Ultra-Processed Food Consumption, Poorer Nutritional Quality, and Lower Muscle Mass in Immediate and Late Postkidney Transplant Periods.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the immediate (2 months after transplantation) and late post-transplant (14 months after transplantation) periods among kidney transplant patients and to examine its correlation with nutritional quality and body composition. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 96 kidney transplant recipients divided into 2 groups: immediate post-transplant (n = 71) and late post-transplant (n = 25). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected and grouped in a database. Food intake was evaluated by a validated food frequency questionnaire and foods were divided according to the NOVA classification system. The consumption of UPFs was calculated and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate its correlation with nutritional components and body composition. RESULTS: The consumption of UPFs was 649.4 [420.0-1061.72] kcal/day, accounting for 33.3 ± 11.9% of the total daily energy intake. The immediate post-transplant group showed higher total daily energy and UPFs intake compared to the late post-transplant group (P = .002 and P = .046, respectively), although the energy contribution of UPFs was similar between both groups. UPFs intake was positively correlated with higher percentages of total fat, trans fat, saturated, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, starch, and sodium (P < .05 for all analyses). An inverse correlation was observed between UPFs consumption and the percentage of protein and carbohydrates in the food intake (P = .025 and P = .008, respectively). In the immediate post-transplant group, a higher intake of UPFs was correlated with lower muscle mass (r = -0.250, P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study reveal a pattern of increased consumption of UPFs among kidney transplant patients in comparison to the national average. This higher intake of UPFs was correlated with lower nutritional quality during both periods. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between UPFs consumption and adverse body composition parameters, specifically in the immediate post-transplant period.

Development and validation of a simple web-based tool for early prediction of COVID-19-associated death in kidney transplant recipients.

This analysis, using data from the Brazilian kidney transplant (KT) COVID-19 study, seeks to develop a prediction score to assist in COVID-19 risk stratification in KT recipients. In this study, 1379 patients (35 sites) were enrolled, and a machine learning approach was used to fit models in a derivation cohort. A reduced Elastic Net model was selected, and the accuracy to predict the 28-day fatality after the COVID-19 diagnosis, assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC), was confirmed in a validation cohort. The better calibration values were used to build the applicable ImAgeS score. The 28-day fatality rate was 17% (n = 235), which was associated with increasing age, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, higher body mass index, dyspnea, and use of mycophenolate acid or azathioprine. Higher kidney graft function, longer time of symptoms until COVID-19 diagnosis, presence of anosmia or coryza, and use of mTOR inhibitor were associated with reduced risk of death. The coefficients of the best model were used to build the predictive score, which achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.767 (95% CI 0.698-0.834) in the validation cohort. In conclusion, the easily applicable predictive model could assist health care practitioners in identifying non-hospitalized kidney transplant patients that may require more intensive monitoring. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04494776.

Delayed Graft Function Under the Microscope: Surveillance Biopsies in Kidney Transplantation.

Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication of kidney transplantation and frequently leads to the necessity of surveillance biopsies. The purpose of this study is to describe the histological findings in surveillance biopsies of deceased donor kidney transplant recipients and evaluate the risk factors for graft outcomes. This is a monocentric, retrospective study including kidney transplant recipients that underwent a graft biopsy during the DGF period between January 2006 and July 2019. 356 biopsies were performed in 335 deceased donor transplant recipients. Biopsies were analyzed according to the Banff classification. The main histological findings were: acute tubular necrosis in 150 biopsies (42.1%), acute rejection in 96 biopsies (26.9%), and borderline findings in 91 biopsies (25.5%). In the multivariate analysis, recipient age (p = 0.028) and DGF duration (p = 0.005) were associated with rejection, antibody-induction with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) was protective (p = 0.001). The occurrence of rejection was associated with lower death-censored graft survival (log-rank; p = 0.009). Surveillance biopsies of kidney grafts experiencing DGF remain an essential tool for the care of kidney transplant recipients. The recipient's age and duration of DGF are independent risk factors for acute rejection, while antibody-induction therapy with ATG is associated with protection from its occurrence.

Exploring the causes of the high incidence of delayed graft function after kidney transplantation in Brazil: a multicenter study.

This retrospective multicenter (n = 18) cohort study evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and the impact of delayed graft function (DGF) on 1-year kidney transplant (KT) outcomes. Of 3992 deceased donor KT performed in 2014-2015, the incidence of DGF was 54%, ranging from 29.9% to 87.7% among centers. Risk factors (lower-bound-95%CI OR upper-bound-95%CI ) were male gender (1.066 1.2491.463 ), diabetic kidney disease (1.053 1.2961.595 ), time on dialysis (1.005 1.0071.009 ), retransplantation (1.035 1.3971.885 ), preformed anti-HLA antibodies (1.011 1.3831.892 ), HLA mismatches (1.006 1.0661.130 ), donor age (1.011 1.0171.023 ), donor final serum creatinine (sCr) (1.239 1.3171.399 ), cold ischemia time (CIT) (1.031 1.0431.056 ), machine perfusion (0.401 0.5420.733 ), and induction therapy with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) (0.658 0.8000.973 ). Duration of DGF > 4 days was associated with inferior renal function and DGF > 14 days with the higher incidences of acute rejection, graft loss, and death. In conclusion, the incidence and duration of DGF were high and associated with inferior graft outcomes. While late referral and poor donor maintenance account for the high overall incidence of DGF, variability in donor and recipient selection, organ preservation method, and type of induction agent may account for the wide variation observed among transplant centers.

Body Fat Estimation in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Skinfolds Thickness Compared With Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry.

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of the study was to compare the method of estimating the body fat percentage (BF%) by skinfold thickness to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in kidney transplant recipients. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a longitudinal study that evaluated patients at 3 (n = 46) and 12 months (n = 37) after kidney transplantation at Hospital de Clínicas in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The Durnin and Womersley equation was used to estimate the body density, and the Siri equation was used to estimate BF%, using measurements of 4 skinfolds: biceps, triceps, subscapular, and suprailiac. DEXA was used as a reference. Paired t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Bland and Altman plots, and receiver operating characteristic curves adjusted by gender were used for statistical assessment. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the methods at 3 (r = 0.783; P < .001) and at 12 months (r = 0.824; P < .001) after transplantation. The BF% values were underestimated by skinfolds when compared with DEXA at 3 (29.43 ± 9.64% vs. 33.16 ± 8.74%; P < .001) and 12 months (29.84 ± 8.40% vs. 33.93 ± 9.13%; P < .001). According to the Bland and Altman analyses, the mean difference between both methods was 3.72 ± 6.11% (95% confidence interval: -15.7 to 8.3%) at 3 months and 4.09 ± 5.24% (95% confidence interval: -14.4 to 6.2%) at 12 months. The skinfold equation was a good predictor of high fat percentage when compared with DEXA at 3 (area under the curve and 95% confidence interval = 0.873 [0.766-0.980]; P = .004) and 12 months after kidney transplantation (area under the curve and 95% confidence interval = 0.857 [0.731-0.983]; P = .004). CONCLUSION(S): The skinfold thickness underestimated the BF% when compared with DEXA, but the 2 methods presented a modest correlation and agreement at 3 and 12 months after kidney transplantation. The skinfold thickness also presented a modest performance to detect patients with increased BF% at both times.

A large, international study on post-transplant glomerular diseases: the TANGO project.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes in kidney transplantation (KT) have not significantly improved during the past twenty years. Despite being a leading cause of graft failure, glomerular disease (GD) recurrence remains poorly understood, due to heterogeneity in disease pathogenesis and clinical presentation, reliance on histopathology to confirm disease recurrence, and the low incidence of individual GD subtypes. Large, international cohorts of patients with GD are urgently needed to better understand the disease pathophysiology, predictors of recurrence, and response to therapy. METHODS: The Post-TrANsplant GlOmerular Disease (TANGO) study is an observational, multicenter cohort study initiated in January 2017 that aims to: 1) characterize the natural history of GD after KT, 2) create a biorepository of saliva, blood, urine, stools and kidney tissue samples, and 3) establish a network of patients and centers to support novel therapeutic trials. The study includes 15 centers in America and Europe. Enrollment is open to patients with biopsy-proven GD prior to transplantation, including IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, dense-deposit disease, C3 glomerulopathy, complement- and IgG-positive membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I-III (old classification). During phase 1, patient data will be collected in an online database. The biorepository (phase 2) will involve collection of samples from patients for identification of predictors of recurrence, biomarkers of disease activity or response to therapy, and novel pathogenic mechanisms. Finally, through phase 3, we will use our multicenter network of patients and centers to launch interventional studies. DISCUSSION: Most prior studies of post-transplant GD recurrence are single-center and retrospective, or rely upon registry data that frequently misclassify the cause of kidney disease. Systematically determining GD recurrence rates and predictors of clinical outcomes is essential to improving post-transplant outcomes. Furthermore, accurate molecular phenotyping and biomarker development will allow better understanding of individual GD pathogenesis, and potentially identify novel drug targets for GD in both native and transplanted kidneys. The TANGO study has the potential to tackle GD recurrence through a multicenter design and a comprehensive biorepository.

Kidney injury molecule-1 expression in human kidney transplants with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

BACKGROUND: Kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is expressed in tubular epithelial cells after injury and may have a role in the development of renal graft fibrosis. In this study we evaluated the molecular and protein expressions of KIM-1 in dysfunctional allografts and also mRNA KIM-1 expression in urine as potential biomarkers of graft fibrosis. METHODS: Protein and mRNA levels in renal tissue and urinary sediment cells of 69 kidney transplant recipients that undertook for-cause graft biopsies were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The histopathology was classified according to the 2007 Banff schema. RESULTS: KIM-1 protein expression was increased in biopsies with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) compared with biopsies showing acute calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity (CIN) (P <0.05). Kidney tissue KIM-1 mRNA signaling (in) was increased in biopsies with IF/TA compared with all other groups (P <0.05). In the urine cells KIM-1 mRNA was also increased in patients with IF/TA compared with patients with acute CIN (P <0.05). Significant correlations were found between KIM-1 protein and mRNA levels in tissue, between mRNA expressions in tissue and urine and between protein tissue expression and gene expression in the urine. CONCLUSIONS: KIM-1 seems to be a marker of kidney graft fibrosis. Urinary KIM-1 mRNA may become a useful non-invasive biomarker of the injuries that can trigger intra-graft fibrotic processes, such as interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy.

Obesity in kidney transplant recipients: association with decline in glomerular filtration rate.

In this study we aimed to evaluate the influence of obesity in kidney and patient survival and graft function. Retrospective cohort study of kidney transplant recipients performed between 2001 and 2009. The body mass index was calculated at time of transplantation, one and five years after. The main outcomes studied were incidence of delayed graft function, new onset diabetes after transplantation, patient and graft survival, and glomerular filtration rate. The prevalence of obesity and overweight patients were 10.7% and 26.8% respectively, with an increase to 16.9% and 32.5% one year after transplantation. Underweight and obese recipients presented a higher incidence of early graft loss. The incidence of new onset diabetes after transplantation was significantly higher at one and five years in overweight or obese recipients at baseline. Overweight and obese recipients presented significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at five years posttransplantation (p = 0.002). In the Kaplan-Meier analyses no statistically significant differences in patients or grafts survivals were observed. Obese patients have a higher rate of early graft failure and a higher new onset diabetes after transplantation incidence. Also, the finding of decreased glomerular filtration rate is worrisome and perhaps longer follow-up will reveal more graft failures and patients deaths in the group of obese recipients.

Analysis of FOXP3 gene and protein expressions in renal allograft biopsies and their association with graft outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The transcription factor FOXP3 is increased in acute renal rejection, but its influence on graft outcomes is unclear. This study correlated FOXP3 with dendritic cells and graft outcomes. METHODS: We assessed 96 kidney transplants undergoing allograft biopsy for cause. FOXP3 mRNA was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and FOXP3 protein and DCsCD83(+) by immunohistochemistry. Graft function and survival were assessed at 5 years post-transplantation, as well as by independent predictors of graft loss. RESULTS: Intragraft FOXP3 gene and protein expression were significantly correlated (r = 0.541, p < 0.001). Both FOXP3 mRNA and protein were increased in patients with acute rejection (AR). High expression of FOXP3 mRNA or protein in biopsies did not correlate with clinical variables, but there was a trend to higher positive variation in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from biopsy to last follow-up. Patients with FOXP3-mRNA(high) had more DCsCD83(+) in biopsy, but these cells did not associate with AR. Five-year graft survival was not influenced by either FOXP3 mRNA or protein expressions. CONCLUSIONS: FOXP3 mRNA and protein had a good correlation in archival renal graft tissue. Increased FOXP3 expression was found in AR and FOXP3 associated with high numbers of DCs. However, both FOXP3 mRNA and protein was not associated with better allograft outcomes.

[Complications during the hospitalization of kidney transplant recipients]. / Complicações durante a internação de receptores de transplante renal.

The objective of the study was to identify the complications in patients that have received a renal transplant. A Historical cohort performed in a university hospital from January/2007 through January/2009 with a sample of 179 patients; data collected retrospectively from the medical history of patients and submitted to statistical analyses. Mean age of patients was 43 (SD=13.7) years, 114 (63.7%) men, 95 (65.1%) non smokers and 118(66.93%) received the graft from a deceased donor. The main complications were rejection 68 (32.1%) and infection 62 (29.2%). There was statistical significance between rejection and median days of hospital stay (p < 0.001); days of use of central venous catheter (p = 0.010) and smoking status (p = 0.008); infection and central venous catheter (p = 0.029); median days of hospital stay (p < 0.001) and time of use of urinary catheter (p = 0.009). It was concluded that it is important to reduce the days of hospital stay and permanence of catheters, which may be considered in the planning of nursing care.

Reduction of patients' bed rest time after percutaneous renal biopsy evaluated by the Nursing Outcomes Classification: Randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reduction of patients' bed rest time after percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB) from 24 to 8 h using the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC). METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial registered with Clinical Trials number NCT04629235. The sample comprised 16 patients in the intervention group and 18 in the control group. In the intervention group, the rest time was modified to 8 h, and afterward, the patients were released to ambulate, whereas the control patients remained at absolute rest for 24 h after PRB according to institutional protocol. All patients were observed for 24 h and evaluated at five time points with the outcomes and indicators of the NOC: before the biopsy, immediately after, at the 8th hour, at the 12th hour, and at the 24th hour after the procedure. RESULTS: In the 170 evaluations performed, statistically significant differences were identified in the outcome Comfort status: physical and the indicators "physical well-being and comfortable position." None of the complications were related to reduced bed rest time. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing patients' bed rest time from 24 to 8 h did not increase complications from PRB, and using the NOC provided a standardized and reliable assessment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Important evidence was identified for patient care after PRB, demonstrating the positive impact on patient comfort and the possibility of reducing costs to the institution and the workload of the multidisciplinary team. In addition, these findings may contribute to strengthening the use of NOC in clinical practice, teaching, and research.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a redução do tempo de repouso no leito de pacientes após biópsia renal percutânea de 24 para 8 horas, por meio de resultados e indicadores clínicos da Nursing Outcomes Classification/NOC. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico randomizado registrado no Clinical Trials (NCT04629235). A amostra contou com 16 pacientes no Grupo Intervenção e 18 no Grupo Controle. No Grupo Intervenção o tempo de repouso foi modificado para 8 horas, e após os pacientes foram liberados para deambular; enquanto no Grupo Controle os pacientes se mantiveram em repouso absoluto por 24 horas após biópsia renal percutânea, conforme protocolo institucional. Todos os pacientes foram observados por 24 horas e avaliados em cinco momentos distintos, com resultados e indicadores da Nursing Outcomes Classification/NOC: antes da biópsia, imediatamente após, na 8ª hora, na 12ª hora e na 24ª hora após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Nas 170 avaliações realizadas foi identificada diferença estatisticamente significativa nos escores do resultado Estado de conforto: físico, e nos indicadores "bem-estar físico e posição confortável". Nenhuma das complicações foi relacionada com a redução do tempo de repouso no leito. CONCLUSÕES: A redução do tempo de repouso no leito dos pacientes de 24 para 8 horas não aumentou as complicações decorrentes da biópsia renal percutânea. O uso da Nursing Outcomes Classification/NOC favoreceu uma avaliação padronizada e fidedigna. IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A PRÁTICA: Identificou-se evidências importantes para o cuidado ao paciente após biópsia renal percutânea, demonstrando o impacto positivo no conforto dos pacientes, além da possibilidade de diminuição de custos à instituição e da sobrecarga no trabalho da equipe multidisciplinar. Somado a isso, estes resultados poderão contribuir para o fortalecimento do uso da Nursing Outcomes Classification/NOC na prática clínica, ensino e pesquisa.

One-year impact of COVID-19 pandemic on renal replacement therapy and kidney transplantation in a tertiary center in Southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) and kidney transplant recipients (KTR) present multiple factors that may increase the risk of death from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and impact of COVID-19 in RRT patients and KTRs. METHODS: Between March 2020 and February 2021, we monitored the RRT population of thirteen dialysis facilities that refer patients for transplantation to our center, a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. In the same period, we also monitor COVID-19 incidence and mortality in our KTR population. Demographical, clinical, and COVID-19-related information were analyzed. RESULTS: We evaluated 1545 patients in the dialysis centers, of which 267 (17.4%) were infected by COVID-19 and 53 (19.9%) died. Among 275 patients on the kidney transplant waiting list, 63 patients (22.9%) were infected and seven (11.1%) died. COVID-19 was the leading cause of death (29.2%) among patients on the waiting list. Within the population of 1360 KTR, 134 (9.85%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 20 (14.9%) died. The number of kidney transplants decreased by 56.7% compared with the same period in the previous twelve months. CONCLUSION: In the study period, patients on RRT and KTRs presented a high incidence of COVID-19 and high COVID-19-related lethality. The impact on the patients on the transplant waiting list was less pronounced. The lethality rate observed in both cohorts seems to be related to age, comorbidities, and disease severity.

Leptin, insulin resistance, and metabolic changes 5 years after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate leptin, insulin resistance (IR), and changes in body composition and lipid profile within 5 years after renal transplantation. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil. SUBJECTS: Thirty-two renal transplant recipients were followed up for 5 years after transplantation. METHODS: Data were collected at transplantation time (T1) and after 3 months (T2), 1 year (T3), and 5 years (T4). Leptin serum levels, IR assessed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, lipid profile, and anthropometric measurements were analyzed. Data were compared with a control group at baseline. RESULTS: At T1, pretransplant patients had leptin levels (ng/mL) (11.9 [9.2 to 25.2]) higher than the control group (7.7 [5.2 to 9.9]; P < .0001). After transplantation, levels decreased at T2 and T3, but increased at T4 to values similar to those seen at T1 (T4: 9.2 [5.7 to 21]; P = 1). HOMA also decreased at T2, but increased at T4 to identical levels (T1: 2.1 [1.63 to 2.23], T4: 2.1 [1.6 to 2.85]; P = 1). No significant changes in body fat percentage (BF%) were observed; however, the arm muscle circumference increased significantly at T4 (P < .0001). At T2, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased, whereas at T4, lipid profile moved toward T1 levels. By linear regression analysis, gender, BF%, and HOMA were independent predictors of leptin levels. A trend toward higher body mass index was observed in woman who also presented higher leptin and lower HOMA levels. CONCLUSION: Leptin levels and HOMA decrease in the immediate posttransplant period and remain reduced for at least 1 year. Five years post transplantation, leptin, IR, BF%, and lipids have a profile similar to those in the pretransplant period. This metabolic profile is possibly associated with the elevated incidence of cardiovascular diseases observed in the late posttransplant period.

The Mycophenolate-based Immunosuppressive Regimen Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Kidney Transplant Patients With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs is a key risk factor of death because of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), although no evident association between the class of immunosuppressive and outcomes has been observed. Thus, we aimed to compare COVID-19-associated outcomes among KTRs receiving 3 different immunosuppressive maintenance regimes. METHODS: This study included data from 1833 KTRs with COVID-19 diagnosed between March 20 and April 21 extracted from the national registry before immunization. All patients were taking calcineurin inhibitor associated with mycophenolate acid (MPA, n = 1258), azathioprine (AZA, n = 389), or mammalian targets of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi, n = 186). Outcomes within 30 and 90 d were assessed. RESULTS: Compared with patients receiving MPA, the 30-d (79.9% versus 87.9% versus 89.2%; P < 0.0001) and 90-d (75% versus 83.5% versus 88.2%; P < 0.0001) unadjusted patient survivals were higher in those receiving AZA or mTORi, respectively. Using adjusted multivariable Cox regression, compared with patients receiving AZA, the use of MPA was associated with a higher risk of death within 30 d (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.40; P = 0.003), which was not observed in patients using mTORi (aHR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.45-1.35; P = 0.365). At 90 d, although higher risk of death was confirmed in patients receiving MPA (aHR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.09-1.98; P = 0.013), a reduced risk was observed in patients receiving mTORi (aHR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35-0.97; P = 0.04) compared with AZA. CONCLUSIONS: This national cohort data suggest that, in KTRs receiving calcineurin inhibitor and diagnosed with COVID-19, the use of MPA was associated with higher risk of death, whereas mTORi use was associated with lower risk of death.

Phasing out the pre-transplant cytotoxicity crossmatch: Are we missing something?

INTRODUCTION: The anti-human globulin-enhanced complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch (AHG-CDCXM) assay has been used to assess the presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) in recipient's serum before kidney transplantation. The flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM) assay was first introduced as an additional test. The aim of this study was to clinically validate the single use of the FCXM assay. METHODS: This study compared the outcomes of a cohort of kidney transplant patients that underwent FCXM only (FCXM group) versus a cohort of kidney transplant patients that underwent AHG-CDCXM (control group). RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients in the FCXM group and 98 controls were included. All crossmatches in the control group were negative. One patient in the FCXM group had a positive B cell crossmatch. One year after transplantation, there were no significant differences in patient survival (p = 0.591) and graft survival (p = 0.692) between the groups. Also, no significant difference was found in the incidence of Banff ≥ 1A acute cellular rejection episodes (p = 0.289). However, acute antibody-mediated rejections occurred in 3 controls (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The results showed that discontinuing the AHG-CDCXM assay does not modify the clinical outcomes in a 1-year follow-up.

Limited Predictive Role of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index in Kidney Transplant: Single Center Evaluation and Comparison With International Literature.

Perioperative risk factors predicting major cardiovascular events (MACE) and the performance of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) in a retrospective cohort of 325 consecutive adult patients undergoing kidney transplant from deceased donor grafts were assessed. Primary outcome was a composite of MACE up to 30 days post-transplant. Incidence of MACE was 5.8% at 30 days. Overall proportion of patients with RCRI ≥ 4 was 5%, but was higher (28%) among those who developed MACE. Patients with RCRI ≥ 4 had lower survival free of MACE compared to those with RCRI < 4 (P <0.001); however, in multivariable analysis, RCRI was not a predictor of cardiovascular events. The RCRI demonstrated poor discrimination to predict MACE at 30 days [area under the curve 0.64 (95% CI 0.49-0.78)]. Revised Cardiac Risk Index was not associated with reduced MACE-free survival adjusted analysis and its predictive ability was poor.

Brazilian guidelines for the management of brain-dead potential organ donors. The task force of the Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos, Brazilian Research in Critical Care Network, and the General Coordination of the National Transplant System. / Diretrizes brasileiras para o manejo de potenciais doadores de órgãos em morte encefálica. Uma força-tarefa composta por Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos, Brazilian Research in Critical Care Network e Coordenação Geral do Sistema Nacional de Transplantes.

OBJECTIVE: To contribute to updating the recommendations for brain-dead potential organ donor management. METHODS: A group of 27 experts, including intensivists, transplant coordinators, transplant surgeons, and epidemiologists, answered questions related to the following topics were divided into mechanical ventilation, hemodynamics, endocrine-metabolic management, infection, body temperature, blood transfusion, and checklists use. The outcomes considered were cardiac arrests, number of organs removed or transplanted as well as function / survival of transplanted organs. The quality of evidence of the recommendations was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to classify the recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 19 recommendations were drawn from the expert panel. Of these, 7 were classified as strong, 11 as weak and 1 was considered a good clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Despite the agreement among panel members on most recommendations, the grade of recommendation was mostly weak.

OBJETIVO: Fornecer recomendações para nortear o manejo clínico do potencial doador em morte encefálica. MÉTODOS: O presente documento foi formulado em dois painéis compostos por uma força tarefa integrada por 27 especialistas de diferentes áreas que responderam a questões dirigidas aos seguintes temas: ventilação mecânica, hemodinâmica, suporte endócrino-metabólico, infecção, temperatura corporal, transfusão sanguínea, e uso de checklists. Os desfechos considerados foram: parada cardíaca, número de órgãos retirados ou transplantados e função/sobrevida dos órgãos transplantados. A qualidade das evidências das recomendações foi avaliada pelo sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTADOS: Foram geradas 19 recomendações a partir do painel de especialistas. Dessas, 7 foram classificadas como fortes, 11 fracas e uma foi considerada boa prática clínica. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da concordância entre os membros do painel em relação à maior parte das recomendações, o grau de recomendação é fraco em sua maioria.

Recurrence of IgA Nephropathy after Kidney Transplantation in Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with kidney failure due to IgA nephropathy, IgA deposits can recur in a subsequent kidney transplant. The incidence, effect, and risk factors of IgA nephropathy recurrence is unclear, because most studies have been single center and sample sizes are relatively small. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We performed a multicenter, international, retrospective study to determine the incidence, risk factors, and treatment response of recurrent IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation. Data were collected from all consecutive patients with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy transplanted between 2005 and 2015, across 16 "The Post-Transplant Glomerular Disease" study centers in Europe, North America, and South America. RESULTS: Out of 504 transplant recipients with IgA nephropathy, recurrent IgA deposits were identified by kidney biopsy in 82 patients; cumulative incidence of recurrence was 23% at 15 years (95% confidence interval, 14 to 34). Multivariable Cox regression revealed a higher risk for recurrence of IgA deposits in patients with a pre-emptive kidney transplant (hazard ratio, 3.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.31 to 9.17) and in patients with preformed donor-specific antibodies (hazard ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 6.19). After kidney transplantation, development of de novo donor-specific antibodies was associated with subsequent higher risk of recurrence of IgA nephropathy (hazard ratio, 6.65; 95% confidence interval, 3.33 to 13.27). Immunosuppressive regimen was not associated with recurrent IgA nephropathy in multivariable analysis, including steroid use. Graft loss was higher in patients with recurrence of IgA nephropathy compared with patients without (hazard ratio, 3.69; 95% confidence interval, 2.04 to 6.66), resulting in 32% (95% confidence interval, 50 to 82) graft loss at 8 years after diagnosis of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In our international cohort, cumulative risk of IgA nephropathy recurrence increased after transplant and was associated with a 3.7-fold greater risk of graft loss.

Risk factors associated with weight gain after kidney transplantation: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplantation is the best modality of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, it is associated with weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, which adversely impact transplant outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors of one-year weight gain after renal transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 374 patients that underwent kidney transplantation between January 2006 and July 2013. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected from electronic records, and the outcome of interest was weight gain during the first year after renal transplantation. The data were reported as mean ± standard deviation, median (interquartile range) or number of subjects (%). The association between variables were assessed via chi-square test and ANOVA. For analysis of risk factors related to the outcomes of interest, multivariable logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: There were 181 (48.4%) female patients, 334 (89.3%) with white ethnicity and the mean age was 44.4 ± 12.8 years. The mean BMI pre-transplant was 24.7 ± 4.1 kg/m2, and 35 (9.9%) patients were classified as obese; 119 (33.6%) as overweight; 187 (52.8%) as normal weight; and 13 (3.7%) as malnourished. After one year of follow-up, the mean BMI was 26.2 ± 5.0 kg/m2, and 61 (17.3%) patients were classified as obese; 133 (37.8%) as overweight; 148 (42.0%) as normal weight; and 10 (2.8%) as malnourished. Weight gain was observed in 72.7% patients, and the average increase was 7.12 ± 5.9 kg. The female gender, lower pre-transplant body weight, lower number of hospitalizations, and a kidney received from a living donor were associated with weight gain by more than 5% in the first year post-transplant. CONCLUSION: Female gender and lower pre-transplant body weight were independently associated with weight gain by more than 5% in the first year after kidney transplantation; lower rates of hospitalization and donation from living donors were also risk factors for this outcome.

Effects of dietary counseling on sodium restriction in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis: A randomized clinical trial.

Reducing dietary sodium has the potential to benefit patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (HD). This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary counseling on sodium restriction and its relationship with clinical, dietary, and quality of life parameters in patients on HD treatment. This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial. The study included 87 patients on HD, divided into intervention (n = 47) and control (n = 40) groups. Anthropometric, clinical, sodium intake, and quality of life data were evaluated in both groups at four-time points: baseline (T0), 90 days (T3), 180 days (T6), and 365 days (T12). The intervention group received dietary counseling at the beginning and throughout the study. There were no between-group differences regarding anthropometric, clinical, and quality of life data at any of the time points. The mean age was 59 ± 14 years, and most of the patients were men (61%) and had hypertension (90%). Total sodium (g) and processed meat (mg sodium) intake significantly decreased in both groups [intervention: T0 = 3.5 (2.3-4.7); T12 = 2.0 (0.7-2.5); P <0.0001; control: T0 = 3 (1.5-4.9); T12 = 2.0 (0.8-3.3); P = 0.001; and intervention: T0 = 78 (25-196); T12 = 21 (0-78); P = 0.003; control: T0 = 97 (31-406); T12 = 44 (0-152); P = 0.004, respectively] . There was a significant decrease in the consumption of packaged seasonings (mg sodium) [T0 = 130 (0-854); T12 = 0 (0-0); P = 0.015] and instant noodles [T0 = 19 (0-91); T12 = 0 (0-0); P = 0.017] in the intervention group. Dietary counseling was effective in changing dietary habits. In both groups, there was a reduction in total sodium intake, which was greater in the intervention group. Moreover, a decrease in the intake of salty foods, such as packaged seasonings and instant noodles, was only observed in the intervention group.