Reduced survival in patients who return to dialysis after kidney allograft failure.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of patients who return to dialysis after Kidney allograft failure (KAF) remains unclear. Our aim was to compare the outcome of KAF patients vs two different types of transplant naive incident dialysis (TNID) patients, those on the waiting list (WL) and those with a kidney transplant contraindication (KTC). METHODS: We performed an observational study using data from the Argentinian Dialysis Registry between 2005 and 2016. We compare mortality between KAF, WL, and KTC. RESULTS: We included 75 722 patients of which 2734 were KAF. Survival between the three cohorts (KAF vs WL (n = 14 630) vs KTC (n = 58 358) revealed a significant difference (log-rank test: P < .0001) indicating worse survival for KTC patients and best survival for WL. We found that KAF patients had as poor outcome as KTC patients after multivariate adjustment. Cox regression showed that age >65 years: HR: 1.845 (1.79-1.89) P < .0001, transient catheter: HR: 1.303 (1.26-1.34) P < .0001, diabetic: HR: 1.273 (1.22-1.31) P < .0001, hepatitis C: HR: 1.156 (1.09-1.22) P < .0001, and albumin: HR: 1.247 (1.21-1.28) P < .0001 were associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients who return to dialysis after KAF have higher mortality than WL patients and similar to KTC patients.

Liver transplantation in adults with acute liver failure: Outcomes from the Argentinean Transplant Registry.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Liver transplantation (LT) for acute liver failure (ALF) still has a high early mortality. We aimed to evaluate changes occurring in recent years and identify risk factors for poor outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained from the Argentinean Transplant Registry from two time periods (1998-2005 and 2006-2016). We used survival analysis to evaluate risk of death. RESULTS: A total of 561 patients were listed for LT (69% female, mean age 39.5±16.4 years). Between early and later periods there was a reduction in wait-list mortality from 27% to 19% (p<0.02) and 1-month post-LT survival rates improved from 70% to 82% (p<0.01). Overall, 61% of the patients underwent LT and 22% died on the waiting list. Among those undergoing LT, Cox regression analysis identified prolonged cold ischemia time (HR 1.18 [1.02-1.36] and serum creatinine (HR 1.31 [1.01-1.71]) as independent risk factors of death post-LT. Etiologies of ALF were only available in the later period (N=363) with indeterminate and autoimmune hepatitis accounting for 28% and 26% of the cases, respectively. After adjusting for age, gender, private/public hospital, INR, creatinine and bilirubin, and considering LT as the competing event, indeterminate etiology was significantly associated with death (SHR 1.63 [1.06-2.51] and autoimmune hepatitis presented a trend to improved survival (SHR 0.61 [0.36-1.05]). CONCLUSIONS: Survival of patients with ALF on the waiting list and after LT has significantly improved in recent years. Indeterminate cause and autoimmune hepatitis were the most frequent etiologies of ALF in Argentina and were associated with mortality.

Donor selection criteria for liver transplantation in Argentina: are current standards too rigorous?

Organ shortage is the major limitation for the growth of deceased donor liver transplant worldwide. One strategy to ameliorate this problem is to maximize the liver utilization rate. To assess predictors of liver utilization in Argentina. The national database was used to analyze transplant activity in 2010. Donor, recipient, and transplant variables were evaluated as predictors of graft utilization of number of rejected donor offers before grafting and with the occurrence of primary nonfunction (PNF) or early post-transplant mortality (EM). Of the 582 deceased donors, 293 (50.3%) were recovered for liver transplant. Variables associated with the nonrecovery of the liver were age ≥46 years, umbilical perimeter ≥92 cm, organ procurement outside Gran Buenos Aires, AST ≥42 U/l and ALT ≥29 U/l. The median number of rejected offers before grafting was 4, and in 71 patients (25%), there were ≥13. The only independent predictor for the occurrence of PNF (3.4%) or EM (5.2%) was the recipient's emergency status. During 2010 in Argentina, the liver was recovered in only half of donors. The low incidence of PNF and EM and the characteristics of the nonrecovered liver donors suggest that organ acceptance criteria should be less rigorous.

Results after the adoption of a MELD/PELD-based liver allocation policy in Argentina.

In July 2005, Argentina switched from a categorical liver allocation system to a MELD/PELD-based policy for patients with CLD. To analyze WL outcomes and survival after LT in children. From January 2000 to December 2010, 923 children were registered. Two consecutive five-yr periods were analyzed and compared: Era I (January 2000-July 2005) (n = 379) and Era II (July 2005-December 31, 2010) (n = 544). All data were prospectively collected and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. After adopting the MELD/PELD system, WL registrations increased by 44% (from 379 to 544) and the number of LT increased by only 24% (from 278 to 365). However, three-month WL mortality rate (32% to 18%, p < 0.0001, HR 2.002 CI 95% 1.5-2.8) decreased significantly. No significant differences were observed between Era 1 and II in one-yr post-LT survival (77.5% vs. 84.1%, p = 0.3053) and in acute re-LT rate (9% vs. 5%, p = 0.1746). Under the MELD/PELD-based allocation system in Argentina, mortality on the WL significantly decreased in children with CLD without affecting post-LT survival, although reduced access to LT was observed.

Improved waiting-list outcomes in Argentina after the adoption of a model for end-stage liver disease-based liver allocation policy.

In July 2005, Argentina became the first country after the United States to introduce the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) for organ allocation. In this study, we investigated waiting-list (WL) outcomes (n = 3272) and post-liver transplantation (LT) survival in 2 consecutive periods of 5 years before and after the implementation of a MELD-based allocation policy. Data were obtained from the database of the national institute for organ allocation in Argentina. After the adoption of the MELD system, there were significant reductions in WL mortality [28.5% versus 21.9%, P < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37-1.81] and total dropout rates (38.6% versus 29.1%, P < 0.001, HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.16-1.48) despite significantly less LT accessibility (57.4% versus 50.7%, P < 0.001, HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.39-1.68). The annual number of deaths per 1000 patient-years at risk decreased from 273 in 2005 to 173 in 2010, and the number of LT procedures per 1000 patient-years at risk decreased from 564 to 422. MELD and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium scores were excellent predictors of 3-month WL mortality with c statistics of 0.828 and 0.857, respectively (P < 0.001). No difference was observed in 1-year posttransplant survival between the 2 periods (81.1% versus 81.3%). Although patients with a MELD score > 30 had lower posttransplant survival, the global accuracy of the score for predicting outcomes was poor, as indicated by a c statistic of only 0.523. Patients with granted MELD exceptions (158 for hepatocellular carcinoma and 52 for other reasons) had significantly higher access to LT (80.4%) in comparison with nonexception patients with equivalent listing priority (MELD score = 18-25; 54.6%, P < 0.001, HR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.40-0.61). In conclusion, the adoption of the MELD model in Argentina has resulted in improved liver organ allocation without compromising posttransplant survival.

Temporal trends in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Argentina between 2009 and 2018: A collaborative study by GATMO-TC and INCUCAI.

INTRODUCTION: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment for many disorders and international data shows a growing trend. METHOD: We aimed to evaluate the temporal trends in HSCT transplant rates in Argentina. A time-series analysis was performed for the period 2009 to 2018 using the national database from the National Central Coordinating Institute for Ablations and Implants. Crude and standardized transplant rates were calculated. A permutation joinpoint regression model analysis was used to identify significant changes over time. RESULTS: Altogether, 8,474 transplants were reported to INCUCAI by 28 centers (autologous 67.5%); the main indication was multiple myeloma (30%). The WHO age-sex standardized HSCT rates for the entire country were 153.3 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 141.7-165.8) in 2009 and 260.1 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 245.5-275.5) in 2018. There was a large gap in HSCT rates among the states and regions. The transplant rate was higher for autologous transplants throughout the years. Within the allogeneic group, the related donor transplant rate was higher than the unrelated donor transplant rate. The joinpoint regression analysis of HSCT rates for the whole country over time showed an observed annual percentage change of 6.3% (95% CI 5.4-7.3; p < 0.01). No changes were observed for unrelated donors during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Age-sex standardized HSCT rates in Argentina are increasing, mainly due to autologous and family donor allogeneic transplants. A wide variation across the country was found, demonstrating differences in the access to transplantation among Argentine regions.

Renal Transplantation in the Elderly: Are They All the Same? A Multicenter, Comorbidity-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: The age for kidney transplantation (KT) is no longer a limitation and several studies have shown benefits in the survival of elderly patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the baseline Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score to morbidity and mortality after transplantation. METHODS: In this multicentric observational retrospective cohort study, we included patients older than 60 years admitted on the waiting list (WL) for deceased donor KT from January 01, 2006, to December 31, 2016. The CCI score was calculated for each patient at inclusion on the WL. RESULTS: Data for analysis were available of 387 patients. The patients were divided in tertiles of CCI: group 1 (CCI: 1-2) n = 117, group 2 (CCI: 3-4) n = 158, and group 3 (CCI: ≥5) n = 112. Patient survival was significantly different between CCI groups at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively: 90%, 88%, and 84% for group 1, 88%, 80%, and 72% for group 2, and 87%, 75%, and 63% for group 3 (p < 0.0001). Variables associated with mortality were CCI score (p < 0.0001), HLA mismatch (p = 0.014), length of hospital stay (p < 0.0001), surgical complications (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Individualized strategies to modify these variables may improve patient's morbidity and mortality after KT.

[COVID-19 infection in chronic dialysis patients in Argentina]. / Infección por COVID-19 en pacientes en diálisis crónica en Argentina.

The report of the preliminary data of the Argentine Registry of COVID in chronic dialysis is presented, from April 10, 2020 to April 9, 2021 and includes all dialysis centers in the country. In the study period, 36 918 prevalent patients on chronic dialysis were registered. COVID-19 infection was confirmed in 3709 patients (10% of prevalent patients), of which 1675 patients (45.2%) required hospitalization, and of these, 39% (550 patients) required ICU admission. 62% of those admitted to the ICU (339 patients) required mechanical ventilation (MV). 1307 patients died (35.24%). Multivariate analysis showed as factors associated with mortality from COVID in dialysis patients, age greater than 60 years (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.2-3.1); diabetes (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3-1.8); time on dialysis greater than 55 months (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.7); cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.3); neoplasia (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.6); hospitalization requirement (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.8-3.9); ICU admission (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5); need of MV (OR 11.8; 95% CI 6.9-20.2). The population on chronic dialysis in Argentina, as shown in the rest of the world, is highly vulnerable to COVID infection, showing a lethality 12 times higher than the general population. The measures implemented in dialysis units, patient care and their family environment, and above all priority vaccination are essential in this vulnerable population of patients.

Se presentan los datos preliminares del Registro Argentino de COVID en diálisis crónica, desde el 10 de abril de 2020 al 9 de abril 2021 que incluye todos los centros de diálisis crónica del país. En el período de estudio se registraron 36 918 pacientes prevalentes en diálisis crónica. La infección por COVID-19 fue confirmada en 3709 pacientes (10% prevalentes), de los cuales 1675 (45.2%) requirieron internación, y de éstos el 39% (550) internación en UTI. El 62% de los ingresados a UTI (339) requirió asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM). Fallecieron 1307 pacientes (35.24 %). El análisis multivariado, mostró como factores asociados a mortalidad por COVID en diálisis crónica, la edad mayor a 60 años (OR 2.6; IC 95% 2.2-3.1); la diabetes (OR 1.5; IC 95% 1.3-1.8); tiempo en diálisis mayor a 55 meses (OR 1.5; IC 95% 1.2-1.7); enfermedad cerebrovascular OR 1.6; IC 95% 1.1-2.3); neoplasia (OR 1.7; IC 95% 1.1-2.6); requerimiento de internación (OR 3.4; IC 95% 2.8-3.9); internación en UTI (OR 1.8; IC 95% 1.3-2.5); necesidad de ARM (OR 11.8; IC 95% 6.9-20.2). La población en diálisis crónica en Argentina, como se muestra en el resto del mundo, es altamente vulnerable a la infección COVID, mostrando una letalidad 12 veces mayor que la población general. Las medidas implementadas en las unidades de diálisis, los cuidados de los pacientes y su entorno familiar, y por sobre todo la vacunación prioritaria, son fundamentales en esta población vulnerable de pacientes.

Model for end-stage liver disease exceptions committee activity in Argentina: does it provide justice and equity among adult patients waiting for a liver transplant?

BACKGROUND: In 2005, the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD)-based allocation system was adopted to assess potential liver transplant (LT) recipients in Argentina. The aim of the present study was to revise the activity of the MELD Exception Experts Committee. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2009, 1623 patients were listed for LT. Regulation provides extra-MELD points for amyloidosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and T(2) hepatocellular carcinoma (T(2) HCC). Centres could also request priority for other situations. Using a prospective database, we identified patients in whom priority points were requested. Pathology reports of explanted livers were analysed for patients with T(2) HCC. RESULTS: From 234 out of 1623 (14.4%) requests, the overall approval rate was 60.2% including: 2 amyloidosis, 6 HPS, 111 T(2) HCC and 22 non-regulated situations. Of the 111 patients with T(2) HCC, 6 died (5.4%), 8 had tumour progression (7.2%), 94 were transplanted (84.2%) and 3 are still waiting. An explants correlation showed that presumed diagnosis of T(2) HCC was incorrect in 20/94 (22%) and was correct in only 41/94 (43%) cases being T(1) HCC in 9 and T(3) HCC in 23. CONCLUSIONS: MELD exceptions are frequently requested in Argentina. Unfortunately, most receiving priority points for T(2) HCC benefited by medical error or imaging limitations. An intense review process is urgently needed to maintain equity and justice in the allocation system.

Validation of the Kidney Donor Profile Index in Argentina.

Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI), derived from donor characteristics, was developed in the United States in an effort to devise an objective means of assessing donor organ suitability based on predicted graft survival. The objective of this study is to analyze the utility of KDPI to predict renal graft survival in Argentina. We conducted a retrospective national cohort study of adult patients who received a deceased donor renal transplantation in Argentina between January 2008 and December 2017. The graft survival was estimated according to the KDPI stratified by quartiles. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate survival. A Cox regression was performed to estimate the probability of graft loss for each quart of the KDPI adjusted by receptor variables (age, diabetes, sex, and dialysis time) and cold ischemia time. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, the graft survival decreases as the quartile of KDPI increases. Multivariate analysis shows that the increase in KDPI quartile and recipient's characteristics-such as age ≥60 years, diabetes, and dialysis time-were related to the probability of graft loss. In conclusion, the KDPI system could provide a guide to objectively assess the quality of organs offered for transplantation in Argentina.

Renal Transplantation in Patients Older Than 60 Years With High Comorbidity. Is There a Survival Benefit? A Multicenter Study in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The impact of renal transplantation (RT) in the elderly with many comorbid conditions is a matter of concern. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of RT on the survival of patients older than 60 years compared with those remaining on the waiting list (WL) according to their comorbidities. METHODS: In this multicentric observational retrospective cohort study, we included all patients older than 60 years old admitted on the WL from 01 January 2006 to 31 December 2016. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score was calculated for each patient at inclusion on the WL. Kidney donor risk index was used to assess donor characteristics. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-six patients were included on the WL of which 371 (36%) received an RT during a median follow-up period of 2.5 (1.4-4.1) years. Patient survival was higher after RT compared to patients remaining on the WL, 87%, 80%, and 72% versus 87%, 55%, and 30% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. After RT survival at 5 years was 37% higher for patients with CCI ≥ 3, and 46% higher in those with CCI < 3, compared with patients remaining on the WL. On univariate and multivariate analysis, patient survival was independently associated with a CCI of ≥3 (hazard ratio 1.62; confidence interval 1.09-2.41; P < 0.02) and the use of calcineurin-based therapy maintenance therapy (hazard ratio 0.53; confidence interval 0.34-0.82; P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that RT improved survival in patients older than 60 years even those with high comorbidities. The survival after transplantation was also affected by comorbidities.

[Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in liver transplantation in Argentina. Other collateral damage]. / Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 sobre el trasplante hepático en la Argentina. Otro daño colateral.

The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020, has generated worldwide concern due to its effect on the health of the population and the potential health collapse. The strategy of "flattening the curve" through social distancing made it possible to adapt the resources of the health system to patients with COVID-19, but results in other areas of health could not be predicted. The objective of this work was to analyze the consequences of the pandemic on liver transplantation in general and for hepatocarcinoma (HCC). The following studies were carried out: a) a retrospective analysis using data from the CRESI / INCUCAI to compare admission to the waiting list, mortality on the list, donation and liver transplantation from 03/20 to 08/15, 2019 and the same period in 2020, and b) a survey of the transplant centers with the highest transplant activity to assess the effect of the measures taken in different institutional and regional situations. The first analysis showed a 55% decrease in liver transplants, with a similar reduction in donation and admission to the liver waiting list; while HCC transplantation rose from 10% in 2019 to 22% in 2020. The second analysis showed that the occupancy rate of beds by COVID-19 patients / week was variable: from 0.4% to 42.0%. The number of surgeries, hepato-bilio-pancreatic, resection of HCC and liver transplantation, were reduced by 47%, 49%, 31% and 36% respectively. The reduction in transplant activity mainly affected centers with high occupancy due to COVID-19. The final long-term outcome will need to be assessed.

La pandemia COVID-19 declarada en marzo del 2020, ha generado preocupación mundial por su efecto en la salud de la población y el potencial colapso sanitario. La estrategia de "aplanar la curva" mediante el distanciamiento social permitió adaptar los recursos del sistema de salud a pacientes con COVID-19, pero no se pudo prever su repercusión en otras áreas de la salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las consecuencias de la pandemia sobre el trasplante hepático en general y por hepatocarcinoma (HCC). Fueron realizados los siguientes estudios: a) un análisis retrospectivo utilizando datos del CRESI/INCUCAI para comparar ingreso en lista de espera, mortalidad en lista, donación y trasplante hepático desde 20/03 a 15/08, 2019 e igual periodo de 2020, y b) una encuesta a los centros de trasplante de mayor actividad trasplantológica para valorar el efecto de las medidas tomadas en diferentes situaciones institucionales y regionales. El primer análisis evidenció una disminución del 55% de los trasplantes hepáticos, con una reducción similar en la donación y en el ingreso a lista de espera hepática; mientras que el trasplante por HCC ascendió de 10% en 2019 a 22% en 2020. El segundo análisis, mostró que la tasa de ocupación de camas por pacientes COVID-19/semana fue variable: de 0.4% al 42.0%. El número de cirugías, hepato-bilio-pancreática, resección de HCC y trasplante hepático, se redujeron en 47%, 49%, 31% y 36% respectivamente. La reducción de la actividad trasplantológica afectó mayormente los centros con alta ocupación por COVID-19. El impacto final a largo plazo deberá evaluarse.

Temporal trends in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Argentina between 2009 and 2018: A collaborative study by GATMO-TC and INCUCAI

Special Article Introduction Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment for many disorders and international data shows a growing trend. Method We aimed to evaluate the temporal trends in HSCT transplant rates in Argentina. A time-series analysis was performed for the period 2009 to 2018 using the national database from the National Central Coordinating Institute for Ablations and Implants. Crude and standardized transplant rates were calculated. A permutation joinpoint regression model analysis was used to identify significant changes over time. Results Altogether, 8,474 transplants were reported to INCUCAI by 28 centers (autologous 67.5%); the main indication was multiple myeloma (30%). The WHO age-sex standardized HSCT rates for the entire country were 153.3 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 141.7-165.8) in 2009 and 260.1 HSCT/10 million inhabitants (95% CI 245.5-275.5) in 2018. There was a large gap in HSCT rates among the states and regions. The transplant rate was higher for autologous transplants throughout the years. Within the allogeneic group, the related donor transplant rate was higher than the unrelated donor transplant rate. The joinpoint regression analysis of HSCT rates for the whole country over time showed an observed annual percentage change of 6.3% (95% CI 5.4-7.3; p< 0.01). No changes were observed for unrelated donors during the study period. Conclusions Age-sex standardized HSCT rates in Argentina are increasing, mainly due to autologous and family donor allogeneic transplants. A wide variation across the country was found, demonstrating differences in the access to transplantation among Argentine regions.

Infección por COVID-19 en pacientes en diálisis crónica en Argentina / COVID-19 infection in chronic dialysis patients in Argentina

Resumen Se presentan los datos preliminares del Registro Argentino de COVID en diálisis crónica, desde el 10 de abril de 2020 al 9 de abril 2021 que incluye todos los centros de diálisis crónica del país. En el período de estudio se registraron 36 918 pacientes prevalentes en diálisis crónica. La infección por COVID-19 fue confirmada en 3709 pacientes (10% prevalentes), de los cuales 1675 (45.2%) requirieron internación, y de éstos el 39% (550) internación en UTI. El 62% de los ingresados a UTI (339) requirió asistencia respiratoria me cánica (ARM). Fallecieron 1307 pacientes (35.24 %). El análisis multivariado, mostró como factores asociados a mortalidad por COVID en diálisis crónica, la edad mayor a 60 años (OR 2.6; IC 95% 2.2-3.1); la diabetes (OR 1.5; IC 95% 1.3-1.8); tiempo en diálisis mayor a 55 meses (OR 1.5; IC 95% 1.2-1.7); enfermedad cerebrovascular OR 1.6; IC 95% 1.1-2.3); neoplasia (OR 1.7; IC 95% 1.1-2.6); requerimiento de internación (OR 3.4; IC 95% 2.8-3.9); internación en UTI (OR 1.8; IC 95% 1.3-2.5); necesidad de ARM (OR 11.8; IC 95% 6.9-20.2). La población en diálisis crónica en Argentina, como se muestra en el resto del mundo, es altamente vulnerable a la infección COVID, mostrando una letalidad 12 veces mayor que la población general. Las medidas implementadas en las unidades de diálisis, los cuidados de los pacientes y su entorno familiar, y por sobre todo la vacunación prioritaria, son fundamentales en esta población vulnerable de pacientes.

Abstract The report of the preliminary data of the Argentine Registry of COVID in chronic dialysis is presented, from April 10, 2020 to April 9, 2021 and includes all dialysis centers in the country. In the study period, 36 918 prevalent patients on chronic dialysis were registered. COVID-19 infection was confirmed in 3709 patients (10% of prevalent patients), of which 1675 patients (45.2%) required hospitalization, and of these, 39% (550 patients) required ICU admission. 62% of those admitted to the ICU (339 patients) required mechanical ventilation (MV). 1307 patients died (35.24%). Multivariate analysis showed as factors associated with mortality from COVID in dialysis patients, age greater than 60 years (OR 2.6; 95% CI 2.2-3.1); diabetes (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3-1.8); time on dialysis greater than 55 months (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.7); cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.3); neoplasia (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.6); hospitalization requirement (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.8-3.9); ICU admission (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5); need of MV (OR 11.8; 95% CI 6.9-20.2). The population on chronic dialysis in Argentina, as shown in the rest of the world, is highly vulnerable to COVID infection, showing a lethality 12 times higher than the general population. The measures implemented in dialysis units, patient care and their family environment, and above all priority vaccination are essential in this vulnerable population of patients.

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 sobre el trasplante hepático en la argentina. Otro daño colateral / Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in liver transplantation in Argentina. Other collateral damage

Resumen La pandemia COVID-19 declarada en marzo del 2020, ha generado preocupación mundial por su efecto en la salud de la población y el potencial colapso sanitario. La estrategia de "aplanar la curva" mediante el distanciamiento social permitió adaptar los recursos del sistema de salud a pacientes con COVID-19, pero no se pudo prever su repercusión en otras áreas de la salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las consecuencias de la pandemia sobre el trasplante hepático en general y por hepatocarcinoma (HCC). Fueron realizados los siguientes estudios: a) un análisis retrospectivo utilizando datos del CRESI/INCUCAI para comparar ingreso en lista de espera, mortalidad en lista, donación y trasplante hepático desde 20/03 a 15/08, 2019 e igual periodo de 2020, y b) una encuesta a los centros de trasplante de mayor actividad trasplantológica para valorar el efecto de las medidas tomadas en diferentes situaciones institucionales y regionales. El primer análisis evidenció una disminución del 55% de los trasplantes hepáticos, con una reducción similar en la donación y en el ingreso a lista de espera hepática; mientras que el trasplante por HCC ascendió de 10% en 2019 a 22% en 2020. El segundo análisis, mostró que la tasa de ocupación de camas por pacientes COVID-19/semana fue variable: de 0.4% al 42.0%. El número de cirugías, hepato-bilio-pancreática, resección de HCC y trasplante hepático, se redujeron en 47%, 49%, 31% y 36% respectivamente. La reducción de la actividad trasplantológica afectó mayormente los centros con alta ocupación por COVID-19. El impacto final a largo plazo deberá evaluarse.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020, has generated worldwide concern due to its effect on the health of the population and the potential health collapse. The strategy of "flattening the curve" through social distancing made it possible to adapt the resources of the health system to patients with COVID-19, but results in other areas of health could not be predicted. The objective of this work was to analyze the consequences of the pandemic on liver transplantation in general and for hepatocarcinoma (HCC). The following studies were carried out: a) a retrospective analysis using data from the CRESI / INCUCAI to compare admission to the waiting list, mortality on the list, donation and liver transplantation from 03/20 to 08/15, 2019 and the same period in 2020, and b) a survey of the transplant centers with the highest transplant activity to assess the effect of the measures taken in different institutional and regional situations. The first analysis showed a 55% decrease in liver transplants, with a similar reduction in donation and admission to the liver waiting list; while HCC transplantation rose from 10% in 2019 to 22% in 2020. The second analysis showed that the occupancy rate of beds by COVID-19 patients / week was variable: from 0.4% to 42.0%. The number of surgeries, hepato-bilio-pancreatic, resection of HCC and liver transplantation, were reduced by 47%, 49%, 31% and 36% respectively. The reduction in transplant activity mainly affected centers with high occupancy due to COVID-19. The final long-term outcome will need to be assessed.

Initial glomerular filtration rate and survival in hemodialysis. The role of permanent vascular access.

BACKGROUND: A significant increase in the number of patients starting chronic hemodialysis (HD) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≥10 mL/min/1.73 m(2) was observed in Argentina between 2004 and 2009. METHODS: In order to study this topic, we calculated the mortality hazard ratios (HR) in a cohort of incident HD individuals from the Argentine Registry of Chronic Dialysis [Registro Argentino de Diálisis Crónica] (2004-2009), grouped according to the initial eGFR (0-4.9, 5-9.9, 10-14.9 and ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ; reference group 0-4.9) estimated by CKD-EPI; in three cohorts: "total population", "healthy" (<65 years, without diabetes or comorbidities) and "planned entry" (with permanent vascular access). RESULTS: After adjusting the population (n=16,931) for age, gender, coexisting conditions, serum albumin, income, and temporary vascular access a HR of 1.19 (95%CI:1.07-1.33) was observed in the group with eGFR≥15 mL/min/1.73 m(2). In the cohort of 3,897 "healthy" after adjusting for the same co-variates, HRs of 1.44 (95%CI: 1.08-1.65) and 1.65 (95%CI: 1.06-2.55) were obtained for the groups with baseline eGFR values of 10-14.9 and ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. In "planned entry" patients (n=6,280), after adjusting for age, gender, co-morbidities, serum albumin and income, HRs in all groups were not significantly different as compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: HD initiation with eGFR>10 mL/min/1.73 m(2) shows no survival advantage. The higher mortality in the group with >eGFR starting dialysis looks like an "artifact" related to higher age, more co-morbidities, low albuminemia and the use of temporary vascular access.

The lack of income is associated with reduced survival in chronic haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Poor socioeconomic status in the patient population is one of the causes of the lack of primary and secondary prevention of chronic kidney disease and negatively affects the survival of patients on chronic haemodialysis (HD). OBJECTIVE: To confirm whether the low or absent income of the incident population on HD is a factor of poor prognosis. METHODS: We used the incident HD population of the Argentine Registry of Chronic Dialysis. Follow-up lasted 12 months, performing an intention to treat analysis. We applied the Cox model to assess the association between income and survival of patients after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, comorbidities, initial laboratory results, and first vascular access. RESULTS: We analysed 13466 adult patients (age at onset: 60.4 ± 15.6 years; 57.2% were male, and 39.2% diabetic) who were assigned to 2 groups: 1) "no income" group, 5661 patients (age at onset: 60.3 ± 15.4 years; 53.1% were male and 41.4% diabetic), 2) "with income" group, 7805 patients (age at onset, 60.5 ± 15-8] years; 60.1% were male and 37.5% diabetic). The "no income" group had a hazard ratio of 1.19 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.28) in the univariate analysis, 1.23 (95% CI: 1.14-1.32 ) considering age and gender, 1.22 (95% CI: 1.13-1.31) by adding diabetes mellitus, 1.26 (95% CI: 1.18-1.36) by adding comorbidities, 1.25 (95% CI: 1.16- 1.35) by adding the initial laboratory results, and 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15- 1.33) if temporary vascular access is included. All models resulted in a significance of P=.000. CONCLUSIONS: Low or no income of patients at the time of entry into HD is an independent risk factor for immediate lower survival.