Update of the recommendations on the management of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in kidney transplant patients.

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on transplant activity in our country. Mortality and the risk of complications associated with COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KT) were expected to be higher due to their immunosuppressed condition and the frequent associated comorbidities. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 we have rapidly improved our knowledge about the epidemiology, clinical features and management of COVID-19 post-transplant, resulting in a better prognosis for our patients. KT units have been able to adapt their programs to this new reality, normalizing both donation and transplantation activity in our country. This manuscript presents a proposal to update the general recommendations for the prevention and treatment of infection in this highly vulnerable population such as KT.

Management of proteinuria in clinical practice after kidney transplantation.

Proteinuria is a marker of poor prognosis in kidney transplant recipients as well as in nontransplant patients with chronic kidney disease. It negatively influences the rate of deterioration of graft renal function, graft survival, and more importantly, patient survival. This review analyzes the current knowledge on the management of this crucial aspect in kidney transplantation. The reduction of proteinuria has demonstrated a beneficial effect on kidney function and also on patient survival in nontransplant patients with chronic kidney disease, but unfortunately, to date, it has not been possible to demonstrate the same benefit in the kidney transplant population (although it probably exists). Nevertheless, the appearance of proteinuria in a renal transplant patient must always be followed by an investigation on its etiology, and many times, it should include a graft biopsy to adequately categorize the underlying process responsible for the proteinuria and to establish a correct therapy. Furthermore, in spite of the cause of proteinuria, it should be treated to reduce to normal or near-normal levels with the objective to eliminate or reduce its negative effects on the graft and the cardiovascular system of the patient. The drugs that interfere with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers, are the cornerstone of the management of this complication, and recently, direct renin inhibitors have added to the armamentarium. Mono-, dual-, and triple-therapy modalities are discussed, as well as other therapies and nonpharmacologic measures.

Gastrointestinal quality of life improvement of renal transplant recipients converted from mycophenolate mofetil to enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium drugs or agents: mycophenolate mofetil and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium.

BACKGROUND: In renal transplant (RT) recipients, treatment with enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) improves gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability compared with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The impact of conversion from MMF to EC-MPS on patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using GI-specific instruments has been scarcely evaluated in randomized trials. METHODS: The present randomized, multicenter, open-labeled, 12-week study included RT recipients experiencing GI adverse events due to MMF treatment. Patients were randomized to continue with MMF (n=54) or change to EC-MPS (n=59). Patients were converted at equimolar doses, and dose was optimized between weeks 2 and 6 to achieve maximum tolerated dose. RESULTS: Incidence of GI complications (particularly diarrhea) was significantly lower in the EC-MPS group (67.8% vs. 87.0%, P=0.015). The baseline-adjusted mean global scores at 12 weeks in GI quality of life index were significantly higher in the EC-MPS group versus MMF (P=0.014). Results at 12 weeks for all secondary scales indicated better HRQoL in the EC-MPS group compared with the MMF group (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Psychological General Well-Being Index, and overall treatment effect). In the EC-MPS group, a higher percentage of patients were receiving intermediate doses of mycophenolic acid (720 mg/day) at 12 weeks compared with MMF (55.4% vs. 27.4%, P=0.003), whereas no differences were observed for high doses (>720 mg/day). CONCLUSIONS: In RT patients with GI undesirable effects due to MMF, switching from MMF to EC-MPS may enable an increase in the maximum tolerated dose of mycophenolic acid and reduce GI complications, thus enhancing patients' GI HRQoL.