Living Donor Kidney Transplantation Research Articles

Impact of Norepinephrine and Dopamine Infusion on Renal Arterial Resistive Index during Pre-Emptive Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Background: Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) is a crucial treatment for end-stage renal disease, with pre-emptive LDKT (transplantation before dialysis initiation) offering significant benefits in graft function and patient survival. The selection of a vasopressor during LDKT, particularly between norepinephrine and dopamine, and its impact on renal arterial hemodynamics measured using the renal arterial resistive index (RARI) is poorly understood. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 347 eligible pre-emptive LDKT recipients from the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital between January 2019 and June 2023. Utilizing propensity score matching (PSM), the patients were categorized into dopamine and norepinephrine groups to compare the effects of these vasopressors on the intraoperative RARI, postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hourly urine output. The RARI was measured via the Doppler ultrasonography of the renal hilum and parenchyma post-graft vascular and ureteral anastomoses. Results: The preoperative differences in the recipients' and donors' characteristics were mitigated following PSM. The dopamine group exhibited higher intraoperative RARI values at the renal hilum (0.77 ± 0.11 vs. 0.66 ± 0.13, p < 0.001) and parenchyma (0.71 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.1, p < 0.001) compared to those of the norepinephrine group. However, these differences were not statistically significant on postoperative day 7. The norepinephrine infusion adjusted for the propensity scores was associated with significantly lower odds of an RARI > 0.8 (hilum: OR = 0.214, 95% CI = 0.12-0.382, p < 0.001; parenchyma: OR = 0.1, 95% CI = 0.029-0.348, p < 0.001). The early postoperative outcomes showed a higher eGFR (day 1: 30.0 ± 13.3 vs. 25.1 ± 17.4 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.004) and hourly urine output (day 1: 41.8 ± 16.9 vs. 36.5 ± 14.4 mL/kg/h, p = 0.002) in the norepinephrine group. Furthermore, the long-term outcomes were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Norepinephrine infusion during pre-emptive LDKT is associated with more favorable intraoperative renal arterial hemodynamics, as evidenced by a lower RARI and improved early postoperative renal function compared to those of dopamine. These findings suggest a potential preferential role for norepinephrine in optimizing perioperative management and early graft functions in LDKT recipients. Given the retrospective nature of this study, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these observations. Additionally, the study limitations include the potential for unmeasured confounding factors and the inability to determine causality due to its observational design.

Prevalence of proteinuria after living donor kidney transplantation and related risk factors: A retrospective cohort study from Syria

Introductionproteinuria is associated with poor allograft and patient survival in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of proteinuria in KTRs and its impact on kidney function during the first two years after kidney transplantation (KT). Materials and methods200 KTRs were included in this retrospective cohort study from living donors, performed in two University hospitals in Syria, from January 2018 to March 2021. Demographic and immunological characteristics were analyzed depending on the 24 h urine protein (Up) excretion that was classified into three groups: Up I (150–500 mg/day), Up II between (0.5–1 g/day), and Up III (>1 g/day). ResultsUp was increased subsequently as the transplant progressed, where the greatest excretion of the Up was reported 2 years after KT. At 6 months after KT; the cold ischemic time (CIT), serum creatinine (Cr), using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/ angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and GFR showed strong significant differences between Up groups (P = 0.00003, 0.0001, 0.00001, and 0.026; respectively). The CIT and Cr were higher in the Up III group compared to Up I and UP II groups. At 12 months after KT; Cr, using ACEIs/ARBs, and GFR showed strong significant differences between Up groups (P = 0.00009, <0.0001, and <0.0001; respectively). The mean Cr was higher in Up II and Up III groups (1.7 mg/dL; for each) compared to the Up I group (1.0 mg/dL). At 24 months after KT; CIT, using ACEIs/ARBs, Cr, and GFR showed strong significant differences between Up groups (P = 0.02, <0.0001, 0.00008, and <0.0001; respectively). ConclusionThis is the first study from Syria that conducted in KT patients. The prevalence and amount of proteinuria showed subsequently increased as the transplant progressed. Serum Cr, GFR, CIT, and using ACEIs/ARBs showed differences between Up groups at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after KT. Our data suggest that the use of ACEIs/ARBs is not a contraindication in early posttransplant period. Due to several known cardiovascular and renal benefits of ACEIs/ARBs future studied in KT population should investigated to determine if these drugs could give beneficial effects on grafts and patients survival.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in Live Kidney Donors: ERASKT Study.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways represent a comprehensive approach to optimizing perioperative management and reducing hospital stay and cost. In living donor kidney transplantation, key impediments to postoperative discharge include pain, and opioid associated complications such as nausea, vomiting, and the return of gastrointestinal function. In this randomized controlled trial, living kidney transplantation donors were assigned to either the ERAS or control group. The ERAS group patients received 15 preoperative, 17 intraoperative, 19 postoperative element intervention. The control group received standard care. The ERAS group received a multimodal opioid sparing pain management including an intraoperative transverse abdominis plane block. Our primary outcome measure was postoperative opioid consumption. The secondary outcome measures were postoperative pain scores, first oral intake, and hospital length of stay. There were no significant differences in demographics between the 2 groups. The ERAS group had a statistically significant reduction in total postoperative opioid consumption calculated in intravenous morphine equivalents (24.2 ± 20.2 versus 71 ± 39.5 mg, P < 0.01). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower (P < 0.001) from 1 h postoperatively to 48 h. Surgical time was 45 min shorter (P = 0.037). Intraoperative PlasmaLyte administration was lower (PlasmaLyte: 1444 ± 907 versus 2168 ± 1347 mL, P = 0.049). Time to tolerating regular diet was shorter by 2 h (P < 0.008), and length of hospital stay was decreased by 10.1 h. The ERAS group experienced superior postoperative analgesia and a shorter length of hospital stay compared with controls.

Long-term graft survival in a kidney transplant recipient with glioblastoma: Case report

Long-term immunosuppression after transplantation can increase the risk of cancer development in recipient patients. This case report describes the treatment approach for glioblastoma in a kidney transplant recipient after transplantation. The patient, a 61-year-old woman, received a living donor kidney transplant 24 years ago due to congenital nephrotic syndrome. The patient was on various immunosuppressive medications, including cyclosporine, prednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil.After 16 years of follow-up, the patient presented with symptoms of brain tumor, leading to further tests. Subsequent examination revealed the presence of a tumor that had spread to frontal region within the brain.A surgical procedure was subsequently conducted to extract the tumor cells and alleviate the resulting pressure within the brain. Based on pathology results, it was determined that the patient had glioblastoma.Methylation of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter was detected, indicating the potential response to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was initiated, along with radiation therapy.After the diagnosis and surgery, the patient's medications for the kidney transplant were modified. Rapamycin replaced the previous medications, and the dose of mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone was decreased. After 7 years, the patient's kidney is functioning well, with a creatinine level of 1.5, and brain imaging showed no abnormalities. After kidney transplantation, there is an increased risk of various cancers.Overall, this case report demonstrates a successful treatment approach for glioblastoma after kidney transplantation, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and individualized management in transplant recipients at risk for cancer development.Considering the current stability of the patient's condition after a change in medication regimen, patients who have been using the drug Cyclosporine for a long time should be included in future evaluations due to its carcinogenic properties.

Challenges to establishing and maintaining kidney transplantation programs in developing countries: What are the coping strategies?

Kidney transplantation (KT) is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases. However, this health service is not available to all patients, especially in developing countries. The deceased donor KT programs are mostly absent, and the living donor KT centers are scarce. Single-center studies presenting experiences from developing countries usually report a variety of challenges. This review addresses these challenges and the opposing strategies by reviewing the single-center experiences of developing countries. The financial challenges hamper the infrastructural and material availability, coverage of transplant costs, and qualification of medical personnel. The sociocultural challenges influence organ donation, equity of beneficence, and regular follow-up work. Low interests and motives for transplantation may result from high medicolegal responsibilities in KT practice, intense potential psychosocial burdens, complex qualification protocols, and low productivity or compensation for KT practice. Low medical literacy about KT advantages is prevalent among clinicians, patients, and the public. The inefficient organizational and regulatory oversight is translated into inefficient healthcare systems, absent national KT programs and registries, uncoordinated job descriptions and qualification protocols, uncoordinated on-site investigations with regulatory constraints, and the prevalence of commercial KT practices. These challenges resulted in noticeable differences between KT services in developed and developing countries. The coping strategies can be summarized in two main mechanisms: The first mechanism is maximizing the available resources by increasing the rates of living kidney donation, promoting the expertise of medical personnel, reducing material consumption, and supporting the establishment and maintenance of KT programs. The latter warrants the expansion of the public sector and the elimination of non-ethical KT practices. The second mechanism is recruiting external resources, including financial, experience, and training agreements.

Changes in the epidemiology of kidney replacement therapy across Europe in 2020-the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: an ERA Registry study.

In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused disruptions in kidney replacement therapy (KRT) services worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the incidence of KRT, kidney transplantation activity, mortality and prevalence of KRT across Europe. Patients receiving KRT were included from 17 countries providing data to the European Renal Association Registry. The epidemiology of KRT in 2020 was compared with average data from the period 2017-2019. Changes occurring during the first and second waves of the pandemic were also explored. The incidence of KRT was 6.2% lower in 2020 compared with 2017-2019, with the lowest point (-22.7%) during the first wave in April. The decrease varied across countries, was smaller in males (-5.2%) than in females (-8.2%) and was moderate for peritoneal dialysis (-3.7%) and haemodialysis (-5.4%) but substantial for pre-emptive kidney transplantation (-23.6%). The kidney transplantation rate decreased by 22.5%, reaching a nadir of -80.1% during the first wave, and was greatest for living donor kidney transplants (-30.5%). While in most countries the kidney transplantation rate decreased, in the Nordic/Baltic countries and Greece there was no clear decrease. In dialysis patients, mortality increased by 11.4% and was highest in those 65-74years of age (16.1%), in those with diabetes as the primary renal disease (15.1%) and in those on haemodialysis (12.4%). In transplant recipients, the mortality was 25.8% higher, but there were no subgroups that stood out. In contrast to the rising prevalence of KRT observed over the past decades across Europe, the prevalence at the end of 2020 (N=317787) resembled that of 2019 (N=317077). The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the incidence of KRT, kidney transplant activity, mortality of KRT and prevalence of KRT in Europe with variations across countries.

Psychosocial Evaluation of Living Kidney Donors: A Survey of Current Practices in the United States.

Best practices in psychosocial evaluation and care of living donor candidates and donors are not well established. We surveyed 195 living kidney donor (LKD) transplant centers in United States from October 2021 to April 2022 querying (1) composition of psychosocial teams, (2) evaluation processes including clinical tools and domains assessed, (3) selection criteria, and (4) psychosocial follow-up post-donation. We received 161 responses from 104 programs, representing 53% of active LKD programs and 67% of LKD transplant volume in 2019. Most respondents (63%) were social workers/independent living donor advocates. Over 90% of respondents indicated donor candidates with known mental health or substance use disorders were initially evaluated by the psychosocial team. Validated psychometric or transplant-specific tools were rarely utilized but domains assessed were consistent. Active suicidality, self-harm, and psychosis were considered absolute contraindications in >90% of programs. Active depression was absolute contraindication in 50% of programs; active anxiety disorder was excluded 27%. Conditions not contraindicated to donation include those in remission: anxiety (56%), depression (53%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (41%). There was acceptance of donor candidates using alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis recreationally, but not if pattern met criteria for active use disorder. Seventy-one percent of programs conducted post-donation psychosocial assessment and use local resources to support donors. There was variation in acceptance of donor candidates with mental health or substance use disorders. Although most programs conducted psychosocial screening post-donation, support is not standardized and unclear if adequate. Future studies are needed for consensus building among transplant centers to form guidelines for donor evaluation, acceptance, and support.

Kidney Transplantation in ≤15 kg Children: Outcomes and Prognostic Indicators—A Review of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Database

ABSTRACTBackgroundApproximately 2500 pediatric patients are awaiting kidney transplantation in the United States, with &lt;5% comprising those ≤15 kg. Transplant in this cohort is often delayed by center‐based growth parameters, often necessitating transplantation after the initiation of dialysis. Furthermore, prognostication remains somewhat ambiguous. In this report, we scrutinize the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data from 2001 to 2021 to help better understand specific variables impacting graft and patient outcomes in these children.MethodsThe OPTN kidney transplant dataset from 2001 to 2021 was analyzed. Inclusion criteria included age &lt;18 years, weight ≤15 kg, and recipient of primary living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) or deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT). Patient and graft survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) and identify variables significantly associated with patient and graft survival.ResultsTwo thousand one hundred sixty‐eight pediatric transplant recipients met inclusion criteria. Patient survival at 1 and 3 years was 98% and 97%, respectively. Graft survival at 1 and 3 years was 95% and 92%, respectively. Dialysis was the sole significant variable impacting both patient and graft survival. Graft survival was further impacted by transplant era, recipient gender and ethnicity, and donor type. Infants transplanted at Age 1 had better graft survival compared with older children, and nephrotic syndrome was likewise associated with a better prognosis.ConclusionPediatric kidney transplantation is highly successful. The balance between preemptive transplantation, medical optimization, and satisfactory technical parameters seems to suggest a “Goldilocks zone” for many children, favoring transplantation between 1 and 2 years of age.

Late Treatment With Autologous Expanded Regulatory T-cell Therapy After Alemtuzumab Induction Is Safe and Facilitates Immunosuppression Minimization in Living Donor Renal Transplantation.

The TWO Study (Transplantation Without Overimmunosuppression) aimed to investigate a novel approach to regulatory T-cell (Treg) therapy in renal transplant patients, using a delayed infusion protocol at 6 mo posttransplant to promote a Treg-skewed lymphocyte repopulation after alemtuzumab induction. We hypothesized that this would allow safe weaning of immunosuppression to tacrolimus alone. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the suspension of alemtuzumab use, and therefore, we report the unique cohort of 7 patients who underwent the original randomized controlled trial protocol. This study presents a unique insight into Treg therapy combined with alemtuzumab and is therefore an important proof of concept for studies in other diseases that are considering lymphodepletion. Living donor kidney transplant recipients were randomized to receive autologous polyclonal Treg at week 26 posttransplantation, coupled with weaning doses of tacrolimus, (Treg therapy arm) or standard immunosuppression alone (tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil). Primary outcomes were patient survival and rejection-free survival. Successful cell manufacturing and cryopreservation until the 6-mo infusion were achieved. Patient and transplant survival was 100%. Acute rejection-free survival was 100% in the Treg-treated group at 18 mo after transplantation. Although alemtuzumab caused a profound depletion of all lymphocytes, including Treg, after cell therapy infusion, there was a transient increase in peripheral Treg numbers. The study establishes that delayed autologous Treg therapy is both feasible and safe, even 12 mo after cell production. The findings present a new treatment protocol for Treg therapy, potentially expanding its applications to other indications.

Arterioureteral fistula and refractory fatal pseudo-aneurysm in a patient receiving kidney transplantation.

Arterioureteral fistula represents a rare yet consequential urological complication characterized by persistent and refractory urinary tract bleeding. Its emergence typically involves aneurysm formation, presenting significant life-threatening implications. Nonetheless, its infrequency contributes to sparse documentation of incidences in post-kidney transplant recipients, thereby fostering numerous uncertainties concerning associated risks. A 67-year-old male patient, afflicted with end-stage renal failure and a history of urinary tract infection, underwent a living donor kidney transplant four months prior. Complications involving intraoperative bleeding necessitated the prolonged placement of a ureteral stent post-surgery. Subsequently, he experienced an abrupt onset of ureteral bleeding accompanied by shock, later diagnosed via contrast-enhanced computed tomography as pseudo-aneurysm formation in the right external iliac artery proximal to the allograft renal artery anastomosis, in conjunction with a fistula formation involving the donor ureter. Despite repeated attempts at intervention with covered stenting, the aneurysm persisted and proved refractory to resolution. Tragically, seven months later, the aneurysm ruptured, culminating in the demise of the patient. Our report details a case involving perioperative complications following kidney transplantation, persistent bacteriuria, and prolonged ureteral stenting, ultimately leading to the development of an arterioureteral fistula. Despite undergoing stent graft insertion as an intervention, the patient succumbed to aneurysm rupture associated with the arterioureteral fistula. This condition, though rare, can prove fatal following kidney transplantation. Consequently, future endeavors in this domain necessitate an emphasis on optimizing risk management, refining diagnostic approaches, and devising more effective therapeutic strategies to mitigate such complications.

Liver Transplantation for Benign Massive Hepatomegaly: Results From a Single Center and Contribution of the Left-to-Right Piggyback Approach

IntroductionPolycystic liver disease and giant hepatic hemangioma may present with severe symptom burden and indicate orthotopic liver transplantation. The left-to-right piggyback approach is a useful technique for performing total hepatectomy of enlarged livers. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to analyze the results of liver transplantation in patients with benign massive hepatomegaly. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective study involving all adult patients who underwent liver transplantation due to benign massive hepatomegaly from January 2002 to June 2023. ResultsA total of 22 patients underwent liver transplantation (21 cases of polycystic live disease and 1 case of giant hepatic hemangioma). During the same time, there were 2075 transplants; therefore, benign massive hepatomegaly accounted for 1.06% of cases. Most patients (59.09%) were transplanted using the left-to-right piggyback technique. Seven patients had previous attempted treatment of hepatic cysts. Another patient previously underwent bilateral nephrectomy and living-donor kidney transplantation. Among these patients, in 5 cases there were massive abdominal adhesions with increased bleeding. Four of these 8 patients died in the very early perioperative period. In comparison to patients without previous cysts manipulation, massive adhesions and perioperative death were significantly higher in those cases (62.5 vs 0%, P = .002 and 50% vs 0%, P = .004, respectively). ConclusionLiver transplantation due to polycystic liver disease and giant hemangioma is a rare event. Total hepatectomy is challenging due to the enlarged native liver. The left-to-right piggyback technique is useful, because it avoids vena cava twisting and avulsion of its branches. Massive adhesions due to previous cysts manipulation may lead to increased bleeding, being a risk factor for mortality.

#2362 Clinical utility Anti-human T-lymphocyte Immunoglobulin (ATLG) as an induction agent in a living donor kidney transplantation: 5-year follow-up data

Abstract Background and Aims The usage of induction agents for living donor kidney transplants in India is varied. Polyclonal antibodies currently in use are anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and anti-T-lymphocyte globulin (ATLG). The role and dose of ATLG need to be defined. This study is focused on ATLG usage and the outcome with long-term follow-up. Method This is an analysis of 206 patients who received ATLG as an induction agent from 2017 to 2023. Patients received triple immunosuppression therapy: Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF), and prednisolone for maintenance immunosuppression. Results A total of 206 patients received ATLG as an induction agent for living donor kidney transplants. The mean age of the patients was 39.13 ± 12.56 years. There were 87.3% (n = 180) males and 12.6% (n = 26) females. The majority of transplants in our study were ABO-compatible (94.6%, n = 195) and ABO-incompatible (5.2%, n = 11). The mean age of donors was 41 ± 13.7 years. Males were 38.3% (n = 79), and females were 61.6% (n = 127). Overall survival observed in the current study was 98% (n = 202), Post-transplant, 4 patients died (n = 2 died due to COVID-19, 1 due to Heart failure and 1 was infectious mortality.) The mean cumulative dose of ATLG in the current study was 305.1 ± 61.8 mg, and the mean dose was 5.4 ± 1.4 mg/kg. The baseline etiologies of patients who underwent transplant were chronic glomerulonephritis (47.5% n = 98), diabetic nephropathy (16.9% n = 35), hypertension (29.1% n = 60), CIN, and other GMB diseases. In the current study, the figure shows overall 11.6% (n = 24) rejections and 5-year follow-up data of Serum creatinine within a normal range. Post-transplant BK Virus Nephropathy was observed in 3.39% (n = 7) cases, CMV infection in two cases, TB was observed in three cases and fungal pneumonia in one case. Conclusion Long-term 5 year follow-up of Living donor kidney transplant shows that ATLG is an effective and safe induction agent. Good compliance with Oral immunosuppressant can improve graft survival as per the current study.

#2425 A change in deceased donor allocation policy may provide gender equality in kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Overcoming gender disparity in access to kidney transplantation is a well-established universal challenge. The SRTR data showed a greater proportion of males than females for kidney transplant waitlists (61% vs 39%). Similarly, of 831 deceased donor kidney transplants (DDKT) conducted between 1997 and 2018 at IKDRC-ITS, 68% have been male and 32% female recipients while majority of donors in living donor kidney transplants (LDKT) were females. Prior to 2020, there duration on transplantation waitlist was the only criteria for deceased donor kidney allocation. In January 2020, SOTTO Gujarat was formed which implements a point system based deceased donor allocation policy including HLA mismatch, Panel Reactive Antibody, Donor Specific Antibody, age and duration on dialysis, amongst others. 2 additional points are allocated to female recipients in this allocation system. The aim is to study the impact of change in DDKT allocation policy on gender disparity. Method This is a retrospective, single-center, observational study. Number of male and female kidney transplant recipients was collected from the medical records held by the department of nephrology between January 2014 to December 2023. The data was categorized as before and after implementation of SOTTO Gujarat guidelines and analyzed. Results A total of 3182 kidney transplants were conducted at our centre over the study period, 2231 were LDKT while only 951 were DDKT. We found the percentage of female LDKT recipients to have remained disproportionately low as compared to male DDKT throughout the study period, while there was a gradually progressive increase in the percentage of female DDKT recipients with almost a doubling of female DDKT recipients from 27.57% in 2019 to 54.19% in 2023. This may be attributed to the compounding effect of allocating points to DSA, PRA, age of patient and gender as female patients tend to have higher PRA and DSA level after sensitization. Conclusion This study provides new insights into steps that can be taken to bridge the gender gap in DDKT. It shows that implementing a point based system for DDKT allocation policy with extra points for female recipients may increase the number of kidney transplants in them. Similar policy may be undertaken by other transplant centers as a bridge to achieve temporary solution till underlying factors leading to gender disparity are better understood and ways to overcome them are formed. Action should be taken to provide for equitable access to females at all stages, from diagnosis to treatment such as intensive and timely counselling. Policies for social empowerment of women must be formed including literacy, better maternal and child healthcare and financial independence. Raising awareness and education at a grassroot level must remain the key component to change public attitude regarding organ donation and ensure equitable access to transplantation for all.

#2207 CD3(+) T cell depletion does not predict short term outcomes in kidney transplant patients

Abstract Background and Aims Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is the most frequently agent used for immunosuppression induction therapy after kidney transplantation. The efficacy of the ATG treatment is monitored by peripheral blood CD3(+) T cell counts. ATG dosing can be tailored to reach and keep the target commonly accepted as below 50/μL within the week of transplant. In this study, we investigated the significance of reaching CD3(+) T cell target regarding short term adverse outcomes of biopsy-proved rejection, BK viremia and infection related hospitalization in living donor kidney transplant recipients. Method This retrospective observational study was conducted on adult patients who received living donor kidney transplants from January 1, 2015 to October 1, 2022. Demographic, clinical and laboratory information were collected using electronical medical records. The average CD3(+) T cell counts of postoperative first 3 days were calculated. Patients with CD3(+) T cell counts ≤ 50/μL were classified as “Optimally Treated”, while the patients with CD3(+) T cell counts &amp;gt;50/μL were classified as “Suboptimally Treated”. The incidence of biopsy-proven rejection, BK viremia and infection related hospitalization in 6 months following the transplant surgery were compared in these two groups. Results Sixty one patients were included in the study. Twenty eight were women and the average age was 39 ± 12.7 years. Average HLA mismatch count was 3.6 ± 1.7. Ten patients were desensitized before kidney transplant. Average ATG dose was 6.8 ± 2.3 mg/kg. Mean average CD3(+) T cell count of postoperative first 3 days were 93.9 ± 87.8/μL. During 6 months of follow up, 34.4% (n = 21) had at least one biopsy proved rejection episode, 21.3% (n = 13) had at least one infection related hospitalization and 11.4% (n = 7) had BK viremia. According to average CD3(+) T cell counts of postoperative first 3 days, 16 patients were in “Optimally Treated” group, whereas 45 patients were in “Suboptimally Treated” group. The patients in both groups had similar mean age, gender distribution, HLA mismatch, pretransplant desensitization status and total ATG doses. In 6 months of follow-up, the patients in “Optimally Treated” and “Suboptimally Treated” groups had no statistically difference in incidence of biopsy-proved rejection, BK viremia and infection related hospitalization. Conclusion In our study, we could not find any evidence to confirm the significance of reaching CD3(+) T cell target of 50/μL in first 3 days after transplant surgery regarding short term adverse outcomes of biopsy-proved rejection, BK viremia and infection related hospitalization. The value of CD3(+) T cell monitoring to adjust ATG therapy after kidney transplant surgery is questionable. Thus, in the light of our findings, we do not support the use of CD3(+) T cell counts in optimization of induction therapy with ATG after renal transplantation.

#1245 Standard or personalized policy of peritoneal catheter removal at kidney transplantation?

Abstract Background and Aims The presence of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter in an immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipient can increment the risk of infectious complications after transplant. For this reason, it is thought that management of PD catheters at the time of transplant can have an impact on patient and graft outcomes. However, there is no agreement when to remove peritoneal dialysis catheter after transplantation. According to European Guidelines, the catheter can be left in situ for 3-4 months despite a functional graft. Our aim was to review the data from our center regarding infectious PD associated complications after kidney transplant. Method We retrospectively reviewed all 132 patients that were previously on PD and were admitted to our center for renal transplantation between January of 2013 and June of 2023, and had information regarding timing of removal of PD access. Simple descriptive and inferential statistics were used to generate results. Categorical data were described using frequency and percentage. Our main outcome was to assess the PD infectious catheter-associated complications. Our secondary outcomes were the timing of removal of PD catheter after renal transplantation, number of episodes of dialysis post transplantation, and kidney replacement therapy (KRT) used. Our follow up included the time from kidney transplantation (KT) until they removed PD catheter. Those who removed PD catheter at the timing of renal transplantation were excluded when evaluating the infectious complications. Results From the 132 kidney transplant recipients eight patients removed PD catheter at the time of the transplant due to ongoing PD associated infection. Sixty-nine patients were men (52.3%), with a median (IQR) age at transplantation of 48.4 years (41-57). Regarding donors’ characteristics, 88 (33.3%) were deceased, 21 of which were expanded criteria donors, and 44 (66.7%) were living donors. A total of 19 (14.4%) patients had history of PD infectious complications in the three months before transplantation. From the 124 patients that remained with the PD catheter after KT the adverse event infection occurred in 19 (15.3%) patients and two of these had previous access related infection in the 3 months interval before transplantation. The adverse events were: exit-site infection (ESI) 10.4% (n = 19), peritonitis 3% (n = 4) and tunnel infection 1.6% (n = 2). Half required hospitalization mainly due to center logistics for catheter removal. No deaths were registered. The identified microorganisms are present in Table 1. The median (IQR) time of removal of the PD catheter was 4 (3-5) months. Sixteen patients (12.9%) required KRT due to delayed graft function: ten patients used the Tenckhoff catheter and the rest performed haemodialysis (four using central venous catheter and two using arteriovenous fistula). Three patients remained dialysis dependent. When analysing the living donor group the rate of KRT was even lower, with three (6.8%) patients requiring dialysis, and only one used the PD catheter. Conclusion Despite the timing of PD catheter removal was according to the European Guidelines, the risk of PD catheter associated infections is not negligible (15.3%), not to mention the burden for the patient to keep an abdominal device demanding routinely care of the exit site. Peritonitis rate was low and comparable to previous studies. Considering the utility of remaining with the catheter, the risk of needing KRT, namely in living donor KT, was low. We postulate whether PD catheter removal at the time of KT should be considered, especially when the risk of late graft function is low, as in living donors, and/or the risk of PD catheter related infections is high. For this reason, we call for an individualized policy regarding catheter removal in the transition to KT.

#2578 Safety profile of dapagliflozin therapy in the kidney peritransplant period

Abstract Background and Aims Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a class of glucose-lowering drugs that have demonstrated important cardio- and nephroprotective effects. These effects, according to preclinical data, may include attenuation of ischemia/reperfusion injury due to downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and necroptosis mediators. This effect could be critical in the peritransplant period, protecting the allograft and potentially reducing delayed graft function (DGF). However, administration of SGLT2i immediately after deceased-donor kidney transplantation (KTx) could potentially be associated with adverse outcomes, such as urinary tract infections (UTI). We report the results of the first 10 patients of an ongoing study aimed at describing the safety profile of dapagliflozin in the peri-KTx period. Method Prospective, uncontrolled pilot study of consecutive, incident KTx patients that received a daily dose of dapagliflozin 10 mg, starting immediately before surgery and continuing until completing the first week post-transplant. All subjects provided informed consent for the study. Those with liver dysfunction, known allergy to SGLT2i, programmed for live-donor or multiorgan kidney transplantation or unable to provide informed consent were excluded. The primary outcome was the development of UTI during index hospitalization, defined either as a positive urine culture and/or symptoms suggestive of UTI. For comparison purposes, a retrospective sample of age- and sex-matched patients that received a KTx prior to the start of this study was included in this analysis. Two controls were selected for each case. Results Demographics and clinical characteristics of both patients in the study and retrospective controls are summarized in Fig. 1. Recipients that received dapagliflozin had similar rates of UTI when compared to controls, and were prescribed less frequently antibiotic therapy for UTI, although none of these differences reached statistical significance. Most cases of both groups consisted in asymptomatic bacteriuria. Of all four cases of documented UTI among treated patients, only one subject developed UTI during the days of dapagliflozin administration (the first 7 days after surgery). This patient did not require antibiotic therapy. The other three cases developed UTI after dapagliflozin discontinuation. Conclusion Results of this preliminary and limited experience lead us to believe that dapagliflozin in the peritransplant period may be a safe and feasible therapy that could help protect the renal allograft from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Bariatric Surgery as a Bridge to a Successful Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

BackgroundSevere obesity impairs renal function and outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. Bariatric surgery benefits those unresponsive to medical treatments. Limited case reports exist on its efficacy and long-term prognosis for transplant candidates. Thus, this study aims to present a case in which laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was safely performed on a patient with severe obesity awaiting kidney transplantation. Case PresentationThis study included a dialysis patient with a body mass index of 47 kg/m2. Living-donor kidney transplantation using his younger sister as a donor was considered, but it was determined that the risk of complications during and after surgery was high. Medical treatment was first performed, but the obesity did not improve; therefore, a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed. Although postoperative bleeding occurred, the patient was discharged from the hospital on the 14th postoperative day. Subsequently, his weight steadily decreased, and living-donor kidney transplantation was performed 13 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed. Furthermore, the patient's progress after kidney transplantation was good, and he was freed from hemodialysis. ConclusionImproving severe obesity before kidney transplantation is effective in improving prognosis, and bariatric surgery should be considered when medical treatment is ineffective. Future research are needed to determine the optimal time between the performance of this procedure and kidney transplantation, as well as the long-term prognosis after kidney transplantation.

Use of Federal Reimbursement for Living Donor Costs by Racial and Ethnic Minorities: Implications for Disparities in Access to Living Donor Transplantation.

Minority race, ethnicity, and financial barriers are associated with lower rates of living donor (LD) kidney transplantation (LDKT). Financial reimbursement for LD costs may impact social determinants of health and, therefore, impact disparities in access to LDKT. Among US LDKTs, we studied associations between racial and ethnic minority status and utilization of the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC), a means-tested reimbursement program for nonmedical LD costs. We analyzed demographic, clinical, income, and survey data from NLDAC and the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2022) to identify predictors of NLDAC utilization. Among 70 069 US LDKTs, 6093 NLDAC applicants were identified (9% of US LDKTs). Racial and ethnic minorities were over-represented in NLDAC-supported LDKTs compared with non-NLDAC US LDKTs (Black donors 12% versus 9%; Black recipients 15% versus 12%; Hispanic donors 21% versus 14%; Hispanic recipients 23% versus 15%; all P < 0.001). Among preemptive transplants, use of NLDAC by donors to Hispanic recipients (11%) was nearly twice as high as that of non-Hispanic recipients (6%) (P < 0.001). At time of NLDAC application, 72% stated NLDAC "will make it possible" to donate; higher proportions of minority applicants agreed (Black 80%, White 70%, P < 0.001; Hispanic 79%, non-Hispanic 70%, P < 0.001). Racial and ethnic minority-concordant transplants were significantly more likely to use NLDAC (donor/recipient: Black/Black risk-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.85, other/other OR 2.59, Hispanic/Hispanic OR 1.53; all P < 0.05). Reduction of LD financial barriers may increase access to LDKT, particularly in racial and ethnic minority communities.

Access to and Health Outcomes of Pediatric Solid Organ Transplantation for Indigenous Children in 4 Settler-colonial Countries: A Scoping Review.

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is considered the optimal treatment for children with end-stage organ failure; however, increased efforts are needed to understand the gap surrounding equitable access to and health outcomes of SOT for Indigenous children. This scoping review summarizes the literature on the characteristics of access to and health outcomes of pediatric SOT among Indigenous children in the settler-colonial states of Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. A search was performed on MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for studies matching preestablished eligibility criteria from inception to November 2021. A preliminary gray literature search was also conducted. Twenty-four studies published between 1996 and 2021 were included. Studies addressed Indigenous pediatric populations within the United States (n = 7), Canada (n = 6), Aotearoa New Zealand (n = 5), Australia (n = 5), and Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia combined (n = 1). Findings showed that Indigenous children experienced longer time on dialysis, lower rates of preemptive and living donor kidney transplantation, and disparities in patient and graft outcomes after kidney transplantation. There were mixed findings about access to liver transplantation for Indigenous children and comparable findings for graft and patient outcomes after liver transplantation. Social determinants of health, such as geographic remoteness, lack of living donors, and traditional spiritual beliefs, may affect SOT access and outcomes for Indigenous children. Evidence gaps emphasize the need for action-based initiatives within SOT that prioritize research with and for Indigenous pediatric populations. Future research should include community-engaged methodologies, situated within local community contexts, to inform culturally safe care for Indigenous children.

Understanding the Healthcare Needs of Living Kidney Donors Using the Picker Principles of Patient-centered Care: A Scoping Review.

Living kidney donors (LKDs) undertake a complex and multifaceted journey when pursuing donation and have several unmet healthcare needs. A comprehensive understanding of these needs across their entire donation trajectory can help develop a patient-centered care model. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize empirical evidence, published since 2000, on LKDs' experiences with healthcare from when they decided to pursue donation to postdonation care, and what they reported as their care needs. We categorized them according to the 8 Picker principles of patient-centered care. Of the 4514 articles screened, 47 were included. Ample literature highlighted the need for (1) holistic, adaptable, and linguistically appropriate approaches to education and information; (2) systematic, consistent, and proactive coordination and integration of care; and (3) self-management and preparation to optimize perioperative physical comfort. Some literature highlighted the need for (4) better continuity and transition of care postdonation. Two key unmet needs were the lack of (5) a holistic psychosocial evaluation predonation and predischarge to provide emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety; and (6) access to specialty and psychosocial services postdonation especially when adverse events occurred. Limited literature explored the principles of (7) respect for patients' values, preferences, and expressed needs; and (8) involvement of family and friends as caregivers. We summarize several unmet healthcare needs of LKDs throughout their donation journey and highlight knowledge gaps. Addressing them can improve their well-being and experiences, and potentially address inequities in living kidney donation and increase living donor kidney transplantation.