Outcomes In Renal Transplant Recipients Research Articles

Clinical Outcomes of Renal Transplant Recipients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Clinical outcomes of patients with renal transplant (RT) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain poorly elucidated. Between 2014 and 2021, data were analysed for the following three groups of patients undergoing PCI enrolled in a multicentre Australian registry: (1) RT recipients (n=226), (2) patients on dialysis (n=992), and (3) chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], 30‒60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) without previous RT (n=15,534). Primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs)-composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularisation, and stroke. RT recipients were younger than dialysis and patients with CKD (61±10 vs 68±12 vs 78±8.2 years, p<0.001). Patients with RT less frequently had severe left ventricular dysfunction compared with dialysis and CKD groups (6.7% vs 14% and 8.5%); however more, often presented with acute coronary syndrome (58% vs 52% and 48%), especially STEMI (all p<0.001). Patients with RT and CKD had lower rates of 30-day MACCE (4.4% and 6.8% vs 11.6%, p<0.001) than the dialysis group. Three-year survival was similar between RT and CKD groups, however was lower in the dialysis group (80% and 83% vs 60%, p<0.001). After adjustment, dialysis was an independent predictor of 30-day MACCE (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44‒2.50, p<0.001), however RT was not (OR 0.91, CI 0.42‒1.96, p=0.802). Both RT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07, CI 1.46‒2.95, p<0.001) and dialysis (HR 1.35, CI 1.02‒1.80, p=0.036) heightened the hazard of long-term mortality. RT recipients have more favourable clinical outcomes following PCI compared with patients on dialysis. However, despite having similar short-term outcomes to patients with CKD, the hazard of long-term mortality is significantly greater for RT recipients.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder risk and outcomes in renal transplant patients treated with belatacept immunosuppression

IntroductionPost-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare but life-threatening malignancy that arises in the setting of immunosuppression (IS) after solid organ transplant. IS regimens containing belatacept have been associated with an increased risk of PTLD in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-seronegative renal transplant recipients, and the use of belatacept is contraindicated in this population. However, the impact of belatacept-based regimens on PTLD risk and outcomes in EBV-seropositive renal transplant recipients is less well characterized.MethodsA case-control study was conducted to investigate how combinatorial IS regimens impact the risk of PTLD and survival outcomes in renal transplant recipients at a large transplant center between 2010 and 2019. In total, 17 cases of PTLD were identified and matched 1:2 to controls without PTLD by age, sex, and transplanted organ(s). We compared baseline clinical characteristics, examined changes in IS regimen, viral loads, and renal function over time, and evaluated time-to-event analyses, including graft rejection and survival.ResultsCases of PTLD largely resembled matched controls in terms of baseline characteristics, although expected differences in EBV serostatus trended toward significance (42.9% of PTLD cases were donor-positive/recipient-negative vs. 8.3% controls, p = 0.063). PTLD cases were not more likely to have received belatacept than controls. Belatacept was not associated with graft rejection or failure, re-transplant, hospitalization, or decreased survival.ConclusionsBelatacept was not associated with an increased risk of PTLD, and was not associated with decreased survival in either PTLD cases or in the entire cohort. Our case-control study supports the concept that belatacept remains a safe and effective option for IS in EBV-seropositive renal transplant patients.

Clinical outcomes of renal transplant recipients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among renal transplant (RT) recipients. Despite this, the clinical outcomes of patients with RT undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain poorly elucidated. Purpose This study compared characteristics and outcomes among three groups of patients undergoing PCI: (1) RT recipients, (2) patients receiving dialysis and (3) patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate 30–59 ml/min/1.73m²) without previous RT. Methods Data were analyzed for consecutive patients undergoing PCI enrolled in a large, multicenter Australian registry between 2014 and 2021 stratified into RT (n=226), dialysis (n=992) and CKD (n=15,534) groups. The primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization and stroke). Long-term mortality was derived from linkage with the Australian National Death Index. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were performed to assess the risk of 30-day MACCE and long-term mortality, respectively. Results RT recipients were younger compared to dialysis and CKD patients (61±10 vs 68±12 vs 78±8.2 years, p&amp;lt;0.001). The majority of patients were male: 72%, 76% and 61% in RT, dialysis, and CKD groups, respectively (p&amp;lt;0.001). RT patients had fewer comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease and previous cerebrovascular events) than dialysis patients, however more than the CKD group (all p&amp;lt;0.001). Compared to dialysis and CKD groups, RT patients less frequently had severe left ventricular dysfunction (14% and 8.5% vs 6.7%), however more often presented with acute coronary syndrome (52% and 48% vs 58%), especially ST-elevation myocardial infarction (12% and 17% vs 20%) (all p&amp;lt;0.001). RT and CKD patients had lower rates of in-hospital mortality (2.7% and 3.8% vs 6.4%), target vessel revascularization (0.4% and 0.7% vs 1.7%) and 30-day MACCE (4.4% and 6.8% vs 11.6%) compared to the dialysis group (all p&amp;lt;0.001). Three-year survival was similar between RT and CKD groups, however lower in the dialysis group (80% and 83% vs 60%) (p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1). After adjustment, dialysis at baseline was an independent predictor of 30-day MACCE (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.44–2.50, p&amp;lt;0.001), however RT status was not (0.91, 0.42–1.96, p=0.802). In contrast, both RT status (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.46–2.95, p&amp;lt;0.001) and dialysis at baseline (1.35, 1.02–1.80, p=0.036) conferred a heightened long-term hazard for mortality (Figure 2). Conclusions RT recipients have more favorable clinical outcomes following PCI compared to patients receiving dialysis. Nevertheless, despite having similar short-term outcomes to those with CKD, the hazard of long-term mortality is significantly greater for RT recipients. Close follow-up is warranted in this high-risk population.Figure 1Figure 2

Association between fibrosis-related gene polymorphism and long-term allograft outcome in renal transplant recipients

BackgroundRenal allograft fibrosis is one of characteristic causes of long-term renal function loss. The purpose of our study is to investigate the association between fibrosis-related genes single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and kidney function in 5 years after kidney transplantation.MethodsA total of 143 recipients were eligible for screening with 5-year follow-up information and SNP sequencing information from blood samples were included in this study. Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) and Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) analysis was conducted to identify tagger single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes. SNPs associated with the fifth year chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging were screened by SPSS and the “SNPassoc” package in RStudio and used for subsequent prediction model construction.ResultsA total of 275 renal transplant-related SNPs identified after target sequencing analysis. 64 Tagger SNPs were selected, and two SNPs (rs13969 and rs243849) were statistically significant for stage of CKD in 5 years. Finally, a model based on Gender, Age, rs1396, and rs243849 was constructed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Additionally, this model has a good performance in predicting uremia five years after kidney transplantation.ConclusionTwo SNPs (rs13969 and rs243849) were identified to be significantly associated with long-term renal allograft function. Based on this, a prediction model for long-term allograft function was established containing Gender, Age, rs1396, and rs243849. However, an independent cohort should be enrolled to validate the predicting performance.

Clinical Outcomes of Renal Transplant Recipients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Clinical Outcomes of Renal Transplant Recipients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Temporal trends of de novo urological malignancy in renal transplant recipients without a cancer history: A longitudinal cohort study.

The incidence of malignancies after successful kidney transplantation has historically been higher than in the general population, with adverse impact on clinical outcomes. However, uncertainty remains as to which cancers occur at what time points after kidney transplantation. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study to investigate the temporal trends and topographic patterns of de novo malignancies to optimize surveillance protocols and improve transplant outcome in renal transplant recipients. Measurement of death and cancer events was performed to calculate the cumulative risk of events of interest. Between 2000 and 2013, 3169 renal transplant recipients were retrospectively screened; 3035 (96%) of them met eligibility criteria and were evaluated with a follow-up of 27612 person-years. There was suboptimal overall survival and malignancy-free survival in renal transplant recipients compared to reference groups (HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.50-1.82; p<.001; HR: 2.33; 95% CI: 2.04-2.66; p<.001, respectively). Among renal transplant recipients, urological malignancies were predominant (57.5%), followed by digestive tract malignancies (21.4%). The cancer risks of the urinary bladder and upper urinary tract were lower in male subjects (HR: .48; 95% CI: .33-.72; p<.001; HR: .34; 95% CI: .20-.59; p<.001, respectively). The temporal trends of urological malignancies among renal transplant recipients were expressed in a bimodal pattern, with M-shaped peaks at 3 and 9 years, with gender disparity. In renal transplant recipients, cancer occurrences are shown as M-shaped twin peaks. Our study highlights that specific customized 'targeted' strategies for cancer surveillance programs are required to optimize posttransplant care.

Characteristics of lung cancer in renal transplant recipients.

e20592 Background: Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are at a higher risk of developing malignancies primarily due to prolonged immunosuppression. Lung cancer while rare in RTR, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of our study is to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RTRs who developed lung cancer at our institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1998 RTRs who underwent transplantation between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2019, at our institution and identified patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer after transplant. Baseline demographic variables and information related to the renal transplant, the diagnosis and management of lung cancer were collected. Results: Among 1998 RTRs, 10 patients (0.005%) developed lung cancer. A majority of the lung cancer patients identified as male (n = 8), and the median age was 62.5 years. The races of the patients were white (30%, n = 3), African American (50%, n = 5), Hispanic (10%, n = 1), and Native American (10%, n = 1). Concomitant liver transplant was performed in 2 patients, and a concomitant heart transplant was performed in 1 patient. Median time to lung cancer diagnosis after transplant was 67.5 months (range, 12-168). The histology of the lung cancers found were adenocarcinoma (n = 4), squamous (n = 4), and small cell (n = 2). All patients had a history of smoking, with 90% reporting a &gt; 15 pack-year history of smoking and none of them received lung cancer screening. Among the patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 87.5% (n = 7) had early-stage disease, and 12.5% (n = 1) had locally advanced disease (Stage IIIB). Both patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer had extensive-stage (es-SCLC) disease at the time of diagnosis. Among patients with NSCLC, 2 had genomic tumor profiling performed. Among patients with early-stage NSCLC, 57% underwent upfront surgery, 14% received radiation alone, 14% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 14% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Around 71% (n = 5) remained alive at the last follow up recorded. The patient with stage IIIB NSCLC received chemotherapy and concomitant radiation but had an overall survival (OS) of only 6 months; that patient died of complications related to cancer progression. Both patients with es-SCLC received front-line chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide. To our knowledge, 40% (n = 4) of these patients retained their renal graft function. At 1-year from diagnosis, 40% of patients diagnosed with lung cancer were still alive. Conclusions: Lung cancer in RTRs is rare but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. With the improving life expectancy of RTRs, the incidence of de novo malignancies including lung cancer is likely to increase. Annual screening for lung cancer in high-risk individuals is an important step for early diagnosis. Surgical resection and chemotherapy are well tolerated in patients with lung cancer.

Renal transplant recipients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair have increased risk of perioperative acute kidney injury but no difference in late mortality: Presented at the 2022 Vascular Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery; Boston, Massachusetts, June 15-18, 2022.

Objective: Renal transplant is associated with substantial survival advantage in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, little is known about the outcomes of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). This study aimed to study the effect of renal transplant on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival after elective infrarenal EVAR.

Renal transplant recipients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair have increased risk of perioperative acute kidney injury but no difference in late mortality

ObjectiveRenal transplant is associated with substantial survival advantage in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, little is known about the outcomes of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). This study aimed to study the effect of renal transplant on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival after elective infrarenal EVAR. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for all patients undergoing elective EVAR from 2003 to 2021. Functioning RTRs were compared with non-renal transplant recipients without a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease (non-RTRs). The outcomes included 30-day mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), new renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), endoleak, aortic-related reintervention, major adverse cardiac events, and 5-year survival. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between RTRs and perioperative outcomes. ResultsOf 60,522 patients undergoing elective EVAR, 180 (0.3%) were RTRs. RTRs were younger (median, 71 years vs 74.5 years; P < .001), with higher incidence of hypertension (92% vs 84%; P = .004) and diabetes (29% vs 21%; P = .005). RTRs had higher median preoperative serum creatinine (1.3 mg/dL vs 1.0 mg/dL; P < .001) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (51.6 mL/min vs 69.4 mL/min; P < .001). There was no difference in the abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter and incidence of concurrent iliac aneurysms. Procedurally, RTRs were more likely to undergo general anesthesia with lower amount of contrast used (median, 68.6 mL vs 94.8 ml; P < .001) and higher crystalloid infusion (median, 1700 mL vs 1500 mL; P = .039), but no difference was observed in the incidence of open conversion, endoleak, operative time, and blood loss. Postoperatively, RTRs experienced a higher rate of AKI (9.4% vs 2.7%; P < .001), but the need for new RRT was similar (1.1% vs 0.4%; P = .15). There was no difference in the rates of postoperative mortality, aortic-related reintervention, and major adverse cardiac events. After adjustment for potential confounders, RTRs remained associated with increased odds of postoperative AKI (odds ratio, 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-5.76; P < .001) but had no association with other postoperative complications. A subgroup analysis identified that diabetes (odds ratio, 4.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-15.14; P = .02) is associated with increased odds of postoperative AKI among RTRs. At 5 years, the overall survival rates were similar (83.4% vs 80%; log-rank P = .235). ConclusionsAmong patients undergoing elective infrarenal EVAR, RTRs were independently associated with increased odds of postoperative AKI, without increased postoperative renal failure requiring RRT, mortality, endoleak, aortic-related reintervention, or major adverse cardiac events. Furthermore, 5-year survival was similar. As such, while EVAR may confer comparable benefits and technical success perioperatively, RTRs should have aggressive and maximally optimized renal protection to mitigate the risk of postoperative AKI.

Health-related Quality of Life with Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Study from a Tertiary Center in North India

Health-related Quality of Life with Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Study from a Tertiary Center in North India

Sonography of Renal Transplant-Associated Complications: A Primer

The advent of renal transplantation has significantly improved the quality of life and mortality of patients with end-stage renal disease. Unfortunately, transplant-associated complications (TACs) are common and pose a significant risk to both the allograft and the patient. A major advancement in the care of transplant recipients is the implementation of renal ultrasound, which allows for a more detailed assessment of the renal allograft and facilitates the distinction of different TAC manifestations such as perinephric fluid collections, vascular disease, and parenchymal disease. A better understanding of the clinical and sonographic features of TACs will help guide TAC management and promote better outcomes for renal transplant recipients.

Outcome of Renal Transplant Recipients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: Long Term Follow-Up

Outcome of Renal Transplant Recipients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit: Long Term Follow-Up

The combination of exposure to Tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, Inosine 5'-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase activity and inhibition in the first week define early histological outcomes in renal transplant recipients.

Therapeutic drug monitoring is routine for Tacrolimus, while levels are not routinely monitored for mycophenolic acid (MPA). This study investigated the effect of early post-transplant pharmacokinetics (PK) of MPA and Tacrolimus along with the pharmacodynamics (PD) of MPA on biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) after renal transplantation. A prospective PK/PD study with limited sampling (three blood samples) was conducted in renal transplant recipients on week 1, around Day 6 (n=42) and at the 3rd-month biopsy on Day 90 (n=23). The partial exposures (area under curve [AUC]0-3.5h ) of both MPA and Tacrolimus obtained during the first week were more predictive of rejection (combined clinical and subclinical rejection) by Day 90 than their trough concentrations or Day 90 exposures. Patients with rejection had significantly worse renal function (eGFR) and a comparatively lower exposure to MPA during the first post-transplant week. The lower MPA exposure was also associated with sub-optimal inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibition in patients with rejection, and the probability of rejection was higher in the presence of an increased pre-transplant IMPDH activity. A composite of parameters, including MPA exposure and IMPDH activity was found to predict acute rejection and may be beneficial along with tacrolimus monitoring early after renal transplantation.

Assessment of Biochemical Parameters, Kidney Function, and Long-term Outcome in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background and Aims: New-onset of diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is the most significant complications arising post-renal transplantation and affecting the long-term graft outcome and recipient survival. Assessment of renal function in kidney transplant recipients might help in understanding the better outcome of the graft and also the factors associated with NODAT. The present study was aimed to estimate the biochemical parameters, electrolytes, and minerals in the serum among renal transplant recipients and healthy controls (HC) and to evaluate the graft function, graft outcome and patient survival. Materials and Methods: Biochemical parameters (creatinine, urea, and uric acid), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), and minerals (calcium and phosphorus) were estimated in serum by enzymatic method using commercially available kits in 100 HC, 80 NODAT, and 80 Non-NODAT subjects. The graft outcome was assessed by comparing serum creatinine levels and urinary creatinine clearance at 0 month and 60 months. The survival rate was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Results: The mean age was significantly higher in NODAT versus non-NODAT at P &lt; 0.0009. Significant gender difference was observed in NODAT and non-NODAT versus HC at P &lt; 0.0001. The levels of creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly more in NODAT versus HC at P &lt; 0.0001, P &lt; 0.0001, and P &lt; 0.006. The mean levels of sodium and phosphorus were significantly lower in NODAT versus HC at P &lt; 0.008 and P &lt; 0.029. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, male gender, creatinine, and urea significantly predicted the outcome and the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis revealed creatinine to be better marker for assessing kidney function. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed decreased survival rates in NODAT than non-NODAT. Conclusion: Older age (above 40), hyponatremia, and hypophosphatemia could be significant risk factors for NODAT development.

Effect of regulatory T cells on short-term graft outcome in kidney transplant recipients, a prospective observational, single-center study

BackgroundRegulatory T cells (Tregs) are important for maintaining immune homeostasis, limiting kidney transplant rejection, and promoting transplant tolerance. Tregs are characterized as CD4 + CD25+ T cells and the transcription factor Foxp3; they constitute 5–10% of all peripheral CD4+ T cells in healthy humans. The reduction in Treg cells after transplantation may be a predictive factor in graft rejection. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the association between Tregs and short-term graft outcomes in renal transplant recipients. MethodsThis prospective observational study included 50 patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years, with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and who underwent kidney transplantation at the Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of Tregs (CD4 + CD25+) pre-transplant (baseline) and monthly post-transplant in 50 transplant recipients and 20 healthy controls (HC) over six months. The correlation between Treg percentages and graft outcomes was analyzed. ResultsThe percentage of Tregs (Treg%) was significantly lower in ESRD patients before transplantation (baseline) than in the HCs [median 8.5% vs. 14.25%; p < 0.01]. After transplantation, Treg% decreased significantly within a week after grafting compared to the baseline pre-transplant level [median 5.13% vs. 8.5%; p < 0.01]. Moreover, Treg% was lower in the older (> 40 years) than that in the younger age group at one week after transplantation (p > 0.001). Treg% (CD4 + CD25+) was significantly lower in patients with deceased donor renal transplantation (DDRT) than in live renal transplantation (LRT) within the first week of transplantation [median 2.16% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.05] and at the time of graft rejection [median 3.2% vs. 9.2%; p < 0.001]. Induction therapy with anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody (IL-2RB) lowered Tregs to a greater extent than anti-thymoglobulin (ATG) therapy and no induction therapy [median 3.22% vs. 5.47%, 8.4%, p < 0.05]. In contrast, an increased Treg% was observed in transplant recipients with normal kidney graft function within six months after transplantation compared with the pre-transplant baseline level [median 11.54% vs. 8.5; p < 0.001]. ROC analysis of graft rejection resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8 with a p-value <0.05. ConclusionWithin the first week after transplantation, the percentage of pre-transplant Tregs was significantly decreased compared to that in age- and sex-matched HC. The percentage of Tregs was also lower in patients with advanced age, DDRT, and those who received IL-2RB induction therapy. Patients who experienced graft rejection had lower Treg% compared to their pre-transplant levels. In contrast, patients with normal graft function at six months showed increased Treg%. Together, these results suggest that Treg% measurements are correlated with clinical outcomes.

Increased Perioperative Acute Kidney Injury After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Renal Transplant Patients

Renal transplantation (RT) is associated with substantial survival advantage in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, little is known about the outcomes of renal transplant recipients (RTRs) after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). This study aimed to elucidate the effect of RT on perioperative and long-term outcomes after EVAR.

Preconception Immunosuppression Regimens and Perinatal Outcomes in Renal Transplant Recipients [A158

INTRODUCTION: Renal transplant recipients are frequently transitioned to new immunosuppression regimens (ISR) in anticipation of pregnancy to reduce teratogenic risks. The consequent effects on perinatal outcomes and renal allograft condition are not known. We evaluated the risks of transitioning to a new ISR in the preconception period on perinatal outcomes and allograft condition in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for the study. A retrospective cohort study at a single tertiary-care center included all pregnancies with a history of renal transplant between January 1995 and 2021. Patients who did not have a pregnancy following their transplant or who were still pregnant at the time of data analysis were excluded. Study groups included patients who transitioned to a new ISR prior to pregnancy versus patients who continued on their established ISR. RESULTS: Of 93 pregnancies identified, 27 patients, with a total of 30 pregnancies, met inclusion criteria. Preconception ISR transition occurred in 13 pregnancies (48.1%). There were no significant differences in maternal characteristics between groups. Preconception ISR transition was associated with a significantly later gestational age at delivery (36.0 versus 30.9, P=.02) and a non-statistically-significant higher live birth rate (84.6% versus 52.9%, P=.07). Overall, maternal and fetal composite adverse outcomes and acute renal injury in pregnancy did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Transitioning patients to a new ISR in the preconception period did not significantly affect perinatal outcomes or allograft condition in pregnancy; however, women may deliver at a later gestational age. Additional studies are needed to further investigate this association.

Management strategies and outcomes in renal transplant recipients recovering from COVID-19: A retrospective, multicentre, cohort study

SummaryBackgroundThere is an enormous knowledge gap on management strategies, clinical outcomes, and follow-up after kidney transplantation (KT) in recipients that have recovered from coronavirus disease (COVID-19).MethodsWe conducted a multi-center, retrospective analysis in 23 Indian transplant centres between June 26, 2020 to December 1, 2021 on KT recipients who recovered after COVID-19 infections. We analyzed clinical and biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (AR) incidence and used cox-proportional modeling to estimate multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for predictors of AR. We also performed competing risk analysis. Additional outcome measures included graft loss, all-cause mortality, waiting time from a positive real-time polymerase test (RT-PCR) to KT, laboratory parameters, and quality of life in follow-up.FindingsAmong 372 KT which included 38(10·21%) ABO-incompatible, 12(3·22%) sensitized, 64(17·20%) coexisting donors with COVID-19 history and 20 (5·37%) recipients with residual radiographic abnormalities, the incidence of AR was 34 (9·1%) with 1(0·26%) death censored graft loss, and 4(1·07%) all-cause mortality over a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 241 (106–350) days. In our cox hazard proportional analysis, absence of oxygen requirement during COVID-19 compared to oxygen need [HR = 0·14(0·03–0·59); p-value = 0·0071], and use of thymoglobulin use compared to other induction strategies [HR = 0·17(0·03–0.95); p-value = 0·044] had a lower risk for AR. Degree of Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR mismatch had the highest risk of AR [HR = 10.2(1·74–65·83); p-value = 0·011]. With competing risk analysis, with death as a competing event, HLA DR mismatch, and oxygen requirement continued to be associated with AR. Age, gender, obesity, inflammatory markers, dialysis vintage, steroid use, sensitization and ABO-incompatibility have not been associated with a higher risk of AR. The median duration between COVID-19 real time polymerase test negativity to transplant was 88(40–145) days (overall), and ranged from 88(40–137), 65(42–120), 110(49–190), and 127(64–161) days in World Health Organization ordinal scale ≤ 3, 4, 5, and 6–7, respectively. There was no difference in quality of life, tacrolimus levels, blood counts, and mean serum creatinine assessed in patients with a past COVID-19 infection independent of severity.InterpretationOur findings support that the outcomes of KT after COVID-19 recovery are excellent with absence of COVID-19 sequelae during follow-up. Additionally, there does not seem to be a need for changes in the induction/immunosuppression regimen based on the severity of COVID-19.FundingSanofi

Body Fat Distribution, Adipocytokines Levels and Variability in Associated Genes and Kidney Transplant Outcomes.

Introduction: Body fat distribution is known to contribute to a variety of pathologies. Research Questions: We aimed to assess whether this distribution is associated with clinical outcomes in renal transplant recipients (RTR) and to examine its relationship with leptin and adiponectin gene variants and plasma concentrations. Design: Bioelectrical impedance analyses were performed in 236 RTR. Leptin/adiponectin levels were measured by immunoassay and relevant polymorphisms in the leptin receptor (LEPR) and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) genes were identified. Associations were assessed by logistic regression modeling. Results: The waist-to-height ratio (WHr) displayed a significant association with delayed graft function, acute rejection and post-transplant diabetes mellitus, with OR values of 2.04 (1.02-4.08) p = 0.045; 3.08 (1.22-7.79) p = 0.017 and 2.79 (1.16-6.74) p = 0.022, respectively. Waist circumference was linked to delayed graft function [OR = 1.03 (1.01-1.05), p = 0.025] and AR [OR = 1.041 (1.01-1.07), p = 0.009]. Leptin levels were significantly higher in patients who experienced rejection [19.91 ± 23.72 versus 11.22 ± 16.42 ng/ml; OR = 1.021 (1.01-1.04), p = 0.017]. The ADIPOQ rs1501299TT genotype showed a significant association with higher WHr (0.63 ± 0.11 vs 0.59 ± 0.87 for GG/GT genotypes; p = 0.015) and WC values (102.3 ± 14.12 vs 96.38 ± 14.65 for GG/GT genotypes; p = 0.021). Conclusion: WC, and especially WHr, are associated with adverse outcomes in renal transplantation and are affected by variability in the ADIPOQ gene.

Middle-term outcomes in renal transplant recipients with COVID-19: a national, multicenter, controlled study.

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn this study, we evaluated 3-month clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) recovering from COVID-19 and compared them with a control group.MethodThe primary endpoint was death in the third month. Secondary endpoints were ongoing respiratory symptoms, need for home oxygen therapy, rehospitalization for any reason, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, biopsy-proven acute rejection, venous/arterial thromboembolic event, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease and BK viruria/viremia at 3 months.ResultsA total of 944 KTR from 29 different centers were included in this study (523 patients in the COVID-19 group; 421 patients in the control group). The mean age was 46 ± 12 years (interquartile range 37–55) and 532 (56.4%) of them were male. Total number of deaths was 8 [7 (1.3%) in COVID-19 group, 1 (0.2%) in control group; P = 0.082]. The proportion of patients with ongoing respiratory symptoms [43 (8.2%) versus 4 (1.0%); P < 0.001] was statistically significantly higher in the COVID-19 group compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of other secondary endpoints.ConclusionThe prevalence of ongoing respiratory symptoms increased in the first 3 months post-COVID in KTRs who have recovered from COVID-19, but mortality was not significantly different.