Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Elderly Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Owing to population ageing, a growing number of kidney transplants (KTs) in elderly population are being performed. KT is the best treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, in older patients, the decision between dialysis and KT can be difficult due to potential inferior outcomes. Few studies have been published addressing this issue, and literature outcomes are controversial. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to appraise the evidence about outcomes of KT in elderly patients (>70 yr). Evidence acquisition: A systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022337038) was performed. Search was conducted on PubMed and LILACS databases. Comparative and noncomparative studies addressing outcomes (overall survival [OS], graft survival [GS], complications, delayed graft function [DGF], primary nonfunction, graft loss, estimated glomerular filtrate rate, or acute rejection) of KT in people older than 70 yr were included. Evidence synthesis: Of the 10 357 yielded articles, 19 met the inclusion criteria (18 observational studies, one prospective multicentre study, and no randomised controlled trials), enrolling a total of 293 501 KT patients. Comparative studies reporting enough quantitative data for target outcomes were combined. There were significant inferior 5-yr OS (relative risk [RR], 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-2.35) and 5-yr GS in the elderly group (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.14-1.65) to those in the <70-yr group. Short-term GS at 1 and 3 yr was similar between groups, and similar findings occurred with DGF, graft loss, and acute rejection rates. Few data about postoperative complications were reported. Conclusions: Elderly recipients have worse OS at all time points and long-term GS compared with younger recipients (<70 yr). Postoperative complications were under-reported and could not be assessed. The DGF, acute rejection, death with functioning graft, and graft loss were not inferior in elderly recipients. Geriatric assessment in this setting might be useful for selecting better elderly candidates for KT. Patient summary: Compared with younger population, kidney transplant in elderly patients has inferior patient and graft survival outcomes in the long term.

Troubleshooting Complex Vascular Cases in the Kidney Graft: Multiple Vessels, Aneurysms, and Injuries During Harvesting Procedures.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: To update the most relevant literature regarding complex vascular cases in kidney transplant setting involving the graft, especially during the harvesting procedure and back-table preparation from the subsequent implant. RECENT FINDINGS: Challenging situations affecting the kidney graft such as multiple vessels, renal artery aneurysms, kidney anatomical anomalies, or major injuries do not contraindicate the transplant, but require an exhaustive graft viability assessment and several bench surgery techniques. Graft vessel conditioning in the back-table might include simple anastomosis between them, enlarging with venous patch or reconstruction with donor or synthetic grafts. Compared with conventional transplant, literature reports longer warm ischemia time (40 vs 32 min) and slightly increased rates of delayed graft function (10.3% vs 8.2%) and vascular complications (10.8% vs 8.1%), but similar graft and patient survival. Kidney graft vascular complex cases require exhaustive assessment, meticulous harvesting, good surgical technique in the bench table, and proper surgery in the recipient. Despite its complexity, vascular complex kidney transplant offers comparable outcomes in the long term to conventional population when technically well performed, with slightly increased rates of vascular complications and delayed graft function.

Troubleshooting Complex Vascular Cases in the Kidney Transplant Recipient: Vascular Anomalies, Challenging Vessel Diseases, and Procedural Disasters.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To update the most relevant literature regarding complex cases during kidney transplant setting that recipient presents by himself, especially during implantation surgery due to vascular diseases and/or urinary tract anomalies. RECENT FINDINGS: Increasing age of donors and recipients is leading to an increased complexity of kidney transplant implantation surgery. In addition, the high peripheral vascular disease prevalence worldwide increases difficulty of surgery and decreases long-term outcomes as well. Moreover, it also increases transplant morbidity and mortality, both overall and cardiovascular, and finally clearly decreases graft survival. However, dialysis alternative has even worse outcomes in terms of mortality, with a proportional risk of death 2.66 higher compared with transplanted patients. Aorto-iliac prosthesis and 3rd and 4th transplants in occupied iliac fossae do also represent a challenging situation with a clearly increased morbidity and mortality. In some of those particular conditions, orthotopic kidney transplant technique is an alternative with good functional and survival outcomes, but not exempt of complications. Kidney transplant in vascular complex recipients has worse outcomes compared with conventional non-risky population. It remains a challenging surgical and medical procedure with higher morbidity and mortality, and decreased graft survival. However, dialysis mortality is still even greater and a transplant attempt might be justified. Orthotopic kidney transplant technique might play a role in selected patients with aorto-iliac unworkable segments or even in patients with special urinary tract conditions.

Desarrollo de un programa formativo transversal e integral en competencias clínicas, de comunicación e investigación en el 6. o curso del Grado en Medicina / Development of a cross-cutting and comprehensive training program skills clinics, communication and research in the 6th course of the Degree in Medicine

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante el curso académico 2015-16 se implantó el 6.o curso del Grado de Medicina en la Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad de Alcalá. Comprende prácticas clínicas tuteladas y trabajo fin de grado/máster. La Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud quería que el programa formativo fuera integral e integrador centrado en la adquisición y potenciación de competencias clínicas, de comunicación e investigación, con una estructura de coordinación que permitiera una evaluación y detección continua de desviaciones, y por supuesto establecer una evaluación de los resultados a medio y largo plazo. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el programa formativo desarrollado. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se formó un equipo de docente y estudiantes para diseñar el curso, con un calendario de reuniones y un programa de acciones a llevar a cabo, siempre intentando que todas las decisiones fueran consensuadas, se tuvieran en cuenta los diferentes escenarios, con herramientas comunes didácticas y de evaluación, flexibles y adaptadas a los diferentes entornos. RESULTADOS: El curso tiene diversidad de entornos y actividades docentes. Las rotaciones integran al estudiante en los servicios y unidades asistenciales. Además, se realizan actividades innovadoras transversales en la Facultad. Se ha diseñado una estructura de coordinación del programa y para su valoración los instrumentos tanto de evaluación del estudiante como del programa son variados y complejos. Se han diseñado numerosas encuestas de opinión que reflejan una satisfacción muy elevada y los resultados académicos son excelentes. CONCLUSIONES: Se ha conseguido desarrollar un programa formativo integral e integrador, con una estructura de coordinación y unos instrumentos de evaluación adecuados. Los indicadores académicos y de opinión son muy positivos e indican que los objetivos de aprendizaje se cumplen con éxito. La coordinación es eficaz y homogeniza la docencia en entornos diferentes, facilitando la detección y subsanación de deficiencias

INTRODUCTION: During 2015-16 academic implanted the 6th course of medicine degree in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Universidad de Alcalá. Includes clinical practices and master's dissertation. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences wanted the training program to be integral and integrator focused on the acquisition and promotion of clinical skills, communication and research, with a coordination structure that would enable an assessment and continuous detection of deviations, and of course establish an assessment of results in the medium and long term. The objective of this work is to present the developed training programme. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A team of teachers and students was formed to design the course, with a calendar of meetings and a program of actions to be carried out, always trying to that all decisions were consensual, the different took into account scenarios, with common teaching tools and assessment, flexible and adapted to the different environments. RESULTS: The course has diversity of environments and teaching activities. Rotations integrated student services and healthcare units. In addition, are cross-cutting innovative activities at the Faculty. A coordination of the program structure is designed and for their evaluation, both of student assessment and program, instruments are varied and complex. Numerous opinion tests that reflect a very high satisfaction and academic results are excellent have been designed. CONCLUSIONS: We have managed to develop a training program comprehensive and inclusive, with a coordination structure and appropriate assessment tools. Academic and opinion indicators are very positive and indicate that the learning objectives are met with success. He has been established very effective coordination to homogenize the teaching in different environments, and facilitates the detection and correction of deficiencies

[Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in radical prostatectomy and pudendal nerve surgical releasing.] / Monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria en prostatectomía radical y liberación del nervio pudendo.

OBJECTIVE: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (INM) allows obtaining real-time information on the functional integrity of nervous system structures. The objective of this article is to present the role of clinical neurophysiology in Urology in the identification and preservation, on the one hand, of the prostate neurovascular bundles in radical prostatectomy (RP), and of the pudendal nerve in the release of this in Pudendal Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (PNS). METHODS: A bipolar laparoscopic probe was used for intraoperative stimulation for both the identification in PNS and neurovascular bundles in RP, obtaining response at the external anal sphincter in the first one; and intracavernous pressure in the second through needle electrodes. RESULTS: Preservation of the periprostatic neurovascular bundles allows to increase rates of sexual potency and urinary continence after surgery. However, it has been shown that the innervation of the corpora cavernosa and the urinary sphincter has a variable disposition. Intraoperative neurostimulation allows the most precise identification and dissection of the vascular and nervous structures that surround the prostate. In the diagnosis of PNS, the neurophysiological study allows to rule out pathology at other levels, such as, primary muscular pathology of the anal sphincter. There are no pathognomonic neurophysiological findings of PNS. In addition, it allows the identification of the nerve during the laparoscopic release of the nerve at the entrance of the Alcock channel, as well as the evaluation of its functional integrity after the end of the dissection. CONCLUSIONS: The INM is a fundamental tool to allow an improved identification of nerve structures during RP and PNS in order to preserve them. It also helps with the diagnosis of PNS.

OBJETIVO: La monitorización neurofisiológica intraoperatoria (MNI) permite obtener información en tiempo real sobre la integridad funcional de las estructuras del sistema nervioso. El objetivo de este trabajo exponer el papel de neurofisiología clínica en Urología en la identificación y preservación, por un lado, de los haces neurovasculares prostáticos en la prostatectomía radical (PR), y del nervio pudendo en la liberación de este en el Síndrome de Atrapamiento del Nervio Pudendo (SANP).MÉTODOS: Se empleó una sonda bipolar laparoscópica para la estimulación intraoperatoria tanto para la identificación en SANP como de haces neurovasculares en PR obteniéndose respuesta a nivel del esfínter anal en la primera y presión intracavernosa en la segunda por medio de electrodos de aguja. RESULTADOS: La presentación de los haces neurovasculares periprostáticos permite aumentar las tasas de potencia sexual y continencia urinaria. Si bien, posteriormente, se evidenció que la inervación de los cuerpos cavernosos y el esfínter urinario tiene disposición variable. La neuroestimulación intraoperatoria permite la identificación y disección más precisa de las estructuras vasculonerviosas que circundan la próstata. En el diagnóstico del SANP, el estudio neurofisiológico permite descartar patología a otros niveles, como por ejemplo patología primaria muscular del esfínter anal; así como, valorar las ramas del nervio pudendo. No existen hallazgos neurofisiológicos patognomónicos del SANP. Además, permite la identificación del nervio durante la liberación laparoscópica del nervio a la entrada del canal de Alcock, así como la evaluación de su integridad funcional tras finalizar la disección. CONCLUSIONES: La MNI es una herramienta fundamental para permitir una mejora en la identificación de estructuras nerviosas durante PR y SANP para poder preservarlas. Así mismo, ayuda con el diagnóstico de SANP.

Novel Mapping Method for the Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring of Sexual Function During Prostate Surgery.

PURPOSE: The occurrence of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction after surgical treatment for prostate cancer is a significant and lingering problem. The aim of this study is to revise and improve older techniques of intraoperative cavernous nerve mapping already in use to improve accuracy and reliability. METHODS: We prospectively studied this technique in 12 patients suffering from prostate cancer. Inhalation or intravenous anesthetic regimen was used with nondepolarizing muscle relaxants. Stimulation protocol was 30 Hz, 0.2 ms, 10 to 20 mA intensity and a maximum duration of 30 seconds. Recording was performed with a system for measuring pressure changes using a stainless steel needle electrode inside the cavernous bodies. Stimulation was systematically performed at three distinct moments during the surgery at various points. An increase or decrease in pressure of 4 cm of H20 in the cavernous bodies was considered a positive result and negative response when no changes occurred after 30 seconds of continuous stimulation. RESULTS: Of patients, 91.6% had positive responses to initial stimulation. The anesthetic regimen did not appear to significantly influence the responses in our series. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the results of this study, the stimulation of the cavernous nerves may be a viable technique in the right context, which includes good patient selection (young patients with a localized tumor and with preserved potency). The major limitation is that mapping techniques are useful to localize functional nerves, but not to monitor function in a continuous manner.

Kidney autotransplantation: long-term outcomes and complications. Experience in a tertiary hospital and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze indications, surgical technique, complications and long-term outcomes of kidney autotransplantation (KAT) after 26-year experience at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of patients who underwent KAT at our institution (January 1990-December 2016) was carried out. Data collected included indications, surgical technique, complications (Clavien-Dindo), hospital stay and long-term outcomes. Literature review was performed through MEDLINE and ClinicalKey databases including "kidney," "renal," "autotransplantation" and "autograft." RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent a KAT, with a mean age of 41 years (range 34-59). Indications were vascular abnormalities in 8 cases and ureteral injury in 7. Nephrectomy was performed through laparoscopy in 2 cases (13.3%) and open in 13 (86.7%). Vascular grafts to reperfuse the kidney were used in 8 patients, and ureteral reimplantation was performed in 11 cases. Mean hospital stay was 9.1 days (range 3-20). Seven patients (46.7%) developed postoperative complications: 6 minor (Clavien I-II) and 1 major (Clavien III). After a mean follow-up of 73.1 months (range 7-312), 80% of the patients have a functioning graft. Most common indication reported in the literature is ureteral stricture, especially in the most recent years. Graft survival is variable, and complications are frequent, but usually minor. CONCLUSIONS: KAT is an effective treatment for complex ureteral lesions and kidney vascular abnormalities, with good results in the long term. Surgical complications are frequent, but usually minor. As a challenging surgery, it should be performed by experienced kidney transplant surgeons. Complex and proximal ureteral injuries are nowadays the main indication of this procedure.

Renal Complex Cystic Masses: Usefulness of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) in Their Assessment and Its Agreement with Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Around 10 % of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are cystic, while some benign cysts have complex appearance in conventional diagnostic tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These renal complex cystic masses (RCCMs) are a challenging entity in urological practice and sometimes have a difficult management, requiring surgical removal. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a very sensitive test detecting microvascularization in real time, and it has been used in the diagnostic workup of these kinds of lesions. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic power of CEUS in the evaluation of RCCM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study between April 2011 and July 2014. A total of 66 patients with 67 RCCMs were enrolled (Bosniak 2-4). Twenty-four patients underwent surgical removal of the RCCM. All participants underwent CEUS (experimental) and CT (control). All CEUS procedures were performed by a single high-experienced observer (urologist). Benign lesions were defined as those Bosniak 2-2F, and malignant were Bosniak 3-4. Statistical analysis was made measuring consistency (kappa index and Landis-Koch scale) and validity (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) of the study. RESULTS: Median size of RCCM measured by CEUS and CT was 3.8 cm (interquartile range (AIQ) 3.2-4.6) and 3.9 cm (AIQ 3.2-4.5), respectively. Kappa index shows good agreement between both tests (0.71; 95 % CI 0.57-0.85), both overall and stratified by categories according to Bosniak classification. CEUS has a sensitivity 100 %, specificity 81.4 %, positive predictive value 70.4 %, and negative predictive value 100 %. A total of eight RCCMs were discordant, and seven of eight classified as malignant by CEUS and not by CT. Of those seven lesions classified as malignant by CEUS, six (six of seven, 85.7 %) were malignant in the pathological exam. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS is a very useful tool for assessing RCCM, with good results in terms of consistency and validity. It has a good diagnostic power, with a sensitivity of 100 % and a negative predictive value of 100 %. Its main limitations are the experience required, a special software, and being observer-dependent.

Surgical technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus: tips, tricks and oncological results.

Renal cell carcinoma represents 3 % of all cancers. Around 4-10 % of cases present with inferior vena cava involvement, generally with tumor thrombus. Clinical and preoperative stage will be classified depending of the thrombus extension. A high quality preoperative workup is essential to properly plan surgical approach. Complete surgical resection of the tumor is potentially the only curative treatment, although it supposes a real challenge due to operative difficulty, potential for massive bleeding or tumor pulmonary thromboembolism. Surgery includes techniques derived from transplantation surgery and, in some cases, cardiovascular intervention with cardiopulmonary bypass. Long-term oncological outcomes after complete removal of the entire tumor burden are acceptable. In this report we describe step-by-step surgical maneuvers depending on the thrombus lever, and focusing in complete abdominal approach for the complete excision of the tumor. Moreover, a recent literature review about oncological results is reported.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS): an excellent tool in the follow-up of small renal masses treated with cryoablation.

Strict imaging follow-up is mandatory after cryoablation of small renal masses (SRMs). Although it uses ionizing radiation and nephrotoxic iodinated contrast, computed tomography (CT) is still the gold standard test. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a novel technique that informs in real time about renal perfusion avoiding radiation and nephrotoxicity. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes between CEUS and CT in the follow-up of SRMs treated with cryoablation, as well as to assess degree of agreement between them. This is a prospective observational study (May 2012 to December 2013) comparing CEUS and CT in 16 patients with SRMs cryoablated. The on-going protocol of the study includes a CT and CEUS 3 months after treatment and then every 6 months during 5 years. Local relapse was defined as the presence of contrast enhancement in the mass. All the CEUS were performed by a single experienced observer (E.S.). Degree of agreement was measured with kappa index. CEUS detected contrast enhancement in three patients (3/16, 18.8%) and CT in two patients (2/16, 12.5%). Degree of agreement between CEUS and CT, according to Landis-Koch classification, was 0.76 (CI 0.33-1.19; p = 0.0165), which is excellent and higher than expected by random. Sensitivity of the test is 93.75% (15/16). Median time of follow-up after cryoablation is 22 months (15.5-36.5). CEUS has an excellent agreement with CT and a high sensitivity in the follow-up of SRMs treated with cryosurgery, demonstrating its usefulness. Due to these encouraging results, it could become a reference test in the near future for monitoring SRMs after ablative treatment.

Orthotopic kidney transplant: a valid surgical alternative for complex patients.

Kidney transplant is the best alternative of treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At present, a significant part of patients admitted to waiting list are older and have previous transplants or severe vascular atheromatosis. In these cases, orthotopic kidney transplant (OKT) could be an option. The aim of the study is to present our results with this technique in terms of surgical steps, complications, and outcomes. Between January 1977 and August 2014, 1549 kidney transplants were performed in our transplant unit. Nine of them were OKT and were performed according to principles described by Gil-Vernet. All data were reviewed retrospectively. Nine OKTs were performed in seven males and two females, with a mean age of 49.3 years (range 24-67). Donor mean age was 40.5 (18.5-62.5) and the follow-up mean time was of 91.8 months (8-226). Seven cases were first transplants and two were third transplants, all of them from deceased donors. Indication for the OKT was an unsuitable iliac region in six (66.6%) and abnormalities in the low urinary tract or urinary diversions in three (33.3%). Delayed graft function (DGF) was present in 22.2% (2/9). Three patients (33.3%) developed early surgical complications: one bleeding (Clavien IIIb), one arterial thrombosis (IIIb), and one pancreatic leak (IIIb). Two patients (25%) had late complications: one ureteral stricture (IIIb) and one reflux nephropathy (IIIa). Mean serum creatinine after OKT was 1.7, 1.5, and 1.8 mg/dl at 1 month, 1 year, and 5 years, respectively. Mean graft survival was 80.7 months (range 0-226). At present, three patients are alive with functioning graft, three patients died with functioning graft, two patients returned to dialysis many years after the transplant, and one lost the graft due to an arterial thrombosis in the early postoperative course. OKT is a valid option for patients with unsuitable iliac regions such as those with third transplants, severe atheromatosis, or vena cava thrombosis. It is also an option for those patients with urinary diversions. Functional results are good, although it is a technique not exempted from complications. Two thirds of the patients have a long-term survival of the graft, and a third of the patients die with functioning graft.

Lumbar bone mineral density in renal transplant patients on neoral and tacrolimus: a four-year prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was designed to investigate the long-term evolution of bone mineral density (BMD) in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: In 86 patients with functioning grafts, 65 on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression and 21 on cyclosporine-based immunosuppression, laboratory parameters and BMD measurements in lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck (FN) were performed by DEXA in the first month after transplantation (baseline) and yearly thereafter up to the fourth year. RESULTS: BMD did not change at 12 months in lumbar spine nor in the FN. Detailed analysis identified three patterns of BMD in lumbar spine at 12 months: BMD remained stable in 27 patients (31.4%), decreased >2% in 31 (36.0%) and increased >2% in 28 (32.6%). Patients with no change or gain presented a parallel increase of BMD in FN (P<0.001 in both groups). On multivariate analysis, the variables associated with no change or lumbar BMD loss were total prednisone dose in grams at 12 months (OR 1.402; 95% CI 1.038-1.893; P=0.028), calcitriol levels at 12 months (OR 0.936; 95% CI 0.892-0.982; P=0.007) and lumbar BMD at baseline (OR 1.006; 95% CI 1.002-1.010; P=0.002). Late treatment with calcium supplements and calcitriol did not improve osteopenia. CONCLUSIONS: One third of patients had bone loss mainly during the first year of follow-up. Bone loss was associated to higher baseline BMD, high steroid dose, and lower calcitriol levels at 1 year. Late administration of calcitriol and calcium supplements did not improve posttransplant osteopenia. More than 50% of patients were osteopenic 4 years after transplantation.

Trasplante renal en pacientes infectados por el VIH / Renal transplantation in patients with HIV infection

La prevalencia de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en pacientes en terapia renal sustitutiva (TRS) es muy variable, pero de forma global se estima que en Europa es del 1% y en Estados Unidos del 1,5%. La supervivencia de estos pacientes en TRS también ha mejorado notablemente con la introducción de tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA). La experiencia acumulada en la era del TARGA en trasplante renal en pacientes infectados por el VIH en Estados Unidos indica que la supervivencia a los 3 años es similar a la de los pacientes sin infección por el VIH, con un buen control virológico e inmunológico de la infección por el VIH bajo TARGA y sin presentar mayor número de infecciones oportunistas y/o tumores. Los criterios de selección de pacientes infectados por el VIH que han utilizado los diferentes grupos de trasplante han sido: ausencia de manifestaciones oportunistas previas, tener una cifra de linfocitos CD41 superior a 200 cél./μl y una carga viral del VIH suprimible con TARGA. En España, donde la mayoría de pacientes eran antiguos drogadictos, para el trasplante hepático se exigiría además una abstinencia de heroína y cocaína de 2 años de duración, y el paciente podía estar en el programa de metadona. Los principales problemas detectados en el período postrasplante son las interacciones farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas entre los antirretrovirales y los inmunosupresores, el manejo de la coinfección por el virus de la hepatitis C y la elevada tasa de rechazo. En España se han realizado hasta la fecha siete trasplantes renales, con buena evolución del paciente y del injerto y sin progresión de la infección por el VIH (AU)

The prevalence of human immunodeficience virus (HIV) infection among patients under renal replacement therapy varies, with estimates of 1% for Europe and 1.5% for the United States. Survival in HIV infected individuals receiving renal replacement therapy has improved since the introduction of high activity antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Current experience in renal transplantation in HIV-infected patients in the United States indicates that the three-year survival rate is similar to that of HIV-negative transplant recipients, with virological and immunological control of the infection by HAART and no increase in the number of opportunistic infections or tumors. The criteria for selecting renal transplantation candidates in this population are the following: no aids-defining events, CD4 cells > 200 cells/μl and undetectable viral load under HAART. In Spain, where most of these patients are former drug abusers, a two-year period of abstinence from cocaine and heroine abuse is also required, although patients can be participating in the methadone program. The main problems in the post-transplantation period have been interactions between HAART and immunosuppressive drugs, management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and the high rate of acute rejection. To date, seven such renal transplantations have been performed in Spain, with favorable patient and graft survival and no progression to aids (AU)

[Renal transplantation in patients with HIV infection]. / Trasplante renal en pacientes infectados por el VIH.

The prevalence of human immunodeficience virus (HIV) infection among patients under renal replacement therapy varies, with estimates of 1% for Europe and 1.5% for the United States. Survival in HIV infected individuals receiving renal replacement therapy has improved since the introduction of high activity antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Current experience in renal transplantation in HIV-infected patients in the United States indicates that the three-year survival rate is similar to that of HIV-negative transplant recipients, with virological and immunological control of the infection by HAART and no increase in the number of opportunistic infections or tumors. The criteria for selecting renal transplantation candidates in this population are the following: no aids-defining events, CD4 cells > 200 cells/.l and undetectable viral load under HAART. In Spain, where most of these patients are former drug abusers, a two-year period of abstinence from cocaine and heroine abuse is also required, although patients can be participating in the methadone program. The main problems in the post-transplantation period have been interactions between HAART and immunosuppressive drugs, management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and the high rate of acute rejection. To date, seven such renal transplantations have been performed in Spain, with favorable patient and graft survival and no progression to aids.

Clinical outcomes and C2 cyclosporin monitoring in maintenance renal transplant recipients: 1 year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporin A (CsA) concentration monitoring with 2 h post-dosing levels (C2) correlates with the incidence of rejection and graft outcome in de novo renal transplant patients. The advantages of this policy beyond the first 12 months remain a matter of debate. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the C2 target ranges on CsA monitoring after the first year in stable kidney transplant patients. METHODS: We studied 142 patients, 94 on CsA-steroids and 48 on triple therapy (CsA-azathioprin-steroids), transplanted for 104+/-42 months and with a serum creatinine of 1.53+/-0.52 mg/dl. C2 and C0 measurements were performed at baseline and at least twice more during the year of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean annual C2 blood levels in double therapy patients showed C2 in 23 (24.5%) of <600 ng/ml; in 53 (56.4%) of between 600 and 850 ng/ml; and in 18 patients (19.1%) of >850 ng/ml. In the triple therapy group, C2 in 12 (25%) was <500 ng/ml, in 24 (50%) between 500 and 700 ng/ml and in 12 patients (25%) >700 ng/ml. In both groups, higher C2 levels were associated with a better absorption of the drug measured by the ratio C2/C0 and C2/dose. There were no differences in incidence of infections, need for hospitalization and the presence of hypertension, hyperuricaemia, hypercholesterolaemia or diabetes between patients with low and high C2 blood levels. However, serum creatinine was higher in triple therapy patients with lower C0 levels (P = 0.004). In 135 patients (90 on double and 45 on triple therapy), renal function remained stable during follow-up and 120 of them (89%) had C2 values under the recommended ranges. CONCLUSIONS: C2 monitoring in maintenance patients enabled us to identify overexposure to CsA. Target levels of C2 should be adjusted according to the immunosuppressive regime. C2 levels between 600 and 800 ng/ml in double therapy patients and between 500 and 700 ng/ml in triple therapy patients are sufficient to give an adequate immunosuppression. The superiority of C2 with respect to C0 levels could not be demonstrated.