Attitudes of Latin American Immigrants Resident in Florida (United States) Toward Related Living Kidney Donation.

INTRODUCTION: Latin American immigrants comprise an important population group in the United States. The purpose of this study was to analyze the attitude toward living kidney donation found among Latin American citizens who are residents in Florida and to identify the psychosocial variables affecting their attitude. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of Latin American residents in the state of Florida was randomly obtained and stratified by nationality, age, and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed through a validated questionnaire that was self-administered and completed anonymously. Descriptive, Student t test and the χ2 test were used to analyze findings. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (N = 1433), with 59% (n = 845) in favor of related living donation, 40% (n = 571) were opposed to donation, with the remaining 1% (n = 17) undecided. The following variables were related to attitude toward living donation: country of origin (P < .001), marital status (P < .001), having descendants (P = .004), educational background (P < 0.001), having had previous experience of donation and transplantation (P < .001), attitude toward deceased donation (P < .001), considering the possibility of needing a transplant (P < .001), the respondent's partner's opinion (P < .001), having considered the subject with one's family (P < .001), having carried out prosocial type activities (P < .001), the respondent's religion (P < .001), knowing that one's religion is in favor of this therapy (P < .001), concern about mutilation after donation (P < .001), and considerations of the risks of living donation (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude toward related living kidney donation of Latin American residents in Florida is not very favorable (only 59%).

The Knowledge of the Brain Death Concept Among Latin Americans Residing in Florida (USA).

OBJECTIVES: The knowledge of the concept of brain death is fundamental for being able to understand the organ donation process and helps to achieve its acceptance. Our aim was to analyze levels of understanding of the brain death concept among Latin Americans residing in Florida (USA) and to determine the factors affecting this understanding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of residents of Latin American origin in the state of Florida was randomized and stratified by nationality, age, and sex (N = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously. For statistical analysis of descriptive data, we used t test, the chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). We found that 24% (n = 350) understood the concept of brain death, 54% (n = 777) did not understand it, and the remaining 22% (n = 323) believed it did not mean a person's death. The following variables were related to understanding this concept: (1) country of origin (P ⟨ .001), (2) sex (P = .001), (3) marital status (P ⟨ .001), (4) level of formal education (P < .001), (5) having spoken about the subject with one's family (P < .001), (6) a partner's attitude toward donation (P < .001), and (6) religion (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the following factors continued to be related: country of origin, level of formal education, and religion. A more positive attitude toward organ donation was found among those who understood the concept of brain death (29% vs 22%; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the concept of brain death among Latin American residents in Florida is limited, with marked differences depending on the respondent's country of origin, level of formal education, and religion.

Analysis of the Spanish CCR5-∆32 inventory of cord blood units: lower cell counts in homozygous donors.

The possibility to use CCR5-∆32 umbilical cord blood to cure HIV infection in patients in need of a hematopoietic transplant has been suggested. The less stringent HLA compatibility needed in this type of transplant facilitates the search of a suitable donor having the CCR5-∆32 mutation. To achieve an inventory of CCR5-∆32 cord blood units, the 20,236 best cell quality units of the Spanish Registry were genotyped. Furthermore, their CD34+ and total nucleated cells counts, blood type, gender, HLA and donor's geographical and ancestral origin were analyzed. The results showed 130 (0.64%) units homozygous for the deletion, 2,646 (13.08%) heterozygous and 17,460 (86.28%) did not present the mutation. Interestingly, a significant lower amount of CD34+ cells was found in the CCR5-∆32 homozygous units. In addition, a significant association was found among donor's ancestral origin and the mutation, with a higher percentage of CCR5-∆32 units with a European ancestry. In summary, identification of a relatively high number of CCR5-∆32 units is feasible and will facilitate the development of clinical trials for HIV cure in patients requiring hematopoietic transplantation. Further studies are required to understand the significance of lower cell counts within the CCR5-∆32 homozygous group and its clinical impact.

Knowledge of the Concept of Brain Death Among the Latin-American Population Residing in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The knowledge of brain death is fundamental for being able to understand the organ donation process and for ensuring its acceptance or rejection. Here, we analyzed the level of knowledge of the concept of brain death among Latin-American individuals who are residents of Spain to determine the factors affecting this knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our patient group was a sample of 1314 Latin-American residents of Spain, obtained randomly and stratified according to the respondent's nationality, age, and sex. Their attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire. The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 94% (n = 1237). Of total respondents, 25% (n = 313) knew the concept of brain death, which they considered to be an individual's death, 56% (n = 697) did not know the term, and 19% (n = 227) believed that it did not mean death. The variables related to knowledge of the brain death concept included (1) country of origin, with a better knowledge among those with Mexican nationality (P < .001); (2) male sex (30% vs 23%; P = .003); (3) having university-level education (35% vs 23%; P = .044); (4) having discussed the matter within the family (29% vs 23%; P = .044); (5) having a partner with a favorable attitude toward donation (39% vs 21%; P = .001); and (6) the respondent's religion (47% vs 7%; P < .001). The following factors persisted in the multivariate analysis: country of origin (odds ratio of 2.972), sex (odds ratio of 1.416), education level (odds ratio of 2.228), attitude of the respondent's partner (odds ratio of 1.835), and religion (odds ratio of 4.490). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the concept of brain death is limited among Latin-American residents of Spain, with marked differences among country of origin and other socio-personal factors.

The attitude of Latin American immigrants in Florida (USA) towards deceased organ donation - a cross section cohort study.

The Latin American (LA) population resident in the USA is a growing subgroup of the population. To find out the structure of attitude towards organ donation in the LA population resident in Florida (USA). A sample was taken of LA residents in Florida, randomized and stratified by nationality, age and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Rios) that was self-completed anonymously. The survey completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). Attitude was favourable in 33% of respondents (n = 485), against in 40% (n = 575) and undecided in 27% (n = 390). The following variables were associated with a favourable attitude: country of origin (Dominican Republic; P = 0.038); sex (female; P < 0.001); marital status (married; P < 0.001); level of education (university; P < 0.001); previous experience of the subject (P < 0.001); considering the need for a transplant in the future (P < 0.001); understanding the concept of brain death (P = 0.003); attitude towards donating a family member's organs (P < 0.001); having discussed organ donation and transplantation with one's family (P < 0.001) or with one's partner (P < 0.001); participation in pro-social type activities (P < 0.001); the respondent's religion (atheist-agnostic; P < 0.001); a respondent's knowledge of the attitude of his or her religion towards organ donation (P < 0.001); no concern about mutilation after donation (P < 0.001); acceptance of cremation (P < 0.001); burial (P < 0.001); and an autopsy if one were needed (P < 0.001). The attitude towards donation of LA in Florida is worse than that reported in the native population and is associated with certain psychosocial factors.

Acceptance of organ xenotransplantation among Latin American immigrants resident in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Making xenotransplantation socially acceptable is the first step in working toward the promotion of this potential therapy option for providing transplant organs. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward xenotransplantation among the Latin American population resident in Florida (the USA), and to determine the variables affecting this attitude. METHODS: A sample of Latin American residents in the state of Florida was randomized and stratified according to nationality, age, and sex (n = 1524). Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-XenoTx Rios) which was self-completed anonymously. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: descriptive analysis, Student's t-test, the chi-square test, and a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire completion rate was 95% (n = 1450). If it was assumed that xenotransplanted organs functioned as well as human ones, 10% (n = 147) would be in favor, 73% (n = 1092) against, and 17% (n = 246) undecided. If the results were worse, only 2% (n = 35) would be in favor. This favorable attitude was related to country of origin (Honduras and Guatemala; P < 0.001); age (P < 0.001); sex (women; P < 0.001); marital status (married; P < 0.001); descendents (yes; P < 0.001); level of formal education (secondary education and university; P < 0.001); participation in voluntary prosocial activities (yes; P < 0.001); having spoken about donation and transplantation within the family (yes; P < 0.001); a partner's favorable attitude toward transplantation (P = 0.040); religion (catholic; P < 0.001); knowing the attitude of one's religion toward donation (yes; P < 0.001); previous experience of donation and/or transplantation (yes; P < 0.001); a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (yes; P < 0.001); and a favorable attitude toward human donation (yes; P < 0.001). The following were associated with attitude in the multivariate analysis: age (≥40 yrs; OR = 1.152); marital status (married; OR = 500); prosocial activities (yes, I participate in them; OR = 9.196. No, but I would like to; OR = 332.538); religion (catholic; OR = 2000); attitude toward deceased organ donation (in favor; OR = 2000); and previous experience of donation and/or transplantation (yes; OR = 500). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of Latin Americans resident in Florida toward xenotransplantation is very negative, and is determined by many psychosocial factors, mainly related to their prior attitude toward the different kinds of human organ donation.

Acellular human heart matrix: A critical step toward whole heart grafts.

The best definitive treatment option for end-stage heart failure currently is transplantation, which is limited by donor availability and immunorejection. Generating an autologous bioartificial heart could overcome these limitations. Here, we have decellularized a human heart, preserving its 3-dimensional architecture and vascularity, and recellularized the decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM). We decellularized 39 human hearts with sodium-dodecyl-sulfate for 4-8 days. Cell removal and architectural integrity were determined anatomically, functionally, and histologically. To assess cytocompatibility, we cultured human cardiac-progenitor cells (hCPC), bone-marrow mesenchymal cells (hMSCs), human endothelial cells (HUVECs), and H9c1 and HL-1 cardiomyocytes in vitro on dECM ventricles up to 21 days. Cell survival, gene expression, organization and/or electrical coupling were analyzed and compared to conventional 2-dimensional cultures. Decellularization removed cells but preserved the 3-dimensional cardiac macro and microstructure and the native vascular network in a perfusable state. Cell survival was observed on dECM for 21 days. hCPCs and hMSCs expressed cardiocyte genes but did not adopt cardiocyte morphology or organization; HUVECs formed a lining of endocardium and vasculature; differentiated cardiomyocytes organized into nascent muscle bundles and displayed mature calcium dynamics and electrical coupling in recellularized dECM. In summary, decellularization of human hearts provides a biocompatible scaffold that retains 3-dimensional architecture and vascularity and that can be recellularized with parenchymal and vascular cells. dECM promotes cardiocyte gene expression in stem cells and organizes existing cardiomyocytes into nascent muscle showing electrical coupling. These findings represent a first step toward manufacturing human heart grafts or matrix components for treating cardiovascular disease.

The Latin American population in Spain and organ donation. Attitude toward deceased organ donation and organ donation rates.

UNLABELLED: The Latin American (LA) population has similarities with the Spanish population which makes its integration into Spanish society easier. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the attitude toward organ donation among Latin American citizens residing in Spain, to determine the psychosocial variables which affect this attitude, and to examine the correlation between donation rates of LA citizens in Spain and in their countries of origin. A random sample of LA residents in Spain was taken and stratified according to the respondent's nationality (n = 1.314), in the year 2010. Attitude was assessed using a validated questionnaire (PCID-DTO Dr Rios). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Student's t-test, the χ(2) test, and logistic regression analysis. There was a 94% completion rate (n = 1.237). Attitude toward donation was favorable in 60% of cases (n = 745), 12% (n = 145) were against, and 28% (n = 347) were undecided. The following variables were associated with attitude toward donation: sex (P = 0.038), level of formal education (P < 0.001), country of origin (P = 0.002), attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs (P < 0.001), having discussed donation with the family (P < 0.001), carrying out prosocial activities (P = 0.025), attitude toward cremation of the body (P < 0.001), attitude toward burial of the body (P < 0.001), attitude toward having an autopsy carried out (P < 0.001), previous experience of the organ donation and transplantation process (P < 0.001), fear of mutilation after donation (P < 0.001), knowledge that the Church has a positive attitude toward organ donation and transplantation (P < 0.001), knowledge of one's partner's attitude toward organ donation (P < 0.001), and a belief that one might need a transplant in the future (P < 0.001). The donation rates in this population group in Spain are higher than those recorded in their countries of origin (55.76 vs. <10 pmp; P < 0.001). The attitude toward organ donation among LA citizens residing in Spain is slightly worse than that reported in the native Spanish population and is determined by many psychosocial factors. The donation rates of LA citizens in Spain are higher than those in their countries of origin.

Incidence of tuberculosis in deceased-organ donors and transmission risk to recipients in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Globalization and migration patterns have increased the number of donors from countries with high incidence rates of tuberculosis (TB) in low incidence countries, with the subsequent increase in risk of TB transmission to the recipients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, including all actual deceased donors in Spanish hospitals between January 1998 and June 2011 and all the recipients who had received an organ from donors identified as TB cases. RESULTS: Six actual donors were identified as TB cases, representing an annual incidence of 30.6 cases/100,000 donors (95% CI, 4-58). Two cases did not become utilized donors, because TB was detected in the organ recovery and were therefore excluded. Annual incidence in utilized donors was 23 cases/100,000 donors (95% CI, 6-59). Annual incidence of the Spanish population in the same period was 17.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants (95% CI, 17-18). Annual incidence in actual donors belonging to the Romanian immigrant community was 2353 cases/100,000 donors (95% CI, 286-8242). Variations in the prophylactic strategy utilized in recipients were observed. TB was transmitted to three recipients (27.3% transmission), two of whom developed active TB. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of TB in actual donors is greater than that of the general population (P < 0.001). The risk of immigrant communities should be grouped according to the real incidence in donors. Transmissibility of TB is high; therefore, transplant teams should be immediately informed when TB donor transmission is suspected to prevent TB in the recipient.

Poor compliance with antifungal drug use guidelines by transplant physicians: a framework for educational guidelines and an international consensus on patient safety.

The rate of compliance with antifungal drug use guidelines by transplant physicians is mostly unknown. We performed a nationwide electronic survey to assess antifungal use by different types of transplant physicians. Sixty-one percent (53/87) of the transplant programs responded (accounting for 85% of heart transplant procedures, 65% of kidney transplantations, and 71.5% of liver transplantations). Antifungal prophylaxis was used in 41.5% programs (liver 93.3%, heart 30.8%, and kidney 16%). Prophylaxis was universal in 32% of the programs and targeted only to selected patients in 68%, mainly indicated after re-transplantation (73.3%), re-intervention (66.7%) and hemodialysis (60%). Main drugs for universal prophylaxis were fluconazole and itraconazole (42.9% each), while fluconazole (60%), L-amphotericin B (AMB), and caspofungin (13.4% each) were preferred for targeted prophylaxis. Overall, 84.9% of the programs used galactomannan for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (only 34% in BAL) and 66.6% used voriconazole as first-line monotherapy. Combination first-line therapy for invasive aspergillosis was used by 31.3%, mainly with voriconazole with caspofungin (40%) or anidulafungin (26.7%) or L-AMB-caspofungin (26.7%). Adherence of transplant physicians to current recommendations on antifungal treatment and prophylaxis is poor. An international consensus that responds to differences in patients and centers and emphasizes patient safety is clearly needed.

[Organ donors in Spain: evolution of donation rates per regions and determinant factors]. / Donantes de órganos en España: evolución de las tasas de donación por comunidades autónomas y factores determinantes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the evolution of the donation rates in different Spanish regions within the last years. Description of the factors with more specific weight related to the number of donors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective descriptive study, including numbers about donation, population, population aged 70 or more, traffic mortality, interviews for donation and refusals, according to the region between 2001 and 2006. Besides the descriptive analysis, correlation between factors was studied stratifying by year. To evaluate time evolution, a general linear regression model of repeated measures was performed. RESULTS: Inhabitants number, population over 70 years and traffic victims correlated with the general number of donors, donors of these age group and donors deceased in traffic accidents, respectively. These relationships do not apply to every region. Refusals percentage to donation was not related to the number of interviews performed and its decrease was related to higher donation rates. Even though not so constantly, higher percentages of donors aged >or= 70 and lower traffic death ones were related to higher donation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Evolution in the number of donors follows the population growth and the decrease of refusals to donation, even though there are different explanations according to the region.

The Spanish National Transplant Organization (ONT) tumor registry.

BACKGROUND: It is important to know the actual risk of tumor transmission from donor to recipient and the serious consequences for the recipient. Tumor registries can help us to improve our knowledge about this problem. METHODS: We have studied all the donors registered in the Spanish National Transplant Organization from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2006, and especially the donors with a malignant tumor as well as the recipients who have received an organ from these donors. RESULTS: We found 117 donors with a malignant tumor (5.8 per 1000 donors). One hundred fifty-five recipients were transplanted with an organ from these donors. The average age (SD) of donors with tumor was 53 (17) years. The most frequent cause of death was cerebral stroke in 81 donors. Donors with tumor are older than donors without tumor. The cause of death was cerebral stroke more frequently in donors with tumor than donors without tumor. Twenty-two of the recipients who received an organ from a donor with a tumor are dead. In 7 of these 22 recipients the death was cancer-related. Only 13 of the 100 recipients studied developed a malignant tumor, and only 10 of these tumors were donor-related. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of a donor who could have a tumor was most frequently an elderly person who had died of a cerebral stroke. In our experience, the risk of tumor transmission from donors to recipients is low and depends on the aggressiveness of the donor tumor.

Donantes de órganos en España: evolución de las tasas de donación por comunidades autónomas y factores determinantes / Organ donors in Spain: evolution of donation rates per regions and determinant factors

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: El propósito del estudio ha sido analizar la evolución de las tasas de donaciónen las diferentes comunidades autónomas durante los últimos años y describir los factores con un mayor peso específico en relación con el número de donantes.MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se ha realizado un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, con datos de donacióny población general, población en individuos de 70 años o más, siniestralidad vial, número de entrevistas para la donación y porcentaje de respuestas negativas, en las diferentes comunidades autónomas entre 2001 y 2006. También se analizó la correlación entre los factores estudiados estratificando por año. Para evaluar la evolución temporal se realizó un análisis de regresiónlineal para medidas repetidas.RESULTADOS: El número de habitantes, la población de 70 años o más y el número de víctimas mortales por accidente de tráfico se correlacionaron con el número de donantes general, de ese grupo de edad y fallecidos por esa causa, respectivamente. Estas relaciones no se cumplieron en todas las comunidades autónomas. El porcentaje de negativas no guardó relación con el númerode entrevistas realizadas, si bien su disminución se relacionó con un aumento de la tasa de donantes. Aunque de forma no tan constante, el aumento del porcentaje de donantes de 70 años o más y la disminución del de fallecidos por accidentes de tráfico se relacionaron con mayores tasas de donantes.CONCLUSIONES: La evolución del número de donantes sigue el crecimiento de la población y el descenso del porcentaje de negativas, si bien se explica de forma diferente según la comunidad autónoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Analysis of the evolution of the donation rates in different Spanishregions within the last years. Description of the factors with more specific weight related to thenumber of donors.MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective descriptive study, including numbers about donation, population,population aged 70 or more, traffic mortality, interviews for donation and refusals, accordingto the region between 2001 and 2006. Besides the descriptive analysis, correlation between factors was studied stratifying by year. To evaluate time evolution, a general linear regression model of repeated measures was performed.RESULTS: Inhabitants number, population over 70 years and traffic victims correlated with the general number of donors, donors of these age group and donors deceased in traffic accidents, respectively. These relationships do not apply to every region. Refusals percentage to donation was not related to the number of interviews performed and its decrease was related to higherdonation rates. Even though not so constantly, higher percentages of donors aged 70 and lowertraffic death ones were related to higher donation rates.CONCLUSIONS: Evolution in the number of donors follows the population growth and the decrease of refusals to donation, even though there are different explanations according to the region

[Prognosis of heart transplant candidates stabilized on medical therapy]. / Pronóstico de una población inicialmente candidata a trasplante cardíaco controlada con tratamiento médico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: A significant percentage of patients selected as candidates for heart transplantation can be stabilized by medical treatment, thereby enabling indefinite postponement of inclusion on the operation list. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied retrospectively 118 patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < or = 35%) who were consecutively evaluated for cardiac transplantation but who did not undergo transplantation because they became clinically stable on medical treatment. The mean follow-up period was 2.14 (2.19) years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk analyses of factors predicting survival were performed. RESULTS: There were 18 deaths (15.2%): 12 were sudden (66.7%), 5 were due to heart failure (27.8%), and 1, to a non-cardiac cause (5.5%). The survival rate was 88% in the first year and 82% in the following 2 years. Univariate analysis showed that the parameters associated with mortality (P< or =.05) were pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressures, diuretic treatment, and the absence of beta-blocker therapy. In the multivariate analysis, only the absence of beta-blocker therapy remained statistically significant (P=.003; RR = 0.13; 95%CI, 0.03-0.50). CONCLUSIONS: In a population of patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction who were candidates for heart transplantation but who were stabilized by medical therapy, mortality during the first year of follow-up was 12%. Beta-blocker therapy was the only variable associated with better survival.

Pronóstico de una población inicialmente candidata a trasplante cardíaco controlada con tratamiento médico / Prognosis of heart transplant candidates stabilized on medical therapy

Introducción y objetivos. Un porcentaje importante de los pacientes evaluados como posibles candidatos a trasplante cardíaco logra, con tratamiento médico, una estabilización que permite posponer indefinidamente su entrada en lista. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el pronóstico de estos pacientes. Pacientes y método. Estudio retrospectivo de 118 pacientes con disfunción sistólica severa de ventrículo izquierdo (fracción de eyección ≤ 35%), consecutivamente enviados para valoración de trasplante cardíaco, no trasplantados por estabilización clínica con tratamiento médico. El seguimiento medio fue de 2,14 ± 2,19 años. Se elaboraron las curvas de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier, se realizó un análisis univariable y se ajustó un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox para analizar los factores predictivos de supervivencia. Resultados. Murieron 18 pacientes (15,2%), 12 (66,7%) por muerte súbita, 5 (27,8%) por insuficiencia cardíaca y 1 (5,5%) por causa no cardíaca. La probabilidad de supervivencia el primer año fue de 0,88, y la de los 2 siguientes de 0,82. En el análisis univariable, las variables asociadas con la mortalidad (p ≤ 0,05) fueron el valor de las presiones arterial pulmonar y capilar pulmonar, el tratamiento diurético y la ausencia de tratamiento con bloqueadores beta; esta última fue la única variable que mantuvo la significación en el análisis multivariable (p = 0,003; riesgo relativo, 0,13; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,03-0,50). Conclusiones. En una población de pacientes con disfunción sistólica severa del ventrículo izquierdo, candidatos a trasplante cardíaco pero estabilizados con tratamiento médico, la mortalidad el primer año de seguimiento fue del 12%. El tratamiento con bloqueadores beta fue la única variable asociada con una mayor supervivencia

Introduction and objectives. A significant percentage of patients selected as candidates for heart transplantation can be stabilized by medical treatment, thereby enabling indefinite postponement of inclusion on the operation list. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of these patients. Patients and method. We studied retrospectively 118 patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤35%) who were consecutively evaluated for cardiac transplantation but who did not undergo transplantation because they became clinically stable on medical treatment. The mean follow-up period was 2.14 (2.19) years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk analyses of factors predicting survival were performed. Results. There were 18 deaths (15.2%): 12 were sudden (66.7%), 5 were due to heart failure (27.8%), and 1, to a non-cardiac cause (5.5%). The survival rate was 88% in the first year and 82% in the following 2 years. Univariate analysis showed that the parameters associated with mortality (P≤.05) were pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressures, diuretic treatment, and the absence of beta-blocker therapy. In the multivariate analysis, only the absence of beta-blocker therapy remained statistically significant (P=.003; RR = 0.13; 95%CI, 0.03-0.50).Conclusions. In a population of patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction who were candidates for heart transplantation but who were stabilized by medical therapy, mortality during the first year of follow-up was 12%. Beta-blocker therapy was the only variable associated with better survival

Documento de consenso GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, SPNS y ONT sobre trasplante de órgano sólido en pacientes infectados por el VIH en España (marzo 2005) / Consensus document from GESIDA/GESITRA-SIMC, SPNS and ONT on solid organ transplantation in patients with HIV infection in Spain (March 2005)

El trasplante de órgano sólido puede ser la única alternativa terapéutica en ciertos pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). La experiencia acumulada en América del Norte y Europa en los últimos 5 años indica que la supervivencia a los 3 años del trasplante de órgano sólido es similar a la de los pacientes no infectados por el VIH. Los criterios consensuados para seleccionar a los pacientes infectados por el VIH con indicación de trasplante son: no haber tenido infecciones oportunistas (a excepción de la tuberculosis, candidiasis esofágica o neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci ­antes carinii­), tener una cifra de linfocitos CD4 > 200 cél./μl (100 cél./μl en el caso del trasplante hepático) y una carga viral del VIH indetectable o suprimible con tratamiento antirretroviral. También se exige una abstinencia a la heroína y cocaína de 2 años de duración, pudiendo estar el paciente en programa de metadona. Los principales problemas del período postrasplante son las interacciones farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas entre los antirretrovirales y los inmunosupresores, el rechazo y la posibilidad de que la recidiva de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), que es una de las principales causas de mortalidad postrasplante hepático, siga una evolución peor. La experiencia del tratamiento con interferón pegilado y ribavirina es escasa en esta población hasta el momento actual (AU)

Solid organ transplantation may be the only therapeutic option for some human inmunodeficience virus (HIV)-infected patients. Experience in North America and Europe over the last five years has shown that three-year survival of these patients following organ transplantation is similar to that of HIV-negative patients. The consensus criteria for the selection of HIV patients for transplantation include the following: no opportunistic infections (except tuberculosis, esophageal candidiasis or Pneumocystis jiroveci ­ previously carinii ­ pneumonia), CD4 lymphocyte count above 200 cells/μl (100 cells/μl in the case of liver transplantation) and HIV viral load that is undetectable or suppressible with antiretroviral therapy. Also required is a two-year abstinence from heroin and cocaine, although the patient may be in a methadone program. The main problems in the post-transplantation period in these patients are pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between antiretorivirals and immunosuppressors, rejection, and the fact that the risk of relapsed HCV infection is exacerbated, and this is one of the main causes of post-liver transplantation (..) (AU)

[GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, PNS and ONT consensus document on solid organ transplant (SOT) in HIV-infected patients in Spain (March, 2005)]. / Documento de consenso GESIDA/GESITRA-SEIMC, SPNS y ONT sobre trasplante de órgano sólido en pacientes infectados por el VIH en España (marzo 2005).

Solid organ transplant may be the only therapeutic alternative in some HIV-infected patients. Experience in North America and Europe during the last five years shows that survival at three years after an organ transplant is similar to that observed in HIV-negative patients. The criteria agreed upon to select HIV patients for transplant are: no opportunistic infections (except tuberculosis, oesophageal candidiasis or P. jiroveci -previously carinii- pneumonia), CD4 lymphocyte count above 200 cells/.L (100 cells/.L in the case of liver transplant) and an HIV viral load which is undetectable or suppressible with antiretroviral therapy. Another criterion is a two-year abstinence from heroin and cocaine, although the patient may be in a methadone programme. The main problems in the post-transplant period are pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between antiretorivirals and immunosuppressors, rejection and the management of relapse of HCV infection, which is one of the main causes of post-liver transplant mortality. Up to now, experience with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is scarce in this population. The English version of the manuscript is available at http://www.gesidaseimc.com.

Donor characteristics associated with liver graft survival.

BACKGROUND: Organ availability is affecting the development of liver transplantation in its entirety, leading to transplant teams expanding the criteria for accepting organ donors. In these circumstances, analysis of the impact of the donor's characteristics on graft survival becomes mandatory. METHODS: Fifty-two donor variables from 5,150 liver transplants performed in Spain between 1994 and 2001 were analyzed through a univariate analysis. Those with statistically significant impact on graft survival were entered in a Cox regression model with the recipients' characteristics and other factors linked to the graft technique. RESULTS: Several donor factors negatively affect graft survival: donor age, cause of death, body mass index, vasoactive drug administration, prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, increased alkaline phosphatase and liver enzyme levels, low bicarbonate level, and antecedents of hypertension. However, only four can be mentioned as representing a risk for losing the graft when donor variables are controlled with recipient or technique variables in a Cox regression model: donor age, antecedents of hypertension, prolonged ICU stay, and low bicarbonate level. In the same analysis, norepinephrine administration has a relative risk less than 1. CONCLUSIONS: The multivariate analysis of the impact of 52 donor characteristics on liver graft survival showed the negative effect of an elderly donor, with hypertension combined with the presence of metabolic acidosis, or a prolonged ICU donor stay. The administration of norepinephrine alone during donor management showed a protective effect.

Estimation of the length of nasotracheal tube to be introduced in children.

The formula 10.5 + (weight[kg]/2) showed a predictive capacity of 0.8939 to estimate the length (cm) of endotracheal tube to be introduced through the nasal route in 99 children between newborn and 4 years old. In a validation study, the formula maintained a high level of concordance with the true values: 0.9370.