Risk Factor For Graft Failure Research Articles

Advances in corneal graft rejection.

Immune rejection after corneal transplantation is a major risk for graft failure. We aim to summarize recent advances in the understanding and management of graft rejection. Immune rejection remains the leading cause of graft failure in penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). While ABO blood type and sex match between donor and recipient may reduce rejection, human leucocyte antigens class II matching in a randomized study did not reduce the risk of rejection in high-risk PKP. Compared with PKP, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, and descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty have lower immune rejection rates of 1.7-13%, 5-11.4%, and 1.7-2.8%, respectively, based on long-term (5 years and more) studies. Whether immune rejection is a major risk factor for graft failure in these lamellar keratoplasties is unclear. While there have not been major advances in the systemic management of graft rejection, topical nonsteroid agents such as tacrolimus and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor have shown promise in high-risk cases. Immune rejection remains the leading cause of graft failure in PKP. Lamellar keratoplasties have significantly lower rejection rates compared with PKP. The significance of rejection in the failure of lamellar grafts warrants further investigation.

The impact of donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies in salvage haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide in patients with nonmalignant disorders.

The presence of donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSAs) has been recognized as a major risk factor for graft failure (GF) after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (haplo-PTCy). However, the role of DSAs in salvage haplo-PTCy for rescuing patients with nonmalignant disorders (NMDs) has not yet been reported. The present study retrospectively analyzed 22 patients with NMDs who underwent salvage haplo-PTCy from January 2008 to December 2017. The median age at the time of the rescue haplo-PTCy was 9 years (range, 1-26 years). Median time from the first transplant to second haplo-PTCy was 56 days (range, 37-591 days). Among all patients, six (27.3%) had DSAs, with a median DSA strength (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]) of 5201 (range, 1412-11,543) in the first DSA testing. In addition, the median DSA MFI was 2672 (range, 832-10,498) before the bone marrow infusion. Overall, GF occurred in 5 (25%) of the 20 assessable patients. Three of four (75%) patients with DSAs experienced GF versus 2 of 16 (12.5%) DSA-negative patients (P=0.032). The median DSA MFI for patients with GF was 6437 (range, 1412-10,498) versus 1845 (range, 832-2672) for those who engrafted or had earlydeath (P=0.030). One-year event-free survival was significantly lower in DSA-positive patients than in those without DSAs (16.7% vs. 62.5%, P=0.002). DSA-negative patients had an acceptable 1-year survival of 62.5%. In conclusion, this study suggests that DSAs may be associated with deleterious outcomes after salvage haplo-PTCy in patients with NMDs.

Predictive value of graft patency and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) based on Fourier transform (FFT).

BackgroundTransit time flow measurement (TTFM) is widely used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); however, its predictive value is unclear. We aimed to identify new factors to evaluate graft quality using fast Fourier transform (FFT).MethodsIntraoperative and postoperative 2-year follow-up data of 114 patients undergoing CABG from January 2017 to December 2018 were collected. The TTFM waveform was transformed by FFT. Mean graft flow (MGF), pulse index, the amplitude of the main wave in FFT (H0), the amplitude of the first harmonic (H1), H0/H1, and the frequency of the first harmonic (P) were analyzed as predictors using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe overall graft patency rate was 80.3%, and the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) was 14.9%. The results demonstrate that compared with the graft failure group, MGF, H0, and H1 were higher, but H1 and P were lower in the patent group. With univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the decrease in H0 and H1 and the increase in P were independent risk factors for graft failure, while the decrease in MGF and the increase in H0/H1 were only statistically significant with a univariate analysis. In the cardiovascular events group, the increase in P was an independent risk factor. With a ROC curve analysis, MGF, H0, H1, H0/H1, and P predicted graft failure, while only P predicted cardiovascular events. None of the indicators showed predictive value for MACCEs.ConclusionsTTFM waveforms after FFT can be used to evaluate graft quality and cardiovascular events, but have no predictive value for MACCEs.

Outcomes of Descemet-Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty in 52 Eyes With Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome.

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of Descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in 52 eyes with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. Retrospective study of 52 eyes of 52 patients who were diagnosed with ICE syndrome and underwent DSEK between January 2010 and December 2019 with a follow-up of at least 6 months. The mean age was 48.8 ± 10.8 years. Female patients (n = 33) constituted 63.5%. The median duration of follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 0.5-9.1 yrs). The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly after surgery and remained stable (∼20/50) through 5 years. The mean endothelial cell loss was 28%, 37.9%, 43.6%, and 56.9% at 6 months and at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Graft rejection was noted in 5 eyes (9.6%). Postoperatively, increased intraocular pressure (IOP) was seen in 17 eyes (32.7%), and 10 eyes (19.2%) underwent glaucoma surgeries. Fourteen eyes (26.9%) had secondary graft failures. The estimates of graft success were 93.6% ± 3.6% at 1 year, 85.6% ± 5.5% at 2 years, 79.3% ± 6.7% at 3 years, 69.0% ± 8.9% at 4 years, and 59.1% ± 11.9% at 5 years. Postoperative increased IOP was found to be the only significant (P = 0.05) risk factor (hazard ratio 8.92) associated with graft failure. The clinical variant of ICE syndrome did not seem to influence the graft survival (P = 0.68). In this study, DSEK had a success rate of ∼60% at 5 years. Increased IOP post-DSEK is a significant risk factor for graft failure. Graft survival is not affected by the clinical variant of ICE syndrome.

POS-115 ASSESSMENT OF SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION FOLLOWING KIDNEY TRANSPLANATION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Hypertension is a very common complication in post renal transplantation. It occurs in up to 60% of renal allograft recipient. It has been reported to be an important nonimmunological risk factor for graft failure.

POS-732 A STUDY OF ANGIOTENSIN ii TYPE II RECEPTOR ANTIBODY IN RENAL ALLOGRAFT REJECTION

Preformed antibodies influence the graft outcome. The detrimental impact of anti HLA antibodies on kidney transplantation has been extensively studied. However, the impact of antibodies against non-HLA antigens is less well understood. Recent studies suggest Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies(AT1RAbs) have been an independent risk factor of graft failure and Acute rejection. This study was done to determine the incidence, type of rejections and graft outcome in renal allograft recipients with high AT1R Abs level.

Femoral tunnel length has no correlation with graft rupture: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLiterature is controversial on femoral tunnel length as a risk factor for graft injury if the graft length in the tunnel is kept constant at ≥15 mm. MethodsA total of 1079 sportspersons, meeting our inclusion criteria, were assessed for graft rupture. Patients with femoral tunnel length (FTL) ≤30 mm were labeled as Group 1, while those with FTL > 30 mm were labeled as Group 2. Both groups were compared for potential risk factors for graft injury keeping graft length in the tunnel at ≥15 mm and statistical analysis was performed to study whether the femoral tunnel length acted as an additional risk factor. ResultsOf 1079 sportspersons, 37 suffered from graft rupture. Patients with FTL > 30 mm were included in Group 1(n = 22) and patients with FTL ≤ 30 mm (n = 15) were included in Group 2. Both groups were comparable for risk factors for ACL injury: age (P = 0.37), gender (P = 0.53), mode of re-injury (P = 0.38), graft diameter (P = 0.71), level of sports activity (P = not significant), duration from injury to index surgery (P = 0.74), duration from index surgery to re-injury (P = 0.52), timing of return to sports after index surgery (P = 0.30), duration of sporting activity before second injury (P = 0.31), Tegner’s level (P = not siginificant), Notch width index (P = 0.12) posterior slope (P = 0.77) and height (P = 0.41). ConclusionBecause the graft length in the tunnel was kept at optimum and the risk factors for ACL injury were comparable in both groups at a follow up period, we suggest that femoral tunnel length is not a risk factor for graft failure.

Outcomes of kidney transplantation over a 16-year period in Korea: An analysis of the National Health Information Database.

This study investigated the outcomes of kidney transplantation (KT) over a 16-year period in Korea and identified risk factors for graft failure using a nationwide population-based cohort. We investigated the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database. Health insurance claims for patients who underwent KT between 2002 and 2017 were analyzed. The data from 18,331 patients who underwent their first KT were reviewed. The percentage of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction continuously increased from 2.0% in 2002 to 23.5% in 2017. Rituximab began to be used in 2008 and had increased to 141 patients (9.6%) in 2013. Acute rejection occurred in 17.3% of all patients in 2002 but decreased to 6.3% in 2017. The rejection-free survival rates were 78.8% at 6 months after KT, 76.1% after 1 year, 67.5% after 5 years, 61.7% after 10 years, and 56.7% after 15 years. The graft survival rates remained over 80% until 12 years after KT, and then rapidly decreased to 50.5% at 16 years after KT. In Cox's multivariate analysis, risk factors for graft failure included being male, more recent KT, KT from deceased donor, use of ATG, basiliximab, or rituximab, tacrolimus use as an initial calcineurin inhibitor, acute rejection history, and cytomegalovirus infection. ATG and rituximab use has gradually increased in Korea and more recent KT is associated with an increased risk of graft failure. Therefore, meticulous preoperative evaluation and postoperative management are necessary in the case of recent KT with high risk of graft failure.

Effect of Donor Transaminase Levels on Graft Survival Following Liver Transplant: An Analysis of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Database.

Despite data showing equivalent outcomes between grafts from marginal versus standard criteria deceased liver donors, elevated donor transaminases constitute a frequent reason to decline potential livers. We assessed the effect of donor transaminase levels and other characteristics on graft survival. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult first deceased donor liver transplant recipients with available transaminase levels registered in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database (2008-2018). We used Cox proportional hazards regression to determine the effects of donor characteristics on graft survival. Of 53 913 liver transplants, 52 158 were allografts from donors with low transaminases (≤ 500 U/L; group A) and 1755 were from donors with elevated transaminases (> 500 U/L; group B). Group A recipients were more likely to be hospitalized (P = .01) or in intensive care (P < .001) or to have mechanical assistance (P < .001), portal vein thrombosis (P = .01), diabetes mellitus (P = .003), or dialysis the week before liver transplant (P = .004). Multivariable analysis (controlling for recipient characteristics) showed donor risk factors of graft failure included diabetes mellitus (P < .001), donation after cardiac death (P < .001), total bilirubin > 3.5 mg/dL (P < .001), serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL (P = .01), and cold ischemia time > 6 hours (P < .001). Regional organ sharing showed lower risk of graft failure (P = .02). Donor transaminases > 500 U/L were not associated with graft failure (relative risk, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91-1.14; P = .74). Donor transaminases > 500 U/L should not preclude the use of liver grafts. Instead, donor total bilirubin > 3.5 mg/dL and serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL appear to be associated with higher likelihood of graft failure after liver transplant.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Short-term Repeat Corneal Transplantation

ABSTRACT Purpose To explore the primary indications, direct causes and graft survival of short-term repeat keratoplasty. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study. Results The primary indications for keratoplasty were infectious keratitis (67.9%) and immune keratopathy (12.8%). The direct causes of graft failure were infectious ulcer (43.6%) and recurrence (30.8%). Pre-operative hypopyon (P = 0.017, HR = 1.757) and use of decellularized porcine corneas as grafts (P = 0.005, HR = 2.690) were independent risk factors for graft failure. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the 1-year survival rate of 88 repeat grafts was 85.2%, and the 5-year survival rate was 79.2%. The survival rates of the repeat grafts were significantly higher than those of the first grafts (P < 0.001). Conclusion Infectious keratitis is the most common indication of short-term graft failure and is often failed by infectious ulcer and keratitis recurrence. While the decellularized porcine cornea is a promising application in developing countries, certain difficulties, such as graft melting, remain unresolved.

Renal Transplants Due to Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) Have Better Graft Survival Than Non-CAKUT Controls: Analysis of Over 10,000 Patients

To determine whether graft survival for patients with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) is impaired compared to non-CAKUT counterparts. The United States Renal Data System (USRDS) is a national data system that has collected information about end stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal transplantation since 1995. We identified 10,635 first-time renal transplant patients with ESRD attributed to a CAKUT diagnosis transplanted between 1995 and 2018, with follow-up of 7.9 ± 5.8 years. We matched 1:1 with non-CAKUT transplant recipients, using age at transplant, sex, race, year of transplant, and donor-type. We compared renal transplant death-censored graft survival between CAKUT vs non-CAKUT controls, with further stratification for age at transplant and lower urinary tract malformations (LUTM) vs upper urinary tract malformations (UUTM). Graft survival was better in CAKUT patients with a 5-year survival of 83.3% vs 79.3% (P< .001), and CAKUT status infers a hazard ratio of 0.878 for graft failure on multivariable analysis with Cox regression. Favorability of CAKUT status persisted when stratifying for both pediatric (80.3 vs 77.6% P< .001) and adult (84.5 vs 81.4% P< .001) age groups. Looking within the CAKUT population: comparison of LUTM to UUTM yielded no difference, implying that LUTM is not a risk factor for graft failure. Examining pediatric LUTM alone, graft survival was not better than matched non-CAKUT counterparts with 5-year graft survival of 69%-75% for LUTM adolescents. Renal transplant graft survival is better overall in CAKUT patients as opposed to non-CAKUT counterparts. Pediatric LUTM patients have similar graft survival to controls.

Risk factors for postoperative graft laxity without re-injury after double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in recreational athletes

BackgroundAlthough high activity is a risk factor for graft failure after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, the risk factors for postoperative laxity after ACL reconstruction in recreational athletes are unknown. MethodsWe enrolled 91 patients (40 males, 51 females; mean age 29.2 years; mean follow-up 4.3 years) who scored ≤ 6 on the Tegner activity scale, underwent double-bundle ACL reconstruction between 2010 and 2018, and did not experience re-injury. In the stable group (75 patients, <3.0 mm side-to-side difference (SSD) in anterior translation, grade 0 or 1 pivot shift 1 year after surgery) and unstable group (16 patients, ≥3.0 mm SSD, ≥grade 2 pivot shift), multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for factors showing P ≤ 0.3 on univariate analysis assessed risk factors for graft laxity. Lysholm score and graft intensity on MRI (Howell grade) were compared at final follow-up. ResultsMean SSD in anterior translation was 0.7 mm (stable group) and 3.3 mm (unstable group). Pivot shift grades were 0 (88%) and 1 (12%) in the stable group, and 0 (12.5%), 1 (50%), and 2 (37.5%) in the unstable group. Multivariate regression analyses showed that younger age and knee hyperextension were significant risk factors for graft laxity (P = 0.018 and 0.0016; cutoffs 18 years old and 8°, respectively). Lysholm scores in both groups were comparable, but graft intensity on MRI demonstrated significantly worse Howell grade in the unstable group (P = 0.002). ConclusionYounger age and knee hyperextension were risk factors for postoperative graft laxity without re-injury in recreational athletes.

Risk factors for graft failure in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single-center study

Risk factors for graft failure in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single-center study

Serum creatinine level at 1-month posttransplant can independently predict long-term graft survival and functional status.

BackgroundAfter the year 2000, kidney transplants with high immunologic risk and deceased donors increased rapidly in Korea. At the same time, the medical community developed special pretransplant and early posttransplantation management protocols. Our team evaluated the effect of early graft stabilization on long-term graft survival and functional status using databases from a high-volume kidney transplantation center.MethodsWe included 1,895 kidney transplant patients from a total of 1,976 performed between 2005 and 2018. Early graft failure within 1 month (n=9), loss to follow-up (n=2), pediatric recipient or donor (n=37), and combined organ transplantation (n=33) cases were excluded. We grouped the cases at 1-month posttransplantation by serum creatinine quantiles (1.0 mg%, 1.23 mg%, and 1.52 mg%).ResultsAfter an average of 95 months of follow-up (maximum 189 months), the high-serum creatinine group (4th quantile) showed significantly poorer graft survival than other groups (1st to 3rd quantile) (P<0.05). In multiple Cox regression analysis, a high serum creatinine level (4th quantile) at 1-month posttransplant is an independent risk factor for graft failure with a hazard ratio of 1.799 (P=0.013). The quantile group by serum creatinine shows a persistent, significant difference of functional graft status (glomerular filtration rate by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease method) among quantile groups beyond ten years posttransplant.ConclusionsSerum creatinine level at 1-month posttransplant is a strong independent predictor of graft survival and functional graft status beyond ten years posttransplant.

Natural History of Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Death In ESKD: An Australian And New Zealand Data Linkage Study

IntroductionCardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, ascertaining the impact of cardiovascular deaths has not been well characterised over long periods of follow-up and across different treatment states. Further insights into the lifetime risk of cardiovascular death are required to better inform clinical practice and economic planning.&#x0D; Objectives and ApproachWe performed a population-based cohort study on incident patients receiving ESKD treatment from the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant registry (ANZDATA). Cardiac/vascular deaths were determined from ICD-10-AM codes listed in the underlying cause of death obtained via data linkage with the Australian National Death Index and New Zealand Mortality Collection database. We estimated mortality rates from cardiac/vascular death across time from ESKD treatment, and calculated probability of death and transplant status over time using multistate models.&#x0D; ResultsAcross 60,823 incident ESKD patients and 381,874 person-years of follow-up, 22% (7,551) of deaths were from cardiac/vascular disease. At 15 years from treatment, 15.6% of patients had died from cardiac/vascular causes, most of whom never received a transplant (13.6% vs 2.0% of cohort). Within the first year of dialysis, cardiac/vascular mortality was highest in the second month, at 3,632/100,000pys. Improvements in cardiac/vascular mortality with calendar year were only seen after 9 months of dialysis. Transplant recipients had consistently lower cardiac/vascular mortality rates (598/100,000 pys) compared to dialysis patients. However, comorbid cardiovascular disease was a risk factor for graft failure and death in transplant recipients (HR:1.52, 95% CI:1.42-1.62).&#x0D; Conclusion / ImplicationsDespite improvements in cardiac/vascular outcomes over time, cardiovascular death remains common in ESKD, particularly in the first few months of treatment. A greater focus on secondary prevention in earlier stages of chronic kidney disease may improve outcomes in new ESKD patients.

Incidence and risk factors of kidney allograft loss due to BK nephropathy in the pediatric population: A retrospective analysis of the UNOS/OPTN database.

BK virus infection can lead to graft dysfunction and loss in kidney transplant recipients. Risk factors for BKV and BKVN have been inadequately studied in children. Here, we evaluate the incidence and risk factors of allograft loss due to BKVN in the pediatric population of the UNOS data set. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of the UNOS database and identified all pediatric recipients of kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2018. We compared donor and recipient characteristics, including cause of ESRD, among patients who lost their graft due to BKVN or other causes, and those with functioning allograft. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analysis were performed to evaluate the risk factors. A total of 66 patients (0.47%) suffered graft failure from BKVN. Older age, male gender, HLA mismatch, and rejection at 1year were significantly associated with BKVN graft failure, compared to recipients with functioning allograft. In comparison with graft loss due to other causes, male gender, higher HLA mismatch, rejection in 1st year and tacrolimus use at discharge were significantly associated with BKVN graft loss. Recipients who received mycophenolate at time of discharge were at reduced risk for BKVN graft failure. Compared to graft failure from other causes, BKVN graft failure had shorter death censored graft survival [P=.001]. ESRD due to urologic causes and Alport syndrome had higher rate of BKVN graft failure. Incidence of graft loss from BKVN in the pediatric population was 10.2 per 10000 patient-years in this study. BKVN is associated with early allograft failure in the pediatric population, compared to other causes of graft loss. Male gender, HLA mismatch, rejection in 1st year, and urological cause of ESRD are risk factors for graft failure from BKVN in children.

Abstract 15874: An Ischaemia Time of Greater Than 6 Hours is Associated With Deleterious Outcomes in Pediatric Heart Transplantation

Introduction: The shortage of available donor organs means we must re-consider our current policies on donor selection. There is a broad variation in practice between centers as to the acceptable limit to ischaemia time (IT) in pediatric cardiac transplantation, with no recommendations in international guidelines. Hypothesis: We hypothesised that a prolonged ischaemia time was not associated with impaired post-transplant outcomes. Methods: Data from the Pediatric Heart Transplantation Society was analysed for all pediatric patients receiving heart transplants (Jan 1993 - June 2019). Transplants were separated into 5 categories depending on the IT (hours): &lt; 2.4, 2.5-3.4, 3.5-4.4, 4.5-6.0, &gt;6. Risk-adjusted outcomes were assessed by multivariable analysis, adjusting for donor, recipient, and peri-operative characteristics. Results: Data for 6,903 transplants were assessed (IT &lt; 2.4 in 980, 2.5-3.4 in 2032, 3.5-4.4 in 2310, 4.5-6.0 in 1162, &gt;6 in 281). In univariate analysis, increasing IT was associated with reduced 1-year survival (90.1%, 87.7% and 84.6%; p&lt;0.001) for the 3.5-4.4, 4.5-6.0 and &gt;6 groups, respectively. Similar findings, of a deleterious association with prolonged IT, were observed for freedom from infection (73.0%, 66.8% and 56.4%; p&lt;0.001), freedom from first rejection (67.4%, 62.6% and 61.0%; p = 0.01) and freedom from haemodynamically compromising rejection (89.1%, 85.4% and 85.3%; p=0.004) at 1-year. No significant differences in the risk of malignancy (p=0.2) and time to first CAV (p=0.08) between the IT groups were noted. We separately analysed the risk of graft failure by multiphase hazards modelling. In adjusted analysis, increasing IT was found to be a risk factor for graft failure (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.16, p=0.04). Within this model, primary diagnosis was a predictor of the outcome (p&lt;0.001). Exploring this association, an IT of &gt; 6 hours was associated with graft failure in cardiomyopathy (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.34 - 6.15, p=0.007), but not congenital heart disease patients. Conclusions: In this large multi-centre cohort study, we found a deleterious association between prolonged IT and post-transplant outcomes. We recommend that an IT greater than 6 hours should be avoided in pediatric cardiac transplantation.

Collagen-based scaffolds with infused anti-VEGF release system as potential cornea substitute for high-risk keratoplasty: A preliminary in vitro evaluation

Currently the only widely accepted corneal blindness treatment is human donor cornea transplantation. However, increasing shortage of donor corneas as well as high risk of rejection in some corneal diseases remain two major problems, which limit the success of corneal transplantation. Corneal neovascularization is considered as one of the main risk factors of graft failure. Different cell-free biosynthetic scaffolds fabricated from collagens or collagen-like peptides are being tested as donor cornea substitutes (DCS). Here, we report for the first-time composite biosynthetic DCS with integrated sustained release system of anti-VEGF drug, bevacizumab and their preliminary in vitro validation. We have tethered gold nanoparticles with bevacizumab and integrated into a collagen-based cell-free hydrogel scaffold. Developed grafts preserved good optical properties and were confirmed not toxic to human corneal epithelial cells. Bevacizumab has been shown to constantly releasing from the DCS up to 3 weeks and preserved its anti-angiogenic properties. These results provide background for further use of infused composite biosynthetic DCS with integrated nanosystem of bevacizumab sustained release in corneal disease accompanied by neovascularisation where conventional corneal transplantation might fail.

Graft Patency Rate and Risk Factors for Graft Failure among Symptomatic Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND Malaysia, a multiracial country, has been burdened by ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of death for the past 10 years. The success of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) particularly depends on the continued patency of aortocoronary grafts. The study aims to identify the graft patency rate and risk factors of graft failure among symptomatic post CABG patients. METHODS Data were collected from 80 patients with a history of CABG, who underwent conventional coronary angiography for refractory angina in Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor, Malaysia from January 2014 till December 2018. The graft patency was evaluated with conventional coronary angiography. Graft patency was assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences between graft patency were tested with log-rank test at a 5% significance level and result with p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Among the 80 post CABG patients with cardiac symptoms, there were 2 patients with acute myocardial infarction (2.5%) and 24 patients with NSTEMI (30%). 22 patients (27.5%) were found to have all grafts patent despite being persistently symptomatic. Left internal mammary arterial (LIMA) graft remained as the best conduit with a significantly better short, medium, and long term patency (up to 20 years) compared to SVG graft (Log-rank test, p-value &lt; 0.05). Indian race and age less than 70 years had higher risk of SVG graft stenosis. CONCLUSION Type of conduits remains the most important factor in determining the coronary artery bypass graft patency, with LIMA produces the best patency rate in both short and long term.

Ten-Year Survival of Optical Penetrating Keratoplasty and Risk Factors for Graft Failure in Thai Patients

Objective: To determine long-term graft survival and identify risk factors for secondary graft failure of optical penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in Thai patients. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study of patients that underwent optical PK at Siriraj Hospital between January 2002 and December 2005 was done. Results: Of 131 eyes, primary graft failure was found in two eyes (1.5%) thus, 129 eyes were recruited. The three most common surgical indications were pseudophakic or aphakic bullous keratopathy (33.3%), corneal scars (post-trauma, post-infection) (20.9%), and regrafts (16.3%). Mean follow-up period was 93.2 months (1 to 183 months). One-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year graft survival rates were 84.5%, 73.2%, 50.2%, and 24.7%, respectively. The leading cause of graft failure was irreversible allograft rejection (62.5%). Most (56.0%) of the first graft rejection happened within one year post-operatively. Graft survival was lower in eyes with regrafts, history of glaucoma, deep corneal vascularization, peripheral anterior synechiae, and occurrence of one or more rejection episodes. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral anterior synechiae and occurrence of one or more rejection episodes were the significant independent risk factors for graft failure. Considering patients with the clear grafts at the last follow-up, the final best-corrected visual acuity was 6/36 or better in 66.7% eyes and 6/18 or better in 31.6% eyes. Comparing to pre-operative vision, patients with the clear grafts at the last follow-up had improved visual outcome in most eyes (82.5%). Conclusion: Ten-year survival and visual outcome of optical PK showed successful outcome, however, the survival rate decreased over time. The significant risk factors for graft failure should be cautiously evaluated before surgery. Keywords: Corneal graft survival, Keratoplasty outcome, Optical penetrating keratoplasty