Normothermic Machine Perfusion and Normothermic Regional Perfusion of DCD Kidneys Before Transplantation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: To overcome organ shortages, donation after circulatory death (DCD) kidneys are being increasingly used for transplantation. Prior research suggests that DCD kidneys have inferior outcomes compared with kidneys donated after brain death. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) and normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) may enhance the preservation of DCD kidneys and improve transplant outcomes. This study aimed to review the evidence surrounding NMP and NRP in DCD kidney transplantation. METHODS: Two independent reviewers conducted searches for all publications reporting outcomes for NMP and NRP-controlled DCD kidneys, focusing on delayed graft function, primary nonfunction, graft function, graft survival, and graft utilization. Weighted means were calculated for all relevant outcomes and controls. Formal meta-analyses could not be conducted because of significant heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty studies were included for review (6 NMP studies and 14 NRP studies). Delayed graft function rates seemed to be lower for NRP kidneys (24.6%) compared with NMP kidneys (54.3%). Both modalities yielded similar outcomes with respect to primary nonfunction (NMP 3.3% and NRP 5.6%), graft function (12-mo creatinine 149.3 µmol/L for NMP and 129.9 µmol/L for NRP), and graft utilization (NMP 83.3% and NRP 89%). Although no direct comparisons exist, our evidence suggests that both modalities have good short- and medium-term graft outcomes and high graft survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature demonstrates that both NMP and NRP are feasible strategies that may increase donor organ utilization while maintaining acceptable transplant outcomes and likely improved outcomes compared with cold-stored DCD kidneys. Further research is needed to directly compare NRP and NMP outcomes.

A First Case Report of Cytomegalovirus Infection Presenting With Perianal Fistula and Abscess Formation in a Kidney Transplant Recipient.

Cytomegalovirus infection after transplant has been dramatically reduced in the modern era with improved understanding of immunosuppression and perioperative transplant care. However, cytomegalovirus syndrome with or without tissue invasive disease can still lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Several organs can be involved: most commonly, the gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, lung, and the transplanted renal allograft. Postoperative cytomegalovirus colitis after renal transplant is well recognized and described, with symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Biochemistry can demonstrate pancytopenia with a leukopenia with or without histopathology confirmation. A high index of suspicion is required for a timely diagnosis. This is the first published case report of a patient with cytomegalovirus tissue invasion presenting with a perianal fistula and abscess formation.The diagnosis and management ofthis case with a literature review is discussed.

Predictive validity of a tool to resolve borderline grades in OSCEs.

There is inconclusive evidence suggesting which standard setting method yields the highest validity for pass/fail decisions in examinations. The Objective Borderline Method 2 (OBM2) is a decision-making tool for reclassification of borderline grades to clear pass or clear fail grades to resolve examiner uncertainty for high-stakes pass/fail decisions. This study evaluated the predictive validity of OBM2 pass/fail decisions, using consecutive years' Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) results within a medical cohort (n=271) at the University of New South Wales, Australia. OBM2 decisions in one OSCE (n=687) were compared to marks obtained in a subsequent OSCE via independent samples T-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The extent of the relationship between these two variables determines the predictive validity of OBM2 decisions, given that past student grades are capable of predicting future performance. OBM2 decisions in an initial OSCE were found to have a statistically significant predictive nature for subsequent OSCE marks (p=.005). For initial decisions which reclassified to a pass grade, subsequent OSCE marks were significantly higher than for the cases where initial decisions were reclassified to a fail grade. Stronger associations were identified between related assessment domains/criteria compared to unrelated domains/criteria (Cohen's d=.469 vs Cohen's d=.388 respectively). Through demonstrating the OBM2 decisions' predictive association across exams there is support for the OBM2's predictive validity, deeming it a promising method to be used for resolving examiner uncertainty when making pass/fail decisions within OSCEs.