D - , 26% LD). Conversely, 22% of HOPE candidates versus 39% of non-HOPE candidates died or were removed from the waitlist. Median KT wait time was 10.3 mo for HOPE versus 60.8 mo for non-HOPE candidates ( P < 0.001). After adjustment, HOPE candidates had a 3.30-fold higher KT rate (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.30, 95% confidence interval, 2.14-5.10; P < 0.001). Listing for D + kidneys within HOPE trials was associated with a higher KT rate and shorter wait time, supporting the expansion of this practice for candidates with HIV.

COVID-19 and Access to Kidney Transplantation for Older Candidates in the United States: A National Registry Study

Rationale & ObjectiveCOVID-19 has likely impacted accessibility to transplantation services among older adults (age ≥65). We quantified the impact of COVID-19 on kidney transplantation access for older kidney-only candidates registered on the US kidney waitlist. Study DesignRetrospective analysis of registry data Setting & Participants57,222 older adults who were part of or added to the US kidney waitlist between 1/1/2016-2/28/2022, identified using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). ExposuresFour COVID-19 waves and one non-wave period based on the national incidence of COVID-19 in the United States (Initial: 3/15/20-5/31/20; winter 2020-21: 12/1/20-1/31/21; delta: 8/1/21-9/30; omicron: 12/1/21-2/28/22; non-wave: inter-wave periods) OutcomesWaitlist registrations, deceased-donor kidney transplants, living-donor kidney transplants, waitlist mortality, and waitlist removals due to deteriorating condition (hereafter referred to as removals) Analytical ApproachPoisson regression for the adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) of each outcome during the COVID-19 waves and the non-wave period relative to reference [1/1/16-12/31/19], adjusted for seasonality and secular trends. ResultsWaitlist registrations initially declined, and increased henceforth. Deceased donor kidney transplants and living donor kidney transplants remained below expected during all waves. Waitlist mortality peaked during the winter 2020-21 wave (aIRR: 1.701.982.30) and has declined since; mortality rates were 139%, 107%, and 251% above expected for Black candidates, men, and candidates aged ≥75 years, respectively, during the winter 2020-21 wave. Removals increased from 22% below expected (initial wave) to 26% above expected (omicron wave); removals were non-significantly higher than expected during the omicron wave for older Black and Hispanic candidates. LimitationsThe findings are not generalizable to those listed at earlier ages with prolonged waitlist times. Additionally, using national COVID-19 incidence doesn’t consider local policy and healthcare variations. Lastly, aIRRs must be interpreted cautiously due to smaller daily event counts. ConclusionsCOVID-19 was associated with fewer transplants, and increased mortality and removals in older kidney transplant candidates. Transplant providers should consider this impact and implement policies and practices to ensure the continuity of care.

Panel reactive antibody level according to history of blood transfusion and pregnancy in kidney transplant candidate

Panel reactive antibody level according to history of blood transfusion and pregnancy in kidney transplant candidate

The Determinants and Consequences of Living Donor Discussion Direction.

Introduction: Living donor discussions in which kidney transplant candidates discuss living kidney donation with their social network are an important step in the living donor kidney transplant process. No prior research has investigated whether who initiates discussion or influences evaluation agreement rates or how these processes may contribute to disparities. Research Questions: This study aimed to determine how common candidate- and potential-donor-initiated discussions were, at what rate each discussion type resulted in agreement to be evaluated for living donation, and what sociodemographic characteristics predicted living donor discussion and agreements. Design: A 2015 cross-sectional survey at a single, large Southeastern US transplant center measured kidney transplant candidates' social networks, including whether they had a donor discussion, who initiated it, and whether the discussion resulted in the donor evaluation agreement. Candidate-network member pairs' probability of having a candidate-initiated discussion, potential-living donor-initiated discussion, or no discussions were compared in multinomial logistic regression, and the probability of the discussion resulted in evaluation agreement was evaluated in multinomial logistic regression. Results: Sixty-six kidney transplant candidates reported on 1421 social network members. Most (80%) candidate/network-member pairs did not have a living donor discussion, with candidate-initiated discussions (11%) slightly more common than potential-donor-initiated discussions (10%). Evaluation agreement was much more common for potential-donor-initiated (72%) than for candidate-initiated discussions (39%). Potential-donor-initiated discussions were more common for White candidates (16%) than for Black candidates (7%). Conclusion: Potential-donor-initiated discussions resulted in evaluation agreement much more frequently than candidate-initiated discussions. This dynamic may contribute to racial living donation disparities.

Comparative analysis of Basiliximab and Alemtuzumab induction therapies in blood type A2-to-B kidney transplantation: Impact on kidney function and de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies

PurposeBlood group B kidney transplant candidates have lower transplantation rates and longer waiting times compared to other blood groups. Kidney transplantation from blood group A2-to-B has offered a solution for these patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Basiliximab and Alemtuzumab induction therapies on kidney function and de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) in blood type A2-to-B kidney transplant recipients within the first 12 months of post-transplant. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 110 consecutive A2-to-B kidney transplant recipients between January 2015 and December 2022. Of these, 46 (41.8%) received Basiliximab, while 64 (58.2%) received Alemtuzumab as induction therapy. Demographics and comorbidities data were collected and compared between the two groups. Serum samples collected at 4- and 12-month intervals post-transplant were used to assess the presence of de novo DSA. Kidney allograft function was evaluated by monitoring serum creatinine levels and assessing Creatinine Clearance based on 24-h urine collection at various time points. ResultsDuring the follow-up period, 20.00% of patients who received Alemtuzumab developed de novo DSA, whereas none of the patients induced with Basiliximab developed de novo DSA (p = 0.038). Recipients who received Basiliximab were older (mean age = 72.00) and received higher Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) kidneys (mean = 75) compared to those induced with Alemtuzumab (mean age = 58.00, mean KDPI = 49) (p < 0.001), with no significant difference observed in the last follow-up creatinine clearance or creatinine levels between the two groups (p = 0.28). ConclusionThe use of Basiliximab as induction immunosuppression in A2-to-B kidney transplant recipients is associated with a lower incidence of de novo HLA DSA formation without significant differences in overall renal function compared to Alemtuzumab.

Prevalence of osteoporosis and factors associated with bone density in HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donor

Background: Studies show a high prevalence of osteoporosis and fracture risk in kidney transplant candidates and recipients. However, little is known about the prevalence of osteoporosis among transplant recipients and candidates living with HIV. Objective: To determine the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis and investigate the socio-demographic and nutritional factors associated with BMD in HIV-positive transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donor. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 20 HIV- positive transplant recipients and 36 transplant candidates on haemodialysis (HD) and awaiting transplantation had BMD and body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Vitamin D status was measured using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Dietary Vitamin D and calcium intake was obtained from a single 24-hour recall. Results: Participants were mainly black African (92.9%), male (55.4%) with a mean age of 43.8 ± 8.3 years. Serum 25(OH)D levels were low for the group as a whole, with a mean of 22.04 ± 12.74 ng/ml. Osteoporosis was more prevalent amongst transplant recipients (20.0%) than transplant candidates (13.9%). Conversely, osteopenia was present amongst transplant candidates (27.8%). T-scores strongly correlated positively, with lean mass and BMD of the spine (r = 0.707, p = 0.007), and moderately, with each side of the total hip BMD (r = 0.455, p = 0.007 and r = 0.420, p = 0.007). There was a significant positive association between dietary calcium and all BMD sites in transplant recipients only. Conclusion: The prevalence of osteoporosis was similar, and in some cases, lower than in transplant recipients elsewhere. Lean mass was positively associated with BMD, and in transplant recipients, dietary calcium intake was positively associated with BMD emphasising the role of diet and exercise in preserving BMD.

Abdominal computed tomography measurements of body composition and waitlist mortality in kidney transplant candidates

Body mass index is often used to determine kidney transplant (KT) candidacy. However, this measure of body composition (BC) has several limitations, including the inability to accurately capture dry weight. Objective computed tomography (CT)-based measures may improve pre-KT risk stratification and capture physiological aging more accurately. We quantified the association between CT-based BC measurements and waitlist mortality in a retrospective study of 828 KT candidates (2010-2022) with clinically obtained CT scans using adjusted competing risk regression. In total, 42.5% of candidates had myopenia, 11.4% had myopenic obesity (MO), 68.8% had myosteatosis, 24.8% had sarcopenia (probable = 11.2%, confirmed = 10.5%, and severe = 3.1%), and 8.6% had sarcopenic obesity. Myopenia, MO, and sarcopenic obesity were not associated with mortality. Patients with myosteatosis (adjusted subhazard ratio [aSHR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-2.45; after confounder adjustment) or sarcopenia (probable: aSHR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.10-2.88; confirmed: aSHR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.01-2.82; and severe: aSHR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.12-5.66; after full adjustment) were at increased risk of mortality. When stratified by age, MO (aSHR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.28-3.83; P interaction = .005) and myosteatosis (aSHR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.18-3.21; P interaction = .038) were associated with elevated risk only among candidates <65 years. MO was only associated with waitlist mortality among frail candidates (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.28-5.05; P interaction = .021). Transplant centers should consider using BC metrics in addition to body mass index when a CT scan is available to improve pre-KT risk stratification at KT evaluation.