Outcomes of pancreas transplantation in patients with underlying inflammatory bowel disease: a retrospective case series.

Despite having emerged as a definitive treatment for diabetes mellitus (DM), pancreas transplantation remains a formidable surgical task owing to complications like graft pancreatitis, enteric leaks, and rejection. This becomes more challenging in the setting of underlying bowel pathology, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which has a strong immune-genomic association of co-existence with DM. Risk of anastomotic leaks, dose adjustments of immunosuppressants and biologicals, and management of IBD flares constitute some of the major perioperative challenges calling for a protocol-based, systematic, multidisciplinary approach. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective case series of patients between January 1996 and July 2021, with all patients being followed up until December 2021. All consecutive patients with end-stage DM who underwent pancreas transplantation (alone, simultaneous with kidney transplantation or after kidney transplantation) and had pre-existing IBD were included in the study. A Comparison of 1-, 5-, 10-year survival was done with pancreas transplant recipients without underlying IBD using Kaplan-Meir curves. Results: Of the total 630 pancreas transplants performed between 1996 and 2021, eight patients had IBD, mostly Crohn's disease. Following pancreas transplantation, two of the eight patients had duodenal leaks, with one a requiring graft pancreatectomy. The 5-year graft survival rate for the cohort was 75% compared to 81.6% for the overall cohort of patients undergoing pancreas transplantation (P=0.48) with a median graft survival of 48.4 months compared to 68.1 months in the latter (P=0.56). Conclusion: The findings of the series provide a snapshot of the outcome of pancreas transplantation in the background of IBD, suggesting a graft and overall patient survival rates comparable with pancreas transplantation in patients without underlying IBD, with further validation of the findings required in a larger cohort of patients in the future.

An Evaluation of Sexual Function in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men Treated with the Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device.

Purpose: To document the effect of the temporarily implanted nitinol device (iTind; Medi-Tate Ltd, Israel) on sexual function from a multicenter, randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Men were randomized 2:1 between iTind and sham procedure arms. The iTind was placed for 5-7 days and an 18F Foley catheter was inserted and removed for the iTind and sham group, respectively. Patients were assessed at baseline, 3, and 12 months postoperatively using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Unblinding occurred at 3 months. Results: We studied 185 men with a mean age of 61.1 ± 6.5 years. There was no difference in SHIM or total IIEF between iTind and sham at 3 months or in the iTind arm at 12 months compared with baseline. Men in the iTind arm without erectile dysfunction at baseline showed an improvement in total IIEF score of +6.07 ± 21.17 points (p = 0.034) at 12 months, in addition to an improvement in ejaculatory function. SHIM scores remained unchanged in all groups, regardless of age, prostate volume, or baseline erectile function. Conclusion: No changes were observed in sexual and ejaculatory function of patients with iTind regardless of a man's age, prostate volume, and baseline sexual function. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02506465.

Outcomes of keratolimbal allograft from ABO compatible donors for severe bilateral limbal stem cell deficiency.

PURPOSE: To report outcomes of keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) compatible for both human leukocyte (HLA) and/or blood type using oral prednisone, mycophenolate, and tacrolimus, with basiliximab if panel reactive antibodies (PRA) are present. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was used post-operatively if donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) were present. METHODS: Retrospective interventional series of consecutive patients with KLAL for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) from HLA and/or blood type compatible deceased donors with a minimum follow-up time of 12 months. Main outcome measures were ocular surface stability, visual acuity and systemic immunosuppression (SI) adverse events. RESULTS: Eight eyes of eight patients with mean age of 48.6 ± 10.1 years (range 34-65 years) were included. Mean follow-up time was 37.3 ± 22.7 months (range 12-71 months) following KLAL; four (50%) had combined LR-CLAL surgery. The etiologies of LSCD were Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (n = 4/8), aniridia (n = 2/8), chemical injury (n = 1/8) and atopic eye disease (n = 1/8). All patients had PRA present and received basiliximab infusions. 5/8 patients received IVIG based on DSA identified pre-operatively. At last follow-up, 7 eyes (87.5%) had a stable ocular surface; 1 eye (12.5%) developed failure and had keratoprosthesis implantation. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity from 1.65 ± 0.48 to 0.68 ± 0.34 logMAR (p = 0.01). SI was tolerated well with minimal adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary outcomes of KLAL with ABO compatible tissue using the Cincinnati protocol, preoperative basiliximab (when PRA present) and post-operative IVIG (when DSA present) are encouraging. This protocol may allow for utilization of deceased donor tissue with results approximating those of living donor tissue transplanted for severe bilateral LSCD.

Evaluation of Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine for Primary Immunization of Varicella-seronegative Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Immunization of varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-seronegative solid organ transplant (SOT) patients using the live-attenuated varicella vaccine is generally contraindicated, leaving no widely applicable immunization option. The recombinant subunit herpes zoster vaccine (RZV) is indicated for VZV-seropositive persons to prevent shingles but could potentially also protect VZV-seronegative persons against varicella. We performed a safety and immunogenicity evaluation of RZV in VZV-seronegative SOT recipients as an option for protection. METHODS: VZV-seronegative adult SOT patients with no history of varicella/shingles vaccine or disease were given 2 doses of RZV vaccine 2-6 mo apart. Blood was drawn prevaccination (V1), before the second dose (V2), and 4 wk after the second dose (V3). Humoral immunity (anti-glycoprotein E) and cell-mediated immunity were evaluated, with polyfunctional cells defined as cells producing ≥2 cytokines. RESULTS: Among 31 eligible VZV-seronegative SOT patients screened, 23 were enrolled. Median age was 38 y and median time since transplant procedure was 3.8 y. The most frequent transplant types were liver (35%) and lung (30%). Median anti-glycoprotein E levels significantly increased from V1 to V3 (P = 0.001) and V2 to V3 (P < 0.001), even though only 55% had a positive seroresponse. Median polyfunctional CD4 T-cell counts increased from V1 to V2 (54/106 versus 104/106 cells; P = 0.041) and from V2 to V3 (380/106; P = 0.002). Most adverse events were mild with no rejection episodes. CONCLUSIONS: RZV was safe and elicited significant humoral and cellular responses in VZV-seronegative SOT patients and has the potential to be considered as a preventive strategy against primary varicella.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors as Anti-Cancer Therapy Following Renal Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Solid organ transplant recipients on long-term immunosuppressive medication are at increased risk of developing malignancy, and treatment of advanced cancers with angiogenesis inhibitors in this context has not been widely studied. We present a case of recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma treated with paclitaxel and bevacizumab in the context of prior renal transplantation where the patient responded well to treatment with controlled toxicities, discussing the potential for increased rates of adverse events and drug interactions in this select population.

Short-course, direct-acting antivirals and ezetimibe to prevent HCV infection in recipients of organs from HCV-infected donors: a phase 3, single-centre, open-label study.

BACKGROUND: An increasing percentage of potential organ donors are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). After transplantation from an infected donor, establishment of HCV infection in uninfected recipients is near-universal, with the requirement for post-transplant antiviral treatment. The aim of this study was to determine if antiviral drugs combined with an HCV entry blocker given before and for 7 days after transplant would be safe and reduce the likelihood of HCV infection in recipients of organs from HCV-infected donors. METHODS: HCV-uninfected organ recipients without pre-existing liver disease were treated with ezetimibe (10 mg; an HCV entry inhibitor) and glecaprevir-pibrentasvir (300 mg/120 mg) before and after transplantation from HCV-infected donors aged younger than 70 years without co-infection with HIV, hepatitis B virus, or human T-cell leukaemia virus 1 or 2. Recipients received a single dose 6-12 h before transplant and once a day for 7 days after surgery (eight doses in total). HCV RNA was assessed once a day for 14 days and then once a week until 12 weeks post-transplant. The primary endpoint was prevention of chronic HCV infection, as evidenced by undetectable serum HCV RNA at 12 weeks after transplant, and assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety monitoring was according to routine post-transplant practice. 12-week data are reported for the first 30 patients. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04017338. The trial is closed to recruitment but follow-up is ongoing. FINDINGS: 30 patients (23 men and seven women; median age 61 years (IQR 48-66) received transplants (13 lung, ten kidney, six heart, and one kidney-pancreas) from 18 HCV-infected donors. The median donor viral load was 5·11 log10IU/mL (IQR 4·55-5·63) and at least three HCV genotypes were represented (nine [50%] donors with genotype 1, two [11%] with genotype 2, five [28%] with genotype 3, and two [11%] with unknown genotype). All 30 (100%) transplant recipients met the primary endpoint of undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks post-transplant, and were HCV RNA-negative at last follow-up (median 36 weeks post-transplant [IQR 25-47]). Low-level viraemia was transiently detectable in 21 (67%) of 30 recipients in the early post-transplant period but not after day 14. Treatment was well tolerated with no dose reductions or treatment discontinuations; 32 serious adverse events occurred in 20 (67%) recipients, with one grade 3 elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) possibly related to treatment. Non-serious transient elevations in ALT and creatine kinase during the study dosing period resolved with treatment completion. Among the serious adverse events were two recipient deaths due to causes unrelated to study drug treatment (sepsis at 49 days and subarachnoid haemorrhage at 109 days post-transplant), with neither patient ever being viraemic for HCV. INTERPRETATION: Ezetimibe combined with glecaprevir-pibrentasvir given one dose before and for 7 days after transplant prevented the establishment of chronic HCV infection in recipients of different organs from HCV-infected donors. This study shows that an ultra-short course of direct-acting antivirals and ezetimibe can prevent the establishment of chronic HCV infection in the recipient, alleviating many of the concerns with transplanting organs from HCV-infected donors. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes of Health Research; the Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network.

Pathologic measures of quality compare favorably in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical cystectomy to open cystectomy cohorts: a National Cancer Database analysis.

This study aims to assess the impact of facility characteristics on measures of surgical quality (positive surgical margin rates and lymph-node yield) in patients undergoing robot-assisted (RARC) versus open (ORC) radical cystectomy using the National Cancer Database. Patients who received RC between the years of 2010-2013 were stratified according to surgery type (ORC vs. RARC), and corresponding patient and facility-level variables (facility type and volume) were assessed. Logistic regression models for procedure type, positive surgical margins (PSMs), and LN dissection (LND) rates were estimated. Radical cystectomies (ORC = 13,236, RARC = 3687) were performed more often in academic centers (58.3%) compared to community centers (31.6%). As facility volume increased, centers performed more LNDs during ORCs (p = 0.03) and the number of nodes retrieved increased in both ORC and RARC (ORC p < 0.001; RARC p < 0.0001). Increased facility volume also resulted in significantly fewer PSMs within the RARC cohort (p = 0.01). Comparison of ORC and RARC within each facility type cohort identified improved pathological metrics for RARC with fewer PSMs (p = 0.001) as well as increased LNDs (p < 0.0001) and median number of LNs retrieved (p < 0.0001), which suggests that RARC may facilitate comparative outcomes in community centers and academic centers. Overall, higher facility volume and robot-assisted surgery resulted in more favorable pathologic metrics compared to lower facility volume and ORC.

Systemic immunosuppression in limbal stem cell transplantation: best practices and future challenges.

The objective of this study was to evaluate systemic immunosuppression regimens used for patients undergoing ocular surface stem cell transplantation, including their benefits and adverse effects in the adjunctive management of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). A systematic literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (1980-2015). Data were collected on surgical intervention(s), type of immunosuppressive agent(s), duration of immunosuppression, percentage with stable ocular surface at last follow-up, mean follow-up time, and demographics. Data were also collected on adverse ocular and systemic outcomes. Sixteen reports met the inclusion criteria. There were no randomized controlled studies. Three studies were noncomparative prospective case series, whereas the majority were retrospective case series. Bilateral severe LSCD was the most common disease (50%), and keratolimbal allograft was the most common intervention (80%). Immunosuppressive regimens showed a progression from early studies using oral cyclosporine to later studies using combinations of mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. Most studies included a course of high-dose systemic corticosteroids. For patients adherent to long-term systemic immunosuppression, stable ocular surface rates of 70%-80% at last follow-up were reported. Adverse effects included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and biochemical abnormalities managed with pharmacotherapy or discontinuation of offending agents. There were no cases of mortality related to immunosuppression. However, the current literature does not elucidate which immunosuppressive regimen is most efficacious for different categories of LSCD or graft types. Evidence-based guidelines for systemic immunosuppression in limbal allograft therapy would benefit from randomized controlled and/or additional prospective studies. Long-term immunosuppression would benefit from close collaboration between ophthalmologists and transplant specialists to individualize treatments.

PSA kinetics following primary focal cryotherapy (hemiablation) in organ-confined prostate cancer patients.

PURPOSE: We aim to evaluate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) trends in post-primary focal cryotherapy (PFC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective study of PFC patients from 2010 to 2015. Patients with at least one post-PFC PSA were included in the study. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was determined using the Phoenix criteria. PSA bounce was also assessed. We analyzed rates of change of PSA over time of post-PFC between BCR and no BCR groups. PSA-derived variables were analyzed as potential predictors of BCR. RESULTS: A total of 104 PFC patients were included in our analysis. Median (range) age and follow-up time were 66 (48-82) years and 19 (6.3-38.6) months, respectively. Four (3.8%) patients experienced PSA bounce. The median percent drop in first post-PFC PSA of 80.0% was not associated with BCR (p = 0.256) and may indicate elimination of the index lesion. The rate of increase of PSA in BCR patients was significantly higher compared to patients who did not recur (median PSA velocity (PSAV): 0.15 vs 0.04 ng/ml/month, p = 0.001). Similar to PSAV (HR 9.570, 95% CI 3.725-24.592, p < 0.0001), PSA nadir ≥ 2 ng/ml [HR (hazard ratio) 1.251, 95% CI 1.100-1.422, p = 0.001] was independently associated with BCR. CONCLUSION: A significant drop in post-PFC PSA may indicate elimination of the index lesion. Patients who are likely to recur biochemically have a significantly higher PSAV compared to those who do not recur. Nadir PSA of less than 2 ng/ml may be considered the new normal PSA in focal cryotherapy (hemiablation) follow-up.

Effects of Focal vs Total Cryotherapy and Minimum Tumor Temperature on Patient-reported Quality of Life Compared With Active Surveillance in Patients With Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of focal (hemiablation) or total cryotherapy and minimum tumor temperature on patient-reported quality of life (QoL) in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board-approved database was reviewed for patients who underwent cryotherapy or active surveillance (AS). QoL questionnaire responses were collected and scores were analyzed for differences between focal and total cryotherapy and between very cold (<-76°C) and moderate-cold (≥-76°C) minimum tumor temperatures. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients responded to a total of 547 questionnaires. Focal and total cryotherapy patients had initially lower sexual function scores relative to AS (year 1 mean difference focal: -31.7, P <.001; total: -48.1, P <.001). Focal cryotherapy was associated with a more rapid improvement in sexual function. Both focal and total cryotherapy sexual function scores were not statistically significantly different from the AS cohort by postprocedural year 4. Very cold and moderate-cold temperatures led to initially lower sexual function scores relative to AS (year 1 very cold: -38.1, P <.001; moderate-cold: -30.7, P <.001). Moderate-cold temperature scores improved more rapidly than those of very cold temperature. Neither very cold nor moderate-cold temperatures had a statistically significant difference in sexual function scores relative to AS by postprocedural year 4. Urinary function and bowel habits were not significantly different between focal and total cryotherapy and between very cold and moderate-cold temperature groups. CONCLUSION: Focal cryotherapy and moderate-cold (≥-76°C) temperature were associated with favorable sexual function relative to total cryotherapy and very cold temperature, respectively. No significant differences in urinary function or bowel habits were observed between groups.

Patient-reported quality of life progression in men with prostate cancer following primary cryotherapy, cyberknife, or active holistic surveillance.

BACKGROUND: Technological advancements have led to the success of minimally invasive treatment modalities for prostate cancer such as CyberKnife and Cryotherapy. Here, we investigate patient-reported urinary function, bowel habits, and sexual function in patients following CyberKnife (CK) or Cryotherapy treatment, and compare them with active holistic surveillance (AHS) patients. METHODS: An IRB-approved institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent CK, Cryotherapy, or AHS. Quality of life (QoL) survey responses were collected every three months and the mean function scores were analyzed in yearly intervals over the 4 years post-treatment. RESULTS: 279 patients (767 survey sets) were included in the study. There was no difference among groups in urinary function scores. The CyberKnife group had significantly lower bowel habit scores in the early years following treatment (year 2 mean difference: -5.4, P < 0.01) but returned to AHS level scores by year 4. Cryotherapy patients exhibited initially lower, but not statistically significant, bowel function scores, which then improved and approached those of AHS. Both CyberKnife (year 1 mean difference: -26.7, P < 0.001) and Cryotherapy groups (-35.4, P < 0.001) had early lower sexual function scores relative to AHS, but then gradually improved and were not significantly different from AHS by the third year post-treatment. A history of hormonal therapy was associated with a lower sexual function scores relative to those patients who did not receive hormones in both CyberKnife (-18.45, P < 0.01) and Cryotherapy patients (-14.6, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After initial lower bowel habits and sexual function scores, CyberKnife or Cryotherapy-treated patients had no significant difference in QoL relative to AHS patients. These results highlight the benefit of CyberKnife and Cryotherapy in the management of organ-confined prostate cancer.

Salvage focal cryosurgery may delay use of androgen deprivation therapy in cryotherapy and radiation recurrent prostate cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Salvage treatment options for recurrent unilateral prostate cancer (PCa) after primary radiation are limited and associated with severe complications and poor quality of life measures. Salvage focal cryotherapy (SFC) has shown success in biochemical recurrence (BCR) free survival. We aim to determine if SFC can delay use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in recurrent PCa with low morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent SFC at our institution from 2007 to 2015 was performed. Patients with <2 follow-up prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values, metastatic disease, and a history of radical prostatectomy were excluded. Age at treatment, prior treatment history, PSA nadir, complications, BCR status (nadir +2 ng/ml), and follow-up data were obtained/analysed. ADT was commenced if patient experienced BCR and had a PSA doubling time <6 months or positive confirmatory biopsy or positive imaging. Cox regression and survival analysis were used to assess confounding and time to BCR respectively. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were included and followed for a median of 26.6 (8.0-99.0) months. Thirty-one (47.7%) patients did not experience BCR. An even higher number of patients (52/65, 80.0%) are yet to receive ADT. Of those who experienced BCR [median time to BCR, 17.1 [interquartile range (IQR):11.4-23.3] months], 22/34 (64.7%) are currently carefully monitored without ADT. Survival analysis showed a biochemical recurrence-free survival of 48.1 at 1- and 3-year follow up. No patient died/experienced major complications. CONCLUSIONS: SFC may be used to delay the use of ADT. Further assessment of our findings with high-powered studies and longer follow-up is required.

Predictors of biochemical recurrence after primary focal cryosurgery (hemiablation) for localized prostate cancer: A multi-institutional analytic comparison of Phoenix and Stuttgart criteria.

BACKGROUND: The Phoenix definition (PD) and Stuttgart definition (SD) designed to determine biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with postradiotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound organ-confined prostate cancer are being applied to follow patients after cryosurgery. We sought to identify predictors of BCR using the PD and SD criteria in patients who underwent primary focal cryosurgery (PFC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent PFC (hemiablation) at 2 referral centers from 2000 to 2014. Patients were followed up with serial prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA levels, pre- and post-PFC biopsy, Gleason scores, number of positive cores, and BCR (PD = [PSA nadir+2ng/ml]; SD = [PSA nadir+1.2ng/ml]) were recorded. Patients who experienced BCR were biopsied, monitored carefully or treated at the discretion of the treating urologist. Cox regression and survival analyses were performed to assess time to BCR using PD and SD. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were included with a median follow-up of 36.6 (interquartile range: 18.9-56.4) months. In all, 64 (39.5%) and 98 (60.5%) experienced BCR based on PD and SD, respectively. On multivariable Cox regression, the number of positive pre-PFC biopsy cores was an independent predictor of both PD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.4, P = 0.001) and SD (HR = 1.3, P = 0.006) BCRs. Post-PFC PSA nadir was an independent predictor of BCR using the PD (HR = 2.2, P = 0.024) but not SD (HR = 1.4, P = 0.181). Survival analysis demonstrated a 3-year BCR-free survival rate of 56% and 36% for PD and SD, respectively. Of those biopsied after BCR, 14/26 (53.8%) using the PD and 18/35 (51.4%) using the SD were found to have residual/recurrent cancer. Of those with prostate cancer on post-PFC biopsy, 57.1% of those with BCR by the PD and 66.7% of those with BCR by the SD were found to have a Gleason score ≥7. CONCLUSION: Both the PD and the SD may be used to determine BCR in post-PFC patients. However, the ideal definition of BCR after PFC remains to be elucidated.

Gross Findings of Widespread Visceral Metastasis of Prostatic Adenocarcinoma With Neuroendocrine Features: A Case Report.

Although prostate cancer is common in the western world and is associated with favorable overall survival, neuroendocrine prostate cancer is difficult to detect and is known to aggressively metastasize throughout the body. This subset of disease thus has a poor prognosis, and early detection and treatment of neuroendocrine prostate cancer may increase overall survival. We present a case of a now deceased 63 year old male with extensive epicardial, respiratory, hepato-bilary, adrenal, genitourinary, and osseous tissue metastasis.

The significance of pre-operative coronary interventions on outcome after pancreas transplantation.

Pancreas transplant candidates are at very high risk of coronary vascular disease. We hypothesized that the requirement for pre-operative coronary intervention (PCI) may be associated with an adverse impact on short- and long-term outcomes. Retrospective analysis of 366 consecutive primary pancreas transplants was undertaken. Outcomes were compared between recipients who had undergone PCI (n = 48) and those who had not (n = 318). In 48% (23/48) of instances, the PCI was initiated by the transplant cardiology evaluation. The recipients undergoing PCI were older than those not undergoing PCI (47.6 yr vs. 41.9 yr, respectively, p < 0.0001). Although not statistically significant, there was a higher rate of post-operative major cardiovascular events (MCVE) in the PCI group (10.4%) compared with those not undergoing PCI (4.7%) (RR [95% CI]: 2.0 [0.90-4.5]; p = 0.17). In the long term, there were no differences in the rate of death with graft function (p = 0.77) or rejection (p = 0.17). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups with respect to patient (p = 0.54), kidney (p = 0.76), or pancreas (p = 0.63) graft survival. PCI is not a risk factor for short-term perioperative events, and long-term transplant outcomes are equivalent to patients not requiring PCI. PCI, by itself, should not be considered a contraindication for pancreas transplantation, but should raise awareness of perioperative risk.

Benefits of a transfer clinic in adolescent and young adult kidney transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent and young adult kidney transplant recipients have worse graft outcomes than older and younger age groups. Difficulties in the process of transition, defined as the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents with chronic health conditions from child to adult-centered health care systems, may contribute to this. Improving the process of transition may improve adherence post-transfer to adult care services. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a kidney transplant transfer clinic for adolescent and young adult kidney transplant recipients transitioning from pediatric to adult care improves adherence post-transfer. METHODS: We developed a joint kidney transplant transfer clinic between a pediatric kidney transplant program, adult kidney transplant program, and adolescent medicine at two academic health centers. The transfer clinic facilitated communication between the adult and pediatric transplant teams, a face-to-face meeting of the patient with the adult team, and a meeting with the adolescent medicine physician. We compared the outcomes of 16 kidney transplant recipients transferred before the clinic was established with 16 patients who attended the clinic. The primary outcome was a composite measure of non-adherence. Non-adherence was defined as either self-reported medication non-adherence or displaying two of the following three characteristics: non-attendance at clinic, non-attendance for blood work appointments, or undetectable calcineurin inhibitor levels within 1 year post-transfer. RESULTS: The two groups were similar at baseline, with non-adherence identified in 43.75 % of patients. Non-adherent behavior in the year post-transfer, which included missing clinic visits, missing regular blood tests, and undetectable calcineurin inhibitor levels, was significantly lower in the cohort which attended the transfer clinic (18.8 versus 62.5 %, p = 0.03). The median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the year following transfer was smaller in the group that attended the transition clinic (-0.9 ± 13.2 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) compared to those who did not (-12.29 ± 14.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), p = 0.045. CONCLUSIONS: Attendance at a single kidney transplant transfer clinic was associated with improved adherence and renal function in the year following transfer to adult care. If these changes are sustained, they may improve long-term graft outcomes for adolescent kidney transplant recipients.

CONTEXTE: L'évolution favorable du greffon est plus souvent compromise chez les adolescents et les jeunes adultes transplantés du rein que chez les enfants et les adultes ayant subi la même intervention. Ces jeunes patients qui sont en général atteints de maladies chroniques, rencontrent des difficultés au cours de la période de transition entre le moment de leur transfert des unités de soins pédiatriques vers les unités de soins pour adultes, et celles-ci pourraient contribuer à ce pronostic défavorable. Des améliorations apportées au processus de transition pourraient favoriser l'adhésion de ces jeunes patients à leur protocole de traitement à la suite leur transfert dans les services de soins pour adultes. OBJECTIF: Le but de cette étude est de vérifier si la fréquentation d'une clinique de transfert pouvait améliorer l'adhésion des adolescents et des jeunes adultes greffés du rein à leur traitement, après leur transfert d'un établissement pédiatrique vers des services de soins pour adultes. MÉTHODES: Nous avons développé, au sein de deux centres universitaires de santé, deux cliniques conjointes de transfert pour les transplantés du rein. Ces cliniques étaient formées d'un programme de transplantation rénale pédiatrique, d'un programme de greffe rénale pour adultes et d'une clinique de médecine adolescente. La mise en place d'une clinique de transfert a facilité la communication entre les équipes de transplantation pour adultes et pédiatriques, a permis aux patients adolescents de rencontrer les équipes de transplantation pour adultes et de rencontrer des spécialistes de la médecine adolescente. Nous avons comparé les résultats de 16 jeunes greffés du rein qui avaient été transférés dans les centres de soins pour adultes avant la mise en place de la clinique de transfert avec les résultats de 16 patients qui ont fréquenté la clinique de transfert avant leur transition vers les unités de soins pour adultes. Le principal résultat a été une mesure composite d'adhésion au traitement. La non-adhésion a été définie soit par l'aveu de la part du patient de sa non-observance du traitement médicamenteux, soit par la manifestation de deux des trois comportements suivants dans le suivi du patient : la non-fréquentation de la clinique de transfert, le défaut de se présenter aux rendez-vous pour les analyses sanguines ou un niveau indécelable des inhibiteurs de calcineurine dans l'année suivant le transfert vers les services de soins pour adultes. RÉSULTATS: Les patients des deux groupes présentaient des caractéristiques similaires au début de l'étude, et 43,75 % d'entre eux avaient admis ne pas adhérer entièrement au traitement. Le nombre de comportements identifiés comme signes de non-adhésion au traitement tels que manquer des rendez-vous à la clinique de transfert, ne pas se présenter pour les analyses sanguines ou un niveau d'inhibiteurs de la calcineurine indécelable dans l'année suivant le transfert, étaient nettement inférieurs dans la cohorte de patients qui fréquentait la clinique de transfert que dans celle des patients qui avaient été transférés directement dans les services de soins pour adultes (18,8 % versus 62,5 %, p = 0,03). Qui plus est, les patients ayant fréquenté la clinique de transfert présentaient une variation médiane plus faible du débit de filtration glomérulaire (−0,9 ± 13,2 ml/min/1,73 m2) lorsque comparée à celle du groupe ayant été transféré directement (−12,2 ± 14,9 ml/min/1,73 m2), p = 0,045. CONCLUSIONS: Le fait de fréquenter une clinique de transfert pour les greffés du rein, dans l'année suivant leur transfert dans un centre de soins pour adultes, donne lieu à la fidélisation des jeunes transplantés du rein à l'égard de leur traitement et ceci favorise le rétablissement de leur fonction rénale. Le maintien de ces changements de comportement pourrait améliorer le pronostic à long terme quant à l'évolution du greffon chez les adolescents et les jeunes adultes greffés du rein.

Intravenous immunoglobulin for antibody-mediated keratolimbal allograft rejection.

A 33-year-old woman with congenital aniridia presented with decreased vision in her right eye. Slit lamp examination revealed diffuse conjunctivalisation of the ocular surface with mild subepithelial fibrosis consistent with aniridic keratopathy secondary to limbal stem cell deficiency. She underwent limbal stem cell transplantation with cadaver donor tissue (keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) surgery) and received systemic immunosuppression. Despite optimal combination immunosuppressive therapy managed by a renal transplant specialist, 2 weeks after the KLAL, the patient developed intractable eye pain, conjunctival injection, dilation of the KLAL graft blood vessels and limbal haemorrhages. There were no epithelial defects noted. Donor-specific antibody testing was positive, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated. There was immediate symptomatic and objective improvement. Fifteen months postoperatively, the patient's vision was 20/400 with a stable corneal epithelium and no evidence of inflammation.

Duodenal leaks after pancreas transplantation with enteric drainage - characteristics and risk factors.

Pancreas-kidney transplantation with enteric drainage has become a standard treatment in diabetic patients with renal failure. Leaks of the graft duodenum (DL) remain a significant complication after transplantation. We studied incidence and predisposing factors of DLs in both simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) and pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplantation. Between January 2002 and April 2013, 284 pancreas transplantations were performed including 191 SPK (67.3%) and 93 PAK (32.7%). Patient data were analyzed for occurrence of DLs, risk factors, leak etiology, and graft survival. Of 18 DLs (incidence 6.3%), 12 (67%) occurred within the first 100 days after transplantation. Six grafts (33%) were rescued by duodenal segment resection. Risk factors for a DL were PAK transplantation sequence (odds ratio 3.526, P = 0.008) and preoperative immunosuppression (odds ratio 3.328, P = 0.012). In the SPK subgroup, postoperative peak amylase as marker of preservation/reperfusion injury and recipient pretransplantation cardiovascular interventions as marker of atherosclerosis severity were associated with an increased incidence of DLs. CMV-mismatch constellations showed an increased incidence in the SPK subgroup, however without significance probability. Long-term immunosuppression in PAK transplantation is a major risk factor for DLs. Early surgical revision offers the chance of graft rescue.

Outcomes of pancreas retransplantation after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation are comparable to pancreas after kidney transplantation alone.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of contemporary data describing the results of pancreas retransplantation (PRT). As a measure of utility, we wished to determine whether PRT could produce equivalent short-term and long-term recipient outcomes to primary pancreas after kidney (PAK) transplantation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 96 consecutive pancreas only transplants performed from 2003 to May 2012. Primary PAK transplants (n = 78) were compared to PRT (n=18). RESULTS: Donor and recipient demographics were similar. Pancreas graft survival was similar for PAK and PRT at 1 year (88.2% vs. 100%) and 3 years (85.1% vs. 85.1%). Pancreas graft failure occurred in 14 PAK and two PRT patients with a mean follow-up of 61.6 ± 38.7 and 37.8 ± 26.1 months, respectively. There were no differences in postoperative length of stay (9.9 days vs. 8.7 days; P = 0.9) or postoperative complications in the first 3 months (47.4% vs. 38.9%, P = 0.6). At 3-year follow-up, both groups had comparable HBA1c (0.06 vs. 0.05; P = 0.8), serum creatinine (116.6 µmol/L v 131.7 µmol/L; P = 0.09), and oral glucose tolerance tests. CONCLUSION: Pancreas retransplantation is a safe and effective therapy for select recipients after graft loss. Pancreas retransplantation is associated with the same risk of postoperative complications and has similar intermediate-term graft survival compared to primary PAK transplantation.