Simultaneous Kidney Transplantation Research Articles

Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation: A qualitative study of partners' experiences.

Chronic health conditions often affect the lives of family members as well as the patient themselves. The current study aimed to explore the experiences of partners of individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who received a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPKT) to understand the wider impact of SPKTs. Eight partners of recipients of SPKT were interviewed about their experiences before and after the transplant. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Participants described how they navigated life with an unwell partner; sub-themes included a) living with pervasive worry, b) the challenge of enhanced responsibilities, and c) the buffering effect of social support. Diabetes complications, such as the experience of severe hypoglycaemia, particularly fuelled worry. Participants felt great relief after their partner's successful transplant but also faced certain realities around the potential for their partner's health to deteriorate again. The study highlights the impact of diabetes and CKD on patients' families and the wider benefit of transplantation, not just for the patient. The pancreas transplant, in addition to the kidney, relieved partners of their worry about hypoglycaemic events and the development of diabetes complications. Partners may benefit from being encouraged to seek support and to maintain their own health and wellbeing.

Challenges in Beta Cell Replacement for Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) presents a significant global health challenge, characterized by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. Achieving therapeutic goals such as prevention of immune destruction, preservation of beta-cell mass, and automated insulin delivery remains complex due to the disease's heterogeneity. This review explores the advancements and challenges in beta-cell replacement therapies, including pancreas and islet cell transplantation, stem cell-derived β-cell generation, and biotechnological innovations. Pancreas transplantation, especially simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK), has evolved significantly, offering insulin independence and improved quality of life despite surgical and immunological complications. Allogeneic islet transplantation, though less invasive, faces challenges such as donor scarcity, immunosuppressive therapy, and variable long-term success. Innovations in stem cell therapy, particularly using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), promise an unlimited source of β-cells. However, translating these advances into clinical applications involves overcoming technical, biological, and ethical hurdles. Strategies such as immunomodulation, encapsulation, and genetic engineering are critical to enhancing the viability and integration of transplanted cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific intricacies and potential of β-cell replacement therapies, emphasizing the need for continued research to address the remaining challenges and improve diabetes care outcomes.

Perfusion Computed Tomography for Assessing Pancreas Graft Volumetric Perfusion After Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation.

Background: There is paucity of data in the available medical literature regarding the parameters of the volumetric perfusion of pancreas grafts. Methods: From 5 February 2016 to 23 December 2021, we performed perfusion computed tomography in 41 patients at different times after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. The study group consisted of 18 men (44%) and 23 women (56%) with a long history of type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated by terminal chronic renal failure. The results of the perfusion computed tomography of the pancreas graft were studied, and the effects of post-transplantation timing and graft revascularization peculiarities on volumetric perfusion parameters were evaluated. Results: The median arterial blood flow, arterial blood volume, and permeability of the pancreas graft were 115.1 [99.7;130.3] mL/100 mL/min, 46.7 [37.4;56.9] mL/min, and 8.6 [4.1;11.4] mL/100 mL/min, respectively. No statistically significant differences in the averaged perfusion values were found in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas graft. The post-transplantation timing and the number of arteries involved in graft revascularization did not have a significant effect on the volumetric perfusion of the graft. Conclusion: The volumetric perfusion results of the pancreas graft correspond to those obtained in the study of pancreatic perfusion in healthy participants.

Risk Factors for Early Post-transplant Weight Changes Among Simultaneous Pancreas-kidney Recipients and Impact on Outcomes.

There are limited data about the risk factors for weight changes and the association of significant weight changes with graft and metabolic outcomes after simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation. We included all SPK recipients with both allografts functioning for at least 6 mo post-transplant and categorized them based on the weight changes from baseline to 6 mo post-transplant. We analyzed risk factors for significant weight gain (SWG) and significant weight loss (SWL) over 6 mo post-transplant, as well as outcomes including pancreas uncensored graft failure, pancreas death-censored graft failure (DCGF), composite pancreas graft outcomes of DCGF, use of an antidiabetic agent, or hemoglobin A1C >6.5%, and kidney DCGF. Of 280 SPK recipients, 153 (55%) experienced no significant weight change, 57 (20%) SWG, and 70 (25%) SWL. At 6 mo post-transplant, mean weight changes were 1.2% gain in the no significant weight change group, 13.4% gain in SWG, and 9.6% loss in the SWL groups. In multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with decreased risk for weight gain was older recipient age (aOR, 0.97; 95% confidence intervals, 0.95-0.99). Importantly, SWG or SWL were not associated with pancreas graft failure, P-DCGF, or K-DCGF. Interestingly in the adjusted model, SWG at 6 mo was associated with a lower risk for composite outcomes (HR, 0.35; 95% confidence intervals, 0.14-0.85). Forty-five percent of SPK recipients had significant weight changes by 6 mo post-transplant, but only 20% exhibited SWG. Likely because of proper management, weight changes were not associated with poor outcomes post-SPK transplant.

Comparative Analysis of Infection and Rejection Rates for Recipients of Kidney-after-Liver (KALT) Compared with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplant (SLK)

Comparative Analysis of Infection and Rejection Rates for Recipients of Kidney-after-Liver (KALT) Compared with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplant (SLK)

Influence of Recipient Education on the Outcome of Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation

Influence of Recipient Education on the Outcome of Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation

Pretransplant Hypoalbuminemia Is Not Associated with Worse Outcomes among Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant Recipients

Pretransplant Hypoalbuminemia Is Not Associated with Worse Outcomes among Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant Recipients

The TEG 6s Global Hemostasis System is Useful for Coagulation Management in Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation: The First Two Cases

Introduction: Hypercoagulability-related graft thrombosis is the leading cause of graft failure after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK). Addressing this issue is crucial to improve the outcomes of SPK recipients. Thromboelastography (TEG) has been used to assess the coagulation profiles of SPK recipients. Recently, a new-generation TEG device, the TEG 6s Global Hemostasis System, was introduced. This device offers advantages over TEG 5000, including less frequent calibration requirements, ease of use, and reduced sensitivity to movement. We hypothesized that TEG 6s would enhance coagulation management in SPK. Methods: We report two cases of Asian female SPK recipients in whom TEG 6s was used to assess coagulation status at six preset times during and after surgery. Results: Preoperatively, both patients exhibited hypercoagulability on TEG 6s. Postoperative intravenous heparin was administered, and the dose was titrated based on the TEG 6s results. Vascular thrombosis was not observed in either patient. Detailed TEG 6s and standard laboratory test results are reported. This pilot study demonstrates that TEG 6s monitoring can effectively assess coagulation status in SPK recipients, aiding in optimal coagulation management and reducing the risk of thrombotic complications leading to graft loss. The TEG 6s facilitated real-time and accurate coagulation assessment, allowing for tailored anticoagulant therapy. Conclusions: This is the first observational study to use TEG 6s in SPK recipients, indicating its potential benefits in improving patient outcomes. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings and establish comprehensive guidelines for using TEG 6s in SPK procedures.

Experience from 100 consecutive pancreas transplants amidst low national transplant activity: a retrospective study at a single center in Korea.

Since 1992, over 800 pancreas transplants have been performed in Korea. However, this number is significantly lower compared to the number of kidney or liver transplants. Between 2015 and July 2023, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital conducted 100 pancreas transplants, accounting for about 20% of all transplants performed in Korea during this period. The study comprised 27 simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplants, 23 pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplants, and 50 pancreas transplant alone (PTA) cases. Duodenoduodenostomy was the primary surgical technique employed for exocrine drainage, along with various modifications of the venous outflow anastomosis. The availability of brain-dead donors for kidney transplants was lower compared to isolated pancreas transplants. Patients undergoing SPK transplants faced significantly longer waiting times than those receiving PTA or PAK transplants. The rate of surgical complications was acceptable, with a notably low thrombotic graft failure rate of 1.0%. In the PTA group, acute rejection of the graft pancreas occurred frequently (18.0%), though this was not statistically significant (P=0.328). The pancreas transplantation survival rates were 91.0%, 78.5%, and 75.4% at 1, 5, and 9 years, respectively. The PTA group exhibited a lower graft survival rate than the SPK and PAK groups, with marginal statistical significance (P=0.059). Graft survival rates have improved over time due to advancements in surgical techniques and immunosuppressant strategies. By sharing our experiences, we aim to enhance the activity and success of pancreas transplantation in Korea.

Prospective evaluation of cystatin C in the assessment of kidney dysfunction and survival in liver transplant candidates.

Kidney dysfunction is associated with decreased survival in liver transplant (LT) candidates, yet serum creatinine (sCr) is a poor surrogate for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in this population. Serum cystatin C (CysC) may provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function and predict outcomes. We performed a multicenter prospective cohort study of consecutive candidates for LT. CysC was obtained at LT evaluation (n = 244), and a subset underwent simultaneous I 125 -iothalamate clearance for measured GFR (mGFR) assessment (n = 137). Patients were followed to assess the need for pre-LT renal replacement therapy, simultaneous liver and kidney transplant, and survival. Estimated GFR (eGFR) based on MDRD-4, GRAIL, Royal Free Hospital Cirrhosis GFR, and the CKD-EPI equations was assessed for bias, precision, and accuracy in reference to mGFR. Receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) and competing risk survival analyses were performed. CysC more accurately discriminated mGFR than sCr at thresholds of ≤60 and ≤30mL/min/1.73m 2 with AUROC 0.92 ( p = 0.005) and 0.96 ( p =0.01), respectively. All eGFR equations overestimated GFR, especially among females ( p < 0.05). The GRAIL equation demonstrated the least bias, while CKD-EPI-cystatin C was associated with the greatest precision and lowest frequency of GFR overestimation. Among 165 recipients of LT, CysC discriminated pre-LT renal replacement therapy and the need for simultaneous liver and kidney transplant with AUROC of 0.70 and 0.85, respectively. Cumulative incidence of death, accounting for LT as a competing event, increased with CysC ( p = 0.002) but was not observed with sCr overall or among subgroups ( p = NS). CysC more accurately predicts thresholds of mGFR than sCr in candidates for LT. Elevated CysC discriminates pre-LT renal replacement therapy and simultaneous liver and kidney transplant and is strongly associated with survival in contrast with sCr. CysC is a promising tool to improve prognostication among candidates for LT.

325.5: Systemic improvements in a single-center simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant program.

325.5: Systemic improvements in a single-center simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant program.

P.482: Advantages of simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation in selected patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A single-center study.

P.482: Advantages of simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation in selected patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A single-center study.

325.9: Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) kinetics during rejection and quiescence after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant.

325.9: Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) kinetics during rejection and quiescence after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant.

325.1: Comparison of survival advantage of simultaneous kidney-pancreas vs kidney transplant in patients with diabetes who received mate kidneys.

325.1: Comparison of survival advantage of simultaneous kidney-pancreas vs kidney transplant in patients with diabetes who received mate kidneys.

P.285: Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation from a small pediatric donor with ipsilateral implantation over aortic cuff.

P.285: Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation from a small pediatric donor with ipsilateral implantation over aortic cuff.

Small Donors, Big Impact: Optimizing Organ Utilization in Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation From Extra Small Pediatric Donors.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) is the preferred treatment for individuals with type-1 diabetes and end-stage renal disease. However, a limited supply of "Ideal Pancreas Donors" contributed to a growing disparity between available organs and recipients. Even though SPK outcomes from pediatric donors match those from adult donors, unclear guidelines on minimum age and weight criteria for extra small pediatric pancreas donors lead to hesitancy among several transplant centers to utilize these grafts due to concerns about inadequate islet mass, technical challenges, and increased risk of allograft thrombosis. This report details the successful outcomes of SPK transplantations performed at the study center between December 2021 and January 2024, using four extra small pediatric brain-dead donors (ESPDs). Each donor was aged ≤5 years and weighed <20kg. All SPK recipients achieved immediate posttransplant euglycemia without requiring insulin. None of the recipients experienced graft pancreatitis, graft thrombosis, allograft rejection, or required re-exploration. During a 5-27-month follow-up period, all ESPD recipients maintained optimal graft function, as evidenced by normal glucose tolerance tests and HbA1c (4.9%-5.2%), with 100% graft and patient survival. This report examines the usage of ESPDs in SPK transplantation, highlighting their potential to expand the donor pool and reduce wait times in areas with scarce deceased organ donations, thereby increasing the number of available organs for transplantation with acceptable outcomes. Revising donor selection guidelines to reflect the diverse risk-benefit profiles of waitlisted individuals is crucial to addressing geographical disparities and reducing organ discard rates.

325.4: Pancreas after kidney transplant in Saudi Arabia providing superior results to SPK simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation.

325.4: Pancreas after kidney transplant in Saudi Arabia providing superior results to SPK simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation.

P.123: Covid -19 infection in simultaneous pancreatic kidney transplant recipients - First case series from Asia.

P.123: Covid -19 infection in simultaneous pancreatic kidney transplant recipients - First case series from Asia.

Liver and pancreas transplantation in adult donor and recipients with situs inversus totalis: a case series and review of the literature

BackgroundSitus inversus totalis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by a mirror-image orientation of abdominal, and in some cases, thoracic organs. Here, we report our situs inversus totalis transplantation experience and further review liver transplantations in adult recipients and donors with situs inversus totalis.Case presentationWe describe three cases with situs inversus totalis. The first case was liver transplantation in a recipient (a 61-year-old Iranian man) with situs inversus totalis, the second was a liver transplantation from a donor (a 52-year-old Iranian woman) with situs inversus totalis, and finally, for the first time, a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation in a recipient (a 26-year-old Iranian man) with situs inversus totalis. In patient one, hepatectomy could be performed according to the standard method and on the basis of preoperative studies. Hepatic vein and arterial anastomosis were performed as in every other patient without situs inversus totalis. To prevent biliary complications, a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed. In patient two, implantation time, suprahepatic vein, portal vein, arterial, and biliary reconstruction could be done as in any other case without situs inversus totalis. Plication of the right-sided diaphragm and fixation of the falciform ligament was done for our patient. In patient three, systemic drainage was preferred to portal flow for establishing the outflow drainage of the pancreas compared with otherwise normal patients.ConclusionAlthough situs inversus totalis is a rare condition, our reported techniques are suitable, considering advantages such as easier accessibility, more acceptable placement of the implanted organs regarding vascular variations, and the appropriate location of the allograft in the proximity of other organs.

Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant and Multi-Organ Kidney Transplant Allocation

Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplant and Multi-Organ Kidney Transplant Allocation