Donor Selection Research Articles

Elecsys® AMH assay: Determination of Anti-Müllerian hormone levels and evaluation of the relationship between superovulation response in Holstein dairy cows.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) serves as a crucial parameter in assessing the reproductive herd life and ovarian reserve in cattle. Consequently, extensive research is conducted on AMH levels. Various measurement methods can be employed to determine AMH levels. However, to our knowledge, no study has been conducted on Holstein donors using the Elecsys® AMH kit. This study was designed to determine AMH levels in donors utilising the Elecsys® AMH kit and to evaluate the relationship between superovulation response parameters and AMH levels. In this study, we measured the serum AMH levels of 36 cows using the Elecsys® AMH automated assay before the superovulation protocol (1st sample) and FSH injections (2nd sample). The cows were categorised into three groups based on their AMH levels: low, medium, and high AMH. Positive correlations were identified between AMH and parameters associated with superovulation response. The high AMH level group exhibited significantly greater numbers of corpus luteum, total embryos, transferable embryos, and grade 1 embryos compared to the medium and low AMH groups (p < 0.05) There was no significant difference between AMH levels before the superovulation protocol and FSH injections(p > 0.05). Body condition score and parity did not significantly affect AMH levels in cows (p > 0.05). Also, AMH cut-off values for the number of corpus luteum, total embryo, and transferable embryoswere detectedas 234, 227, and 210 pg/mL, respectively. These findings demonstrate that a high serum AMH level has a positive influence on the superovulation response. AMH can be used as a reliable marker for the selection of donors in Holstein cows.

Reexploring cytomegalovirus serology in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Discuss the recent evidence on cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology in allogeneic hematopoeic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Whereas the role CMV-specific cellular mediated immunity has recently emerged as an important factor of CMV DNAemia posttransplant, the value of CMV serology has remained unchanged through decades, associated with donor selection and posttransplant prophylactic and monitoring strategies. In this review, we describe and discuss the emerging reports on the association between the magnitude of pretransplant CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer and the posttransplant incidence of CMV DNAemia, as CMV IgG titer could become an additional tool in CMV risk assessment in the future. Pretransplant recipient CMV serology may have significant implications in posttransplant CMV reactivation in allogeneic HCT recipients.

Haploidentical HSCT in the Treatment of Pediatric Hematological Disorders.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has become a treatment option for otherwise non-curative conditions, both malignant and benign, affecting children and adults. Nevertheless, the latest research has been focusing extensively on transplantation from related and unrelated haploidentical donors, suitable for patients requiring emergent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the absence of an HLA-matched donor. Haploidentical HSCT (haplo-HSCT) can be an effective treatment for non-malignant pediatric disorders, such as primary immunodeficiencies or hemoglobinopathies, by enabling a much quicker selection of the appropriate donor for virtually all patients, low incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and transplant-related mortality (TRM). Moreover, the outcomes of haplo-HSCT among children with hematological malignancies have improved radically. The most demanding tasks for clinicians are minimizing T-cell-mediated alloreactivity as well as early GVHD prevention. As a result, several T-cell depletion approaches, such as ex vivo T-cell depletion (TCD), and T-cell replete approaches, such as a combination of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG), post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), cyclosporine/tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, or methotrexate, have been taken up. As more research is needed to establish the most beneficial form of therapy, haplo-HSCT is currently considered an alternative donor strategy for pediatric and adult patients with complications like viral and bacterial infections, invasive fungal disease, and GVHD.

The impact of MICB mismatches in unrelated haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

MICA polymorphisms have been associated with increased incidence of acute GvHD and adverse outcome in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). MICB is another expressed member of MHC class I-related chain genes and its impact on HSCT outcome is yet to be fully defined. We typed a large cohort of patients and donors for MICB polymorphisms and investigated the impact of MICB matching on outcome after unrelated HSCT. 69.2% of the patients were 10/10 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched and 30.8% were 9/10 HLA matched. MICB typing was performed using a short amplicon-based NGS typing assay on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Differences in proteins were considered as mismatches. MICA polymorphisms were identified as possible confounder and were therefore included as parameter in the multivariate analyses. Due to the strong linkage disequilibrium with the classical HLA-genes, sub-stratification for HLA matching status was necessary, and no effect of MICB mismatches was seen in the 10/10 HLA matched group when compared to the MICB matched cases. However, in the 9/10 HLA matched group, MICB mismatched cases showed significantly worse disease free survival (DFS), GvHD and relapse free survival (GRFS) compared to the MICB matched cases (DFS: HR 1.24, p = 0.011; GRFS: HR 1.26, p = 0.002). MICA mismatches had no impact on any outcome parameter. According to our findings, effects previously attributed to MICA differences may have been confounded by MICB polymorphisms. We show that MICB differences contribute a small but relevant effect in 9/10 HLA-matched transplantations, which in turn highlights the possible usefulness of MICB typing in donor selection among similarly suitable 9/10 matched donors, especially when HLA-B mismatches have to be accepted.

Tailoring Therapy in Older Adults With Hematologic Malignancies.

Hematologic malignancies most often present in the sixth or seventh decade of life. Even so, many older adults may be unable to tolerate standard chemotherapy or require supplementary care or dose adjustments to do so. Both in community and academic centers, geriatric assessment (GA) can be used to improve the care of older adults with blood cancers. For example, hematologic oncologists can use GA to guide treatment selection, adjusting for patient frailty and goals, as well as prompt initiation of enhanced supportive care. After initial therapy, GA can improve the identification of older adults with aggressive myeloid malignancies who would benefit from hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), inform shared decision making, as well as allow transplanters to tailor conditioning regimen, donor selection, graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, and pre- and post-HCT treatments. As in HCT, GA can improve the care of older patients with relapsed lymphoma or multiple myeloma eligible for chimeric antigen receptor-T therapy, identifying patients at higher risk for toxicity and providing a baseline for subsequent neurocognitive testing. Here, we review the data supporting GA for the care of older adults with blood cancers, from the community to the academic center. In addition, we explore future directions to optimize outcomes for older adults with hematologic malignancies.

Transition from Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy to Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy on a National Scale.

There is a lack of concrete evidence regarding the best approach for donor nephrectomy among transplant centers. We compared donor outcomes during the period of the transition from the hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy method to the purely laparoscopic donor nephrectomy method and have provided suggestions to minimize the initial difficulties and to improve donor outcomes. Details (operative time, length of hospital stay, complications, creatinine at hospital discharge, and creatinine at the 1-month follow-up) were compared between the 32 hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy cases and 16 purely laparoscopic donor nephrectomy cases. All parti-cipants were living donors and were first-degree or second-degree relatives of the recipients. We did not establish superiority of the hand-assisted procedure with regard to all factors except operative time, which we attributed to the challenging learning curve of the laparoscopic method. The laparoscopic method was also associated with a less lengthy hospital stay. Both the hand-assisted technique and the laparoscopic technique are safe and effective methods for kidney procurement for transplant. Centers seeking to transition from the first to the second technique can do so smoothly by careful selection of donors and implementation of stepwise changes in both the operative techniques and the postoperative patient treatment.

A survey study evaluating donor gamete utilization rates, patient satisfaction, and fertility treatment outcomes according to desired race and ethnicity

To evaluate donor gamete utilization, patient satisfaction, and fertility treatment outcomes of patients pursuing treatment with donor gametes stratified by the desired race as well as ethnicity of the gamete donor. Survey study. Clinic. Patients planning to undergo treatment using donor sperm and/or donor oocytes at a single academic fertility clinic in the Southeastern United States between 2015 and2020. None. Utilization rates of donor gametes, satisfaction with donor gamete selection, and fertility treatment outcomes stratified by race and ethnicity of patient, as well as that of their gamete donor. Four hundred fifty patients were eligible for inclusion and 170 (38%) responded to the survey. Among the respondents, 59% desired a non-Hispanic White gamete donor and 20% desired a non-Hispanic Black gamete donor. Patients seeking a non-Hispanic Black gamete donor had lower odds of using donor gametes (Odds ratio [OR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.40) compared with individuals seeking a non-Hispanic White gamete donor. When evaluating satisfaction with donor gamete selection, patients seeking a non-Hispanic Black gamete donor reported lower satisfaction compared with individuals seeking a non-Hispanic White gamete donor (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.43). When evaluating fertility outcomes, Non-Hispanic Black patients and those using non-Hispaninc Black gamete donors were found to have lower odds of successful conception compared with non-Hispanic White patients (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.07-0.46) and individuals seeking non-Hispanic White gamete donors (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09-0.75), respectively. Patients seeking non-Hispanic Black donor gametes have lower utilization rates, less satisfaction with gamete donor selection, and lower odds of conception when compared with those seeking non-Hispanic White gamete donors. These findings highlight the need for more racial diversity within donor gamete banks, as well as within the donor pools available through agencies and fertility clinics.

Exploring Factors Affecting Acceptance of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: a Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections face complex management challenges. Fecal microbiota transplantation is a superior treatment for chronic infectious diseases, but limited patient knowledge affects treatment decisions. This study aims to identify factors associated with hesitancy towards fecal microbiota transplantation among patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, to help physicians and nurses in providing accurate and useful information to patients. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted with patients experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections who expressed hesitancy towards fecal microbiota transplantation. The interviews took place between September 2021 and December 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted on the semi-structured interviews to identify perceived facilitators and barriers associated with fecal microbiota transplantation. The analysis included interviews with thirty adult female patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Four facilitators influencing patients' decision-making regarding fecal microbiota transplantation were identified: (1) the motivating role of hope and expectations for active patient participation; (2) the influence of healthcare providers, as well as family members and friends on patients' decisions to pursue fecal microbiota transplantation; (3) the patients' perception of fecal microbiota transplantation as a low-risk treatment option; and (4) the dedication to the advancement of medical treatments. In contrast, two primary barriers to accepting fecal microbiota transplantation were identified: (1) that conventional treatment controls disease activity, while fecal microbiota transplantation effects remain uncertain; and (2) that safety concerns surrounding fecal microbiota transplantation. Comprehensive information about fecal microbiota transplantation, including donor selection, sample processing, the procedure, and potential discomfort, is essential for patients and families to make informed treatment decisions. CHiCTR2100048970.

Turkish Hematologists’ Preferences for Related Donor Selection: Results of a Multicenter Survey

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a widely utilized treatment for various hematological diseases. While selection criteria for unrelated donors are well established, there is a lack of consistency and standardization in the selection of related donors. This study investigated the current approach of hematologists to the selection of related donors at Turkish HSCT centers. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, distributing a self-administered questionnaire to 95 adult and pediatric transplantation centers in Türkiye to investigate their approaches to related donor selection for allo-HSCT. The questionnaire collected data on various topics including the center’s experience in performing allo-HSCT, patient groups treated, number of allo-HSCT procedures conducted between 2015 and 2021, preferences for related donors, considerations in related donor selection (such as sex and past pregnancies), guidelines utilized for related donor selection, upper age limit for related donors, and the use of specialized advanced analyses for elderly donors. The response rate to the survey was 38.9%. Variability was observed across centers in terms of sex consideration and the impact of past pregnancies on related female donor rejection. Different guidelines were employed for related donor selection, with the European Bone Marrow Transplantation guidelines being the most commonly used. Regarding the upper age limit for related donors, 8.1% of centers accepted an upper age limit of 55 years, 48.7% preferred an upper age limit of 65 years, and 43.2% selected related donors aged 65 and above. The lack of standardized guidelines for related donor selection in HSCT centers leads to variability in criteria and potential risks. Collaboration among centers is essential to establish consensus and develop standardized protocols.

#3009 The impact of living donor hypertension on later function of kidney graft in kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Living donor (LD) selection is a crucial step in kidney transplantation (KTX). The impact of hypertension (HT) of LD on later kidney graft function remains insufficiently understood. Method We retrospectively reviewed recipients of LD KTX at a single tertiary center (Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland) from January 2003 to December 2021 with a follow-up until December 2022. LD blood pressure (BP) values obtained with office measurement and 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were the main predictors, while recipients estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proportion of kidney fibrosis on biopsies were the outcomes. Multivariate analyses were adjusted for the following pre-KTX donor characteristics: Age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index and eGFR. Results In total, 212 LD KTX recipients were included with LD mean age 51 ± 11 and 133 women (62.7%). According to European guidelines definition, 73 (34.4%) LD were hypertensive based on office BP. On a sub-group of 112 LD with ABPM, 64 (57.1%) were hypertensive. Systolic office BP was negatively associated with eGFR at 6 months, 1 year, 5 year and 10 year follow-up (p &amp;lt; 0.05 for all). Systolic office BP was positively associated with kidney fibrosis at 1 year follow-up (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Those associations were not significant after multivariate adjustment. Age at donation remained significantly associated eGFR and kidney fibrosis after multivariate adjustment (p &amp;lt; 0.05 in both models). Conclusion Based on our experience, a significant proportion of LD are hypertensive at kidney donation. While an adverse impact of HT on later kidney function and fibrosis could be measured, this effect seemed negligible after accounting for other more relevant clinical characteristics, with age at donation being decisive.

Complications and the impact of hematological parameters in donors involved in allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment option for many hematological malignancies, offering a more convenient alternative to bone marrow transplantation. In allogeneic HSCT, donors provide hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation into patients, necessitating careful consideration of the donor's health and hematological parameters to ensure successful engraftment and treatment outcomes. In a study involving 20 adult donors at Apeksha Hospital, Sri Lanka key hematological parameters, comorbidities, clinical histories, and medications were analyzed. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most prevalent comorbidities among donors, while anemia, primarily linked to iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, was common. Although baseline coagulation abnormalities were rare and no significant complications occurred during transplantation, early clinical issues such as pain and paresthesia correlated with abnormal peripheral blood smear findings. Notably, a 4-day single daily G-CSF dosing schedule was favored over a 5-day twice daily regimen due to fewer reported problems. While anemia and thrombocytopenia were infrequent, these findings underscore the critical importance of meticulous donor selection and vigilant monitoring throughout the transplantation process to optimize outcomes.

#1436 Donor plasma cystatin C, but not creatinine, is associated with measured GFR at one year after kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Although widely used during deceased kidney donor selection, donor plasma creatinine has limited capacity to predict future recipient kidney graft function. Cystatin C is a muscle-mass independent kidney function marker that could serve as alternative for this purpose. However, the association between donor cystatin C and subsequent recipient graft function remains unclear. We aim to assess the association of pre-donation cystatin C concentrations with recipient iothalamate-measured GFR (mGFR) one year after kidney transplantation and compare it to the association of donor creatinine concentrations. Method All deceased kidney donors, within the affiliated donation region of the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), who donated at least one kidney to a kidney transplant recipient (KTR) affiliated to the same hospital during a period of 15 years (2004-2019) were included. We excluded all subjects with missing data on donor plasma cystatin C or recipient mGFR at 1 year. Donor plasma creatinine concentrations were measured using an enzymatic assay, while donor cystatin C concentrations were measured using a validated particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay (Roche). Associations of donor plasma creatinine and cystatin C concentrations with recipients’ mGFR one year after transplant were assessed using linear regression. Results A total of 53 deceased kidney donors (55% male, age 47 ± 18 years, 47% donation after circulatory death) donated a kidney to 53 kidney transplant recipients (55% male, age 57 ± 12 years). Median pre-donation plasma creatinine and cystatin C concentrations were 64 [55 to 82] μmol/L and 0.64 [0.51 to 0.82] mg/L respectively. Mean recipient mGFR one year after transplantation was 52.7 ± 17.1 ml/min. In univariable linear regression, higher donor cystatin C was significantly associated with lower mGFR (β −0.42, 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.16, p = 0.002), while donor creatinine was not associated (β −0.03 95% CI: −0.32 to 0.25, p = 0.81). The association between donor cystatin C and recipients’ mGFR remained independent of adjustment for potential confounders, including donor sex and age, t (p = 0.008). Conclusion Higher donor cystatin C, but not creatinine, is associated with lower measured GFR one year after kidney transplant. Consequently, donor cystatin C could be valuable for inclusion in the pre-transplant evaluation of deceased kidney donors.

The role and novel use of natural killer cells in graft-versus-leukemia reactions after allogeneic transplantation.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has transformed over the past several decades through enhanced supportive care, reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), improved human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, and novel graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-prevention and treatment strategies. Most notably, the implementation of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has dramatically increased the safety and availability of this life-saving therapy. Given reductions in nonrelapse mortality (NRM) with these advances, the HCT community has placed even greater emphasis on developing ways to reduce relapse - the leading cause of death after HCT. When using RIC HCT, protection from relapse relies predominantly on graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reactions. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), adoptive cellular therapy, checkpoint inhibition, and post-HCT maintenance strategies represent approaches under study that aim to augment or synergize with the GVL effects of HCT. Optimizing donor selection algorithms to leverage GVL represents another active area of research. Many of these strategies seek to harness the effects of T cells, which for decades were felt to be the primary mediators of GVL and the focus of investigation in relapse reduction. However, there is growing interest in capitalizing on the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to yield potent anti-tumor effects. A potential advantage of NK cell-based approaches over T cell-mediated is the potential to reduce NRM in addition to relapse. By decreasing infection, without increasing the risk of GVHD, NK cells may mitigate NRM, while still yielding relapse reduction through identification and clearance of cancer cells. Most T cell-focused relapse-prevention strategies must weigh the benefits of relapse reduction against the increased risk of NRM from GVHD. In contrast, NK cells have the potential to reduce both, potentially tipping the scales significantly in favor of survival. Here, we will review the role of NK cells in GVL, optimization of NK cell match or mismatch, and burgeoning areas of research in NK cell therapy such as adoptive transfer and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells.

Organ donation and organ assessment after primary circulatory death and secondary brain death

The global organ shortage is the biggest obstacle to expand urgently needed liver transplantation activities. In addition to donation after brain death (DBD), donation after primary circulatory death (DCD) has also been introduced in many European countries to increase the number of donated organs. This article summarizes the legal and ethical aspects of DCD, the practical donation process of DCD, the clinical results of DCD liver transplantation with aspecial focus on organ assessment before a planned DCD liver transplantation. In Europe 11countries have active DCD liver transplantation programs and atotal of 1230 DCD liver transplantations were performed in Europe in 2023. The highest proportion of DCD liver transplantations were recorded in Belgium (52.8%), the Netherlands (42.8%) and Switzerland (32.1%). The adequate selection of donors and recipients is crucial in DCD transplantation and the use of DCD livers particularly depends on the preparedness of the healthcare system for routine machine perfusion. The leaders are Belgium, France and Italy which implant around 68-74% of DCD organs. With an adequate organ assessment, the long-term results of DBD and DCD liver transplantations are comparable. To assess mitochondrial damage and thus organ quality, hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) was introduced and has the secondary benefit of mitochondrial protection through oxygenation. The establishment of aerobic metabolism in mitochondria under hypothermia leads to areduction of toxic metabolites and the restoration of ATP storage, which subsequently leads to areperfusion light during implantation. Expanding the donor pool with DCD donors can counteract the global organ shortage. With adequate patient selection and routine organ assessment short-term and also long-term outcomes of DBD and DCD liver transplantation are comparable.

THE EVALUATION OF PATTERN OF WHOLE BLOOD DONOR DEFERRALS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF NORTH INDIA

Objectives: Donor recruitment is critical to the supply of safe and adequate blood/blood components to meet patient’s need; the first and most crucial step to provide safe blood is proper selection of blood donors. Blood donor selection criteria are designed to ensure the donor as well as the recipient’s health. The objective of this study is to analyze the various causes of donor deferral, study their frequency pattern and to suggest changes to retain and retrieve donors in future. Methods: A retrospective study on analysis of deferred donors of whole blood was conducted in a blood center at tertiary care hospital in North India. The study included blood donors deferred from January 2022 to December 2022. Results: A total of 27,121 donors were registered for whole blood donation and 4534 (16.71%) were deferred. Female deferral (41.67%) was more as compared to male deferral (15.11%). Temporary deferrals (n=4238 [93.47%]) were significantly higher than permanent deferrals (n=296 [6.5%]). The most common reason for temporary deferral was anemia (n = 940 [20.7%]) while that for permanent deferral was jaundice (n=179 [3.94%]). Conclusion: Analyzing the causes, frequency and deferral pattern of blood donors will help to guide the recruitment and retention efforts to maintain a healthy donor pool at large.

Establishment of reference values based on influential characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells and immune cell subsets in the bone marrow

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is still a curative treatment for many haematological cancers. Many factors, such as age, sex, ethnic background, smoking status, and body mass index, affect average reference values in different populations. This study aimed to establish a reference range for the absolute numbers and percentages of healthy individuals' hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells in the bone marrow. Seventy-one healthy donors (32 males and 39 females) were enrolled in the study. Following bone marrow harvesting, using flow cytometry, immunophenotyping was performed to determine the absolute number and percentage of CD34+ stem cells and various immune subsets. We found no statistically significant difference in the absolute count of HSCs or immune cell subsets in the bone marrow between males and females. Regarding age, the younger group had more significant CD34+ and immune cell subsets. Donors with healthier body weights tend to have richer bone marrow cellularity. Establishing a reference value for hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells in the bone marrow based on various influential factors is pivotal for defining bone marrow status and donor selection.

Surgical complications and technical failure of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: A 22-year experience from a single center.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is the best treatment for selected individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal disease. Despite advances in surgical techniques, donor and recipient selection, and immunosuppressive therapies, SPKT remains a complex procedure with associated surgical complications and adverse consequences. We conducted a retrospective study that included 263 SPKT procedures performed between May 2000, and December 2022. A total of 65 patients (25%) required at least one relaparotomy, resulting in an all-cause relaparotomy rate of 2.04 events per 100 in-hospital days. Lower donor body mass index was identified as an independent factor associated with reoperation (OR.815; 95% CI: .725-.917, p=.001). Technical failure (TF) occurred in 9.9% of cases, primarily attributed to pancreas graft thrombosis, intra-abdominal infections, bleeding, and anastomotic leaks. Independent predictors of TF at 90 days included donor age above 36 years (HR 2.513; 95% CI 1.162-5.434), previous peritoneal dialysis (HR 2.503; 95% CI 1.149-5.451), and specific pancreas graft reinterventions. The findings highlight the importance of carefully considering donor and recipient factors in SPKT. The incidence of TF in our study population aligns with the recent series. Continuous efforts should focus on identifying and mitigating potential risk factors to enhance SPKT outcomes, thereby reducing post-transplant complications.

Impact of Circulating Lymphoma Cells on HLA Typing Outcomes in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report

Recipient's high resolution HLA typing is required in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from unrelated donors, as well as for haploidentical family donors. For these purposes, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) methods are the gold standard. We present a case of a patient with an incorrect HLA typing result caused by the population of circulating lymphoma cells. The first HLA examination was performed from peripheral blood (PB) using NGS in the active phase of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with bone marrow involvement. Because of rare and inconclusive results, confirmed twice for the A* locus (A*02:32N), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)was performed. With RT-PCR method, we obtained more expected results according to the population allele frequency: in HLA-A locus (A*02:01) but also in DQB1 (DQB1*03:01, not as in NGS - DQB1*03:10). For the final verification, we used swab material and we obtained unambiguous NGS result with expected, frequent HLA-A*02:01 and DQB1*03:01 alleles corresponding to the RT-PCR result from PB. To conclude, we suspect that the discrepancies between NGS and RT-PCR results were caused by the presence of a significant amount of circulating lymphoma cells in the peripheral blood sample. Lymphomagenic mutations may involve the histocompatibility antigen coding region and affect HLA expressed on malignant cells. This finding may be relevant for the selection of test material in primary and confirmatory HLA testing in patients with active hematological malignancies because of the strong impact of incorrect HLA typing on the procedure of a donor selection.

Split liver transplantation: Current status and future trend

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) remains the most effective treatment for end‐stage liver disease. However, there continues to be a severe shortage of liver donors worldwide, resulting in a significant disparity between the number of patients on the liver transplant waiting list and the available donor organs. Split liver transplantation (SLT) enables a single whole liver graft to be divided into two partial grafts, which can then be transplanted into two recipients. This approach expands the pool of available liver donors and reduces the waiting time for LT. Since its inception, SLT has undergone continuous development and research. As a complex variant of LT, SLT requires a high level of surgical expertise, and many aspects of SLT have not yet reached a consensus or clear definition within the transplantation community. In addition, it represents a smaller proportion among all LT techniques, which hampers the further development of SLT technology. This review concludes recent developments in SLT, offering a comprehensive summary of current practices regarding donor selection criteria, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes. Its purpose is to serve as a reference for real clinical scenarios and explore potential future trends in SLT.

High prevalence of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in blood donors during a dengue outbreak and an endemic period in Colombia.

Arboviruses pose a challenge in ensuring the supply of pathogen-free blood components because they are not routinely screened in blood banks, and blood components from infected asymptomatic donors could be transfused. This study aimed to detect and characterize arboviral infections in Colombian blood donors. In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses and co-infections of blood donors were compared between an epidemic period (November 2019-February 2020, n = 462) and an endemic period (November 2021-August 2022, n = 1,119). Viral RNA from each donor serum was purified, and the viruses were detected using a previously standardized multiplex hemi-nested RT-PCR protocol. Subsequently, donors who tested positive were surveyed 15 days after the detection of the virus to identify clinical characteristics related to the arboviral infection. The prevalences of each virus were presented as percentages and compared between epidemic and endemic periods. Significantly higher prevalences were found in the epidemic period compared with the endemic period for DENV (14.5 vs. 1.9%), ZIKV (7.8 vs. 0.3%), CHIKV (8 vs. 3.3%), and co-infections (4.3 vs. 0.2%). The survey response rate of positive donors in the two periods was 83/175 (47%). In total, 57% of the donors surveyed were asymptomatic. Symptomatic donors most frequently reported headache (31%), malaise (13%), arthralgia (10%), and fever/chills (8%). The prevalence observed in epidemic and endemic periods was higher than that reported in other studies in the Americas. The high proportion of asymptomatic cases found, in addition to the mild and nonspecific manifestations among the symptomatic, may limit the effectiveness of the donor selection criteria used to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmitted arboviruses.