Kidney Transplant Outcomes Research Articles

360.4: Impact of type 2 diabetes and obesity on contemporary adult living donor kidney transplant outcomes – a national cohort study.

360.4: Impact of type 2 diabetes and obesity on contemporary adult living donor kidney transplant outcomes – a national cohort study.

P.017: Comparison of ABO-incompatible kidney transplant outcomes between robot-assisted and open techniques.

P.017: Comparison of ABO-incompatible kidney transplant outcomes between robot-assisted and open techniques.

264.1: Innate allorecognition and clinical kidney transplantation outcomes.

264.1: Innate allorecognition and clinical kidney transplantation outcomes.

P.257: Advances in dialysis treatment may improve kidney transplant outcomes.

P.257: Advances in dialysis treatment may improve kidney transplant outcomes.

Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Amyloidosis: US National Database Study.

We aimed to assess contemporary transplant outcomes among kidney recipients with amyloidosis, as the treatment and prognosis of amyloidosis have shown improvement over time. Using the US Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, we initially evaluated the changes in patient and graft survival among kidney recipients with amyloidosis from 2002 to 2021. We then compared transplant outcomes between recipients with amyloidosis versus those with diabetic and nondiabetic causes of kidney failure, creating 1:4 matches with highly similar characteristics separately for deceased donor kidney transplant (DDKT) and living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) during the last decade (2012-2021). We identified 643 kidney recipients with amyloidosis during 2002-2021. Patient and death-censored graft survival improved over time. In the matching analysis for 207 DDKT and 166 LDKT recipients with amyloidosis during 2012-2021, patient survival was not significantly different between amyloidosis and diabetes groups in both DDKT (log-rank, P = 0.057) and LDKT (P = 0.99). Compared with the nondiabetes group, patient survival in the amyloidosis group was not significantly different for DDKTs (P = 0.56) but was significantly lower for LDKTs (P = 0.04). Death-censored graft failure risk was not significantly different between amyloidosis and diabetes or nondiabetes groups for both DDKTs (P = 0.78 and 0.75) and LDKTs (P = 0.40 and 0.24). In this well-matched cohort study, we found no significant differences in patient and graft survival between kidney recipients with amyloidosis and those with diabetes. Similarly, these outcomes were not significantly different between those with amyloidosis versus nondiabetic causes, except for patient survival of LDKT recipients.

Assessing Patients beyond the Simple Optics of BMI: The Concomitant Role of Sarcopenia and BMI in Predicting Kidney Transplant Outcomes.

Body composition is associated with prognosis in many clinical settings, and patients undergoing kidney transplantation are often high risk with multiple comorbidities. We aimed to assess the effect of sarcopenia and body composition on transplant outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 274 kidney transplants with CT scans within 3 years of transplantation. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the L3 vertebrae was used to evaluate sarcopenia (SMI < 40.31 cm2/m2 in males, <30.88 cm2/m2 in females). Sarcopenia, body mass index (BMI), and the visceral-to-subcutaneous-fat ratio (VSR) were assessed separately. We also used a composite BMI/sarcopenia measurement in four patient groups: BMI < 25/Non-Sarcopenic, BMI < 25/Sarcopenic, BMI > 25/Non-Sarcopenic, and BMI > 25/Sarcopenic. The outcomes measured were eGFR (1 and 3 months; and 1, 3, and 5 years), delayed graft function (DGF), rejection, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and post-operative complications. Sarcopenia was associated with an increased 1-year risk of MACE (OR 3.41, p = 0.036). BMI alone had no effect on function, DGF, MACE, or on other complications. High VSR was associated with a lower risk of DGF (OR 0.473, p = 0.016). When sarcopenia and BMI were assessed together, the BMI > 25/sarcopenic patients had the poorest outcomes, with increased risk of MACE (OR 26.06, p = 0.001); poorer eGFR at 1, 3, 12, and 36 months; (p < 0.05 at all timepoints), and poorer graft survival (p = 0.002). Sarcopenia alone is associated with an increased risk of MACE. Overweight sarcopenic patients are additionally at increased risk of graft loss and have poorer graft function for up to three years.

Long-Term Outcomes of Nephrectomy Before Kidney Transplantation in Patients With Polycystic Kidney Disease

BackgroundPolycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common hereditary kidney disorder. In most patients, the disease progresses to end stage kidney disease, which is treated preferably by kidney transplantation. In certain clinical circumstances, a pretransplant nephrectomy is indicated. Data regarding long-term outcomes of pretransplant nephrectomy are limited. In this study, we aimed to compare patient and graft survival, as well as other long-term outcomes of kidney transplantation, between patients with PKD who had a pretransplant nephrectomy and those who have not. MethodsA retrospective analysis of 112 adult kidney transplant recipients with PKD, 36 (32.14%) of which underwent a pretransplant nephrectomy. ResultsIn a mean follow-up period of 79 and 129 months (for patients who underwent nephrectomy and patients who did not, respectively), no significant differences were found in patient and graft survival, after adjustment to age and donor type. In addition, rate of hospitalizations, urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, diabetes mellitus, and erythrocytosis post-transplant were similar in both cohorts. ConclusionsPretransplant nephrectomy in patients with PKD is not associated with increased risk of mortality and other long-term complications following kidney transplantation.

Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Highly HLA-Sensitized Patients Treated with Intravenous Immuno-Globulin, Plasmapheresis and Rituximab: A Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: We aimed to investigate the outcomes of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-incompatible transplantation for patients who received desensitization with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), plasmapheresis, and rituximab. (2) Methods: A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases to identify studies that utilized desensitization was conducted. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled rates and the 95% confidence interval (CI). (3) Results: A total of 1517 studies were initially identified. From these, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 459 patients, with a mean age of 45 years, of whom 40.8% were male. CDC crossmatch was positive in 68.3% (95% CI: 43.5-85.8; I2 87%), and 89.4% (95% CI: 53.4-98.4%; I2 89.8%) underwent living-donor transplantation. The 1-year graft survival pooled rate was 88.9% (95% CI: 84.8-92; I2 0%) and the 5-year graft survival rate was 86.1% (95% CI: 81.2-89.9; I2 0%). The 1-year patient survival rate was 94.2% (95% CI: 91-96.3; I2 0%), and the 5-year patient survival rate was 88.9% (95% CI: 83.5-92.7%; I2 7.7%). The rate of antibody-mediated rejection was 37.7% (95% CI: 25-52.3; I2 80.3%), and the rate of acute cell-mediated rejection was 15.1% (95% CI: 9.1-24; I2 55%). (4) Conclusions: Graft and patient survival are favorable in highly sensitized patients who undergo desensitization using IVIg, plasmapheresis, and rituximab for HLA-incompatible transplantation.

Factors Influencing Kidney Transplantation Experiences for Patients From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds: A Qualitative Study.

Disparities in aspects of chronic kidney disease progression and management exist for patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including with treatment and outcomes for kidney transplantation. This study aimed to explore factors that impact kidney transplant outcomes from the perspective of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) from CALD backgrounds and their family caregivers. A descriptive qualitative design was utilised. Participants were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with KTRs who were born overseas incountrieswhere English is not the primary language. Interviews were also conducted with family caregivers. Analysis was guided by the Framework Method, and emergent subcategories were mapped into the categories identified in Andersen's Health Service Utilisation Model. Data from 21 KTRs and five caregivers were grouped under the categories of Population Characteristics, Environment, Health Behaviour and Outcomes. KTRs believed that neither culture nor religious beliefs impacted how they managed their transplant or healthcare utilisation. KTRs expressed satisfaction with their care, felt no inequity with how they were treated by health professionals and expressed gratitude for the Australian healthcare system. Language did not necessarily impact transplant outcomes, but there was a reliance on interpreters for non-English-speaking patients as most written information was in English. Caregivers were instrumental in providing support but discussed the challenges involved. This study explored factors influencing kidney transplantation for KTRs from a CALD background. The study provided insight into how to deliver quality healthcare to these patients, highlighting the importance of health services providing information that is written in the patient's own language and respectively asking KTRs about their health beliefs or customs. Caregivers were instrumental in supporting KTRs, but there is a need tobetter prepare them for this role. Patient and public involvement was integrated into the design and delivery of the study. KTRs from CALD backgrounds assisted with framing the research questions andoffering advice on the recruitment and data collection process.

Impact of Warm Ischemia Time on Donation After Circulatory Death Kidney Transplant Outcomes.

Efforts to address the shortage of donor organs include increasing the use of renal allografts from donors after circulatory death (DCD). While warm ischemia time (WIT) is thought to be an important factor in DCD kidney evaluation, few studies have compared the relationship between WIT and DCD kidney outcomes, and WIT acceptance practices remain variable. We conducted a single-center retrospective review of all adult patients who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation from 2000 to 2021. We evaluated the impact of varied functional warm ischemia time (fWIT) in controlled DCD donors by comparing donor and recipient characteristics and posttransplant outcomes between high fWIT (>60min), low fWIT (≤60min), and kidneys transplanted from donors after brain death (DBD). Two thousand eight hundred eleven patients were identified, 638 received low fWIT DCD, 93 received high fWIT DCD, and 2080 received DBD kidneys. There was no significant difference in 5-year graft survival between the DCD low fWIT, high fWIT, and DBD groups, with 84%, 83%, and 83% of grafts functioning, respectively. Five-year patient survival was 91% in the low fWIT group, 92% in the high fWIT group, and 90% in the DBD group. An increase in kidney donor risk index (KDRI) (HR 3.37, 95% CI=2.1-5.7) and high CIT compared to low CIT (HR 2.12, 95% CI=1.4-3.1) have higher hazard ratios for 1-year graft failure. Increased acceptance of kidneys from selected DCD donors with prolonged fWIT may present an opportunity to increase kidney utilization while preserving outcomes. Our group specifically prioritizes the use of kidneys from younger donors, with lower KDPI, and without acute kidney injury, or risk factors for underlying chronic kidney disease.

Murine kidney transplant outcome is best measured by transdermal glomerular filtration rate

Mouse kidney transplantation provides a powerful preclinical model for the study of kidney transplant alloimmunity. However, accurate measurement of graft function is difficult because of the inaccuracy of traditional surrogate markers serum creatinine and urea. We report the use of transdermal glomerular filtration rate measurement under the experimental conditions of unilateral nephrectomy and allogeneic kidney transplantation. Our findings demonstrate that transdermal glomerular filtration rate measurement is easy to perform, reproducible, and has more interexperimental consistency than serum creatinine or urea measurements. Most importantly, it significantly reduces the numbers of experimental animals required to detect subtle and yet clinically relevant differences in kidney function as often is the case in experimental murine kidney transplantation models.

COMPARAISON DES RESULTATS A LONG TERME DE LA TRANSPLANTATION RENALE ENTRE CONJOINTS ET DONNEURS VIVANTS APPARENTES: EXPERIENCE MONOCENTRIQUE AU MAROC

Objective: End-stage kidney disease is a serious medical condition that often requires a kidney transplant. This single-center study, conducted in Morocco, examines the long-term outcomes of kidney transplants from spouses and related living donors. The goal is to enhance access to organ transplantation by assessing the success of transplants using spouses as donors. Patients and methods:A total of 117 patients were eligible for a kidney transplant from their spouses kidneys. Out of these, 36 received a transplant and were compared to 56 patients who received a kidney from a related donor. Demographic, clinical, and immunological data, as well as long-term outcomes, including graft survival, were analyzed. Results: Recipientswerepredominantly male in both groups (69.6% versus 83.3%). Recipients in the related group wereyoungerthanthose in the unrelated group (39.80 versus 56.56 years). Relatedgraftsshowed more HLA matchingthanunrelatedgrafts (4.45 versus 1.64). The occurrence of DSA after transplantation wasslightlylower in the relatedgraft (16.1% versus 19.4%). Graftsurvival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 yearswassimilar in both groups, with a slight favorable trend for the related group. Conclusion: Kidney transplant survival rates are broadlysimilarbetweenspouses and related living donors. This suggeststhatspousal donation can compensate for the scarcity of cadaveric donation, particularly in Morocco.

Orchestrating the Impact of KIR/HLA Interactions on Kidney Transplant.

This study examines the interplay between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotypes in influencing kidney transplantation outcomes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving graft survival and minimizing rejection risks. We evaluated 84 kidney transplant recipients, dividing them into two groups based on post-transplant outcomes: there were 68 with stable graft function (SGF) and 16 who experienced chronic rejection (CR). Patients were selected based on specific inclusion criteria. HLA mismatches (Class I: HLA-A, -B; Class II: HLA-DR) and KIR genotypes were determined using standard genotyping techniques. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were performed to correlate these factors with transplant outcomes. Significant age differences were observed, with younger patients more likely to experience graft rejection, while no significant gender-based differences were noted. A significant correlation was found between Class II mismatches and increased rejection rates, highlighting the importance of HLA-DR compatibility. Further analysis revealed that certain inhibitory KIRs, such as KIR3DL1, were associated with favorable outcomes, suggesting a protective role against graft rejection. These findings were corroborated by evaluating serum creatinine levels over multiple years, serving as a biomarker for renal function post transplant. This study underscores the critical need for meticulous HLA matching and the consideration of KIR genotypes in pre-transplant evaluations to enhance graft survival and minimize rejection risks. Integrating these genetic factors into routine clinical assessments could significantly improve personalized transplant medicine strategies, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and validate these findings in larger, diverse populations.

Ex Vivo Surgical Removal Versus Conservative Management of Small Asymptomatic Kidney Stones in Living Donors and Long-term Kidney Transplant Outcomes.

Donors with small asymptomatic kidney stones have been increasingly accepted because of organ shortages and advances in endoscopic urology. This study aims to evaluate and compare long-term living-donor kidney transplant outcomes following ex vivo surgical removal versus conservative management of donors' gifted asymptomatic stones. Between January 2007 and December 2021, 119 kidney transplant recipients received stone-bearing kidneys, divided into the removal group (N = 63) and observation group (N = 56). We evaluated posttransplant stone events, urinary infections, kidney function, delayed graft function, length of hospital stay, and survival outcomes. After a median follow-up of 75.5 mo, the removal group had a 10.9% lower absolute incidence of stone events (7/56 [12.5%] versus 1/63 [1.6%]; hazard ratio, 0.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.77) and a 14.3% lower absolute incidence of urinary infections (16/56 [28.6%] versus 9/63 [14.3%]; hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.95) than the observation group. The removal group also showed superior kidney graft function. The 2 groups had comparable length of hospital stay (11.0 versus 12.0 d; P = 0.297) and exhibited similar delayed graft function incidence (1/56 [1.8%] versus 2/63 [3.2%]; P = 1.000) and urinary stricture incidence (1/56 [1.8%] versus 3/63 [4.8%]; P = 0.621). Graft survival (P = 0.350) and patient survival (P = 0.260) were comparable between 2 groups. Subgroup analyses in recipients who received kidneys with stones <4 mm also reported similar results. Ex vivo surgical removal might outperform conservative management for donors' gifted asymptomatic kidney stones, improving long-term transplant outcomes and reducing stone events without increasing perioperative complications, even for stones <4 mm.

Pretransplant Cognitive Function and Kidney Transplant Outcomes: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background and hypothesisCognitive impairment is common in patients being evaluated for a kidney transplant (KT). The association between pre-transplant cognitive function and post-transplant outcomes is unclear. Study DesignWe performed a prospective cohort study to assess the association between pre-transplant cognitive function and clinically relevant post-transplant outcomes. Setting and PopulationIn this single center study, participants from the transplant clinic were evaluated during their pre-transplant clinic visits and followed prospectively. OutcomesOur primary outcome measure was allograft function. Secondary outcomes were length of hospitalization for KT, hospital readmission within 30 and 90 days, graft loss, graft rejection within 90 days and one year, and mortality. Analytic approachWe measured cognitive function with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. We assessed the association of pre-transplant MoCA score with post-transplant outcomes; we used linear mixed effects models to assess the association with the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), Poisson regression for length of hospitalization, Cox proportional hazard model for graft loss and mortality, and a logistic regression model for readmission and rejection. ResultsWe followed 501 participants for 2.7±1.5 years. The mean age of the patients was 53±14 years and the mean pre-transplant MoCA score was 25±3. Lower pre-transplant MoCA scores did not adversely affect the primary outcome of allograft function or the secondary outcomes. Although higher MoCA scores predicted a higher decline in graft function (β -0.28, 95% CI -0.55, -0.01, p= 0.04), the effect was small and not clinically significant. Older age was associated with longer hospitalization, lower likelihood of rejection, and higher mortality. Deceased donor KT (vs. living donor KT) was associated with longer hospitalization but better graft function. Longer time on dialysis prior to KT was associated with longer hospitalization. A history of diabetes mellitus was associated with higher mortality. LimitationsSingle center study limiting generalizability. ConclusionsPre-transplant MoCA scores were not associated with the primary outcome of allograft function or the secondary outcomes.

Kidney transplantation access and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young adults, 1963-2020: an ANZDATA registry study.

To assess differences between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australian children and young adults in access to and outcomes of kidney transplantation. A cohort study based on prospectively collected data; analysis of Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) data. Children and young adults aged 0-24 years who commenced kidney replacement therapy in Australia during 1963-2020. Proportions of children and young adults who received kidney transplants within five years of commencing dialysis; 5- and 10-year death-censored graft survival; and 5- and 10-year survival of children and young adults who received kidney transplants or who remained on dialysis. During 1963-2020, 3736 children and young adults received kidney replacement therapy in Australia: 213 (5.8%) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and 3523 (94.2%) non-Indigenous children and young adults. During follow-up (median, eight years; interquartile range [IQR], 2.6-15 years), 2762 children and young adults received kidney transplants: 93 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (43.7% of those receiving kidney replacement therapy) and 2669 non-Indigenous children and young adults (75.8%). Smaller proportions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander than of non-Indigenous children and young adults received transplants within five years of commencing dialysis (99, 46% v 2924, 83.0%), received living donor transplants (19, 20% v 1170, 43.9%), or underwent pre-emptive transplantation (one, 1.1% v 363, 13.6%). Five-year graft survival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recipients was similar to non-Indigenous recipients (61% v 75%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-2.05), but 10-year graft survival was lower (35% v 61%; aHR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.28). Five- and 10-year survival after kidney transplantation was similar for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people. Among those who remained on dialysis, 10-year survival was poorer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander than non-Indigenous children and young adults (aHR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.08-2.10). Five-year graft and recipient survival were excellent for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young adults who received kidney transplants; however, a lower proportion received transplants within five years of dialysis initiation, than non-Indigenous children and young adults. Improving transplant access within five years of dialysis commencement should be a priority.

Safety and graft outcome of right retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for living donor kidney transplantation: A comparison with left retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

The left kidney is often preferred for living donor kidney transplantation because of its anatomical advantages. However, the right kidney may be procured due to donor conditions. Few studies have assessed the safety and graft outcome of right retroperitoneal laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (RDN). This study aimed to compare the outcomes between right and left RDN with respect to donor outcome and the graft function of recipients. This retrospective study included 230 consecutive living donor kidney transplants performed at our institution between May 2019 and March 2023. We reviewed the outcomes of kidney transplant in the right and left kidneys after RDN. A total of 230 living donor kidney transplants were performed, with 32 donors receiving right RDN (right RDN group) and 198 donors receiving left RDN (left RDN group). The renal veins and ureters were significantly shorter in the right RDN group than in the left RDN group (both p < .001). Donor operation and warm ischemia time were significantly longer in the right RDN group than in the left RDN group (p = .012 and p < .001, respectively). None of the groups exhibited any cases of delayed graft function owing to donor-related reasons. Perioperative changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate of recipients and death-censored graft survival were not significantly different between the two groups. In RDN, the outcomes of right donor nephrectomy were comparable to those of left donor nephrectomy in terms of donor safety and recipient renal function.

Management of deceased and living kidney donor with lithiasis: a multicenter retrospective studyon behalf of the renal transplant group of the Spanish urological association.

To maximize the availability of suitable grafts and ensure effective management, several reports have demonstrated successful outcomes when using kidney grafts with urolithiasis. This multicenterstudy reports onthe management and long-term outcomes of kidney transplantation using renal grafts with lithiasis. Retrospective data from three Spanish hospitals were analyzed for kidney transplants involving grafts with nephrolithiasis performedbetween December 2009 and August 2023. The study included adult patients, excluding those with incomplete records. It evaluated stone characteristics, complications, and outcomes in recipientsand in living kidney donors. Out of 38 analyzed kidney transplants, 57.9% were cadaveric and 42.1% were from living kidney donors. Most diagnoses were incidental during donor evaluation, with an average stone size of 7.06mm. After follow-up (median 26months), all recipients but one had functioning grafts, and there were no stone recurrences in bothrecipients andliving kidney donors. Conservative management was adopted in 28 cases, while 10 cases required ex-vivo flexible ureterorenoscopy for stone removal. Following conservative management, 5 patients needed additional treatments for stone-related events. Kidneys with lithiasis can be considered for transplantation in selected cases, resulting in good functional outcomes with no stone recurrence in recipients or living donors.

Long-term Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation From DBD Donors Aged 70 y and Older.

Transplantation of kidneys from elderly donations after brain death (DBD) donors has increased owing to organ shortages. We aimed to assess the impact on long-term kidney transplant outcomes from DBD donors aged 70 y and older compared with kidneys from younger donors. From 2007 to 2022, 2274 first single kidney transplantations from DBD donors were performed at our center. Data from 1417 kidney transplant recipients receiving a DBD organ were included and categorized into 3 groups according to donor age: 70 y and older (n = 444, median age 74 y), 60-69 y (n = 527, median age 64 y), and a reference group consisting of donors aged 45-54 y (n = 446, median age 50 y). Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariate Cox regression with correction for recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics were used to investigate patient and kidney graft survival outcomes. The median patient follow-up time was 9.3 y (interquartile range, 5.3-13.1). The adjusted hazard ratios for patient death in recipients of kidneys from DBD donors aged 70 y and older compared with 60-69 y and 45-54 y were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.36; P = 0.26) and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.26-2.07; P < 0.001), respectively. Compared with recipients of donors aged 60-69 y and 45-54 y, the adjusted hazard ratios for kidney graft loss in recipients of donors aged 70 y and older were 1.23 (95% CI, 1.02-1.48; P = 0.029) and 1.94 (95% CI, 1.54-2.45; P < 0.001), respectively. Transplantation of kidneys from DBD donors aged 70 y and older resulted in acceptable long-term outcomes and is encouraging.

Early and long-term outcomes of deceased-donor kidney transplant in recipients 70 years of age and older

Early and long-term outcomes of deceased-donor kidney transplant in recipients 70 years of age and older