Potential Transplant Candidates Research Articles

Transplantation, bridging, and support technologies in pulmonary hypertension.

Despite the progress made in medical therapies for treating pulmonary hypertension (PH), a subset of patients remain susceptible to developing a maladaptive right ventricular phenotype. The effective management of end-stage PH presents substantial challenges, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach and early identification of patients prone to acute decompensation. Identifying potential transplant candidates and assessing the feasibility of such a procedure are pivotal tasks that should be undertaken early in the treatment algorithm. Inclusion on the transplant list is contingent upon a comprehensive risk assessment, also considering the specific type of PH and various factors affecting waiting times, all of which should inform the decision-making process. While bilateral lung transplantation is the preferred option, it demands expert intra- and post-operative management to mitigate the heightened risks of pulmonary oedema and primary graft dysfunction in PH patients.Despite the availability of risk assessment tools, the occurrence of acute PH decompensation episodes can be unpredictable, potentially leading to refractory right ventricular failure even with optimal medical intervention, necessitating the use of rescue therapies. Advancements in right ventricular assist techniques and adjustments to graft allocation protocols for the most critically ill patients have significantly enhanced the survival in intensive care, affording the opportunity to endure while awaiting an urgent transplant. Given the breadth of therapeutic options available, specialised centres capable of delivering comprehensive care have become indispensable for optimising patient outcomes. These centres are instrumental in providing holistic support and management tailored to the complex needs of PH patients, ultimately enhancing their chances of a successful transplant and improved long-term prognosis.

Liver transplantation consideration and evaluation: a life-saving treatment in acute-on-chronic liver failure

With the rising prevalence of chronic liver disease worldwide, the incidence and prevalence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are increasing and attribute to higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Many of such patients die without being considered for the lifesaving treatment option of liver transplantation. The underutilization of liver transplantation as a therapeutic option in the setting of ACLF, is due to multiple reasons; with the heterogeneity of ACLF and the lack of universal definition being the key players. Liver transplantation listing and allocation are based on MELD score. As of now, we do not know where MELD score stands in regard to defining ACLF and the prognostication of such patients. This insight is very important for the efficient identification of potential liver transplantation candidates in the setting of ACLF. This review paper investigates the role of liver transplantation in the setting of ACLF. In light of recent evidence, MELD score is not the perfect model in the setting of ACLF either. The safety of liver transplantation, either deceased donor or living donor, among ACLF patients has been debated. The short-term mortality rate of ACLF patients has created a need for a standard liver transplant selection criterion for these patients. Based on published literature, we find that three commonly used ACLF definitions may be used in combination to define the sensitivity, specificity, and futility of ACLF and we propose an algorithm to best identify patients for urgent liver transplantation in the setting of ACLF. Moreover, we discuss the data on the safety of liver transplantation in the setting of ACLF. Future validation of this multifaceted approach could bridge the gap between ACLF patients and appropriately guided medical intervention.

Human Applications of the Anstadt Cup: Implications for Non–Blood-Contacting Biventricular Support

BackgroundDirect mechanical ventricular actuation (DMVA) with the Anstadt cup is effective for non–blood-contacting biventricular support. Pneumatic regulation of a silicone device augments ventricular pump function. Vacuum attachment facilitates diastolic augmentation critical for biventricular support. This report reviews outcomes in patients supported for bridge to transplantation. MethodsDMVA was approved by the institutional review board at Duke University for refractory cardiogenic shock in potential candidates for heart transplantation. Devices with silicone membranes were controlled by pneumatic drive systems. Explanted hearts underwent extensive histologic examination. ResultsFive patients met inclusion criteria. All exhibited immediate return of physiologic pulsatile flow and reduced pulmonary pressures during device insertion. Vasopressors, inotropes, and balloon pump support were discontinued at implantation or within 48 hours. Installation through left thoracotomy (n = 4) took <5 minutes. Postcardiotomy support (n = 1) enabled routine decannulation. Support ranged from 2 to 84 days. Long-term survivors (n = 2) received 2 days of DMVA bridging to heart transplantation and 7.5 days of DMVA for acute myocarditis. There were no device-related complications. An expert cardiovascular pathologist found no evidence of device-related myocardial trauma or injury (n = 4) and no adverse effects on bypass grafts (n = 1). Recovery was deemed futile (n = 3) after diffuse cerebral emboli from prior aortic cross-clamp and extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation and for preexisting sepsis leading to end-organ failure. ConclusionsDMVA with the Anstadt cup effectively supported the failing or arrested heart in humans without adverse cardiac effects. Unique diastolic augmentation, return of physiologic pulsatile flow, and no blood contact contribute to device efficacy.

#515 The clinical utility of systematic screening using aortoiliac CT angiography before kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Several guidelines suggest screening for peripheral artery disease before kidney transplantation including the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. There is currently no consensus on whom or how to screen for peripheral artery disease. We examined the clinical consequences of systematic screening using aortoiliac computed tomography (CT) angiography in a large cohort of potential kidney transplant candidates. Method In a retrospective study, potential kidney transplant candidates underwent aortoiliac CT angiography as pretransplant screening for peripheral artery disease. Screening criteria were patients above 40 years, and/or diabetes, and/or need for dialysis more than 5 years. The prevalence of clinically diagnosed peripheral artery disease and aortoiliac stenosis and calcification of iliac arteries at CT angiographies were assessed. A multidisciplinary team evaluated the CT angiographies in regard to transplantability and surgery planning. Results In total, 470 potential kidney transplant candidates were included. Clinically diagnosed peripheral artery disease was present in 14%, aortoiliac stenosis in 16%, and iliac circular calcifications in 21% potential kidney transplant candidates. A change in clinical decision by the multidisciplinary team was recorded in 67 of 429 (16%) patients due to vascular findings including choice of side for implantation in 52 (12%) and transplant-ineligibility in 7 (2%). Six out of seven ineligible patients had clinically diagnosed peripheral artery disease. Any clinical decision-making was recorded in 178 (41%). Conclusion Systematic screening using aortoiliac CT angiography may guide the planning of transplant surgery in a large proportion of patients. The effect of transplant outcomes remains to be established.

Mitigation of cardiac disease during liver transplantation through concomitant cardiac surgery and liver transplant: Pushing the boundaries of acceptable surgical candidacy

IntroductionThe prevalence of cardiac disease is high in patients with liver cirrhosis, making it one of the leading causes of death in this population. However, the presence of cardiac diseases (coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease) often leads to disqualification of potential liver transplantation (LT) candidates, resulting in limited treatment options available for these complex patients. In recent years, some medical centers, including Cleveland Clinic, have provided concomitant cardiac surgery (CS) and LT to carefully selected patients. MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted, compiling our experience and that of other medical centers performing concomitant CS and LT. We highlight Cleveland Clinic's approach for LT candidates with cardiac diseases. This includes a description of our initial evaluation, designed to detect cardiac diseases, followed by an explanation of our patient selection criteria and intraoperative strategies for concomitant CS and LT. ConclusionIn patients with liver cirrhosis who are candidates for LT but also present cardiac diseases, a cautious evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is required to determine the feasibility of performing concomitant CS and LT. Available evidence suggests that this combined approach is a potential treatment option, offering acceptable postoperative outcomes and overall survival, despite the often perceived high-risk nature of this complex patient population.

(1401) - Evaluating the Utility of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Potential Lung Transplant Candidates Requiring Weight Loss Prior to Transplant

(1401) - Evaluating the Utility of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in Potential Lung Transplant Candidates Requiring Weight Loss Prior to Transplant

Generating strategies for a national comeback in pancreas transplantation: A Delphi survey and US conference report

In the United States, potential transplant candidates with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are inconsistently offered pancreas transplantation (PTx), contributing to a dramatic decline in pancreas allograft utilization over the past 2 decades. The American Society of Transplantation organized a workshop to identify barriers inhibiting PTx and to develop strategies for a national comeback. The 2-day workshop focused on 4 main topics: (1) referral/candidate selection, (2) organ recovery/utilization, (3) program performance/patient outcomes, and (4) enhanced education/research. Topics were explored through expert presentations, patient testimonials, breakout sessions, and strategic planning, including the identification of tasks for immediate focus. Additionally, a modified-Delphi survey was conducted among workshop members to develop and rate the importance of barriers, and the impact and feasibility of workgroup-identified improvement strategies. The panelists identified 16 barriers to progress and 44 strategies for consideration. The steps for a national comeback in PTx involve greater emphasis on efficient referral and candidate selection, better donor pancreas utilization practices, eliminating financial barriers to procurement and transplant, improving collaboration between transplant and diabetes societies and professionals, and increasing focus on PTx training, education, and research. Partnership between national societies, patient advocacy groups, and professionals will be essential to realizing this critical agenda.

Cell Transplantation for Repair of the Spinal Cord and Prospects for Generating Region-Specific Exogenic Neuronal Cells.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with currently irreversible consequences in several functional components of the central nervous system. Despite the severity of injury, there remains no approved treatment to restore function. However, with a growing number of preclinical studies and clinical trials, cell transplantation has gained significant potential as a treatment for SCI. Researchers have identified several cell types as potential candidates for transplantation. To optimize successful functional outcomes after transplantation, one key factor concerns generating neuronal cells with regional and subtype specificity, thus calling on the developmental transcriptome patterning of spinal cord cells. A potential source of spinal cord cells for transplantation is the generation of exogenic neuronal progenitor cells via the emerging technologies of gene editing and blastocyst complementation. This review highlights the use of cell transplantation to treat SCI in the context of relevant developmental gene expression patterns useful for producing regionally specific exogenic spinal cells via in vitro differentiation and blastocyst complementation.

Adherence to the ISHLT Protocol for the Referral of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis to the Transplantation Center among of Czech Centers for Interstitial Lung Diseases.

There are limited data on referral rates and the number of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who are eligible for lung transplantation. The aim of the present study was to assess adherence to the consensus of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) for the referral of patients with IPF among Czech interstitial lung disease (ILD) centers. Czech patients who were diagnosed with IPF between 1999 and 2021 (n = 1584) and who were less than 65 years old at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively selected from the Czech Republic of the European Multipartner Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry (EMPIRE). Nonsmokers and ex-smokers with a body mass index (BMI) of <32 kg/m2 (n = 404) were included for further analyses. Patients with a history of cancer <5 years from the time of IPF diagnosis, patients with alcohol abuse, and patients with an accumulation of vascular comorbidities were excluded. The trajectory of individual patients was verified at the relevant ILD center. From the database of transplant patients (1999-12/2021, n = 541), all patients who underwent transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis (n = 186) were selected, and the diagnosis of IPF was subsequently verified from the patient's medical records (n = 67). A total of 304 IPF patients were eligible for lung transplantation. Ninety-six patients were referred to the transplant center, 50% (n = 49) of whom were referred for lung transplantation. Thirty percent of potentially eligible patients not referred to the transplant center were considered to have too many comorbidities by the reporting physician, 19% of IPF patients denied lung transplantation, and 17% were not referred due to age. Among Czech patients with IPF, there may be a larger pool of potential lung transplant candidates than has been reported to the transplant center to date.

Frailty as a Prognostic Indicator in Lung Transplantation: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction: Frailty is a complex pathobiological process characterized by diminished physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors, which has been associated with unfavorable outcomes before and after lung transplantation. Methods: We undertook an extensive narrative review, encompassing a thorough exploration of original papers, observational studies, case reports, and meta-analyses published between 1990 and July 2023, in various databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library databases, and Google Scholar. The search terms [frailty] AND [lung transplant] were utilized. Additionally, the reference lists of retrieved articles were examined. Inclusion criteria comprised studies written in English and involving human subjects. The identified studies were categorized into pre-transplant and post-transplant populations, and the measurement tools used to assess frailty were analyzed, along with the clinical implications reported in the studies. Results: From 1 January 1990 to 1 July 2023, a total of 10 studies on frailty and lung transplantation were identified through online sources and bibliographic searches, involving a total of 2759 patients. Among these studies, six focused on the pre-transplant population, while four examined the post-transplant population. The Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were the most employed tools for measuring frailty. A table presents additional frailty assessment instruments and the clinical implications described in the studies. Conclusions: Frailty is prevalent both in patients with end-stage respiratory diseases awaiting lung transplantation and in postoperative lung transplant recipients. Most transplant centers recognize the value of assessing frailty in the evaluation of potential candidates for lung transplantation. Frailty has been shown to impact mortality on the waitlist and in the post-transplant period. However, the most effective methods for measuring frailty in lung transplant candidates and recipients have yet to be determined. Strategies to reverse frailty are available and show promising results on outcomes.

The Evaluation and Management of Coronary Artery Disease in the Lung Transplant Patient.

Lung transplantation can greatly improve quality of life and extend survival in those with end-stage lung disease. In order to derive the maximal benefit from such a procedure, patients must be carefully selected and be otherwise healthy enough to survive a high-risk surgery and sometimes prolonged immunosuppressive therapy following surgery. Patients therefore must be critically assessed prior to being listed for transplantation with close attention paid towards assessment of cardiovascular health and operative risk. One of the biggest dictators of this is coronary artery disease. In this review article, we discuss the assessment and management of coronary artery disease in the potential lung transplant candidate.

The approach of HMA plus VEN with or without BMT for all patients with AML.

Treatment options for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have expanded over the last 5 years. New regimens are increasing the options for patients who previously may not have been offered any antineoplastic therapy. The use of the hypomethylating agent (HMA) decitabine or azacitidine combined with the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax (HMA-VEN) has improved overall survival in an older and unfit population compared to HMA therapy alone. Delivering these regimens outside academic centers allows more patients with AML to be treated, though support and collaboration with allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) centers should still be considered to determine eligibility and promptly initiate a donor search for potential transplant candidates. Expanding the use of HMA-VEN to younger and fit patients who are also candidates for intensive chemotherapy (IC) is being studied prospectively and is not recommended at this time outside of a clinical trial. Retrospective studies suggest populations that may benefit from HMA-VEN over IC, but this is not yet confirmed prospectively. Utilizing HMA-VEN prior to allogeneic SCT is also under investigation, and some retrospective data show feasibility and the ability to achieve measurable residual disease negativity pretransplant. Upcoming prospective randomized clinical trials aim to answer the comparability or superiority of HMA-VEN vs IC in fit populations and its potential use as a standard pretransplant induction regimen.

Myosteatosis is associated with frailty and poor physical function in potential liver transplant candidates

Myosteatosis is associated with frailty and poor physical function in potential liver transplant candidates

#380 : Clickbait in Uterine Transplant Surgery

Background and Aims: The proliferation of social media platforms has led to the emergence of diverse online communities, presenting unique challenges in terms of patient autonomy and quality of care within the field of uterine transplantation. This research delves into the psychosocial implications of social media communities throughout the uterine transplant patient journey. The absence of standardized guidelines in these virtual spaces presents a novel landscape for healthcare professionals to navigate. This study sheds light on the evolving nature of social media and its impact on the uterine transplant journey, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to adapt to these unfamiliar territories. Moreover, social media communities introduce additional complexities by increasing the risk of undue influence and coercion on potential donors and transplant candidates. This study will highlight the importance of exploring these themes to ensure the integrity of the transplant process. This study aims to examine the social media discourse surrounding the experiences of both donors and recipients who have undergone uterine transplant surgery. Method: A qualitative research design was employed to observe and reflect on social media posts related to donor and recipient surgeries enrolled in our uterine transplant research study program. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify recurring themes and patterns within the data collected from both recipients and donors. Results: The analysis of social media posts revealed a range of experiences shared by donors and recipients undergoing uterine transplant surgery. Both recipients and donors often expressed mixed feelings associated with their unique transplant experience. Conclusion: Future research and guidelines are needed to navigate the evolving landscape of social media in the uterine transplantation field, safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders.

Nutritional Counseling Improves the Nutritional Status, Liver Function, and Serum Electrolytes of Patients with Liver Transplantation

Nutrition counseling may assist liver transplant patients in controlling weight gain, addressing micronutrient deficiencies, and maintaining metabolic status. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional counseling on nutritional status, liver profile, and serum electrolytes of liver transplant patients.&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;In this case-control study, 100 patients were recruited from Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, who were potential liver transplant candidates. They were divided into two groups: a case group, who were given nutrition counseling (n = 50), and a control group, who were not provided nutrition counseling (n = 50). Data was collected about patients' socio-economic status, medical history, anthropometric, biochemical and dietary profiles. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests for qualitative frequency distribution, and paired t-tests were used. At baseline, the weight and BMI of the case and control were comparable, but there was a non-significant difference. Nutrition counseling was effective in improving biochemical variables (potassium at preoperative, sodium and albumin during illness; p-value &lt; 0.05), Liver function (ALT at preoperative and postoperative, AKT at preoperative, during sickness and postoperative; p-value &lt; 0.05) and macronutrient profile (fat intake during illness and protein intake during postoperative stage; p-value &lt; 0.05) in case group as compared to control.&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;Effective nutrition counseling improves liver transplant patients' nutritional status, liver function, and serum electrolytes.

Combined Age with Mean Decrease Rates of Total Bilirubin and MELD Score as a Novel and Simple Clinical Predictor on 90-Day Transplant-Free Mortality in Adult Patients with Acute Liver Failure Undergoing Plasma Exchange: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Acute liver failure (ALF), previously known as fulminant hepatic failure, has become a common, rapidly progressive, and life-threatening catastrophic hepatic disease in intensive care unit (ICU) due to the continuous increase in drug abuse, viral infection, metabolic insult, and auto-immune cause. At present, plasma exchange (PE) is the main effective alternative treatment for ALF in ICU clinical practice, and high-volume plasma exchange (HVP) has been listed as a grade I recommendation for ALF management in the American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) guidelines. However, no existing models can provide a satisfactory performance for clinical prediction on 90-day transplant-free mortality in adult patients with ALF undergoing PE. Our study aims to identify a novel and simple clinical predictor of 90-day transplant-free mortality in adult patients with ALF undergoing PE. This retrospective study contained adult patients with ALF undergoing PE from the Medical ICU (MICU) in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between January 2017 and December 2020. Baseline and clinical data were collected and calculated on admission to ICU before PE, including gender, age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), etiology, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, prothrombin activity, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Enrolled adult patients with ALF undergoing PE were divided into a survival group and a death group at discharge and 90 days on account of medical records and telephone follow-up. After each PE, decreased rates of total bilirubin and MELD score and increased rates of prothrombin activity were calculated according to the clinical parameters. In clinical practice, different patients underwent different times of PE, and thus, mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score and mean increase rate of prothrombin activity were obtained for further statistical analysis. A total of 73 adult patients with ALF undergoing 204 PE were included in our retrospective study, and their transplant-free mortality at discharge and 90 days was 6.85% (5/73) and 31.51% (23/73), respectively. All deaths could be attributed to ALF-induced severe and life-threatening complications or even multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Most of the enrolled adult patients with ALF were men (76.71%, 56/73), with a median age of 48.77 years. Various hepatitis virus infections, unknown etiology, auto-immune liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and acute pancreatitis (AP) accounted for 75.34%, 12.33%, 6.85%, 4.11%, and 1.37% of the etiologies in adult patients with ALF, respectively. Univariate analysis showed a significant difference in age, mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score mean increase rate of prothrombin activity, decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score, and increase rate of prothrombin activity after the first PE between the death group and survival group. Multivariate analysis showed that age and mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score were closely associated with 90-day transplant-free mortality in adult patients with ALF undergoing PE. The 90-day transplant-free mortality was 1.081, 0.908, and 0.893 times of the original value with each one-unit increase in age and mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score, respectively. The areas under the receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) curve of age, mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score, and the three combined were 0.689, 0.225, 0.123, and 0.912, respectively. The cut-off values of age, mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score, and the three combined were 61.50, 3.12, 1.21, and 0.33, respectively. The specificity and sensitivity of combined age with mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score for predicting 90-day transplant-free mortality in adult patients with ALF undergoing PE were 87% and 14%. Combined age with mean decrease rates of total bilirubin and MELD score as a novel and simple clinical predictor can accurately predict 90-day transplant-free mortality in adult patients with ALF undergoing PE, which is worthy of application and promotion in clinical practice, especially in the identification of potential transplant candidates.

Pediatric Transplant Interventions

The field of pediatric organ transplantation has grown significantly in recent decades, with interventional radiology (IR) playing an essential role in managing pre- and post-transplant complications. Pediatric transplant patients face unique challenges compared to adults, including donor-recipient size mismatch, and complications of a growing child with changing physiology. Interventional radiologists play a major role in pediatric renal and liver transplant. IR interventions begin early in the child's pre-transplant journey, with diagnostic procedures such as biopsies, angiograms, and cholangiograms. These procedures are essential for understanding the etiology of organ failure and identifying potential transplant candidates. Minimally invasive therapeutic procedures may serve as bridges to transplant and may include vascular access optimization for hemodialysis, TIPS shunt creation, and tumor embolization or ablation. After transplant, image-guided biopsies for the surveillance of graft rejection and treatment of vascular or luminal stenoses, pseudoaneurysms, and anastomotic leaks can maintain the function and longevity of the transplant organ. Careful consideration must be given to patient size and evolving anatomy, radiation exposure, and the need for deeper sedation for pediatric patients. Despite these challenges, the integration of IR in pediatric transplant care has proven beneficial, offering minimally invasive alternatives to surgery, faster recovery times, and improved outcomes.

Prediction of High-Risk Donors for Kidney Discard and Nonrecovery Using Structured Donor Characteristics and Unstructured Donor Narratives

Despite the unmet need, many deceased-donor kidneys are discarded or not recovered. Inefficient allocation and prolonged ischemia time are contributing factors, and early detection of high-risk donors may reduce organ loss. To evaluate the feasibility of machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) classification of donors with kidneys that are used vs not used for organ transplant. This retrospective cohort study used donor information (structured donor characteristics and unstructured donor narratives) from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). All donor offers to a single transplant center between January 2015 and December 2020 were used to train and validate ML models to predict donors who had at least 1 kidney transplanted (at our center or another center). The donor data from 2021 were used to test each model. Donor information was provided by UNOS to the transplant centers with potential transplant candidates. Each center evaluated the donor and decided within an allotted time whether to accept the kidney for organ transplant. Outcome metrics of the test cohort included area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), F1 score, accuracy, precision, and recall of each ML classifier. Feature importance and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) summaries were assessed for model explainability. The training/validation cohort included 9555 donors (median [IQR] age, 50 [36-58] years; 5571 male [58.3%]), and the test cohort included 2481 donors (median [IQR] age, 52 [40-59] years; 1496 male [60.3%]). Only 20% to 30% of potential donors had at least 1 kidney transplanted. The ML model with a single variable (Kidney Donor Profile Index) showed an AUROC of 0.69, F1 score of 0.42, and accuracy of 0.64. Multivariable ML models based on basic a priori structured donor data showed similar metrics (logistic regression: AUROC = 0.70; F1 score = 0.42; accuracy = 0.62; random forest classifier: AUROC = 0.69; F1 score = 0.42; accuracy = 0.64). The classic NLP model (bag-of-words model) showed its best metrics (AUROC = 0.60; F1 score = 0.35; accuracy = 0.59) by the logistic regression classifier. The advanced Bidirectional Encoder Representations From Transformers model showed comparable metrics (AUROC = 0.62; F1 score = 0.39; accuracy = 0.69) only after appending basic donor information. Feature importance and SHAP detected the variables (and words) that affected the models most. Results of this cohort study suggest that models using ML can be applied to predict donors with high-risk kidneys not used for organ transplant, but the models still need further elaboration. The use of unstructured data is likely to expand the possibilities; further exploration of new approaches will be necessary to develop models with better predictive metrics.

A narrative review of supportive and end of life care considerations in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancerrelated deaths, and case numbers continue to rise in the United States. HCC carries a poor prognosis, and management requires a multidisciplinary approach. This narrative review aims to identify opportunities for further integration of palliative care (PC) in HCC care. Given the high symptom burden faced by patients with HCC, early PC consultation can be beneficial for patients. A search of PubMed was conducted from inception of the database to March 1, 2023. The search was composed of keywords and controlled vocabulary terms for concepts related to palliative medicine and symptom management in the setting of HCC. This narrative review finds that although PC has been integrated into HCC guidelines, partnerships between PC and hepatology are still nascent in clinical practice. Treatment-related barriers pose a challenge to timely integration of PC in the care of HCC patients; evaluation or listing for transplantation can be perceived as a barrier to PC consultation, and unpredictable clinical courses make prognostication challenging. Providers may hesitate to pursue PC referral due to a lack of consensus around the role of PC, and for those that are referred, timing of consultation remains an issue especially for those who are potential liver transplant candidates. There are few studies of PC in HCC, limiting evidence-based recommendations that can be made regarding PC involvement in this patient population. While PC is not routinely integrated into HCC care, recent guideline recommendations and a growing number of studies may change this over time. Although further evidence is needed, PC and hepatology teams partnering together can explore ways to improve the care of this patient population. PC consultation early in HCC care could assist in management of symptom relief, psychosocial and spiritual support, and caregiver support. Effective communication will be required to set parameters for referral and clarify potential outcomes of consultation. Teams should be prepared for the challenges involved in a culture change and paradigm shift in clinical practice.

The Diagnostic Yield and Clinical Impact of Systematic Screening of Kidney Transplant Candidates by Cardiac Computed Tomography: A Cohort Study

Although cardiovascular screening of kidney transplant candidates is recommended, the optimal approach is debated. Previous studies show that noninvasive imaging provides prognostic information, but systematic screening may have less recognized effects, such as additional investigations, incidental findings, procedural complications, and delay of transplantation. To address this, we characterized the diagnostic yield and clinical implications of systematic screening for cardiovascular disease using cardiac computed tomography (CT) in potential kidney transplant candidates. This was a single-center, observational cohort study including all potential kidney transplant candidates >40 years of age or with diabetes or on dialysis treatment for >5 years, systematically referred to cardiac computed tomography (CT; non-contrast CT and coronary CT angiography) between 2014 and 2019 before evaluation for kidney transplantation at Aarhus University Hospital. Patient records were examined for data on baseline characteristics, additional investigations and complications, plasma creatinine, dialysis initiation, time until wait-listing, and incidental findings. Of 473 patients who underwent cardiac CT, additional cardiac investigations were performed in 156 (33%), and 32 (7%) were revascularized. Twenty-two patients had significant incidental nonvascular findings on cardiac CT. No patient was rejected for transplantation based on cardiac CT. In patients not yet on dialysis, the slope in the estimated glomerular filtration rate decline did not change significantly after coronary CT angiography. Screening by cardiac CT led to additional cardiac investigations in one-third of patients; only a few patients were revascularized, with unknown benefits in asymptomatic patients. Cardiac CT was safe in this population; however, the clinical consequences of the screening were limited.