Effect of preoperative skeletal muscle area and prognostic nutritional index values on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with gastric cancer: a single-center retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) value and skeletal muscle area (SMA) on short-term outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients underwent gastrectomy due to gastric cancer between January 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into groups according to the determined PNI and SMA cutoff values. Clinicopathological features and short-term results were compared. RESULTS: Overall morbidity was 29% (n = 31) in patients who underwent gastrectomy. Preoperative PNI value was ranged from 24.5 to 61.5 (median, 49.5). Preoperative SMA values were ranged respectively from 55.7 to 142 (median, 98.9) in women and 77.5 to 203.3 (median, 129.3) in men. It was observed that the risk of postoperative complications increased in patients with low PNI (OR 0.270, p = .003). The average postoperative length of hospital stay was 12.1 days. The longer postoperative hospital stay was seen in lower PNI group (PNI ≤ 48, 15.1 days vs. PNI> 48, 10 days; p = .033). Clavien-Dindo classification was high in patients with low PNI and sarcopenia (PNI ≤ 48, p = .004 and Sarcopenia, p = .006). Likewise, mortality was significantly increased in patients with low PNI and sarcopenia (PNI ≤ 48, 20% vs. PNI > 48, 0%; p < .001 and Sarcopenia, 13.7% vs. Nonsarcopenia, 3.6%; OR 0.233, p = .053). CONCLUSIONS: As a result, preoperative SMA and PNI values were found closely related to the postoperative hospital stay, morbidity and mortality results of patients with gastric cancer. Preoperative nutritional support may help to overcome longer hospital stay, higher mortality and morbidity rates in patients with gastric cancer.

Evaluation of renal transplantation recipients those who do not use steroid with panel reactive antibody and donor specific antibody / Evaluación de receptores de trasplante renal que no usan esteroides con panel de anticuerpos reactivos y anticuerpos específicos del donante

ABSTRACT Background: Steroids are the mainstream drugs of immu- nosuppressive regimen in renal transplantation. They are successfully used on induction, maintenance and rejection treatment. Due to complications caused by steroids, treatments are switched to immunosuppressive agents. Graft dysfunction risk caused by reduced total immunosuppression disturbs clinicians very often. We documented the differences among patients by means of clinical presentation and PRA/DSA levels between patients who are using steroids and patients that were prescribed for steroid-free regimen. Methods: 82 individuals who did not use steroid and 52 patients on steroid treatment were included with similar rates of age, sex, primary renal disease, dialysis type, posttransplant follow-up duration and donor type. Pre and posttransplant PRA, DSA levels, posttransplant and current graft function and comorbidities were evaluated. Results: Individuals who do not use steroids were found to have a lower posttransplant creatinine level and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared to steroid users. Posttransplant and current spot urinary protein/creatinine rates were also lower in the steroid-free group. However DM, BKVN and induction therapy rates were higher in the steroid-free group. PRA and DSA levels were similar in both groups. On the other hand, posttransplant PRA-I levels were significantly higher in those with less steroid use time. Conclusions: Although steroid free regimens usually worry the clinicians, they can be preferred in patients with low immunological risk for rejection to avoid its side effects such as uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, musculoskeletal problems and cataracts.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Los esteroides son los principales fármacos del régimen inmunosupresor en el trasplante renal. Se utilizan con éxito en tratamientos de inducción, mantenimiento y rechazo. Debido a las complicaciones causadas por los esteroides, los tratamientos se cambian a agentes inmunosupresores. El riesgo de disfunción del injerto causado por la reducción de la inmunosupresión total perturba a los médicos con mucha frecuencia. Documentamos la diferencia entre los pacientes por medio de la presentación clínica y los niveles de PRA/DSA en aquellos que utilizan esteroides y a los que se les prescribió un regimen sin esteroides. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron 82 individuos que no usaban esteroides y 52 pacientes en tratamiento con esteroides con tasas similares de edad, sexo, enfermedad renal primaria, tipo de diálisis, duración del seguimiento postrasplante y tipo de donante. Se evaluaron la ARP pre y postrasplante, los niveles de DSA, la función y comorbilidades postrasplante y actual del injerto. Resultados: Se encontró que las personas que no usan esteroides tienen un nivel de creatinina postrasplante y una tasa de filtración glomerular (TFG) más bajas en comparación con los usuarios de esteroides. Las tasas de proteína/creatinina urinarias postrasplante y puntuales actuales también fueron más bajas en el grupo sin esteroides. Sin embargo, las tasas de DM, BKVN y terapia de inducción fueron más altas en el grupo sin esteroides. Los niveles de PRA y DSA fueron similares en ambos grupos. Por otro lado, los niveles de PRA-I postrasplante fueron significativamente más altos en aquellos con menos tiempo de uso de esteroides. Conclusiones: Aunque los regimenes libres de esteroides suelen preocupar a los clínicos, pueden ser preferidos en pacientes con bajo riesgo inmunológico de rechazo para evitar sus efectos secundarios, como diabetes no controlada, obesidad, problemas musculoesqueléticos y cataratas.

Immunological Results of Long-Term Use of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Inhibitors and Its Effects on Renal Graft Functions.

BACKGROUND Calcineurin inhibitor drugs (CNI), which are the basis of immunosuppression in kidney transplantation, contribute to renal graft loss, with increased morbidity and mortality due to their potentially harmful effects on the renal graft, cardiovascular system, and tumor pathology. For this reason, the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) such as sirolimus (SRL) and everolimus (EVE) has been preferred more frequently, as they are associated with fewer complications and longer graft function. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 89 adult renal transplant patients (37 patients on mTORi and 52 on CNI) who had similar age, sex, primary renal disease, dialysis type, post-transplant follow-up period, and donor type. We analyzed and compared the data between patients using mTORi for longer than 5 years and those using CNI regarding pre- and post-transplant panel reactive antibody (PRA), and donor-specific antibody (DSA), as well as post-transplantation and current graft functions. RESULTS Although those using mTORi for more than 5 years had significantly higher mismatch rates (P=0.024) than those using CNI, there was no significant change in PRA and DSA levels. Transplant time was longer in mTORi users (P=0.025). The switch time to mTORi in patients ranged from 0 to 19 years, but the average was 4 years. As expected, actual spot urine protein/creatinine was significantly higher in those using mTORi (P=0.009). Diabetes mellitus (DM) and BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) rates were significantly higher due to switching the regimen from CNI to mTORi. CONCLUSIONS Long-term use of mTORi does not appear to be an immunological problem.

A Management of Ureteral Obstruction After Lichtenstein Tension-Free Hernia Repair in a Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The number of renal transplants has been increasing in recent years. Recent literature data show that abdominal operations performed on patients who undergo renal transplant have higher morbidity and mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old man who had received a renal transplant from a living donor 19 years ago underwent Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair. Anuria was observed after the operation. Renal ultrasound demonstrated massive hydronephrosis and an elevated serum creatinine level (4.6 mg/dL). It was thought that the ureter may have been obstructed because of the operation, and, with the patient under local anesthesia, all sutures and polypropylene mesh were removed. Urine output was still not present, so a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter was inserted to normalize renal function. The patient underwent reoperation under general anesthesia 45 hours after the first operation. It was observed that the ureter was ligated during high ligation. The ureter was released, and no additional intervention was performed. The patient was discharged 6 days later with a return to basal creatinine level and a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter. The patient was hospitalized twice for severe urinary tract infection and urosepsis within 3 months and received appropriate treatment. The patient has had an uneventful postoperative course for 18 months. DISCUSSION: Inguinal hernia repair is seen as a safe surgical procedure, but the risk of emerging urological complications is higher in patients with renal transplant. Imaging before surgery to identify the anatomy of the kidney and ureter may be useful. Delicate dissection of the extraperitoneal area during the operation will reduce surgical complications.

Corticosteroid associated lupus pancreatitis.

The relationship between acute pancreatitis and the administration of glucocorticoids is unclear because most reported cases have been diagnosed with systemic vascular diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which may be responsible for pancreatitis. A 22-year-old woman with eye involvement of a newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus was admitted to our hospital. Pulse intravenous methylprednisolone therapy was given at 1mg/kg day for 3 days, and oral prednisolone at 40 mg/day thereafter. During pulse steroid therapy, she had abdominal pain, back pain, distention, nausea, and vomiting. Her physical examination was compatible with acute abdomen and peritonitis. Abdomen Computerized Tomography scan revealed diffuse liquid perihepatic and perisplenic area with heterogeneity around the mesentery. Due to the symptoms of acute abdomen, explorative laparotomy was performed. There was diffuse free fluid in the abdomen and edematous changes were observed around the pancreas. Amylase and lipase from intraabdominal fluid were studied and found to be high. The postoperative prednol dose was reduced carefully. On the sixth postoperative day, the drain was removed, and the patient was discharged without any problem. Physicians should keep in mind that acute pancreatitis may also be a cause of differential diagnosis of newly developed abdominal pain in patients receiving pulse steroid therapy with a normal level of serum amylase and lipase.

Corticosteroid associated lupus pancreatitis

SUMMARY The relationship between acute pancreatitis and the administration of glucocorticoids is unclear because most reported cases have been diagnosed with systemic vascular diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, which may be responsible for pancreatitis. A 22-year-old woman with eye involvement of a newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus was admitted to our hospital. Pulse intravenous methylprednisolone therapy was given at 1mg/kg day for 3 days, and oral prednisolone at 40 mg/day thereafter. During pulse steroid therapy, she had abdominal pain, back pain, distention, nausea, and vomiting. Her physical examination was compatible with acute abdomen and peritonitis. Abdomen Computerized Tomography scan revealed diffuse liquid perihepatic and perisplenic area with heterogeneity around the mesentery. Due to the symptoms of acute abdomen, explorative laparotomy was performed. There was diffuse free fluid in the abdomen and edematous changes were observed around the pancreas. Amylase and lipase from intraabdominal fluid were studied and found to be high. The postoperative prednol dose was reduced carefully. On the sixth postoperative day, the drain was removed, and the patient was discharged without any problem. Physicians should keep in mind that acute pancreatitis may also be a cause of differential diagnosis of newly developed abdominal pain in patients receiving pulse steroid therapy with a normal level of serum amylase and lipase.

RESUMO A relação entre pancreatite aguda e a administração de glicocorticoides é incerta pois a maioria dos casos relatados foram diagnosticados com doenças vasculares sistêmicas, como lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, que pode causar pancreatite. Uma paciente de 22 anos com envolvimento ocular e lúpus eritematoso sistêmico recém-diagnosticado foi admitida em nosso hospital. Pulsoterapia intravenosa com metilprednisolona 1mg/kg foi administrada por 3 dias. Depois disso, a paciente foi tratada com prednisolona oral 40 mg/dia. Durante a pulsoterapia com corticoides, a paciente apresentava dor abdominal, dor nas costas, distensão, náusea e vômitos. O exame físico era compatível com quadro de abdome agudo e peritonite. Tomografia computadorizada do abdome revelou líquido difuso na região perihepática e periesplênica, com heterogeneidade ao redor do mesentério. Devido aos sintomas de abdome agudo, foi realizada laparotomia exploradora. Havia líquido livre difuso no abdome e alterações edematosas foram observadas em torno do pâncreas. A amilase e lipase do líquido intra-abdominal foram analisadas e consideradas elevadas. A dose pós-operatória de prednol foi reduzida com cuidado. No sexto dia de pós-operatório, o dreno foi retirado, e a paciente recebeu alta sem qualquer problema. Médicos devem lembrar que a pancreatite aguda também pode ser uma causa de diagnóstico diferencial para dor abdominal recém-desenvolvida em pacientes recebendo pulsoterapia com corticoides e com níveis normais de amilase e lipase séricas.

Outcome of Children With Intestinal Failure Due to Waardenburg Syndrome From an Intestinal Transplant Center: A Case Series.

Waardenburg syndrome is a genetic disease characterized by hearing loss and pigmentation abnormalities. Waardenburg syndrome type 4 is very rare, and children with Waardenburg syndrome type 4 present with intestinal aganglionosis. The associated findings and severity of Waardenburg syndrome type 4 may also differ significantly between cases. Intestinal insufficiency is probable and creates difficulties in terms of treatment; intestinal transplant may be required. In this case report, we present 4 cases of patients with Waardenburg syndrome who have intestinal issues, 2 of whom underwent small bowel transplant. Appropriate surgical and nutritional management should be provided for patients with Waardenburg syndrome type 4 who have gastrointestinal manifestations.

Symptomatic cholelithiasis may be the first sign of sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic noncaseating granulomatous disease that rarely affects the gastrointestinal system. The initial diagnosis of sarcoidosis with gallbladder/gallbladder-associated lymph node involvement is a very rare condition in the literature. Herein, we aimed to report a case of newly diagnosed sarcoidosis with lymph node involvement associated with the gallbladder.

Symptomatic cholelithiasis may be the first sign of sarcoidosis

SUMMARY Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic noncaseating granulomatous disease that rarely affects the gastrointestinal system. The initial diagnosis of sarcoidosis with gallbladder/gallbladder-associated lymph node involvement is a very rare condition in the literature. Herein, we aimed to report a case of newly diagnosed sarcoidosis with lymph node involvement associated with the gallbladder.

RESUMO A sarcoidose é uma doença granulomatosa multissistêmica não-caseosa que raramente afeta o sistema gastrointestinal. O diagnóstico inicial de sarcoidose com envolvimento de linfonodo da vesícula biliar ou associado à vesícula biliar é muito raro na literatura. Aqui, o nosso objetivo foi relatar um caso de sarcoidose recém-diagnosticado com envolvimento de linfonodos associados à vesícula biliar.

Ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome in a kidney recipient: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION Zinner's Syndrome is a triad of mesonephric duct anomalies comprising unilateral renal agenesis, seminal vesicle cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. In this study, we present a kidney recipient with ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome and a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION A 59-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease and left renal agenesis underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation. After securing optimal renal functions, the patient underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan for the seroma that occurred under the incision. The final diagnosis was an ectopic distal ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst's wall and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient was discharged without any complications and the clinical follow up was uneventful. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Congenital seminal vesicle disorders are usually associated with ipsilateral urinary duct anomalies stemming from the same embryonic structure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes kidney transplantation in a patient with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst. In patients with renal agenesis, during the ipsilateral urinary tract anastomosis, the possibility of ectopic ureter should be kept in mind otherwise graft loss can occur with a high morbidity rate.

Ectopic ureter associated with Zinners syndrome in a kidney recipient: case report and literature review

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Zinner's Syndrome is a triad of mesonephric duct anomalies comprising unilateral renal agenesis, seminal vesicle cyst, and ejaculatory duct obstruction. In this study, we present a kidney recipient with ectopic ureter associated with Zinner's syndrome and a literature review. CASE PRESENTATION A 59-year-old male with a history of chronic kidney disease and left renal agenesis underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation. After securing optimal renal functions, the patient underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan for the seroma that occurred under the incision. The final diagnosis was an ectopic distal ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst's wall and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The patient was discharged without any complications and the clinical follow up was uneventful. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Congenital seminal vesicle disorders are usually associated with ipsilateral urinary duct anomalies stemming from the same embryonic structure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes kidney transplantation in a patient with ipsilateral renal agenesis and ectopic ureter ending in the seminal vesicle cyst. In patients with renal agenesis, during the ipsilateral urinary tract anastomosis, the possibility of ectopic ureter should be kept in mind otherwise graft loss can occur with a high morbidity rate.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO A Síndrome de Zinner é uma tríade de anomalias do ducto mesonéfrico que compreende agenesia renal unilateral, cisto da vesícula seminal e obstrução do ducto ejaculatório. Neste estudo, apresentamos um receptor de rim com ureter ectópico associado à Síndrome de Zinner e revisão da literatura. APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO Homem de 59 anos com história de doença renal crônica e agenesia renal esquerda foi submetido a transplante de rim de doador falecido. Após função renal ideal, foi realizada tomografia computadorizada do abdome (TC) devido ao seroma sob incisão. O diagnóstico final foi um ureter distal ectópico que termina na parede do cisto da vesícula seminal e agenesia renal ipsilateral. O paciente recebeu alta sem complicações e o acompanhamento clínico ocorreu sem intercorrências. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÃO Os distúrbios congênitos da vesícula seminal geralmente estão associados às anomalias do ducto urinário ipsilateral devido a uma mesma estrutura embrionária. Até onde sabemos, é o primeiro relato de caso que descreve o transplante renal em um paciente com agenesia renal ipsilateral e ureter ectópico terminado no cisto da vesícula seminal. Em pacientes com agenesia renal, durante a anastomose do trato urinário ipsilateral, deve-se ter em mente a possibilidade do ureter ectópico, caso contrário, poderá ocorrer perda do enxerto com alta taxa de morbidade.

Impact of Subclinical Rejection on Kidney Graft Function.

BACKGROUND: In kidney transplant recipients with borderline infiltration, protocol biopsy results demonstrated the relationship with chronic injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of subclinical rejection (SCR) on 6-month protocol biopsy results in long-term renal function in renal transplant recipients with stable graft function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transplant protocol biopsies performed in 45 patients with stable renal function were included in this study at 6 months. Biopsy specimens were evaluated for SCR. Study groups were divided into patients with and without SCR. Renal functions were compared with pathologic evaluation. The effect of immunosuppressive regimens on renal function were evaluated in patients with SCR RESULT: The median age of patients was 32 years (range, 18-64 years). The median follow-up was 56 months (range, 24-84 months). According to the 6-month protocol biopsy results, 20 of 45 patients (44.4%) met SCR criteria based on Banff 07 parameters. There was not a statistically significant difference in renal function with SCR. CONCLUSION: The presence of SCR on the 6-month protocol biopsy results in renal transplant recipients with a stable graft function does not cause deterioration in the long-term graft function.

Assessment and outcome of pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction: A tertiary-care-center experience from Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO) is a severe disorder of gut motility. In this rare and difficult-to-manage disease, complex treatment method, such as intestinal transplantation, is sometimes needed. This study evaluated the management and follow-up results of patients with PIPO who received treatment at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cases of 13 patients with PIPO were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical features, etiologies, pharmacological and surgical treatments, nutritional support, anthropometric findings, small bowel transplantation (SBT), and survival rates were assessed. RESULTS: Two of the patients were diagnosed at 1 and 5 years of age, while other patients were diagnosed during neonatal period. The etiological cause could not be identified for 5 patients. Pharmacological treatment response was observed in 38.4% of patients. Post-pyloric feeding was applied in 4 patients, but no response was observed. Gastrostomy decreased the clinical symptoms in 3 patients during the abdominal distension period. Total oral nutrition was achieved in 38.4% of the total-parenteral-nutrition (TPN)-dependent patients. It was observed that anthropometric findings improved in patients with total oral nutrition. Liver cirrhosis developed in 1 patient. Venous thrombosis developed in 4 patients. The SBT was performed on 3 patients. One of these patients has been followed up for the last 4 years. CONCLUSION: Pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare disease that can present with a wide range of clinical symptoms. While some patients require intestinal transplantation, supportive care may be sufficient in others. For this reason, patients with PIPO should be managed individually.

Outcomes of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer with intestinal metastasis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of advanced stage (stage IIIB-IVB) ovarian cancer (OC) patients with intestinal metastasis, and to investigate the factors that affect survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CS) for FIGO stage IIIB-IVB OC with metastasis in the intestinal system, at Tepecik Research and Treatment Hospital between 2008-2014, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with borderline ovarian tumor; those who had previously undergone radiation therapy and/or hysterectomy and patients having secondary or tertiary cytoreduction were excluded and 49 patients were included and analyzed in this study. Hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling, resection of bulky lymph nodes and omentectomy were performed. Optimal cytoreduction was accepted as that which left residual tumor ≤ one cm maximum size. RESULTS: The risk factors affecting OS interval were investigated according to Cox' regression analysis. Optimality of the primary CS (P = 0.008 and HR = 5.202) and cancer stage (P = 0.016 and HR = 6.083) were found to be statistically significant factors. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving optimal CS is the most important aim for the general surgeon carrying out an intestinal resection procedure. Although resection procedures are superior in providing the desired optimal results when compared to excision surgery, their higher complication rates and subsequent lower quality of life must be taken into consideration when choosing either resection or excision methods; surgical intervention should always be kept to the minimum possible.

Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers After Kidney Transplant: Our 15 Years of Experience With Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer after kidney transplant and the effects of immunosuppression reduction and switching to a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kidney transplant recipients were evaluated retrospectively from patient medical records (between January 2000 and December 2014). A 30% increase in serum creatinine was accepted as indicating renal failure progression. RESULTS: Of 18 patients included (mean follow-up 98 ± 66 mo), 7 (38.8%) had squamous cell carcinoma, 7 (38.8%) had Kaposi sarcoma, and 4 (22.2%) had basal cell carcinoma. At cancer diagnosis, average serum creatinine was 1.6 ± 0.7 mg/dL and proteinuria was 410 ± 766 mg/d. Immunosuppression regimen was changed in 15 patients (83.3%), with new regimen being a single-drug (only prednisolone) in 4 patients, double-drug in 6 patients, and triple-drug protocol in 8 patients. Eight patients were switched to a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based double (4 patients) or triple (4 patients) regimen. During follow-up after starting new treatment (average 46 ± 50 mo), 6 patients (33.3%) had progressive kidney failure (0 were receiving triple regimen). Those that progressed were using mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor-based drugs relatively less (33% vs 50%), although often receiving a single-drug immunosuppression treatment (50% vs 8.3%). Three patients (33.3%) had acute rejection (2 receiving double and 1 receiving single immunosuppression treatment). Five patients (27.7%) had local recurrence of the primary tumor. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor use was relatively less common in patients with tumor relapse (20% vs 46%). One patient died (heart failure), and 1 with chronic rejection returned to dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitorbased drugs could reduce local recurrence rate in kidney transplant recipients with nonmelanoma skin cancers. Aggressive reduction and/or cessation of immunosuppressive drugs after skin cancer can lead to graft rejection.

Pediatric small bowel transplantation: A single-center experience from Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small bowel transplantation (SBTx) is a treatment option for patients with serious parenteral nutrition-related problems in intestinal failure. Izmir Tepecik Training Research Hospital Organ Transplantation Center is still the only pediatric intestinal transplant center in Turkey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Patients' data were analyzed from the medical charts and the hospital digital database. Seven isolated SBTxs were performed in six children between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: One jejunal segment and six partial jejuno-ileal segments were used for seven transplants. All grafts were retrieved from deceased donors (one child and six adult donors). The six recipients had a mean age of 8.8±6.9 years (9 months to 17 years; M: 4, F: 2). The mean follow-up period of patients was 727±848 (34 to 1950) days. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) rates were 57% (n: 4) in the first 2 months. Graft loss due to severe ACR was seen in one patient. Central line-associated fungal (n: 3, 42%) and bacterial infections (n: 3, 42%) were seen in the first 2 months. Two Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections were recorded between 3 and 8 months in two patients. Our 1-year patient and graft survival rates were 71% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSION: SBTx has become a treatment modality for patients with intestinal failures. Management of ACR and infections are still challenging problems in SBTx. Appropriate-sized cadaveric donors are very limited in Turkey for pediatric intestinal transplantation candidates. Although the number of SBTxs performed was small, this study shows promising results.

Delayed Graft Function in Kidney Transplantation: Risk Factors and Impact on Early Graft Function.

CONTEXT: Although kidney transplantations are routinely performed at many centers in Turkey, the incidence and risk factors associated with delayed graft function (DGF) here have not yet been well defined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of DGF and its impact on early graft function. DESIGN: The medical charts of 154 adult patients who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2014 in a single center were reviewed retrospectively. SETTING: Delayed graft function-related risk factors for donors, recipients, and the transplant surgery itself were analyzed, and their relation with graft function was evaluated. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The median recipient age was 39 years. The median cold ischemia time (CIT) was 840 minutes (14 hours). The incidence of DGF and acute rejection were 57.8% and 8.4%, respectively. Higher serum creatinine levels at 3, 6, and 12 months were observed in patients with DGF compared to other patients without DGF (P < .05). Patients with DGF had poor graft function (glomerular filtration rate ≤ 50) at 3 and 6 months (P < .05), but these correlations were not seen at 12 months (P = not significant). RESULTS: This study showed that DGF was a common and serious problem associated with poor graft functions at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Extra effort to shorten CIT as an independent risk factor for DGF could have protective effect on graft functions.

Natural Killer-Like T-Cell Lymphoma Localized to the Terminal Ileum: Case Report.

Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes are non-organized lymphoid populations that are composed of heterogeneous subsets with diverse ontogeny and phenotypes, and the differential diagnosis is crucial. A 43-year-old male patient underwent an emergency laparotomy due to a perforated mass of the terminal ileum. A right hemicolectomy plus small bowel resection was performed. Histopathological examination showed medium to large cells with vesicular nuclei, including marked nucleoli with large, colorless cytoplasm. No signs of celiac disease were found in the adjacent mucosa. The tumor cells were immunohistochemically CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD56+, Pan-Cytokeratin-, CD20-, CD79a-, CD5- and CD30-. Endomysial antibody and antigliadin antibody, IgM and IgG tests; and anti-Ebstein Barr virus latent membrane protein all proved negative. Finally, the histopathological diagnosis of tumor mass was natural killer-like T-cell lymphoma. Primary intestinal cytotoxic natural killer-like T-cell lymphoma is a rare entity, which is difficult to distinguish from other T-cell lymphomas. In addition to microscopic evaluation, immunohistochemical analysis and serological tests are essential to reach a definitive diagnosis.