Kidney Transplantation With and Without Native Nephrectomy for Polycystic Kidney Disease: Results of the National Inpatient Sample and the Rationale for a 2-Staged Procedure

Kidney transplantation in patients with polycystic kidney disease: increased risk of infection does not compromise graft and patient survival

Background

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) represent >10% of patients awaiting kidney transplantation. These patients are prone to potentially severe urinary tract (UTI) and liver cyst infections after transplantation. Whether such infections compromise outcome is unclear.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2017 we performed 193 kidney transplantations in patients with ADPKD. In 189 patients, we assessed the occurrence, frequency, and severity of infection episodes requiring inpatient treatment and their impact on graft and patient outcomes compared with 189 matched controls. Risk factors were analyzed by uni- and multivariable analyses.

Results

During a mean observation period of 77 months UTIs occurred more frequently in ADPKD patients (39.1% vs. 26.7%, P = .022; 0.8 ± 1.4 vs. 0.5 ± 1.1 episodes, P < .001). Eight ADPKD patients suffered from 19 episodes of liver cyst infection. Steroid medication (RR 3.04; P < .001) and recipient age (RR 1.05; P = .003) increased the risk for UTI/urosepsis, while nephrectomy reduced it (unilateral, RR 0.60; P = .088; bilateral, RR 0.45; P = .020). Patient survival was similar in both groups. The risk of graft failure was lower in ADPKD patients [hazard ratio (HR) 0.67; P = .047] due to a lower risk of death-censored graft loss (HR 0.47; P = .014). Donor age (HR 1.34; P = .002) and rejection (HR 8.47; P < .001) were risk factors for death-censored graft loss.

Conclusions

ADPKD patients are at increased risk of UTI and liver cyst infection after transplantation. Steroid medication and recipient age seem to increase the risk of UTI/urosepsis, while nephrectomy seems to reduce it. Nevertheless, patient survival was similar compared to non-ADPKD patients and death-censored graft survival even better.

Native nephrectomy and arterial embolization of native kidney in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease patients: indications, timing and postoperative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common causes of a need of renal replacement therapy. The need (elective vs. systematic) and timing of native kidney nephrectomy (before, after or during kidney transplantation) is a matter of debate and alternatives to surgery, mainly transcatheter arterial embolization have been explored. We performed a systematic review to report all available evidence on postintervention outcomes of native nephrectomy and arterial embolization in ADPKD patients.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify all studies reporting outcomes of native nephrectomy or arterial embolization in APKDs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Concerning native nephrectomy, a total of 3626 patients in 37 studies were included with 735, 210 and 2681 patients who underwent native nephrectomy respectively before, after or during kidney transplantation. Major complications were 12.2% in unilateral nephrectomy before transplantation, 25.0% in bilateral nephrectomy before transplantation, 17.7% in unilateral nephrectomy during transplantation, 20.8% in bilateral nephrectomy during transplantation and 23.8% in unilateral and bilateral nephrectomy after transplantation. A total of 230 patients in 7 series of arterial embolization were included. All arterial embolization were performed before transplantation. Mean volume reduction ranged from 36.3% at 3 months to 49% at 6 months. The major postintervention complication rate was 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral native nephrectomy before kidney transplantation was associated with the lowest major postoperative complication rate and appears to be the preferred strategy. Arterial embolization reduces kidney volume by 49% at 6 months. Arterial embolization could be considered when the reduction in size of the native kidney is not urgent.

Staged versus concurrent native nephrectomy and renal transplantation in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) frequently undergo native nephrectomy before transplantation. The nephrectomy may be a staged procedure or undertaken simultaneously with transplantation. When performed simultaneously, the transplant procedure is more prolonged, involves a larger operative field and incision. There is also a concern of a greater risk of graft loss with simultaneous nephrectomy and transplantation. Moreover, staged surgery may allow nephrectomy to be performed before immunosuppression introduction via a smaller incision or involving a minimally invasive approach. However, staged nephrectomy may require a period of dialysis not otherwise necessary if a transplant and nephrectomy were simultaneous. Moreover, only a single procedure is needed, implying the avoidance of a prior nephrectomy and its attendant morbidity in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency. To account for these issues, this study aims to compare the cumulative morbidity of two-staged procedures versus a single simultaneous approach in term of morbidity and graft outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to systematically review the literature to determine whether a staged or simultaneous approach to native nephrectomy in ADPKD is the optimal approach in terms of morbidity and graft outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted to identify published systematic reviews, randomized control trials, case-controlled studies and case studies. Data comparing outcomes of staged and simultaneous nephrectomy for patients undergoing kidney transplantation was extracted and analyzed. The main outcomes analyzed were length of hospitalization, blood loss, operative time, other early postoperative complications and risk of graft thrombosis. Meta-analysis was conducted where appropriate.

RESULTS

Seven retrospective cohort studies were included in the review. There was a total of 385 patients included in the analysis, of whom 273 patients underwent simultaneous native nephrectomy and kidney transplantation. Meta-analysis showed an increased cumulative operative time in staged procedures (RR 1.86；95% CI 0.43-3.29 p = 0.01) and increased risk of blood transfusions (RR 2.69; 95% CI 1.92-3.46 p < 0.00001). For the transplant procedure, there were no significant difference in the length of stay (RR 1.03; 95% CI -2.01-4.14 p = 0.52), major postoperative complications (RR 0.02; 95% CI -0.15-0.10 p = 0.74) and vascular thromboses (RR 1.42 95% CI 0.23-8.59 p = 0.7).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that staged nephrectomy followed by kidney transplantation is associated with a longer cumulative operative time and increased cumulative risk of blood transfusions. There is no evidence to suggest that performing a simultaneous nephrectomy and kidney transplant procedure increases the perioperative mortality rate, major postoperative complication rates or risk of vascular thrombosis.

Extraperitoneal kidney transplantation: a comparison between children weighting ≤15 kg and >15 kg. Experience of a single institution

Extraperitoneal approach is sometimes recommended for kidney transplantation (KT) in children weighting <15 kg. We hypothesized that this approach might be as successful as in patients with normal weight. Data of all consecutive KTs performed between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Early outcomes and surgical complications were compared between children weighing ≤15 kg (low‐weight (LW) group) and those weighing >15 kg (Normal‐weight (NW) group). All the 108 KTs were performed through an extraperitoneal approach. The LW group included 31 patients (mean age 3.5 ± 1.4 years), whose mean weight was 11.1 ± 2.0 kg. In the LW group,—a primary graft nonfunction (PNGF) occurred in one patient (3.2%), surgical complications occurred in nine (29%), with four venous thrombosis. In the NW group, PNGF occurred in one case (1.3%), delayed graft function (DGF) in eight (10%), surgical complications in 11 (14%) with only one case of venous thrombosis. In both groups, no need for patch during wound closure and no wound dehiscence were reported. The extraperitoneal approach can be effectively used in LW children. No differences were observed in the overall complication rate (P = 0.10), except for the occurrence of venous thrombosis (P = 0.02). This might be related to patients’ characteristics of the LW group.

Accuracy of administrative database estimates of national surgical volume: Solid organ transplantation in the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the accuracy of procedural coding in the National Inpatient Sample, in part because it is challenging to validate population-level estimates.

METHODS

We evaluated the accuracy of the National Inpatient Sample by comparing estimates of solid organ transplantation to known national transplant volumes from the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network.

RESULTS

The mean deviation of National Inpatient Sample point estimates from true transplant volume for the study period was 17.5 ± 20.8%. The mean deviation of point estimates from 2005 to 2011 was 26.4 ± 22.8% compared to 4.9 ± 6.3% from 2012 to 2016 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although future National Inpatient Sample transplantation research may be limited by the inability to subgroup procedures by donor type, surgical procedure coding of solid organ transplantation within the National Inpatient Sample appears to be accurate and reliable for generating national estimates, particularly after the National Inpatient Sample redesign in 2012.

[Application of immunosuppressants in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease after kidney transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the optimal dose range of immunosuppressants in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) after renal transplantation.

METHODS

A cohort of 68 patients with ADPKD who received their first renal transplantation between March, 2000 and January, 2018 in our institute were retrospectively analyzed, with 68 non-ADPKD renal transplant recipients matched for gender, age and date of transplant as the control group. We analyzed the differences in patient and renal survival rates, postoperative complications and concentrations of immunosuppressive agents between the two groups at different time points within 1 year after kidney transplantation. The concentrations of the immunosuppressants were also compared between the ADPKD patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) and those without UTI after the transplantation.

RESULTS

The recipients with ADPKD and the control recipients showed no significantly difference in the overall 1-, 5-, and 10- year patient survival rates (96.6% vs 96.0%, 94.1% vs 93.9%, and 90.6% vs 93.9%, respectively; P > 0.05), 1-, 5-, and 10-year graft survival rates (95.2% vs 96.0%, 90.8% vs 87.2%, and 79.0% vs 82.3%, respectively; P > 0.05), or the incidences of other post- transplant complications including acute rejection, gastrointestinal symptoms, cardiovascular events, pneumonia, and neoplasms (P > 0.05). The plasma concentrations of both tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil (MPA) in ADPKD group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 9 months after operation (P < 0.05). The incidence of UTI was significantly higher in ADPKD patients than in the control group (P < 0.05). In patients with ADPKD, those with UTI after transplantation had a significantly higher MPA plasma concentration (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with ADPKD after renal transplant, a higher dose of MPA is associated with a increased risk of UTI, and their plasma concentrations of immunosuppressants for long-term maintenance of immunosuppression regimen can be lower than those in other kidney transplantation recipients.

Native Nephrectomy in Patients With Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Evaluated for Kidney Transplantation

Native nephrectomy (NN) in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is indicated in cases of recurrent urinary tract infections and hematuria, neoplastic degeneration, and encumbrance. Timing, indication, and surgical approach of NN depends on the symptoms or policy of the center. The aim of our study is to evaluate our experience. In our retrospective study, we included 130 patients with a diagnosis of ADPKD from 530 patients evaluated for renal transplantation from 2011 to 2017. We analyzed the etiologic indication, the timing, and the complications of NN. In our cohort, 53 patients underwent open NN, 85% pre-kidney transplantation (KT), 13% post-KT, and only 1 case simultaneous with KT. In the pre-KT group, indications included: major indication was encumbrance in the. In the post-KT group, the major indication was infection followed by encumbrance, which developed after KT. Complications were: 3 cases of bleeding (1 required relaparotomy, 2 evolved into hematoma and radiological derange); 1 iatrogenic iliac artery injury, which was contextually repaired, and 5 cases of incisional hernia. At 35 ± 7.2 months follow-up, patients' survival was 96%; 1 patient died at the induction of anesthesia and 1 patient from sepsis after double NN and removal of nonfunctional transplanted kidney. NN is not without complications and should be performed when clearly indicated. In our experience, we preferred to perform NN before KT.

Bilateral Nephrectomy for Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease Does Not Affect the Graft Function of Transplant Patients and Does Not Result in Sensitisation

BACKGROUND

Native nephrectomy in Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) patients is a major operation with controversy related to timing and indications. We present our single centre experience in transplanted patients and future candidates for transplantation.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis from an anonymised database of bilateral nephrectomies for ADPKD patients. Results were reported as median, range, and percentage. Differences between groups were tested using ANOVA and t-test. Surgery was performed between January 2012 and July 2018.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients underwent bilateral native nephrectomy for APKD. 18 had a functioning kidney transplant (transplant group, 55%) while 15 patients were on dialysis (dialysis group, 45%) at the time of surgery; 8 patients of the latter group (24% of the whole cohort) were eventually transplanted. 53% were males, with median age of 55 years (27-71). Indications to surgery were the following: space (symptoms related to the size of the native kidneys or need to create space for transplantation) (59%), recurrent cyst infection (36%), haematuria (15%), pain (24%), and weight loss associated with cystic alteration on imaging (3%). In the transplant group, postoperative kidney function was not affected; haemoglobin serum levels significantly dropped in the whole cohort: 121 (82-150) g/L, versus 108 (58-154) g/L (p<0.001), with 14 patients being transfused perioperatively. Elevation of anti-HLA antibodies was noted in one female patient on dialysis, with no change in DSA levels and no rejection after transplant for all 26 transplanted patients. Median postoperative length of hospital stay was 9 days (6-71). One patient died (3%) after six months. Median follow-up for the whole cohort was 282 days (13-1834). Histopathological examination revealed incidental renal neoplasms in five cases (15%): 1 pT1a papillary renal cell carcinoma and 4 papillary adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Native nephrectomy for ADPKD could be safely performed in case of refractory symptoms, suspect of cancer or to create space for transplantation. It does not affect graft function or DSA status of transplanted patients or the prospect of transplantation of those on the waiting list.

Managing recurrent urinary tract infections in kidney transplant patients

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common clinical problem in kidney transplant recipients. Due to the complex urological anatomy derived from the implantation of the kidney graft, the spectrum of the disease and the broad underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Recurrent UTI worsen the quality of life, decrease the graft survival and increase the costs of kidney transplantation. Areas covered: In this review, we describe the definitions, clinical characteristics, pathophysiological mechanisms and microbiology of recurrent urinary tract infections in kidney transplantations. The actual published literature on the management of recurrent urinary tract infections is based on case series, observational cohorts and very few clinical trials. In this review, the available evidence is compiled to propose evidence-based strategies to manage these complex cases. Expert commentary: The management of recurrent urinary tract infections in kidney transplant patients requires a proper diagnosis of the underlying mechanism. Early identification of structural or functional urological abnormalities, potentially amenable for surgical correction, is crucial for a successful management. The use of antibiotics to prevent recurrent infections should be carefully evaluated to avoid side effects and emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

Robotic Kidney Transplantation from a Brain-Dead Deceased Donor in a Patient with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: First Case Report

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and may pose significant technical challenges for kidney transplantation. Recently, robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) has been shown to achieve excellent patient and graft outcomes while reducing surgical morbidity. However, the vast majority of RAKT performed so far were from living donors and no studies reported the outcomes of RAKT in patients with ADPKD.

Case Presentation: Herein, we describe the first successful case of RAKT from a brain-dead deceased donor in a 37-year-old patient with ESRD due to ADPKD.

Conclusion: Our case highlights that RAKT can be safely performed by experienced robotic surgeons even in selected complex recipients such as patients with ADPKD and using grafts from deceased donors.