Transplant Centers Research Articles

Evaluation and Management of Urological Complications Following Pediatric Kidney Transplantation: Experience from a Single Tertiary Center

Background/Objectives: Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), but its outcome can be affected by urological complications, with incidence rates of 2.5–25%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of urological complications and their management in a cohort of pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis on 178 patients who received a renal transplant at our Pediatric Kidney Transplant Center between 2011 and 2023 was conducted. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Urological complications were categorized as early, intermediate, or late based on their onset time. Results: Out of 178 patients, 28 (15.7%) experienced urological complications. Most patients (61%) had a pre-existing uropathy. Early complications (7–30 days) were all obstructive, namely, ureterovesical junction obstruction and perirenal collections. Intermediate complications (1–3 months) comprised ureteral stenosis, symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and obstructive lymphocele. Late complications (>3 months) included symptomatic VUR and ureteral stenosis, with one case leading to ureteral rupture. Early complications were often detected due to acute graft dysfunction, while late ones were mainly identified during routine clinical, laboratory, or ultrasound follow-up. Urological complications requiring surgical or endoscopic therapy were 13.4%. Most ureteral stenoses were treated with initial endoscopic stents, followed by definitive surgery. VUR was treated with endoscopic correction with a high success rate (75%), while open surgery was reserved for cases where initial treatments failed or complications recurred. No clear correlations were found between patient characteristics and risk of urological complication. Urological complications required multiple diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions (+2.5 admissions in mean and approximately +EUR 24,000) compared to an uncomplicated post-transplant course. However, they did not significantly impact transplant outcomes, with a graft survival rate comparable to that of the control group. Conclusions: Regular post-transplant follow-up is crucial, especially for patients with known risk factors, to allow for timely detection and treatment of urological complications, avoiding detrimental effects on graft function and improving transplantation outcomes.

Microvascular Inflammation of Kidney Allografts and Clinical Outcomes.

The heterogeneous clinical presentation of graft microvascular inflammation poses a major challenge to successful kidney transplantation. The effect of microvascular inflammation on allograft outcomes is unclear. We conducted a cohort study that included kidney-transplant recipients from more than 30 transplantation centers in Europe and North America who had undergone allograft biopsy between 2004 and 2023. We integrated clinical and pathological data to classify biopsy specimens according to the 2022 Banff Classification of Renal Allograft Pathology, which includes two new diagnostic categories: probable antibody-mediated rejection and microvascular inflammation without evidence of an antibody-mediated response. We then assessed the association between the newly recognized microvascular inflammation phenotypes and allograft survival and disease progression. A total of 16,293 kidney-transplant biopsy specimens from 6798 patients were assessed. We identified the newly recognized microvascular inflammation phenotypes in 788 specimens, of which 641 were previously categorized as specimens with no evidence of rejection. As compared with patients without rejection, the hazard ratio for graft loss was 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5 to 3.1) among patients with microvascular inflammation without evidence of an antibody-mediated response and 2.7 (95% CI, 2.2 to 3.3) among patients with antibody-mediated rejection. Patients with a diagnosis of probable antibody-mediated rejection had a higher risk of graft failure beyond year 5 after biopsy than those without rejection (hazard ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.8 to 3.5). Patients with a diagnosis of either newly recognized microvascular inflammation phenotype had a higher risk of progression of transplant glomerulopathy during follow-up than patients without microvascular inflammation. Microvascular inflammation in kidney allografts includes distinct phenotypes, with various disease progression and allograft outcomes. Our findings support the clinical use of additional rejection phenotypes to standardize diagnostics for kidney allografts. (Funded by OrganX. ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06496269.).

A Decade of Experience Between Open and Minimally Invasive Hepatectomies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background and Objectives: Hepatic resection offers promising outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but can be constrained by factors like patient suitability. Continuous advancements in laparoscopic and robotic technologies have made minimally invasive hepatectomies (MIHs) a viable alternative to open hepatectomies with benefits in terms of recovery and complications. Materials and Methods: We completed a retrospective review on 138 HCC patients who underwent OH or MIH between 2010 and 2020 at the Hume-Lee Transplant Center. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed on demographic, clinical, and tumor-specific data to assess the impact of these variables on overall and disease-free survival at 1, 3, and 5 years. Preoperative metrics like length of hospital stay (LOS) and operation duration were also evaluated. Results: Of the 109 OH and 29 MIH patients, MIH patients demonstrated shorter LOS and operative times. However, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were similar between groups, with no significant variations in 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Age > 60 years and a lack of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) were significant predictors of inferior OS and DFS in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: MIH is an efficient substitute for OH with comparable survival, even in older patients. The reduced LOS and operation time enhance its feasibility, and older patients previously denied for curative resection may qualify for MIH. Preoperative TACE also enhances survival outcomes, emphasizing its general role in managing resectable HCCs. Both robotic and laparoscopic hepatectomies offer acceptable short- and long-term clinical outcomes, highlighting MIH as the standard choice for HCC patients.

Outcome of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results of a Single-Center Study.

Despite the adoption of pediatric-like chemotherapy protocols, the introduction of new immunotherapies and a better understanding of the oncogenic landscape, the outcome for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain substantially dismal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcome in terms of survival in a cohort of adult patients with ALL who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) between 2013 and 2023. This was a single-center observational retrospective study including all consecutive adult patients with ALL who received an alloSCT between April 2013 and April 2023 at the Stem Cell Transplant Center AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza of Torino. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) Relapse-Free Survival (GRFS), Leukemia-Free Survival (LFS) and cumulative incidence (CI) of Non-Relapse Mortality (NRM). The 4-year OS and LFS were 63.4% and 48.1%, respectively, and the 1-year GRFS was 42.9%. The 1-year CI of bloodstream infections (BSI), invasive fungal infections and NRM were 38%, 7% and 18.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of total body irradiation (TBI), a time interval from diagnosis to alloSCT 7 months and female gender were factors significantly associated with better OS. Relapse of the underlying malignancy and BSI were the main causes of death. Our study suggests that alloSCT from a matched sibling donor (MSD) and alternative donors may be considered an effective tool for patients with ALL achieving a CR.

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes After Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) has evolved as a therapeutic option for patients with concurrent end-stage liver and renal diseases. This study evaluates the perioperative and long-term outcomes of CLKT at a single center in Slovenia, highlighting the challenges and successes of simultaneous organ transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing simultaneous CLKT at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana from April 2014 to June 2023. Data on demographics, cause of liver and kidney disease, operative details, postoperative complications, patient and graft survival, and follow-up were collected and analyzed. Five patients aged 27 to 60 years underwent CLKT within the study period. All transplants involved deceased donors with whole-liver grafts. Indications for CLKT were polycystic liver disease (n = 3), Caroli's disease (n = 1), and alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 1). The mean follow-up duration was 45.2 months, with a 100% survival rate. The incidence of surgical and postoperative complications was low. This pioneering series of simultaneous CLKTs in Slovenia demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the procedure in smaller transplant centers. Despite challenges, including T cell-mediated kidney rejection and surgical complications, the study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive postoperative care and management in optimizing outcomes for CLKT recipients.

Recipient selection for lung transplantation: perspective in decision-making.

To determine the conditions that prevented transplant in patients referred to our center due to end-stage lung disease. Descriptive study. Department of lung transplant clinic, Koşuyolu High Specialization Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from December 2017 to January 2022. Patients with end-stage lung disease referred to our clinic were retrospectively evaluated with regard to reasons for exclusion, diagnosis, and demographic data. The Karnofsky Performance Status scoring scale was used to measure the functional status of the patients. A total of 311 patients were evaluated during the study period. The mean age was 44.2 (range 4-73) years. There were 207 (66.6%) male patients. The most common indications were idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 104 (33.4%) patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 53 (17%) patients, bronchiectasis in 49 (15.7%) patients, and cystic fibrosis in 28 (9%) patients. Of the patients, 106 (34%) were not appropriate candidates for a lung transplant. The most common reasons for refusal were preventable situations such as activity limitation and poor performance in 53 (50%) patients, weight in 49 (46.2%) patients, and smoking in 10 (9.4%) patients. Impaired performance status was the most common cause of lung transplant exclusion. Weight and smoking were preventable causes of exclusion. Implementing pulmonary rehabilitation in very few patients was the most important handicap. It is believed that providing optimal treatment with a multidisciplinary approach and timely referral to transplant centers will significantly reduce the reasons for exclusion. Key message What is already known on this topic? Referring lung transplant candidates to clinics at the earliest stage is essential for assessing their condition and exploring treatment options. What this study adds? Factors like smoking, obesity, and muscle loss can hinder the transplantation process; thus, timely interventions are crucial. The primary reason for excluding candidates from lung transplantation is the decline in performance status. How this study might affect research, practice or policy? Programs focused on smoking cessation, weight management, and muscle strengthening can play a vital role in enhancing patients' health before transplantation. It is imperative to expand and enhance the accessibility of pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Jehovah’s witnesses: Challenges in liver disease management and in liver transplantation

Patients of Jehovah’s witnesses faith who are in need of liver transplantation pose unique challenges. These patients should be seen at transplant centers with experience in caring for Jehovah’s witnesses to formulate careful pre, intra, and post operative strategies on an individualized basis with multidisciplinary input to mitigate the risk of bleeding complications and to prepare for potential catastrophic scenarios. In depth and individualized conversations about what constitutes acceptable bloodless transfusion strategies both for the patient and for the transplant center should begin as early as possible with an experienced coordinator or church liaison. A therapeutic physician patient relationship is vital to formulating a safe care plan and to understanding the spectrum of beliefs among Jehovah’s witnesses. There remains a paucity of data on disparities in liver care and outcomes in patients of Jehovah’s witnesses faith. Future research on liver diseases and liver transplantation in Jehovah’s witnesses should focus on creating registries of patient outcomes and of centers with experience.

Cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the Kidney AlloTransplant Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence Questionnaire (KATITA-25)

The KATITA-25 (Kidney AlloTransplant Immunosuppressive Therapy Adherence) Questionnaire is a multidimensional self-administered scale developed in Brazilian Portuguese that measures the predisposition for non-adherence to immunosuppressive medication in candidate patients for kidney transplantation, in the pre-transplant setting. The aim of this study was the cross-cultural validation of the Spanish version of the KATITA-25 scale. The translation/back-translation method was used, followed by cognitive interviews and a pre-test. The Spanish version of KATITA-25 was administered to 163 candidate patients for kidney transplantation from 2 kidney transplant centres and 2 dialysis centres in Catalonia, Spain. The scale was re-administered to the first 79 patients included into the study, after a 2 to 4 weeks interval. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, test–retest reliability with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); construct validity with goodness of fit indices after confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling. The Cronbach’s alpha of the Spanish version was 0.83, the ICC was 0.86. Confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate fit of the structural model. Overall, the analytical results closely resembled those obtained in the validation of the original scale. In conclusion, this cross-cultural validation study showed adequate reliability and construct validity of the Spanish version of the KATITA-25 questionnaire.

Perspective on donor-derived infections in Italy.

Expected and unexpected donor-derived infections (DDI) are a rare event in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients but are potentially associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To assure the microbial safety of transplantation, both national guidelines and the current, regional, and local epidemiology of infectious diseases must be considered. In the present paper the strategies adopted by the Italian National Center for Transplantation (CNT) since 2003 and their evolution to guarantee the safety of organ transplantation are reported. Starting in 2012 mandatory reporting to the CNT of all adverse reactions was started. The number and type of DDI reported to the CNT are currently being analyzed. The infectious diseases second opinion has written and updated the guidelines on the safety of organs for transplantation and supported the Italian transplant network for the use of organs from donors with suspected or documented potentially transmissible infections. A transplant safety network was developed in Italy in 2003 and has been updated according to the evolving knowledge and the changing epidemiology. This is an evolving field, and a continuous update of the recommendation is needed.

One size does NOT fit all – factoring weight into current stem cell transplant guidelines in multiple myeloma patients

Abstract Autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HPSC) transplantation serves as the standard of care treatment for multiple myeloma patients. The standard ASCT procedures for multiple myeloma (MM) patients often includes induction therapy, stem cell collection via apheresis and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for eligible patients. The current guideline for HPSC collection for multiple myeloma established that 3x106 cells/kg of actual body weight (ABW) by the 1997 study of stem cell transplants in breast cancer. Recent research indicates that ideal body weight (IBW) utilization is a stronger predictor of post-autotransplantation neutrophil recovery than calculations based on ABW. Reducing the cost of HPSC collection and cryopreservation is critical to mitigate the cost incurred by the transplant center and the patient. This study evaluates whether using a patient’s IBW or Adjusted Ideal Body Weight (AIBW) would be satisfactory in determining the amount of stem cells required for transfusion when compared to ABW. After institutional review board approval, a retrospective chart review study analyzed a cohort of 224 deceased MM patients, who received HCT at the UAB Medicine Hospital within the fiscal years of 2017 to 2019. The ABW for each patient was used to calculate their IBW and AIBW using the formulas shown below. The target CD34+ cell amount for patients was calculated using each body weight parameter. The platelet count and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) defined a successful platelet and neutrophil engraftment. The engraftment date was determined as the day the platelet value exceeded 20 and ANC exceeded 0.5 for three consecutive days (without any transfusion within a seven day window) and a statistical analysis was utilized to determine whether the IBW and AIBW parameters were adequate to achieve successful engraftment and HCT. This study finds that the cohort of multiple myeloma patients are significantly more overweight than the prior study that established the current guidelines for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. The results for CD34+/kg cell targets for ideal and adjusted ideal body weight suggests that there are minimal differences in platelet and neutrophil engraftment and number of platelet transfusions when compared to CD34+/kg targets using actual body weight. Some methods to reduce excessive stem cell collection include decreasing target cell dosage from previous standards of 6.0 x 106 cells/kg or calculating total cell dosage with IBW or AIBW instead of ABW. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy of cell dosage decrease to lowered targets and total cell calculations using IBW or AIBW instead of ABW. Equation 1. ABW to IBW Conversion (H = height over 5 ft. in inches) IBW(males) = 50 kg + (2.3 kg x H) IBW(females) = 45.5 kg + (2.3 kg x H) Equation 2. ABW to AIBW Conversion AIBW = IBW + 0.5(ABW-IBW)

Perspectives on Long-Term Follow-Up Among Living Kidney Donors

Background: The long-term follow-up of living kidney donors is highly variable in Canada. Methods: We surveyed perspectives on post-donation follow-up among 685 living donors in the two largest transplant programs in Canada (43% survey response rate). The anonymous survey was informed by semi-structured interviews with 12 living kidney donors. The survey was developed based on themes identified in the semi-structured interviews, guidance from the research and clinical teams, and feedback from pilot testing with six previous donors. Results: Most (73%) respondents received follow-up after the first donation year from a primary care provider, and 70% reported annual follow-up visits including blood and urine tests. Most (71%) received a follow-up reminder from their transplant center, and follow-up was higher (86% versus 68%) among those receiving reminders. Donors wanted specialist involvement if new health or kidney-related events occurred. Most (70%) were satisfied with their follow-up, and 66% endorsed annual life-long follow-up. Donors wanted more information about lifestyle and living donor outcomes and wanted to contribute to research to increase understanding of long-term donor health outcomes. Conclusions: Donors wanted annual lifelong follow-up including clinical assessment and laboratory tests and more information about their post-donation health. A transplant center led, primary care provider administered model of long-term follow-up may best meet the care and information needs of most donors.

Should viscoelastic testing be a standard point-of-care test on all intensive care units?

Viscoelastic tests (VETs) have transformed assessment of haemostasis and transfusion practices in trauma, cardiac and liver transplantation centres. Impaired haemostasis is a common problem on the general intensive care unit (ICU), but routine use of VETs is rare. We have accordingly reviewed the evidence to determine whether there is evidence to support the use of VETs as a standard point of care test on all ICUs in assessing and managing patients. The benefits of using VETs in the management of major haemorrhage, namely faster identification of a coagulopathy, in particular early detection of fibrinolysis, and reduced transfusion requirements for blood products have been seen in the general ICU. Validation of treatments algorithms is now required to standardise practice. There is also emerging evidence to support the use of VETs to guide urgent treatment decisions in patients with a coagulopathy or in patients taking anti-coagulants or anti-platelet therapies. We recommend that departments independently review the feasibility of setting up a viscoelastic point of care service which considers the applicability to their patient cohort, the financial cost and the personnel required.

Native nephrectomy in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in kidney transplant program: long-term single-center experience.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common genetic disorder that frequently leads to end-stage renal disease. In this study, we examine the indications, procedures, and outcomes of native nephrectomy (NN) in ADPKD patients at our transplant center. Drawing on 25 years of clinical practice, we aim to provide insights into the surgical management of ADPKD, focusing on the specific factors influencing NN. A retrospective study was conducted involving ADPKD patients who underwent KT and NN between 1999 and 2023. Collected data encompassed demographics and surgery parameters, such as duration, hospital stay length, blood loss, and complications. Patients were classified based on the urgency (acute/planned) of the NN and its type (unilateral/bilateral), followed by an analysis of the outcomes per group. Out of 152 patients post-KT for ADPKD, 89 (58.6%) underwent NN. The procedures were predominantly unilateral (71; 64%), with bilateral NN accounting for 40 (36%) cases. NN timing relative to KT was 31 (27.9%) pretransplant, 9 (8.1%) concomitant, 51 (45.9%) posttransplant, and 10 (9%) patients undergoing the sandwich technique. Acute NN were performed in 42 cases, while 69 were planned. Acute NNs were associated with longer surgeries, greater blood loss, and a higher incidence of perioperative complications compared to planned NNs. Specifically, unilateral acute NN had a 23.8% complication rate compared to 2.9% in planned cases; bilateral acute NN showed a 28.6% complication rate versus 4.3% in planned cases. This investigation accentuates the significance of planning and selection in NN for ADPKD, factoring in the heightened risk of complications. Acute NN are linked to worse outcomes, including higher rates of complications. The data emphasize the necessity of tailored surgical approaches based on individual patient circumstances.

Enteric Pathogen Detection Using Multiplex PCR Assay in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Diarrhea-Retrospective Before-After Study.

Diarrhea is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation, however the etiology is often not identified. Multiplex PCR assays may increase the detection of diarrheal pathogens among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), leading to improved management. This was a retrospective before-after study, conducted in a high-volume transplant center. In September 2017, multiplex PCR assay was introduced. We reviewed all hospitalized KTRs with diarrhea during 1/2015-8/2017 (pre-GI PCR, n = 111) and 9/2017-12/2021 (GI PCR, n = 159) and followed them for 3years. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis for predictors of pathogen identification, introducing the study period as an independent variable. Among 270 hospitalized KTRs with diarrhea, 64 (24%) had an identified diarrheal pathogen. The proportion of KTRs with an identified pathogen increased from 20% (13/64) in the pre-GI PCR to 80% (51/64) post GI PCR (p < 0.01). Of 51 KTRs with an identified pathogen in the post GI PCR, 44 (86%) were diagnosed using GI PCR. GI PCR was more likely used in younger KTRs with more recent transplantation and higher creatinine level at admission. The most common non-C. difficile diarrheal pathogens in the post-GI PCR cohort were enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (n = 23, 58%), norovirus (n = 11, 28%), and Campylobacter (n = 11, 28%). Implementing GI PCR significantly increased the detection and identification of GI pathogens (odds ratio [OR] = 21, CI 95% 10-44; p < 0.001). Infectious etiologies of diarrhea were identified in a higher proportion of KTRs after the implementation of GI PCR. This emphasizes the importance of integrating this diagnostic tool into diarrhea workup in KTRs.

Prevention and management of infectious and tropical diseases in kidney transplant recipients residing in European outermost and overseas territories.

The European Union encompasses 30 outermost and overseas countries and territories (OCTs). Despite a recent increasing activity of renal transplantation in these territories, many patients still undergo transplantation in continental Europe, with follow-up care coordinated between health professionals from both their transplant center and their home region. Each territory has its unique infectious epidemiology which must be known to ensure appropriate care for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This paper proposes a pragmatic approach to optimize pre-transplant check-up and to provide an overview of the specific epidemiological features of each region. It offers practical algorithms to help practitioners in managing infected KTR living in these territories. This work advocates for increased collaborative research among European OCTs.

Evaluation of vascular invasion in pancreatic head tumors and its impact on radical surgical treatment

Objective. To evaluate the informativeness and sensitivity of radiological criteria for vascular invasion in pancreatic head tumors in comparison with intraoperative data and results of routine pathological examination. Materials and methods. The study included 98 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head with suspected venous invasion and spread of tumor growth along the vessels of the portomesenteric axis, who were operated on at the Department of Pancreatic and Bile Duct Surgery of the National Research Center of Surgery and Transplantation named after O. A. Shalimov in the period from 2019 to 2023. Group 1 included 51 (52.0%) patients who underwent radical surgery with resection of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein and extended lymph and neurodissection, and group 2 included 47 (48.0%) patients who had positive vascular margins of pancreatic resection according to routine pathological examination. Diagnostic criteria for vascular alterations were developed. A comparative analysis of the informativeness of the developed criteria and the results of a routine pathological examination was performed. The edges of the pancreatic resection were evaluated, including the neck of the gland, common bile duct, duodenum/gastric duct, and the bed of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein and superior mesenteric artery separately. R1 status was defined as the presence of tumor cells at a distance of less than 1 mm to the resection margin. Results. According to the criteria of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) 2023.2, 61 (62.2%) patients had a marginally resectable stage of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head and tumor contact with the superior mesenteric/hepatic veins according to multislice computed tomography of the abdominal cavity. In group 1, there were 36 (70.6%) such patients, in group 2 – 25 (53.2%). According to the proposed radiologic criteria for vascular invasion, tumor contact with the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal veins was suspected in 76 (77.6%) patients, which is higher than in the standard approach. Determination of vascular alterations according to the results of our study is a more reliable method for diagnosing invasion of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein (χ2 = 5.46, p = 0.019) and predicting the performance of radical surgery, including vascular resection. Conclusions. The proposed criteria for the radiological diagnosis of vascular invasion at the preoperative stage increased the sensitivity of this method from 62.2 to 77.6%. The most frequent radiological signs of vascular alteration are vascular wall irregularity (47.7%) and parapancreatic tissue density (62.5%). In the presence of any of the radiological signs of vascular alteration, resection of the affected area of the superior mesenteric/hepatic portal vein with extended lymph and neurodissection is indicated, which allows a statistically significant increase in the number of R0 resections.

Epidural analgesia in the perioperative period and mean arterial pressure as risk factors for postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Objective. To study the influence of epidural analgesia and mean arterial pressure as risk factors for the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed evacuation of gastric contents and postpancreatic bleeding after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Materials and Methods. The retrospective study included 234 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at the National Research Center of Surgery and Transplantation named after O. O. Shalimov from January 2022 to November 2023. The surgical intervention included a standard pancreaticoduodenectomy according to the modified Child's technique. The objective was to evaluate the optimal approach to anesthesia and blood pressure management to minimize the risk of postoperative complications. Data were collected on the type of anesthesia (general anesthesia or a combination of general anesthesia and epidural analgesia), mean arterial pressure, use of vasopressors, and the incidence of postoperative complications. The analysis was performed using logistic–binomial regression to assess the risk of complications depending on the level of blood pressure and the use of epidural analgesia. Results. The combined use of epidural analgesia and general anesthesia was associated with a decrease in the incidence of clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed evacuation of gastric contents, and other complications. Epidural analgesia, although associated with an increased risk of hemodynamic instability, contributed to better pain control and a reduction in the incidence of postoperative complications. A decrease in mean arterial pressure by each 1 mm Hg increases the risk of postoperative pancreatic fistula by 15.8%, which confirms the importance of maintaining an adequate level of pressure to ensure optimal tissue perfusion. Despite the hypothesis of a possible negative effect of vasopressors, their use did not show a statistically significant association with the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Thus, further studies are needed to clarify the optimal parameters of patient management after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Brain abscess following solid organ transplantation: A 21-year retrospective study.

Development of brain abscess following solid organ transplantation is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We undertook a descriptive study to evaluate the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of brain abscess in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at three major transplant centers in the United States. This is a retrospective study of adults with brain abscess following SOT between January 2000 and June 2021 at Mayo Clinic sites in Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida. A total of 39 patients were diagnosed with a brain abscess following SOT. The most common pathogens were Nocardia sp. (24 cases, 61.5% [Nocardia farcinica, 37.5%]), followed by fungi (12 cases, 30.7% [Aspergillus sp., 83.3%]). The majority were kidney transplant recipients (59%). Median time to brain abscess diagnosis was 1.3 years (range, 29 days-12 years) after SOT; 10 of 12 patients (83%) with fungal brain abscess were diagnosed within 1 year after SOT. Twelve patients underwent brain biopsy for diagnosis (25% Nocardia vs. 50% fungal), eight (20.5%) underwent surgical resection of the abscess, and 31 (79.5%) received antimicrobial therapy alone. Median time to brain abscess resolution was 166 days for Nocardia and 356 days for fungal pathogens. Eleven of 39 patients (28.2%) died as a result of their brain abscess, including four of 24 patients (16%) with Nocardia and six of 10 patients (60%) with Aspergillus brain abscess. All-cause mortality was 43.6%. Brain abscess remains an uncommon infectious complication following SOT. Nocardia and fungi accounted for 92% of pathogens in our cohort. Fungal brain abscess portends a poor prognosis.

Can you spare 100days? The allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant caregiver requirement from the perspective of social workers.

A caregiver is generally required for a patient to proceed with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). If continuous caregiver support is not available, alloHCT will likely not be a treatment option. A qualitative study design was used to explore caregiver requirements from the perspectives of social workers (SWs). Secondary objectives included learning about requirement flexibility, barriers, and ideas to support patients and caregivers. Semi-structured web-based focus groups were conducted with alloHCT SWs who worked with adults at the United States (U.S.) transplant centers (TCs) from May to July 2022. Focus groups explored TC caregiver requirements, including flexibility and exceptions, origins, and barriers. Twenty-two SWs from TCs across the U.S. participated. All noted their TC required a caregiver to proceed to alloHCT, though there was variation in the length of time a caregiver was required and the distance needed to stay near the TC post-alloHCT. Most participants described differences within the transplant team in allowing exceptions to caregiver requirements. SWs described barriers including finances and patients needing to relocate closer to the TC. SWs reported variation in caregiver requirements across TCs. Though variation may allow for some flexibility, it may contribute to access barriers. Additional research is needed to identify essential requirements for safe post-transplant care and monitoring and to develop patient-centered models to help patients access life-saving treatment.

Study of related factors to vascular complications after pediatric liver transplantation

Objective: To explore the related factors of vascular complications after liver transplantation in children. Methods: This is a retrospective case-series research. The clinical data of 89 pediatric liver transplant patients admitted to the Organ Transplantation Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to March 2024 were collected retrospectively. This study included 44 males and 45 females,aged from 4 months to 17 years. The ratio of graft to recipient weight was 0.6% to 7.7%. The primary diseases included 48 cases of biliary atresia and 41 cases of non-biliary atresia. The t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2 test, and Fisher's exact probability method were used for data analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of vascular complications. Results: All 89 children with liver transplantation completed surgery successfully. There were 8 cases of arterial complications after surgery, including 6 cases of hepatic artery thrombosis and 2 cases of hepatic artery stenosis. There were 16 cases of portal vein complications after surgery, including 9 cases of portal vein stenosis and 7 cases of portal vein thrombosis. The results of univariate analysis showed that the age of the recipient ≤1 year was the relevant factor for hepatic arterial complications(χ2=4.772,P=0.029). The age of the recipient ≤1 year, the age of the donor, the hepatic phase, and the time of cold ischemia were the relevant factors for the occurrence of portal vein complications(χ2=7.270,Z=388.500,Z=838.000, Z=594.500;all P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that age(≤1 year vs. >1 year) and duration of cold ischemia(every additional 1 hour) were independent related factors for portal vein complications after liver transplantation in children(both P<0.05). Conclusion: Children aged ≤1 year and with prolonged cold ischemia are more likely to develop portal vein complications after liver transplantation.