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Background. Identifying trajectories of kidney disease progression in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients may help to deliver better care. We aimed to identify and characterize trajectories of renal function decline in CKD patients and to investigate their association with mortality after dialysis. Methods. This retrospective cohort study included 378 CKD patients who initiated dialysis (aged 65 years and over) between 2009 and 2016. Were considered mixed models using linear quadratic and cubic models to define the trajectories, and we used probabilistic clustering procedures. Patient characteristics and care practices at and before dialysis were examined by multivariable multinomial logistic regression. The association of these trajectories with mortality after dialysis was examined using Cox models. Results. Four distinct groups of eGFR trajectories decline before dialysis were identified: slower decline (18.3%), gradual decline (18.3%), early rapid decline (41.2%), and rapid decline (22.2%). Patients with rapid eGFR decline were more likely to have diabetes, more cognitive impairment, to have been hospitalized before dialysis, and were less likely to have received pre-dialysis care compared to the patients with a slower decline. They had a higher risk of death within the first and fourth year after dialysis initiation, and after being more than 4 years in dialysis. Conclusions. There are different patterns of eGFR trajectories before dialysis initiation in the elderly, that may help to identify those who are more likely to experience an accelerated decline in kidney function, with impact on pre ESKD care and in the mortality risk after dialysis.

Background HLA mismatching is a well known risk factor for worst outcomes in kidney transplantation. Methods In the present study, HLA antigen and eplet mismatches were determined in 151 living donor-recipient pairs transplanted between 2007 and 2014 and rejection episodes and graft survival were evaluated. Results We found that high HLA-II eplet mismatch load (EpMM ≥ 13, versus low EpMM ≤ 5), was an independent predictor of AMR (adjusted HR = 14.839; P = 0.011), while HLA-II AgMM was not. We also showed that HLA-II EpMM load was a significant better predictor of AMR than AgMM (c-statistic = 0.064; P = 0.023). After discriminating HLA-II into HLA-DR and HLA-DQ loci we demonstrated that high versus low eplet mismatch load for HLA-DR (T3 ≥ 6 versus T = 0–1, p = 0.013) and HLA-DQ (T3 ≥ 7 versus T = 0–1, p = 0.009) are independent predictors for AMR. HLA-II EpMM increased discrimination performance of the classical HLA-II AgMM risk model (IDI, 0.061, 95%CI: 0.005–0.195) for AMR. Compared with AgMM, HLA-II eplet model adequately reclassified 13 of 17 patients (76.5%) with AMR and 92 of 134 patients (68.7%) without AMR (cfNRI, 0.785, 95%CI: 0.300–1.426). Conclusions Our study evidences that eplet-based matching is a refinement of the classical HLA antigen mismatch analysis in LDKT and is a potential biomarker for personalized assessment of alloimmune risk.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for several unfavorable outcomes including cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in the elderly, who represent the most rapidly growing segment of the end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) population. Portugal has the highest European unadjusted incidence and prevalence rates of ESKD. In 2012, we started to follow a cohort of elderly CKD patients, we describe their baseline characteristics, risk profile, and cardiovascular disease burden. Methods: All CKD patients aged 65 years and older referred to our department during 2012 were enrolled. Baseline data included: demographic, CKD stage, medication, comorbid conditions. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the CKD-EPI formula. Results: A total of 416 patients, 50% referred by primary care physicians, aged 77 ± 7 years, 52% male, with a median eGFR of 32 mL/min/1.73m2 participated in the study. Fifty percent had diabetes (DM), 85% dyslipidemia, 96% hypertension; 26% were current/former smokers, and 24% had a body mass index > 30 kg/m2. The prevalence of CVD was 62% and higher in stage 4-5 patients; in diabetics, it gradually increased with CKD progression (stage 3a < stage 3b < stage 4-5) (39, 58, 82%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: At baseline, our CKD elderly cohort had a higher burden of CVD. The prevalence of CVD was greater than in other European CKD cohorts. Lower level of eGFR was associated with a greater burden of CVD and was more pronounced in diabetics, highlighting the importance of strategically targeting cardiovascular risk reduction in these patients. Introdução: Doença renal crônica (DRC) é fator de risco independente para vários desfechos desfavoráveis, incluindo doença cardiovascular (DCV), particularmente em idosos, o segmento de crescimento mais rápido da população com doença renal terminal (DRT). Portugal tem a maior incidência europeia não-ajustada e a maior prevalência de DRT. Neste artigo caracterizamos uma coorte de idosos com DRC, referenciados para a nefrologia, com particular ênfase para o risco e carga de doença cardiovascular. Métodos: Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com DRC com 65 anos ou mais encaminhados ao nosso departamento em 2012. Os dados basais incluíram: demografia, estágio da DRC, medicação e comorbidades. A taxa de filtração glomerular (TFGe) foi calculada pela fórmula CKD-EPI. Resultados: Metade dos 416 pacientes incluídos foram encaminhados por médicos da atenção primária; sua idade era 77 ± 7 anos; 52% eram homens; a TFGe mediana era de 32 mL /min/1,73 m2. Metade tinha diabetes (DM), 85% dislipidemia, 96% hipertensão; 26% eram fumantes atuais/ antigos; 24% tinham índice de massa corporal > 30 kg/m2. A prevalência de DCV foi de 62%, sendo maior entre pacientes nos estágios 4-5; em diabéticos, aumentou gradualmente com a progressão da DRC (estágio 3a < estágio 3b < estágio 4-5) (39%, 58%, 82%; p < 0,001). Conclusões: A coorte de idosos com DRC apresentava inicialmente maior carga de DCV. A prevalência de DCV foi maior que em outras coortes europeias com DRC. Níveis menores de TFGe foram associados a carga maior de DCV e foram mais pronunciados entre diabéticos, destacando a importância de objetivar estrategicamente a redução do risco cardiovascular nesses pacientes. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

HLA donor-specific antibodies developed de novo after transplant remain a major cause of chronic allograft dysfunction. Our study main purpose was to determine whether HLA MM, assessed traditionally and by HLA total and AbVer eplet mismatch load (EptMM and EpvMM) assessed with HLAMatchMaker, had impact on dnDSA development after living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT). We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 96 LDKT between 2008 and 2017 performed in Hospital Santo Antonio. Seven patients developed dnDSA-II and EpvMM and EptMM were greater in dnDSA-II group compared to the no dnDSA-II (18.0 ± 8.7 versus 9.9 ± 7.9, p = .041 and 41.3 ± 18.9 versus 23.1 ± 16.7, p = .018), which is not observed for AgMM (2.29 versus 1.56; p = .09). In a multivariate analysis, we found that preformed DSA (HR = 7.983; p = .023), living unrelated donors (HR = 8.052; p = .024) and retransplantation (HR = 14.393; p = .009) were predictors for dnDSA-II (AUC = 0.801; 0.622-0.981). HLA-II EpvMM (HR = 1.105; p = .028; AUC = 0.856) showed to be a superior predictor of dnDSA-II, when compared to AgMM (HR = 1.740; p = .113; AUC = 0.783), when adjusted for these clinical variables. Graft survival was significantly lower within dnDSA-II patient group (36% versus 88%, p < .001). HLA molecular mismatch analysis is extremely important to minimize risk for HLA-II dnDSA development improving outcome and increasing chance of retransplant lowering allosensitization.

Background and Aims Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis is a disease characterized by destabilization of the native TTR tetramer. It can be caused by aging or due to pathogenic mutations, and its diagnosis is often missed. Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv), due to Val50Met mutation, is frequently linked with polyneuropathy but it can cause nephropathy too, causing wide range levels of albuminuria and renal dysfunction. Tafamidis, a TTR tetramer stabilizer, has been associated with significant decrease of albuminuria in ATTRv. However, TTR nephropathy is not an approved indication for its use. Plus, the renal effects of chronic oral administration of this TTR stabilizer are yet to be understood. This study evaluated longitudinal changes of eGFR-EPI within 72 months of therapy with tafamidis and identified factors associated with these changes. Method A retrospective cohort, single centre study was conducted. We have followed consecutive ATTRv Val50Met patients on tafamidis therapy from July 2012 to March 2019. Men and women aged 18-85 years were eligible if they had neuropathy stage I, were anti-amyloid treatment-naïve patients that accomplished at least 60 months of tafamidis therapy and had eGFR over 45 ml/min/1.73m2 with any grade of albuminuria. Exclusion criteria were: pregnancy, malignancies, diabetes and concurrent etiologies for nephropathy. Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney test and linear mixed models to analyze the longitudinal changes in eGFR of the two groups of patients (albumunuric/ non-albuminuric at baseline), by controlling for variables that could be associated with eGFR EPI Cystatin C course. Results From 366 patients, biopsy-proven ATTR amyloidosis, treated with tafamidis, 122 patients met our criteria (56 males, 66 females) and had a median age of 36 (IQR: 32-46) years old. Twenty-eight had pathological urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), defined by ACR >30 mg/dL, and ACR >300 mg/dL was only found in females. In univariate analysis no significant differences were found between median eGFR decline in albuminuric versus non-albuminuric patients (p=0.330). At all time points, mean eGFR levels were significantly lower in baseline albuminuric patients. According to our estimation, eGFR at baseline was 11.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower in baseline albuminuric patients, adjusted for age at the disease onset and time between symptom onset and tafamidis initiation. Baseline albuminuria status (p=0,005), age at the disease onset (p Conclusion This study represents a real-life experience of oral chronic administration of tafamidis and its effects on ATTR nephropathy, concerning albuminuria reduction and renal function decline. Our analysis had shown similar decline rates in eGFR, irrespectively the degree of albuminuria at baseline, differently from what would be expected, since higher grades of albuminuria are related with more rapidly kidney function deterioration. Besides its capacity of stabilizing TTR tetramers, tafamidis could have an enhancing role in the podocyte regeneration process through potential cofactors for amyloid fibrils toxic effect, that could be present in the glomerular basement membrane and mesangium. This nephroprotector effect should be considered when a switch of therapy is demanded by the neuropathy status and a second line treatment is considered. Presence of renal disease may be an indication for tafamidis maintenance and combined therapy.

Aim: Mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains high, particularly among elderly, who represents the most rapidly growing segment of the ESRD population in wealthier countries. We developed and validated a risk score in elderly patients to predict 6-month mortality after dialysis initiation. Methods: We used data from a cohort of 421 patients, aged 65 years and over who started dialysis between 2009 and 2016, in our Nephrology department. The predictive score was developed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A bootstrapping technique was used for internal validation. Results: The overall mortality within 6 months was 14.0%. Five independent predictors were identified, and a points system was constructed: age 75 years or older (2 points), coronary artery disease (2), cerebrovascular disease with hemiplegia (2), time of nephrology care before dialysis (Conclusions: We developed a simple prediction score based on readily available clinical and laboratory data that can be a practical and useful tool to assess short-term prognosis in elderly patients starting dialysis. It may help to inform patients and their families about ESRD treatment options and provide a more patient-centered overall approach to care.

The reduced access of highly-sensitized (HS) patients to kidney transplantation (KTx) is one of the major challenges for transplant community. Therefore, the aim of our study was to estimate the impact of three different vPRA calculations, assessed traditionally and using eplet-based analysis, in donor offers.At 01-01-2020, 157 HS patients are waitlisted for deceased donor KTx and were included in this study. Total vPRA (vPRAt) was calculated considering all patient allosensitization history, using 1 k MFI cut-off. Current vPRA (vPRAc) refers only to the last year SAB assays, using 1 k MFI cut-off. For eplet vPRA (vPRAe) every SAB assay was analyzed by HLAMatchmaker and HLAfusion software. Matching runs have been performed taking vPRA calculation as unacceptable antigens (UAs).All patients had at least one previous sensitizing event and patients with 100% vPRA were predominantly candidates for retransplantation (P 0.001), had higher PRA-CDC (P 0.001), and longer dialysis vintage waiting time (P 0.001). Inter-group movement analysis between vPRA measures showed that 70 (45%), 124 (79%) and 80 (51%) patients were reclassified to a lower group when considering vPRAt to vPRAc, vPRAt to vPRAe and vPRAc to vPRAe, respectively. The median percentage of change in estimated number of match runs needed for 95% probability of finding an acceptable donor was significantly more pronounced by increasing vPRAt intervals, when considering the reclassification from vPRAt to vPRAe (P 0.001) or vPRAc to vPRAe (P = 0.045), while from vPRAt to vPRAc it was not (P = 0.899).Our study demonstrated that the use of total or current vPRA calculations are impairing HS patients, by decreasing transplant probability, leading to dramatically longer waiting times, when compared to eplet based vPRA.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the predictors of mortality in a group of end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) patients under dialysis, by performing a three-year follow-up study. From the 236 patients included in this study, 54 patients died during the three-year follow-up period. Our data showed that the risk of death was higher in patients presenting lower levels of mean cell hemoglobin concentration, transferrin, and albumin. Our study showed that poor nutritional status and an inflammatory-induced iron depleted erythropoiesis are important factors for mortality in these patients.

Background The inclusion of compatible pairs within kidney paired exchange programs has been described as a way to enhance these programs. Improved immunological matching for the recipient in compatible pair has been described to be a possible benefit. Methods The main purpose of our study was to determine if the introduction of compatible pairs in the Portuguese kidney paired exchange program would result in a better match for these patients, but also to assess if this strategy would increase the number of incompatible pairs with a possible match. We included 17 compatible pairs in kidney paired exchange pool of 35 pairs and performed an in-silico simulation determining HLA eplet mismatch load between the co-registered and matched pairs using HLA MatchMaker, version 3.0. Results Our study showed that the inclusion of fully HLA-A, -B, −DR mismatched compatible pairs within the national Portuguese KEP increased matched rate within ICP (0.71%) and improved HLA eplet matching within compatible pairs. 16 of 17 (94.12%) of the CP obtained one or more transplants possibilities and 13 (81.25%) would have been transplanted with significantly lower HLA class I and class II total and antibody-verified eplet mismatch load (83.9 ± 16.9 vs. 59.8 ± 12.2, P = .002 and 30.1 ± 5.5 vs. 21.2 ± 3.0, P = .003, respectively). Conclusions This strategy is a viable alternative for compatible pairs seeking a better matched kidney and Portuguese KEP program should allow them this possibility.

Introduction: Fibrinogen Aa chain (AFib) amyloidosis is an autosomal dominant disease that typically presents with predominant renal involvement and has a predictable progressive clinical course [1]. The p.Glu545Val AFib gene (FGA) mutation is at the origin of all AFib amyloidosis cases (AFibE526V [p.Glu545Val]) that have been identified in Portugal so far, and accounts for the disease in 17 families. Current treatment of AFib amyloidosis comprises both supportive measures and disease-modifying approaches, such as liver transplantation [2,3]. Renal transplantation (RTx) is a supportive therapy with risk of premature graft loss due to amyloid recurrence or other unexpected complications related to progression of extrarenal amyloid deposition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of Portuguese patients with AFibE526V (p.Glu545Val) amyloidosis after RTx. This work was supported by Sociedade Portuguesa de Nefrologia This work was supported by Sociedade Portuguesa de Nefrologia. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in elderly, but mortality outweighs the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our aim was to identify prognostic markers for ESRD or death in elderly CKD, within a competing-risk analysis. This is a longitudinal study of consecutive newly referred patients with CKD ages 65 years, followed until the time of the first event (ESRD or death), using a competing-risk analysis. A modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) was subdivided into subgroups (0-2, 3-4, ≥5). Patients were followed for hospitalizations that occurred prior to the outcomes. Among 416 patients, age 76±8 years, 52% male, median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 32 mL/min per 1.73 m2, 50% had diabetes, and 67% cardiovascular disease. Over a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 36 patients progressed to ESRD (8.7%) and 103 died (24.8%). Older age (subdistribution HR (sHR)=1. 06; p

Background: Fibrinogen A alpha-chain (AFib) amyloidosis is a rare and late-onset disease, that result from amyloidogenic autosomal dominant mutations in the gene-encoding AFib (FGA). Patients invariably develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), typically progressing to end-stage renal failure within 5 years of recognition of renal involvement [1]. In Portugal, four apparently unrelated patients with AFib amyloidosis were identified in the district of Braga, Northern Portugal. They all carried the FGA p.Glu545Val mutation, three were heterozygous and one homozygous [2,3]. This observation led us to assess the prevalence of AFibE526V (p.Glu545Val) amyloidosis among Portuguese patients undergoing hemodialysis in the same district, through genetic screening for the FGA p.Glu545Val mutation. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Background Fibrinogen A α-chain (AFib) amyloidosis results from autosomal-dominant mutations in the gene encoding AFib ( FGA ). Patients with this disorder typically present with proteinuria. Isolated cases of AFib amyloidosis, carrying the FGA p.Glu545Val variant, were identified in the district of Braga, in northwest Portugal. This observation led us to hypothesize that this disorder might be an unrecognized cause of kidney disease in that region and prompted us to carry out targeted genetic testing for the p.Glu545Val variant in the local hemodialysis population and family members of identified cases. Study Design Case series. Setting & Participants 3 groups of participants: (1) kidney biopsy registry, n=4; (2) hemodialysis facility, n=122 of 267 patients; and (3) genetically at-risk individuals; n=69 of 167 family members. Outcomes Kidney disease, kidney disease progression, and survival. Results The p.Glu545Val variant was identified in all 4 patients of the biopsy registry, 12 of 122 (9.8%) hemodialysis patients tested, and 34 of 69 (49%) relatives tested. These 50 cases belonged to 13 unrelated families with kidney disease or amyloidosis identified in 61% of probands. 35 individuals presented with hypertension at a mean of 51.0±10.4 years. Of these, 30 developed kidney disease at a mean of 56.7±12.0 years, and 21 initiated dialysis therapy at a mean of 61.4±11.3 years. Heart, liver, spleen, colon, and ileum were involved along the progression of the disease. Kidney disease was formerly attributed to hypertension in 25% of patients with AFib amyloidosis undergoing hemodialysis. Limitations Retrospective data collection for patients with amyloidosis previously diagnosed. Conclusions AFib amyloidosis appears to be an under-recognized disorder in Braga, Portugal, where we found a high frequency of the FGA p.Glu545Val variant. Due to the nonspecific nature of its major clinical features, the diagnosis of AFib amyloidosis should have a high index of suspicion, particularly in populations in which hypertension is prevalent.

Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) patients with the V30M mutation, who progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are mostly female with later onset of neuropathy, usually after the sixth decade of ...

Whipple's disease (WD) is a chronic infection caused by Thropheryma whipplei that usually manifests with intestinal, articular, pulmonary, neurological and cardiac abnormalities. Rarely, WD has been associated with renal AA amyloidosis.We report a 50 year-old male with nephrotic syndrome and renal failure whose renal biopsy revealed extensive AA amyloidosis. Amyloid was not found in other organs, namely in gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. There was no evidence of chronic inflammatory disease, and despite detailed investigation, the diagnosis of the underlying disease remained obscure. Eight months after referral he started peritoneal dialysis. Three years later he developed anorexia, weight loss, anemia, and recurrent attacks of non-bloody diarrhea. A biopsy of the small intestine showed typical histological findings of WD and PCR was positive for T. whipplei. He was treated with ceftriaxone followed by co-trimoxazole, with remission of complaints and histological features. Three years later the patient underwent successful cadaveric kidney transplantation. In this case, AA amyloidosis preceded the manifestations of WD. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of kidney transplantation in a patient with amyloidosis due to WD. Recurrence of amyloidosis in renal graft is not expected.

Background: Anemia with low serum erythropoietin (EPO) is common in Portuguese transthyretin V30M amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). Low EPO production can be observed before clinical disease. Renal amyloidosis is observed in FAP, mainly in the medulla. Renal manifestations correlate with glomerular and vascular involvement, but not with tubulointerstitial deposition. To evaluate the potential role of renal amyloid deposits in the genesis of the EPO defect in FAP, we analyzed the renal biopsies of 12 patients (5 males, 7 females, aged from 29 to 54 years) with a clinical evolution varying from 3 to 12 (mean 5.4 ± 2.8) years. Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of renal biopsies were stained by Congo red. Amyloid deposits were assessed by a semiquantitative method based on the percentage of amyloid deposition in each renal structure. Hemoglobin, creatinine, urea, EPO and proteinuria were concomitantly evaluated and correlated with the pathological findings. Results: Renal amyloid deposits were observed in all biopsies analyzed, independently of the neuropathy score. Low serum EPO levels were not related with either the amount of amyloid deposition or the renal clinical manifestations. Conclusion: Impairment of EPO production in FAP is not directly related to renal amyloid deposits and more studies are needed to clarify this question.

Familial amyloidosis or familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) TTR V30M is a hereditary disease presented, in most cases, as a sensorimotor and autonomic neuropathy. Normocytic and normochromic anaemia was found in 24.8% of symptomatic FAP patients associated to lower serum erythropoietin (Epo) levels. Erythropoietin has been reported as efficient in anaemia correction in this disease. To evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of this treatment, a retrospective longitudinal study with 24 patients was undertaken. Patients were followed for at least 6 months. Haemoglobin, hematocrit, iron status, serum creatinine and urea and r-HuEPO doses were monitored, at 0, 3 months, 6 months and at the end of the follow-up. Long-term use of r-HuEPO proved to be efficient in the treatment of anaemia in familial amyloidosis TTR V30M and, despite the disease progression, no resistance cases to this treatment were observed. Positive side effects, like improvement on orthostatic hypotension symptoms and well-being sensation, contributing to confirm erythropoietin as a drug of choice to treat anaemia in amyloidosis TTR V30M.

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy type I (FAP-I) is caused by a mutant transthyretin (TTR V30M) produced by liver, and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a widely accepted treatment for stopping the major production of TTR V30M. Anemia affects 24.8% of symptomatic FAP-I patients with low erythropoietin (Epo) levels, suggesting a blockage of Epo-producing cells by local or circulating factors. To evaluate the putative toxicity effect of the mutant protein on Epo-producing cells and consequent Epo production, clinical and laboratory parameters of 20 FAP patients were collected before and after liver transplantation, analyzed and compared. Following OLT, the prevalence of anemia increased, with a significant decrease in transferrin saturation, but without significant change in ferritin. Serum Epo levels remained low after OLT and the observed to expected (O/E) Epo level ratio decreased even further after OLT (O/E < 0.8 rose to 70%). Despite the decrease in creatinine clearance (95.1 to 66.9 ml/min, p < 0.001), a similar median O/E Epo level was observed, independently of the presence of renal failure, excluding an important impact of renal failure on Epo production. The increase of anemia after OLT and the maintenance of a defective endogenous Epo production after liver transplantation excluded an inhibitory effect of the circulating TTR V30M on the Epo-producing cells.

Systemic hereditary amyloidoses are autosomal dominant diseases associated with mutations in genes encoding ten different proteins. The clinical phenotype has implications on therapeutic approach, but it is commonly variable and largely dependent on the type of mutation. Except for rare cases involving gelsolin or transthyretin, patients are heterozygous for the amyloidogenic variants. Here we describe the first patient identified worldwide as homozygous for a nephropathic amyloidosis, involving the fibrinogen variant associated with the fibrinogen alpha-chain E526V (p.Glu545Val) mutation. In 1989, a 44-year-old woman presented with hypertension, hepatosplenomegaly, nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure. She started hemodialysis in 1990 and 6 years later underwent isolated kidney transplantation from a deceased donor. Graft function and clinical status were unremarkable for 16 years, despite progressively increased left ventricular mass on echocardiography. In 2012, 4 months before death, she deteriorated rapidly with severe heart failure, precipitated byClostridium difficilecolitis and urosepsis. Affected family members developed nephropathy, on average, nearly three decades later, which may be explained by the gene dosage effects on the phenotype of E526V (p.Glu545Val) fibrinogen A alpha-chain amyloidosis.

Introduction Serum creatinine (SCr) alone does not allow for the early diagnosis of delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation (KTx). Objective, design and methods The diagnostic utility of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), serum leptin, malondialdehyde (MD.A), and cystatin C (CysC) for the early detection of DGF was previously evaluated by our group in a prospective cohort study of 40 consecutive adults undergoing KTx. Because no single biomarker achieved adequate sensitivity or specificity for practical purposes, this study was designed to evaluate the combined use of new markers with SCr. Urine and blood samples were collected 8-to-12 h after KTx (day-1). Logistic regression was used to combine the biomarkers, and receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve (AUC–ROC) were generated. Results Eighteen recipients developed DGF (dialysis requirement during the first post-transplant week). On day-1, the AUC for SCr to predict DGF was 0.73, 0.88 for uNGAL, 0.90 for MDA, 0.76 for leptin, and 0.91 for CysC. Adding new biomarkers to SCr enhanced the performance of DGF prediction, and the best combination was achieved with SCr, MDA, and CysC (AUC = 0.96, sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 86%). Conclusion A combination of graft damage biomarkers outperformed SCr in the early diagnosis of DGF, and the best performance was achieved by a triple-marker approach, using SCr, MDA, and CysC.

Context and Objective Based on evidence that leptin and adiponectin are removed from circulation primarily by the kidney, we designed a study to examine the longitudinal changes of these adipokines during the first week after kidney transplantation (KTx) and to test the hypothesis that higher levels of leptin and/or adiponectin could be early biomarkers of delayed graft function (DGF = dialysis requirement during the first post-transplant week) and acute rejection. Study Design Repeated-measures prospective study. Material and Methods Forty consecutive adult patients with end-stage renal disease who were undergoing KTx. Leptin and adiponectin were measured in blood samples that were collected before (day-0) and after KTx (days-1, 2, 4 and 7). Linear mixed-models, receiver operating characteristic and area under curve (AUC-ROC) were used. Results At post-transplant day-1, leptinemia and adiponectinemia declined 43% and 47%, respectively. At all times studied after KTx, the median leptin levels were significantly higher in patients developing DGF (n = 18), but not adiponectin levels. Shortly after KTx (day-1), leptin values were significantly higher in DGF recipients in contrast to patients with promptly functioning kidneys, approximately two times higher when controlling for gender and BMI. The leptin reduction rate between pre-tranplant and one-day after KTx moderately predicted DGF (AUC = 0.73). On day-1, serum leptin predicted DGF (AUC-ROC = 0.76) with a performance slightly better than serum creatinine (AUC-ROC = 0.72), even after correcting for BMI (AUC-ROC = 0.73). Separating this analysis by gender showed that the performance of leptin in predicting DGF for male gender (AUC-ROC = 0.86) improved. Conclusions Kidney graft function is an independent determinant of leptin levels, but not of adiponectin. Leptin levels at day-1 slightly outperformed serum creatinine in predicting the occurrence of DGF, and more accurately in male gender. No significant association was detected with acute rejection.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare worldwide autosomal dominant disease caused by the systemic deposition of an amyloidogenic variant of transthyretin (TTR), which is usually derived from a single amino acid substitution in the TTR gene. More than 100 mutations have been described, with V30M being the most prevalent. Each variant has a different involvement, although peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy are the most common. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was implemented as the inaugural disease-modifying therapy because the liver produces the circulating unstable TTR. In this review, we focus on the results and long-term outcomes of OLT for ATTR after more than 2063 procedures and 23 years of experience. After successful OLT, neuropathy and organ impairment are not usually reversed, and in some cases, the disease progresses. The overall 5-year survival rate is approximately 100% for V30M patients and 59% for non-ATTR V30M patients. Cardiac-related death and septicemia are the main causes of mortality. Lower survival is related to malnutrition, a longer duration of disease, cardiomyopathy, and a later onset (particularly for males). Deposits, which are composed of a mixture of truncated and full-length TTR (type A) fibrils, have been associated with posttransplant myocardial dysfunction. A higher incidence of early hepatic artery thrombosis of the graft has also been documented for these patients. Liver-kidney/heart transplantation is an alternative for patients with advanced renal disease or heart failure. The sequential procedure, in which ATTR livers are reused in patients with liver disease, reveals that neuropathy in the recipient may appear as soon as 6 years after OLT, and ATTR deposits may appear even earlier. Long-term results of trials with amyloid protein stabilizers or disrupters, silencing RNA, and antisense oligonucleotides will highlight the value and limitations of liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 21:282–292, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.

Background. Oxidative stress is one of the most important components of the ischemia-reperfusion process afterkidney transplantation (KTx) and increases with graft dysfunction.Methods. This prospective study was conducted on 40 consecutive KTx recipients to evaluate time-dependentchanges in oxidative stress-related parameters within the first week after KTx and to assess their performance inpredicting delayed graft function (DGF=dialysis requirement during initial posttransplant week) and graft function at1 year. Blood samples were collected before (day 0) and after KTx (days 1, 2, 4, and 7). Total antioxidant capacity,plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and su-peroxide dismutase were measured. Multivariable linear mixed and linear regression models, receiver-operatingcharacteristic (ROC), and areas under ROC curves (AUC-ROC) were used.Results. At all time points after KTx, mean MDA levels were significantly higher in patients developing DGF (n=18).Shortly after KTx (8Y12 hr), MDA values were higher in DGF recipients (on average, +0.16 Kmol/L) and increasedfurtheronfollowing day,contrasting withprompt functioningrecipients.Day1MDA levelsaccurately predictedDGF(AUC-ROC=0.90), with a performance higher than SCr (AUC-ROC=0.73) and similar to cystatin C (AUC-ROC=0.91). Multivariable analysis revealed that MDA levels on day 7 represented an independent predictor of 1-yeargraft function. Antioxidant enzyme activities were not significantly changed during the study period and were notpredictors of 1-year graft function.Conclusions. Increased MDA levels on day 1 after KTx might be an early prognostic indicator of DGF, and levels onday 7 might represent a useful predictor of 1-year graft function.Keywords: Oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde, Kidney transplantation, Kidney graft dysfunction.(Transplantation 2014;97: 1058Y1065)

Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) has been suggested as potential early marker of delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation (KTx). We conducted a prospective study in 40 consecutive KTx recipients to evaluate serial changes of uNGAL within the first week after KTx and assess its performance in predicting DGF (dialysis requirement during initial posttransplant week) and graft function throughout first year. Urine samples were collected on post-KTx days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7. Linear mixed and multivariable regression models, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC), and areas under ROC curves were used. At all-time points, mean uNGAL levels were significantly higher in patients developing DGF (n = 18). Shortly after KTx (3-6 h), uNGAL values were higher in DGF recipients (on average +242 ng/mL, considering mean dialysis time of 4.1 years) and rose further in following days, contrasting with prompt function recipients. Day-1 uNGAL levels accurately predicted DGF (AUC-ROC = 0.93), with a performance higher than serum creatinine (AUC-ROC = 0.76), and similar to cystatin C (AUC-ROC = 0.95). Multivariable analyses revealed that uNGAL levels at days 4 and 7 were strongly associated with one-year serum creatinine. Urinary NGAL is an early marker of graft injury and is independently associated with dialysis requirement within one week after KTx and one-year graft function. The authors recognize and thank Abbott Laboratories for their valuable contribution for donating kits used for testing almost 200 samples. The remaining kits were financed by funds of Unit for Multidisciplinary Investigation in Biomedicine, Porto, Portugal

Fibrinogen A α-chain (AFib) and apolipoprotein AI (AApoAI) amyloidosis due to variants in the AFib and ApoAI genes are the most common types of hereditary amyloidosis in Europe and the United States. Liver is the exclusive source of the aberrant amyloidogenic protein in AFib and responsible for supplying approximately half of the circulating variant ApoAI. Nephrotic syndrome and renal impairment due to renal amyloidosis are common disease manifestations; however, recent research provides evidence to support a more diverse and systemic disease phenotype, which in turn has implications in the management of the hereditary amyloidoses with solid organ transplantation and, in particular, liver transplantation.

The amyloidoses are protein-misfolding disorders associated with progressive organ dysfunction. Immunoglobulin light chain is the most common, amyloid A the longest recognized, and transthyretin-associated amyloidosis (ATTR) the most frequent inherited systemic form. Although ATTR, an autosomal-dominant disease, is associated with at least 100 different transthyretin (TTR) mutations, the single amino-acid substitution of methionine for valine at position 30 is the most common mutation. Each variant has a different organ involvement, although clinical differences attributed to environmental and genetic factors exist within the same mutation. Peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy are broadly described, and insights into disease reveal that kidney impairment and proteinuria are also clinical features. This review combines clinical and laboratory findings of renal involvement from the main geographic regions of disease occurrence and for different mutations of TTR. Fifteen nephropathic variants have been described, but the TTR V30M mutation is the best documented. Nephropathy affects patients with late-onset neuropathy, low penetrance in the family, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Microalbuminuria can be the disorder's first presentation, even before the onset of neuropathy. Amyloid renal deposits commonly occur, even in the absence of urinary abnormalities. The experience with renal replacement therapy is based on hemodialysis, which is associated with poor survival. Because TTR is synthesized mainly in the liver, liver transplantation has been considered an acceptable treatment; simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation is recommended to avoid recurrence of nephropathy. In addition, the kidney-safety profile of new drugs in development may soon be available.

Purpose We performed a retrospective study to examine the impact on long-term graft survival of first-year posttransplantation renal function, as evaluated by serum creatinine. Patients and Methods We analyzed data from 1,273 adult kidney transplants performed between 1983 and 2008. All recipients >18 years old were included if their grafts had survived beyond 1 year, excluding patients simultaneously transplanted with other organs. Cox proportional hazards multivariable analysis was used to examine the relationship between first-year posttransplantation renal function and death-censored graft loss, adjusted for other variables. Renal function in the first year was expressed as serum creatinine levels at 1, 6, and 12 months as well as the change in creatinine between those 3 periods. Results Posttransplantation 1-month serum creatinine levels and change between 1 and 6 months were independent predictors of long-term graft loss. Multivariable analysis also identified donor age (increasing), acute rejection episode occurrence, recipient age at transplantation (decreasing), and gender (female) as independently predictive of graft failure, adjusting for other factors usually associated with graft loss, namely, pretransplantation time on dialysis, HLA mismatches, and delayed graft function. The predictive effect of creatininemia was sustained at 6 and 12 months, after adjusting for these covariates. Conclusions Posttransplantation serum creatinine levels at 1, 6, and 12 months were independent predictors of graft survival, suggesting that they could be considered as surrogate endpoints for long-term death-censored graft loss.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an autosomal dominant disease, caused by mutations in the TTR gene, the most prevalent being V30M. Although each TTR variant has a different involvement, peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy are predominant. Kidney deposits are well recognized since the original description of the disease as well as a renal phenotype is also likely. Kidney involvement with proteinuria and progressive renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in ATTR amyloidosis. However, kidney impairment is not as common as in AA or AL amyloidosis. Epidemiological studies from Portugal and Sweden reveal that approximately one third of the patients display varying degrees of albuminuria and renal dysfunction. Dialysis improves the prognosis and survival, but morbidity and mortality are higher than in other populations given this treatment. The low level of proteinuria or slight renal impairment does not suppose a so heavy glomerular and vascular deposition of amyloid as in ATTR, particularly in V30M mutation. Moreover, severity of renal amyloid deposition did not consistently parallel that of myelinated nerve fiber loss, with dissociation between kidney and neurological involvement. These are pitfalls that motive troublesome criteria for therapy in ATTR nephropathy. Twenty five years ago, liver transplantation (LT) was introduced as a treatment of ATTR, since this suppresses the production of circulating mutant TTR and theoretically stops the amyloid formation and disease progression, but uncertainties remain about its role on kidney deposits. Renal dysfunction pre LT and acute renal injury post LT are risk factors for chronic renal disease development after LT. The approach for stage 4 or 5 kidney disease remains the combined or sequential liver-kidney transplantation in eligible patients. However, in the majority of patients, hemodialysis is the unique option even in the presence of a well-functioning liver graft. Tafamidis, a TTR stabilizing drug, was described as having a benefit effect on albuminuria and renal function. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed efficacy stabilizing ATTR in early forms of amyloid neuropathy. However, studies with diflunisal noted decline in eGFR even with exclusion of patients with significant renal impairment. RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous cellular mechanism for controlling gene expression with application to ATTR neuropathy. The therapeutic value in kidney disease with successfully silenced intraglomerular genes in mouse models was proved, raising the possibility of a future role for renal ATTR amyloidosis. Antisense oligonucleotides are also under clinical trials; renal epithelial cells efficiently take up oligonucleotides without apparent degradation, rendering the kidney an excellent target for site-directed antisense therapy, but also a site of antisense toxicity. Other several natural products that inhibit TTR amyloid fibril formation where progressively investigated to stop neuropathy, but the specificity for renal disease was never evaluated. Until now, doubts remain about the role of new therapies in nephropathy, if there are preferential indications for a specific one and if dialysis patients should be included in a particular treatment.

Classical familial amyloid polyneuropathy may have a course with progressive renal impairment. We studied 62 patients (24 males, 38 females) with FAP, transthyretin variant V30M, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with hemodialysis, all referred to a single center over a period of 11 years. Clinical course, morbidity and survival after dialysis were analyzed. Patient's mean age at first dialysis was 51.5 +/- 10.7 years, and mean duration of neuropathy was 10.2 +/- 3.8 years. The most frequent form of presentation of FAP nephropathy was nephrotic proteinuria with renal dysfunction. In the year prior to dialysis, renal function declined rapidly, and fluid overload was the main indication to initiate treatment. The presence of decubitus ulcers, significant disability, venous catheter for definitive vascular access for long-term treatment, and permanent bladder catheter, were related to death during the first year of dialysis. The mean duration of renal replacement therapy was 21 months, with a 54.5% one year, and 38.4% two year treatment survival. However, when the duration of neurological symptoms at first dialysis exceeded 10 years, survival was significantly lower. Infections, (41% were decubitus ulcers with sepsis) were the cause of early, as well as late mortality. Early creation of vascular access for hemodialysis, surveillance of skin wounds, and intervention on neurogenic bladder are essential to improve the prognosis of ESRD in FAP.

Familial ATTR amyloidosis: microalbuminuria as a predictor of symptomatic disease and clinical nephropathy. Lobato L, Beirão I, Silva M, Bravo F, Silvestre F, Guimarães S, Sousa A, Noël LH, Sequeiros J. SourceDepartment of Nephrology and Centro de Estudos de Paramiloidose, Hospital Geral de Santo António and Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Porto, Portugal. llobato@netcabo.pt Abstract BACKGROUND: Portuguese type familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is a neuropathic amyloidosis caused by a mutant transthyretin (TTR). Varying degrees of renal involvement have been reported. Our aim was to assess the value of microalbuminuria (MA) for predicting clinical neurological disease and overt nephropathy in TTR-related amyloidosis. METHODS: All subjects had the TTR Val30Met mutation, and were recruited between 1993 and 1999. We have prospectively evaluated 22 asymptomatic gene carriers (7 male, 15 female; mean age 41.6+/-9.6 years) and 32 patients with neuropathy (14 male, 18 female; 36.8+/-8.8 years, on average, 33.0+/-9.3 years at the onset of neuropathy). We measured urinary albumin excretion every year, if asymptomatic, or every 6 months if already affected. Kidney biopsies were performed in patients with normal urinary albumin excretion, MA, and overt nephropathy, respectively. RESULTS: In asymptomatic carriers, persistent MA was detected in eight (36%) subjects. The presence of MA in asymptomatic gene carriers, compared with those having normal urinary albumin excretion, conferred a 4.8-fold risk of developing neuropathy, usually within the subsequent 3 years. Once neurological signs appeared, nephropathy, manifested as MA, progressed to overt nephropathy in one-half of subjects. In patients with neuropathy, 24 (75%) had MA during follow-up: evolution towards clinical renal disease occurred in 14 (58%) and renal failure occurred in five (21%), always after a course of MA. Proteinuria or renal failure without prior persistent MA were never observed in the present patient cohort. Histopathological evaluation did not reveal glomerular lesions other than amyloid deposits to explain abnormal urinary albumin excretion. The amount of mesangial and vascular-pole amyloid deposits was correlated with the degree of albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: Microalbuminuria represents the first stage of clinical TTR amyloid nephropathy and is premonitory of neuropathy. Its presence identifies a subgroup of patients who are more prone to develop overt nephropathy. Screening of MA may be important to assess disease onset and to recommend liver transplantation in individuals at risk.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits a dramatic genetic variability and several mechanisms of immunological response are unable to control hepatic and extrahepatic replication. Genotype 1 b is associated with more severe clinical manifestations and is less responsive to interferon. In addition, we have reported an increase of HCV RNA viral load after renal transplantation. Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is supposed to increase viral replication and liver dysfunction in chronically infected renal graft recipients. We evaluated the genotype profile in HCV+ patients of our Renal Transplant Unit and studied the effects of ATG, as part of the induction of immunosuppression, on viral load and liver enzymes abnormalities. From 726 renal graft recipients, 104 patients, with a mean follow up of 3.9 +/- 2.9 years, were anti-HCV+ by ELISA II. HCV RNA was measured by quantitative PCR. We correlated the viral load and biochemical liver parameters with genotype, exposure to ATG as induction therapy, early acute rejection episode and the duration of infection. Of the 81 patients tested, 72% were viraemic and genotype 1 b was the predominant viral strain (66%). The majority of these patients (65%) were coinfected by two or more strains. There was no correlation between HCV RNA blood levels and liver enzymes. We did not find higher viral load with genotype 1 b infection (68 +/- 88 mEq/ml vs 75.8 +/- 123 mEq/ml in the others) nor with ATG induction therapy (43.5 +/- 71.3 mEq/ml vs 64.1 +/- 110.5 mEq/ml). Early acute rejection and longer follow up were not associated with higher levels of HCV RNA. The biochemical liver profile showed no relationship with the variables studied. We concluded that genotype 1 b is the predominant strain in our HCV+ population and there is a great prevalence of coinfection with several genotypes. Our results did not confirm a deleterious effect of the use of ATG as induction therapy in these HCV-infected patients. Prospective randomised studies with liver biopsy evaluation are needed to answer more fully the remaining questions about the best immunosuppressive therapy in renal graft recipients with chronic HCV infection.