Post-transplant Care Research Articles

Impact of weight change on kidney transplantation outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Kidney transplant recipients frequently experience a wide range of metabolic complications, including weight changes, which significantly impact patient outcomes and graft function, yet the relationship between weight gain and transplant outcomes remains poorly understood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesise existing evidence on the influence of weight gain on patient and graft outcomes following kidney transplantation to enhance clinical practice and optimise post-transplant care strategies. A literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed and Scopus for peer-reviewed studies published up to 8 August 2024. We included adult kidney transplant recipients (ages 18 years and older) with substantial and clinically relevant post-transplant weight gain and a control group without such changes, focusing on outcomes including all-cause mortality, graft survival, cardiovascular events and acute rejection. The pooled analysis, which included data from 11 studies, indicated no significant association between post-transplant weight gain and the risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69 to 2.10, p = 0.51; I2 = 28%), cardiovascular events (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.01, p = 0.85; I2 = 32%) or acute rejection (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.68, p = 0.55; I2 = 9%). However, weight gain was significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.05, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Substantial and clinically relevant weight gain after kidney transplant was associated with a higher risk of graft failure. Within the timeframes of study observation, risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular events or acute rejection were not increased by weight gain in kidney transplant recipients.

Evolution of liver transplantation in the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease era: Tracking impact through time.

Liver transplantation (LT) for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing globally due to rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, posing significant challenges. MASLD patients typically present with advanced age, higher body mass index (BMI), and metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Comprehensive pre-transplant evaluations are crucial for assessing surgical risks and preparing patients for transplantation. MASLD patients with higher BMI may experience longer operative times, potentially affecting intraoperative outcomes. In the months following LT, MASLD recipients face persistent challenges, including a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events compared to non-MASLD recipients. However, survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years post-LT do not markedly differ from other etiologies, indicating comparable surgical outcomes. Optimizing outcomes in MASLD patients undergoing LT demands a multidisciplinary approach from pre-transplant assessment to post-transplant care. Strategies must address metabolic comorbidities, manage cardiovascular health, and monitor steatosis recurrence, which can be exacerbated by obesity and diabetes. This approach aims to mitigate long-term graft complications and mortality risks, ultimately enhancing transplant success and patient well-being. Continued research is essential to refine these approaches and meet the evolving challenges posed by MASLD as a leading indication for LT worldwide.

Gut Microbial Dysbiosis and Implications in Solid Organ Transplantation

The gut microbiome has been shown to play a significant role in solid organ transplantation, potentially influencing graft function and patient outcomes. Dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity and an increase in pathogenic taxa, has been linked to higher incidences of allograft rejection, graft dysfunction, and post-transplant mortality. Several studies suggest that the gut microbiome might be able to serve as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target, potentially guiding personalized immunosuppressive therapies and other interventions to improve outcomes after solid organ transplantation. As summarized in this review, clinical studies have shown that specific microbial shifts correlate with adverse outcomes, including acute rejection and chronic allograft dysfunction. As research surrounding the relationship between the gut microbiome and solid organ transplant progresses, the integration of microbial analysis into clinical practice has the potential to revolutionize post-transplant care, offering new avenues to improve graft survival and patient quality of life. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between gut microbial dysbiosis and transplantation outcomes, emphasizing the impact on kidney, liver, lung, and heart transplant recipients.

Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment and Advancement Toward Cure Through Stem Cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Sickle Cell Anemia is one diagnosis under a larger umbrella of hemoglobinopathy diseases known as Sickle Cell Disease. In this review, we will evaluate not just curative measures toward Sickle Cell Anemia, but also the potential for stem cell transplantation with respect to Sickle Cell Disease. The goal of this review article is to examine the current treatment options available for patients with Sickle Cell Anemia and the potential use of stem cell therapy as a cure. This team of authors considers the benefits and disadvantages associated with various aspects of stem cell transplantation including types of stem cell transplantations, patient age, pre and post-transplantation care, genetic variations in stem cells, and areas of future research. Stem cell therapy is an important development to aid patients suffering from Sickle Cell Disease, but access to donors, patient safety, ethical considerations, and accessibility of treatment need further evaluation for it to become the clinical standard of care.

Comprehensive Characterization of Anti-HLA and Non-HLA Antibodies in Patients on Kidney Transplant Waiting List and Evaluation of Their Impact on Alloimmunization Risk and Dialysis Treatment.

Alloimmunization remains a major obstacle to successful kidney transplantation, mainly due to the formation of anti-HLA antibodies. In recent years, non-HLA antibodies have emerged as additional immunologic factors that can potentially contribute to graft rejection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and specificity of both anti-HLA and non-HLA antibodies in patients with end-stage renal disease on a waiting list for kidney transplantation. Serum samples from 74 patients were analyzed using complement-dependent cytotoxicity and solid-phase assays. IgG anti-HLA antibodies were identified in 43.2% of participants, while IgG non-HLA antibodies were detected in 91.9%. The most frequent non-HLA antibodies included anti-ENO1 (28.4%), anti-FIBR1 (23.0%) and anti-PRKCZ (23.0%). A significant difference was found between the number of distinct IgG anti-HLA and IgG non-HLA antibody specificities. However, no significant correlation was found between the number of IgG non-HLA antibody specificities and previous alloimmunization events or dialysis treatments. These results suggest that non-HLA antibodies, although often overlooked, can sometimes play a critical role in transplant outcomes. Routine testing for non-HLA antibodies, in addition to mandatory anti-HLA antibody screening and identification, could improve immunologic risk assessment in transplant patients and post-transplant care.

Impact of physical activity on physical function and quality of life after liver transplantation

Introduction and aim of the study: Liver-related diseases are very common in our society, and as a result, the number of people requiring liver transplantation is likewise increasing. In our research, we intended to analyze the topic of increasing survival rates and improving comfort along with the quality of life while waiting for a transplant, as well as in the postoperative period. We determined that we would investigate the impact of physical activity on risk factors that increase hospitalizations after surgery and decrease quality of life. We summarized the effect and type of exercise on sarcopenia, frailty, and their direct relation to the pre- and post-operative period of liver transplantation. In addition, we analyzed possible obstacles and difficulties arising from the implementation of physical activity in liver transplant recipients. Materials and methods: The authors conducted an extensive review of articles available in PubMed, Google Scholar, UpToDate, Science Direct, and Cochrane databases. The keywords liver transplantation, physical activity, quality of life, sarcopenia, and frailty were the basis of the review. Studies published between 2001 and 2024 were included in the review. Results: The vast majority of the studies emphasized the positive effects of exercise, particularly aerobic and resistance training, on improving the clinical conditions and well-being of liver transplant patients. The papers with inconsistent results nevertheless underscored the need to delve further into this topic. Thus, the overall evidence supports the inclusion of physical exercise in post-transplant care as a key strategy for improving health and quality of life. Conclusion: Regular physical activity is beneficial for clinical outcomes and patients’ quality of life after liver transplantation.

Predictors of Post-operative ABG Changes to Pre-operative Levels in Kidney Transplant Patients, a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for chronic renal failure (CRF), significantly improving patient outcomes. Fluid administration during surgery can lead to the accumulation of acid ions and electrolytes, inducing pH changes from the pre-operative to post-operative period, which may compromise transplant success. The impact of acid-base balance changes on transplant outcomes is crucial, yet research on predictors and arterial blood gas (ABG) changes post-kidney transplant is limited. Understanding ABG changes can enhance perioperative management, early detection of complications, and long-term graft function, thereby optimizing patient care and increasing transplant success rates. Objectives: To assess ABG changes before and after kidney transplant and identify predictors of post-operative acidosis in patients with renal failure through cross-sectional studies. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we included 97 patients who had undergone kidney transplant. During surgery, patients received crystalloid fluids, with 49 receiving only normal saline and 48 receiving only Ringer's lactate. Data collection involved the insertion of an arterial line after anesthesia induction, and the first ABG sample was obtained as a pre-operative measure. A post-operative measure was taken at the end of the surgery. Ethical considerations were followed throughout the study. Statistical analysis included paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare pre- and post-operative ABG measures, with a significance level set at a P-value less than 0.05. Results: Total of 97 patients, which 65 (69.4%) were male and 32 (30.6%) were female and mean age was 38.6 ± 12.2. Variables significantly associated with post-op acidosis were fluid administered (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.45 - 4.58), post-op central venous pressure (CVP) (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.23 - 2.62, p &lt; 0.05), post-op base excess (BE) (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.50 - 2.95, P &lt; 0.05). HCO₃ (P = 0.010), BE (P = 0.002), pH (P = 0.023) were significantly lower in the normal saline group compared to the Ringer's group. Post-op pH and BE was also associated with increased post-op CVP. Post-op acidosis and post-op CVP were significantly associated with post-op BE. Conclusions: Post-operative ABG changes, including decreases in pH and HCO3, are key indicators of transplant outcomes, reflecting graft function and patient stability. These findings highlight the critical need for prompt management of ABG abnormalities to optimize transplant success and minimize complications, making vigilant monitoring a vital part of post-transplant care.

Stem cell transplantation therapy for advanced liver damage-associated neurodegenerative disorders.

Hepatic encephalopathy and other neurodegenerative disorders have profound implications for extensive liver impairment, calling for new ways of treating the condition. The application of stem cell transplantation to treat these severe disorders is a new and encouraging technique. This review article digs deep into the subject of stem cell transplantation therapy, neurodegenerative disorders associated with advanced liver damage, and liver transplantation. It comprehensively analyses the background, rationale, scope, and objectives of using stem cells to treat such challenging conditions. The topic of discussion includes the subtleties of neurodegenerative disorders, the function of liver transplantation, and the possible advantages and disadvantages associated with it. The relevance of patient selection, intraoperative concerns and post-transplant care is discussed. Further, the article explores how stem cell-based therapies can benefit from nanotechnology, specifically how it can improve stem cell distribution, survival, and integration for better therapeutic results. This review aims to offer a thorough analysis of regenerative medicine's present and future possibilities in dealing with the intricate relationship between neurodegeneration and liver damage. It does this by examining the efficacy, safety, and long-term impacts of stem cell transplantation in treating neurodegenerative disorders associated with advanced liver damage. This will incorporate insights from ongoing clinical trials, the patent landscape, and future directions. The goal is to pave the way for innovative and personalized treatment approaches in this evolving research and clinical practice field. Therefore, these efforts represent a promising frontier in medical research that can alleviate the burden of HE and associated neurological complications combined with liver cirrhosis.

Management challenges in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 with end-stage kidney disease: A case report

Introduction and importancePrimary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a metabolic condition that leads to oxalate production, resulting in kidney failure and oxalate nephropathy. Posttransplant mobilization of oxalate poses a risk of recurrence. This case emphasizes the importance of measures in cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with unknown origins. Case presentationA 53-year-old man with a history of hypothyroidism, recurring kidney stones, and a family background of renal disease and stomach cancer presented with high blood pressure and elevated creatinine levels (2 mg/dL). A subsequent renal biopsy confirmed PH1. Despite initiating hemodialysis, his kidney function deteriorated, necessitating a liver and kidney transplant. Following the transplant, the patient developed lymph node enlargement. Experienced humoral rejection, leading to the resumption of hemodialysis. Clinical discussionThe case discussion highlights the treatment complexities associated with PH1, emphasizing the importance of detection and vigilant monitoring post transplantation and multidisciplinary care for managing complications effectively. ConclusionEarly detection, thorough diagnostics, and customized posttransplant care play roles in managing hyperoxaluria. Future research should focus on enhancing methods, refining transplantation techniques, and developing strategies to prevent and manage complications effectively.

Clinician Prediction of Early Readmission Among Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients.

Introduction: Patients are at risk of hospital readmission after kidney and liver transplantation due to the complexity of posttransplant care. Currently, clinical practice relies on providers' prediction since there is a lack of specific strategies. However, the accuracy of clinicians' ability to predict readmissions using clinical judgment alone is unknown. Research Question: What is the accuracy of clinicians' ability to predict readmissions after transplantation using clinical judgment alone? Design: In 2019, clinical providers at a large, urban transplant center were electronically surveyed. Primary surgeons, nephrologists, transplant pharmacists, hepatologists, and nurses were asked, within 24 h of any kidney or liver transplant recipient discharge, to predict whether a patient would be readmitted within 30 days, and the suspected causes of readmission. Prediction accuracy was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and F-score. Kappa scores were calculated to assess agreement between transplant surgeons and other providers. Results: Overall, N = 34 unique providers were surveyed about 148 kidney and 63 liver transplant recipients, and 27.0% of kidney recipients and 25.4% of liver recipients were readmitted within 30 days. The positive predictive values were low among clinical providers, ranging from 0.25 to 0.55. Agreements between providers were weak, but higher among kidney transplant providers (range: 0.42-0.44) than for liver transplant providers (range: -0.02-0.26). Conclusion: Clinical judgment alone to predict readmission among transplant recipients may not be sufficient and a combination of clinicians' predictions, multitiered discharge surveillance strategies and data-based predictive models may better identify high-risk patients and guide interventions to reduce readmission.

Egyptian pediatric kidney transplantation: highlights on post-transplant follow-up and management of complications by the Egyptian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee (EPG) Nephrology Group

BackgroundPediatric kidney transplantation is unique when compared to adults. They need optimum post-transplant care to achieve longer graft and patient survival. Infections, rejection, recurrence, malignancy, bone problems, hypertension, and surgical complications are the most important challenges that require prevention, early detection, and management. Chronic allograft nephropathy needs different approaches based on its related causes, allograft pathology, graft function, and availability of re-transplantation.Aim/objectivesThis national adapted guideline aims to frame evidence-based post-transplant recommendations adopted or adapted from EB source guidelines to optimize post-transplant patient care.MethodsOur guideline is evidence based adapted from four national and international source guidelines with permissions [KDIGO 2020, RA/BTS 2022–2018, EAU 2018] that were appraised with AGREE II instrument tool. We followed the “adapted ADAPTE” CPG formal adaptation methodology that consists of 3 phases and 24 steps and tools. Virtual monthly meetings all through the year 2023 were activated for reviewing and validation of final adaptation of evidence-based guideline draft, considering all comments of external reviewers. This guideline was registered in the practice guideline registration for transparency (PREPARE), number: PREPARE-2023CN364.ResultsRecommendation statements in guidelines stand for results in articles. Discussion of important recommendations and the rationale behind selection of adopted statements and tailoring of others to suit our local facilities, expertise, and renal native disease profile was presented in the text with reasons and references.ConclusionThe provided guidelines aim to improve graft and patient outcome through prevention and early management of complications and suggest research areas lacking validated research recommendations.

Association of Senescence Markers with Age and Allograft Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. In the last decade, the number of older renal transplant recipients has significantly increased. However, these patients are at a higher risk of developing post-transplant complications. Therefore, identifying the suitable biomarkers to predict which older patients are at risk of complications is crucial. Cellular senescence could provide insights into the increased vulnerability in this population and guide personalized post-transplant care. This preliminary study involved biopsies from 25 patients with renal allograft rejection and 18 patients without rejection, further divided into older (50-65 years) and younger (29-40 years) groups. Biopsies were collected at different time points after transplantation, and rejection was classified according to the histological Banff 07 criteria. Additionally, immunohistochemistry for the markers of cellular senescence, p27kip1 and p16INK4a, was performed. We observed that the number of p27kip1-positive glomeruli was higher in the older patients with rejection compared to the younger patients with rejection, and a similar pattern was found in the patients without rejection. However, the number of p27kip1-positive tubules was higher in the older patients with rejection compared to the younger patients with rejection, as well as compared to both the older and younger patients without rejection. Tubular p16INK4a expression was not significantly different in the older patients with rejection compared to the younger patients with rejection, and the same pattern was observed in the patients without rejection. However, it was increased in the older patients with rejection in comparison to the older patients without rejection. Our preliminary data suggest the strong potential of both p16INK4a and p27kip1 as biomarkers of renal graft rejection, particularly in older renal transplant recipients.

Can you spare 100days? The allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant caregiver requirement from the perspective of social workers.

A caregiver is generally required for a patient to proceed with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). If continuous caregiver support is not available, alloHCT will likely not be a treatment option. A qualitative study design was used to explore caregiver requirements from the perspectives of social workers (SWs). Secondary objectives included learning about requirement flexibility, barriers, and ideas to support patients and caregivers. Semi-structured web-based focus groups were conducted with alloHCT SWs who worked with adults at the United States (U.S.) transplant centers (TCs) from May to July 2022. Focus groups explored TC caregiver requirements, including flexibility and exceptions, origins, and barriers. Twenty-two SWs from TCs across the U.S. participated. All noted their TC required a caregiver to proceed to alloHCT, though there was variation in the length of time a caregiver was required and the distance needed to stay near the TC post-alloHCT. Most participants described differences within the transplant team in allowing exceptions to caregiver requirements. SWs described barriers including finances and patients needing to relocate closer to the TC. SWs reported variation in caregiver requirements across TCs. Though variation may allow for some flexibility, it may contribute to access barriers. Additional research is needed to identify essential requirements for safe post-transplant care and monitoring and to develop patient-centered models to help patients access life-saving treatment.

Present and Future Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Kidney Transplantation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has a wide and increasing range of applications across various sectors. In medicine, AI has already made an impact in numerous fields, rapidly transforming healthcare delivery through its growing applications in diagnosis, treatment and overall patient care. Equally, AI is swiftly and essentially transforming the landscape of kidney transplantation (KT), offering innovative solutions for longstanding problems that have eluded resolution through traditional approaches outside its spectrum. The purpose of this review is to explore the present and future applications of artificial intelligence in KT, with a focus on pre-transplant evaluation, surgical assistance, outcomes and post-transplant care. We discuss its great potential and the inevitable limitations that accompany these technologies. We conclude that by fostering collaboration between AI technologies and medical practitioners, we can pave the way for a future where advanced, personalised care becomes the standard in KT and beyond.

Prospectively investigating the impact of AI on shared decision-making in post kidney transplant care (PRIMA-AI): protocol for a longitudinal qualitative study among patients, their support persons and treating physicians at a tertiary care centre

IntroductionAs healthcare is shifting from a paternalistic to a patient-centred approach, medical decision making becomes more collaborative involving patients, their support persons (SPs) and physicians. Implementing shared decision-making (SDM) into...

Socioeconomic Status and Major Adverse Transplant Events in Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients

Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with higher risk of rejection and graft loss in pediatric heart transplant (HT) recipients. The association of SES with other posttransplant morbidities is unknown. To assess whether low SES is associated with higher risk of a major adverse transplant event (MATE) among pediatric HT recipients. Retrospective single-center cohort study at a children's hospital in Boston with consecutive primary HT recipients from 2006 to 2019 and follow-up through 2022. Data were analyzed from June 2023 to March 2024. Very low or low, moderate, and high or very high Childhood Opportunity Index (COI) for neighborhood (census tract) of patient residence. Primary outcome was 3-year MATE-6 score assessed in 6-month survivors as cumulative burden of acute cellular rejection, antibody-mediated rejection, coronary vasculopathy, lymphoproliferative disease, kidney dysfunction, and infection, each as an ordinal score from 0 to 4 (24 for death or retransplant). Secondary outcomes were freedom from rejection during first 6 months, freedom from death or retransplant, MATE-3 score for events 1 to 3 (under immune suppression) and events 4 to 6 (chronic immune suppression effects), and each MATE component. Of 153 children analyzed, the median (IQR) age at HT was 7.2 (1.5-14.8) years, 99 (65%) were male, 16 (10%) were Black, 17 (11%) were Hispanic, and 106 (69%) were White. Fifty patients (33%) lived in very low or low, 17 (11%) in moderate, and 86 (56%) in high or very high COI neighborhoods. There was no significant group difference in mean (SD) 3-year MATE-6 score (very low or low COI, 3.4 [6.5]; moderate COI, 2.4 [6.3]; and high or very high COI, 4.0 [6.9]). Furthermore, there was no group difference in mean (SD) MATE-3 scores for underimmune suppression (very low or low COI, 1.9 [3.5]; moderate COI, 1.2 [3.2]; and high or very high COI, 2.2 [3.6]), chronic immune suppression effects (very low or low COI, 1.6 [3.3]; moderate COI, 1.1 [3.2]; and high or very high COI, 1.8 [3.6]), individual MATE components, rejection during the first 6 months, or death or retransplant. In this cohort study of pediatric HT recipients, there was no difference in posttransplant outcomes among recipients stratified by SES, a notable improvement from prior studies. These findings may be explained by state-level health reform, standardized posttransplant care, and early awareness of outcome disparities.

The Outcomes of Liver Transplantation in Highly Dependent Incapacitated Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Background/Objectives: Data regarding the outcomes of liver transplantation in disabled, highly dependent, and legally incapacitated adults are scarce, likely due to the infrequency of these procedures in such populations. Multicenter studies in adult transplant centers have shown that patients with coexisting intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) may be denied transplantation because of their expected low longevity and the complexities associated with managing post-transplant care. We examined the long-term patient and graft outcomes in highly dependent, incapacitated patients with IDDs who underwent elective transplantation for chronic liver disease. Methods: Six adult patients who underwent liver transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis (n = 2), hepatitis C cirrhosis (n = 2), Wilson's disease (n = 1), and autoimmune hepatitis (n = 1) were included. The main causes of their disability were infantile cerebral palsy, myotonia, and Niemann-Pick disease. Results: Four of the six patients were women, with a median age of 26 (range: 23-36) years. Only one patient died during follow-up. Their 1- and 5-year survival rates were 100 and 75%, respectively, which were not statistically different from those of the general cohort of electively transplanted patients (95.8 and 90.1%, respectively) (p = 0.35). Conclusions: Adult patients who are highly dependent, disabled, or legally incapable should not be denied liver transplantation because of poor long-term survival rates. Physiological disorders and psychiatric comorbidities should not prevent patients from receiving life-saving surgeries due to poor postoperative compliance or low quality of life.

Invasive fungal infections are rare in pediatric and young adult autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

Pediatric and young adult patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HSCT) face a crucial, yet understudied, risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI), especially compared to allogeneic transplants. This gap underscores the need for research in pediatric patients undergoing auto-HSCT. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of IFI in pediatric and young adult patients during the first year after auto-HSCT. We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 150 pediatric and young adult auto-HSCT patients who underwent transplant from January 2013 to January 2023. We focused on IFI incidence within the first-year post transplant, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria for IFI identification. Among the 150 patients analyzed, with 240 unique transplant episodes, the primary indication was neuroblastoma (37.3%), and micafungin was extensively used for prophylaxis (82.7%). There was an absence of IFI from yeast and mold species, suggesting a low IFI risk in this cohort. The incidence of IFI in pediatric auto-HSCT recipients receiving micafungin primary antifungal prophylaxis is rare. The findings advocate for further research to refine prophylaxis guidelines and highlight the need for individualized risk assessment to optimize post-transplant care.

The Effectiveness of the Surgical Correction of Vesicoureteral Reflux on Febrile Urinary Tract Infections after a Kidney Transplant: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Background/Objectives: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is considered one of the major causes of post-renal transplant febrile urinary tract infections (UTI), leading to impaired renal function and the premature loss of the renal graft. We aimed to evaluate whether surgical VUR correction, such as open redo ureteric reimplantation, could be an option for treatment and provide better outcomes in post-transplant care for patients with UTI compared to their pre-VUR correction clinical state. Methods: Our study presents a retrospective analysis of 10 kidney transplant recipients with febrile UTI at the Renal Transplant Service of a Brazilian public hospital from 2010 to 2020. We selected patients who primarily underwent a surgical correction of post-transplant VUR, which was corrected by extravesical reimplantation without a stent in all patients by the same professional surgeon. Results: From 710 patients who received kidney transplants, 10 patients (1.4%) suffered from febrile UTI post-transplant and underwent surgical correction for VUR. Despite the study's limitations, such as its retrospective nature and limited sample size, the efficacy of open extravesical ureteral reimplantation in reducing post-operative febrile UTI in renal transplant patients was observed. Conclusions: As febrile UTI can contribute significantly to patient mortality after kidney transplantation and VUR emerges as a major cause of post-transplant febrile UTI, it is essential to treat it and consider the surgical outcome. This study emphasizes the timely detection and effective treatment of VUR via extravesical techniques to reduce febrile UTI occurrences post-transplant and it contributes insights into the role of surgical interventions in addressing VUR-related complications post-kidney transplantation.

Abstract P363: Prevelance of Hypertension in Kidney Transplant Recepients as Determined by Ambulatory BP Monitoring (ABPM)

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the most common cause of death among kidney transplant recipients, with hypertension being one of the most prevalent risk factors. Understanding the current prevalence of hypertension in this population is critical to help shape post-transplant care policies and guidelines and ensure proper management of CVD risk. Methods: We included all kidney transplant recipients who received their transplant between 2019 and 2023 at our center and who completed 24-hour ABPM at 12 months post-transplant. We reported data in mean (SD) unless noted otherwise. BP was categorized per AHA guidelines. This study was deemed exempt by the IRB. Results: A total of 940 patients were included in this study. Detailed results are seen in Figure 1 and Table 1. Notable to mention that 60% of the patients had blood pressure &gt; 130/80 mmHg at 12 months post kidney transplant, with the majority being stage 1. Patients with more severe hypertension tended to be older, had lower eGFR, and had more comorbidities. They also had lower diastolic blood pressure than stage 1 HTN patients, consistent with older age. Night-time BP was significantly higher among stage 2 HTN patients. Conclusion: Hypertension remains a prevalent condition post-kidney transplant despite the majority of patients having satisfactory kidney allograft function. Ongoing BP monitoring and assessment of out-of-office BP post-kidney transplantation is critical to ensure control of this important cardiovascular risk factor. 24-hour ABPM has several advantages in this group, including accurate measurement of out-of-office BP and detection of nocturnal hypertension, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Additional studies are needed to describe the hypertension subphenotypes (e.g., sustained vs. masked) and to identify predictors of severe uncontrolled hypertension in this patient population.