Simultaneous Liver-kidney Transplant Recipients Research Articles

V-310.4: Outcomes of simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients according to pre-transplant transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the United States

V-310.4: Outcomes of simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients according to pre-transplant transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the United States

P.421: The impact of preformed donor specific antibodies (DSAs) on outcomes of simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplant recipients.

P.421: The impact of preformed donor specific antibodies (DSAs) on outcomes of simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplant recipients.

The Effect of New Acuity Circle Policy on Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation in the United States

New deceased donor liver allocation policy using an acuity circle (AC)-based model was implemented on February 4th, 2020. The effect of AC policy on simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of AC policy on SLKT waitlist mortality, transplant probability, and post-transplant outcomes. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, 4908 adult SLKT candidates during two study periods, pre-AC (Aug-2017 to Feb-2020, N=2770) and post-AC (Feb-2020 to Dec-2021, N=2138) were analyzed. Outcomes included 90-day waitlist mortality, transplant probability, and post-transplant patient and graft survival. Compared to pre-AC period, SLKT recipients during post-AC period had higher median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (24 vs 23, P<0.001), and less percentage of MELD exception (4.6% vs 7.7%, P=0.001). The 90-day waitlist mortality was same, but the probability of SLKT increased in post-AC period (P<0.001). Post-AC period also saw increased utilization of donation after cardiac death organs (11% vs 6.4%, P<0.001) and decreased rates of transplantation among Black candidates (7.9% vs 13%). After risk adjustment, post-AC period was not associated with any significant difference in 90-day waitlist mortality (sub-distribution hazard ratio [sHR] 0.80; 95% CI 0.56-1.16, P=0.24), and a higher 90-day probability of SLKT (sHR 1.68; 95% CI 1.41-1.99, P<0.001). During post-transplant period, one-year patient survival, liver and kidney graft survival were comparable between two study periods. The AC liver allocation policy was associated with increased transplant probability of adult SLKT candidates without decreasing waitlist mortality, post-transplant patient survival, or liver and kidney graft survival.

Outcomes of kidney, liver, and simultaneous liver and kidney transplants from hepatitis c infected donors to hepatitis c naïve recipients: A large single center experience.

With the introduction of direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs), the non-use rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donor organs (D+) has decreased significantly. We present the donor, recipient, and transplant allograft characteristics, along with recipient outcomes, in one of the largest cohorts of HCV-D+ transplants into HCV-naïve recipients (R-). Charts of HCV D+/R- kidney (KT), liver (LT), and simultaneous liver-kidney (SLKT) transplant recipients between January 2019 and July 2022 were reviewed. Primary outcomes of interest included waitlist times and 1-year graft failure. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, post-transplant complications, effectiveness of DAA therapy, and characteristics of patients who relapsed from initial DAA therapy. Fifty-five HCV D+/R- transplants at our center [42 KT (26 nucleic acid testing positive [NAT+], 16 NAT-), 12 LT (eight NAT+, four NAT-), and one SLKT (NAT+)] had a median waitlist time of 69days for KT, 87days for LT, and 15days for SLKT. There were no graft failures at 1year. All viremic recipients were treated with a 12-week course of DAAs, of which 100% achieved end of treatment response (EOTR)-85.7% (n=30) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 14.3% relapsed (n=5; four KT, one LT). All relapsed recipients were retreated and achieved SVR. The most common post-transplantation complications include BK virus infection (n=9) for KT and non-allograft infections (n=4) for LT. Our study has demonstrated no graft failures or recipient deaths at 1year, and despite a 14.3% relapse rate, we achieved 100% SVR. Complications rates of D+/R- appeared comparable to national D-/R- complication rates. Further studies comparing D+/R- to D-/R- outcomes are needed.

Detailed Analysis of Simultaneous Renal and Liver Allografts in the Presence of DSA.

We reevaluated allograft biopsies from simultaneous liver-kidney transplant recipients who had both allografts biopsied within 60 d of one another and within 30 d of DSA being positive in serum (positive: mean florescence intensity ≥5000). Routine histology, C4d staining, and specialized immunohistochemistry for Kupffer cells (KCs; CD163) and a C4d receptor immunoglobulin-like transcript-4 were carried out in 4 patients with 6 paired biopsies. Overt antibody-mediated rejection was found in 3 of 4 renal and liver allografts. One patient had biopsy-confirmed renal and liver allograft antibody-mediated rejection despite serum clearance of DSA. All biopsies showed KC hypertrophy (minimal: 1; mild: 2; moderate: 1; severe: 2) and cytoplasmic C4d KC staining was easily detected in 2 biopsies from 2 patients; minimal and negative in 2 biopsies each. Implications of which are discussed. Control 1-y protocol liver allograft biopsies from DSA- recipients showed neither KC hypertrophy nor KC C4d staining (n = 6). Partial renal allograft protection by a liver allograft from the same donor may be partially mediated by phagocytosis/elimination of antibody and complement split products by KCs, as shown decades ago in controlled sensitized experimental animal experiments.

Predictors of Length of Stay and Mortality During Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplant Index Admission: Results From the US-Multicenter SLKT Consortium.

Adult SLKT recipients between 2002 and 2017 at 6 transplant centers across 6 UNOS regions were retrospectively enrolled in the US-Multicenter SLKT Consortium. Multivariable regression analyses assessed predictors of SLKT LOS and death during index admission. Median age of cohort (N = 570) was 58 y (interquartile range: 51-64); 63% male, 75% White, 32.3% hepatitis C, 23.3% alcohol-related, 20.1% nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with median MELD-Na at SLKT 28 (23-34). Seventy-one percent were hospitalized at the time of SLKT with median LOS pretransplant of 10 d. Majority of patients were discharged alive (N = 549; 96%)' and 36% were discharged to subacute rehab facility. LOS for index SLKT was 19 d (Q1: 10, Q3: 34 d). Female sex (P = 0.003), Black race (P = 0.02), advanced age (P = 0.007), ICU admission at time of SLKT (P = 0.03), high MELD-Na (P = 0.003), on cyclosporine during index hospitalization (P = 0.03), pre-SLKT dialysis (P < 0.001), and kidney delayed graft function (P < 0.001) were the recipient factors associated with prolonged LOS during index SLKT hospitalization. Prolonged LOS also contributed to overall mortality (HR = 1.007; P = 0.03). Despite excellent survival, index SLKT admission was associated with high-resource utilization with more than half the patients with LOS >2 wk and affected overall patient survival. Further investigation is needed to optimize healthcare resources for these patients in a financially strained healthcare landscape.

The Conundrum of Patients With Compensated Cirrhosis Requiring Kidney Transplantation; Kidney Alone or Simultaneous Liver Kidney Transplantation.

Patients with compensated cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease are increasing along with demand for simultaneous liver kidney transplant (SLKT) and shortages of organs for transplantation. Although these well-compensated patients may not need a liver organ, the alternative of kidney transplant alone (KTA) poses the risk of liver decompensation. Therefore, we aim to characterize outcomes among patients with compensated cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease listed for SLKT or receiving KTA to inform clinical decisions. The 2-part retrospective study included a national cohort of patients listed for SLKT in United Network for Organ Sharing from January 2003 to June 2019 with Child A cirrhosis, with model for end-stage liver disease <25, and receiving dialysis; and a cohort of patients who underwent KTA from 2004 to 2019 with Child A cirrhosis identified through a 4-center chart review. Waitlist outcomes (SLKT, death, and clinical improvement) and post-KTA liver decompensation and survival were evaluated in the cohorts, respectively. In the national SLKT cohort (N = 705, median age 56 y, 68.8% male), 5-y cumulative incidence of SLKT was 43.1%, death 32.1%, and clinical improvement 9.1%. Among SLKT recipients, 36.3% remained Child A without ascites or encephalopathy at transplant. In the local KTA cohort (N = 34, median age 54 y, 79.4% male), none had ascites or hepatic encephalopathy before KTA, but 15 had clinical portal hypertension. Five-y post-KTA incidence of liver decompensation was 36.8%, and survival was 89.2%. SLKT may not be necessary for some patients with compensated cirrhosis needing kidney transplant. KTA is safe for selected patients with intact liver biochemical function, even with portal hypertension but without hepatic encephalopathy or ascites.

Impact of Steroid Only Induction on Rejection in Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation.

Introduction: The occurrence of simultaneous liver kidney transplantation has greatly increased; however, the ideal induction and maintenance immunosuppression remains unknown. Question: This evaluation aimed to determine if corticosteroid only induction in simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients provided adequate prophylaxis against rejection when compared to basiliximab. Design: This was a single center, retrospective, cohort study of adult simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients from June 2010 to June 2019 receiving corticosteroid only (N = 41) or basiliximab (N = 42) induction. Results: Liver or kidney biopsy proven acute rejection at 3 months was comparable between the corticosteroid only and basiliximab groups (10% vs 7%, P = .67), which persisted through 12 months posttransplant (15% vs 21%, P = .42). The occurrence of any infection at 3 months was increased in the corticosteroid only group relative to the basiliximab group (41% vs 21%, P = .049). Graft and patient survival at 12 months were similar between groups. Maintenance immunosuppression was overall minimized with a tacrolimus goal of 6-8 ng/mL, mycophenolate mofetil dose reduction to 1000 mg/day by 3 months, and early steroid withdrawal in both groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that corticosteroid only induction was an effective strategy for preventing rejection in simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients, even in combination with reduced maintenance immunosuppression.

331.4: Clinical Outcomes of Simultaneous Heart Liver Kidney Transplant Recipients, Single Center Experience

Introduction: Multiorgan dysfunction involving the kidneys is not uncommon in patients with end stage heart and liver disease. Simultaneous heart-liver-kidney transplants (HLK) are less commonly performed than simultaneous heart-kidney or liver-kidney transplants due to the complex nature of the surgery and challenges with patient selection. 19 HLK were performed in the US from 2008 to 2020, out of which 8 were performed at our center. Given the limited availability of organs for transplant and the lack of standardized qualifying criteria for these patients, it is imperative to understand the factors involved in better outcomes, to optimize utilization of scarce resources. Method: We performed a retrospective review of all HLK recipients at the University of Chicago medical center between 2008-2020 using Epic EMR. We evaluated their renal outcomes, infection rates, number of hospitalizations, and mortality over a 12-month period post transplantation. Results: Baseline characteristics are summarized in the table 1. 4(50%) were between the ages of 50-64, 2(25%) were between the ages of 35-49, and 2(25%) were between the age of 18-34. Four (50%) were Caucasians, 3(37.5%) were African Americans, and 1(12.5%) was Asian Indian. 6 (75%) had pre-transplant GFR between 30-40 ml/min, 1(12.5%) had GFR between 15-30 ml/min, and 1(12.5%) had GFR <15 ml/min. The etiology of CKD was as follows, 5(62.5%) were cardiorenal, 2(25%) were diabetic, 1(12.5%) was acute interstitial nephritis. All had Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) below 20%. All had GFR above 50 ml/min at 3 months post-transplant, out of which 5 (62.5%) had GFR above 60 ml/min. At 6 months and 1 year, 3 (37.5%) had GFR above 60 ml/min, 3 (37.5%) were between 45-60 ml/min, and 2 (25%) had GFR between 30-45 ml/min. Only 1 patient developed delayed graft function requiring 2 sessions of dialysis post-transplant. All 8 were alive with intact kidney allograft function at 12 months after transplant. Only 2(25%) required a hospitalization within the 1st year of transplant for infection related reason. 2(25%) developed BK viremia and 2(25%) developed CMV viremia. Conclusion: Our experience suggests that with careful selection of patients, simultaneous HLK can lead to successful patient outcomes at one year post transplantation. Longer follow up of these patients is needed to define long term allograft and patient survival which will help to standardize selection and allocation criteria of this subset of patients.

Burden of early hospitalization after simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation: Results from the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium.

The burden of early hospitalization (within 6months) following simultaneous liver-kidney transplant (SLKT) is not known. We examined risk factors associated with early hospitalization after SLKT and their impact on patient mortality conditional on 6-month survival. We used data from the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium cohort study of all adult SLKT recipients between 2002 and 2017 who were discharged alive following SLKT. We used Poisson regression to model rates of early hospitalizations after SLKT. Cox regression was used to identify risk factors associated with mortality conditional on survival at 6months after SLKT. Median age (N=549) was 57.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 50.6-63.9) with 63% males and 76% Whites; 33% had hepatitis C virus, 20% had non-alcohol-associated fatty liver disease, 23% alcohol-associated liver disease, and 24% other etiologies. Median body mass index (BMI) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-sodium scores were 27.2 kg/m2 (IQR, 23.6-32.2 kg/m2 ) and 28 (IQR, 23-34), respectively. Two-thirds of the cohort had at least one hospitalization within the first 6months of SLKT. Age, race, hospitalization at SLKT, diabetes mellitus, BMI, and discharge to subacute rehabilitation (SAR) facility after SLKT were independently associated with a high incidence rate ratio of early hospitalization. Number of hospitalizations within the first 6months did not affect conditional survival. Early hospitalizations after SLKT were very common but did not affect conditional survival. Although most of the risk factors for early hospitalization were nonmodifiable, discharge to SAR after initial SLKT was associated with a significantly higher incidence rate of early hospitalization. Efforts and resources should be focused on identifying SLKT recipients at high risk for early hospitalization to optimize their predischarge care, discharge planning, and long-term follow-up.

Utilization and effectiveness of the organ procurement and transplantation network “safety-net” policy

BackgroundLiver transplant recipients with persistent renal dysfunction may be prioritized on the kidney transplant waitlist based on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network “safety-net” policy implemented in 2017. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of kidney transplant and posttransplant outcomes, of liver transplant recipients with persistent renal dysfunction before and after implementation of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network kidney safety-net policy and standardization of simultaneous liver-kidney requirements. MethodsUsing the United Network for Organ Sharing database from January 2015 to March 2019, outcomes of liver transplant recipients listed for kidney transplant and the subset who received kidney after liver transplants were compared before and after policy implementation. ResultsLiver transplant recipients listed for kidney transplant increased from 58 to 200, and kidney after liver transplants increased from 29.3% to 42.5% after safety-net policy implementation. Post-policy kidney after liver transplants received more local organs (91.8% vs 70.6%, P = .03) and trended toward shorter waitlist time (47 [17–123] vs 84 [37–226] days, P = .051). The pre- and post-policy cohorts had similar (P > .05) kidney donor profile index (0.43 [0.27–0.69] vs 0.42 [0.28–0.58]) and delayed graft function (11.8% vs 14.1%). Patient, kidney graft, and liver graft survival were similar (P > .05) between pre and post-policy cohorts. Patient and kidney graft survival were similar between kidney after liver transplants and propensity score–matched kidney transplant alone recipients. Patient, kidney, and liver graft survival were similar between kidney after liver transplants and propensity score–matched simultaneous liver-kidney transplant recipients. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that after Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network “safety-net” policy implementation, there has been an increase in liver transplant recipients with renal dysfunction who are listed for and undergo kidney transplant with excellent short-term results.

Crossmatch, Donor-specific Antibody Testing, and Immunosuppression in Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Review.

Since the introduction of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) in the 1960s, the potential for immunological protection from the liver allograft to a simultaneously transplanted kidney has been recognized. Due to expanded indications and changes in allocation policies, there has been increased utilization of SLKT. Despite growing experience, a lack of consensus exists regarding the extent of the immunological privilege of the liver the role for donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA) and crossmatch testing, and appropriateness of modern immunosuppression protocols in SLKT recipients. This review provides a detailed analysis of SLKT outcomes in the context of these factors, suggesting that although the liver can reduce the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection, attention should be given to liver allograft function, previous failed transplants, and other risk factors in pretransplant risk assessment. Current methods of DSA and crossmatch testing in SLKT are also discussed, and the role of specific DSA (high mean fluorescence intensity antibody, C1q+ binding) and their potential importance in posttransplant risk assessment are examined. Finally, trends in SLKT immunosuppression are discussed, including the use of nondepleting agents for induction and de-escalating use of steroids for maintenance immunosuppression. Ongoing research, including multicenter or randomized trials, will be necessary to optimize immune-related outcomes in SLKT recipients.

Temporal Trends and Evolving Outcomes After Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation: Results from the US SLKT Consortium.

We aimed to understand the contemporary changes in the characteristics and the determinants of outcomes among simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) recipients at 6 liver transplantation centers in the United States. We retrospectively enrolled SLKT recipients between 2002 and 2017 in the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium. We analyzed time-related trends in recipient characteristics and outcomes with linear regression and nonparametric methods. Clustered Cox regression determined the factors associated with 1-year and overall survival. We enrolled 572 patients. We found significant changes in the clinical characteristics of SLKT recipients: as compared with 2002, recipients in 2017 were older (59 versus 52years; P<0.001) and more likely to have chronic kidney disease (71% versus 33%; P<0.001). There was a marked improvement in 1-year survival during the study period: 89% in 2002 versus 96% in 2017 (P<0.001). We found that the drivers of 1-year mortality were SLKT year, hemodialysis at listing, donor distance, and delayed kidney allograft function. The drivers of overall mortality were an indication of acute kidney dysfunction, body mass index, hypertension, creatinine at SLKT, ventilation at SLKT, and donor quality. In this contemporary cohort of SLKT recipients, we highlight changes in the clinical characteristics of recipients. Further, we identify the determinants of 1-year and overall survival to highlight the variables that require the greatest attention to optimize outcomes.

The Impact of the 2017 Kidney Allocation Policy Change on Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Utilization and Outcomes.

Historically in the United States, kidneys for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) candidates were allocated with livers, prioritizing SLKT recipients over much of the kidney waiting list. A 2017 change in policy delineated renal function criteria for SLKT and implemented a safety net for kidney-after-liver transplantation. We compared the use and outcomes of SLKT and kidney-after-liver transplant with the 2017 policy. United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files were used to identify adults who received liver transplantations (LT) from August 10, 2007 to August 10, 2012; from August 11, 2012 to August 10, 2017; and from August 11, 2017 to June 12, 2019. LT recipients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were defined by dialysis requirement or estimated glomerular filtration rate <25. We evaluated outcomes and center-level, regional, and national practice before and after the policy change. Nonparametric cumulative incidence of kidney-after-liver listing and transplant were modeled by era. A total of 6332 patients received SLKTs during the study period; fewer patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR)≥50 mL/min underwent SLKT over time (5.8%, 4.8%, 3.0%; P= 0.01). There was also less variability in GFR at transplant after policy implementation on center and regional levels. We then evaluated LT-alone (LTA) recipients with ESRD (n=5408 from 2012-2017; n = 2321 after the policy). Listing for a kidney within a year of LT increased from 2.9% before the policy change to 8.8% after the policy change, and the rate of kidney transplantation within 1 year increased from 0.7% to 4% (P<0.001). After the policy change, there was no difference in patient survival rates between SLKT and LTA among patients with ESRD. Implementation of the 2017 SLKT policy change resulted in reduced variability in SLKT recipient kidney function and increased access to deceased donor kidney transplantation for LTA recipients with kidney disease without negatively affecting outcomes.

Renal Outcomes After Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation: Results from the US Multicenter Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation Consortium.

Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) is increasingly common in the United States. However, little is known about the renal-related outcomes following SLKT, which are essential to maximize the health of these allografts. We examined the factors impacting renal function following SLKT. This is an observational multicenter cohort study from the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium consisting of recipients of SLKT aged ≥18years of transplantations performed between February 2002 and June 2017 at 6 large US centers in 6 different United Network for Organ Sharing regions. The primary outcome was incident post-SLKT stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as <30mL/minute/1.73m2 or listing for kidney transplant. The median age of the recipients (n=570) was 58years (interquartile range, 51-64 years), and 37% were women, 76% were White, 33% had hepatitis C virus infection, 20% had nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and 23% had alcohol-related liver disease; 68% developed ≥ stage 3 CKD at the end of follow-up. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year incidence rates of post-SLKT stage 4-5 CKD were 10%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. Pre-SLKT diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45; 95% CI, 1.00-2.15), NASH (HR,1.58; 95% CI, 1.01-2.45), and delayed kidney graft function (HR,1.72; 95% CI, 1.10-2.71) were the recipient factors independently associated with high risk, whereas the use of tacrolimus (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89) reduced the risk. Women (β=-6.22±2.16mL/minute/1.73 m2 ; P=0.004), NASH (β=-7.27±3.27mL/minute/1.73 m2 ; P=0.027), and delayed kidney graft function (β=-7.25±2.26mL/minute/1.73 m2 ; P=0.007) were independently associated with low estimated glomerular filtration rate at last follow-up. Stage 4-5 CKD is common after SLKT. There remains an unmet need for personalized renal protective strategies, specifically stratified by sex, diabetes mellitus, and liver disease, to preserve renal function among SLKT recipients.

Karnofsky performance status predicts outcomes in candidates for simultaneous liver-kidney transplant.

Karnofsky performance status (KPS), a measure of physical frailty, predicts pre-transplant and post-transplant outcomes in liver transplantation, but has not been assessed in simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT). We examined the association between KPS and outcomes in SLKT waitlist registrants and recipients (2005-2018) in the UNOS database. KPS was categorized into A (able to work), B (able to provide self-care), and C (unable to provide self-care). Cox regression and competing risk analysis were used to assess the association between KPS groups and outcomes. A total of 10,785 patients were waitlisted (KPS: 19% A, 46% B, 35% C), and 5,516 underwent SLKT (12% A, 36% B, 52% C). One-year waitlist mortality was 17%, 22%, and 32% for KPS A, B, and C, respectively. In adjusted competing risk regression, KPS C was associated with increased waitlist mortality (SHR 1.15, 95%CI 1.04-1.28). One-year post-transplant survival was 92%, 91%, and 87% for KPS A, B, and C, respectively. In adjusted Cox regression, KPS C was associated with increased post-transplant mortality (HR 1.32, 95%CI 1.08-1.61). It was also associated with increased liver and kidney graft losses and with hospital length of stay. Frailty, as assessed by KPS, is associated with poor outcomes in SLKT pre- and post-transplant.

Need for Pretransplant Midodrine Does Not Negatively Impact Simultaneous Liver-kidney Transplant Outcomes.

Background.Midodrine is often needed pretransplant to improve hemodynamics in simultaneous liver-kidney transplant candidates. Previous research has shown that patients requiring midodrine before kidney transplant alone have increased posttransplant risk for delayed allograft function, graft failure, and death. However, the impact of pretransplant midodrine use on outcomes after simultaneous liver-kidney transplant is unknown.Methods.We performed a retrospective study of all adult (age ≥18 y) simultaneous liver-kidney transplant recipients from a single academic transplant center from February 1, 2002, to June 30, 2019.Results.Sixty-four simultaneous liver-kidney transplants were performed in our institution during this time period, of which, 43 were not on midodrine before transplant, 17 were on midodrine alone, and 4 were on intravenous (IV) vasopressor therapy. Despite the midodrine group having a higher MELD-Na at listing, higher MELD-Na at transplant, and being older, there were no significant differences in key outcomes including delayed renal allograft function, estimated glomerular filtration rate at transplant discharge, and estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 y after transplant compared with the nonmidodrine group. There was no significant difference in graft failure or survival at last follow-up.Conclusions.Our study suggests that need for pretransplant midodrine should not be a barrier to simultaneous liver-kidney transplant.

CON: Liver Transplant Alone.

CON: Liver Transplant Alone.

Kidney Rejection Following Simultaneous Liver-kidney Transplantation.

Background.Donor-specific antibodies are reported to increase the risk of rejection and reduce allograft survival following simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation. Optimal immunosuppression regimens to reduce this risk and to treat rejection episodes are underinvestigated.Methods.Cohort analysis of the first 27 simultaneous liver-kidney transplant recipients, between 2014 and 2018 at our unit, is performed under a new risk stratification policy. Those with donor-specific antibodies to class II HLA with a mean fluorescence intensity >10 000 are considered high risk for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). These patients received immunosuppression, which consisted of induction therapy, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. All other patients are considered low risk and received tacrolimus and prednisolone alone.Results.Three patients were high risk for rejection, and 2 of these patients developed AMR, which was treated with plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin. At 1 y, their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were 50 and 59 mL/min. Two other patients developed AMR, which was similarly treated, and their 1-y eGFR was 31 and 50 mL/min. The overall histologically proven acute rejection rate within the first year was 33%, and median eGFR, for the 27 patients, at 1 y was 52 mL/min and at 2 y was 49 mL/min.Conclusions.This study confirms that there is a risk of AMR following simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation despite increased immunosuppression. This can be effectively treated with plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin.

Liver Transplantation in Patients With Pretransplant Renal Dysfunction: A "Safety Net" Is in Place, but Who Should Walk the Tightrope?

Liver Transplantation in Patients With Pretransplant Renal Dysfunction: A "Safety Net" Is in Place, but Who Should Walk the Tightrope?