Factors influencing kidney transplantation rates: a study from the ERA Registry

BACKGROUND

Large international differences exist in kidney transplantation (KT) rates. We aimed to investigate which factors may explain the total, deceased donor, and living donor KT rates over the last decade.

METHODS

KT experts from 39 European countries completed the Kidney Transplantation Rate Survey on measures and barriers and their potential effect on the KT rate in their country. In the analyses, countries were divided into low, middle, and high KT rate countries based on the KT rate at the start of study period in 2010.

RESULTS

Experts from low KT rate countries reported more frequently to have taken measures regarding staff, equipment and facilities to increase total KT rate compared with middle and high KT rate countries. For donor type specific KT, the largest international differences in measures taken were reported for deceased donor KT, with middle and high KT rate countries taking more measures, such as the use of expanded criteria donor kidneys, the presence of transplantation coordinators, and (inter)national exchange of donor kidneys. Once a measure was taken, experts' opinion on its success was similar across the low, middle and high KT rate countries. Experts from low KT rate countries more often reported potential barriers, such as patients' lack of knowledge and distrust in the health care system.

CONCLUSIONS

In particular in low KT rate countries, KT rate might be stimulated by optimizing staff, equipment, and facilities. In addition, all countries may benefit from deceased and living donor specific measures.

Kidney transplantation as a treatment of choice for AA amyloidosis due to periodic fever syndrome

Renal AA amyloidosis is the most serious complication of periodic fever syndrome, which, inadequate suppression, due to persistent inflammation, leads to nephrotic syndrome and renal failure over several years. In most cases, periodic fever syndromes begin to manifest clinically in early childhood. Occurrence in adulthood is considered rare and is associated with a poorer clinical course. Kidney transplantation (KT) is an effective and safe treatment for end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) based on AA amyloidosis. In this paper, we present cases of two patients after deceased donor KT, who have been diagnosed with adult periodic fever syndrome. In the first one, diagnosis and treatment began in advanced stage of CKD and therefore underwent KT with compensated disease, while in the second patient, the disease manifested and diagnosed in the post-KT period. Timely initiation of treatment ensured protection of the graft from amyloid deposition.

Liver abscess as a rare complication of PEG

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is one of the most effective methods of providing long-term enteral nutrition in patients with the impossibility of oral intake. Complications are relatively common. The most common is peristomal wound infection at the site of the insertion and leakage along the cannula. Lesscommon complications are colo-cutaneous fistulas and peritonitis. A very rare complication is liver abscess.

CASE REPORT

The authors describe a case of a 51-year-old man with a hepatic abscess with inoperable pharyngeal carcinoma with PEG. The patient was admitted to hospital with a developing septic condition due to a liver abscess. The liverabscess resulted from the buried bumper syndrome of the PEG and subsequent complete dislocation of the bumper into the left liver lobe area.. This condition was treated by a surgical review with abscess drainage and the construction of classical gastrostomy.

CONCLUSION

Buried bumper syndrome with its complications, such as a liver abscess is a relatively rare complication, but challenges both the diagnosis and therapy of the syndrome itself. Its management requires a close cooperation between a gastroenterologist and a surgeon. Early recognition and treatment can prevent the progression of the condition to sepsis or a septic shock, which can lead to death.

Flow Cytometry Panel-Reactive Antibody Screening of Anti-HLA Antibodies in the Waiting List Significantly Reduces the Occurrence of Acute Rejection After Kidney Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The presence of preformed HLA-reactive antibodies in recipient serum before transplantation has long been recognized as a prominent risk factor for a generally worse graft outcome. Screening and identification of HLA antibodies can be used to stratify patients into high- and low-risk categories.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We determined patients' anti-HLA antibodies using flow cytometry panel-reactive antibody (flowPRA) screening, specifying more than 5% after positive screening. According to the results of the screening test, patients were allocated to the induction immunosuppressive protocol according to the actual immunologic risk.

RESULTS

In the group of 78 patients, screening with flowPRA of anti-HLA antibodies was done twice a year. Patients were divided into 2 groups of immunologic risk (low or medium), and we chose the induction immunosuppressive protocol according to the risk. Stratification of the risk was correct, because the only predictor for development of acute rejection in the monitored period of 12 months was delayed graft function (odds ratio 33.2501; 95% confidence interval 10.0095-110.4508; P < .0001). The occurrence of acute rejection upon implementing the screening was reduced in our transplant center from 44% to 19% (P < .0001). No difference was recorded in the 12-month survival of grafts and patients according to the applied induction immunosuppressive protocol.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed significantly reduced occurrence of acute rejection in the follow-up period of 12 months by using individualized induction according to flowPRA screening of anti-HLA antibodies. FlowPRA screening represents a suitable alternative for screening and specification of anti-HLA antibodies in case the Luminex methodology is unavailable.

Metabolic syndrome and new onset diabetes after kidney transplantation

AIMS

The metabolic syndrome developed after kidney transplantation is the result of several factors which are identical with the risk factors in normal population, however, also some factors typical for the transplanted patients-especially the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the groupof 268 patients after kidney transplantation, which had no type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus before transplantation, we identified patients with metabolic syndrome(based on IDF criteria), 12 months from the kidney transplantation. In all patients, we recorded the following parameters: age at the time of transplantation, type of immunosuppression, waist measure, the value of triacylglycerols, the value of HDL cholesterol, presence of arterial hypertension, andthe value of glycaemia in fasting state (or presence of diabetes mellitus). The groupof patients was divided into the control group and the group of patients with metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 46.1±11.6years. The control group included 149 patients (55.6%),and we identified the metabolicsyndromein 119patients (44.4%). The patients with metabolicsyndrome were significantly older (P<0.0001), had significantly larger waist (both the entiregroup and the males andfemales) P<0.0001.The femaleswith metabolic syndrome had significantly lower value of HDL-cholesterol (P=0.0013), and significantly higher number of patients with metabolic syndrome had hyperglycaemia in fasting state or diabetes mellitus (P=0.0006).

CONCLUSION

By controlling the weight and waist, we may identify the risk patients for development of metabolic syndrome after kidney transplantation.

[Experience with hepatoblastoma treatment in small children - the use of preoperative 3D virtual analysis MeVis for liver resections]

INTRODUCTION

Hepatoblastoma is an uncommon but most frequent liver cancer in infants and children. The therapy is complex, including neoadjuvant, surgical, and adjuvant therapy. For surgery, the presence of a specialized surgeon and an anaesthesiologist is required. For planning the surgery, the 3D analysis MeVis is currently available. The objective of the work is the assessment of a group of children operated for a liver hepatoblastoma and the assessment of contribution of a pre-surgery virtual 3D analysis MeVis for a surgeon.

METHODS

It represents a retrospective assessment of the operated children for the given diagnosis. Upon confirming the disease, the patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy, and then the MeVis analysis of a liver, a surgery, and an adjuvant therapy. The oncologic treatment was performed according to the SIOPEL recommendations.

RESULTS

In the period of 2012 to 2016, we treated 5 infant patients with the diagnosed hepatoblastoma. The children were at the age between 4 and 37 months, 4 girls, 1 boy. The size of tumours according to the SIOPEL classification was PRETEXT II to IV. All children underwent a surgery without any complications and without any signs of post-operative failure of the post-resection remnant of the liver. The functional volume of the post-resection remnant of the liver was between 28%70% according to the MeVis analysis. During the long-term monitoring, one patient underwent lung metastasectomy, all children are currently without any signs of relapse of the disease.

CONCLUSION

In case of quick catching and correct management of a hepatoblastoma, the results of therapy are very good. For successful treatment, a surgeon experienced in liver resection, presence of a specialized paediatric anaesthesiologist, and a paediatric oncologist are is required. The exact volumetric analysis MeVis is a contribution for a pre-operational review of the finding, and for the preparation of the surgery. The disease is uncommon, and therefore, the groups of patients are small. Due to that reason, the treatment should be centralized to a specialized department.Key words: hepatoblastoma MeVis volumetry liver resection.

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus After Kidney Transplantation in Slovakia: Multicentric, Prospective Analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence rate of post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) after kidney transplantation (KT) is 5% to 40%. The objective of this analysis was to identify the risk factors of PTDM after KT in the Slovak Republic (SR).

METHODS

In the group of 133 patients/non-diabetics, we identified the risk factors of PTDM in the monitored period of 12 months from transplantation.

RESULTS

The incidence of PTDM in the SR in 2014 was 38.3%. By logistic regression, we discovered that the age at the time of KT [odds ratio, 1.0885; 95% CI, 1.0222-1.1592; P = .0082], the value of body mass index (BMI) at the time of KT [odds ratio, 1.4606; 95% CI, 1.0099-2.1125; P = .0442], and the value of insulin resistance index (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) at the time of KT [odds ratio, 2.5183; 95% CI, 1.7119-3.4692; P < .0001] represented predictive factors of PTDM. The independent risk factors of PTDM in our group were age at the time of KT of more than 60 years [HR 0.3871; 95% CI 0.1659-1.7767; P = .0281], waist circumference at the time of KT in men more than 94 cm and in women more than 80 cm [HR, 3.4833; 95% CI, 1.2789-9.4878 (P = .0146)], BMI at the time of KT [HR 3.0011; 95% CI 1.0725-8.3977 (P = .0363)], and triacylglycerols at the time of KT more than 1.7 mmol/L [HR, 2.9763; 95% CI, 1.0141-8.7352; P = .0471].

CONCLUSIONS

In the group of Slovak patients after kidney transplantation, the dominating risk factor for PTDM development was insulin resistance prior to KT.

Impact of Trough Levels of Tacrolimus on Kidney Function and Graft Survival in Short and Longer Periods After Renal Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Optimizing immunosuppressive treatment in the early posttransplant period is important for achieving long-term graft function and survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 205 renal transplant recipients involved in this study. Patients were divided into groups according to the induction therapy (no induction vs basiliximab/daclizumab vs rabbit antithymocyte globulin), maintenance therapy at the time of transplantation (tacrolimus [TAC] vs cyclosporine), the average trough TAC levels in months 4 to 6 after TO and serum creatinine 5 years after renal transplantation.

RESULTS

The incidence of acute rejection was significantly higher in cyclosporine than in TAC group of patients (P = .0364). The average TAC levels on elapsed time after transplantation significantly decreased (P < .0001). Five years after renal transplantation, there were higher TAC levels (5.6 ± 0.7 ng/mL) in the group with "zero" low levels than in the group with "zero" high levels (4.6 ± 1.1 ng/mL), which was statistically significant (P < .0001). We did not find any difference in graft and patient survival in posttransplant years 2 to 5 according to TAC levels or the induction treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we have confirmed that better graft function 5 years after transplantation was connected with higher trough tacrolimus levels on elapsed time after renal transplantation.

Correlation between CMV Infection and Post-transplantation New-onset Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

New-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) is a well-known complication of transplantation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the correlation between CMV infection and NODAT.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we detected CMV replication (PCR) in every month after renal transplantation in the first 12 months of the procedure in a homogenous group of patients from the immunosuppression point of view.

RESULTS

In 167 patients (64 with NODAT and 103 in the control group), the average amount of CMV viremia was not significantly different between the NODAT and the control group (p=0.929). In the 10^th month of transplantation, we recorded a significantly higher CMV viremia in the NODAT group (p<0.0001), however, in the multivariant analysis, the observed statistical difference vanished. The survival of patients and grafts was 12 months after kidney transplantation without any statistically significant difference between the studied groups (p=0.611 and p=0.538, respectively).

CONCLUSION

CMV is not a risk factor for NODAT.

[Splenosis as a rare cause of abdominal pain]

INTRODUCTION

Splenosis is the autotransplantation of splenic tissue in atypical locations in the abdomen, chest or other parts of the body.

CASE REPORT

Authors present a case of splenosis in a 35 years old woman hospitalized with abdominal pain, who underwent splenectomy for traumatic rupture with splenic tissue implantation in the omentum 19 years ago. Surgical revision was indicated for intensive pain. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of splenosis in the excised tissue.

CONCLUSION

Despite the abandonment of splenic tissue autotransplantation after splenectomy, surgeons may still encounter the diagnosis of splenosis in patients after traumatic splenic rupture. Any incidental finding of splenosis during an operation for another indication should be sent for histopathology examination.

KEY WORDS

splenosis, splenectomy abdominal pain scintigraphy.

[Hyponatremia - carbamazepine medication complications]

Hyponatremia can be defined like the low sodium concentration, lower that 135 mmol/l. It becomes really serious when the concentration is lower than 120 mmol/l. The most frequent causes of hyponatremia are: the extrarenal loss (GIT, skin, bleeding, sequestration), the renal loss (diuretics, nephritis with the salt loss, osmotical diuresis, the Addison disease), hypothyroidism, the lack of glucocorticoids, emotional stress, pain, pseudohyponatremia (incorrect taking, dyslipoproteinemia). There is fatigue, exhaustion, headache and vertigoes dominating in the clinical record file. By the deficit increasing a patient becomes delirious, comatose even with the shock development. It is necessary to separate sufficient supply of sodium from much more often reason, which is loss of sodium which can be caused by: excessive sweating, vomitting with the metabolical alkalosis development, diarrhoea with the metabolical acidosis development, renal losses (a phase of renal failure). Treatment of hyponatremia: intensive treatment starts at the level of plasmatic concentration of sodium under 120 mmol/l or when neurological symptoms of brain oedema are present. In the therapy it is necessary to avoid fast infusions of hypertonic saline solutions (3-5% NaCl solutions) because of the danger of the development of serious CNS complications (intracranial bleeding, etc.). It is recommended to adjust the plasmatic concentration of sodium up to 120 mmol/l during the first four hours and a subsequent correction should not be higher than 2 mmol per an hour. Treatment of the basic illness is very important. We present 2 case histories: a 74-year old female patient and a 69-year old female patient both with the hyponatremia caused by taking of carbamazepine. We want to inform and warn about not only a well known side effect during long-term treatment but about hyponatremia that arose within 48 hours after the start of taking medicine as well.