Single Kidney Transplantation Research Articles

Benefits of Living Over Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in Elderly Recipients. A Propensity Score Matched Analysis of a Large European Registry Cohort.

Although kidney transplantation from living donors (LD) offers better long-term results than from deceased donors (DD), elderly recipients are less likely to receive LD transplants than younger ones. We analyzed renal transplant outcomes from LD versus DD in elderly recipients with a propensity-matched score. This retrospective, observational study included the first single kidney transplants in recipients aged ≥65years from two European registry cohorts (2013-2020, n = 4,257). Recipients of LD (n = 408), brain death donors (BDD, n = 3,072), and controlled cardiocirculatory death donors (cDCD, n = 777) were matched for donor and recipient age, sex, dialysis time and recipient diabetes. Major graft and patient outcomes were investigated. Unmatched analyses showed that LD recipients were more likely to be transplanted preemptively and had shorter dialysis times than any DD type. The propensity score matched Cox's regression analysis between LD and BDD (387-pairs) and LD and cDCD (259-pairs) revealing a higher hazard ratio for graft failure with BDD (2.19 [95% CI: 1.16-4.15], p = 0.016) and cDCD (3.38 [95% CI: 1.79-6.39], p < 0.001). One-year eGFR was higher in LD transplants than in BDD and cDCD recipients. In elderly recipients, LD transplantation offers superior graft survival and renal function compared to BDD or cDCD. This strategy should be further promoted to improve transplant outcomes.

Tuscany Normothermic Regional Perfusion Mobile Teams for Controlled Donation After Circulatory Death.

To facilitate the implementation of controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) programs even in hospitals not equipped with a local extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team, some countries have launched a local cDCD network with an ECMO mobile team for normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). In the Tuscany region, in 2021, the Regional Transplant Authority launched a cDCD program to make the cDCD pathway feasible even in peripheral hospitals with NRP mobile teams, which were "converted" existing ECMO mobile teams, composed of highly skilled and experienced personnel. We describe the Tuscany cDCD program, (2021-2023), for cDCD from peripheral hospitals with NRP mobile teams. Twenty-six cDCDs (26/40, 65%) came from peripheral hospitals. Following the launch of the cDCD program, cDCDs from peripheral hospitals increased, from 33% (2021) to 75% (2022 and 2023) of the overall cDCDs. The mean age was 63 years, with older donors (>75 years) in half the cases. The median warm ischemia time was 45 min (20 min are required by the Italian law for death certification), ranging from 35 to 59 min. Among the 20 livers retrieved and 18 kidneys retrieved, 16 livers, and 11 kidneys (single kidney transplantation) were transplanted, after ex vivo reperfusion, respectively. The use of NRP mobile teams proved to be feasible and safe in the management of cDCD in peripheral hospitals. No complications were reported with NRP despite the advanced age of most cDCDs.

Contraceptive Counselling and Uptake Among Female Kidney Transplant Recipients in Ethiopia

ABSTRACTBackgroundContraceptive counselling and utilization for kidney transplant patients is a vital component of their kidney transplant care. The use of standardized information on contraceptive methods to prevent unplanned post‐transplant pregnancies in Africa in general is less studied. This study aimed to describe contraceptive counselling and uptake among kidney transplant recipients at a kidney transplant centre in Ethiopia.MethodsA descriptive study on contraceptive counselling and uptake among female Ethiopian kidney transplant recipients was conducted at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (Ethiopia) from April 15 to July 15, 2023. Data on women's sociodemographic, renal transplantation and contraceptive counselling and use were collected through interviewing the participants using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed on SPSS 23 using simple descriptive analysis. Percentages and frequencies were used to present the results.ResultsA total of 60 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the participants was 33.7 ± 8.4 years. The median duration from the time of renal transplant was 19 months. Most (49/60, 81.7%) of the participants reported that they did not receive family planning counselling on contraceptive methods in the early post‐transplant phase. The rate of contraceptive uptake was 8.3% (5/60) with two patients being copper IUD users, and Implanon, tubal ligation and combined oral contraceptives each utilized by a single kidney transplant patient.ConclusionContraceptive counselling and uptake rates among female kidney transplant recipients in this study were very low, which is consistent with findings from previous studies. Increasing female kidney transplant patients’ awareness on safe and effective contraceptive use through adequate contraceptive counselling is essential.

Long-term Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation From DBD Donors Aged 70 y and Older.

Transplantation of kidneys from elderly donations after brain death (DBD) donors has increased owing to organ shortages. We aimed to assess the impact on long-term kidney transplant outcomes from DBD donors aged 70 y and older compared with kidneys from younger donors. From 2007 to 2022, 2274 first single kidney transplantations from DBD donors were performed at our center. Data from 1417 kidney transplant recipients receiving a DBD organ were included and categorized into 3 groups according to donor age: 70 y and older (n = 444, median age 74 y), 60-69 y (n = 527, median age 64 y), and a reference group consisting of donors aged 45-54 y (n = 446, median age 50 y). Kaplan-Meier plots and multivariate Cox regression with correction for recipient, donor, and transplant characteristics were used to investigate patient and kidney graft survival outcomes. The median patient follow-up time was 9.3 y (interquartile range, 5.3-13.1). The adjusted hazard ratios for patient death in recipients of kidneys from DBD donors aged 70 y and older compared with 60-69 y and 45-54 y were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-1.36; P = 0.26) and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.26-2.07; P < 0.001), respectively. Compared with recipients of donors aged 60-69 y and 45-54 y, the adjusted hazard ratios for kidney graft loss in recipients of donors aged 70 y and older were 1.23 (95% CI, 1.02-1.48; P = 0.029) and 1.94 (95% CI, 1.54-2.45; P < 0.001), respectively. Transplantation of kidneys from DBD donors aged 70 y and older resulted in acceptable long-term outcomes and is encouraging.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward postoperative self-management among kidney transplant recipients

BackgroundPatient involvement is crucial to the success of kidney transplants. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward postoperative self-management among kidney transplant recipients.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai, China) between March 24, 2023, and April 15, 2023 in kidney transplant recipients. A questionnaire was designed to collect data about the characteristics of the participants and their KAP toward postoperative self-management. KAP scores were calculated based on participants' responses, using predefined scoring criteria tailored to evaluate each dimension of KAP effectively.ResultsA total of 483 valid questionnaires were collected, including 189 (39.13%) participants aged between 46 and 60 years. The mean score of knowledge, attitude and practice were 23.44 ± 4.87 (possible range: 0–28), 43.59 ± 2.65 (possible range: 10–50), 52.52 ± 4.64 (possible range: 0–58), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed knowledge scores (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.10–1.20, p < 0.001), attitude scores (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.12–1.32, p < 0.001) and undergone transplantation within 1 year (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 1.60–9.63, p = 0.003) were independently associated with good practice. Knowledge scores (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10, p = 0.003), attitude scores (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.08–1.25, p < 0.001), aged 16–35 years (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.18–0.78, p = 0.009), underwent a single kidney transplant surgery (OR = 3.97, 95% CI = 1.28–12.38, p = 0.017) were independently associated with medication adherence.ConclusionsKidney transplant recipients had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practice toward postoperative self-management. Implementing personalized education, psychological support, and close monitoring strategies is recommended to optimize postoperative self-management in kidney transplant recipients.

#2918 Genetic background of kidney graft cancer

Abstract Background and Aims Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most prevalent cancer in kidney transplant recipient (KTR). Majority of RCC occurs in native kidney as opposed to kidney graft. The genetic background of RCC in native kidneys has been determined implicating the clinical importance. Method This single-center cohort study aimed to identify genetic background of kidney graft RCC and outcome in KTR who underwent single kidney transplantation between January 2000 and December 2020 and manifested kidney graft RCC. Genetic analysis (NGS) from peripheral blood-derived genomic DNA (gDNA) was performed in both the recipient and donor using cancer-predisposition panel CZECANCA (CZEch CAncer paNel for Clinical Application). Results The calculated incidence of kidney graft RCC was 0.43%. Of the eighteen KTR with manifested kidney graft RCC, fifteen KTR and donors underwent NGS. The average patient age at transplantation was 50.3 years (median 54; 5-67 years) and 66 years (median 66; 24-79 years) at the diagnosis of kidney graft RCC. The mean donor age at transplantation was 39.7 years (median 42; 7-68 years) and graft age at kidney graft RCC diagnosis 50.2 years (median 46; 20-83 years). The mean follow-up after RCC diagnosis was 47 months (median 39.1; 0-112 months). The most prevalent was papillary RCC (n=8) followed by clear cell RCC (n=6) and renal pelvis urothelial RCC (n=1). Thirteen RCC were low stage (pT1a/b) disease, one was pT3 and one was unknown stage. Majority of RCC were higher graded. No cancer-predisposition gene was found in KTR or his donor. Conclusion Kidney graft RCC is very rare. NGS cancer-predisposition panel CZECANCA has not detected any genetic predisposition for kidney graft RCC. Further research is needed to assess clinical relevance of genetic testing for cancer risk in KTR.

Graft Survival of En Bloc Deceased Donor Kidneys Transplants Compared With Single Kidney Transplants.

The US Kidney Allocation System allocates en bloc deceased donor kidney grafts from donors <18 kg in sequence A along with single kidney transplants (SKTs) from kidney donor profile index (KDPI) top 20% donors. Although en bloc grafts outperform SKT grafts holding donor weight constant, it is unclear if en bloc grafts from the smallest pediatric donors perform the same as top 20% KDPI SKTs. Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we compared the donor characteristics and graft survival of en bloc grafts from the smallest donors (<8 kg) and from larger donors (≥8 kg) with SKTs by KDPI sequence for transplants performed in 2021. Larger donor en blocs had similar 1-y survival to sequence A SKTs estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method (96% versus 96%, P = 0.9), but the smallest donor en blocs had significantly shorter 1-y survival than those SKTs (80% versus 96%, P < 0.01). Using transplants from 2010 to 2012, the smallest donor en blocs had similar 10-y survival to sequence A SKTs (69% versus 64%, P = 0.3). These findings suggest that future updates of the Kidney Allocation System should include a score specific to pediatric donors to account for these differences in en bloc graft survival.

Outcomes in pediatric recipients of single kidney transplantation from pediatric donors with acute kidney injury: A single-center pilot study.

Outcomes in pediatric recipients of single kidney transplantation from pediatric donors with acute kidney injury: A single-center pilot study.

Favorable Outcome After Single-kidney Transplantation From Small Donors in Children: A Match-controlled CERTAIN Registry Study.

Kidney transplantation (KTx) from small donors is associated with inferior graft survival in registry studies, whereas single-center studies show favorable results. We compared 175 pediatric KTx from small donors ≤20 kg (SDKTx) with 170 age-matched recipients from adult donors (ADKTx) from 20 centers within the Cooperative European Paediatric Renal Transplant Initiative registry. Graft survival and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were analyzed by Cox regression and mixed models. Detailed data on surgical and medical management were tested for association with graft survival. One-year graft survival was lower after SDKTx compared with ADKTx (90.9% versus 96.5%; odds ratio of graft loss, 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-7.80; P = 0.032), but 5-y graft survival was comparable (90.9% versus 92.7%; adjusted hazard ratio of graft loss 1.9; 95% CI, 0.85-4.25; P = 0.119). SDKTx recipients had an annual eGFR increase of 8.7 ± 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m² compared with a decrease of 6.9 ± 5.7 mL/min/1.73 m² in ADKTx recipients resulting in a superior 5-y eGFR (80.5 ± 25.5 in SDKTx versus 65.7 ± 23.1 mL/min/1.73 m² in ADKTx; P = 0.008). At 3 y posttransplant, eGFR after single SDKTx was lower than after en bloc SDKTx (86.6 ± 20.4 versus 104.6 ± 35.9; P = 0.043) but superior to ADKTx (68.1 ± 23.9 mL/min/1.73 m²). Single-kidney SDKTx recipients had a lower rate of hypertension at 3 y than ADKTx recipients (40.0% versus 64.7%; P = 0.008). Compared with ADKTx, 5-y graft function is superior in SDKTx and graft survival is similar, even when performed as single KTx. Utilizing small donor organs, preferably as single kidneys in experienced centers, is a viable option to increase the donor pool for pediatric recipients.

Outcomes of Transplantation of Single Kidneys From Pediatric Donors Into Adult Recipients.

Background Organs from extreme ages have been sought after to help increase the donor pool and alleviate transplantation wait times. There has been a growing evolution of the use of pediatric donor kidneys, including the use of en bloc kidneys (EBK), to now separating them into single kidneys (SKT), allowing for transplantation of two recipients. This study reports our outcomes utilizing SKT. Methods A retrospective review of all SKT performed from 2014 to 2022 at our center was conducted. Donors >8 years of age or >25 kg in weight were excluded. Donor and recipient characteristics and outcomes were analyzed, comparing <18 kg and ≥18 kg donor cohorts. Results Between 2014 and 2022, 81 adults received SKT. Recipients' mean age, weight, and body mass index were 49 years (22-74), 74 kg (39-136), and 26.4 mg/m2 (19.6- 39.8), respectively. Donors' mean age, weight, and kidney size were 35.7 months (8-96), 17.8 kg (8-25), and 7.2 cm (4.5-8.5), respectively. At one year post-transplant, patient survival was 100%, graft survival was 98.7%, mean serum creatinine was 1.25 mg/dL, and mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 68.3 ml/min. Hyperfiltration injury was seen in 43.75% of recipients. None of the outcomes correlated with any of the donor or recipient characteristics. Conclusion Our study shows excellent short-term outcomes of single pediatric kidney transplantation inadult recipients. Exploring a lower donor weight cut-off for SKT, compared to the current Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's (OPTN's)≥18 kg, could expand the organ pool and lead to an increased number of transplants.

The Kidney Not Taken: Single-Kidney Use in Deceased Donors.

The nonuse rate for kidneys recovered from deceased donors is increasing, rising to 27% in 2023. In 10% of these cases, 1 kidney is transplanted but the mate kidney is not. We conducted a retrospective, single-center cohort study from December 2001 to May 2023 comparing single kidneys transplanted at our center (where the contralateral kidney was not used) to kidneys where both were transplanted separately, at least 1 of which was at our center. We performed 395 single deceased-donor kidney transplants in which the mate kidney was not transplanted. Primary reasons for mate kidney nonuse were as follows: no recipient located or list exhausted (33.4%), kidney trauma or injury or anatomic abnormalities (18.7%), biopsy findings (16.7%), and poor renal function (13.7%). Mean donor and recipient ages were 51.5 ± 14.2 and 60 ± 12.6 years, respectively. Mean kidney donor profile index was 73% ± 22%, and 104 donors (26.3%) had kidney donor profile index >85%. Mean cold ischemia was 25.6 ± 7.4 hours, and 280 kidneys (70.7%) were imported. Compared with 2,303 concurrent control transplants performed at our center, primary nonfunction or thrombosis (5.1% single vs 2.8% control) and delayed graft function (35.4% single vs 30.1% control) were greater with single-kidney use (both p < 0.05). Median patient and death-censored graft survival were shorter in the single group (11.6 vs 13.5 years, p = 0.03 and 11.6 vs 19 years, p = 0.003), although the former was at least double median survival on the waiting list. In patients with functioning grafts in the single-kidney group, 1-year mean serum creatinine was 1.77 ± 0.8 mg/dL and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 44.8 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . These findings suggest that many mate kidneys are being inappropriately rejected, given the acceptable outcomes that can be achieved by transplanting the single kidney in appropriately selected recipients.

Postreperfusion Renal Allograft Biopsy Predicts Outcome of Single-kidney Transplantation: A 10-Year Observational Study in China

Biopsy findings often lead to the discard of many donor kidneys although their clinical value is not fully understood. We investigated the predictive value of postreperfusion biopsy on long-term allograft outcome after single-kidney transplantation. We retrospectively evaluated the significance of histologic findings, read by experienced renal pathologists, in 461 postreperfusion biopsy specimens collected from 2010 to 2017 after deceased donor renal transplant; and performed time-to-event analyses to determine the association between histology and hazard of death-censored graft failure. Recipients were followed-up with over a median time of 6.8 (range, 0.2-11.9) years. We assessed specimens using the Remuzzi score (scale of 0-12) and categorized them into low-score (≤3) and high-score (>3) groups. Kappa coefficients were calculated to assess agreement in procurement versus reperfusion biopsies. High Remuzzi score kidneys came from older donors with a higher incidence of hypertension, higher final creatinine, death from cerebrovascular disease, expanded criteria donor, and a higher kidney donor risk index (KDRI) (all P< 0.001). In adjusted analyses, Remuzzi score was independently associated with death-censored graft failure (hazard ratio [HR] 1.389 for each 1 score rise in Remuzzi score, 95% confidence interval 1.181-1.633, P< 0.001). Overall histologic agreement (procurement biopsy versus reperfusion biopsy) was kappa= 0.137. Our findings suggest that postreperfusion biopsy is associated with long-time graft outcomes after transplant from a deceased donor. Agreement between procurement and reperfusion biopsy was found to be low. Prospective trials are necessary to optimize procurement biopsy practices.

The Kidney Transplant: Maintaining Excellent Outcomes While Increasing Skills Acquisition

Kidney transplantation is a complex operation that incorporates multiple fundamental surgical techniques and is an excellent opportunity for surgical skill development during residency training. We hypothesized that increasing resident competency, measured as anastomosis time, could be demonstrated while maintaining high-quality surgical outcomes during the learning process. We performed a retrospective cohort study of surgical resident involvement in kidney transplantation and recorded the anastomosis time. The study population comprised adult, single organ kidney transplants (n = 2052) at a large academic transplant center between 2006 and 2019. Descriptive statistics included frequencies, medians, and means. A mixed model of anastomosis time on number of procedures was fitted. Poisson models were fitted with outcomes of the number of patients with delayed graft function and number of patients that underwent reoperation postoperatively, with the exposure being number of kidney transplants performed by resident. Results from the mixed model suggest that as the number of times a resident performs the surgery increases, the time to conduct the operation decreases with statistical significance. The Poisson regression demonstrated no significant relationship between the operative volume of a resident and postoperative complications. This study demonstrated statistical evidence that with an increase in the number of renal transplantations performed by a surgical resident, anastomosis time decreased. It also demonstrated no significant relationship between number of kidney transplants performed by a resident and postoperative complications, suggesting that patient outcomes for this operation are not adversely affected by resident involvement.

#5509 LOW DOSE THYMOGLOBULIN-BASILIXIMAB INDUCTION PROTOCOL ON INCIDENCE OF ACUTE REJECTION AND POSTTRANSPLANT NEOPLASIA: AN OBSERVATIONAL RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract Background and Aims Induction therapy plays a key role in the prevention of 1-year acute rejection in kidney transplantation. Several studies suggest that depleting drugs, including thymoglobulin (ATG), are superior to anti-CD25 antibodies in reducing the incidence of acute rejection. However, large retrospective investigations demonstrate a close and significant association between the use of depleting agents and the development of post-transplant neoplasia, in particular post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. Thus, in the attempt to improve the risk/benefit profile of antibody therapy, we implemented an induction protocol based on low-dose ATG and anti-CD25 blocker basiliximab (Bas). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this approach compared to standard dose ATG alone and basiliximab alone. Method This is a an observational, retrospective, single center study including 957 patients receiving a single kidney transplant the Gemelli kidney transplant center from January 2000 to February 2022 The primary efficacy outcome was biopsy proven acute rejection and the primary safety outcome was the development of post-transplant neoplasia. Patients in the ATG group received a cumulative dose of 7mg/kg in the first week after transplantation; patients in the Bas group were administered the anti-CD25 antibody at a dose of 20 mg before surgery and 20 mg 4 days after transplantation. Finally, patients in the ATG-Bas group received ATG at a cumulative concentration of 3mg/kg over the first 6 days after transplantation and Bas at a dose of 20 mg before surgery and 20 mg 4 days after transplantation. Results In our study population we evaluated 154 patients in the standard ATG group, 492 patients in the low AATG-Bas group and 311 patients in the Bas group. No statistical difference for age, mismatches, donor type, donor age, pre-transplant PRA was observed among groups. Use of mTOR inhibitors was more frequent in the standard ATG and low ATG-Bas groups compared to Bas group (80/154, 155/492, 76/311, respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001). We did not observe any significant difference in the use of other maintenance immunosuppressive drugs. Multivariate analysis (Cox model, including number of mismatches, presence of DSA at transplantation and use of mTOR inhibitors) demonstrated that only low ATG-Bas treatment (HR 0.509 95%CI 0.344-0.754, p&amp;lt;0.001), but not standard ATG (HR 0,819 95%CI 0.472-1.423, p = 0.5), was able to reduce the risk for acute rejection compared to Bas alone. On the other hand, multivariate analysis (Cox model including acute rejection, age, use of mTOR inhibitors) demonstrated that standard ATG induction (HR 1.677 95%CI 1.035-2.717, p = 0.03), but not low ATG-Bas (HR 1,324 95%CI 0,930-1,884, p = 0.1), significantly increased the risk for the development of post-transplant neoplasia compared to Bas alone. Conclusion In this retrospective analysis we demonstrated that low ATG-Bas protocol was the most effective treatment in preventing biopsy-proven acute rejection. In addition, on the contrary of standard ATG dose protocol it did not increase the risk of post-transplant neoplasia compared to Bas alone induction therapy.

#3727 REAL LIFE SINGLE-CENTRE EXPERIENCE IN PATIENTS WITH LONG-SURVIVAL RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplantation is the gold standard treatment for ESRD. Although the short-term results of kidney transplantation have improved significantly in the last 20 years, the increase in survival rates and the improvement of long-term graft outcomes represent a main challenge. Therefore, clinical data on patients with a long history of kidney transplantation are lacking and open field of research. The target of the study is to describe the outcomes in terms of renal function, immunological, infectious and neoplastic complications, and immunosuppressive therapy schemes, in a peculiar population of patients with long-lasting renal transplants. Method This is a retrospective, monocentric and observational cohort study. The study population consists of patients that underwent kidney transplantation in a single Kidney Transplant Unit from 1978 to 2012 and still in follow-up within the same Unit with a functioning graft. Data were extracted from the Hospital digital medical records after informed consent has been obtained. We analysed renal function at 5-year intervals from discharge to the last evaluation using eGFR calculated with the CKD-EPI formula. Data on demographic characteristics, comorbidities, immunosuppressive therapies and complication (divided as infectious, immunological and malignancy) has also been evaluated. Results We enrolled 332 patients with a mean follow-up of 17.9± 6.5 years, of whom 101 (30.4%) with a follow-up &amp;gt;20 years. Figure 1 shows the trend of renal function during the follow-up years. In Table 1 are reported the comorbidities and immunological, infectious and neoplastic complications. 46 (14.5 %) patients underwent a “for cause” kidney biopsy. The main finding, with 62% was transplant glomerulopathy/interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (TG/IFTA) with a mean post-transplant onset of 12.8 years (± 6.1), 9% of rejection findings with a mean time to onset of chronic rejection of 18 years (±8) and 1.3% of biopsied patients received a diagnosis of recurrence with a mean onset of 10.8 years (±4.4). 36.1% of the patients experienced at least one neoplasm with an average post-transplant onset time of 13.4 (±7.7). Infectious complications occurred in 36.1% of the transplanted patients. Conclusion This study provides an exhaustive overview of the characteristics and clinical complications in a “real life” experience with long survivor kidney transplants with the aim to better understand the needs and problems of this peculiar population in order to guide clinician in a more targeted management.

#5884 HLA COMPATIBILITY DOES NOT INFLUENCE KIDNEY GRAFT SURVIVAL AND DOES NOT IMPACT THE DEVELOPMENT OF POST-TRANSPLANT NEOPLASIA

Abstract Background and Aims HLA compatibility is a key issue in deceased and living kidney allocation, although the continuous improvement of immunosuppressive protocols might have reduced its relevance. However, an increased immunosuppression is associated with several adverse events, including the development of post-transplant neoplasia. Indeed, several reports demonstrated that the improvement in immunosuppressive drug efficiency corresponded to an increase incidence of malignancies after kidney transplantation. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of HLA compatibility on kidney graft survival and incidence of post-transplant neoplasia. Method This is an observational, retrospective, multicenter center study including 1506 patients receiving a single kidney transplant at the Gemelli and Policlinico “Consorziale” kidney transplant centers from 1/1/2000 to 1/2/2022. The primary outcomes were death-censored graft survival and the development of post-transplant neoplasia. HLA compatibility was measured as the number of HLA mismatches (MM) at the three main class I (A and B) and class II (DR) loci. To this purpose, both donor and recipients were genotyped for HLA A, B and DR. We included in the analysis all deceased and living kidney donor transplants and excluded recipients from AB0 incompatible living kidney donors and with pre-transplant donor specific antibodies. Results Based on HLA compatibility, we divided our patients’ population in three groups (0-2 MM, 369 patients 3-4 MM, 856 patients and 5-6 MM, 281 patients). At univariate analysis (Kaplan-Meyer) number of MM were not associate with death-censored graft survival (Logrank p = 0.6) whereas we observed a significant association with the development of post-transplant neoplasia (Logrank p = 0.01). However, multivariate analysis (Cox model including recipient age, induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy) demonstrated that patients with 3-4 (HR 1.033, 95% CI 0.676-1.580, p = 0.9) and 5-6 MM (HR 1.342, 95% CI 0.853-2.111, p = 0.2) did not have any statistically significant increase in the risk to develop a post-transplant malignancy. Conclusion In this observational retrospective multicenter analysis, we demonstrated that HLA incompatibility, as indicated by the number of HLA A, B and DR MM, does not predict death-censored graft survival and does not impact the development of post-transplant neoplasia. Our observation would suggest that the missing effect of HLA compatibility on graft outcome is not associated with an increased long-term over-immunosuppression.

Is Erythrocytosis More Common After Simultaneous Pancreas Kidney Transplantation? A Single-Center Experience

Post-transplant erythrocytosis (PTE) is reported in 8% to 22% of kidney transplant recipients. Few studies have evaluated the prevalence of PTE in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SPKT). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of PTE in a cohort of SPKT and same-donor single kidney transplant patients and find predictive factors for erythrocytosis development. A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed with 65 SPKT recipients and 65 same-donor single kidney transplant patients. Post-transplant erythrocytosis was defined as a hematocrit persistently >51% without a known cause of erythrocytosis. The PTE prevalence was 23.1% and was more frequent in SPKT patients than in single donor patients (38.5% vs 7.7%; P < .001). The mean time for PTE development was 11.2 ± 13.3 months. In the multivariate model, SPKT was the only predictor for PTE development. De novo hypertension was more frequent in the PTE group (P=.002), but there was no difference in stroke and pancreatic or kidney thrombosis occurrence. Post-transplant erythrocytosis is more common after SPKT than after single kidney transplantation. De novo hypertension was more frequent in the erythrocytosis group, but allograft thrombosis rates.

Values of Donor Serum Lipids and Calcium in Predicting Graft Function after Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Study.

Delayed graft function (DGF) and early graft loss of renal grafts are determined by the quality of the kidneys from the deceased donor. As "non-traditional" risk factors, serum biomarkers of donors, such as lipids and electrolytes, have drawn increasing attention due to their effects on the postoperative outcomes of renal grafts. This study aimed to examine the value of these serum biomarkers for prediction of renal graft function. The present study consecutively collected 306 patients who underwent their first single kidney transplantation (KT) from adult deceased donors in our center from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. The correlation between postoperative outcomes [DGF and abnormal serum creatinine (SCr) after 6 and 12 months] and risk factors of donors, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), past histories, serum lipid biomarkers [cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (DL)], and serum electrolytes (calcium and sodium) were analyzed and evaluated. (1) Donor age and pre-existing hypertension were significantly correlated with the incidence rate of DGF and high SCr level (≥2 mg/dL) at 6 and 12 months after KT (P<0.05); (2) The donor's BMI was significantly correlated with the incidence rate of DGF after KT (P<0.05); (3) For serum lipids, merely the low level of serum HDL of the donor was correlated with the reduced incidence rate of high SCr level at 12 months after KT [P<0.05, OR (95% CI): 0.425 (0.202-0.97)]; (4) The serum calcium of the donor was associated with the reduced incidence rate of high SCr level at 6 and 12 months after KT [P<0.05, OR (95% CI): 0.184 (0.045-0.747) and P<0.05, OR (95% CI): 0.114 (0.014-0.948), respectively]. The serum HDL and calcium of the donor may serve as predictive factors for the postoperative outcomes of renal grafts after KT, in addition to the donor's age, BMI and pre-existing hypertension.

Technical Feasibility of Renal Artery Embolization on a Transplanted Kidney Due to Intractable Unilateral Hydronephrosis After En Bloc Kidney Transplantation: Case Report.

En bloc kidney transplantation (EBKT) is a technique used to transplant pediatric kidneys to adult recipients, but can lead to certain complications seldom found in single-kidney transplantation. We report a case of renal artery embolization after EBKT due to intractable unilateral hydronephrosis and highlight the technical details and challenges of the procedure. An 18-year-old female with MELAS syndrome underwent EBKT from a 10-month-old male baby. Two months later, the patient developed unilateral hydronephrosis and recurrent urinary tract infections, which was intractable to conventional therapy. Therefore, we underwent embolization of the problematic transplanted left kidney. Owing to the complicated anatomy and multiple angulations, multiple microcatheters, wires and support catheters were needed to select the renal arteries. Repeated procedures were required due to remnant flow from small branches and accessory renal arteries that were not easily visualized by conventional angiography, which were eventually detected by adjunctive use of 3-dimensional rotational angiography. Selective renal artery embolization after EBKT is challenging due to the short renal artery length and multiple angulations, yet it can still be performed safely and effectively by use of meticulous catheter-wire interactions and adjunctive intraoperative imaging techniques to delineate the precise anatomy of the target arteries. Selective renal artery embolization, which is less invasive than nephrectomy, can be considered if the culprit kidney must inevitably be sacrificed in en bloc kidney transplantation.

Statins in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Usage, All-Cause Mortality, and Interactions with Maintenance Immunosuppressive Agents.

Cardiovascular diseases account for 32% of deaths among kidney transplant recipients. Statin therapy is common in this population. However, its effect on mortality prevention remains unclear among kidney transplant recipients, whose clinical risk profile might be unique because of concomitant immunosuppressive therapy. In this national study of 58,264 single-kidney transplant recipients, statin use was associated with a 5% decrease in mortality. More importantly, this protective association was stronger among those who used a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor for immunosuppression (27% decrease in mTOR inhibitor users versus 5% in nonusers). Our results suggest that statin therapy may reduce mortality in kidney transplant recipients and that the strength of this protective association may vary by immunosuppression regimen. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in kidney transplant (KT) recipients, accounting for 32% of deaths. Statins are widely used in KT recipients, but effectiveness for preventing mortality remains unclear in this population, especially because of interaction between statins and immunosuppressive agents. We analyzed a national cohort to assess the real-world effectiveness of statins for reducing all-cause mortality in KT recipients. We studied statin use and mortality among 58,264 adults (18 years or older) who received single kidneys between 2006 and 2016 and had Medicare part A/B/D. Statin use was ascertained from Medicare prescription drug claims and deaths from Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services records. We estimated the association of statin use with mortality using multivariable Cox models, with statin use as a time-varying exposure and immunosuppression regimen as effect modifiers. Statin use increased from 45.5% at KT to 58.2% at 1-year post-KT to 70.9% at 5-year post-KT. We observed 9785 deaths over 236,944 person-years. Overall, statin use was significantly associated with lower mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 0.99). The strength of this protective association varied by calcineurin inhibitor use (among tacrolimus users, aHR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.03 versus among calcineurin nonusers, aHR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.87; interaction P =0.002), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor use (among mTOR inhibitor users, aHR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.92 versus among nonusers, aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.00; interaction P =0.03), and mycophenolate use (among mycophenolate users, aHR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.02 versus among nonusers, aHR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64 to 0.89; interaction P =0.002). Real-world evidence supports statin therapy for reducing all-cause mortality in KT recipients. Effectiveness might be greater when combined with mTOR inhibitor-based immunosuppression.