Fibrosing Cholestatic Hepatitis C After Liver Transplantation: Therapeutic Options Before and After Introduction of Direct-Acting Antivirals: Our Experience and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C is the most common indication for liver transplantation. The most aggressive form of hepatitis C virus (HCV) relapse after liver transplantation is fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C, which can be observed in 2% to 15% of recipients.

METHODS

Double therapy with peg-interferon and ribavirin was characterized by low antiviral response, rapid fibrosis, and frequent graft failure within 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Introduction of direct-acting antivirals for HCV treatment allows for more efficient therapy with less adverse reactions, including patients with fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C.

CONCLUSIONS

We present 4 (2.5%) cases of cholestatic viral hepatitis C recurrence in patients undergoing transplantation between 2006 and 2015 at the Transplantation Institute of Warsaw; during this period, 158 liver transplants were performed in patients with cirrhosis caused by HCV infection.

SIRT1 and SIRT7 expression in adipose tissues of obese and normal-weight individuals is regulated by microRNAs but not by methylation status

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Given their importance in the regulation of metabolism, sirtuins (SIRTs) constitute promising subjects of research on the pathogenesis of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess whether obesity in humans is associated with changes in the expression of SIRT genes in adipose tissue and whether epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) interference, mediate in this phenomenon.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

The expression of SIRTs and of SIRT1 and SIRT7 mRNA-interacting miRNAs was evaluated by real-time PCR in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of 58 obese (body mass index (BMI) >40 kg m^-2) and 31 normal-weight (BMI 20-24.9 kg m^-2) individuals. The methylation status of SIRTs was studied by the methylation-sensitive digestion/real-time PCR method.

RESULTS

SIRT1 mRNA levels were lower in adipose tissues of obese patients than of normal-weight controls (VAT: P=0.0002, SAT: P=0.008). In contrast, expression of SIRT7 was higher in adipose tissues of obese patients than in the control group (VAT: P=0.001, SAT: P=0.008). The mean methylation of the SIRT1 and SIRT7 CpG islands was similar in tissues with high and low expression of these genes, and there was no correlation between the level of expression and the level of methylation. On the other hand, expression of SIRT1 in VAT of obese subjects correlated negatively with the expression of miR-22-3p (P<0.0001, r_s=-0.514), miR-34a-5p (P=0.01, r_s=-0.326) and miR-181a-3p (P<0.0001, r_s=-0.536). In turn, expression of SIRT7 in VAT of slim individuals correlated negatively with the expression of miR-125a-5p (P=0.003, r_s=-0.562) and miR-125b-5p (P=0.018, r_s=-0.460).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed obesity-associated downregulation of SIRT1 and upregulation of SIRT7 mRNA levels that were not associated with the methylation status of their promoters. We found a negative correlation between mRNA levels of SIRT1 in VAT of obese individuals and SIRT7 in VAT of the normal-weight subjects and expression of the relevant miRNAs.

Urinary tract infections in the early posttransplant period after liver transplantation: etiologic agents and their susceptibility

BACKGROUND

We performed an analysis of etiologic agents for urinary tract infections in the early posttransplant period after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in adult recipients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study covered the first 4 weeks after OLT of 190 patients from September 2001 to the end of 2007. Immunosuppression consisted of steroids and tacrolimus. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was piperacillin/tazobactam, fluconazole, and SBD. Urine samples were cultured to identify microorganisms in accord with standard microbiological procedures and to test susceptibility using Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute guidelines.

RESULTS

Urine specimens (n=539) examined from 185 recipients (97.4%) showed 210 microbial strains. The most common were Gram-negative (n=131; 62.4%) with predominance of Escherichia coli (28.2%), Enterobacter cloacae (19.1%), and Acinetobacter baumannii (11.4%). Extended-spectrum β- lactamases (ESBL(+)) strains were isolated in 38.5% of cases. Gram-positive bacteria comprised 28.6% (n=60): The most common strains were enterococci (85% including HLAR 80.4% and VRE 17.6%] and staphylococci 11.8% [MRSA/MRCNS; 100%]. There were 19 (9%) fungal strains.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, the identification in urine samples of multi-drug-resistant bacterial and fungal strains in patients after OLT such as ESBL(+) 38.5%; HLAR 80.4%; VRE 17.6%; and MRSA/MRCNS 100% requires better infection control.

Detrimental effect of aprotinin ban on amount of blood loss during liver transplantation: single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Aprotinin, a plasmin inhibitor, had been used for reduction of intraoperative bleeding caused by hyperfibrinolysis during extensive surgery. Prophylaxis with aprotinin to limit blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) had been widely applied until the drug was weaned off the therapeutic list for severe complications. We compared the need for blood and blood products transfusion in patients undergoing OLT with and without the use of aprotinin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 150 patients, who underwent OLT between March 2004 and August 2008 and were divided into 2 groups: the APRO group (n = 111) after induction of anesthesia was given a bolus of 500 kIU of aprotinin in a 30-minutes infusion followed by 140 kIU/h till the end of the OLT in which aprotinin was not administered, and the NON-APRO group (n = 39).

RESULTS

Patients from the NON-APRO group needed significantly more units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) than the APRO group (5.53 ± 4.89 vs 3.99 ± 3.58 units; P = .037). Avoidance of aprotinin administration (β = 1.408), Child-Pugh score (β = 0.519), and duration of anhepatic phase (β = 0.03) affected the volume of transfused blood according to multiple regression analysis (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed the important prophylactic role aprotinin used to have during OLT in limiting the need for blood transfusions. Further research and progress in methods of blood loss minimization and monitoring of hemostasis are needed to warrant safe liver transplantation.

Statins benefit outcomes of renal transplant recipients on a sirolimus-cyclosporine regimen

BACKGROUND

Statins offer a strategy to address dyslipidemia commonly experienced by immunosuppressed transplant recipients.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study of 325 recipients (mean posttransplant follow-up of over 6 years; 75.0+/-26.0 months) correlated four adverse outcomes-biopsy-confirmed acute rejection episodes, biopsy-confirmed chronic rejection/allograft nephropathy, graft loss, or death-with demographic and posttreatment variables. Patients were treated with a combination of sirolimus (SRL), cyclosporine (CsA), and various durations of steroids. Statins were prescribed for 259/325 (79%) recipients whose serum cholesterol exceeded 240 mg/dL and discontinued when the creatine phosphokinase increased fivefold (3.4%) or the liver function, threefold (3.0%) above normal.

RESULTS

Upon univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 0.16; P<.001) and multivariate analysis (HR 0.38; P=.02), statins were markedly protective against acute rejection episodes. They reduced occurrence of chronic nephropathy/chronic rejection (HR 0.60; P=.03 and HR 0.52; P=.01, respectively). Incidences of graft loss were diminished (HR 0.26; P<.001 and HR 0.49; P=.01, respectively). Finally, the mortality rate was decreased (HR 0.21, P=.001 and HR 0.26, P=.01, respectively). Upon multivariate analysis, a reduced incidence of acute rejection was correlated with greater exposure to SRL (HR 0.78, P=.016) and CsA (HR 0.39; P=.006).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated compelling effects of statins against all adverse outcomes among patients treated with SRL-based, CsA-containing regimens. The profoundly dyslipidemic properties of SRL may explain these unique findings compared with previous studies on patients treated with CsA-based regimens.

Machine perfusion preservation improves renal allograft survival

Machine perfusion (MP) has been used as the kidney preservation method in our center for over 10 years. The first, small (n = 74) prospective, single-blinded randomized study comparing MP and Cold Storage (CS) showed that the incidence of delayed graft function was higher after CS. There have been no reports in the literature on the effect of storage modality on long-term function of renal allografts. This paper presents an analysis of long-term results of renal transplantation in 415 patients operated on between 1994 and 1999. Of those, 227 kidneys were MP-stored prior to KTx. The control group consisted of 188 CS kidney transplants. Kidneys were not randomized to MP or to CS. Donor demographics, medical and biochemical data, cold ischemia time, HLA match and recipient data were collected. Standard triple-drug immunosuppression was administered to both groups. Mortality, graft survival and incidence of return to hemodialysis treatment were analyzed. Despite longer cold ischemia time and poorer donor hemodynamics in MP group, 5-year Kaplan-Meier graft survival was better in MP-stored than in CS-stored kidneys (68.2% vs. 54.2%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In this nonrandomized analysis, kidney storage by MP improved graft survival and reduced the number of patients who returned to dialysis.

Intraoperative Blood Flow Measurements in Organ Allografts Can Predict Postoperative Function

A reliable method to recognize the extent of ischemia/reperfusion injury in transplantation is needed in order to tailor the immunosuppressive scheme to the needs of a damaged organ. This study sought to assess the correlation between the total and the parenchymal blood flow into a transplanted kidney (n = 71) or liver (n = 15) shortly after revascularization with the early function of the organ after transplantation. The total blood flow in the renal artery in kidney recipients or in the hepatic artery and portal vein in liver recipients was measured by an electromagnetic flowmeter. The parenchymal blood flow (in several parts of the transplanted organ) was assessed using a laser-Doppler flowmeter. Two measurements were always taken after revascularization (5 to 60 minutes apart). Vascular resistance (VR) as calculated by the difference between the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the central venous pressure (CVP) was correlated with immediate kidney or liver function parameters. Neither total renal blood flow (RBF) nor VR was different between the immediate function (IF) and delayed graft function (DGF) groups of kidney transplant patients. However, the cortical (parenchymal) blood flow was significantly greater in the IF than the DGF group at 5 minutes: 29.98 +/- 6.13 mL/min/100 g vs 23.56 +/- 6.46 mL/min/100 g (P < .001). The difference was even more significant at 35 minutes: 33.94 +/- 7.47 mL/min/100 g vs 15.47 +/- 3.34 mL/min/100 g (P < .0001). Among liver transplant patients, the results suggested a correlation between hepatic arterial blood flow and early graft viability and function. The most reliable predictor of early graft function was the portal blood flow, which correlated with the volume of secreted bile as well as the bilirubin, and transaminase levels and coagulation profile. Further studies must confirm the value of measurements of total and parenchymal blood flow in organ transplant recipients.

Organ donation in Poland 2006

Organ transplantation program has been slowly developing over last 30 years. The number of DD (deceased donors) stabilized on the level of approximately 13/million of population. Multiorgan donation has been 45%, due to some problems with donor management. Polish Transplant Coordinating Center POLTRANSPLANT which is responsible for organization of procurement, organ allocation and providing several registries (registry of objections, registry of transplantation, waiting lists of potential organ recipients etc). National data on organ donation and transplantation are each year submitted to the Ministry of Health and the National Transplantation Council which is the Advisory Committee to the Minister.

Surgical complications of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a 16-year-experience at one center

Fifty-one simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPKT) were performed between 1988 and 2004 in patients of mean age 34 years and 23 years duration of diabetes treatment. All kidney and pancreas recipients were on maintenance hemodialysis therapy prior to SPKT. The pancreas with duodenal segment and the kidneys were harvested from cadaveric heart-beating donors. Cold ischemia time in UW solution varied from 4 to 14 hours (mean, 9 hours 35 minutes). Twenty patients had the duodenal segment sutured to the urinary bladder, and the remaining 31 grafts were drained to an isolated ileal loop. Quadruple immunosuppression was administered as well as an anticoagulant and antibiotic prophylaxis. Forty-nine patients (49/51, 96%) regained insulin independence in the immediate postoperative period; 44 (86%) displayed immediate graft function. The remaining patients experienced postoperative ATN, the longest duration was 18 days. Of 51 patients, 38 (14.5%) are alive (follow-up, 6 to 180 months), 26 (68.5%) have good pancreatic function, and 34 (89%), good kidney function. Nineteen (50%) patients regard their quality of life as improved compared to their pretransplant status, which is mainly attributed to being dialysis and insulin free. Of 19 patients, 14 (74%) reported measuring glycemia regularly due to fear of losing the pancreas graft. Of 19 persons, seven (37%) returned to work after transplantation. Four (8.3%) lost their kidney graft secondary to vascular complications (n = 2) or rejection (n = 2). Four pancreas grafts with bladder drainage required conversion to enteric drainage owing to persistent urinary infections or urinary fistulae. Fifteen (29%) patients lost their pancreatic grafts within 1 year of transplantation due to the following: vascular complications (n = 12), septic complications (n = 1), or rejection (n = 2). Thirteen patients died within 1 year after transplantation, 5 of septic complications, 5 of neuroinfection, 1 of pulmonary embolism, and 2 of myocardial infarction. In conclusion, SPKT is a successful treatment for diabetic nephropathy, burdened by the possibility of serious complications.

Individualization of Immunosuppressive Therapy. II. Sirolimus as a Less Nephrotoxic Alternative to Calcineurin Inhibitors

The nephrotoxic effects of chronic administration of calcineurin inhibitors have created a demand for a potent immunosuppressive drug free of this side effect. Sirolimus (SRL) clearly displays fewer and a lesser degree of adverse effects on renal function by itself. However, in combination with calcineurin antagonists, it tends to augment the nephrotoxicity due, at least in part, to a pharmacokinetic interaction. The use of SRL for de novo immunosuppression (even with adjunctive mycophenolate mofetil) is probably not sufficient to avert alloimmune reactions. A useful combination with SRL can be achieved by reducing calcineurin inhibitor exposure by 80% for immediately functioning kidneys or by delaying its inception until renal graft recovery. SRL proffers additional benefits as an inhibitor of endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation, serving as the foundation of chronic immunosuppressive therapy.

Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection and Ischemic Heart Disease in Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic heart disease and other atherosclerotic complications are the prominent causes of death among hemodialyzed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and renal transplant recipients. Numerous articles in recent years have raised the possibility of an infective factor, especially Chlamydia pneumoniae, in the development of atherosclerosis and its complications. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of chronic C pneumoniae infection and its association with ischemic heart disease and atherosclerosis in a population of patients with ESRD awaiting renal transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The studied group consisted of 164 subjects: 99 ESRD patients (heart disease [HD] group) who were hospitalized for vascular access creation (27), pretransplantation nephrectomy (47), or kidney transplantation (25), and a control group of 65 subjects consisting of 50 healthy blood donors and 15 multiorgan donors. C pneumoniae was detected in vascular wall fragments, kidney biopsy specimens and peripheral blood monocytes using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgA anti-C pneumoniae antibodies were detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a lipid profile (cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglycerides [TG]) was obtained. Data on cardiovascular disease events, smoking history, diabetes, hypertension, cause, and length of renal failure were collected and analyzed. The existence of atherosclerotic lesions was detected using ultrasound (US) Doppler examination of aortic bifurcation. Chronic C pneumoniae infection was diagnosed on the basis of detection of both IgA and IgG antibodies and/or the detection of C pneumoniae DNA in vascular wall fragments or peripheral blood monocytes. After a follow-up of 32 months, data on cardiovascular events and patient history were collected again.

RESULTS

Chronic C pneumoniae infection affected 46.5% (46/99) of HD patients and 9% (6/65) of controls (P < .05). Among HD patients, 26.3% (26/99) had ischemic heart disease (IHD) versus 6% in the control group. Among C pneumoniae-infected HD patients, IHD was more frequent (39.1%) than in noninfected HD patients (15%; P < .05). Within the 32-month observation period of the HD group, cardiac pain was observed in 11 (24%; 11/46) infected patients versus 3 (5.7%; 3/53) patients without C pneumoniae infection (P < .05). Exacerbation of previously diagnosed IHD was observed in 8 (44%; 8/18) cases in the C pneumoniae-infected group versus 0 (0%; 0/8) in the uninfected patients (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic C pneumoniae infection affects hemodialysis patients more frequently than healthy subjects. Hemodialysis patients with C pneumoniae infection are at the greater risk of exacerbation of existing IHD.

Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection: An Additional Factor for Chronic Allograft Rejection

INTRODUCTION

Chronic rejection (CHR) of organ allografts, one of the most significant problems in modern transplantation, is not fully understood. This study sought to evaluate the influence of selected parameters on late kidney transplant function.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

The studied group consisted of eighty-six patients who received allogeneic transplants between 1988 and 1999 for leukocyte Chlamydia pneumoniae-DNA, immunoglobulin (Ig)A/IgG anti-C pneumoniae, blood lipids, ischemic damage in the donor and during organ preservation, HLA mismatch, and acute rejection episodes.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were segregated as 26 patients (30%) with histologically proven chronic graft rejection (CHR[+]) and 59 patients (70%) without (CHR[-]). The presence of C pneumoniae-DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly more frequent in CHR(+) than CHR(-) group (46% vs 20%). Patients with leukocytes positive for C pneumoniae-DNA more frequently (50%) had CHR than patients negative for C pneumoniae-DNA (22%). CHR(+) patients showed significantly lower HDL levels (47 mg/dL vs 58 mg/dL) and higher triglyceride levels (193 mg/dL vs 148 mg/dL). To study the cumulative effect of differences between the CHR(+) and CHR(-) groups, we applied a multiple binary logistic regression analysis. An econometric model enabled us to calculate the probability of CHR for a given patient taking into account covariates chosen by means of stepwise selection: the presence of C pneumoniae-DNA in blood leukocytes, the use of continuous pulsatile perfusion in hypothermia, myocardial infarction occurrence, and triglyceride concentrations.

CONCLUSION

The presence of C pneumoniae-DNA in peripheral blood leukocytes increased the risk of CHR, which may be predicted by a multifactor analysis of chosen parameters.

Health-related quality of life after the surgical treatment of obesity

The aim of the study is to answer the question: what is the range and character of changes within health-related quality of life (HRQL) in obese patients who have undergone surgical treatment (VBG - vertical banded gastroplasty or RYGBP - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) in the period of three and six months after operation? Three groups of patients participated in the study: G I (n=33; BMI 49.90 +/- 6.74 kg/m(2)) - tested prior to the operation, G II (n=17; BMI 34.26 +/- 5.28 kg/m(2)) - tested six months after the operation, and G III (n=11) - examined prior to the operation (BMI 45.72 +/- 5.27 kg/m(2)) as well as three months after the operation (BMI 36.10 +/- 4.60 kg/m(2)). The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used as an indicator of HRQL. Surgical treatment of obesity resulted in significant positive changes in relation to the basic dimensions of NHP: energy, pain, physical mobility and in the influence of the current health state on selected spheres of life: paid employment, jobs around the house, social life, sex life, interests and hobbies, holidays. Significant changes in HRQL resulting from bariatric surgery occur in a relatively short period of time and are related not only to physical but also to social functioning.

Infectious Complications After Simultaneous Pancreas–Kidney Transplantation

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) improves long-term survival of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic nephropathy. The increasing success of SPKT is a result of improved surgical technique, better organ preservation, potent antirejection therapy, and effective use of antibiotics to prevent and treat infectious complications. However, morbidity and mortality following SPKT remain high mainly owing to infection. From 1988 to 2004, the 51 patients who underwent SPKT were 32 women and 19 men of mean age 34 +/- 4 years old with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 23 +/- 4 years. The incidence of HCV and HBV infections were 19.6% and 13.7%, respectively. Preoperative work-up included identification and elimination prior to surgery of potential sources of infection. All patients prior to SPKTx had been treated by dialysis (26 +/- 20 months). The kidneys were always placed into the left retroperitoneal space first; at the same time the pancreatic grafts were prepared on the back table. The reconstruction of the superior mesenteric and the splenic arteries was performed using a Y graft of donor iliac artery to the common or external donor's iliac artery. The pancreas was transplanted intraperitoneally to the right iliac vessels. The portal vein was sutured to the common or external iliac vein and the arterial conduit of donor iliac artery. In 20 of the patients, bladder drainage and in 31, enteric drainage was used for the pancreatic juice exterioration. Patients received immunosuppression with a calcineurin inhibitor (tacrolimus or cyclosporin), mycophenolic acid or azathioprine, and steroids. Antibody induction (alternatively anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibody or ATG) was used in last 38 patients. Antibacterial (tazobactam) and antifungal (fluconazole) as well as antiviral (gancyclovir) prophylactic treatment was given to all patients for 7 to 10 days after transplantation. Thirty-eight recipients are alive, 26 with function of both grafts; 8 with functioning kidney grafts; and 4 with nonfunctioning grafts on dialysis treatment from 1 to 14 years after transplantation. Thirteen patients (24.5%) died during the first year after transplantation. Infectious complications were the main cause of death. Systemic infections accounted for the death of five patients and CNS infection for death of another five patients. Three patients died with functioning grafts due to cardiopulmonary disorders (myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolus) early in the postoperative period. A total of 102 infections were diagnosed in 51 patients during the posttransplant course. Twenty-one episodes of CMV infection (systemic 20, duodenal site 1), 73 bacterial infections (systemic 13, pulmonary 13, urinary tract 15, intestinal 8, wound 23), and 8 fungal infections (central nervous system 5, gastrointestinal tract 3). Some patients had more than one type of infection. Overall mortality in the investigated group was 24.5%. Infectious complications were the main cause of death (77%), including systemic infection (38.5%) and CNS infection (38.5%). The predominant etiology of the systemic infections was bacterial. The etiology of CNS infections was fungal. In conclusion, infectious complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality following SPKT. The early diagnosis of infection, particularly fungal complications, is necessary. The administration of broad-spectrum prophylactic antibiotics, antifungal, and antiviral agents is recommended.

Quality of Life After Simultaneous Pancreas–Kidney Transplantation

Even recipients with satisfactory function of transplanted pancreas and kidney may show physical and/or social disability due to diabetic complications. Our aims were to evaluate diabetic complications influencing recipient quality of life and to assess patients' psychosociological status. Nineteen patients with functioning grafts who consented to take part in the study, underwent clinical evaluation and answered questions regarding their quality of life. Results showed excellent endocrine pancreatic function in 17 patients. In most recipients, insulin activity and C-peptide levels were elevated owing to systemic venous drainage. Opthalmological examination revealed blindness in 7 patients (in 4 cases with onset following SPKTx) and retinopathy in 13 patients (in 5 cases it appeared after SPKTx). Assessment of the cardiovascular system revealed satisfactory cardiac function in 16 of 19 patients; 4 patients underwent amputation of a lower limb following SPKTx. All 19 recipients admitted to a great benefit of transplantation; most patients declared ability to organize their life activity and social functions and 4 had regular employment. Conversely, most patients were afraid of graft loss, and half were often sad and even depressed.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: analysis of donor factors

There are no urgent indications for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. So our policy is to harvest only a pancreas in good biologic condition. The criteria for acceptance of a pancreas donor are: age 15 to 40 years, ICU stay < 7 days, no clinical signs of infection, negative virologic status, no history of hypotension or cardiac arrest, serum amylase elevation below three times normal values, controllable hyperglycemia, no history of pancreatic disease, no history of abdominal trauma damaging the organ, no history of alcohol addiction, BMI < 25, no functional or anatomical lesions of the kidneys, and expected ischemia time less than 12 hours. The proper selection of a pancreas donor allows one to achieve good insulin secretion immediately after transplantation. In 2000 to 2002 all 20 pancreases transplanted at transplant center displayed immediate secretory function after transplantation.

Activity of glutathione S-transferases in the urine of kidney transplant recipients during the first week after transplantation

Glutathione S-Tranferases (GST) are the enzymes which are strictly specific for epithelial cells of the proximal and distal tubules in the kidney. These enzymes are detected in the urine when some tubular damage process is found. In healthy people urine GST is hardly detected. The goal of this study was to evaluate the release of two isoenzymes -- alpha and pi GST in the urine of kidney graft recipients during the first week after kidney transplantation, aiming to differentiate the cause of the delayed function (DF) of transplanted kidney.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

50 cadaveric kidneys were procured using standard technique with "in situ" cooling using UW solution. All kidneys were machine perfused. After preservation kidneys were transplanted to 50 ERSD patients. Standard triple drug immunosuppression was applied (steroids, CsA, Cell-Cept or Aza.). Graft function and the release of alpha and pi GST in the urine were measured 1, 3 and 7 days after transplantation.

RESULTS

immediate function (IF) was found in 72% (36pts), DF in 28% (14pts). 5 of DF patients had ATN, 4 had acute rejection (REJ) and the remaining 5 had ATN and acute rejection (see table below).

CONCLUSIONS

High alpha and pi GST concentrations were found in pts with DF graft function during the first 7 days after Tx. Elevated pi GST and low alpha GST in the urine indicates acute rejection. High alpha and pi GST in pts with DF should raise suspicion of graft rejection.

Factors limiting renal transplantation program in Poland

The shortage of donor organs has been the main obstacle to the expansion of transplantation programs. Recent public opinion survey documented acceptance of the cadaveric kidney procurement in our country but some reluctance to brain death and presumed consent concepts. Recently, the survey was carried out within the medical community to find out whether the level of knowledge and the attitude toward donation has an influence on the slow development of the transplantation program. A questionnaire was addressed to: 1010 general practitioners, neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists; 926 ICU and neurosurgical nurses and 1760 students of 12 medical schools of the country. Vast majority of doctors, nurses and last year medical students accept retrieval and transplantation of kidneys and the heart, but not of the liver. Acceptance of this procedure among junior medical students and university students was lower (78% vs 98%). Most of the respondents would agree to donate their kidneys and other organs, but 20% would protest against harvesting of the organs from their relatives. 100% of the physicians and 80% of medical students and nurses accept the brain death concept(which is accepted only by 60% of non medical university students) but only 44% of the doctors are prepared to switch off the respirator after diagnosis of brain death if harvesting is not taking place. Only half of the physicians would notify the transplantation unit about the possibility of organ retrieval. The reasons mentioned for such decision included fear of negative judgment of the local community and problems with deceased relatives. 60% of physicians talking to the family about retrieval would ask for the relatives' consent despite the fact, that the transplantation law in Poland is based on the presumed consent of each individual. The results of the knowledge survey among medical students documented inadequate medical education concerning problems of transplantation. Educational campaign is needed to promote and extend the cadaveric organ transplantation in our country.