Impact of COVID-19 on liver transplant recipients during the first pandemic wave, in a tertiary hospital, in Northeastern Brazil.

Worldwide, transplant programs have suffered a setback during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and most have temporarily suspended their transplant activities. . We identified 36 liver transplant patients who tested positive for COVID-19. The cases were confirmed by the nucleic acid test (RT-PCR). Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, management and outcome data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Fourteen patients (38.9%) required admission to the Intensive Care Unit and/or invasive ventilatory support (severe cases). The mean age of these severe cases was 63.8 years. Regarding the time since the transplant, 71.4% (10/14 patients) had undergone the procedure less than one year before. The immunosuppressive therapy was reduced in patients who required Intensive Care Unit. A total of 12 cases (12/14, 85.7%) required invasive ventilatory support. Eight cases (8/14, 57.1%) required renal replacement therapy. In this group of patients, nine died (64.3 %). In turn, 22 patients had mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, not requiring invasive ventilatory support or admission to the Intensive Care Unit. The mean age in these patients was 56.5 years and comorbidities were present in 15 (68.2%) of the cases. In this group, only five patients (5/22, 22.7%) required hospitalization due to complications and there were no deaths This report describes the results of COVID-19 infection in a very specific population, suggesting that liver transplant patients have a significant higher risk of progressing to severeCOVID-19 , with a mortality rate among critically-ill patients above that of the general population.

Impact of COVID-19 on liver transplant recipients during the first pandemic wave, in a tertiary hospital, in Northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT Worldwide, transplant programs have suffered a setback during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and most have temporarily suspended their transplant activities. . We identified 36 liver transplant patients who tested positive for COVID-19. The cases were confirmed by the nucleic acid test (RT-PCR). Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, management and outcome data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Fourteen patients (38.9%) required admission to the Intensive Care Unit and/or invasive ventilatory support (severe cases). The mean age of these severe cases was 63.8 years. Regarding the time since the transplant, 71.4% (10/14 patients) had undergone the procedure less than one year before. The immunosuppressive therapy was reduced in patients who required Intensive Care Unit. A total of 12 cases (12/14, 85.7%) required invasive ventilatory support. Eight cases (8/14, 57.1%) required renal replacement therapy. In this group of patients, nine died (64.3 %). In turn, 22 patients had mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, not requiring invasive ventilatory support or admission to the Intensive Care Unit. The mean age in these patients was 56.5 years and comorbidities were present in 15 (68.2%) of the cases. In this group, only five patients (5/22, 22.7%) required hospitalization due to complications and there were no deaths This report describes the results of COVID-19 infection in a very specific population, suggesting that liver transplant patients have a significant higher risk of progressing to severeCOVID-19 , with a mortality rate among critically-ill patients above that of the general population.

Secondary hemophagocytic syndrome after renal transplantation: two case-reports / Síndrome hemofagocítica secundária após transplante renal: a propósito de dois casos

ABSTRACT Hemophagocytic syndrome or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an infrequent and underdiagnosed condition caused by an overactive immune response, resulting in blood cells phagocytosis. After kidney transplantation (KTx), HLH is usually secondary (or reactive) to infectious and neoplastic processes and has a high mortality rate. No effective treatment is available for this condition. Usual procedures include detecting and treating the pathology triggering the immune system dysregulation, other than administration of intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high doses of steroids, and plasmapheresis. The best protocol for maintenance immunosuppressive therapy is also unknown. This article presents two cases of post-KTx reactive HLH that underwent adjuvant IVIG treatment and obtained good clinical results. Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with reactive HLH after KTx, the early and precise diagnosis and the administration of IVIG therapy along with the treatment of the triggering disease, was an effective strategy to control HLH.

RESUMO A síndrome hemofagocítica (SHF) ou linfo-histiocitose hemofagocítica é uma condição infrequente e subdiagnosticada que tem por base a ativação excessiva da resposta imune, resultando em fagocitose das células do sangue. Após o transplante renal (TxR), a SHF é habitualmente secundária (ou reativa) a processos infecciosos e neoplásicos, culminando em elevadas taxas de mortalidade. Não há evidências quanto ao tratamento ideal dessa condição. Além de investigação e tratamento da patologia desencadeante do processo de desregulação do sistema imune, há descrições do uso de imunoglobulina humana (IVIG), esteroides em altas doses e plasmaférese. Não há evidências quanto à melhor forma de delinear a imunossupressão de manutenção. Este artigo apresenta dois casos de SHF reativa pós-TxR que realizaram tratamento adjuvante com IVIG, obtendo bons resultados clínicos. Apesar da elevada morbimortalidade associada à SHF reativa após o TxR, o diagnóstico ágil e preciso, associado à instituição de terapia com IVIG adjuvante ao tratamento da doença desencadeante, foi uma estratégia eficaz em conter o processo.

Secondary hemophagocytic syndrome after renal transplantation: two case-reports.

Hemophagocytic syndrome or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an infrequent and underdiagnosed condition caused by an overactive immune response, resulting in blood cells phagocytosis. After kidney transplantation (KTx), HLH is usually secondary (or reactive) to infectious and neoplastic processes and has a high mortality rate. No effective treatment is available for this condition. Usual procedures include detecting and treating the pathology triggering the immune system dysregulation, other than administration of intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG) and high doses of steroids, and plasmapheresis. The best protocol for maintenance immunosuppressive therapy is also unknown. This article presents two cases of post-KTx reactive HLH that underwent adjuvant IVIG treatment and obtained good clinical results. Despite the high morbidity and mortality associated with reactive HLH after KTx, the early and precise diagnosis and the administration of IVIG therapy along with the treatment of the triggering disease, was an effective strategy to control HLH.

Hyponatremia and risk factors for death in human visceral leishmaniasis: new insights from a cross-sectional study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important and potentially fatal neglected tropical disease. The aim of this study was to investigate hyponatremia and risk factors for death among VL patients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with VL patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Northeast Brazil, from 2002 to 2009. Patients were divided into two groups: non-survivors and survivors. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium < 135 mEq/L. A logistic regression model was done to investigate risk factors for death. RESULTS: A total of 285 VL patients were included, with mean age 37 ± 15 years, and 74% were males. Thirty-four patients died (11.9%). Non-survivors had a significantly higher prevalence of dyspnea (38.2 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.003), pulmonary crackles (11.8 vs. 4.0%, p = 0.049), dehydration (23.5 vs. 10.8%, p = 0.033), oliguria (8.8 vs. 0.8%, p = 0.001) and jaundice (47.1 vs. 14.3%, p < 0.001). They also presented higher prevalence of hyponatremia (41.9 vs. 24.1%, p = 0.035), thrombocytopenia (91.2 vs. 65.3%, p = 0.002) and severe hypoalbuminemia (78.3 vs. 35.3%, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, moderate/severe hyponatremia (OR = 2.278, 95% CI = 1.046-4.962), thrombocytopenia (OR = 5.482, 95% CI = 1.629-18.443), jaundice (OR = 5.133, 95% CI = 1.793-14.696) and severe hypoalbuminemia (OR = 6.479, 95% CI = 2.124-19.766) were predictors of death. CONCLUSION: Higher prevalence of dehydration, oliguria, pulmonary symptoms and liver involvement was found in non-survivors VL patients. Hypoalbuminemia and hyponatremia were frequent and significantly associated with mortality.

Long-term outcomes of elderly kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: The number of elderly patients with chronic kidney disease increases progressively, challenging the allocation algorithms in a scenario of organ shortage for transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of age on patient and graft survival. METHODS: Evolution of all 366 patients greater than 60 years transplanted between 1998 and 2010 was analyzed versus a control group of 366 younger patients matched for gender, type of donor (living or deceased) and year of transplantation. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus (HR 1.8; IC 1.2-2.6; p = 0,003) and prioritization (HR 2.9; IC 1.2-2.6; p < 0,001), but not age, were independent factors for kidney graft loss. CONCLUSION: Advanced age was not related to negative outcomes after kidney transplantation, after excluding recipient death as a cause of allograft loss. Higher mortality rate in this group was associated to a higher frequency of comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus.

Evolução a longo prazo no transplante renal de idosos / Long-term outcomes of elderly kidney transplant recipients

Resumo Introdução: O número de pacientes idosos portadores de doença renal crônica aumenta progressivamente, desafiando os algoritmos de alocação, em um cenário de escassez de órgãos para transplante. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da idade sobre os resultados do transplante renal. Métodos: Foram analisados todos os 366 pacientes > 60 anos transplantados entre 1998-2010 versus um grupo controle de 366 pacientes mais jovens pareados por gênero, tipo de doador (vivo/falecido) e ano do transplante. Resultados: Diabetes mellitus (HR 1,5; IC 1,0-2,2; p = 0,031) e doador falecido (HR 1,7; IC 1,2-2,7; p = 0,013) se associaram independentemente a maior risco de óbito. Diabetes mellitus (HR 1,8; IC 1,2-2,6; p = 0,003) e priorização por acesso vascular (HR 2,9; IC 1,2-2,6; p < 0,001), mas não idade, foram fatores independentes de perda do enxerto renal. Conclusão: A idade avançada não teve impacto negativo no resultado do transplante quando excluído óbito do paciente como causa de perda do enxerto. A maior mortalidade entre a população senil esteve associada à maior frequência de comorbidades, em especial diabetes mellitus. .

Abstract Introduction: The number of elderly patients with chronic kidney disease increases progressively, challenging the allocation algorithms in a scenario of organ shortage for transplantation. Objective: To evaluate the impact of age on patient and graft survival. Methods: Evolution of all 366 patients greater than 60 years transplanted between 1998 and 2010 was analyzed versus a control group of 366 younger patients matched for gender, type of donor (living or deceased) and year of transplantation. Results: Diabetes mellitus (HR 1.8; IC 1.2-2.6; p = 0,003) and prioritization (HR 2.9; IC 1.2-2.6; p < 0,001), but not age, were independent factors for kidney graft loss. Conclusion: Advanced age was not related to negative outcomes after kidney transplantation, after excluding recipient death as a cause of allograft loss. Higher mortality rate in this group was associated to a higher frequency of comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus. .

Clinical manifestations and evolution of infection by influenza A (H1N1) in kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of the pandemic outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in April, 2009, represented a logistic challenge for public health. Although most infected patients presented clinical and evolutionary manifestations which were very similar to seasonal influenza, a significant number of individuals developed pneumonia and severe acute respiratory failure. The impact of influenza A (H1N1) in immunocompromised patients is not well established yet. METHODS: This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentations and evolution of influenza A (H1N1) in 19 kidney transplant recipients. Influenza A (H1N1) infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in all patients. Treatment included antiviral therapy with oseltamivir phosphate and antibiotics. RESULTS: The studied population was compounded mostly of white people (63%), males (79%), at a mean age of 38.6 ± 17 years and patients with at least one comorbidity (53%). Influenza A (H1N1) infection was identified 41.6 ± 49.6 months after transplantation. Common symptoms included cough (100%), fever (84%), dyspnea (79%), and myalgia (42%). Acute allograft dysfunction was observed in 42% of the patients. Five patients (26%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, two (10%) required invasive ventilation support, and two (10%) required vasoactive drugs. Mortality rate was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Acute renal allograft dysfunction was a common finding. Clinical, laboratory, and evolutionary characteristics were comparable to those in the general population.

Manifestações clínicas e evolução da infecção pelo vírus da influenza A (H1N1) em receptores de transplante renal / Clinical manifestations and evolution of infection by influenza A (H1N1) in kidney transplant recipients

INTRODUÇÃO: A emergência do surto pandêmico de influenza A, subtipo H1N1, em abril de 2009, representou um grande desafio para a logística de saúde pública. Embora a maioria dos pacientes infectados apresente manifestações clínicas e evolutivas muito semelhantes às observadas na influenza sazonal, um número significativo de indivíduos evolui com pneumonia e insuficiência respiratória aguda severa. O impacto da infecção pelo vírus influenza A, subtipo H1N1, em pacientes imunossuprimidos não é determinado. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, foram analisadas a apresentação clínica e a evolução da influenza A, subtipo H1N1, em 19 receptores de transplante renal. Os pacientes receberam confirmação diagnóstica pela técnica de RT-PCR. O manejo clínico incluiu terapêutica antiviral com fosfato de oseltamivir e antibióticos. RESULTADOS: A população estudada foi predominantemente de indivíduos do sexo masculino (79 por cento), brancos (63 por cento), com idade média de 38,6 ± 17 anos e portadores de pelo menos uma comorbidade (53 por cento). A infecção por influenza A, subtipo H1N1, foi diagnosticada em média 41,6 ± 49,6 meses após o transplante. Os sintomas mais comuns foram: tosse (100 por cento), febre (84 por cento), dispneia (79 por cento) e mialgia (42 por cento). Disfunção aguda do enxerto foi observada em 42 por cento dos pacientes. Cinco pacientes (26 por cento) foram admitidos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, dois (10 por cento) necessitaram de suporte com ventilação invasiva e dois (10 por cento) receberam drogas vasoativas. A mortalidade foi de 10 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: A disfunção aguda do enxerto renal foi um achado frequente, e as características clínicas, laboratoriais e evolutivas foram comparáveis às da população geral.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of the pan>demic outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in April, 2009, represented a logistic challenge for public health. Although most infected patients presented clinical and evolutionary manifestations which were very similar to seasonal influenza, a significant number of individuals developed pneumonia and severe acute respiratory failure. The impact of influenza A (H1N1) in immunocompromised patients is not well established yet. METHODS: This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentations and evolution of influenza A (H1N1) in 19 kidney transplant recipients. Influenza A (H1N1) infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in all patients. Treatment included antiviral therapy with oseltamivir phosphate and antibiotics. RESULTS: The studied population was compounded mostly of white people (63 percent), males (79 percent), at a mean age of 38.6 ± 17 years and patients with at least one comorbidity (53 percent). Influenza A (H1N1) infection was identified 41.6 ± 49.6 months after transplantation. Common symptoms included cough (100 percent), fever (84 percent), dyspnea (79 percent), and myalgia (42 percent). Acute allograft dysfunction was observed in 42 percent of the patients. Five patients (26 percent) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, two (10 percent) required invasive ventilation support, and two (10 percent) required vasoactive drugs. Mortality rate was 10 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Acute renal allograft dysfunction was a common finding. Clinical, laboratory, and evolutionary characteristics were comparable to those in the general population.

[Alemtuzumab induction in kidney transplant recipients].

INTRODUCTION: Induction therapy has been used in sensitized patients, re-transplants, and in patients who have high risk to delayed graft function (DGF) after renal transplantation. METHODS: Retrospective study with aim to compare transplant endpoints between recipients of deceased donors which have received induction with alemtuzumab (n = 9) versus thymoglobulin (n = 18). Patients were matched for age, duration of dialysis treatment and cold ischemia time. RESULTS: There were no differences at demographic characteristics. All patients received kidney grafts from deceased donors and 67% of these donors met the expanded criteria. The incidence of DFG was similar in alemtuzumab and thymoglobulin groups, 55% and 56%. At 12 months, rates of rejection free survival (67% versus 89%, p = 0,13), graft survival (62,5% versus 76,6%; p = 0,73), graft with death censored (62,5% versus 76,6%; p = 0,82) and patient survival (83,3% versus 81,2%; p = 0,63) were similar between the two groups. Viral infections and renal function were similar between groups. At the end of the first month, alemtuzumab patients displayed a fewer lymphocyte number (135 ± 78 versus 263 ± 112 N/mm³, p < 0,05) followed by a more rapid recovery after 3 months (day 90: 683 ± 367 versus 282 ± 72 N/mm³; p < 0,05). Cost associated with alemtuzumab and thymoglobulin inductions therapies were R$ 1,388.00 and R$ 7,398.00. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients, alemtuzumab induction showed efficacy and safety comparable to thymoglobulin but with significant cost reduction.

Fatores de risco associados à perda do enxerto e óbito após o transplante renal / Risk factors associated with graft loss and death after kidney transplantation

Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores de risco relacionados à mortalidade e à perda do enxerto nos primeiros dois anos após o transplante renal. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de transplantes renais realizados entre 2003-2006, utilizando banco de dados informatizado. os desfechos analisados foram: sobrevidas do paciente, do enxerto e fatores de risco através de análise multivariada de Cox. Resultados: Dos 2.364 transplantes, 67% foram com doador vivo (DV), 6% com doadores falecidos (DF) com critério expandido (DCE). As sobrevidas do paciente e do enxero foram superiores entre receptores de DV do que entre os de DF (97% vs 91%; 96% vs 83%, p<0,001). Ao final de 24 meses, os receptores de etnia negra apresentaram sobrevida do enxerto (84% vs 89%, p<0,05) inferior devido à maior mortalidade (sobrevida do paciente: 87% vs 93%, p<0,01). Na data do transplante, os fatores de risco relacionados à mortalidade do receptor foram o tipo de doador (DF, RR=2,4, IC 1,6-3,6) e a etnia negra (RR=1,8, IC 1,2-2,9). Os fatores de risco relacionados à perda do enxerto foram o tipo de doador (DF,RR=2,1, IC 1-3,2), DCE (RR=2,0 IC:1,2-3,3), presença de função retardada do enxerto (RR=1,8, IC 1,2-2,7) e ocorrência de rejeição aguda (RA, RR=3,5, IC2,5-4,8) no primeiro ano após o transplante. Aos seis meses de transplante, os fatores de risco relacionados à mortalidade do receptor foram o tipo de doador (DF, RR=2,5, IC 1,5-4,3) e a ocorrência de RA (RA, RR=2,4, IC 1,6-3,8). Os fatores de risco para a perda do enxerto foram o tipo de doador (DF, RR=2,0, IC 1,1-3,7), rins de DCE (DCE, RR=2,6, IC 1,1-6,2), a ocorrência de RA (RA, RR=9,5, IC 5,4-16,4) e a função renal no 6º mês (creatinina> 1,5 md/dL) (RR=2,1, IC 1,3-3,4). Conclusão: Os fatores de risco tradicionais continuam a exercer influência negativa nos desfechos do transplante.

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors related to mortality and graft loss in the first two years after renal transplantation. Methods: Retrospective analysis of renal transplants performed between 2003-2006, using computerized database. outcomes analyzed were patient survival, graft and risk factors by multivariate Cox Results: Of the 2364 transplants, 67% were living donor (DV), 6% with deceased donors (DF) with expanded criteria ( DCE). The survival of patients and grafts were higher among recipients than among DV DF (97% vs 91%, 96% vs 83%, p <0.001). At the end of 24 months, recipients of black ethnicity had graft survival (84% vs 89%, p <0.05) lower due to higher mortality (patient survival: 87% vs 93%, p <0.01) . At the time of transplant, the risk factors related to mortality of the recipient were donor type (FD, RR = 2.4, CI 1.6 to 3.6) and black race (RR = 1.8, CI 1, 2 to 2.9). Risk factors related to graft loss were donor type (FD, RR = 2.1, CI 1 to 3.2), DCE (RR = 2.0 CI :1,2-3, 3), presence delayed graft function (RR = 1.8, CI 1.2 to 2.7) and the occurrence of acute rejection (AR, RR = 3.5, IC2 0.5 to 4, 8) in the first year after transplantation. At six months after the transplant, the risk factors related to mortality of the recipient were donor type (FD, RR = 2.5, CI 1.5 to 4.3) and the occurrence of RA (RA, RR = 2.4 CI 1.6 to 3.8). Risk factors for graft loss were donor type (FD, RR = 2.0, CI 1.1 to 3.7), kidney DCE (DCE, RR = 2.6, CI 1.1 - 6.2), the occurrence of RA (RA, RR = 9.5, CI 5.4 to 16.4) and renal function at 6 months (creatinine> 1.5 md / dL) (RR = 2.1, CI 1.3 to 3.4). Conclusion: The traditional risk factors continue to exert negative influence on the outcomes of transplantation.