Outcome Of Kidney Transplantation In Patients Research Articles

Effect of post-transplant glycemic control on long-term clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients with diabetic nephropathy: A multicenter cohort study in Korea

PurposeDiabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end stage renal disease. The number of kidney transplantation (KT) due to diabetic nephropathy is increasing and there is debate on glycemic control after KT. In this study, we used a multi-center database to determine the relationship between post-transplant glycemic control and the outcomes of KT in patients with diabetic nephropathy.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with diabetic nephropathy from three tertiary hospitals to analyze the association between post-transplant glycemic control and the clinical outcomes of graft failure, including patient death and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR). We assessed time-averaged glucose level and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for 36 months after KT.ResultsAmong 3,538 KTRs, a total of 476 patients received kidney transplantation because of diabetic nephropathy. Mean time-averaged glucose and HbA1c levels were 147 ± 46 mg/dl and 7.7 ± 1.5%, respectively. Patients with diabetic nephropathy had poor graft and patient survival rate compared with non-diabetic nephropathy. Among KTRs with diabetic nephropathy, the highest quartile of time-averaged glucose was related to poor graft outcomes and the 3rd quartile of time-averaged HbA1c was associated with significantly better graft outcomes than the 1st, 2nd or 4th quartiles. There were no significant differences in the risk of BPAR across the 4 quartiles of glucose and HbA1c.ConclusionsStrict glycemic control before KT might not be related to successful outcomes but poor glycemic control after KT is associated with poor graft outcomes. There was no significant relationship between pre- or post-transplant glycemic control and BPAR.

Renal outcome after kidney-transplantation in Korean patients with lupus nephritis.

We investigated renal outcome of kidney-transplantation in 19 Korean recipients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis and compared it with 18 Korean age- and gender-matched recipients without lupus nephritis who were diagnosed with end-stage renal disease caused by renal diseases other than lupus nephritis in a single centre. We reviewed histological findings of kidneys and calculated cumulative dose of immunosuppressive agents. We assessed renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus, recurrence of lupus nephritis and graft failure as prognosis. The mean age of recipients with lupus nephritis was 43.5 years and all patients were female. Six patients had class III, 10 had class IV and three had class V. There were no meaningful differences in demographic data, renal replacement modality, cumulative doses of immunosuppressants and prognosis between recipients with and without lupus nephritis. Eight patients experienced renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus, but there were no cases of recurrence of lupus nephritis or graft failure in recipients with lupus nephritis. Kidney-recipients with class IV lupus nephritis exhibited a lower cumulative renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus free survival rate than those with class III lupus nephritis. In conclusion, renal outcome of kidney-transplantation in patients with lupus nephritis is similar to that in those without lupus nephritis, and class IV was associated with renal flare of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Long-term Clinical Outcomes of First and Second Kidney Transplantation in Patients With Biopsy-Proven IgA Nephropathy

IntroductionThe recurrence of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) after kidney transplantation (KT) has an effect on graft survival, but there are few reports about long-term clinical outcomes of KT with recurrent IgAN. This study shows the long-term clinical outcomes of KT in patients with IgAN. MethodsAll recipients who had biopsy-proven IgAN were followed from February 1990 to February 2016. We analyzed overall graft and patient survival rates, incidence of recurrent IgAN, factors affecting graft survival, and IgAN recurrence. ResultsThere were 88 patients with first KT. The mean follow-up duration was 82.5 months. Twenty patients went through graft loss and 1 patient died due to sepsis. IgAN recurred in 15 patients, and 11 patients experienced graft failure. Among the patients who had failed graft after first KT, 7 patients underwent retransplantation. The graft survival period, presence of rejection, and proteinuria were the relevant risk factors for recurrence of IgAN. In the first KT patients, presence of rejection and 1-year serum creatinine were the significant risk factors for graft loss. But recurrence of IgAN was not a relevant risk factor. Overall graft survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 93.8% and 73.1% in the first transplantation group and 100% and 100% in the retransplantation group, respectively. ConclusionAlthough IgAN recurrence was a significant risk factor for graft failure, the patient who underwent retransplantation showed favorable results. Retransplantation should be considered in patients who lost their first graft after recurrence of IgAN.

Outcome of Kidney Transplant in Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis.

Kidney transplant outcomes in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis are comparable with outcomes in patients transplanted for other causes. Here, we report our single center experience of kidney transplant in patients with this condition and a pooled analysis of published studies. This retrospective study included all patients with end-stage kidney disease secondary to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis who received a kidney transplant between 1987 and 2013 in the East of Scotland. We examined patient and graft survival and disease recurrence after transplant. We also performed a pooled analysis of published literature. We identified 24 patients who received a total of 31 kidney allografts. Median age at first transplant was 45.5 years (range, 18-68 y), and median follow-up after transplant was 60 months (range, 0.5-226 mo). All patients were positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (71% by proteinase 3 and 29% by myeloperoxidase) at diagnosis. Patient survival at 1 and 5 years was 92% and 88%, with corresponding death-censored allograft survival of 93% and 71%. Overall patient and allograft relapse rates were 0.022 and 0.016 relapse/patient-years. The pooled analysis comprised 20 studies (1169 patients). Patient/graft survival ranged from 64% to 80%/77% to 100% at 5 years and from 60% to 100%/59% to 84% at 10 years. Relapse rate was significantly higher in patients with positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody at transplant (14% vs 5%; P = .042). Our experience shows that kidney transplant remains a safe option for patients with end-stage kidney disease secondary to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Disease relapse posttransplant is uncommon and associated with pretransplant relapse. Pooled analyses suggest that relapse rate is higher in patients with positive antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody at transplant. Multicenter registry data are needed to define renal outcome predictors in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

Kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease secondary to familial Mediterranean fever.

Although kidney transplantation (KT) is widely used for treating renal amyloidosis secondary to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), data concerning transplant outcome are limited and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of KT in patients with amyloidosis secondary to FMF. Kidney transplantation outcome in 24 patients with FMF was compared to that in 72 controls matched for age, gender of recipient, and type of the donor that underwent KT due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) not caused by FMF. Mean follow-up time was 80.3 ± 55.1 months in the FMF group, vs. 86.5 ± 47.6 months in the control group. Death-censored graft survival at five and 10 yr in the FMF group was 95.8% and 78.4%, respectively, and was comparable to that in the control group. In the FMF group, five- and 10-yr patient survival (87.5 and 65.6%) was shorter than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The findings show that long-term outcome of KT in the patients with amyloidosis secondary to FMF was comparable to that in patients with ESRD not caused by FMF. Recurrence of amyloidosis in the allograft, gastrointestinal intolerance, and fatal infections remain as major complications during the post-transplant period.

Juicing Tregs in situ to improve kidney allograft outcomes

Targeted deletion of the sirtuin-1, Sirt-1, gene in mouse T cells results in enhanced CD4(+) T regulatory cell function. When these mice are used as kidney allograft recipients, this deletion confers marked improvements in allograft function and survival with the development of donor-specific nonresponsiveness. Similar kidney allograft outcomes are produced in wild-type recipients treated with pharmacologic Sirt-1 inhibitors. These studies suggest a novel strategy for enhancing the immunosuppressive function of Tregs to improve graft outcomes in kidney transplant patients.

Effects of Ideal Versus Total Body Weight Dosage of Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin on Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Patients With High Immunologic Risk.

The optimal dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients with high immunologic risk lacks consensus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using ideal body weight rather than total body weight for the weight-based dose calculations in this patient population. Data were retrospectively collected on 89 adult patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction therapy for high immunologic risk kidney transplant. Hospital protocol changed from the use of cumulative rabbit antithymocyte globulin doses of 7.5 mg/kg total body weight to 7.5 mg/kg ideal body weight in 2009. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts based on the amount of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (in mg/kg total body weight) received. Rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection, patient survival, and allograft function were evaluated at 90 days and 1 year after transplant. Cost of induction therapy was also evaluated. Baseline demographics were predominantly similar between the 2 cohorts. No significant difference in maintenance immunosuppression was identified. Rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection at 90 days and 1 year were similar between ideal and total body weight cohorts (4.2% vs 0% at 90 days, P = .5; 8.7% vs 0% at 1 year, P = .13). Patient survival and allograft function were also similar. Median cost of rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction therapy per patient was lower in the ideal body weight cohort, but this difference was not statistically significant ($17 542 vs $19 934; P = .3). Our results suggest that use of ideal body weight for dose calculations of rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction therapy in high immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients at 7.5 mg/kg results in low rates of acute rejection with a safety profile similar to that shown with a total body weight dosage. Use of ideal body weight for lower cumulative doses may still need further evaluation in this patient population.

Levels of Indoxyl Sulfate in Kidney Transplant Patients, and the Relationship With Hard Outcomes.

Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a protein-bound uremic toxin that is known to be associated with the risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and death in both predialysis and dialysis patients. Data on levels of protein-bound uremic toxins in kidney transplant patients are scarce. The study's objective was to evaluate the levels of IS in kidney transplant patients and the relationship with hard outcomes. In 311 kidney transplant patients, IS levels were measured immediately before transplantation (T0), and 1 month (M1) and 12 months (M12) afterwards. Over a mean±standard deviation follow-up period of 113±29 months, a total of 55 deaths, 70 CV events and 71 graft losses were recorded. We observed a rapid significant decrease (below or near the normal value) in IS levels after kidney transplantation. Total and free IS levels at M12 were significantly higher in non-transplant patients than in transplant patients (P=0.003 and <0.0001 respectively), despite having similar estimated glomerular filtration rates. Lastly, IS levels were not associated with overall mortality, CV events or graft loss at T0, M1 or M12. IS levels were significantly lower in kidney transplant receipts than in non-recipients suggesting that kidney transplantation protects against an increase in IS levels. IS levels were not associated with hard outcomes in kidney transplant patients. (Circ J 2016; 80: 722-730).

Kidney transplant outcomes in patients with CPRA values [formula omitted] 99% after the implementation of the new OPTN/UNOS kidney allocation system (KAS) – A single center study

Aim Sensitized patients have prolonged wait times and a greater incidence of death while on the waiting list. On December 4, 2014, OPTN/UNOS activated a new KAS for deceased donors (DD) that gives priority at the regional level to candidates with calculated panel reactive antibody (CPRA) value = 99% and at the national level to patients with CPRA = 100%. Transplants performed at our center under the new KAS were reviewed to assess early outcomes. Methods Single center, retrospective data review of patients with CPRA values > 98% transplanted between December 4, 2014 and April 30, 2015. Results We performed 51 DD kidney transplants since the new KAS. 24 crossmatches were performed on patients with CPRA > 98%, 13 crossmatches were reported as compatible and 8 patients were transplanted. Characteristics of the patient cohort are detailed in Table 1. Majority of the patients were multiparous women and had history of blood transfusions. Seven patients (87.5%) have functioning grafts at median follow up of 94 (52,128) days. One patient had primary non-function. One patient developed a weak anti-HLA class I DSA that resolved subsequently. None of the patients had rejection episodes. Conclusion At our center, since the new KAS was implemented, 8 highly sensitized patients were quickly transplanted with excellent short term outcomes and without early rejection episodes. Long-term follow-up is needed to understand the consequences of this new KAS. Download : Download full-size image

Evaluation of the Effect of Tofacitinib Exposure on Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Patients

Tofacitinib fixed-dose regimens attained better kidney function and comparable efficacy to cyclosporine (CsA) in kidney transplant patients, albeit with increased risks of certain adverse events. This post-hoc analysis evaluated whether a patient subgroup with an acceptable risk-benefit profile could be identified. Tofacitinib exposure was a statistically significant predictor of serious infection rate. One-hundred and eighty six kidney transplant patients were re-categorized to above-median (AME) or below-median (BME) exposure groups. The 6-month biopsy-proven acute rejection rates in AME, BME and CsA groups were 7.8%, 15.7% and 17.7%, respectively. Measured glomerular filtration rate was higher in AME and BME groups versus CsA (61.2 and 67.9 vs. 53.9 mL/min) at Month 12. Fewer patients developed interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) at Month 12 in AME (20.5%) and BME (27.8%) groups versus CsA (48.3%). Serious infections occurred more frequently in the AME group (53.0%) than in BME (28.4%) or CsA (25.5%) groups. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) only occurred in the AME group. In kidney transplant patients, the BME group preserved the clinical advantage of comparable acute rejection rates, improved renal function and a lower incidence of IF/TA versus CsA, and with similar rates of serious infection and no PTLD.

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Admissions in Those With Kidney Transplant - Nationwide Trends and Outcomes.

Background: ST-Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) incidence is declining in general population attributable to primary prevention. Though cardiovascular disease is common in kidney transplant patients, impact of prevention practices on incidence and outcomes of STEMI in them is unknown. We looked at incidence and outcomes of kidney transplant patients admitted with STEMI. Methods: From Nationwide Inpatient Sample, admissions for primary diagnosis of non-elective STEMI from 2005-2010 were estimated for kidney transplant recipients and general population. Those on maintenance dialysis were excluded. Incidence of STEMI admissions was calculated using data from USRDS and US Census. Age-adjusted incidence rates were compared using linear regression. Differences in acute kidney injury (AKI), mortality and adjusted risk factors for mortality were evaluated. Results: Of estimated 1,060,307(95%CI:998,082-1,122,531) STEMI admissions, 1,325 (0.1%) were kidney transplant recipients. Kidney transplant recipients were younger, more often male, non-white, with public payer and admitted more to teaching hospitals. Incidence of STEMI was higher in kidney transplant recipients(143.6 vs 80.5 per 105 with incidence rate ratio 1.78;95%CI:1.78-1.79). Age-adjusted incidence of STEMI declined in general population. A similar trend was seen in kidney transplant recipients, but was not statistical significant(Fig 1). Prevalence of AKI needing dialysis was higher in kidney transplant group(3.6% vs 0.4%;p<0.001) and that of percutaneous interventions was lower(60.6% vs 67.8%;p=0.01). There was a trend towards increased mortality in kidney transplant admissions(9.9% vs 7.0%; p=0.06). On adjusted analysis, odds of mortality were higher in kidney transplant recipients(OR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.52-3.58). Conclusions: Incidence of STEMI admissions continues to be higher in those with kidney transplant. Those with kidney transplant are more likely to develop AKI and have higher mortality.Figure: No Caption available.

Parathyroid hormone and clinical outcome in kidney transplant patients with optimal transplant function.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, graft loss, or mortality in kidney transplant patients with optimal transplant function. From the Norwegian Renal Registry, we identified 522 patients who received a first kidney transplant from 2001 to 2008 with optimal transplant function defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, more than one yr after transplantation. Cox's proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between iPTH measured 10 wk after transplantation and the composite endpoint. The estimates were adjusted for age, gender, serum calcium, serum phosphate, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and time on dialysis prior to transplantation. Median follow-up time was 3.9 yr (interquartile range, IQR: 2.0-6.0 yr). Patients in the third iPTH quartile (9.3-14.4 pM) had the lowest risk for reaching the composite endpoint. Patients in the fourth iPTH quartile (>14.4 pM) had an increased risk compared to those in the third quartile (HR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.10-6.16, p=0.03). In patients with optimal transplant function, iPTH levels are associated with a clinical outcome consisting of cardiovascular events, graft loss, and all-cause mortality.

Three-year outcomes in kidney transplant patients randomized to steroid-free immunosuppression or steroid withdrawal, with enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium and cyclosporine: the infinity study.

In a six-month, multicenter, open-label trial, de novo kidney transplant recipients at low immunological risk were randomized to steroid avoidance or steroid withdrawal with IL-2 receptor antibody (IL-2RA) induction, enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS: 2160 mg/day to week 6, 1440 mg/day thereafter), and cyclosporine. Results from a 30-month observational follow-up study are presented. Of 166 patients who completed the core study on treatment, 131 entered the follow-up study (70 steroid avoidance, 61 steroid withdrawal). The primary efficacy endpoint of treatment failure (clinical biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) graft loss, death, or loss to follow-up) occurred in 21.4% (95% CI 11.8–31.0%) of steroid avoidance patients and 16.4% (95% CI 7.1–25.7%) of steroid withdrawal patients by month 36 (P = 0.46). BPAR had occurred in 20.0% and 11.5%, respectively (P = 0.19). The incidence of adverse events with a suspected relation to steroids during months 6–36 was 22.9% versus 37.1% (P = 0.062). By month 36, 32.4% and 51.7% of patients in the steroid avoidance and steroid withdrawal groups, respectively, were receiving oral steroids. In conclusion, IL-2RA induction with early intensified EC-MPS dosing and CNI therapy in de novo kidney transplant patients at low immunological risk may achieve similar three-year efficacy regardless of whether oral steroids are withheld for at least three months.

A Functional Common Polymorphism of the ABCB1 Gene Is Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension in Chinese

Permeability glycoprotein is encoded by the ATP-binding cassette B1 gene (ABCB1) and is an extruder of toxic metabolites in the kidney. A functional common polymorphism (C3435T, rs1045642) in the human ABCB1 gene has been found to be associated with allograft outcome in kidney transplant patients. In this study, we investigated the association of the C3435T polymorphism with renal function and blood pressure (BP) in 2 Chinese populations. The discovery and replication populations were recruited from a mountainous area (Zhejiang Province) and a newly urbanized suburban area (Shanghai), respectively. We genotyped all subjects using the ABI SNapShot method. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min × 1.73 m(2) or 24-hour urinary albumin excretion ≥30 mg. In the discovery population of 1,987 subjects, after adjustment for covariables, TT homozygosity (n = 217) was associated with a higher risk of CKD (n = 369; odds ratio (OR) = 1.73; P = 0.003) and with higher systolic BP (+3.1 mm Hg; P = 0.03) and pulse pressure (+3.4 mm Hg; P = 0.001). These associations were dependent on age (Pint ≤ 0.05). In subjects aged ≥60 years (n = 374), the corresponding OR or difference was 2.40 for CKD, 15.1 mm Hg for systolic BP, and 12.4 mm Hg for pulse pressure (P < 0.001). In similar adjusted analyses in the replication population of 2,427 elderly (≥60 years) subjects, TT homozygosity was also associated with a higher risk of CKD (OR = 1.39; P = 0.02) and an enhanced association of hypertension with CKD (OR = 1.50; P = 0.04). The ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism might predict CKD, especially in the elderly.

Identification of Factors Affecting Tacrolimus Level and 5‐Year Clinical Outcome in Kidney Transplant Patients

The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the association of various clinical variables and CYP3A5 genotypes with the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus and outcome over 1-5 years in kidney transplantation patients in Korea. A total of 129 recipients (aged 18-65 years) administered tacrolimus were genotyped for CYP3A5 (6986A>G in intron 3; rs776746). Clinical covariates and trough levels, doses and dose-adjusted trough levels of tacrolimus, as well as complications during the 1-5 years after transplantation, were analysed. A linear mixed model was used to investigate potential factors affecting the trough levels, doses and dose-adjusted levels of tacrolimus. We identified factors affecting chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) and tacrolimus-related complications. After adjusting for sex, body-weight and doses of corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil, we noted that CYP3A5 genotypes had the most profound effect on the dose and dose-adjusted trough levels of tacrolimus 1-5 years after transplantation (p < 0.001). Trough levels of tacrolimus were associated with post-transplantation hyperlipidaemia (p < 0.05), and estimated glomerular filtration rate was associated with CAN (p < 0.05). Therefore, the CYP3A5 genotype is a variable marker for tacrolimus dose requirement, and the trough level of tacrolimus should be controlled to minimize post-transplant hyperlipidaemia to achieve optimum outcome.

Potential Differences in Kidney Allograft Outcomes Between Ethnicities When Converting to Sirolimus Base Immunosuppression

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether ethnicity impacts graft outcomes in kidney transplant patients converted to sirolimus (SRL) and maintained on either calcineurin inhibitors (CI) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with steroids. Methods This study analyzed kidney transplants converted to SRL and transplanted between July 1991 and April 2007. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1: African-Americans converted to SRL + CI; group 2: non-African-Americans converted to SRL + CI; group 3: African-Americans converted to SRL + MMF; group 4: non-African-Americans converted to SRL + MMF. Results A total of 242 patients was included. Demographics, baseline immunosuppression, and reason for SRL conversion were similar among groups. Patients converted to SRL + CI regimens had significantly higher rates of acute rejection before SRL conversion, but equal rates after conversion. Development of proteinuria was similar across groups. African-American patients converted to SRL + MMF tended to have poorer outcomes compared with African-American patients converted to SRL + CI. Non-African-American patients converted to SRL + MMF tended to have better graft outcomes compared with non-African-American patients converted to SRL + CI. Conclusions African-Americans converted to SRL may benefit from continued CI, whereas non-African-Americans converted to SRL seem to have better outcomes with MMF. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Kidney Transplantation: A Systematic Review of Interventional and Observational Studies of Physical Activity on Intermediate Outcomes

Kidney transplant patients have decreased quality and longevity of life. Whether exercise can positively affect associated outcomes such as physical functioning, metabolic syndrome, kidney function, and immune function, has only been addressed in relatively small studies. Thus the aim of this systematic review was to determine effects of physical activity level on these intermediate outcomes in kidney transplant patients. We electronically and hand searched to identify 21 studies (6 retrospective assessments of habitual physical activity and 15 intervention studies including 6 controlled trials). After study quality assessment, intermediate outcomes associated with quality and longevity of life were expressed as correlations or percentage changes in addition to effect sizes. Habitual physical activity level was positively associated with quality of life and aerobic fitness and negatively associated with body fat (medium to large effect sizes). Exercise interventions also showed medium to large positive effects on aerobic capacity (10%-114% increase) and muscle strength (10%-22% increase). However, exercise programs had minimal or contradictory effects on metabolic syndrome and immune and kidney function. In kidney transplant patients, physical activity intervention is warranted to enhance physical functioning. Whether exercise impacts on outcomes associated with longevity of life requires further study.

Effect of fluvastatin on cardiac outcomes in kidney transplant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A randomized placebo‐controlled study

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with or without end-stage renal failure, are at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Although statin therapy has been found to reduce cardiovascular risk in the general population, its effectiveness in kidney transplant recipients with SLE has not been examined. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of fluvastatin on cardiac end points in a randomized controlled trial of renal transplant patients with SLE. Patients with SLE were identified from among participants in the Assessment of Lescol in Renal Transplantation trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of fluvastatin (40-80 mg/day) on cardiovascular outcomes in renal transplant recipients. Patients were randomized to either a group receiving fluvastatin or a placebo group for the duration of the 5-6-year trial, and then invited to continue in a 2-year open-label extension during which all participants, regardless of original group, received fluvastatin. Patients were followed up for a total of 7-8 years for assessment of the primary end point of major cardiac events, comprising nonfatal myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and coronary intervention procedures. Fluvastatin reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 29.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18.3-40%), from a mean +/- SD of 4.0 +/- 0.9 mmoles/liter to 2.8 +/- 1.1 mmoles/liter, and total cholesterol by 19.6% (95% CI 11.7-27.5%), from 6.4 +/- 0.9 mmoles/liter to 5.1 +/- 1.1 mmoles/liter. Compared with placebo-treated patients, patients randomized to receive fluvastatin exhibited a 73.4% reduction in the risk of major cardiac events (relative risk 26.6 [95% CI 5.9-119.4], P = 0.064). Our results indicate that the effect of fluvastatin on cardiac events in renal transplant recipients with SLE is similar to that observed with statin therapy in the renal transplant population as a whole.

Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Patients With Fabry Disease

Fabry disease is a rare but important cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among young men. Postkidney transplantation outcomes among patients with Fabry disease remain controversial. Using data from Organ Procurement Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing, 197 kidney transplant recipients with ESRD because of Fabry disease from 1987 to 2007 were identified. We compared rates of graft loss and death with those of kidney transplant recipients with other (non-Fabry) causes of ESRD. Fabry patients were then compared with a 10:1 matched cohort of transplant recipients with other causes of ESRD. Five-year graft survival was superior among Fabry patients (74%) compared with those with other causes of ESRD (69%), but was similar to those in the matched cohort (P=0.64). Five-year patient survival among Fabry patients (81%) was similar to those with other causes of ESRD (P=0.33), but was inferior to the matched cohort (90%). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that Fabry patients had a 40% lower risk of returning to dialysis compared with both matched and unmatched cohorts, but had a higher risk of death (2.15; 1.52-3.02) compared with the matched cohort. This analysis of 197 kidney transplant recipients with Fabry indicates that they have superior graft survival and similar patient survival compared with patients with other causes of ESRD. However, Fabry patients had a higher risk of death compared with a matched cohort of patients with other causes of ESRD. This requires further investigation and may suggest a need for further attention to the minimization of cardiovascular death in this group of patients.

Outcomes of kidney transplantation in children with nephronophthisis: An analysis of the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies (NAPRTCS) Registry

NPHP is an autosomal recessive chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy that progresses to ESRD. In the 2006 NAPRTCS report, NPHP was the primary diagnosis in 2.8% of all renal transplant patients. At our pediatric center, that covers a population in which the NPHP1 gene is prevalent, 24% of transplant recipients had a primary diagnosis of NPHP. Since no previous literature reports have documented kidney transplant outcomes in patients with NPHP, a review of the 2006 NAPRTCS database was performed. The results of this review illustrate that patients with NPHP as their underlying kidney disease have a significantly better overall graft survival when compared with all other patients registered in the NAPRTCS database. Sub-analysis demonstrated that this benefit is statistically significant only for LD kidney transplant recipients. CrCl was better in NPHP at all time points from transplant up to five-yr follow-up. Moreover, in NPHP LD transplant recipients the decline of CrCl over five yr was slower compared with non-NPHP LD transplant recipients. Rates of thrombosis, acute, and chronic rejection as well as causes of graft failure were similar in NPHP patients and all other patients. This review demonstrates that NPHP transplant recipients have excellent outcomes that are shown to be better compared with the general pediatric transplant population.