HLA Epitope Matching in Kidney Transplantation: An Overview for the General Nephrologist.

Rapid changes in tissue-typing technology, including the widespread availability of highly specific molecular typing methods and solid-phase assays for the detection of allele-specific anti-HLA antibodies, make it increasingly challenging to remain up to date with developments in organ matching. Terms such as epitopes and eplets abound in the transplantation literature, but often it can be difficult to see what they might mean for the patient awaiting transplantation. In this review, we provide the historical context for current practice in tissue typing and explore the potential role of HLA epitopes in kidney transplantation. Despite impressive gains in preventing and managing T-cell-mediated rejection and the associated improvements in graft survival, the challenge of the humoral alloresponse remains largely unmet and is the major cause of late graft loss. Describing HLA antigens as a series of antibody targets, or epitopes, rather than based on broad seroreactivity patterns or precise amino acid sequences may provide a more practical and clinically relevant system to help avoid antibody-mediated rejection, reduce sensitization, and select the most appropriate organs in the setting of pre-existing alloantibodies. We explain the systems proposed to define HLA epitopes, summarize the evidence to date for their role in transplantation, and explore the potential benefits of incorporating HLA epitopes into clinical practice as this field continues to evolve toward everyday practice.

Increasing home dialysis knowledge through a web-based e-learning program.

AIM: There has been a global decline in the uptake of home-based dialysis therapies in the past 20 years. The ability to provide appropriate information to potential patients in this area may be confounded by a lack of knowledge of home dialysis options. The aim of this study was to develop a web-based education package for health professionals to increase knowledge and positive perceptions of home-based dialysis options. METHODS: A three-module e-learning package concerning home dialysis was developed under the auspices of the home dialysis first project. These modules were tested on 88 undergraduate health professionals. Changes in attitudes and knowledge of home dialysis were measured using custom designed surveys administered electronically to students who completed the modules. Matched pre and post responses to the survey items were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS: The pre survey indicated clear deficits in existing knowledge of home dialysis options. In particular, when asked if haemodialysis could be performed at home, 22% of participants responded 'definitely no' and a further 24% responded 'probably no'. Upon completion of the e-learning, post survey responses indicated statistically significant improvements (P < 0.001) in eight of the nine items. When asked if the e-learning had increased their knowledge about home dialysis, 99% of participants responded 'definitely yes'. CONCLUSION: A suite of web-based education modules can successfully deliver significant improvements in awareness and knowledge around home dialysis therapies.

Telehealth model of care for routine follow up of renal transplant recipients in a tertiary centre: A case study.

Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) performs over 140 kidney transplant operations annually. Kidney transplant recipients require regular medical review, which results in loss of time and costs from travel, particularly for regional patients, and places high demand on the hospital outpatient service. The RMH renal transplant unit initiated a telehealth service in 2016 to provide cost effective, patient-centred clinical care for regional patients. To date, 263 clinical reviews have been conducted via telehealth, potentially saving 203,202 kilometres in travel distance; 2771 hours in car travel time; an estimated AUD $31,048 in petrol savings and 51 tonnes CO2 equivalents of greenhouse gas emissions. Lessons learnt have included the importance of using technology that allows patients to access telehealth from their place of choice. The option of a joint consultation with local healthcare providers has facilitated the development of extended care networks for our patients. Incorporation of telehealth into our outpatient system has been achieved with the existing nephrology workforce, making it a sustainable long-term review option. Our renal transplant telehealth outpatient clinic has been a successful change in the way we provide care to regional patients. Formal comparison of clinical outcomes and the patient experience of telehealth versus in person reviews are underway.

Gram-negative sepsis following biopsy of a transplant recipient with asymptomatic allograft pyelonephritis.

Pyelonephritis post-renal transplantation is common and in up to 50% of cases can be asymptomatic. Transplant pyelonephritis shares a lot of histopathological features with acute cellular rejection. We present a case of asymptomatic acute graft pyelonephritis where a renal biopsy was complicated by sepsis, and discuss the difficulties in interpretation of renal histology in the setting of transplant pyelonephritis where rejection may also be a possibility, but differentiation is challenging.

Clinical epidemiology of HIV-associated end-stage renal failure in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical epidemiology of HIV-associated end-stage renal failure (HIV/ESRF) from 1998 to 2007 in the United Kingdom. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Seven leading HIV centres and affiliated renal clinics in the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 21 951 patients in whom renal function was measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Development of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) as defined by initiation of permanent renal replacement therapy (pRRT). RESULTS: Sixty-eight (0.31%) patients had HIV/ESRF, 44 (64.7%) of whom were black. The prevalence of ESRF in black patients increased over time from 0.26% in 1998-1999 to 0.92% in 2006-2007 (P for trend = 0.001). Overall 5-year survival from starting pRRT was 70.3%, and significantly better for black patients compared to those of other ethnicities (85.2 vs. 43.4%, P = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, black ethnicity was associated with a higher risk of ESRF [HR 6.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.56, 13.48], whereas a higher current CD4 cell count was associated with reduced risk (HR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.76, 0.95) per 50 cells higher). No association was seen between current viral load or current highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) status and ESRF. On the basis of these observations, we estimate that 231 HIV-infected patients required pRRT in the United Kingdom in 2007, and an HIV prevalence of 0.51% among the United Kingdom pRRT recipients in that year. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV/ESRF increased during the HAART era to reach nearly 1% in black patients, in whom favourable survival rates were observed. Earlier HIV diagnosis will be an important strategy to stem the rising trend of HIV/ESRF.