Pregnant Recipients Research Articles

Pregnancy after kidney transplantation: effect on maternal and foetal health

Background. Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is high-risk due to immunosuppression, pre-existing comorbidities, and graft function concerns. Optimal maternal and foetal outcomes require a multidisciplinary approach and favourable baseline conditions. Objective: to identify ideal conditions for pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients and evaluate the impact of pregnancy on maternal and graft outcomes. Materials and methods. It was the retrospective observational study conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (Ahme­dabad, India) from 2014 to November 2020. A total of 27 pregnancies in kidney transplant recipients were analysed. Maternal nephrological parameters, obstetric complications, and graft function were assessed during and after pregnancy. Key outcomes measured included time between renal transplantation and conception, live birth rate, maternal renal function, and neonatal health. Data were collected from clinical records and analysed retrospectively. Results. The primary outcomes were the interval between renal transplantation and conception, live birth rate, and maternal renal function pre- and post-pregnancy. The mean age at transplantation was 28.70 ± 3.82 years, and the mean age at conception was 31.07 ± 2.57 years. The average time between transplantation and conception was 47 months. Median serum creatinine was 1.13 ± 0.39 mg/dL at conception and 1.09 ± 0.45 mg/dL postpartum. Sixteen pregnancies (59 %) resulted in live births. Common complications included preeclampsia (6 cases, 22.22 %), preterm delivery (16 cases, 59 %), and low birth weight (9 cases, 33.33 %). Caesarean section was performed in 14 patients (52 %). Conclusions. Pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is feasible under strict monitoring and does not significantly affect graft function when optimal conditions are met. Outcomes are influenced by ade­quate pre-pregnancy renal function, stable immunosuppressive therapy, and multidisciplinary care.

Maternal and Fetal Outcome in Liver Transplant Parturients

Background: Liver transplant recipients are at greater risk of both maternal and fetal complications than healthy parturients. Methods: In this retrospective study, we looked at the case files of liver transplant recipients who came for safe confinement from 2011 to 2021. Patients’ demography, transplant details, immunosuppressive regimen, pregnancy information, maternal complication, graft function, and fetal outcomes were examined. Results: A total of 12 liver recipients were delivered in this institute during this time interval. All patients had live-related liver transplants; the mean transplantation delivery interval was 4.8 years. They were all on immunosuppressant medications. Of the patients, 75% had elective cesarean delivery, which was performed under subarachnoid block. In addition, 66.7% (two-thirds) of patients who delivered vaginally had epidural analgesia. There were no severe intraoperative or postoperative maternal anesthetic complications. None of the patients had graft rejection or significant deterioration in liver function tests. Three babies (25%) were delivered preterm. One of the fetuses was stillborn. All others had an Apgar score of 9 at 5 min and did not require any intensive care unit stay. Conclusion: Pregnancy in liver transplant recipients should undergo safe confinement in a tertiary care center under the care of a multidisciplinary team including a hepatologist, transplant surgeon, obstetrician, neonatologist, and obstetric anesthesiologist. Despite the apprehension, planned pregnancies in these parturients have a good obstetric and neonatal outcome. These patients can safely undergo a lower segment cesarean section under regional anesthesia or receive labor epidural analgesia for a vaginal delivery with minimal risk of complications.

Immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus inhibits HUVEC angiogenesis and production of placental growth factor.

Tacrolimus is a cornerstone of immunosuppression in solid organ transplants, but its use is linked with the development of endothelial dysfunction. Pregnant solid organ transplant recipients are four to six times more likely to develop preeclampsia, which is also associated with endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, this in vitro study investigated the acute effects of tacrolimus on the expression of common angiogenic factors related to preeclampsia, and effects on angiogeneis in primary human tissues. Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were exposed to tacrolimus (0, 5, 20, 50ng/mL) for 24h alone, or in combination with tumour necrosis factor (TNF, 10ng/mL) and high dose glucose (25mM). Cell culture concentrations of sFlt-1, PlGF and activin A were measured. In addition, the effect of tacrolimus on markers of endothelial dysfunction and permeability were assessed, as were the effect of tacrolimus on tube formation. Angiogenic factors and mRNA markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were also assessed in primary placental tissue after an acute 24h exposure to tacrolimus. Tacrolimus exposure significantly reduced HUVEC secretion of PlGF, increased production of activin A, andreduced tubular structure formation without impacting cell permeability or viability. There was no change in ICAM1 or VCAM1 expression in HUVECs treated with tacrolimus treatment alone, however co-culture with TNF significantly increased expression of ICAM1 and VCAM1. In placental explants tacrolimus did not change angiogenic factor production or markers of inflammation or oxidative stress. An acute tacrolimus exposure reduced PlGF secretion and impaired angiogenesis in primary endothelial cells, without affecting. These findings provide a potential mechanistic basis for tacrolimus to contribute to the endothelial dysfunction contributing to preeclampsia.

High Intrapatient Tacrolimus Variability and Increased Cell-Free DNA in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Introduction: An inverse relationship has been identified between tacrolimus serum concentrations and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels after lung transplant, but limited data exists on this relationship in the kidney transplant population. Project Aim: The purpose of this evaluation was to examine the relationship between high tacrolimus variability and elevated dd-cfDNA levels in kidney and simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients at a single center. Design: Single-center, retrospective, descriptive comparative evaluation of kidney and pancreas-kidney transplant recipients who received longitudinal ddcfDNA surveillance. Intrapatient tacrolimus variability was assessed using the coefficient of variation (%CV) measured between 1 and 12 months posttransplant. Pediatrics, retransplant or multiorgan transplant recipients, and pregnant recipients were excluded. Results: One hundred fifteen recipients with 518 dd-cfDNA levels and 3028 tacrolimus troughs were assessed. Pancreas-kidney recipients had significantly higher median dd-cfDNA (0.29% vs. 0.18%, P = .034) and were excluded from analysis. Ninety-nine kidney transplant recipients were included for analysis. Recipients with tacrolimus %CV ≥30 (N = 66) had significantly higher median dd-cfDNA than %CV <30 (0.22% vs. 0.17%, P = .031). Tacrolimus %CV ≥30 demonstrated higher median peak dd-cfDNA than %CV <30, though this was not statistically significant (0.36% vs. 0.28%, P = .058). Conclusion: These data demonstrated that high intrapatient tacrolimus variability may be associated with elevated dd-cfDNA in the first year after kidney transplant.

Successful Use of Eculizumab for Prevention of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Recurrence in a Pregnant Kidney Transplant Recipient with CFH Gene Mutation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Successful Use of Eculizumab for Prevention of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Recurrence in a Pregnant Kidney Transplant Recipient with CFH Gene Mutation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pregnancies after kidney transplantation “the journey of hope”. Experience of the University Hospital of Batna, Algeria

Introduction. Renal transplantation is the treatment of choice for chronic end-stage renal failure. Transplantation restores the fertility of transplant recipients, which explains the increase in the number of successful pregnancies in this population. However, it remains a high maternal risk pregnancy fetal and/or neonatal which requires a multidisciplinary approach. Objective. The aim of this study is to provide the results of our experience on pregnancies in kidney transplant patients and to evaluate the impact of pregnancy on kidney graft function. Patients and methods. 79 pregnancies in kidney transplant recipients were analyzed and the long-term results of kidney transplantation were studied. We analyzed the results from clinical and biological data before, during and after pregnancy. Results. Average age of the patients was 35.3 ± 3 years and the time between transplantation and the start of pregnancy was 56.4 ± 31.5 months. There was no significant difference between biological data before and after pregnancy. We did not observe any acute rejection. The average maternal complications were preeclampsia in 30% of cases, low birth weight in 29% of cases, prematurity in 44% and cesarean sections in 57%. There was no impact of pregnancy on the kidney graft during follow-up. Conclusion. Despite the frequency of premature deliveries and comorbidities, monitoring and management of kidney transplant recipients revealed good functional results of the kidney graft.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Transplant recipients experience high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, contemporary estimates of the association between solid organ transplantation and adverse pregnancy outcomes are lacking. To evaluate the association between solid organ transplantation and adverse pregnancy outcomes and to quantify the incidence of allograft rejection and allograft loss during pregnancy. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched from January 1, 2000, to June 20, 2024, and reference lists were manually reviewed. Cohort and case-control studies that reported at least 1 adverse pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with solid organ transplantation vs without solid organ transplant or studies that reported allograft outcomes in pregnant women with solid organ transplantation were included following independent dual review of abstracts and full-text articles. Two investigators abstracted data and independently appraised risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was used to calculate overall pooled estimates using the DerSimonian-Laird estimator. Reporting followed the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline. Primary pregnancy outcomes were preeclampsia, preterm birth (<37 weeks), and low birth weight (<2500 g). Secondary pregnancy outcomes were live birth rate, gestation, very preterm birth (<32 weeks), very low birth weight (<1500 g), and cesarean delivery. Allograft outcomes were allograft loss and rejection during pregnancy. Data from 22 studies and 93 565 343 pregnancies (4786 pregnancies in solid organ transplant recipients) were included; 14 studies reported adverse pregnancy outcomes, and 13 studies provided data for allograft outcomes. Pregnancies in organ transplant recipients were associated with significantly increased risk of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.83 [95% CI, 3.45-9.87]; I2 = 77.4%), preterm birth (aOR, 6.65 [95% CI, 4.09-12.83]; I2 = 81.8%), and low birth weight (aOR, 6.51 [95% CI, 2.85-14.88]; I2 = 90.6%). The incidence of acute allograft rejection was 2.39% (95% CI, 1.20%-3.96%; I2 = 68.5%), and the incidence of allograft loss during pregnancy was 1.55% (95% CI, 0.05%-4.44%; I2 = 69.2%). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, pregnancies in recipients of a solid organ transplant were associated with a 4 to 6 times increased risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight during pregnancy. There was a low overall risk of graft rejection or loss during pregnancy.

Preparing the Heart for a New Baby: Management of Pregnancy in Heart Transplant Recipients.

Heart transplant (HT) recipients are more frequently reaching childbearing age given improvement in median survival and outcomes after HT. Although most pregnancies in HT recipients have favorable outcomes, poor fetal outcomes and maternal complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are more common in HT recipients than in the general population. In this review, we summarize the current evidence to guide the management of pregnancy in HT recipients. Preconception counseling, focused on risk stratification and optimal timing of conception, is the first important step to optimize pregnancy outcomes. During pregnancy and in the postpartum period, frequent monitoring of graft function and immunosuppressive levels is recommended. Calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids should be the mainstay of treatment for both prevention and treatment of graft rejection. Delivery planning should follow usual obstetric indications, preferably with vaginal delivery at term using regional anesthesia. A multidisciplinary care team should be involved in management through all stages of pregnancy to ensure success.

Hope for motherhood: pregnancy after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (a national multicenter study)

AbstractImproved long-term survival rates after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) make family planning for young adult cancer survivors an important topic. However, treatment-related infertility risk poses challenges. To assess pregnancy and birth rates in a contemporary cohort, we conducted a national multicenter study using data from the German Transplant Registry, focusing on adult women aged 18 to 40 years who underwent alloHCT between 2003 and 2018. Of 2654 women who underwent transplantation, 50 women experienced 74 pregnancies, occurring at a median of 4.7 years after transplant. Fifty-seven of these resulted in live births (77%). The annual first birth rate among HCT recipients was 0.45%, which is >6 times lower than in the general population. The probability of a live birth 10 years after HCT was 3.4%. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of pregnancy were younger age at alloHCT, nonmalignant transplant indications, no total body irradiation or a cumulative dose of <8 Gy, and nonmyeloablative/reduced-intensity conditioning. Notably, 72% of pregnancies occurred spontaneously, with assisted reproductive technologies used in the remaining cases. Preterm delivery and low birth weight were more common than in the general population. This study represents the largest data set reporting pregnancies in a cohort of adult female alloHCT recipients. Our findings underscore a meaningful chance of pregnancy in alloHCT recipients. Assisted reproductive technologies techniques are important and funding should be made available. However, the potential for spontaneous pregnancies should not be underestimated, and patients should be informed of the possibility of unexpected pregnancy despite reduced fertility. Further research is warranted to understand the impact of conditioning decisions on fertility preservation.

#1844 Pregnancy outcome among kidney transplant recipients

Abstract Background and Aims Background The possibility of a term pregnancy is one of the benefits of solid organ transplantation for women. The gonadal dysfunction, caused by the failure of the kidney or another organ, is reverted within a few months after normal graft function. Unplanned pregnancies in transplant recipients, however, may compromise graft function and survival, and may also risk unnecessary fetal exposure to immunosuppressive medications. Aims To study the prevalence of pregnancy and pregnancy related complication after kidney transplantation (KT). Method Retrospective cohort study conducted on 236 patients out of 3000 kidney transplant recipient who underwent renal transplantation (RT) at Mansoura Urology and Nephrology Centre between March 1976 and December 2019. divided into group I; 118 kidney transplant female's recipient experienced pregnancy at any time after kidney transplant and group II; 118 kidney transplant female's recipients who didn`t experience pregnancy after renal transplantation, they were matched according to age and duration of renal transplantation and comparable in primary immunosuppressant drugs. all kidney recipients were reviewed for preoperative &amp; operative and post-operative details also we record maternal and fetal complication. Results Prevalence of pregnancy in our center is 191 pregnancies in 118 women who had underwent kidney transplantation between 1976 and 2019. We have found that the mean age of pregnancy between (26.27 ± 4.37-29.89 ± 4.6), the mean gestational age between (33.69 ± 6.4 – 33 ± 7.5) weeks, the live birth rate is 126 (66%). Preterm delivery rate in our study is 85 (44.5%), neonatal death 8 (4.1%), miscarriage 59 (30.9%), intrauterine fetal death 6 (3.1%) and birth defect 4 (2%). The prevalence rates of gestational hypertension is 87 (45.5%), pre-eclampsia 48 (25.1%), gestational diabetes 19 (9.9%), urinary tract infection 36 (18.8%), and graft rejection 8 (4.1%) during pregnancy. caesarean section is the most common method of delivery in our study 133 (69.6%). Kidney transplant recipients who aged more than or equal to 30 years at time of pregnancy are at higher risk for having non live-birth outcome (OR: 3.2, p value: 0.05). Proteinuria more than or equal to 0.5 g/day before pregnancy is a significant risk factor for having non live-birth outcome (OR: 4.7, p value: 0.009). Also, proteinuria ≥0.5 g/day during pregnancy is associated with increases risk for non-live-birth (OR: 10.2, p value: 0.013). Gesatational hypertension is associated with increases risk for non-live-birth (OR: 8.3, p value: 0.010).Preeclampsia is associated with increases risk for non-live-birth (OR: 4.6, p value: 0.005). Conclusion Although the outcome of live births is favourable, the risks of maternal and fetal complications are high in kidney transplant recipients including pregnancy-induced hypertension, increased rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and caesarean section rates. The risk of miscarriage, prematurity, and low birth rate is also high.

#2252 Outcome of pregnancy after kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Background The possibility of a term pregnancy is one of the benefits of solid organ transplantation for women. The gonadal dysfunction, caused by the failure of the kidney or another organ, is reverted within a few months after normal graft function. Unplanned pregnancies in transplant recipients, however, may compromise graft function and survival, and may also risk unnecessary fetal exposure to immunosuppressive medications. Aims To study the prevalence of pregnancy and pregnancy related complication after kidney transplantation (KT). Method Retrospective cohort study conducted on 236 patients out of 3000 kidney transplant recipient who underwent renal transplantation (RT) at Mansoura Urology and Nephrology Centre between March 1976 and December 2019. divided into group I; 118 kidney transplant female's recipient experienced pregnancy at any time after kidney transplant and group II; 118 kidney transplant female's recipients who didn't experience pregnancy after renal transplantation, they were matched according to age and duration of renal transplantation and comparable in primary immunosuppressant drugs. all kidney recipients were reviewed for preoperative &amp; operative and post-operative details also we record maternal and fetal complication. Results Prevalence of pregnancy in our center is 191 pregnancies in 118 women who had underwent kidney transplantation between 1976 and 2019. We have found that the mean age of pregnancy between (26.27 ± 4.37 - 29.89 ± 4.6), the mean gestational age between (33.69 ± 6.4 - 33 ± 7.5) weeks, the live birth rate is 126 (66%). Preterm delivery rate in our study is 85 (44.5%), neonatal death 8 (4.1%), miscarriage 59 (30.9%), intrauterine fetal death 6 (3.1%) and birth defect 4 (2%). The prevalence rates of gestational hypertension is 87 (45.5%), pre-eclampsia 48 (25.1%), gestational diabetes 19 (9.9%), urinary tract infection 36 (18.8%), and graft rejection 8 (4.1%) during pregnancy. caesarean section is the most common method of delivery in our study 133 (69.6%). Kidney transplant recipients who aged more than or equal to 30 years at time of pregnancy are at higher risk for having non live-birth outcome (OR: 3.2, p value: 0.05). Proteinuria more than or equal to 0.5 g/day before pregnancy is a significant risk factor for having non live-birth outcome (OR: 4.7, p value: 0.009). Also, proteinuria ≥0.5 g/day during pregnancy is associated with increases risk for non-live-birth (OR: 10.2, p value: 0.013). Gestational hypertension is associated with increases risk for non-live-birth (OR: 8.3, p value: 0.010).Preeclampsia is associated with increases risk for non-live-birth ( OR: 4.6, p value: 0.005). Conclusion Although the outcome of live births is favourable, the risks of maternal and fetal complications are high in kidney transplant recipients including pregnancy-induced hypertension, increased rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and caesarean section rates. The risk of miscarriage, prematurity, and low birth rate is also high.

Hepatitis E Virus Infection in a Pregnant Liver Transplant Recipient Leading to Chronic Infection.

Hepatitis E Virus Infection in a Pregnant Liver Transplant Recipient Leading to Chronic Infection.

CD4+ T Cells from Women with Preeclampsia During Pregnancy Contribute to Hypertension, AT1-AA, and Neurovascular Dysfunction in a Pregnant Rat Model of PE

Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by new onset hypertension (HTN) during pregnancy and is associated with activated CD4+ T cells and agonistic antibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-AA). Interestingly, having had COVID-19 during pregnancy is associated with increased incidence of a PE-like phenotype. Both PE and CV have long lasting neurological implications. We sought examine a role for CD4+ T cells from PE with or without a CV Hx to contribute to a PE phenotype and neurovascular dysfunction postpartum (PP). Methods: We utilized adoptive transfer of one million placental CD4+ T cells from PE and normotensive (NT) patients with or without a CV (Hx) during pregnancy injected i.p. into gestational day (GD) 12 nude athymic rats athymic and determined neurological consequences at 12 weeks PP. At GD19, blood pressure (MAP) and AT1-AA were measured. At 3 months PP, memory and error in navigation were assessed by Barnes maze consecutively for 5 days. CBF was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry. A two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Results: In pregnant recipient rats, MAP increased in CV Hx PE (113±2, n=8) and PE (115±2 mmHg, n=10) compared to CV Hx NT (104±4, n=7) and NT (98±2 mmHg, n=7 p&lt;0.05). AT1-AA increased in PE (8±2 ΔBPM, n=4) and CV Hx PE (4±2 ΔBPM, n=4) compared to NT (-3±2 ΔBPM, n=4, p&lt;0.05) and CV Hx NT (2±2 ΔBPM, n=2) respectively. At 3 months PP, PE and CV Hx PE had impaired CBF autoregulation compared to CV Hx NT and NT rats, and both PE groups exhibited greater mistakes and latency in maze navigation, however, the scores were worse in those receiving T cells from PE patients without a Hx of CV compared to all other groups. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that pregnant recipients of CD4+ T cells from PE with or without a CV Hx during pregnancy cause HTN and increased AT1-AA compared to recipients of NT or NT Hx CV-19 CD4 + T cells. Interestingly, recipients of T cells from PE patients without a Hx of CV had worse CBF and cognitive function at 3 months PP, demonstrating the importance of CD4+ T cells in HTN and impaired neurological function during pregnancy PP in patients with previous PE. This study was supported by NIH grants RO1HD067541 (BL), F31HD110230 (NC), P20GM121334 (BL, LMA), and American heart association (AHA) early career award 19CDA34670055 (LMA). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Pregnancies in Women After Liver Transplant due to Wilson's Disease—Case Series

Wilson's disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. Due to a defect in membrane copper transporter, copper is not excreted in the bile and accumulates in the tissues. The only treatment for acute liver failure in Wilson's disease is a liver transplant. AimAssessment of the course of pregnancies and comparison of obstetric outcomes in female liver transplant recipients in the course of Wilson's disease. MethodologyRetrospective analysis of data of women, who were pregnant and gave birth in the years: 2017 to 2023. Evaluation of their liver function used pharmacotherapy and obstetric outcomes. ResultsWe recorded 11 pregnancies in liver transplantation recipients due to Wilson's disease. Ten single pregnancies and 1 twin (DCDA) were observed. In all pregnancies, graft functions and immunosuppressive drug concentrations were monitored. Three women suffered from epilepsy, one was diagnosed with psychiatric disorder. Two were diagnosed with cholestasis, and another 2 with gestational diabetes. Two of them were treated for pregnancy-induced hypertension and 2 developed preeclampsia. Deterioration of liver function parameters in pregnancy was observed in 2 cases. In total, 8 full-term babies were born and 4 late-preterm, including twins at 35 weeks of gestation. Seven pregnancies were delivered by caesarean section and 4 delivered vaginally. No complications in early postpartum period have been reported. ConclusionsWomen with Wilson's disease treated with organ transplantation have a chance of successful pregnancies and deliveries.

First Successful Pregnancy After Lung Transplantation in Poland—Case Report

Lung transplantation is well-established treatment for patients with advanced lung dysfunction in cystic fibrosis (CF). Pregnancy in CF lung transplant recipients is feasible, although it still remains challenging for even professionals and demands a multidisciplinary approach. We report the case of pregnancy in a 22-year-old woman after lung transplantation (LTx) due to end-stage respiratory failure in the course of CF. The interval from transplant to conception was 2.5 years. In 2019, orthotopic LTx was performed and a 3-drug immunosuppressive scheme was used-tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. There were no complications in the postoperative course. In April 2022, the patient was confirmed pregnant. All fetotoxic or teratogenic drugs were discontinued. Throughout the whole pregnancy, the patient was regularly monitored in the transplant and obstetrics centers. Due to the vaginal bleeding and irregular contractions at the 33 weeks of pregnancy, the course of steroids was administered. At 38 weeks and 5 days of gestation, she presented premature rupture of membranes. The caesarean section was performed because of breech presentation of the fetus. A live, term daughter was born and according to the screening test she does not have CF. Currently, 12 months after the delivery, the mother's lung function is good. Getting pregnant and having a safe pregnancy after LTx is possible, but it requires a specialized and individual approach. The patient should be well informed about possible complications and risks including graft failure. The patient's attitude and her cooperation with doctors play a major role.

Pregnancy in Liver and Kidney Female Recipient: A Case Report

Deterioration of kidney function after orthotopic liver transplantation is a common complication. It may occur due to perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and pre-existing or developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI is described in early postoperative period in more than half of the recipients whereas the main cause of CKD is pharmacotherapy. When end-stage renal failure occurs, patients may be qualified for additional transplantations.A case report: We present a rare case of 27-year-old female who as teenager underwent two liver transplantations due to Wilson's disease. Operations were complicated by systemic infection and multiple organ failure. The kidneys did not regain their function, therefore, after 6 months of dialysis, the organ was transplanted. In total, three organ transplantations were performed. Due to the patient's willingness and good graft functions, patient started trying to conceive. Three months before successful conception, immunosuppressive therapy was changed to tacrolimus and azathioprine. Pregnancy was complicated by pregnancy induced hypertension and its course was closely monitored. Organs' functions and immunosuppressive therapy were regularly assessed. Due to the pre-eclampsia developed in the 35th week of gestation, a caesarean section was performed and she gave birth to daughter weighing 2350g (Apgar 7-7-8). Women decided on breastfeeding. No obstetric complications or graft function deterioration were observed in the early postpartum period. Mother and daughter left home after 7 days of hospitalization.Conclusions: The presented clinical situation proves that successful pregnancy is possible by multi-organ transplantation recipients, without impairing the graft functions. Therefore, it requires adequate preparation and increased care.

Family Planning and Assessment of the Frequency of Exposure to Drugs Contraindicated in Pregnancies After Kidney or Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

A successful organ transplant restores gonadal function in the first months after surgery, which leads to the normalization of menstrual cycles and increases the chance of pregnancy. Recipients of organ transplants should effectively prevent pregnancy for a minimum of 1 year and optimally up to 2 years after surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of unplanned pregnancies in female organ transplant recipients METHODS: A cross-sectional, single-center survey study of 46 pregnant organ recipients who were hospitalized at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In the post-transplant period, we recorded 46 patients, including 27 kidney recipients (59%) and 19 liver recipients (41%). Forty-nine respondents reported 66 pregnancies, of which 52 ended in live births (79%). Twenty of the pregnancies were not planned. In that group, 16 pregnancies ended in labor, 2 in miscarriage, and 2 in termination. In 10 of the unplanned pregnancies, the women were treated with potentially teratogenic drugs in the first trimester. The duration of the pregnancy was shorter in the group of women who had not planned their pregnancies and had conceived during potentially teratogenic therapy (30.66 ± 3.61 weeks) than in women who had planned their pregnancies (34.95 ± 4 weeks, P < .0215). Women after organ transplantation are at high risk for pregnancy complications. Therefore, conception planning is an important element of post-transplant care, especially because the percentage of unplanned pregnancies in this group remains high despite the use of potentially teratogenic drugs.

Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index in Pregnant Kidney or Liver Recipients and Its Impact on Perinatal Outcome

The uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA PI) is associated with blood flow to the placenta. Its increased values imply impaired placentation. This study aimed to evaluate UtA PI measurements in first-trimester ultrasound in pregnancies after kidney (KTx) or liver transplantation (LTx) and its relationship with perinatal outcome. A retrospective analysis of 72 pregnancies in female kidney (35) or liver (37) transplant recipients between 2017 and 2023 was performed. Data concerning UtA PI were available for 17 kidney and 19 liver recipients. Statistical analysis of variables between KTx and LTx groups and the correlation with perinatal outcomes was performed using Student's t test and Pearson's correlation with P < .05 considered statistically significant. The mean UtA PI results were similar, and there were no statistical differences between the group of pregnant kidney and liver recipients with mean values of 1.46 (SD 0.44] and 1.73 (SD 0.51] respectively (P = .10). The mean neonate birth weight was lower in KTx group (2158 g ([SD 723 g]) compared with the LTx group (2780 g [SD 754g]; P =.02). In the KTx and LTx groups, mean UtA PI was in negative correlation with Apgar score in the first minute (P = .04, P = .01 respectively). Uterine artery Doppler is useful in predicting perinatal outcomes in the general population and organ recipient pregnancies, even in the early stages of pregnancy, as we observed the correlation between UtA PI and Apgar score. Pregnant kidney recipients remain at higher risk for complications and more unpredictable outcomes than liver recipients.

Pregnancy after kidney and liver transplantation.

Pregnancy in kidney and liver transplant recipients presents unique challenges and risks for both maternal and fetal health. This article examines the management of pregnancy in kidney and liver transplant recipients, focusing on pre-pregnancy counselling, trimester-specific care, the teratogenic effects of immunosuppressive drugs, and the role of the multidisciplinary team. While South African (SA) data on this topic are limited, the Transplant Pregnancy Registry International has provided valuable insights. Despite the increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, the overall risk of graft loss during pregnancy is low. Graft survival rates are comparable between pregnant and non- pregnant transplant recipients, except for pregnancies occurring within 1 year of transplantation. By addressing the complexities of managing pregnant women with kidney or liver transplants, this article underscores the importance of tailored care and the involvement of various medical specialists. It also explores the safety of and potential complications associated with specific immunosuppressive therapies during pregnancy. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding and optimise the management of these high-risk pregnancies in SA.

Are there reliable criteria for predicting the chances of pregnancy in recipients of egg donation? What makes a “good donor”? French multicentre retrospective study conducted by GEDO (Groupe d’Etudes pour le Don d’Ovocytes)

Are there reliable criteria for predicting the chances of pregnancy in recipients of egg donation? What makes a “good donor”? French multicentre retrospective study conducted by GEDO (Groupe d’Etudes pour le Don d’Ovocytes)