A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study on Management Protocols and Clinical Outcomes After ABO-incompatible Kidney Transplantation in India.

BACKGROUND: There is no robust evidence-based data for ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation (ABOiKT) from emerging countries. METHODS: Data from 1759 living donor ABOiKT and 33 157 ABO-compatible kidney transplantations (ABOcKT) performed in India between March 5, 2011, and July 2, 2022, were included in this retrospective, multicenter (n = 25) study. The primary outcomes included management protocols, mortality, graft loss, and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR). RESULTS: Protocol included rituximab 100 (232 [13.18%]), 200 (877 [49.85%]), and 500 mg (569 [32.34%]); immunoadsorption (IA) (145 [8.24%]), IVIG (663 [37.69%]), and no induction 200 (11.37%). Mortality, graft loss, and BPAR were reported in 167 (9.49%), 136 (7.73%), and 228 (12.96%) patients, respectively, over a median follow-up of 36.3 mo. In cox proportional hazard model, mortality was higher with IA (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.53 [1.62-3.97]; P < 0.001), BPAR (HR: 1.83 [1.25-2.69]; P = 0.0020), and graft loss (HR: 1.66 [1.05-2.64]; P = 0.0310); improved graft survival was associated with IVIG (HR: 0.44 [0.26-0.72]; P = 0.0010); higher BPAR was reported with conventional tube method (HR: 3.22 [1.9-5.46]; P < 0.0001) and IA use (HR: 2 [1.37-2.92]; P < 0.0001), whereas lower BPAR was reported in the prepandemic era (HR: 0.61 [0.43-0.88]; P = 0.008). Primary outcomes were not associated with rituximab dosing or high preconditioning/presurgery anti-A/anti-B titers. Incidence of overall infection 306 (17.39%), cytomegalovirus 66 (3.75%), and BK virus polyoma virus 20 (1.13%) was low. In unmatched univariate analysis, the outcomes between ABOiKT and ABOcKT were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Our largest multicenter study on ABOiKT provides insights into various protocols and management strategies with results comparable to those of ABOcKT.

Safe transition from open to pure laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: Approach and results.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (LLDN) offers many advantages compared to open living donor nephrectomy. However, the perceived difficulty in learning LLDN has slowed its wider implementation. Herein, we describe the evolution of LLDN at a single center, emphasizing the approach and technical modifications and its impact on outcome. METHODS: The series included a 2½-year period and three different surgeons. We started with two-stage plan for establishing LLDN at the institute (introduction and consolidation). Data of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy performed at the institution were prospectively evaluated regarding donor and recipient outcome. RESULTS: From December 2016 to April 2019, 221 donors underwent LLDN. Three donors required conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time was 96.4 (62-158) min and the mean warm ischemia time was 186 (149-423) s. The complications were observed in 11.6% of donors from LLDN group and all complications were Class I and Class II only (Clavien-Dindo classification). No Class III and Class IV complications occurred. In the present study, there was some learning curve effect observed only in operative time (OT) with longer OT in initial cases. However, the overall operative complications were minimal, showing that this learning curve had no deleterious effects on donor safety. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that with proper planning, team approach, and a few technical modifications, the transition from open to LLDN could be safe and effective.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in post renal transplant patients.

AIM: Deficiency of Vitamin D is prevalent in the general population, especially in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. The exact prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency is unknown in post renal transplant recipients. The classical and non-classical effects of vitamin D deficiency are complicated by the use of steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) in the renal transplant population. The aim of this study is to document the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the post renal transplant population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 renal transplant recipients under follow-up at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, between June 2009 and March 2011, were enrolled in this study. Parathormone (PTH), 25(OH)-vitaminD3, calcium, and phosphate levels were determined in all the patients. The patients were then classified into different groups based on the severity of the Vitamin D deficiency, time since transplantation, and level of graft function. RESULTS: Overall, four patients (8%) were vitamin D sufficient, 17 patients (33%) insufficient, 26 patients (51%) mildly deficient, and four (8%) severely deficient. The degree of deficiency did not differ with reference to the time since transplant or level of graft function. Sixty-nine percent had high PTH level, 22% were normal, and 9% had a low parathyroid hormone level. There was an inverse correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and serum PTH level. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in renal transplant recipients. This did not get corrected, despite nutritional improvement or normalization of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) post transplantation. Therefore, the study emphasizes routine evaluation and proper supplementation of Vitamin D in all post renal transplant patients.