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Background Vaccination programs are essential for the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected hemodialysis populations especially hard. Early reports suggest a reduced immunologic response to SARS-Cov-2 vaccines in dialysis patients, in spite of a high degree of seroconversion. We aimed to identify risk factors for a reduced efficacy of an mRNA vaccine in a cohort of hemodialysis patients. Method In a multicenter study, including 294 Portuguese hemodialysis patients who had received 2 doses of BNT162b2 with a three week interval, IgG-class antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were determined 3 weeks after the first dose (M1) and 6 weeks after the second dose (M2). The threshold for seroconversion was 10UR/mL. Demographic and clinical data was retrieved from a quality registry. Adverse events were registered using a questionnaire. Results At M2, seroconversion was 93.1% with a median antibody level of 197.5U/mL (1.2–3237.0) and a median increase of 180.0U/mL (-82.9–2244.6) from M1. Age (beta -8.9; 95%CI: -12.88 to -4.91; P 600ng/mL (beta 183.93; 95%CI: 74.75 to 293.10; P = 0.001) and physical activity (beta 265.79; 95%CI: 30.7 to 500.88; P = 0.03) were independent predictors of SARS-Cov-2 antibody levels after two vaccine doses. Plasma albumin > 3.5g/dL independently predicted the increase of antibody levels between both doses (OR 14.72; 95%CI: 1.38 to 157.45; P = 0.03). Only mild adverse reactions were observed in 10.9% of patients. Conclusions The SARS-Cov-2 vaccine BNT162b2 is safe and effective in hemodialysis patients. Besides age, iron status and nutrition are possible modifiable modulators of the immunologic response to SARS-Cov-2 mRNA vaccines. This data suggests the need for an early identification of populations at higher risk for diminished antibody production and the potential advantage of the implementation of oriented strategies to maximize the immune response to vaccination in these patients., Graphical Abstract Graphical Abstract

OBJECTIVES Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic window, and lack of adherence to the therapeutic regimen is a main risk factor for acute graft rejection; hence, the prolonged-release formulation was created. A high intrapatient variability for tacrolimus trough levels has been associated with worse graft outcomes; therefore, we investigated the correlation between the tacrolimus variation coefficient and the development of biopsy-proven acute graft rejection in kidney transplant patients with typical maintenance immunosuppression versus the prolonged-release formulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a single-center observational retrospective study that included all adult kidney transplants from deceased donors between January 2011 and December 2014 for which the transplant recipients were given maintenance therapy with tacrolimus prolonged-release formulation (Advagraf). The overall tacrolimus variation coefficient was calculated for the follow-up period from transplant until December 2019. Biopsy-proven acute graft rejection results were collected throughout follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software. RESULTS The study was composed of 147 patients with a mean follow-up time of 60.4 ± 15 months. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 ± 11.9 years and 67.3% were men. Of these 147 patients, 29 had at least 1 episode of acute graft rejection during follow-up. There was a significant correlation between patients with a higher tacrolimus variation coefficient and the presence of biopsy-proven acute graft rejection. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine an intrapatient variability cutoff point of 28.3% for tacrolimus. Younger patients were also more likely than older patients to develop acute graft rejection in our sample. CONCLUSIONS High intrapatient variability of tacrolimus trough levels is a risk factor for acute graft rejection in kidney transplant patients.

Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in older adults. Although BPH may be asymptomatic in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with low diuresis, the condition may become troublesome when diuresis resumes after transplantation. This study evaluated the effect that developing acute urinary retention (AUR) in first 4 months after kidney transplantation (KT) can have on graft function at 6 months. The study identified predictive factors and analyzed treatment of AUR in these patients. Methods This study retrospectively included 303 men who received KT. Independent samples Student t test was used to compare glomerular filtration rates (GFRs) at 6 months. Logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of AUR. Results The study found that 14 patients developed AUR within the first 4 months after KT. This group had lower GFR at 6 months post-KT. Nine patients required transurethral resection of the prostate, and 2 of these patients developed acute graft pyelonephritis following resection. Residual diuresis and recipient age were predictive factors. Recipient age >55 years was a risk factor. Medical therapy of BPH before transplantation was a protective factor. Conclusions Developing AUR in the first 4 months after KT was associated with lower graft GFR at 6 months, and transurethral resection of the prostate was required in 64% of these patients, with good results. Medical therapy for BPH before the transplant was associated with a lower risk of AUR. Older patients and patients with pretransplant low urine output had a higher risk of AUR. These patients should be closely monitored in the posttransplant period for the presence of obstructive uropathy.

Background Borderline changes suspicious for acute T-cell–mediated rejection (BC) are frequently seen on biopsy specimens, but their clinical significance and clinical management are still controversial. Our goal was to compare clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BC vs acute T-cell–mediated rejection (aTCMR) and the influence of treating BC on graft outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in all kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven BC and aTCMR between January 2012 and December 2018, according to Banff 2017 criteria; patients with concomitant antibody-mediated rejection were excluded. Results We included 85 patients, 30 with BC (35.3%) and 55 with aTCMR (64.7%). There was no difference between groups regarding demographics, HLA matching and sensitization, immunosuppression, or time of transplant. Treatment with steroids was started in 15 patients with BC (50%) and in all patients with aTCMR, with 4 of the latter additionally receiving thymoglobulin (7.2%). At 1 year post biopsy, overall graft survival was 71%, and despite presenting better estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at biopsy (33.3 ± 23.4 vs 19.9 ± 13.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .008), patients in the BC group presented the same graft survival as the aTCMR group according to Kaplan-Meyer survival curves. When analyzing the BC group (n = 30) and comparing the patients who were treated (n = 15) vs a conservative approach (n = 15), graft survival at 1 year was 87% for treated patients and 73% for nontreated patients (P = .651), with no difference in eGFR for patients with functioning graft. However, at longer follow-up, survival curves showed a trend for better graft survival in treated patients (70.2 ± 9.2 vs 38.4 ± 8.4 months, P = .087). Conclusion Our study showed that patients with BC did not present better graft survival or graft function at 1 year after biopsy or at follow-up compared with the aTCMR group, despite better eGFR at diagnosis. We found a trend for better graft survival in patients with BC treated with steroids compared with a conservative approach. These results reinforce the importance of borderline changes in graft outcomes and that the decision to treat can influence long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients with end-stage renal disease accounting for 40% of all mortality. Diabetes mellitus, the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide, together with obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, places patients at higher risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Effective treatment such as coronary revascularization is critical to lowering the subsequent risk of CV events and improving long-term survival. In this study, we aim to compare the cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients in dialysis following an AMI. Methods We retrospectively enrolled 70 CKD stage 5d patients (4 h/3 times a week) aged ≥ 18 years old who were admitted at the cardiac intensive care unit with AMI between January 2017 and December 2020. Baseline variables and laboratory data were collected at admission and 1 month after discharge for follow-up. Two groups were created: G1 (diabetic) and G2 (non-diabetic). Data were collected by consulting electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS statistics version 23.0. RESULTS Seventy patients (male: 72.9%) with a mean age of 70.9 ± 12 years were selected. G1 (n = 33; 47.1%) and G2 (n = 37; 52.1%) had similar distributions of gender (male: 72.7% versus 72.9%; P = 0.081) and age (70.9 ± 9 versus 70.8 ± 10 years; P = 0.076) opposite to dialysis vintage (33 versus 17 months; P = 0.003). The main CKD cause in G2 was hypertensive nephrosclerosis (n = 14, 37.8%), followed by uncertain aetiology (n = 10, 27.1%), obstructive uropathy (n = 6, 16.2%), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (n = 3, 8.1%), IgA nephropathy (n = 2, 5.4%) and small vessel vasculitis (n = 2, 5.4%). Previous comorbidities were (G1 versus G2): arterial hypertension (93.9% versus 97.3%; P = 0.77), smoking habits (9.1% versus 16.2%; P = 0.033), heart failure (78.8% versus 67.6%; P = 0.064), left ventricular hypertrophy (47.9% versus 52.8%; P = 0.082), body mass index > 30 kg/m2 (57.6% versus 56.8%; P = 0.72) and dyslipidaemia (100% versus 99%; P = 0.91). At admission, groups were compared hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin 4 points (56 versus 32%, OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.4–25.1, P = 0.0041). Total cholesterol (149 ± 38 versus 146 ± 39 mg/dL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (97 ± 31.6 versus 94 ± 29.9 mg/dL) were also compared with no statistically significant differences. In G1, glycaemic control was satisfactory (HbA1c: 7.4%); 45.5% (n = 15) were taking insulin alone, 9.0% (n = 3) were taking oral antidiabetics (DPP-4 inhibitors) and 45.5% (n = 15) were using a combined therapy. Regarding AMI in G1 and G2, ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was present in 8 (24.2%) versus 11 (29.7%) patients (P = 0.08); all patients underwent coronary revascularization except 3 patients on each group (9% versus 8.1%), who had a NSTEMI. During hospitalization (10.5 ± 6 days versus 10.2 ± 12 days; P = 0.12), 13 patients died (n = 6; 18.2% versus n = 7; 18.9%, P = 0.07); 3 were treated conservatively and all 3 belonged to G1. The main cause of death was cardiogenic shock (n = 10, 83.3%). No deaths or new CV events occurred 30 days post-AMI. Multiple regression analysis showed that dialysis vintage was the only significant predictor for the occurrence of a CV event, regardless of being STEMI/NSTEMI or of any intervention. CONCLUSION Based on our results, G1 and G2 showed no difference in mortality or risk of developing a new CV event in the following month post-AMI. This might be related with several non-traditional risk factors, such as chronic volume overload, anaemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic kidney disease-mineral bone present in the majority of dialysis patients that were not evaluated or with the size of our sample.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is an increasing number of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are older, frail, with multi-morbidity, and with poor functional status. Renal palliative medicine or kidney supportive care is an evolving branch of nephrology. In medicine, strict respect for the patient's wishes related to their health is essential, but the medical decision to suspend or not initiate treatments considered inappropriate or futile is also crucial, whenever the limits of diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention dictated by the current state of knowledge are exceeded. There is a need for better evidence about medical management versus dialysis at different ages, to better support our patients in all stages of their renal disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the applicability and outcomes of a conservative management of advanced CKD in patients admitted to a nephrology ward between January 2018 and December 2021. METHOD Retrospective observational study was carried out through the analysis of digital data of all patients admitted to a nephrology ward between January 2018 and December 2021. All the patients included in this study had a decision of therapeutic limitation signed. This was applicable in situations of advanced illness and at the end stage of life, in which the use of extraordinary means for sustaining life may be considered inappropriate, or even a cause of damage. Therapeutic limitation parameters include the artificial route for nutrition, parenteral nutrition, use of vasoactive drugs, transfusions, invasive mechanical ventilation, defibrillators, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and renal function replacement techniques. Data regarding patients’ baseline characteristics, the Katz Index of independence in activities of daily living, comorbidities, symptoms, laboratory findings, length of hospital stay, treatment regimens and clinical outcomes were collected by consulting electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistics version 23.0. RESULTS A total of 102 patients (female 55.9%) with a mean age of 86 ± 9 (range 55–99) years were selected. Prior to hospitalization, patients were mostly residing in nursing homes (n = 41, 40.2%), followed by their private residences (n = 40, 39.2%) and then continuous care units (n = 16, 15.7%). Diseases of the respiratory tract were the most common causes of hospitalization (n = 21, 20.7%), followed by acute kidney injury/worsening of CKD (n = 20, 19.6%) and heart failure (n = 15, 14.8%). We defined two groups: patients who died (group 1) and patients who were discharged (group 2). G1 (n = 88; 86.3%) and G2 (n = 14; 13.7%) had similar distributions of gender (female: 50.7% versus 54.9%, P = .081) opposite to age (82.9 ± 9 versus 73.8 ± 10 years, P = .016). At admission, groups were compared for dementia (62.1% versus 47.4%, P < .001), arterial hypertension (48.3% versus 37.9%, P = .061), diabetes (52.2% versus 37.8%, P < .001), oncologic disease (50.4% versus 26.6%, P Dialysis was suspended (n = 89; 87%) or not started (n = 13; 13%) in the number total of patients. A total of 86.3% of patients died (n = 88). The average number of days between the decision to limit therapy and death was 7 days (ranging from 1 to 23 days). The rest of the patients were discharged from the hospital, maintaining the conservative strategy. CONCLUSION Currently, we have a group of patients with CKD who are older and have more comorbidities. As demonstrated in our study, conservative management or the suspension of supportive treatment is a legitimate option for frail, elderly CKD patients in whom dialysis may not lead to an improvement in quality or duration of life. In fact, it is possible to medically ∼10%–15% of patients with advanced CKD and refer them to a renal palliative care consultation.

Living donor kidney transplant represents the best treatment option for patients with end-stage kidney disease; however, it has been associated with possible risks to the donor. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of kidney donation in the donor's estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood pressure, and proteinuria and related risk factors.A single-center, retrospective study, including all living donors who underwent nephrectomy between January 2000 and December 2019, was performed. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Risk factors for a decrease in eGFR30 mL/min/1.73 mEighty-six donors were included with a mean age of 46.7 ± 9.07 years. The mean follow-up was 105.6 ± 65.4 months, and 35 patients (41%) had more than 10 years of follow-up. No significant difference was found in proteinuria or body mass index (P.1) before and after the donation. The prevalence of hypertension was higher after kidney donation (9.3% vs 22.1%; P.001). A mean reduction in the eGFR in the first year of 37 ± 12 mL/min/1.73 mLiving donor nephrectomy appears to be an acceptably safe intervention. Predonation eGFR influences the adaptative response after nephrectomy; however, other variables did not have an impact on long-term outcome in our population.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality, representing an important global public health problem. Immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis E can clear the infection spontaneously; however, in approximately two thirds of cases, immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant (KT) recipients, fail to clear the HEV infection and develop chronic hepatitis.We report 3 cases of HEV infection in KT patients. Two presented only with laboratory abnormalities and elevated liver enzymes, and 1 presented with symptomatic disease motivating hospital admission. None was able to clear the infection spontaneously, and they were all treated with ribavirin, accompanied with reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. Adverse effects of the treatment were reported in 2 patients, and in 1 case, a dose reduction was necessary. All patients responded to the treatment and have no current evidence of active disease. No alterations of basal kidney function during or related to the treatment were registered.HEV screening in KT patients presenting with abnormal liver function of undetermined cause is fundamental, as it might have poorer outcomes in this specific population. The treatment with ribavirin seems to be safe and effective, although we must always be alert to potential side effects, maintaining a close follow-up of these patients.

Kidney retransplant outcomes in the elderly are not well established. Our aim was to compare major clinical outcomes between patients older and younger than 60 years old at retransplant and between first and second kidney transplant (KT) for recipients older than 60 years old.We performed a retrospective, longitudinal study that included all patients who underwent KT between January 2008 and December 2019. We defined 3 groups according to recipient age and retransplant status: group 1, patients ≥60 years old and retransplant; group 2, patients60 years old and retransplant; group 3, patients ≥60 years old and first kidney transplant. We compared clinical outcomes such as acute rejection, death-censored graft survival, and patient survival between groups.We included 109 patients with a second KT, including 13 older than 60 years old (group 1) and 96 younger than 60 years old (group 2). There were no differences in death-censored graft survival or patient survival. There were no biopsy-proven acute rejections for older patients compared with 21 events in the younger group. Regarding differences between retransplant (group 1, n = 13) and first kidney transplant (group 3, n = 390) in patients older than 60 years old, there were no differences in death-censored graft survival at 1 and 5 years or in patient survival.In our study, major clinical outcomes of retransplant in the elderly were similar to those of their younger counterparts with a second graft and with those of older patients with a first graft.

Despite progressive improvements in graft and patient survival after kidney transplantation over the last decades, an increasing number of patients are waitlisted for retransplantation. Identifying the risk factors for second graft failure can help us improve management for such patients. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of kidney retransplantation with those of first transplantation.This retrospective study included all the recipients of a second kidney transplant between January 2008 and December 2019. For each patient with a second kidney transplant, we selected the paired recipient from the same donor. We excluded recipients of donations from living donors, patient-and-donor pairs with more than 1 transplant, and patients without a pair. The follow-up took place December 31, 2020. We included 152 patients, corresponding to 76 pairs of recipients.Patients who underwent a second transplant had significantly higher panel reactive antibody values and longer waiting time for retransplantation. Biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes were doubled in patients undergoing a second transplant (P = .12). There was a lower survival of second grafts at the first, fifth, and 10th year (P.05). The main factor influencing graft loss for both groups was acute rejection, and, in patients, with a second transplant, acute rejection increased the risk of graft loss by 17 times (odds ratio, 17.5; 95% confidence interval, 4.19-98).The clinical results of second kidney transplants still fall short of first transplants, with the main factor of poor prognosis being acute rejection. In young patients, allocation and immunosuppression management should consider this risk to improve long-term outcomes.

Vaccination is a promising strategy to control the ongoing pandemic; however, solid organ recipients tend to develop a weaker immune response to vaccination. Anti-spike SARS-CoV-2 antibodies titers were measured 2-4 weeks post-vaccination completion in 131 KT patients without previous infection. Demographic, clinical, and laboratorial parameters were analyzed to identify which factors contributed to seroconversion. Factors that influenced seroconversion, that occurred in 76 patients (58%), were longer time post-transplant, immunosuppression without an antiproliferative drug and vaccination with mRNA vaccines. Patients who received mRNA vaccines had significantly higher rates of seroconversion compared with adenovirus vector vaccines (67% vs 33%, P .001) and higher anti-spike IgG titers. These findings reinforce the need to discuss the vaccination strategy in this population, including a third dose with a mRNA vaccine.

Introduction:Angiosarcomas are rare tumors, comprising less than 1% of all sarcomas. However, they portend a poor prognosis, as they tend to metastasize early, being of uttermost importance a prompt diagnosis and treatment.Case description:We present the case of a 55-year-old female with history of kidney transplantation, immunosuppressed with tacrolimus, prednisolone, and mofetil mycophenolate. Fifteen years after the transplant, she developed an ulcerated lesion on the site of a nonfunctioning arteriovenous graft, which was excised. Histology was compatible with a high grade angiosarcoma that invaded the margins, and immunosuppression was switched to everolimus. Staging imaging exams revealed lymph node, muscle, and lung metastases. Shortly after, nodular lesions appeared compatible with local recurrence of the disease, and the patient showed severe deterioration of her clinical condition, being proposed for palliative chemotherapy. However, the disease showed an explosive progression and the patient died before starting the treatment.Conclusion:This case emphasizes the importance of including inspection of the vascular access (functioning or not) in regular post-transplant consultation and value any alterations in the attempt of a timely diagnosis. Although rare, angiosarcoma is an important entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue masses arising from a vascular access, especially in immunocompromised patients. Aggressive treatment should be offered whenever possible.

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is one of the most challenging diseases for a nephrologist, with high rates of progression to end- -stage kidney disease (ESKD) and post-transplant recurrence. Complement dysregulation has been found in up to 70% of cases, which can be hereditary or acquired. Over the last few years, knowledge of the pathogenesis of aHUS has greatly increased, with the unravelling of the complement’s role, providing not only the chance for individualized post-transplant recurrence risk assessment, but also the possibility of a highly effective treatment through pharmacological C5-9 blockade with eculizumab. The overall outcome and prognosis of patients with aHUS has dramatically improved since the approval of this drug in 2011, allowing renal transplant to be a much safer option for these patients. Our aim was to present a proposal for the management of patients with aHUS, candidates for renal transplantation, in the light of the most recent studies.

Introduction Post-transplant diabetes mellitus is a complication of kidney transplantation with deleterious effects on graft and patient survival and is associated with higher mortality. The goal of this paper is to identify risk factors that contribute to its development so that it can be avoided. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 659 kidney transplants performed in adult patients between January 2013 and December 2017. We excluded patients with a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and identified 61 patients with post-transplant diabetes mellitus (10.6%), then compared them to a control group of 61 patients who did not suffer from the disease, namely the kidney transplant pair or the patient submitted for transplant immediately after. Discussion A comparative analysis of the 2 groups revealed significant differences regarding the use of β-blockers, fasting glucose on the fifth day post-transplant, kidney recipient age, and body mass index. Using multivariate logistic regression methods, 2 variables with an impact on post-transplant diabetes development were found: fasting glucose on the fifth day post-transplant (odds ratio 1.044, 95% confidence interval 1.010–1.079, P = .010) and body mass index (odds ratio 1.130, 95% confidence interval 1.009–1.264, P = .034). We did not find any differences for other potential risk factors. Conclusion A high plasma glucose level on the fifth day after the transplant and a high body mass index in the setting of the transplant can potentially impact the transplant's outcomes, so it is important to identify these levels as soon as possible to take measures to prevent this disease.

Background and Aims Kidney retransplantation confers a robust survival benefit over dialysis in selected patients and recent data has shown second graft outcomes similar to those of a first graft. However, the management of these patients is challenging, particularly due to allosensitization and an increased risk of acute rejection, which are related with poorer graft survival. The recognition of risk factors to acute rejection, dependent on the first and second graft, might help us to personalize standard care and achieve similar graft survival rates to patients with a first transplant. Our aim was to identify risk factors to second graft acute rejection, and the impact of acute rejection in graft failure. Method We performed a retrospective, longitudinal study including all patients submitted to a second kidney transplant between January 2008 and December 2019, excluding patients with more than 2 grafts or multi-organ transplant. Demographic, clinical and histocompatibility data from the donor and receptor were collected from our unit database. Delayed graft function was defined as the need of dialysis in the first week post-transplant. All acute rejection episodes were biopsy proven, according to Banff 2017 criteria. Follow-up was defined at 1st June 2020 for functioning grafts or at graft failure, with a mean time of 94±42 months. Results We included 109 patients of which 70 males (64%), mostly Caucasian (97%), with a mean age of 43±12 years at second kidney transplant. The main causes of end stage renal disease were glomerular disease (37%), undetermined cause (34%), and urological pathology (15%). First kidney transplant was performed before the year 2010 in 95 patients (87%). The median time of first graft survival was 75 months (IQR 58.5-91.4) and the main causes of first graft loss were chronic allograft nephropathy (N=62, 70.5%) and 11 patients (12.5%) presented primary disfunction due to surgical/vascular complications. During follow-up, 20 patients (18%) presented biopsy proven acute rejection: 3 patients borderline changes, 10 patients T cell mediated and 7 patients antibody mediated, the majority during the first-year post-transplant (N=17, 85%). The risk factors for second graft rejection are summarized in table 1. First year graft survival of the second transplant was 90% and survival at follow up was 72.5% (N=79). Acute rejection was an important risk factor for graft loss (OR 6.548 (95%CI[2.292 - 18.703]), p Conclusion Worst outcomes in first kidney transplant, such as acute rejection, primary dysfunction and lower graft survival were related with an increased risk of acute rejection in second graft outcomes, and consequently a higher risk of graft failure.

Background and Aims A growing number of end-stage renal disease patients waiting for a kidney transplant (KT) are older than 50 years old. Consequently, many kidney transplant recipients will be in need of dialysis or re-transplantation at an older age. For young patients, re-transplantation offers an advantage over dialysis but in the elderly these benefits are not well established. For selected older recipients, with rigorous cardiovascular and neoplastic evaluation, immunosenescence might actually provide an advantage in graft outcomes. Our aim was to compare major clinical outcomes between patients older and younger than 60 years old at re-transplantation, and between first and second KT for recipients older than 60 years old. Method We performed a retrospective, longitudinal study, that included all patients submitted to a second KT between January 2008 and December 2019, excluding patients with more than 2 grafts or multi-organ transplant. We defined two groups according to recipient’s age at re-transplant, older and younger than 60 years-old, and compared major clinical outcomes such as biopsy proven acute rejection, death-censored graft survival and patients’ survival. Afterwards, we selected KT patients older than 60 years, and compared the same outcomes for patients with first and second KT. Follow-up time was defined at 1st June 2020 for functioning grafts or at graft failure (including death with a functioning graft). Results We included 109 patients with a second KT, 13 (12%) older than 60-years-old (group 1), with a mean age of 62.85 ± 2.9 years, and 96 (88%) younger than 60-years-old (group 2), with a mean age of 40.4 ± 10.6 years. Group 1 recipients were all male (100% vs 59.4%; p=0.004) and had higher body mass index (25±2.8 vs 22.5±3.6 kg/m2, p=0.016). Recipients from the group 1, waited less time for their second KT (37.7±21.8 vs 64.8±58.8 months; p=0.003), but had older donors (59.5±13.5 vs 45.9±11.5 years old; p Conclusion In carefully selected patients, advanced age should not be a contraindication to kidney re-transplantation. Immunosenescense might lead to lower acute rejection rates and older donors might be used with less restrictions. In our study, major clinical outcomes were comparable to their younger counterparts with a second graft and to older patients with a first graft.

Background and Aims As kidney transplants are growing in absolute numbers, so are patients with failed allografts and thus potential candidates for re-transplantation. Re-transplantation is challenging due to immunological barriers, surgical difficulties and clinical complexities but it has been proven that successful second transplantation improves life expectancy over dialysis. It is important to evaluate re-transplantation outcomes since 20% of patients on the waiting list are waiting for a second graft. Our aim was to compare major clinical outcomes such as acute rejection, graft and patient survival, between patients receiving a first or a second kidney transplant. Method We performed a retrospective study, that included 1552 patients submitted to a first (N=1443, 93%) or a second kidney transplant (N=109, 7%), between January 2008 and December 2018. Patients with more than 2 grafts or multi-organ transplant were excluded. Demographic, clinical and histocompatibility characteristics of both groups were registered from our unit database and compared. Delayed graft function was defined has the need of dialysis in the first week post-transplant. All acute rejection episodes were biopsy proven, according to Banff 2017 criteria. Follow-up time was defined at 1st June 2020 for functioning grafts or at graft failure (including death with a functioning graft). Results Recipients of a second graft were significantly younger (43 ±12 vs 50 ± 13 years old, p Conclusion Although second graft patients presented more episodes of biopsy proven acute rejection, especially at the first-year post-transplant, we found no differences in death censored graft survival or patients’ mortality for patients with a second kidney transplant. Second transplants should be offered to patients whenever feasible.

Background and Aims Delayed graft function (DGF), defined as the need for dialysis within one week post-transplantation, is associated with poorer kidney graft survival. We aimed to identify risk factors for DGF throughout 3 decades and evaluate their effect on graft survival. Method Retrospective study including 3081 kidney transplants performed at our transplantation unit between January 1st, 1989 and December 31st, 2018, split in 3 decades (1: 1989-1998; 2: 1999-2008; 3: 2009-2018). Data regarding donor and recipient demographics, time on dialysis, immunization, cold ischemia time, hemodynamic parameters and immunosuppression were collected from our prospectively maintained data base. Results Main donor, recipient and perioperative characteristics are summarized in table 1. There were clear differences in these characteristics between the decades, standing out more adverse features from both recipients and donors. Overall incidence rate of DGF was 16% (n=493): 14% in decade 1; 19.3% in decade 2 and 15% in decade 3. On univariate analysis, most studied variables included in table 1 were statistically significant as predictors of DGF. However, on multivariate analysis, we found that in the first decade the predominant risk factors for DGF were pre-transplant dialysis time and cold-ischemia time, whilst in the following decades donor characteristics, as well as recipient’s weight became more relevant (table 2). Conclusion The observed shift from donor-unrelated variables in the first decade into donor-related variables in the second and third decades as the main determinants of DGF highlights the impact of expanding donor’s acceptance criteria. Nevertheless, the increase in expanded criteria donors did not translate into poorer overall results, probable contributors being shorter cold-ischemia times and stronger immunosuppression.

Background and Aims The number of patients listed and receiving simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation (SHKT) has significantly increased in the last decade. This is likely due to the increased knowledge that SHKT is associated with a significant survival benefit in patients with heart failure with chronic kidney disease (CKD), compared to isolated heart transplant and sequential heart and kidney transplantation. Recent analysis of large data bases has shown a survival benefit in SHKT even in older patients and beyond dialysis dependent patients. However, this benefit is only proven for irreversible CKD which is often difficult to prove in patients with severe heart failure. Our center has the largest experience in SHKT in Portugal, and our aim is to report our experience with a total of 8 recipients and their outcomes after 10 years of follow up. Method We performed a retrospective analysis of all the patients submitted to SHKT in Coimbra University Hospital Center from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. Data was collected using the clinical and laboratorial registries from our database. Follow up at December 2019 varied between 6 months to 10 years (median 5,5 years). Results A total of 8 patients received SHKT between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2019. Only one patient was female and the mean age at transplant was 58.88 ± 9.7 years. The etiology of heart failure was dilated cardiomyopathy (N=4, 50%), severe valvular disease (N=2, 25%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (N=1, 12,5%) and one patient had familiar amyloidosis (N=1, 12,5%). Regarding CKD, the majority of the patients had type 2 cardiorenal syndrome (N=5, 62,5%), one patient had calcineurin toxicity due to previous liver transplantation, one patient had autosomal dominant polycystic disease, and in one patient the etiology remained unknown. Half of the patients were on chronic hemodialysis program for more than 3 months, and the remaining were preemptive. Regarding post-transplant results, average hospitalization was 19 days. Seven patients (87,5%) had immediate cardiac graft function (mean LVEF 70 ± 5.8% and mean PSAP 22.25 ± 5.6 mmHg). One patient had acute cardiac and subsequent renal graft dysfunction and died during hospitalization. Regarding renal graft outcomes, besides the patient that died, another patient had primary renal graft dysfunction due to renal artery thrombosis and one patient presented late graft function. The remaining five patients had immediate graft function and presented normal kidney graft function at follow up. Regarding complications, neoplasia was reported in two patients (one with sarcoma and the other with prostatic cancer), and there were twenty-five episodes of infection, present in all patients. Mortality at follow up was 37% (N=3). One of these, described above, died during hospitalization twenty-two days after transplant, and the other two died 4 and 5 years later due to a cardiovascular event and sarcoma, respectively. At follow up in 2019 five patients present stable kidney graft, good cardiac function and no recent complications. Conclusion In selected patients with co-existing heart and kidney failure, combined heart and kidney transplantation might be the best approach and appears to be associated with better graft and patient survival. Despite having a small number of cases, our center has the biggest experience in SHKT in Portugal and our results are very satisfying. A multidisciplinary approach between Nephrology, Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery is fundamental and in the next decades it is expected an increase in SHKT number.

Background and Aims Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a group of heterogeneous lymphoid proliferations in chronic immunosuppressed recipients of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Due to rarity of this disease, retrospective studies from transplant centers have been the main source to provide knowledge and treatment guidelines, which are still in evolution. This study examined the clinical outcomes and identified the predictors of mortality in adult renal transplant recipients who developed PTLD. Method We have studied the incidence of PTLD in adult renal transplant recipients who were transplanted in our hospital from 1996 to 2019. Data was collected for demographics, transplant and immunosuppression history, EBV and CMV serostatus, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of PTLD. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to identify prognostic factors. PTLD was classified according to 2018 WHO lymphoma classification. Results Twenty-four patients (12 males and 12 females) were eligible for the analysis. Mean age at time of the transplant was 43.1 ± 16.9 years, with a time between grafting and PTLD of 66 months (IQR 36-98 months). Mean follow-up time was 87 months (IQR 61-117 months). 25% of patients received a living donor renal transplant. 12,5% of patients received induction therapy with thymoglobulin. Mean age at time of PTLD diagnosis was 48,8 ± 17,9 years. Five cases were from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) mismatched (D+/R-) transplants and there was seroconversion at time of PTLD diagnosis. 25% of patients had central nervous system involvement. 19 patients have monomorphic PTLD and the most common histological diagnosis was diffuse large B cell lymphoma. We identified that age >30 years at time of the transplant was predictor of mortality (HR 33.01; 95% CI: 3.24-336.14; p=0.003). Surprisingly, presence of B symptoms at time of PTLD diagnosis confer a better prognosis (HR 0,143; 95% CI: 0,035-0,579; p=0.006). All cases were managed with reduction in immunosuppression and converted to everolimus. 8 patients were treated with rituximab and there was no significant difference in the survival of these patients. By the end of follow-up, 7 patients went into remission, 1 returned to chronic dialysis, and 16 patients died (15 of them due to the disease). Mean time between PTLD and death was 3 months (IQR 1-6 months). Conclusion PTLD is an infrequent disease with a poor prognosis in renal transplant patients. Some cases have a close relationship with EBV, but it can also develop in the absence of the classical risk factors. The factor affecting mortality in our population was age >30 years at time of the transplant. Presence of B symptoms at time of PTLD diagnosis seems to confer a better prognosis probably due to early investigation and diagnosis of the disease.

Background and Aims Histological findings that meet criteria for borderline changes “suspicious” for acute T cell mediated rejection (BR) as defined by the Banff Classification (2017) are frequently seen. However, its clinical significance, as well as the appropriate clinical management, are still controversial. Our goal was to compare clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients with biopsy proven BR versus acute T cell mediated rejection (aTCMR) and the influence of treating BR rejection in graft outcomes. Method A retrospective cohort study was performed in all kidney transplant recipients with biopsy proven BR and aTCMR between January 2012 and December 2018. Data related to donor and recipient demographics, treatment and subsequent evolution of serum creatinine, proteinuria and graft survival were collected. Mean time at follow up was 31.2 ± 29.1 months. Results We included 91 patients with biopsy proven T cell rejection of which 34 (37.4%) had a BR and 57 (62.6%) aTCMR: 39 (68.4%) IA, 9 (15.8%) IB, 7 (28.1%) IIA and 2 (3.5%) IIB. There was no difference between groups (BR vs aTCMR) regarding age (45,5 vs 48,1, p=0,38), sex (male 73% vs 60%, p=0,27) or race (Caucasian 100% vs 93%, p=0.114). For both groups, deceased donor was more frequent (82% vs 95%, p=0.074), and there was no difference in cytotoxic PRA (mean 4.5 ± 9.2 vs 3.7 ± 12.8, p=0.762) or number of compatibilities (mean 2.2 ± 1.2 vs 2.4 ± 1.3, p=0.539). At the time of rejection diagnosis, the mean time of transplant was similar between groups (32.9 ± 43.6 vs 42.3 ± 67.4 months, p=0.467), but estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was significantly higher in patients with BR when compared to aTCMR (32.0 ± 22.5 vs 19.9 ± 13.1 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.009). We found no significant difference in proteinuria at the time of biopsy between the 2 groups. Treatment with steroids was started in 20 (58.8%) patients with BR and all the patients with aTCMR were treated with steroids with or without thymoglobulin, depending on the Banff class. Fourteen (41.2%) patients with BR were followed closely with no acute interventions. At 1-year post biopsy, graft survival was 70%, and we found no significantly statistical difference between the two groups (79.4% vs 64.3%, p=0.129). In patients with preserved graft, there was no difference in GFR (41.9 ± 17.7 vs 37.7 ± 19.8, p=0.401) at 12 months post biopsy for both groups. When performing Kaplan-Meyer survival curves at follow-up, we also found no difference between BR and aTCMR (57.6 ± 7.1 vs 43.6 ± 5.5 months, p=0.157) (Figure 1). When analyzing the BR group (N=34) and comparing the patients that were treated (N=20) versus the patients with conservative approach (N=14), we found no difference in demographic features, sCr at biopsy (3.0 ± 1.1 vs 2.8 ± 2.1 mg/dl, p=0.696) and time post-transplant (28.1 ± 43.2 vs 39.7 ± 44.8 months, p=0.454). Graft survival at 1-year was 80% for treated patients and 79% for non-treated patients, p=0.919 and GFR for patients with preserved graft was not different between groups (43.9 ± 21.0 vs 39.7 ± 13.5 ml/min/1.73m2, p=0.572). When performing survival curves, we found that treated patients had almost the double time with functioning graft compared to non-treated patients (71.9 ± 8.5 vs 41.3 ± 6.2 months, p=0.104), although not statistically different probably due to the small sample size (figure 2). Conclusion Our study showed that despite having better GFR at time of biopsy, patients with BR (overall and treated) did not present better graft survival nor graft function at 1 year post biopsy or at follow up, compared with aTCMR. We also found a tendency to better graft survival in patients with BR treated with steroids compared with conservative approach. These results reinforce the importance of borderline rejection in graft outcomes and that the decision of whether to treat or not can influence long-term outcomes.

Fibrogenesis markers, such as alpha-actin (AA), CD163 (macrophages), and E-cadherin, have been studied as chronic kidney allograft injury (CAI) predictors, a major cause of allograft failure. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the value of these markers in predicting CAI and initiation of dialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 26 kidney allograft biopsies (from 22 patients with CAI) during 2 years, evaluating intensity and percentage of marked cells on glomeruli and tubulointerstitial compartment. At the time of the biopsy, patients were 45.5 ± 15.8 years and 4.2 years after transplant, and they had a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25.8 ± 9.9 mL/min. From an average of 8.5 glomeruli per biopsy, there was ≤25% sclerosis in 17 cases, 26% to 50% in 5, and >50% in 4. Interstitial fibrosis or tubular atrophy affected ≤25% of cortical area in 14 cases, 26% to 50% in 8, and >50% in 2. Twelve patients started dialysis 5.8 ± 4.7 years after transplant, with an average GFR 20.9 mL/min at the time of the biopsy. RESULTS: There was a higher intensity and percentage of CD163-marked cells in the tubulointerstitial compartment in advanced interstitial fibrosis. We found an association between intensity of AA in the tubulointerstitial compartment and initiation of dialysis (P = .003) and a negative correlation between intensity of E-cadherin loss and GFR (r = -0.56, P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, intensity of tubulointerstitial AA was shown to be a predictor of initiation of dialysis, and E-cadherin loss intensity was associated to CAI progression. However, prospective and larger studies are needed to evaluate the predictive value of these markers. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Introduction/Objective Transplantation is the treatment of choice in end-stage renal disease. However, there are complications that require transplantectomy. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictive factors for transplantectomy in the first 3 months after renal transplantation. Material and Methods This retrospective study included 770 kidney transplants performed between June 2011 and June 2017. Logistic regression was applied to study the relationship between independent variables and the occurrence of transplantectomy. Results Analyzing variables of the recipients, it was verified that age over 65 years; body mass index; dialysis time; history of previous transplant and comorbidities such as obesity, overweight, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, peripheral arterial disease; or history of a thrombotic episode were not predictive factors. It was found that the use of expanded criteria donors, their age, or cause of death were not predictive factors. The use of a right renal graft or grafts with multiple arteries; the duration of surgery; the performance of surgery at dawn; the need for transfusion; the cold ischemia time; and hemodynamic parameters at reperfusion (central venous pressure, systolic or diastolic blood pressure) were not predictive factors. The recipient age at transplantation (p = .014; B=–0.059; Exp(B)=0.943 [0.899-0.988]) and reoperation in the first 10 days after transplantation (p Conclusion Reoperation in the first 10 days after transplantation decreased the risk of transplantectomy in the first 3 months. The lower the age of the recipient, the greater the risk of transplantectomy.

Cutaneous lesions in the presence of fever in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy are a diagnostic challenge and may represent manifestations of multiple diseases, such as fungal infections, nocardiosis, lymphoproliferative diseases, zoonosis, and tuberculosis. The authors report a case of a 66-year-old white man with chronic kidney disease since 2014 (chronic pyelonephritis) who had a renal transplant in the previous 6 months. Induction therapy was performed with thymoglobulin, and his current immunosuppression scheme included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. The patient had no history of pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient presented with 2 cutaneous lesions, localized on the back and abdomen, that appeared to be firm, painful, subcutaneous, erythematous nodules with an approximately 5 cm diameter overlying an infected focus and purulent material inside. The patient also had a fever and fatigue. Blood analysis showed pancytopenia with an elevation of inflammatory markers and graft dysfunction. Tissue cultures and skin biopsy with histological analysis were performed. Histopathology of the lesion showed a nonspecific inflammatory infiltrate without granulomas, and acid-fast bacillus staining was negative. Nevertheless, serum QuantiFERON testing was positive. But polymerase chain reaction finally confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous tuberculosis. A chest computed tomography scan showed a lung pattern of miliary tuberculosis. The patient was treated with multidrug tuberculosis therapy, resulting in lesion clearance after 3 weeks. Tuberculosis is a serious infection, especially in high-risk patients, such as those in an immunocompromised state. The incidence of cutaneous tuberculosis is rare, but it should be considered in patients presenting with atypical skin lesions suggestive of an underlying infectious etiology.

Pretransplant kidney biopsy from marginal donors is used to guide the decision of whether to accept or discard organs for transplantation; however, there is controversy about this procedure, and the need for a pretransplant biopsy is still a debate. We sought to determine if histologic evaluation before implantation of marginal kidneys would influence the outcome.A retrospective observational cohort study of marginal donor transplants at Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra was done. From 2009 to 2016, 650 marginal kidney transplants were analyzed. We evaluated long-term graft survival in a cohort of patients who received marginal kidneys. The recipients were divided into 2 groups based on whether a pretransplant donor biopsy was performed. Continuous variables were summarized by mean and standard deviation or median and range, as applicable. Categorical variables were summarized by relative and absolute frequencies. The survival analysis was obtained and plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test.The median age of recipients and donors were statistically different between both groups (P .001), with the donors and the recipients being younger in the group without a pretransplant biopsy. The median cold ischemia time was higher in the biopsy group (P = .01). The survival analysis showed that graft survival didn't differ between the groups (P = .2).Selection of kidneys based on histological findings may not influence the graft survival and implies a higher cold ischemia time. More data are necessary to provide insight into which clinical, histologic, and biochemical parameters are necessary for decision making on kidney acceptance.

It is known that the incidence of malignancy in transplant recipients is higher than in the general population, with a more aggressive behavior and a worse outcome. In fact, malignancy is the third most common cause of death among kidney transplant (KT) recipients, after cardiovascular events and infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and characteristics of malignancies after KT in a single center. A total of 2353 patients who underwent KT between 1987 and 2012 were retrospectively studied. The results were compared with a group without cancer. During the follow-up period leading to August 2014, which included a median duration of 126.3 ± 81.8 months, 223 malignancies (9.4%) were diagnosed, which were the cause of death in 59 patients. Patients with cancer were older, had a longer duration of graft function, and had more episodes of acute rejection (AR), and a higher number of patients were treated with azathioprine and cyclosporine as initial immunosuppressive regime (P = .001). The most frequent malignancy was skin cancer (28.7%), followed by malignant lymphoma (12.1%) and kidney cancer (10.8%). The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 58.0 ± 11.1 years. The average time for development of a cancer was 7.5 ± 5.8 years, with 43.2% detected between 1 and 5 years. Patient survival was significantly lower among subjects with cancer, and censored graft survival was significantly higher in this group (P = .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that recipients' age and acute rejection episode are risk factors for development of post–kidney transplantation malignancy.

NTRODUCTION: Collapsing glomerulopathy (CG) is a rare form of glomerular injury. Although commonly associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, it can occur in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 50-year-old man, with chronic kidney disease secondary to focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, who received a cadaveric kidney transplant in 2007. There were no relevant intercurrences until May 2015, when he presented with nephrotic range proteinuria (± 4 g/d). A graft biopsy was performed and it did not show any significant pathological changes. In September, he developed a full nephrotic syndrome (proteinuria 19 g/d) and a graft biopsy was repeated. CG features were evident with a rich immunofluorescence. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies were positive; the remaining immunologic study was normal. Viral markers for HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) were negative. The patient was treated with corticosteroid pulses and plasmapheresis (seven treatments). A rapid deterioration of kidney function was seen and he became dialysis dependent. He was discharged with a low-dose immunosuppressive treatment. In October, he was hospitalized with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). The auto-immune study was repeated, revealing complement consumption and positive titers of ANA and Anti-dsDNA antibodies. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) and antiglomerular basement membrane antibody (anti-GBM) were negative. Treatment with intravenous corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and human immunoglobulin was ineffective and the outcome was fatal. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the possible association of CG and SLE. To our knowledge, it is the first case of SLE presenting with CG and DAH, with the singularity of occurring in a kidney transplant recipient receiving immunosuppression. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of early surgical complications of kidney transplantation in our institution and its association with donor and recipient factors, as well as patient and transplant outcome. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all kidney transplants performed during 2015 was made. We evaluated the incidence of surgical complications and the outcome of patients and grafts at a 3-month follow-up interval. RESULTS: During the study period, 141 kidney transplants occurred. Seventeen patients had surgical complications (6 urologic, 6 vascular, and 5 other complications). Five patients lost the graft during the follow-up. Older age was associated with other surgical complications (P = .023), and graft loss was associated with the existence of surgical complications, namely, vascular complications (P

BACKGROUND: Polyomavirus nephropathy (BKVN) is an important cause of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). Recipient determinants (male sex, white race, and older age), deceased donation, high-dose immunosuppression, diabetes, delayed graft function (DGF), cytomegalovirus infection, and acute rejection (AR) are risk factors. Reducing immunosuppression is the best strategy in BKVN. The objective of our study was to evaluate CAD progression after therapeutic strategies in BKVN and risk factors for graft loss (GL). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 23 biopsies, from patients with CAD and histological evidence of BKVN, conducted over a period of 10 years. Glomerular filtration rate was 60 years), and 22 had a deceased donor. Diabetes affected 4 patients, DGF occurred in 3, cytomegalovirus infection in 2, and AR in 15. All patients were medicated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) (95.7% tacrolimus) and corticoids, and 16 also received an antimetabolite. One year after antimetabolite reduction/discontinuation and/or CNI reduction/switching and/or antiviral agents, graft function was decreased in 11 patients, increased/stabilized in 10, and unknown in 2. GL occurred in 9 patients. Older age (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-3.28) and DGF (hazard ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-12.64) were the main risk factors for GL. The lower GFR at the time of the BKVN diagnosis was associated with an increased risk of initiation of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: GL occurred in 39.1% of patients with BKVN and DGF; older age and lower GFR at the time of diagnosis were important risk factors. Early diagnosis of BKVN is essential to prevent GL. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

INTRODUCTION: There is a high incidence of nephrotic proteinuria in renal transplant recipients, which is an accurate predictor of graft loss. Despite this, its histologic correlates and prognostic implications are still not well characterized. We assessed the clinical and histological correlates of kidney transplantation patients with nephrotic range proteinuria. METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed clinical and histological data from 50 kidney transplantation biopsy specimens from 44 renal transplant recipients with nephrotic range proteinuria between 2006 and 2015. The median follow-up time was 93 months (range, 14 months to 190 months). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.2 ± 13.7 years and our cohort included 86% recipients of deceased-donor grafts. The maintenance immunosuppressive regimen included calcineurin inhibitors in 68% and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in 32% of patients. The average proteinuria was 6.9 ± 3.8 g/d and 52% of patients presented with nephrotic syndrome. The main histological findings were transplant glomerulopathy (22%), de novo glomerular disease (22%), and recurrence of primary disease (22%). Tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis was present in 78% of the biopsy specimens. Thirty-one patients (62%) lost the graft at follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference between the histologic diagnosis nor the proteinuria levels and the outcome of the graft. CONCLUSIONS: The main causes of nephrotic range proteinuria in patients undergoing biopsy were transplant glomerulopathy, recurrence of the underlying disease, and de novo glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic range proteinuria was related to a high rate of graft loss. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

INTRODUCTION: Rehospitalization early post-kidney transplant is common and has a negative impact in morbidity, graft survival, and health costs. Infection is one the most common causes, and identifying the risk factors for early readmission due to infectious complications may guide a preventive program and improve outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, characterize the population, and identify the risk factors associated with early readmission for infectious complications post-kidney transplantation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all the kidney transplants performed during 2015. The primary outcome was readmission in the first 3 months post-transplant due to infectious causes defined by clinical and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: We evaluated 141 kidney transplants; 71% of subjects were men, with an overall mean age of 50.8 ± 15.4 years. Prior to transplant, 98% of the patients were dialysis dependent and 2% underwent pre-emptive living donor kidney transplant. The global readmission rate was 49%, of which 65% were for infectious complications. The most frequent infection was urinary tract infection (n = 28, 62%) and the most common agent detected by blood and urine cultures was Klebsiella pneumonia (n = 18, 40%). The risk factors significantly associated with readmission were higher body mass index (P = .03), diabetes mellitus (P = .02), older donor (P = .007), and longer cold ischemia time (P = .04). There were 3 graft losses, but none due to infectious complications. CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of early rehospitalization due to infectious complications, especially urinary tract infections to nosocomial agents. The risk factors identified were similar to other series. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Introduction Invasive fungal infections (IFI) affecting transplant recipients are associated with increased mortality and graft dysfunction. Objective Describe the frequency, clinical features, and outcomes of IFI (except pneumocystis infection) in kidney transplant recipients. Method Single-center descriptive study including every kidney transplant recipient with a culture-proven or probable IFI between 2003 and 2013, according to the EORTC-MSG criteria. Results We identified 45 IFI. There were 13 cases of invasive candidiasis (C. albicans: 6 and non–C. albicans candidial spp.: 7), 11 cases of pulmonary aspergillosis (A. fumigatus: 9 and A. flavus: 2); 11 cases of subcutaneous mycosis (Alternaria spp.: 9, Paecilomyces spp.: 1, and Pseudallescheria spp.: 1); 7 cases of cryptococcosis; 2 cases of pneumonia by non-Aspergillus molds (Mucor spp.: 1 and Cunninghamella spp.: 1); and 1 case of Geotrichum capitatum pneumonia. All patients were recipients from deceased donors. Six cases occurred in the first 3 months post-transplant, 15 cases between the third and twelfth months, and 21 cases after the twelfth month. Treatment options were fluconazole for Candida infections, voriconazole or caspofungin for aspergillosis, liposomal amphotericin for cryptococcosis, and itraconazole plus excision or cryotherapy for subcutaneous mycosis. Fifteen patients died (33%). Mortality rates were 15% for invasive candidiasis, 45% for aspergillosis, 71% for cryptococcosis, 100% for non-Aspergillus molds and G. capitatum pneumonia, and 0% for subcutaneous mycosis. Six patients who survived (14%) started regular hemodialysis. Conclusion IFI still have a high mortality and morbidity in kidney transplant recipients, as verified in this report. We reinforce the need for a high index of suspicion and prompt treatment.

Background Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are the cornerstones of immunosuppressive management in renal allograft recipients even though their nephrotoxicity may contribute to a reduced long-term graft survival. This has created a great interest in improving immunosuppressive strategies in the early post-transplantation period. Proliferation signal inhibitors (PSIs), such as everolimus, are promising alternatives, although their side effects may have a drawback in de novo renal transplant recipients, for instance, delaying renal function in the presence of renal ischemia/acute tubular necrosis and predisposing to lymphocele development. Study and Methods A retrospective study was developed to compare the combined therapy of low-dose tacrolimus and everolimus (study group) with mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid and standard-dose tacrolimus (control group) in the first 3 months post-transplantation. The study's end-points concerned renal graft function, proteinuria, incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection, surgical complication rates, and incidence of new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation. Results There was no more delayed graft function in the study group and graft function distribution was similar between groups. Median serum creatinine and eGFR were comparable as well as proteinuria levels. Generally, adverse events were rare in both groups and there were no significant statistical differences between them in terms of biopsy-proven acute rejection, surgical complication, and new-onset diabetes after renal transplantation rates. Conclusion Despite the slightly lower tendency for serum creatinine in the study group, renal allograft function wasn't statistically different between groups. Moreover, there weren't more metabolic or surgical complications in the study group. Everolimus may be a choice in tacrolimus-sparing strategies, but a larger study and a longer follow-up are still required.

Introduction Several factors have an impact on allograft survival but many are still controversial. In this study we investigated the effect of multiple factors on early renal graft function as an effort to find new tools to improve. Material and Methods This was a transversal study of 64 patients who underwent kidney transplantation during the first semester of 2013. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. We used SPSS 20.0. Univariate analysis through nonparametric tests and multivariate analysis through linear regression were made. Results Regarding the donor, age (β = 1.581; P = .003) and stroke as cause of death (P = .044) were associated with a higher creatinine level. Concerning the recipient, age (β = 0.963; P = .001) as well as the difference between the candidate and the donor (β = 1.203; P = .000), black race (P = .032/.000), male gender (P = .027/.046), vasculopathic end-stage renal disease (ESRD; P = .050), hemodialysis (HD) modality (P = .001/.033), HD session before surgery (P = .005), body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 (P = .043), hypoalbuminemia (β = −0.280/−0.076; P = .029/.046), and anemia (β = −0.361; P = .032) were also associated with a higher creatinine level. Living donor transplant (P = .000/.043), instant diuresis (P = .000/.021), and post-transplantation higher blood pressure (BP; systolic BP [SBP] β = −0.452; P = .021 and diastolic BP [DBP] β = −0.318; P = .033) were associate with lower creatinine values. Overall, 87.6% of the renal function markers after the first semester were explained by the multiple factors above mentioned. Conclusions Our findings are of practical clinical interest because nutritional status, hemoglobin, albumin, and BP are some of the objective measurable and modifiable parameters of which management may improve renal graft function.