Third-party vessel allografts in kidney and pancreas transplantation: Utilization, de novo DSAs, and outcomes

Deceased donor vein extension grafts for right living donor kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

In an effort to maximize living donor kidney utilization, we describe the use of deceased donor vein extension grafts for right-sided living donor kidneys and report our single-center experience using this technique.

METHODS

A retrospective review of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who received a right living donor kidney with deceased donor vein extension graft. Recipient demographics, postoperative graft function, and surgical complications were reviewed. Living donor nephrectomies were performed laparoscopically. Vein grafts were obtained from recent deceased donor procurements. End-to-end anastomosis of the graft to the renal vein was performed prior to implantation.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight KTR received a right kidney transplant with deceased donor extension grafts. The median recipient age and BMI were 53.0 years and 29.3 kg/m2 . Total 71% were male. Ninety-five percent of grafts displayed immediate graft function, with two recipients requiring temporary dialysis due to anaphylaxis from induction therapy. Median serum creatinine at two weeks was 1.6 mg/dL and at three months was 1.5 mg/dL. There were no graft thromboses.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of deceased donor extension grafts for short right renal veins is a simple technique that expands the donor pool for living donor renal transplantation. Our experience resulted in no technical complications and excellent early graft function.

Successful repair of transplant renal artery aneurysm (TRAA)

BACKGROUND

Transplant renal artery aneurysm (TRAA) is rare. TRAA that develops post transplantation consists of 0.10% of the vascular complications post renal transplant (Transplant Proc 41:1609-1614, 2009; Indian J Urol 29:42-47, 2013).

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of TRAA in an asymptomatic young female. CT angiogram with detailed 3D reconstruction showed a 2.6 × 2.2 cm wide neck saccular TRAA arising from the anterior segmental branch of the graft renal artery (Figs. 2 and 3). A multidisciplinary team of interventional radiologists, vascular and urologist was involved for preoperative surgical planning and unique repair methods. Endovascular and percutaneous approaches were deemed not feasible, and an open in vivo approach with a saphenous vein graft was taken.

CONCLUSION

TRAA, albeit rare, is a complication that can occur post renal transplant. In-vivo surgical repair of TRAA is feasible with a multidisciplinary approach and careful preoperative planning. Saphenous vein graft is still a versatile graft and can be used as a conduit successfully.

Donor-specific antibodies in kidney transplantation: the University of Wisconsin experience

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is the leading cause of allograft failure in kidney transplant recipients. This article provides a summary of the clinical research relating to donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and ABMR in kidney transplant recipients at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Transplant Center.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over 40% of the kidney transplant candidates on the UNOS waitlist are sensitized, and both preformed and de novo DSA are associated with increased risk of rejection and graft loss. We have developed graded induction-desensitization treatment and monitoring protocols based on the degree of immunologic risk. We have also implemented standard treatment and surveillance strategies for patients with ABMR. Additional important observations from our studies include high rates of ABMR in patients with positive C4d staining in postreperfusion biopsies and rise in DSA at 1 week after transplant, and increased risk of kidney allograft failure in patients with de novo DSA and ABMR, as well as in patients with HLA-DSA undetectable ABMR. We also found worse outcomes with de novo DSA following simultaneous pancreas--kidney and liver--kidney transplantation. Notably, favorable long-term graft outcomes were observed in patients with DSA who do not present the classic histopathological findings of ABMR.

SUMMARY

In order to improve long-term outcomes for kidney transplant recipients, further research focusing on the pathogenic mechanisms elicited by HLA and non-HLA DSA, and novel therapies targeting these pathways is needed.