Rapid Discontinuation of Prednisone in Kidney Transplant Recipients: 15-Year Outcomes From the University of Minnesota. Transplantation. 2017;101:2590-2598. [PMID: 28376034 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001756]

Perioperative Considerations in Older Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review

With the growth of the older adult population, the number of older adults waitlisted for and undergoing kidney and liver transplantation has increased. Transplantation is an important and definitive treatment for this population. We present a contemporary review of the unique preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues that patients older than 65 y face when they undergo kidney or liver transplantation. We focus on geriatric syndromes that are common in older patients listed for kidney or liver transplantation including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive dysfunction; discuss important considerations for older transplant recipients, which may impact preoperative risk stratification; and describe unique challenges in intraoperative and postoperative management for older patients. Intraoperative challenges in the older adult include using evidence-based best anesthetic practices, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure, and using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Postoperative concerns include controlling acute postoperative pain; preventing cardiovascular complications and delirium; optimizing immunosuppression; preventing perioperative kidney injury; and avoiding nephrotoxicity and rehabilitation. Future studies are needed throughout the perioperative period to identify interventions that will improve patients' preoperative physiologic status, prevent postoperative medical complications, and improve medical and patient-centered outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.

Lowering maintenance immune suppression in elderly kidney transplant recipients; connecting the immunological and clinical dots

The management of long-term immune suppressive medication in kidney transplant recipients is a poorly explored field in the area of transplant medicine. In particular, older recipients are at an increased risk for side effects and have an exponentially increased risk of infection-related death. In contrast, an aged immune system decreases the risk of acute T-cell-mediated rejection in older recipients. Recent advances in alloimmunity research have shown a rapid and substantial decline in polyfunctional, high-risk CD4⁺ T cells post-transplantation. This lowers the direct alloreactivity responsible for T-cell-mediated rejection, also known as donor-specific hyporesponsiveness. Chronic antibody-mediated rejection (c-aABMR) is the most frequent cause of kidney graft loss in the long term. However, in older adults, c-aABMR as a cause of graft loss is outnumbered by death with a functioning graft. In addition, DSA development and a diagnosis of c-aABMR plateau ~10 years after transplantation, resulting in a very low risk for rejection thereafter. The intensity of immune suppression regimes could likely be reduced accordingly, but trials in this area are scarce. Tacrolimus monotherapy for 1 year after transplantation seems feasible in older kidney transplant recipients with standard immunological risk, showing the expected benefits of fewer infections and better vaccination responses.

Recipient and Graft Outcomes in Simultaneous Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation With Steroid Avoidance in the United States

BACKGROUND

Steroid avoidance in kidney transplantation has been proven noninferior. Long-term outcome data on steroid avoidance in simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) remains scant.

METHODS

Utilizing the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between 2000 and 2020, we studied all primary crossmatch negative SPK recipients (N = 5683) who received antithymocyte globulin induction and were discharged alive with functioning grafts on tacrolimus and mycophenolate ± steroid maintenance. Recipients were grouped according to steroid use into 2 groups: steroid maintenance (n = 4191) and steroid avoidance (n = 1492). Kaplan-Meier curves censored at 10 y were generated for recipient and allograft survival by steroid maintenance. Predictors for recipient and graft survival were examined using Cox Proportional Hazards. Models were adjusted for age, body mass index, ethnicity, diabetes type, human leukocyte-antigen mismatches, cold ischemia time, transplant era, preemptive transplantation, and pancreas donor risk index with the transplant center included as a random effect.

RESULTS

Steroid avoidance gained popularity over time, accounting for over one-fourth of the studied cohort. One-year acute rejection rates by steroid avoidance were comparable for kidney (8.6% versus 9%, P  = 0.783); however, the pancreas rejection rate was lower in the steroid avoidance group (7.9% versus 10%; P  = 0.035). After adjustment, steroid avoidance did not influence recipient survival (lower level of confidence interval, adjusted hazard ratio, upper level of confidence interval: 0.94, 1.15, 1.39), pancreas (0.75, 0.93, 1.16), or kidney (0.95, 1.18, 1.45) death-censored survival, compared with steroid maintenance.

CONCLUSIONS

Accounting for the recipient and graft characteristics, steroid avoidance is associated with similar recipient, pancreas, and kidney graft outcomes compared with steroid maintenance in SPK recipients after antithymocyte globulin induction with tacrolimus and mycophenolate maintenance.

New Approaches to Cardiovascular Disease and Its Management in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Cardiovascular events, including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia, are common complications after kidney transplantation and continue to be leading causes of graft loss. Kidney transplant recipients have both traditional and transplant-specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In the general population, modification of cardiovascular risk factors is the best strategy to reduce cardiovascular events; however, studies evaluating the impact of risk modification strategies on cardiovascular outcomes among kidney transplant recipients are limited. Furthermore, there is only minimal guidance on appropriate cardiovascular screening and monitoring in this unique patient population. This review focuses on the limited scientific evidence that addresses cardiovascular events in kidney transplant recipients. Additionally, we focus on clinical management of specific cardiovascular entities that are more prevalent among kidney transplant recipients (ie, pulmonary hypertension, valvular diseases, diastolic dysfunction) and the use of newer evolving drug classes for treatment of heart failure within this cohort of patients. We note that there are no consensus documents describing optimal diagnostic, monitoring, or management strategies to reduce cardiovascular events after kidney transplantation; however, we outline quality initiatives and research recommendations for the assessment and management of cardiovascular-specific risk factors that could improve outcomes.

Novel management of diabetes in kidney transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a prevalent complication in kidney transplant recipients, and has been associated with worse short-term and long-term outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

While hyperglycemia is frequently seen in the early posttransplant period because of surgical stress, infection, and use of high-dose steroids, the diagnosis of PTDM should be established after patients are clinically stable and on stable maintenance immunosuppression. In the early posttransplant period, hyperglycemia is typically treated with insulin, and pilot data have suggested potential benefit of lower vs. higher glycemic targets in this setting. Growing data indicate lifestyle modifications, including dietary interventions, physical activity, and mitigation of obesity, are associated with improved posttransplant outcomes. While there are limited data to support a first-line antidiabetic medication for PTDM, more established pharmacotherapies such as sulfonylureas, meglitinides, and dipetidyl peptidase IV inhibitors are commonly used. Given recent trials showing the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists upon kidney outcomes in nontransplant patients, further study of these agents specifically in kidney transplant recipients are urgently needed.

SUMMARY

Increasing evidence supports a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle modification, obesity treatment, judicious immunosuppression selection, and careful utilization of novel antidiabetic therapies in PTDM patients.

Patient and Graft Survival Outcomes During 2 Eras of Immunosuppression Protocols in Kidney Transplantation: Indiana University Retrospective Cohort Experience

BACKGROUND

Since 1964 when Indiana University performed its first kidney transplant, immunosuppression protocol was steroid-based until 2004 when steroid-free immunosuppression protocol was adopted. We describe clinical outcomes on our patients administered early steroid withdrawal (ESW) protocol (5 days) compared with our historical cohort (HC), who were on chronic steroid-based immunosuppression.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study evaluating kidney transplant recipients between 1993 and 2003 (HC, n = 1689) and between 2005 and 2016 (ESW cohort, n = 2097) at the Indiana University program, with a median follow-up of 10.5 years and 6.1 years, respectively. Primary outcomes were patient and death-censored graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years in both study cohorts. Secondary outcomes were 1-year rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection; graft function at 1, 3, and 5 years; and risk of post-transplant infection (BK virus and cytomegalovirus) in the ESW cohort. Cox proportional model and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to estimate survival probabilities. Fisher exact tests were used to compare episodes of acute rejection in the ESW cohort.

RESULTS

No difference was observed in patient survival between the ESW and HC cohorts (P = .13). Compared with the ESW cohort, death-censored graft survival was significantly worse in the HC (5 year: 86.4% vs 90.6%, log-rank P < .001). One-year acute rejection reported in the ESW cohort alone was 15.7% and significantly worse in Black patients and younger patients (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this sizeable single-center cohort study with significant ethnic diversity, ESW is a viable alternative to steroid-based immunosuppression protocol in kidney transplant recipients.

Long-Term Immunosuppression Management: Opportunities and Uncertainties

The long-term management of maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients remains complex. The vast majority of patients are treated with the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus as the primary agent in combination with mycophenolate, with or without corticosteroids. A tacrolimus trough target 5-8 ng/ml seems to be optimal for rejection prophylaxis, but long-term tacrolimus-related side effects and nephrotoxicity support the ongoing evaluation of noncalcineurin inhibitor-based regimens. Current alternatives include belatacept or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors. For the former, superior kidney function at 7 years post-transplant compared with cyclosporin generated initial enthusiasm, but utilization has been hampered by high initial rejection rates. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have yielded mixed results as well, with improved kidney function tempered by higher risk of rejection, proteinuria, and adverse effects leading to higher discontinuation rates. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors may play a role in the secondary prevention of squamous cell skin cancer as conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor to an mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor resulted in a reduction of new lesion development. Early withdrawal of corticosteroids remains an attractive strategy but also is associated with a higher risk of rejection despite no difference in 5-year patient or graft survival. A major barrier to long-term graft survival is chronic alloimmunity, and regardless of agent used, managing the toxicities of immunosuppression against the risk of chronic antibody-mediated rejection remains a fragile balance.

Belatacept for Simultaneous Calcineurin Inhibitor and Chronic Corticosteroid Immunosuppression Avoidance

Immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplantation is associated with numerous toxicities. CD28-mediated T cell costimulation blockade using belatacept may reduce long-term nephrotoxicity, compared with calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppression. The efficacy and safety of simultaneous calcineurin inhibitor avoidance and rapid steroid withdrawal were tested in a randomized, prospective, multi-center study. Methods All kidney transplants were performed using rapid steroid withdrawal immunosuppression. Recipients were randomized to 1:1:1 to receive belatacept with alemtuzumab induction, belatacept with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) induction, or tacrolimus with rATG induction. The composite endpoint consisted of death, kidney allograft loss, or an MDRD calculated eGFR of <45 ml/min/1.73m² at 2 years. Results The composite endpoint was observed for 11/107 (10%) participants assigned to belatacept/alemtuzumab, 13/104 (13%) assigned to belatacept /rATG, and 21/105 (21%) assigned to tacrolimus/rATG (belatacept/alemtuzumab vs tacrolimus/rATG p = 0.99: belatacept/rATG vs tacrolimus/rATG p = 0.66). Patient and graft survival rates were similar between all groups. eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m² was observed for 9/107 (8%) participants assigned to belatacept/alemtuzuab, 8/104 (8%) participants assigned to belatacept/rATG, and 20/105 (19%) participants assigned to tacrolimus/rATG (p<0.05 for each belatacept group vs tacrolimus/rATG). Biopsy-proven acute rejection was observed for 20/107 (19%) participants assigned to belatacept/alemtuzuab, 26/104 (25%) participants assigned to belatacept/rATG, and 7/105 (7%) participants assigned to tacrolimus/rATG (belatacept/alemtuzumab vs tacrolimus/rATG p = 0.006: belatacept/rATG vs tacrolimus/rATG p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal and neurologic adverse events were less frequent with belatacept versus calcineurin based immunosuppression. Conclusions Overall two-year outcomes were similar comparing maintenance immunosuppression based on belatacept versus tacrolimus, each protocol with rapid steroid withdrawal. The incidence of eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m² was significantly lower but the incidence of biopsy proven acute rejection significantly higher with belatacept compared with tacrolimus.

Clinical Relevance of Corticosteroid Withdrawal on Graft Histological Lesions in Low-Immunological-Risk Kidney Transplant Patients

The impact of corticosteroid withdrawal on medium-term graft histological changes in kidney transplant (KT) recipients under standard immunosuppression is uncertain. As part of an open-label, multicenter, prospective, phase IV, 24-month clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02284464) in low-immunological-risk KT recipients, 105 patients were randomized, after a protocol-biopsy at 3 months, to corticosteroid continuation (CSC, n = 52) or corticosteroid withdrawal (CSW, n = 53). Both groups received tacrolimus and MMF and had another protocol-biopsy at 24 months. The acute rejection rate, including subclinical inflammation (SCI), was comparable between groups (21.2 vs. 24.5%). No patients developed dnDSA. Inflammatory and chronicity scores increased from 3 to 24 months in patients with, at baseline, no inflammation (NI) or SCI, regardless of treatment. CSW patients with SCI at 3 months had a significantly increased chronicity score at 24 months. HbA1c levels were lower in CSW patients (6.4 ± 1.2 vs. 5.7 ± 0.6%; p = 0.013) at 24 months, as was systolic blood pressure (134.2 ± 14.9 vs. 125.7 ± 15.3 mmHg; p = 0.016). Allograft function was comparable between groups and no patients died or lost their graft. An increase in chronicity scores at 2-years post-transplantation was observed in low-immunological-risk KT recipients with initial NI or SCI, but CSW may accelerate chronicity changes, especially in patients with early SCI. This strategy did, however, improve the cardiovascular profiles of patients.

Does steroid-free immunosuppression improve the outcome in kidney transplant recipients compared to conventional protocols?

Steroids continue to be the cornerstone of immune suppression since the early days of organ transplantation. Steroids are key component of induction protocols, maintenance therapy and in the treatment of various forms of rejection. Prolonged steroid use resulted in significant side effects on almost all the body organs owing to the presence of steroid receptors in most of the mammalian cells. Kidney allograft recipients had to accept the short and long term complications of steroids because of lack of effective alternatives. This situation changed with the intro-duction of newer and more effective immune suppression agents with a relatively more acceptable side effect profile. As a result, the clinicians have been contemplating if it is the time to abandon the unquestionable reliance on maintenance steroids in modern transplantation practice. This review aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various steroid-minimization approaches (steroid avoidance, early steroid withdrawal, and late steroid withdrawal) in kidney transplant recipients. A meticulous electronic search was conducted through the available data resources like SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Liverpool University library e-resources. Relevant articles obtained through our search were included. A total number of 90 articles were eligible to be included in this review [34 randomised controlled trials (RCT) and 56 articles of other research modalities]. All articles were evaluating the safety and efficacy of various steroid-free approaches in comparison to maintenance steroids. We will cover only the RCT articles in this review. If used in right clinical context, steroid-free protocols proved to be comparable to steroid-based maintenance therapy. The appropriate approach should be tailored individually according to each recipient immuno-logical challenges and clinical condition.

Individual Lymphocyte Sensitivity to Steroids as a Reliable Biomarker for Clinical Outcome after Steroid Withdrawal in Japanese Renal Transplantation

Recently, steroid reduction/withdrawal regimens have been attempted to minimize the side effects of steroids in renal transplantation. However, some recipients have experienced an increase/resumption of steroid administrations and acute graft rejection (AR). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the individual lymphocyte sensitivity to steroids and the clinical outcome after steroid reduction/withdrawal. We cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 24 recipients with concanavalin A (Con A) in the presence of methylprednisolone (MPSL) or cortisol (COR) for four days, and the 50% of PBMC proliferation (IC₅₀) values and the PBMC sensitivity to steroids were calculated. Regarding the experience of steroid increase/resumption and incidence of AR within one year of steroid reduction/withdrawal, the IC₅₀ values of these drugs before transplantation in the clinical event group were significantly higher than those in the event-free group. The cumulative incidence of steroid increase/resumption and AR in the PBMC high-sensitivity groups to these drugs before transplantation were significantly lower than those in the low-sensitivity groups. These observations suggested that an individual’s lymphocyte sensitivity to steroids could be a reliable biomarker to predict the clinical outcome after steroid reduction/withdrawal and to select the patients whose dose of steroids can be decreased and/or withdrawn after transplantation.

Early Corticosteroid Cessation vs Long-term Corticosteroid Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Long-term Outcomes of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The complications of corticosteroids make the inclusion of these drugs in immunosuppressive protocols for kidney transplant patients undesirable. However, cessation of corticosteroids is associated with a higher risk of short-term rejection, and the long-term outcomes of patients withdrawn from corticosteroids remain uncertain.

Objective

To compare long-term kidney transplant outcomes of patients randomized to continue or withdraw corticosteroids.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted between November 1999 and December 2002 with linkage to a mandatory national registry with validated outcome ascertainment until June 8, 2018. The study included 28 kidney transplant centers in the United States, including 386 low- to moderate-immune risk adult recipients of a living or deceased donor kidney transplant without delayed graft function or short-term rejection in the first week after transplant. Analyses were intention to treat. Analysis began September 2018 and ended June 2019.

Interventions

Patients were randomized to receive tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil with or without corticosteroids 7 days after transplant.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Kidney allograft failure from any cause including death and allograft failure censored for patient death defined by the requirement for long-term dialysis or repeat transplant.

Results

Of 385 patients, 191 were assigned to withdraw from corticosteroids (mean [SD] age, 46.5 [12.1] years), and 194 patients were assigned to continued corticosteroids (mean [SD] age, 46.3 [12.6] years). The median (interquartile range) follow-up time was 15.8 (12.0-16.3) years after transplant. The adjusted hazard ratios of allograft failure from any cause including death was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.62-1.10; P = .19) and for allograft failure censored for patient death was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.52-1.19; P = .25) and did not differ between the patients assigned to withdraw from corticosteroids vs assigned to continued corticosteroids. Results were consistent in a per-protocol analysis among 223 patients who continued the trial-assigned treatment of corticosteroid withdrawal (n = 114) or corticosteroids (n = 109) through at least 5 years after transplant. The outcomes of trial participants in either treatment group did not differ from similarly treated contemporary registry patients who met trial eligibility criteria and were treated with the same immunosuppressive drugs.

Conclusions and Relevance

Long-term corticosteroids may not be necessary as part of a calcineurin-based multiple drug immunosuppressive regimen in low- to moderate-immune risk kidney transplant recipients.

Thirty Years of Tacrolimus in Clinical Practice

Tacrolimus was discovered in 1984 and entered clinical use shortly thereafter, contributing to successful solid organ transplantation across the globe. In this review, we cover development of tacrolimus, its evolving clinical utility, and issues affecting its current usage. Since earliest use of this class of immunosuppressant, concerns for calcineurin-inhibitor toxicity have led to efforts to minimize or eliminate these agents in clinical regimens but with limited success. Current understanding of the role of tacrolimus focuses more on its efficacy in preventing graft rejection and graft loss. As we enter the fourth decade of tacrolimus use, newer studies utilizing novel combinations (as with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, everolimus, and T-cell costimulation blockade with belatacept) offer potential for enhanced benefits.

pre-existing diabetes and PTDM in kidney transplant recipients: how to handle immunosuppression

INTRODUCTION

Preexisting diabetes (PD) and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) are common and severe comorbidities posttransplantation. The immunosuppressive regimens are modifiable risk factors.

AREAS COVERED

We reviewed Pubmed and Cochrane database and we summarize the mechanisms and impacts of available immunosuppressive treatments on the risk of PD and PTDM. We also assess the possible management of these drugs to improve glycemic parameters while considering risks inherent in transplantation.

EXPERT OPINION

PD i) increases the risk of sepsis, ii) is an independent risk factor for infection-related mortality, and iii) increases acute rejection risk. Regarding PTDM development i) immunosuppressive strategies without corticosteroids significantly reduce the risk but the price may be a higher incidence of rejection; ii) minimization or rapid withdrawal of steroids are two valuable approaches; iii) the diabetogenic role of calcineurin inhibitors(CNIs) is also well-described and is more important for tacrolimus than for cyclosporine. Reducing tacrolimus-exposure may improve glycemic parameters but also has a higher risk of rejection. PTDM risk is higher in patients that receive sirolimus compared to mycophenolate mofetil. Finally, conversion from CNIs to belatacept may offer the best benefits to PTDM-recipients in terms of glycemic parameters, graft and patient-outcomes.

Belatacept-based immunosuppression with simultaneous calcineurin inhibitor avoidance and early corticosteroid withdrawal: A prospective, randomized multicenter trial

Simultaneous calcineurin inhibitor avoidance (CNIA) and early corticosteroid withdrawal (ESW) have not been achieved primarily due to excessive acute rejection. This trial compared 2 belatacept-based CNIA/ESW regimens with a tacrolimus-based ESW regimen. Kidney transplant recipients were randomized to receive alemtuzumab/belatacept, rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG)/belatacept, or rATG/tacrolimus. The combinatorial primary endpoint consisted of patient death, renal allograft loss, or a Modification of Diet in Renal Disease-calculated eGFR of <45 mL/min/1.73 m² at 12 months. Results are reported by treatment group (alemtuzumab/belatacept, rATG/belatacept, and rATG/tacrolimus). Superiority was not observed at 1 year for the primary endpoint (9/107 [8.4%], 15/104 [14.4%], and 14/105 [13.3%], respectively; P = NS) for either belatacept-based regimen. Differences were not observed for secondary endpoints (death, death-censored graft loss, or estimated glomerular filtration rates < 45 mL/min/1.73 m² ). Differences were observed in biopsy-proved acute cellular rejection (10.3%, 18.3%, and 1.9%, respectively) (P < .001), but not in antibody-mediated rejection, mixed acute rejection, or de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies. Neurologic and electrolyte abnormality adverse events were less frequent under belatacept. Belatacept-based CNIA/ESW regimens did not prove to be superior for the primary or secondary endpoints. Belatacept-treated patients demonstrated an increase in biopsy-proved acute cellular rejection and reduced neurologic and metabolic adverse events. These results demonstrate that simultaneous CNIA/ESW is feasible without excessive acute rejection.

Temporal trends of incident diabetes mellitus and subsequent outcomes in patients receiving kidney transplantation: a national cohort study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Allograft kidney transplantation has become a treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) has been associated with impaired patient and graft survival. Taiwan has the highest incidence and prevalence rates of ESRD with many recipients and candidates of kidney transplantation. However, information about the epidemiologic features of PTDM in Taiwan is incomplete. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of PTDM with subsequent patient and graft outcomes.

METHODS

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), 3663 kidney recipients between 1997 and 2011 were enrolled. We calculated the cumulative incidences of diabetes mellitus (DM) after transplantation. Cox proportional hazards model with competing risk analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between three targeted groups (DM, PTDM, non-DM). The outcomes of primary interest were the occurrence of graft failure excluding death with functioning graft, all-cause mortality, death with functioning graft and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Subgroup analysis for graft failure excluding death with functioning graft, MACE and all-cause mortality was performed, and interaction between PTDM and recipient age was examined.

RESULTS

Of 3663 kidney transplant recipients, 531 (14%) had pre-existing DM and 631 (17%) developed PTDM. Compared with non-DM group, the PTDM and DM groups exhibited higher risk of graft failure excluding death with functioning graft (PTDM: HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.47-1.85; DM: HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.18-1.50), MACE (PTDM: HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.31-1.74; DM: HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.41-1.9), all-cause mortality (PTDM: HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.59-2.01; DM: HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.81-2.18), and death with functioning graft (PTDM: HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.71-2.20; DM: HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.71-2.21). Both PTDM and DM groups had increased cardiovascular disease-related mortality (PTDM: HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.43-3.20, p < 0.001; DM: HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25-2.86, p = 0.002), cancer-related mortality (PTDM: HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18-2.07, p = 0.002; DM: HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25-2.86, p = 0.027), and infection-related mortality (PTDM: HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.14-1.90, p = 0.003; DM: HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.77-2.84, p < 0.001) compared with non-DM group. The subgroup analyses showed that the add-on risks of MACE and mortality from PTDM were mainly observed in patients who were younger and those without associated comorbidities including atrial fibrillation, cirrhosis, CHF, and MI. Age significantly modified the association between PTDM and MACE (p_interaction < 0.01) with higher risk in recipients with PTDM aged younger than 55 years (adjusted HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.40-1.92, p < 0.001). A trend (p_interaction = 0.06) of age-modifying effect on the association between PTDM and all-cause mortality was also noted with higher risk in recipients with PTDM aged younger than 55 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present population-based study, the incidence of PTDM peaked within the first year after kidney transplantation. PTDM negatively impacted graft and patient outcomes. The magnitude of cardiovascular and survival disadvantages from PTDM were more pronounced in recipients aged less than 55 years. Further trials to improve prediction of PTDM and to prevent PTDM are warranted.

Rapid discontinuation of prednisone in kidney transplant recipients from at-risk subgroups: an OPTN/SRTR analysis

Although rapid discontinuation of prednisone (RDP) after kidney transplantation has been successful in low-risk recipients, there is concern about RDP use in recipients at increased risk for rejection or recurrent disease. Using SRTR, we compared outcomes for RDP versus maintenance prednisone-treated recipients for all adult 1st and 2nd transplants (n = 169 479) and the following 1st transplant subgroups: African American (AA); highly sensitized; those with a potentially recurrent disease; and pediatric recipients. For all adult 1st LD and DD transplants, RDP was associated with better patient and graft survival. For all LD subgroups, RDP and maintenance prednisone were associated with similar patient, graft, and death-censored (DC) graft survival. For 1st transplant DD subgroups, RDP was associated with better patient survival in AA, those with potentially recurrent disease, and pediatric recipients; graft survival with RDP was better in AAs. For adult 2nd DD transplants, RDP was associated with worse DC-graft survival. Importantly, for all differences, the effect size was small. With the exception of 2nd DD transplants, RDP protocols can be used without decreasing patient or graft survival for subgroups of 1st DD and LD kidney transplant recipients and for 2nd LD transplant recipients, at increased risk of rejection or recurrent disease.

Avascular osteonecrosis in kidney transplant recipients: Risk factors in a recent cohort study and evaluation of the role of secondary hyperparathyroidism

Avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) is a bone complication that indicates poor functional prognosis. Modern immunosuppressive and steroid-sparing drugs have significantly lowered the occurrence of AVN after kidney transplantation (KT). However, recent data on its incidence rates and risk factors are lacking. Using a large, recent cohort, we sought to investigate AVN incidence and risk factors, with a special focus on mineral and bone disorders. We conducted a cohort study in 805 patients who underwent KT between 2004 and 2014. AVN was identified in 32 patients (4%): before KT in 15 (1.8%) and after KT in 18 (2.2%) cases, including one patient with both. In the group with post-KT AVN, the median time intervals from KT to 1) first symptoms and 2) AVN diagnosis were 12 months [1–99] and 20 months [4–100], respectively. Being overweight/obese, having pre-transplant diabetes or hyperparathyroidism at transplantation, developing acute rejection, and receiving higher cumulative corticosteroid doses were associated with AVN occurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI ≥ 26 kg/m² and higher cumulative corticosteroid doses were predictive of AVN. In conclusion, overweight/obesity is a strong risk factor for AVN. Despite a low maintenance dose, the use of corticosteroids—mostly for treatment of acute rejection—remains an independent risk factor.

Immunoproteasome inhibition induces plasma cell apoptosis and preserves kidney allografts by activating the unfolded protein response and suppressing plasma cell survival factors

Chronic antibody-mediated rejection is the leading cause of allograft dysfunction and loss after kidney transplantation, and current immunosuppressive regimens fail to target the plasma cells that produce alloantibodies. We previously showed that treatment with the immunoproteasome inhibitor ONX 0914 prevented the expansion of plasma cells and prevented chronic allograft nephropathy and organ failure after kidney transplantation in rats, but the mechanism has remained elusive. In the current study, we confirmed a long-term reduction in alloantibody production and improvements in allograft histology in rats treated with ONX 0914 or with the broad-spectrum proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Plasma cells from allotransplanted rats expressed immunoproteasomes at high levels. Immunoproteasome inhibition with ONX 0914 led to ubiquitin-conjugate accumulation, activation of the unfolded protein response, and induction of apoptosis in plasma cells. In addition, ONX 0914 suppressed the expression of adhesion molecules (VLA-4 and LFA-1), plasma cell survival factors (APRIL and IL-6), and IFN-γ-inducible chemokines in bone marrow, while the APRIL receptor BCMA, the IL-6 receptor, and the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR3 were down-regulated on plasma cells. Taken together, immunoproteasome inhibition blocked alloantibody production by inducing apoptosis of plasma cells through activating the unfolded protein response and suppressing plasma cell survival factors in the bone marrow.

Post-transplantation diabetes in kidney transplant recipients: an update on management and prevention

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) may severely impact both short- and long-term outcomes of kidney transplant recipients in terms of graft and patient survival. However, PTDM often goes undiagnosed is underestimated or poorly managed. A diagnosis of PTDM should be delayed until the patient is on stable maintenance doses of immunosuppressive drugs, with stable kidney graft function and in the absence of acute infections. Risk factors for PTDM should be assessed during the pre-transplant evaluation period, in order to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes. The oral glucose tolerance test is considered as the gold standard for diagnosing PTDM, whereas HbA1c is not reliable during the first months after transplantation. Glycaemic targets should be individualised, and comorbidities such as dyslipidaemia and hypertension should be treated with drugs that have the least possible impact on glucose metabolism, at doses that do not interact with immunosuppressants. While insulin is the preferred agent for treating inpatient hyperglycaemia in the immediate post-transplantation period, little evidence is available to guide therapeutic choices in the management of PTDM. Metformin and incretins may offer some advantage over other glucose-lowering agents, particularly with respect to risk of hypoglycaemia and weight gain. Tailoring immunosuppressive regimens may be of help, although maintenance of good kidney function should be prioritised over prevention/treatment of PTDM. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the available evidence on management and prevention of PTDM, with a focus on the available therapeutic options.

Defining kidney allograft benefit from successful pancreas transplant: separating fact from fiction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To define the natural history of kidney allograft loss related to recurrent diabetes following transplant, and to understand the potential benefit of pancreas transplantation upon kidney allograft survival.

RECENT FINDINGS

A postulated benefit of simultaneous pancreas kidney transplant is that, unlike kidney transplant alone, euglycemia from the added pancreas allograft may confer a nephroprotective benefit and prevent recurrent diabetic nephropathy in the renal allograft. Recent large database analyses and long-term histological assessments have been published that assist in quantifying the problem of recurrent diabetic nephropathy and answering the question of the potential benefits of euglycemia. Further data may be extrapolated from larger single-center series that follow the prognosis of early posttransplant diabetes mellitus as another barometer of risk from diabetic nephropathy and graft loss.

SUMMARY

Recurrent diabetic nephropathy following kidney transplant is a relatively rare, late occurrence and its clinical significance is significantly diminished by the competing risks of death and chronic alloimmune injury. Although there are hints of a protective effect upon kidney graft survival with pancreas transplant, these improvements are small and may take decades to appreciate. Clinical decision-making regarding pancreas transplant solely based upon nephroprotective effects of the kidney allograft should be avoided.