Rate Of Delayed Graft Function Research Articles

Outcomes and Health Care Utilization After Early Hospital Dismissal in Kidney Transplantation: An Analysis of 1001 Consecutive Cases.

To understand whether reduced lengths of stay after kidney transplantation were associated with excess health care utilization in the first 90 days or long-term graft and patient survival outcomes. Reducing length of stay after kidney transplant has an unknown effect on post-transplant health care utilization. We studied this association in a cohort of 1001 consecutive kidney transplants. We retrospectively reviewed 2011-2015 data from a prospectively-maintained kidney transplant database from a single center. A total of 1001 patients underwent kidney transplant, and were dismissed from the hospital in 3 groups: Early [≤2 days] (19.8%), Normal [3-7 days] (79.4%) and Late [>7 days] (3.8%). 34.8% of patients had living donor transplants (Early 51%, Normal 31.4%, Late 18.4%, P < 0.001). Early patients had lower delayed graft function rates (Early 19.2%, Normal 32%, Late73.7%, P = 0.001). By the hospital dismissal group, there were no differences in readmissions or emergency room visits at 30 or 90 days. Glomerular filtration rate at 12 months and rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection were also similar between groups. The timing of hospital dismissal was not associated with the risk-adjusted likelihood of readmission. Early and Normal patients had similar graft and patient survival. Late dismissal patients, who had higher rates of cardiovascular complications, had significantly higher late mortality versus Normal dismissal patients in unadjusted and risk-adjusted models. Dismissing patients from the hospital 2 days after kidney transplant is safe, feasible, and improves value. It is not associated with excess health care utilization or worse short or long-term transplant outcomes.

Robot-Assisted versus Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy: A Comparison of 250 Cases.

Living kidney donation is the best treatment for end-stage renal disease, however, the best surgical approach for minimally-invasive donor nephrectomy (DN) is still a matter of debate. This bi-centric study aimed to retrospectively compare perioperative outcomes and postoperative kidney function after 257 transperitoneal DNs including 52 robot-assisted (RDN) and 205 laparoscopic DNs (LDN). As primary outcomes, the intraoperative (operating time, warm ischemia time (WIT), major complications) and postoperative (length of stay, complications) results were compared. As secondary outcomes, postoperative kidney and graft function were analyzed including delayed graft function (DGF) rates, and the impact of the surgical approach was assessed. Overall, the type of minimally-invasive donor nephrectomy (RDN vs. LDN) did not affect primary outcomes, especially not operating time and WIT; and major complication and DGF rates were low in both groups. A history of smoking and preoperative kidney function, but not the surgical approach, were predictive for postoperative serum creatinine of the donor and recipient. To conclude, RDN and LDN have equivalent perioperative results in experienced centers. For this reason, not the surgical approach, but rather the graft- (preoperative kidney function) and patient-specific (history of smoking) aspects impacted postoperative kidney function.

Kidney transplant outcomes from donation after circulatory death donors of advanced age.

Continued comparison of kidney transplant outcomes between older DCD and donation after brain death (DBD) donors is needed to safely expand the deceased donor pool. We performed a retrospective cohort study using the UNOS/OPTN transplant registry from donors >50years old between 1994 and 2016. Donor age was stratified into 4 groups: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, and >65years old. Rates of delayed graft function (DGF) and primary non-function (PNF) were compared. Multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with time to graft failure. The DCD donors within each age group had fewer comorbidities than the DBD donors. Graft survival for DCD kidneys was equivalent or superior to DBD kidneys in all donor age groups. DGF rates were significantly greater for DCD kidneys in all age groups. PNF rates across all groups were similar. In multivariable analysis, DCD status was not independently associated with time to all-cause graft failure in the 50-54 donor age group (HR=1.02, 95% CI=0.93-1.13), 55-59 donor age group (HR=1.07, 95% CI=0.96-1.19), or 60-64 donor age group (HR=1.135, 95% CI=0.97-1.32). Kidneys from carefully selected older DCD donors, particularly ages 50-64, are a potential means to safely expand the deceased donor pool.

Early Postoperative Use of Diuretics After Kidney Transplantation Showed Increase in Delayed Graft Function.

In acute renal injury, diuretics are widely considered to be harmful. Nevertheless, they are used frequently after kidney transplantation. We hypothesized that diuretics administered in the early postoperative treatment after kidney transplantation increase the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF). In this monocentric, retrospective cohort analysis, we screened the closed files of all consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplantation from 2011 to 2017. The outcome variable was DGF, defined as at least 1 hemodialysis within 7 days postoperatively. To stratify for baseline characteristics such as waiting time or cold ischemic period, we employed a propensity score-matched analysis. Further statistical processing included basic descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, and binary logistic regression analysis. The unmatched cohort included 445 patients and showed a significantly increased rate of DGF for patients who received either furosemide or mannitol or a combination of both (5% vs 25%; P < .001). Mannitol (odds ratio [OR]: 4.094) and furosemide (OR: 2.915) showed a significant correlation with DGF in the multivariate regression analysis. Propensity score-based matching resulted in a matched cohort of 214 patients with balanced baseline risk variables. In this matched cohort, the rate of DGF was significantly increased in patients who received diuretics in the early postoperative treatment (7% vs 16%; P = .031). Our results show that postoperatively administered diuretics are associated with an increased rate of DGF even in a cohort with balanced preoperative risk variables. This study supports recently published reviews, which call diuretics in the transplantation process into question.

MP52-03 THE EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE IN ROBOT-ASSISTED KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: LEARNING CURVE

You have accessJournal of UrologyTransplantation & Vascular Surgery: Renal Transplantation & Vascular Surgery II (MP52)1 Apr 2020MP52-03 THE EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE IN ROBOT-ASSISTED KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION: LEARNING CURVE Andrea Gallioli*, Angelo Territo, Romain Boissier, Riccardo Campi, Graziano Vignolini, Mireia Musquera, Antonio Alcaraz, Karel Decaestecker, Volkan Tugcu, Davide Vanacore, Sergio Serni, and Alberto Breda Andrea Gallioli*Andrea Gallioli* More articles by this author , Angelo TerritoAngelo Territo More articles by this author , Romain BoissierRomain Boissier More articles by this author , Riccardo CampiRiccardo Campi More articles by this author , Graziano VignoliniGraziano Vignolini More articles by this author , Mireia MusqueraMireia Musquera More articles by this author , Antonio AlcarazAntonio Alcaraz More articles by this author , Karel DecaesteckerKarel Decaestecker More articles by this author , Volkan TugcuVolkan Tugcu More articles by this author , Davide VanacoreDavide Vanacore More articles by this author , Sergio SerniSergio Serni More articles by this author , and Alberto BredaAlberto Breda More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000914.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) was recently introduced and an ERUS group constituted to draw together early European experiences at the highest volume centers using this minimally invasive technique. Therefore, the aim of the study is to report the learning curve in RAKT, evaluating surgical and functional results in the five highest volume centers of the ERUS group. The second objective of the study is to evaluate the reproducibility of the learning curve. METHODS: All consecutive RAKTs performed in the five highest volume centers of the ERUS RAKT group, i.e. Fundaciò Puigvert and Hospital Clinic (Barcelona), Careggi Hospital (Florence), Ghent University Hospital (Ghent), and Bakirkoy Research Hospital (Istanbul), were reviewed. Shewhart control charts and cumulative summation (CUSUM) graphs were generated to assess the learning curve according to surgical timings and renal graft function (glomerular filtration rate) at days 7, 30 and at 1 year. Linear regressions were performed to compare the learning curves of each surgeon. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The statistical package SPSS V 25 and GraphPad Prism were used. RESULTS: Arterial anastomosis time was below the alarm/alert line in 93.3%/88.9% of RAKTs, while venous anastomosis time was below the alarm/alert line in 88.9%/73.9%. The non-anastomotic rewarming time (RWT) exceeded +3SD in 24.7% of procedures and +2SD in 37.1%. In only 46% cases was the RWT below the alert line. The ureterocystoneostomy time was below +2 and +3SD in 87.9% and 90.2% of cases, respectively. CUSUM showed that the learning curve for arterial anastomosis required up to 35 (mean=16) cases. Complications and delayed graft function rates decreased significantly and reached a plateau after the first 20 cases. A similar conclusion was reached for venous anastomosis, which may need more than 40 procedures (mean=24). The plateau in the ureterocystoneostomy curve was reached within 30 RAKTs in 4/5 centers (mean=17). The plateau for RWT was reached within 23 procedures at center 1, 44 at center 2, and 38 at center 3 (mean 35 cases); centers 4 and 5 did not reach the plateau. Interestingly, the curves for non-anastomotic time during RWT resemble those for RWT. On the linear regression model, all the anastomotic times were comparable. The slopes in respect of non-anastomotic time during RWT were slightly different (p=0.0006), as was also true for RWT itself (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A minimum of 35 cases is necessary to reach reproducibility in terms of anastomosis time, rewarming time and functional results. Source of Funding: None © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e772-e773 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Andrea Gallioli* More articles by this author Angelo Territo More articles by this author Romain Boissier More articles by this author Riccardo Campi More articles by this author Graziano Vignolini More articles by this author Mireia Musquera More articles by this author Antonio Alcaraz More articles by this author Karel Decaestecker More articles by this author Volkan Tugcu More articles by this author Davide Vanacore More articles by this author Sergio Serni More articles by this author Alberto Breda More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Short- and Long-term Outcomes of Kidney Transplants From Very Small (≤15 kg) Pediatric Donors With Acute Kidney Injury.

Kidneys from small deceased pediatric donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) are commonly discarded owing to transplant centers' concerns regarding potentially inferior short- and long-term posttransplant outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed our center's en bloc kidney transplants performed from November 2007 to January 2015 from donors ≤15 kg into adult recipients (≥18 y). We pair-matched grafts from 27 consecutive donors with AKI versus 27 without AKI for donor weight, donation after circulatory death status, and preservation time. For AKI versus non-AKI donors, median weight was 7.5 versus 7.1 kg; terminal creatinine was 1.7 (range, 1.1-3.3) versus 0.3 mg/dL (0.1-0.9). Early graft loss rate from thrombosis or primary nonfunction was 11% for both groups. Delayed graft function rate was higher for AKI (52%) versus non-AKI (15%) grafts (P = 0.004). Median estimated glomerular filtration rate was lower for AKI recipients only at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.03). Graft survival (death-censored) at 8 years was 78% for AKI versus 77% for non-AKI grafts. Late proteinuria rates for AKI versus non-AKI recipients with >4 years follow-up were not significantly different. Small pediatric donor AKI impacted early posttransplant kidney graft function, but did not increase risk for early graft loss and decreased long-term function. The presently high nonutilization rates for en bloc kidney grafts from very small pediatric donors with AKI appear therefore unjustified. Based on the outcomes of the present study, we infer that the reluctance to transplant single kidneys from larger pediatric donors with AKI lacks a rational basis as well. Our findings warrant further prospective study and confirmation in larger study cohorts.

Delayed Graft Function in Simultaneous Liver Kidney Transplantation.

Delayed graft function (DGF) is associated with inferior posttransplant outcomes in kidney transplantation. Given these adverse outcomes, we sought to determine the incidence, unique risk factors, and posttransplant outcomes for simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) transplant recipients developing DGF. We studied 6214 adult SLK recipients from March 2002 to February 2017 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We determined associations between risk factors and DGF using Poisson multivariate regression and between DGF and graft failure and mortality using Cox proportional hazard analysis. The overall rate of DGF was 21.8%. Risk factors for DGF in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)-negative recipient population included pretransplant dialysis (adjusted incident rate ratio [aIRR] 3.26, P = 0.004), donor body mass index (aIRR 1.25 per 5 kg/m, P = 0.01), and transplantation with a donation after circulatory death (aIRR 5.38, P = 0.001) or imported donor organ (regional share aIRR 1.69, P = 0.03; national share aIRR 4.82, P < 0.001). DGF was associated with a 2.6-fold increase in kidney graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.63, P < 0.001), 1.6-fold increase in liver graft failure (aHR 1.62, P < 0.001), and 1.6-fold increase in mortality (aHR 1.62, P < 0.001). In HCV-negative SLK recipients, recipient pretransplant dialysis and components of kidney graft quality comprise significant risk factors for DGF. Regardless of HCV status, DGF is associated with inferior posttransplant outcomes. Understanding these risk factors during clinical decision-making may improve prevention of DGF and may represent an opportunity to improve posttransplant outcomes.

Virtual Crossmatching in Kidney Transplantation: The Wait Is Over

Flow cytometric crossmatching is currently the method of choice for most transplantation programs before kidney transplantation. In July of 2017, our program implemented the virtual crossmatch, without a prospective physical crossmatch, for the majority of patients in the setting of a new kidney allocation system implemented by the United Network for Organ Sharing. A retrospective review was conducted to determine whether virtual crossmatching could reduce cold ischemia time (CIT). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of delayed graft function and 1-year patient and allograft failure. A total of 825 patients received a kidney transplant between December 1, 2014 and July 1, 2018; 505 were in the pre-implementation group and 227 were in the post-implementation group. The CIT decreased between the pre-implementation era to post implementation era from 16.67 ± 8.7 hours to 14.5 ± 8.2 hours (p= 0.002). On univariate analysis, delayed graft function (DGF) rates were similar between the 2 eras (19% vs 17%; p= 0.415), despite having more donations after cardiac death and higher Kidney Donor Profile Index donors in the post-implementation era. There was no difference in biopsy-proven acute rejection (n= 28 [5.6%] vs n= 8 [3.5%]; p= 0.226), 1-year graft loss (4% vs 3%; p= 0.304), or patient death (2% vs 1%; p= 0.567) rate between groups. On multivariable modeling for mean CIT and incidence of DGF, patients receiving transplants in the post-implementation era had an adjusted reduction in CIT of an estimated 2.35 hours (95% CI, 1.15 to 3.55; p < 0.001). Patients in the post-implementation era also had 26% lower odds of DGF developing (odds ratio 0.74; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.14; p= 0.170), after adjusting for covariates. Kidney transplantation can be safely performed with virtual crossmatching, without a prospective physical crossmatch with improved CIT and potentially reduced DGF rate without increased risk of rejection.

Learning Curve in Robot-assisted Kidney Transplantation: Results from the European Robotic Urological Society Working Group

BackgroundRecently, robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) was recently introduced as renal replacement mini-invasive surgery. ObjectiveTo report surgical technique, including tips and tricks, and the learning curve for RAKT. Design, setting, and participantsAll consecutive RAKTs performed in the five highest-volume centers of the European Robotic Urological Society RAKT group were reviewed, and a step-by-step description of the technique was compiled. Surgical procedureSurgeries were performed with Da Vinci Si/Xi. The patient was placed in the lithotomy position. The Trendelenburg position was set at 20–30° and the robot was docked between the legs. MeasurementsShewhart control charts and cumulative summation (CUSUM) graphs and trifecta were generated to assess the learning curve according to rewarming time (RWT), intra/postoperative complications, and renal graft function (glomerular filtration rate) on days 7 and 30, and at 1 yr. Linear regressions were performed to compare the learning curves of each surgeon. Results and limitationsArterial anastomosis time was below the alarm/alert line in 93.3%/88.9% of RAKTs, while venous anastomosis time was below the alarm/alert line in 88.9%/73.9%. The nonanastomotic RWT exceeded +3 standard deviation (SD) in 24.7% of procedures and +2SD in 37.1%. In only 46% cases, the RWT was below the alert line. The ureteroneocystostomy time was below +2SD and +3SD in 87.9% and 90.2% of cases, respectively. CUSUM showed that the learning curve for arterial anastomosis required up to 35 (mean = 16) cases. Complications and delayed graft function rates decreased significantly and reached a plateau after the first 20 cases. Trifecta was achieved in 75% (24/32) of the cases after the first 34 RAKTs in each center. ConclusionsA minimum of 35 cases are necessary to reach reproducibility in terms of RWT, complications, and functional results. Patient summaryRobot-assisted kidney transplantation requires a learning curve of 35 cases to achieve reproducibility in terms of timing, complications, and functional results. Synergy between the surgeon and the assistant is crucial to reduce rewarming time. High-grade complications and delayed graft function are rare after ten surgeries. Hands-on training and proctorship are highly recommended.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of deceased donor kidney transplantations, with a focus on three induction therapies.

BackgroundGraft survival rate of kidney transplantation recipients improves after induction therapy. However, there is no conclusive evidence on which regimen is superior for deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKT). This study aims at discussing effective induction therapy in DDKT.MethodsBetween 2003 and 2016, 395 DDKT recipients were divided into three groups following induction therapy. Recipients of the basiliximab group (n=184) received basiliximab (20 mg/kg) on days 0 and 4. Recipients of the low-dose rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) group (n=113) received rATG (1.5 mg/kg) on days 0, 1, and 2, while those of the high-dose rATG group (n=98) received it for more than 4 days. We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical outcomes and adverse effects of induction therapy.ResultsCompared to other groups, the low-dose rATG group donors were older (P<0.001); rATG group donors had higher serum creatinine levels (P<0.001), and the basiliximab group showed a lower delayed graft function rate (P=0.004). In graft failure, the low-dose rATG group did not differ significantly from the basiliximab group (P=0.080), but was significantly different from the high-dose rATG group (P=0.004).ConclusionsThe low-dose rATG group had the best graft survival rate, although it had older donors and higher serum creatinine levels. Therefore, low-dose rATG may be considered an effective induction therapy in DDKT.

Peritransplant eculizumab does not prevent delayed graft function in deceased donor kidney transplant recipients: Results of two randomized controlled pilot trials.

Animal models and observational human data indicate that complement, including C5a, pathogenically participates in ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury that manifests as delayed graft function (DGF) following deceased donor kidney transplantation. We report on the safety/efficacy of anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab (Ecu) administered in the operating room prior to reperfusion, to prevent DGF in recipients of deceased donor kidney transplants in two related, investigator-sponsored, randomized controlled trials. Eight recipients from a single center were enrolled in a pilot study that led to a 19-subject multicenter trial. Together, 27 deceased donor kidney transplant recipients, 16 Ecu-treated and 11 controls, were treated with rabbit antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil with or without glucocorticoids, and followed for 6months. Data analysis showed no epidemiological or transplant-related differences between study arms. Ecu was well tolerated with a similar severe adverse event incidence between groups. The DGF rate did not differ between Ecu-treated (44%) and control (45%, P=1.0) subjects. Serum creatinine reduction in the first week after transplantation, and graft function up to 180-days post-transplant, were also similar. Ecu administration was safe but did not reduce the rate of DGF in a high-risk population of deceased donor recipients.

Machine perfusion of donor kidneys may reduce graft rejection

Recent evidence suggests that hypothermic machine perfusion of donor kidneys reduces delayed graft function (DGF). This study addresses the effect of machine perfusion (MP) on allograft rejection in the United States. We assembled a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing kidney-alone transplants in the UNOS database from June 30, 2004 to May 31, 2017. DGF was defined as dialysis requirement in the first week post-transplant; graft rejection was defined at 6months and 1year. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for recipient and donor factors evaluated the effect of MP on DGF and graft rejection. Records for 79300 kidney transplants meeting inclusion criteria were abstracted, 42% of which underwent MP. MP kidneys came from older donors, were more likely to have been obtained following donation after cardiac death, and had longer cold ischemic times. Rates of DGF and rejection were similar between MP and static storage kidneys. Following adjustment, recipients of MP kidneys were less likely to experience rejection at 1year (OR 0.91 [95% CI 0.86-0.97] P=.002), but not at 6months post-transplantation (OR 0.94 [0.88-1.02] P=.07). This effect persisted following adjustment for cold ischemic time. This study adds to the accumulating evidence demonstrating improved outcomes following MP of kidneys. We encourage protocolized consideration of MP for kidney grafts.

Factors of Acute Kidney Injury Donors Affecting Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation From Deceased Donors

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the outcomes of kidney transplantation (KT) from deceased acute kidney injury (AKI) donors and analyzed the factors affecting these outcomes. MethodsAll patients who underwent KT from deceased donors at our institution from 1998 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Recipients were divided into the AKI and non-AKI donor groups. We analyzed delayed graft function (DGF), serum creatinine levels at 1 month and 1 year after KT, cold ischemia time, donors’ initial and terminal serum creatinine levels, Kidney Donor Profile Index, and patient and graft survival in each group. ResultsOf 181 recipients, 30 received kidneys from 21 AKI donors, whereas the remaining 151 received kidneys from donors without AKI. DGF more frequently developed in the AKI donor group than in the non-AKI donor group (40% vs 7.28%; P = .001). Allograft functions at 1 month and 1 year after KT did not differ between the AKI and non-AKI donor groups (1 month: P = .469; 1 year: P = .691). Factors affecting DGF were recipient weight and donor AKI. Recipient factors affecting graft function at 1 year were recipient height, length of hospital stay, serum creatinine levels at 1 month and 6 months, and biopsy-proven acute rejection. Older donor age was the only donor factor that affected graft function at 1 year. ConclusionKT from deceased AKI donors showed a higher DGF rate but favorable patient and graft survival and graft functions. Donor AKI and recipient weight affected DGF, and only older donor age affected graft function at 1 year.

Renal Transplantation in High Immunological Risk Patients: A Single-Center Experience

BackgroundRenal transplantation (RT) in high-risk patients is increasingly performed due to an inadequate organ pool and increased rate of RT after a failed transplantation. Safety and prognosis of RT in such patients with high risk is an ongoing debate. Herein we aimed to present our single-center experience on RT of high-risk patients. MethodsA total of 89 consecutive RT patients were included into this study in a 10-month period. Patients were divided into 3 groups: the low-risk group (n = 47) with negative panel reactive antibody (PRA), medium-risk group (n = 18) with positive PRA but mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) < 2000, and high-risk group (n = 24) with positive PRA and MFI >2000 or donor specific antibody (DSA) positivity. Groups were compared in terms of demographic features, serum creatinine levels, acute rejection rates, delayed graft function (DGF), and patient or graft loss. ResultsAge of the recipients were similar between the groups. Desensitization (7% vs 11% vs 42%, respectively, in low-, medium-, and high-risk groups; P = .001), plasmapheresis (6% vs 11% vs 46%, respectively, P < .001), and rituximab treatments (0% vs 0% vs 25%, respectively, P < .001) were significantly more frequently performed in high-risk patients. Serum creatinine levels at 1 month and 6 months after RT were similar between the groups (P = .43 and P = .71, respectively). Rates of acute rejection (6% vs 6% vs 16%, respectively, P = .52) and DGF (9% vs 11% vs 29%, respectively, P = .15) were similar between the groups. Frequencies of loss of patient or graft were also similar (0% vs 6% vs 4%, P = .15). ConclusionRT may be successfully performed in high-risk patients without an increase in the risk of acute rejection, DGF, or patient/graft loss.

Once- vs Twice-Daily Tacrolimus: Survival Rates and Side Effects: Single-Center Experience

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine whether de novo, prolonged-release tacrolimus- (PR-tacro) based immunosuppressive regimen affected graft and patient survival when compared to an immediate-release, twice-daily, tacrolimus- (IR-tacro) based regimen in kidney transplant recipients. We also aimed to determine the difference between the frequency of side effects, including diabetes control, in study groups. MethodsA total of 115 standard risk kidney transplant recipients were enrolled in this single center, retrospective study. Fifty-two patients received PR-tacro and 63 patients received IR-tacro as a calcineurin inhibitor. The primary outcome measures included incidence of graft loss and delayed graft function (DGF), biopsy-proven acute rejection , graft and patient survival, and creatinine clearance. Secondary outcome measures included the incidence of non-adherence, drug-induced tremor; post-transplant diabetes mellitus diagnosis rate; and control of diabetes in pre-transplant diabetic patients. ResultsBaseline characteristics and mean tacrolimus trough levels were comparable between groups. Incidence of graft loss, DGF, and graft and patient survival were similar between groups (P > .05). Mean creatinine clearance level was also similar (P > .05). Mean serum levels of fasting glucose (P < .05) and A1C (P < .05) were lower in PR-tacro group when compared to IR-tacro group. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus diagnosis rate was also lower in PR-tacro group when compared to IR-tacro group (P = .040). ConclusionThis study suggests that there is no statistically significant difference between PR-tacro and IR-tacro in terms of patient and graft survival, DGF, and biopsy-proven acute rejection rates in kidney transplant recipients. Post-transplant diabetes mellitus frequency is lower in non-diabetic patients, and glucose metabolism control is better in diabetic patients.

Machine perfusion in kidney transplantation

The shortage of kidneys for transplantation has led to an urgent need to efficiently utilize the available cadaveric kidneys. Efficient use of machine perfusion may potentially lead to increased use of marginal kidneys by lowering the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and improving graft outcomes. Machine perfusion has had a resurgence in the last 10-15 years over static cold storage (SCS). Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP), the most commonly utilized type of machine perfusion reduces the rates of DGF when compared with SCS with a trend towards improving the overall graft survival. Despite reduction in the rates of DGF by HMP, its effect on long-term renal and patient outcomes is not clearly known. There is limited clinical literature in the use of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) but a few pilot studies have shown its potential to resuscitate commonly discarded kidneys. In addition to preservation, machine perfusion also allows for various diagnostic and therapeutic interventions during the preservation period to assess and optimize the viability of the procured kidney.

Modeling the economic benefit of targeted mild hypothermia in deceased donor kidney transplantation.

Delayed graft function (DGF) in kidney transplant significantly increases inpatient and outpatient cost. Targeted, mild hypothermia in organ donors after neurologic determination of death significantly reduced the rate of DGF in a recent randomized controlled clinical trial. To assess the potential economic benefit of national implementation of donor hypothermia, rates of reduction DGF were combined with estimates of the impact of DGF on hospital cost and total health expenditure for standard and extended criteria donor organs (SCD and ECD). DGF increases the cost of the transplant episode by $9487 for ECD transplant and $10342 for SCD transplant. Medicare recipients with DGF incur an additional $18513 spending for ECD and $14948 in SCD transplants over the first year. An absolute reduction in DGF rate after kidney transplantation consistent with trial results (ECD 25%, SCD 7%) has the potential to lower annual hospital cost for kidney transplant by $13178746 and annual Medicare spending by $20970706 compared to standard donor management practice using static cold storage. Targeted mild hypothermia improves care of renal transplant patients by safely reducing DGF rates in both ECD and SCD transplant. Broader application of this safe, effective, and low-cost intervention could reduce healthcare expenditures for providers and insurers.

Utilizing increased risk for disease transmission (IRD) kidneys for pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Strategies to expand numbers of deceased donor kidneys suitable for pediatric recipients are urgently needed to prevent long-term dialysis-associated morbidity and mortality. Donors designated as increased risk of disease transmission (IRD) are infrequently used in pediatric recipients. We examined outcomes of these kidneys in pediatric patients and the potential to increase the donor pool. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database records presence of IRD in all deceased donors since 2004. All pediatric kidney transplant recipients from 2004 to 2017 were identified and stratified by IRD status, and outcomes were examined. Four hundred seventy-three pediatric kidney transplant recipients received an IRD allograft. IRD donors had lower kidney donor profile index (KDPI); were more likely to be younger, male, and Caucasian; and were more likely to have used drugs. IRD kidneys were more likely to have been biopsied and placed on pulsatile perfusion. Other than an older recipient age, demographic data were not different between groups. Allograft and patient survivals were similar, as were rejection and delayed graft function rates. Compared with adult recipients and adult IRD recipients, pediatric recipients were more likely to have a younger donor, receive a kidney with a lower creatinine, and were less likely to have delayed graft function (p < 0.05). There were no recorded disease transmissions in IRD group. Patient and allograft survivals are similar in IRD and non-IRD kidneys. High-quality IRD organs used in adults represent a large number of donors with excellent outcomes. IRD allografts have a potential to increase transplant volume and should be considered for pediatric patients.

Hypoalbuminaemia at time of surgery is associated with an increased risk for overall graft loss after kidney transplantation.

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate whether pre-operative hypoalbuminaemia (<35 g/L) is associated with adverse outcomes post-kidney transplantation. Our retrospective, single-centre analysis included all patients who received their kidney transplant between 2007 and 2017, with documented admission albumin levels prior to surgery. Survival analyses were undertaken to explore the relationship of pre-transplant hypoalbuminaemia versus other baseline variables upon post-transplant outcomes. We analysed 1131 kidney allograft recipients transplanted at our centre (2007-2017), with median follow-up 746 days (interquartile range 133-1750 days). Kidney transplant recipients with pre-operative hypoalbuminaemia were more likely older, female, recipients of deceased-donor kidneys and to have longer cold ischaemic times. Recipients with pre-operative hypoalbuminaemia had longer hospital admissions post-operatively but no difference in delayed graft function rates. There was no difference in 1 year creatinine but recipients with hypoalbuminaemia had reduced risk for cellular rejection. We observed significantly worse patient survival (83.2% vs 90.7%, P < 0.001) and overall graft survival (72.5% vs 82.0%, P < 0.001) for recipients with hypoalbuminaemia vs normal albumin levels, respectively, but no difference in death-censored graft survival. In a Cox regression model, adjusted for baseline pre-operative variables, hypoalbuminaemia was independently associated with an increased risk for overall graft loss after kidney transplantation (hazard ratio 1.468, 95% confidence interval 1.087-1.982, P = 0.012). Pre-operative hypoalbuminaemia is an independent risk factor for overall graft loss after kidney transplantation. Further work is warranted to investigate the underlying pathophysiology to determine what supportive measures can be undertaken to attenuate adverse post-transplant outcomes.

Machine preservation of donor kidneys in transplantation.

With increasing demands for 'less than ideal' kidneys for transplantation, machine perfusion of kidneys has been utilized to improve the preservation of kidneys during storage. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) of renal allografts has been shown to reduce delayed graft function rates in both expanded criteria and donation after cardiac death renal allografts. However, the beneficial impact upon long-term graft function is unclear. There has been emerging evidence that both subnormothermic (room temperature) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) of allografts have beneficial effects with regards to early graft function, survival and injury in pre-clinical and early clinical studies. Additionally, machine perfusion allows functional assessment of the organ prior to transplantation. Ultimately, the greatest benefit of machine perfusion may be the ability to treat the organ with agents to protect the graft against ischemia reperfusion injury, while awaiting transplantation.