Search Results (198)

Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease commonly develop hyperparathyroidism, which may impair muscle strength and physical function. Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have been associated with weakness and poor Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance. We hypothesized that elevated PTH at kidney transplantation would correlate with worse TUG performance and poorer post-transplant outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 226 kidney transplant recipients (2015–2023) at a single transplant center with documented TUG testing and PTH levels. Patients were divided into normal PTH (≤600 pg/mL, nPTH) and high PTH (>600 pg/mL, hPTH) groups. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and transplant outcomes, including graft and patient survival, were analyzed. Results: The hPTH group (n = 16) was younger than the nPTH group (41.8 vs. 55.4 years, p < 0.001) and more likely to have English as a second language (62.5% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.032). They also had lower estimated post-transplant survival scores (29.3 vs. 52.0, p = 0.003) and higher rates of hyperphosphatemia (18.8% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.044). TUG pass rates, acute rejection, delayed graft function, and patient survival were similar between groups. However, the hPTH group demonstrated shorter mean graft survival (6.6 vs. 7.7 years, p = 0.022). On multivariable Cox regression, elevated PTH at transplantation remained independently associated with graft failure (adjusted hazard ratio 20.6, 95% CI 1.91–222). Conclusions: Elevated PTH at transplant was associated with poorer graft survival despite similar rejection rates and patient survival. Although not directly measured in this study, high PTH may reflect increased medical complexity or adherence-related challenges. Full article

Background: Early extubation after bilateral lung transplantation (LT) may reduce intensive care unit (ICU) complications, but evidence from heterogeneous real-world cohorts and of its impact on mid-term functional recovery remains limited. Methods: We conducted a single-centre observational study of 149 consecutive adult bilateral LT recipients (February 2016–February 2023). Patients extubated within 24 h were assigned to the early extubation (EE) group (n = 63, 42%) (extubated within 24 h of the end of surgery), while those extubated later comprised the late extubation (LE) group (n = 86, 58%) (extubated beyond 24 h). Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of late extubation. Outcomes included postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), pneumonia, ICU length of stay, and spirometric parameters at 9–12 months after LT. Results: Higher Lung Allocation Score (LAS; adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.38) and intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (adjusted OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.04–2.06) independently predicted late extubation. Compared with the LE group, EE recipients required less postoperative ECMO (2% vs. 23%; p = 0.008), had shorter inhaled nitric oxide treatment (7 vs. 17 h; p = 0.006), lower pneumonia rates (8% vs. 23%; p = 0.043), and shorter ICU stays (6 vs. 9 days; p = 0.005). In-hospital and 1-year mortality were similar between groups. At 9 ± 1 months, EE recipients showed better volumetric lung recovery, with higher FVC as a percentage of pre-transplant baseline (78.0% vs. 69.5%; p = 0.048) and higher TLC percentage predicted (77% vs. 68%; p = 0.015). Airflow indices and respiratory muscle strength did not differ. Conclusions: In a broadly inclusive LT cohort, higher LAS and intraoperative RBC transfusion independently predicted late extubation. Early extubation was associated with lower postoperative support requirements and was associated with higher FVC relative to pretransplant baseline, an association that should be interpreted in light of the unadjusted comparison and baseline heterogeneity rather than as evidence of a causal benefit. Full article

Accurate donor–recipient allograft size matching remains a critical determinant of outcomes in lung transplantation, yet current approaches rely predominantly on predicted total lung capacity (pTLC) and height-based metrics derived from population-based equations. These simplified surrogates fail to capture individual anatomical variability, disease-specific alterations in thoracic geometry, and the spatial relationship between donor lungs and recipient chest cavities. In this review, we examine the limitations of conventional size matching and synthesize emerging evidence supporting imaging-based approaches, including computed tomography (CT) volumetry, radiomics, and machine learning. CT-derived volumetric analysis enables individualized anatomical assessment and has been associated with clinically relevant prediction of primary graft dysfunction and mortality. Advanced computational methods may further support the extraction of imaging-derived features and integration with clinical data, although these approaches remain investigational. Collectively, these developments signal a paradigm shift from crude population-based metrics toward imaging-driven and computational approaches in the modern era. With rigorous validation and careful clinical integration, imaging-based approaches may complement conventional size metrics and support more individualized donor–recipient assessment. Full article

Background: De novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) are associated with impaired allograft outcomes and the development of acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection. However, their clinical impact during the early post-transplant period remains incompletely characterized. Methods: In this prospective single-center cohort study, we analyzed 218 kidney transplant recipients between 2006 and 2013 All patients underwent serial screening for the development of de novo donor-specific antibodies at different time points (1, 3, 6, 12 months) after kidney transplantation using contemporaneously available ELISA- or Luminex-based solid-phase assays. The data were correlated with clinical parameters and histopathological results from indication biopsies and analyzed in relation to clinical outcomes and histopathological findings. All data were analyzed to assess the impact on 1-year kidney function, patient and graft survival. Results: One year after renal transplantation, 7% of patients (n = 37) developed de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA). Among dnDSA-positive patients, 22% developed class I dnDSA, 67% class II dnDSA, and 11% both. In univariate analysis, markers of increased immunologic risk—such as previous transplantation, greater HLA mismatch, and reductions in immunosuppressive therapy—were associated with an increased risk of de novo donor-specific antibody (dnDSA) development. However, in multivariate analysis, only a panel-reactive antibody (PRA) level greater than 20% emerged as an independent predictor of dnDSA formation. Patients who developed dnDSA experienced a significant decline in graft function, with an approximately fourfold increased risk of overall graft failure within the first year. DnDSA-positive patients showed significantly reduced graft survival and impaired renal function at one year. Rejection rates were significantly higher in this group, with 48.6% experiencing histologically confirmed rejection, compared to 13.3% among dnDSA-negative patients. Conclusions: Monitoring for de novo DSA after kidney transplantation helps to identify patients at high risk for rejection, declining graft function, and poorer long-term outcomes. Routine post-transplant dnDSA monitoring may support early risk stratification and individualized clinical management. Full article

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdose deaths increased significantly, providing a potential cohort of donor organs. However, graft failure and mortality rates among those receiving organs from donors who died from drug overdose related to the pandemic have not previously been assessed. We compared graft failure and mortality up to one year after transplant of those receiving a kidney or liver pre-pandemic and during the pandemic. Methods: A retrospective analysis between pre-pandemic (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019) and pandemic (1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021) periods was performed using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Recipients aged 17 or below and those with multiple-organ transplants were excluded. ANOVA tests for continuous variables and Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests were utilized to compare graft failure and mortality of transplant outcomes. The Kaplan–Meier (KM) Product Limit method was employed to estimate transplant outcomes and survival curves. For graft failure analysis, graft survival was the endpoint. For survival analysis, recipient death was the endpoint. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for suspected risk factors (i.e., recipient and donor demographics, clinical factors, donor characteristics, including cause of death and transplant-related variables). Results: Pandemic-era kidney recipients experienced significantly higher one-year graft failure and mortality than pre-pandemic recipients. Liver recipients also had higher one-year graft failure during the pandemic, but no statistically significant change in mortality. ODD liver recipients had a 22% reduction in one-year graft failure compared with other causes of death (p = 0.009). ODD kidneys were not inferior to non-ODD donors and were independently protective in several period-stratified comparisons. Conclusions: Pandemic-era recipients experienced worse one-year outcomes than pre-pandemic recipients across both organs, driven primarily by kidney graft failure and mortality. Drug overdose donor organs were not inferior to other donor sources in either period and were independently protective in several period-stratified comparisons. These data support continued and expanded use of drug overdose donor organs, including during periods of systemic strain. Full article

Heart transplantation remains a vital therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure, yet organ scarcity and evolving allocation policies necessitate robust risk prediction models to optimize outcomes and equity. This narrative review explores the current landscape of risk assessment in heart transplantation, contextualized within the broader framework of solid organ allocation and the emerging continuous distribution (CD) model. While kidney, liver, and lung transplantation have integrated validated risk scores into allocation systems, heart transplantation continues to rely on therapy-based criteria without a unified, benefit-based approach. We examine existing pre- and post-transplant predictive models and highlight their strengths and limitations. Additionally, we discuss the multidimensional factors influencing transplant success, ranging from donor and recipient characteristics to psychosocial and system-level variables. As CD expands across organ types, the development and integration of validated heart-specific risk scores will be essential to ensure equitable and effective organ allocation. Full article

Kidney transplantation remains the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease, yet long-term allograft survival has plateaued due to persistent rejection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the inflammatory and immune pathways implicated in kidney allograft rejection, integrating current evidence from basic and translational research. Ischemia–reperfusion injury initiates an inflammatory cascade through the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, activating Toll-like receptors and the complement system, thereby priming the alloimmune response. Innate immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, bridge sterile tissue injury to adaptive alloimmunity, while the emerging concept of trained immunity reveals long-lasting epigenetic reprogramming of monocytes with direct implications for graft longevity. The adaptive response encompasses T cell-mediated rejection, driven by Th1, Th17, and CD8⁺ cytotoxic lymphocytes, and antibody-mediated rejection, mediated by donor-specific antibodies through complement activation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Key signalling pathways, including JAK-STAT, NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and mTOR, amplify allograft inflammation and promote progression toward chronic injury. Macrophage polarisation and macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition have been identified as major drivers of interstitial fibrosis and late graft failure. Recent advances in non-invasive biomarkers, such as donor-derived cell-free DNA and molecular phenotyping, are transforming rejection diagnostics. Emerging therapies, including costimulation blockade, anti-CD38 antibodies, complement inhibitors, and regulatory T cell-based approaches, offer the potential to shift transplant medicine toward precision-guided, tolerance-inducing strategies. This review synthesises these developments and discusses future perspectives for improving long-term allograft outcomes. Full article

Kidney transplantation is considered the best therapeutic option for patients affected by end-stage renal failure, but this possibility is limited by a shortage of donors. Living-donor kidney transplantation (LDKD) is a valuable option, frequently limited by immunological incompatibility between donor and recipient. This review will consider the possibility of performing living-donor kidney donation in the case of AB0 blood group incompatibility and the progress that has been made in this field. Kidney-paired donation is one possibility. This technique is the best option if there are numerous available pairs. This approach is possible because of national and international registries. The more diffuse technique is the desensitization of the recipients. Desensitization may be achieved in several ways, which are extensively discussed in this review. Recently, some published studies documented the possibility of enzymatically converting the A or B groups from the cells of the donor to the O group. This approach is only in a nascent stage but may represent the future, eventually associated with mild desensitization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Renal scintigraphy with 99mTc-MAG3 is a non-invasive tool for assessing early post-kidney-transplant function and detecting complications. While its utility in predicting delayed graft function (DGF) is established, evidence regarding its capacity to predict long-term graft survival remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether early post-transplant scintigraphy provides independent prognostic information for long-term graft survival. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of kidney transplantations performed at a single tertiary-care academic institution (2015–2019). Patients undergoing simultaneous multi-organ transplantation or experiencing complications precluding early scintigraphy were excluded. All included patients underwent 99mTc-MAG3 scintigraphy within 48 h post-transplantation. Renogram curves were categorized using the Heaf and Iversen classification (Grades 1–4). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess death-censored graft survival. The study followed STROBE reporting guidelines. Results: Among the 317 included patients, renogram curves were distributed as follows: Grade 1 (n = 31, 9.8%), Grade 2 (n = 69, 21.8%), Grade 3 (n = 92, 29.0%), and Grade 4 (n = 125, 39.4%). The overall DGF incidence was 25.9%, with rates progressively increasing across the grades: 0% (Grade 1), 4.3% (Grade 2), 16.3% (Grade 3), and 51.2% (Grade 4) (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis adjusting for recipient BMI, donation technique, Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI), and DGF, grafts with reduced uptake (Grade 4) demonstrated a significantly higher risk of graft loss compared to those with normal uptake (Grades 1–3 combined) (HR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.34–7.40; p = 0.008). The mean follow-up was 45.6 months (IQR: 34.5–60). Conclusions: 99mTc-MAG3 scintigraphy performed within 48 h of kidney transplantation provides independent prognostic information for long-term graft survival. The Grade 4 renogram pattern identifies a high-risk subgroup with over threefold increased risk of subsequent graft loss. These findings support the integration of early scintigraphy into post-transplant risk stratification protocols, though prospective validation is warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the narrow therapeutic range of tacrolimus and substantial inter-individual variability in trough levels, both total daily dose and the trough level-to-dose ratio are commonly used to guide dose optimization. In this study, Life-Cycle Pharma tacrolimus was compared with immediate-release tacrolimus in a real-world setting. Methods: This longitudinal observational study included kidney transplant recipients at two Hungarian university clinics. Sixty-three (63) patients completed the study and were included in the statistical analysis. They received either Life-Cycle Pharma-tacrolimus (n = 40) or immediate-release tacrolimus (n = 23) as maintenance therapy in the two study arms, each combined with everolimus or mycophenolic acid and corticosteroids. Patients were enrolled 4–6 weeks after transplantation and prospectively followed for 48 months. Tacrolimus trough level, total daily dose and their ratio were recorded at each of the seven follow-up visits during the 48-month study period. Epidemiological data, patient characteristics, laboratory parameters (including eGFR, de novo donor-specific antibodies, and CMV and BK virus incidence), and acute rejection episodes were monitored. Results: The mean age at enrolment was 53.35 years, and 41 patients (65.08%) were male. A stable therapeutic maintenance trough level was achieved in both study arms. Life-Cycle Pharma tacrolimus required a 30% lower total daily dose than immediate-release tacrolimus to achieve comparable exposure. A gradual decline in eGFR was observed in the immediate-release tacrolimus arm (a mean decrease of 6.06 mL/min/1.73 m² over 4 years) from a baseline level of 58.52 mL/min/1.73 m² (±16.69), whereas GFR increased in the Life-Cycle Pharma tacrolimus arm (a mean increase of 4.76 mL/min/1.73 m² over the same period) from a significantly lower baseline level of 46.55 mL/min/1.73 m² (±17.04). Conclusions: Both formulations provided effective long-term maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients and maintained stable trough levels. Life-Cycle Pharma tacrolimus represents a potential option for dose minimization, and it also helped to stabilize renal function despite the worse baseline condition. Full article

Background: Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in deceased lung transplantation (DLT) procedures performed in Japan. However, there is concern that the number of transplantations may reach the limit of capacity in some centers. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the numbers of individuals registered for DLT by the Japan Organ Transplantation Network (JOT) and procedures subsequently performed at lung transplantation centers. Methods: Using a database and registry reports provided by the Japanese Society of Lung and Heart-lung Transplantation, the numbers of individuals registered in the JOT and DLT procedures performed from January 2014 to December 2023 were analyzed. Results: The number of registrations was found to be correlated with the number of DLTs, with the coefficient of determination (R²) 0.962 and slope of the regression line (X coefficient) 0.407. The facility with the greatest number of registrations, with a registration-to-transplantation ratio of 0.353, was identified as an outlier (p < 0.05) and excluded from analysis. This exclusion increased both the correlation coefficient value to 0.986 and X coefficient value to 0.461. Conclusions: The present analysis showed that the number of DLTs was well correlated with number of registrations at each of the transplantation facilities. Both registration and transplantation numbers have increased in the recent decade. The facility with the highest number of registrations showed a lower registration-to-transplantation ratio, because the increase in registrations outpaced the number of transplantations. Full article

Background: In countries lacking donor registries, related donors, including haploidentical ones, often serve as the main option. This research aimed to examine the feasibility of locating donors for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants and to assess the outcomes associated with various donor types. Methods: Between 2019 and 2024, a retrospective observational study was carried out, involving 520 patients and 824 potential stem cell donors. Of these patients, 155 successfully identified a suitable donor and underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation using mobilized peripheral blood stem cells. The study tracked overall and event-free survival over a five-year period to assess outcomes based on different donor types. Results: With alternative related donors (ARDs), 91% of patients were able to find at least one suitable donor for transplantation. The chances of identifying an appropriate donor increase with a larger pool of potential donors. Transplantation outcomes using ARDs, such as siblings, children, or parents, were similar to those with matched sibling donors. Other relatives could be considered as potential haploidentical donors, but the results with these donors were less favorable compared to those of others. Conclusions: The use of ARDs has significantly expanded the availability of related donors, with promising outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Kidneys from marginal donors are more susceptible to ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). To diminish the deleterious effects of IRI, mitochondria should be preserved optimally between donation and transplantation. It is unknown which macronutrients are imperative to support mitochondrial function during normothermic preservation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different macronutrient compositions on mitochondrial function during prolonged normothermic incubation of precision-cut kidney slices. Methods: Both porcine (n = 8) and human (n = 5) kidneys were studied. After warm ischemia and cold preservation, precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) were made and incubated in different incubation media under normothermic conditions. PCKS were incubated with all different combinations of glucose, glutamine and/or fatty acids. At zero, 24 and 48 h, mitochondrial function and metabolite levels were assessed. Results: After 48 h of incubation, ATP levels were significantly higher with glucose and glutamine or fatty acids and glutamine, compared to incubation without nutrients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Also, mitochondrial oxygen fluxes were higher with all nutrients compared to no nutrients (ADP stimulated basal respiration p = 0.040; proton leak p = 0.001 and maximal respiration p = 0.039). Conclusions: The addition of multiple macronutrients during prolonged normothermic incubation increases the mitochondrial function of PCKS. These data pave the way for optimising the nutritional support for ex vivo perfusion of marginal kidneys. Full article

Background: This study was conducted to guide researchers by providing a global macroscopic perspective on the main characteristics of publications on nursing care in patients undergoing organ and tissue transplantation. Methods: The data obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) database in light of the determined keywords were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative criteria. The bibliometric analyses and visualizations were conducted using Microsoft Excel 365, VOSviewer (version 1.6.20), and the Biblioshiny interface within the R environment. Results: A total of 525 records were initially identified from the Web of Science database. After excluding meeting abstracts, editorials, and letters to ensure data quality, 411 publications (articles and reviews) were included in the final bibliometric analysis. The majority of these publications (87.6%) were published after 2005. The top five countries with the highest number of publications are the United States (USA), Brazil, China, Turkey, and Australia. Conclusions: This study is the first bibliometric analysis study to examine the trend of scientific publications indexed in Web of Science for nursing care in patients with organ and tissue transplantation processes. The findings have the potential to be used to improve the work of scientists conducting research in the field of nursing care. Full article

Background: Alemtuzumab is a recombinant DNA-derived humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the 21–28 kd cell surface glycoprotein, CD52. Alemtuzumab is used as an organ anti-rejection therapy in transplant recipients. Neuro-ophthalmic adverse effects are rarely described, and, to our knowledge, accommodative spasm has not previously been reported in a transplant recipient. Case Description: A thirty-nine-year-old woman with genetically confirmed NPHP1-associated nephronophthisis, with stage F3 fibrosis, developed persistent bilateral blurred vision 72 h following alemtuzumab administration for a biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection, approximately six to seven weeks post-transplant. Initial attribution to hyperglycaemia and tacrolimus toxicity delayed recognition. Cycloplegic refraction confirmed a marked hyperopic shift (+2.75 D right eye, +2.50 D left eye) with significant improvement in visual acuity, consistent with accommodative spasm. Systemic evaluations excluded hyperglycaemia-related lens changes, calcineurin inhibitor neurotoxicity, and cytomegalovirus retinitis. MRI was not pursued in the absence of red flag neurological features, and because a definitive ophthalmic diagnosis had been made. Management and Outcome: The patient was managed expectantly, as cycloplegic refraction had already confirmed the diagnosis, and symptoms were improving. Therapeutic cycloplegia (e.g., atropine) was withheld to avoid impairing near vision and driving ability. Full resolution occurred within 4 to 6 weeks without intervention. Drug exposure to onset of symptoms was 72 h; onset of symptoms to diagnostic confirmation was 22 days; total symptom duration was 5.5 weeks, and recovery was 2 weeks after diagnosis. Conclusions: This case represents the first reported transplant case of alemtuzumab-associated accommodative spasm. Causality assessment supports a WHO-UMC classification of “Probable”, aligning with five Bradford–Hill considerations (temporality, biological plausibility, consistency, specificity, and analogy), but without statistical “strength of association” given that this is a single case report. Early cycloplegic refraction should be incorporated into the evaluation of post-alemtuzumab visual complaints, and clinicians should contribute to pharmacovigilance through structured reporting to capture these rare but important events. Full article