Soluble Complement Component 1q Receptor 1 (sCD93) Is Associated with Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Cluster of differentiation 93 (CD93), also known as complement component 1q receptor 1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in endothelial and hematopoietic cells and associated with phagocytosis, cell adhesion, angiogenesis and inflammation. The extracellular part, soluble CD93 (sCD93), is released to body fluids in inflammation. Data on sCD93 in kidney diseases are limited. Our aim was to evaluate serum sCD93 in long-term kidney transplant recipients as a marker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction that may be potentially useful in early recognition of graft dysfunction. Seventy-eight adult patients with functioning kidney graft and stable clinical state were examined at least one year after kidney transplantation. Serum sCD93 was measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria or proteinuria were assessed at baseline and over one-year follow-up. Increased sCD93 was associated with lower baseline eGFR independently of the confounders. Moreover, sCD93 was negatively associated with eGFR during one-year follow-up in simple analysis; however, this was not confirmed after adjustment for confounders. Baseline sCD93 was positively associated with baseline albuminuria and with increased proteinuria during the follow-up. Serum sCD93 was not correlated with other studied inflammatory markers (interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and C3 and C4 complement components). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the concentrations of sCD93 in kidney transplant recipients and one of the first reports showing the inverse association between sCD93 and renal function. Serum sCD93 should be further evaluated as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in renal transplantation.

Urinary NGAL Measured after the First Year Post Kidney Transplantation Predicts Changes in Glomerular Filtration over One-Year Follow-Up.

Currently, serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) together with albuminuria or proteinuria are laboratory markers used in long-term monitoring of kidney transplant recipients. There is a need for more sensitive markers that could serve as early warning signs of graft dysfunction. Our aim was to assess the urinary concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a predictor of changes in kidney transplant function after the first year post-transplantation. We prospectively recruited 109 patients with functioning graft at least one year after the transplantation, with no acute conditions over the past three months, during their control visits in kidney transplant ambulatory. Urinary NGAL measured on recruitment was twice higher in patients with at least 10% decrease in eGFR over 1-year follow-up compared to those with stable or improving transplant function. Baseline NGAL significantly predicted the relative and absolute changes in eGFR and the mean eGFR during the follow-up independently of baseline eGFR and albuminuria. Moreover, baseline NGAL significantly predicted urinary tract infections during the follow-up, although the infections were not associated with decreasing eGFR. Additionally, we assessed urinary concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9-NGAL complex in a subgroup of 77 patients and found higher levels in patients who developed urinary tract infections during the follow-up but not in those with decreasing eGFR. High urinary NGAL in clinically stable kidney transplant recipients beyond the first year after transplantation may be interpreted as a warning and trigger the search for transient or chronic causes of graft dysfunction, or urinary tract infection.

Comparison of Kidney Transplant Function, Lipid Metabolism Disorders, and Glucose and Hemoglobin Concentration in Transplant Patients Treated With Proliferation Signal Inhibitor (Everolimus) or Calcineurin Inhibitor (Tacrolimus).

INTRODUCTION: After kidney transplantation (KTx) in patients with diagnosed cancers, calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus (TAC) is replaced by sirolimus or everolimus (EV). OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the lipid metabolism parameters, KTx function, and glucose and hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in patients treated with EV to those on TAC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 114 patients: 54 (17 women and 37 men) aged 57.6 years (18-77 years) treated with EV and 60 (18 women and 42 men) aged 49.6 years (20-77 years) treated with TAC as a control group. Their total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), serum creatinine (SCr), Hgb, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed. In the patients treated with EV, the above values were evaluated before conversion, as well as 12 and 24 months following the switch and were evaluated once in the group treated with TAC. RESULTS: In the EV-treated group, the mean preconversion values after 12 and 24 months were as follows: TC 5.06, 6.59, and 5.98 mmol/L; TG 1.90, 2.48, and 2.20 mmol/L; FG 94.95, 97.85, and 104.05 mg/dL; SCr 1.46, 1.44, and 1.56 mg/dL; Hgb 12.46, 12.83, and 13.36 g/dL; and eGFR 50.3, 50.6, and 50.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. In the patients on TAC, the authors obtained the following values: TC 4.6 mmol/L; TG 1.87 mmol/L; glucose 104.13 mg/dL; SCr 1.51 mg/dL; Hgb 13.96 g/dL; and eGFR 56.6 mL/min/1.73 m2. CONCLUSIONS: After conversion from TAC to EV, increased values of TC and TG were observed after 1 year, while the increased values of TC, TG, SCr, Hgb, and FG were observed after 2 years.

Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder in a Patient After Kidney Transplant, 5-Year Follow-up: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious, life-threatening complication in organ transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The risk factors include Epstein-Barr virus infection and a cumulative dose of the immunosuppression. CASE REPORT: We present a 5-year follow-up case of a 28-year-old patient with PTLD in the gastrointestinal tract. In the ninth month after kidney transplant, the patient was hospitalized for pain in the abdomen and diarrhea. Physical examination demonstrated tenderness in the area of the cecum, and colonoscopy revealed ulcerations in the large intestine. Polymorphic lymphoma (PTLD) was found in the collected samples. The patient received monotherapy treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies, resulting in complete remission of disease, confirmed by computed tomography scan and colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: PTLD may have a different clinical course and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients after organ transplant.

Beneficial effect of kidney transplantation from a deceased donor on severe chronic refractory intradialytic hypotension - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Chronic refractory hypotension (IDH, intradialytic hypotension) is a rare but serious problem encountered in patients on hemodialysis. Patients with chronic hypotension are often disqualified by transplant teams from renal transplantation. This is due to the possibility of an enormous risk of ischemic complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 44-year old female patient with severe refractory hypotension (mean BP 60/30 mmHg, the lowest 48/28 mmHg), which appeared after bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy of the infected kidneys. The kidney transplantation from a deceased donor, with infusion of the two pressor amines (dopamine, dobutamine) was performed without technical complications and the blood pressure measurements were 100-120/70-80 mmHg. The immunosuppression regimen was tacrolimus (TAC) + mycophenolate mophetil (MMF) and steroids (GS). Pressor amines were discontinued on the 18th day after the transplantation. Because of delayed graft function, 4 hemodialysis treatments were performed. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 22nd day with good function of the transplanted kidney (the concentration of serum creatinine 117 µmol/l). During one-year follow-up, the patient has been remaining stable with a very good graft function (serum creatinine 84 µmol/l) and normal blood pressure (115/70 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Proper preparation and adequate perioperative treatment allowed for safely performing kidney transplantation in the patient with severe IDH.

Comparison of the incidence of skin cancers in patients on dialysis and after kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplant (KTx) patients on immunosuppressive therapy are predisposed to the development of infections and cancers. AIM: To compare the incidence and type of malignant skin lesions in kidney transplant patients and the dialyzed population based on the initiated dermatologic screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 598 patients: 486 kidney transplant recipients and 112 patients on maintenance dialysis. All the patients underwent dermatological examination. Only histologically confirmed cancers were included in this study. Age, gender and immunosuppressive therapy administration were also considered. Patients were followed up by a dermatologist for a period of 5 years. RESULTS: Fifty-eight skin cancers; 39 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 13 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 1 Bowen disease, 2 Kaposi sarcoma, 1 malignant melanoma, 1 Merkel cell carcinoma, and 1 fibrosarcoma protuberans were diagnosed in 30 (6.2%) kidney transplant patients, and 8 lesions (7 BCC and 1 SCC) were found in 4 (3.6%) patients on dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: The initiated dermatologic screening program indicates that the risk of skin cancer incidence in post kidney transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy was significantly higher than in patients on dialysis.

A Cluster of Fatal Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus Infection in Organ Transplant Setting.

Background: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infection has become a major health problem in Europe and is currently a common cause of viral brain infection in many countries. Encephalitis in transplant recipients, althrough rare, is becoming a recognized complication. Our study provides the first description of transmission of TBEV through transplantation of solid organs. Methods: Three patients who received solid organ transplants from a single donor (2 received kidney, and 1 received liver) developed encephalitis 17-49 days after transplantation and subsequently died. Blood and autopsy tissue samples were tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: All 3 recipients were first analyzed in autopsy brain tissue samples and/or cerebrospinal fluid by NGS, which yielded 24-52 million sequences per sample and 9-988 matched TBEV sequences in each patient. The presence of TBEV was confirmed by RT-PCR in all recipients and in the donor, and direct sequencing of amplification products corroborated the presence of the same viral strain. Conclusions: We demonstrated transmission of TBEV by transplantation of solid organs. In such a setting, TBEV infection may be fatal, probably due to pharmacological immunosuppression. Organ donors should be screened for TBEV when coming from or visiting endemic areas.

[Risk factors of death occurrence in patients with acute kidney injury in the course of severe cardio-vascular complications]. / Czynniki ryzyka zgonu u chorych z ostrym uszkodzeniem nerek w przebiegu ciezkich powiklan sercowo-naczyniowych.

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication in patients with cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of death in patients with AKI complicating severe cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 246 patients surveys (157 men and 89 women aged 67.9 ± 14.8 years) with AKI in the course of severe cardiovascular diseases, hospitalized in intensive care units and words of nephrological profile in years 2000-2011 were performed. RESULTS: The majority of patients (95.9%) with AKI required hemodialysis treatment. The mortality rate in the study group was high and amounted to 69.5% and the recovery of renal function was observed in 39 patients (27.3%). Kidney disease before the onset of AKI was observed in 116 patients (47.2%). Patients with arterial hypertension have more frequently oligoanuria (p = 0.001), needs more hemodialysis sessions (p = 0.029) and stay longer in hospital (p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of death depend on such factors as: the lack of recovery of renal function, bleeding from gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract infections, and other infectious and noninfectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: No recovery of renal function and comorbidity while AKI in the course of severe cardiovascular diseases increase the risk of death.

[Recovery of renal function and comorbidities in patients with acute kidney injury in the course of severe cardiovascular complications].

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent, serious and sometimes unreversable complication in patients with cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of recovery renal function and commorbidities in patients with AKI complicating severe cardiovascular diseases. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 246 patients (157 men and 89 women aged 67.9 ± 14.8 years) with AKI in the course of severe cardiovascular diseases, hospitalized in intensive care units and words of nephrological profile in years 2000-2011 were performed. Analysis was based on surveys data collected by regional consultant on the field of nephrology. Based on these data precise information about recovery of renal function was present in 143 documents. Results: In the studied group of 143 patients recovery of renal function was observed in 39 subjects (27.3%). Kidney dysfunction before AKI was observed in 116 patients from the whole study group (47.2%). Such commorbidities like: myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac arrest, diabetes, arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or performed operations and grade of biochemical disturbances had no significant influence on recovery of renal function. Complications observed during AKI and anemia negatively influenced on recovery of renal function (p<0.001 and p = 0.007). Patients staying longer at hospital has more frequent recovery of renal function (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Probability of renal function recovery in patients with AKI in the course of severe cardio-vascular complications is low.

[Fatty acid profile in phospholipids fraction with regard to blood pressure control in the kidney transplant patients].

Introduction: Hypertension is diagnosed in over 50% of renal transplant patients, and its presence is associated with significantly increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The pathogenesis of hypertension in this group of patients is complex. The use of immunosuppressive drugs is among the most important risk factors due to their hypertension-inducing properties. It is also suspected, that fatty acids may play an important role in the development of the disease; however, the mechanism of its formation has not yet been fully elucidated. Aim: Evaluation of fatty acid profile in phospholipids fraction in the blood serum of patients after renal transplantation, with respect to the blood pressure and immunosuppressive drug used. Materials and methods: The study included 65 kidney transplant patients treated with immunosuppressants: 24 patients received CsA (9 women, 15 men) and 41 were treated with Tac (15 women, 26 men). Blood pressure level was estimated by taking an average value of the last 3 measurements in an outpatient setting. Blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mmHg was considered as abnormally high. The number of antihypertensive drugs administered was based on the analysis of patients' records and direct interviews with patients. The concentration of each fatty acid was determined using gas chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 10. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between both: systolic blood pressure (136.16 vs. 133.31 mmHg, p=0.499) and diastolic blood pressure (80.62 vs 80.76; p=0.962) in patients treated with CsA compared to those taking Tac. Patients treated with CsA, received ­ on average ­ more antihypertensive drugs, compared to the group of patients taking Tac (2.64 vs 2.17), but this difference was also not statistically significant (p=0.174). The profile of fatty acids in renal transplant recipients treated with CsA was similar in both with normal blood pressure and with elevated blood pressure. In case of patients treated with Tac, significantly lower concentrations of C14 (p=0.015), C16:1 (p=0.039), C18:1 (p=0.043) and MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids; p=0.049) were found in patients with higher values of blood pressure, compared to the ones whose blood pressure was within the norm. A significantly higher concentration of fatty acids: C14 (p=0.029), C16:1 (p=0.049) and C20:5 (p=0.029) was found in patients with normal blood pressure, treated with Tac as compared with treated with CsA. In contrast, regardless to the immunosuppressive drug used, no statistically significant differences were found between the patients' groups with elevated blood pressure values. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in renal transplant recipients treated with CsA and Tac is similar. The fatty acid profile in phospholipids fraction depends on the blood pressure and the immunosuppressant used.

[Risk factors of non melanoma skin cancers in kidney transplant patients]. / Czynniki ryzyka rozwoju nieczerniakowych raków skóry u chorych po przeszczepieniu nerki.

UNLABELLED: Non melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) represent a major challenge within the ever growing group of different organs recipients. The aim of the study was to evaluate risk factors influencing on frequency appearance of NMSC in patients after kidney transplantation. The clinical dermatological examination was performed in 486 patients after kidney transplantation consisted of 296 man (60.9%) and 190 woman (30.1%) in the mean age 46.1 +/- 13.1 (18-74 years) with median time after transplantation 74.3 +/- 52.1 months. Most of them (80.7%) before transplantation were treated by maintenance hemodialysis. Patients after kidney transplantation were checked by dermatologist for all skin abnormalities based on iniciated skin cancers screening program. All discovered abnormalities were described, their type, size, localization and results of histopathological examination were collected. The obtained results were analyzed based on t-Student's, Mann-Whitney's, chi-square and Fisher tests. Out of 486 studied patients, 53 NMSC were diagnosed in 25 kidney recipients including 39 basal cell carcinoma (BCC), 13 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 1 Bowen's disease. The proportion of BCC to SCC was 2.79. NMSC occurred more often on sun skin exposure area, especially on the face. Almost all (96.2%) of the cancers were diagnosed in patients older than 50 years of age. Patients with NMSC comparing with those without were significantly older (52.8 +/- 7.8 vs. 41.0 +/- 7.8; p < 0.0001), have longer post-transplant period and have more frequent positive anamnesis of this cancer. There was no significant relationship between NMSC appearance and sex, cause of kidney failure, HLA mismatch, blood group as well as Rh factor. CONCLUSIONS: Older age of patients while transplantation, longer time of immunosuppressive therapy and previous NMSC are independent predictors of new skin cancers appearance.

Location of nonmelanoma skin cancers in patients after kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Long -term use of immunosuppressant therapy makes kidney transplant recipients particularly susceptible to infections and skin cancers. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the type and location of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) in patients after kidney transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 486 patients (296 men and 190 women; mean age, 46.1 ±13.1 years) after deceased -donor kidney transplantation, most of whom received triple immunosuppressive therapy. Patients underwent skin examination. All suspicious lesions were thoroughly described in terms of their type, size, and location. Only patients with histologically confirmed malignancy were included in the study. RESULTS: Of all 486 patients, 25 were diagnosed with 53 NMSCs, including 39 basal cell carcinomas, 13 squamous cell carcinomas, and 1 case of Bowen's disease. The lesions were observed on the face (n = 34), upper limb (n = 8), neck (n = 6), and trunk (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Most NMSCs were located on the sun -exposed areas, emphasizing the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the pathogenesis of skin cancers. The presence of lesions on the skin that had not been exposed to the sun indicates that a physical examination of the entire skin is necessary.

[Reccurent Clostridium difficile infection in patient after kidney transplantation on rituximab therapy due to PTLD (Post-Transplant Lymphoprolipherative Disorder). First experience with Fidaxomicin use--case report]. / Nawracajaca infekcja Clostridium difficile u chorego po przeszczepieniu nerki leczonego rytuksymabem z powodu PTLD (Post- Transplant Lymphoprolipherative Disorder). Pierwsze doswiadczenie ze stosowaniem fidaksomycyny--opis przypadku.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an increasingly problem in everyday clinical practice. The most important risk factor of this infection is antibiotics use. The incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) in patients after renal transplantation is estimated to be about 6% in the early postoperative period. Due to the applied immunosuppression and frequent infections requiring intensive, broad spectral antibiotics, the later prevalence of CDAD may remain at a similar level. Massive diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile may lead to fluctuations in immunosuppressive drugs concentration, in renal transplant patients. The authors present a case study of a 23-year old patient after kidney transplantation from deceased donor, with diagnosed polymorphic PTLD (Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder). During biological treatment with rituximab in this patient 4 recurrences of CDI were observed. In this article the clinical manifestation of recurrent CDAD are presented. The authors discuss therapeutic procedure with fidaxomicin use, its results and influence on immunosuppressive drugs concentration.

Cutaneous viral infections in patients after kidney transplantation: risk factors.

INTRODUCTION:  Infectious skin lesions are a common complication in renal transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. OBJECTIVES:  The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors contributing to the development of viral skin infections in kidney transplant patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:  The study included 486 patients, 296 men (60.9%) and 190 women (39.1%), aged 46.1 ±13.1 years, 74.3 ±52.1 months post­transplantation, who remained mostly on triple immunosuppressive therapy. All skin lesions detected during the dermatological examination were described in detail, and the type, size, exact location, dependence on age, sex, and the used immunosuppressive therapy were established. Patients were followed for 5 years. RESULTS:  Infectious skin lesions of viral origin were diagnosed in 189 of 486 patients (38.9%). The most frequent infections were viral warts (38.5%), which were more common in older patients (47.6 vs. 45.0 years, P <0.033). Viral warts were observed more often in men (P <0.031). Lesions of viral origin occurred more often in patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs for a longer period of time (53 vs. 37 months; P <0.021) and those who received azathioprine and cyclosporine A (P <0.001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, therapy with azathioprine was the only factor associated with increased risk of these complications (P <0.007). CONCLUSIONS:  Older age, male sex, and longer duration of immunosuppressive therapy affect the incidence of infectious skin lesions in patients after kidney transplantation. Treatment with cyclosporine A and azathioprine promotes the development of infectious viral warts.

[Factors influencing on the prevalence frequency of infectious skin changes of bacterial and fungal origin in patients after kidney transplantation]. / Czynniki wplywajace na czestosc wystepowania infekcyjnych zmian skórnych o etiologii bakteryjnej i grzybiczej u chorych po przeszczepieniu nerki.

UNLABELLED: Infective skin changes are frequent complications in patients after kidney transplantation receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate factors influencing on frequency and type of skin infections of bacterial and fungal origin in patients after kidney transplantation. The study was performed in 486 patients, 296 male (60.9%) and 190 female (39.1%) aged 46.1 +/- 13.1 years (18-74 years) 74.3 +/- 52.1 months after kidney transplantation remain mainly on triple immunosupresive therapy. Type, size and localization of skin changes revealed during dermatological evaluation were described according age, sex, and applied immunosuppression. The obtained results were analyzed based on t-Student's, Mann-Whitney's, chi-square and Fisher tests. It was shown that fungal infective skin changes in patients after kidney transplantation are more frequent in older population (48.4 +/- 11.8 vs. 45.2 +/- 13.4 years; p < 0.017). The significant differences concern interdigitale mycoses 49.7 +/- 11.1 vs. 45.4 +/- 13.3 years; p < 0.009, nail mycoses 51.5 +/- 10.4 vs. 45.5 +/- 13.2 years; p < 0,004 and foot mycoses 51.8 +/- 10.7 vs. 45.5 +/- 13.2 years; p < 0.0005. In male more frequent as compare with female were also fungal infections (30.7% vs. 18.4%; p < 0.002) including pityriasis versicolor 37.0% vs. 9.5%; p < 0.016 and interdigitale mycoses 18.6% vs. 9.0%; p < 0.004. CONCLUSIONS: Infective skin changes frequency in patients after kidney transplantation on immunosuppressive therapy depends on advanced age, male sex, and applied immunosuppressive therapy.

[Comparison of the prevalence frequency of infectious skin changes in dialyzed patients and after kidney transplantation]. / Porównanie czestosci wystepowania infekcyjnych zmian skórnych u chorych leczonych dializami oraz przeszczepieniem nerki.

UNLABELLED: Due to graft preserving immunosuppressive therapy, renal transplant recipients are predisposed to the development of a variety of skin infections and skin cancers. The aim of the study was to compare prevalence frequency of infective skin changes among patients after kidney transplantation and the dialyzed population. Clinical dermatological examination was performed in 486 patients after renal transplantation. The group consisted of 296 men (60.9%) and 190 women (30.1%), of mean age 46.1+/-13.1 (18-74 years) with median time after transplantation of 74.3+/-52.1 months. Most of the patients (80.7%) before transplantation were treated by maintenance hemodialysis. The most frequent immunosuppression regiments were combination of cyclosporine A (CsA) with mycofenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids (GKS)-207 patients (42.5%); tacrolimus (TAC) with MMF and GKS-102 (20.9%) and CsA with azathiopine and GKS-53 patients (10.9%). The group of 112 dialyzed patients consisted of: 57 males (50.9%) and 55 females (49.1%), aged 57.4+/-15.4 years without history of immunosuppressive therapy and were on maintenance dialysis for 63.2+/-74.0 months. Most of this group (77.7%) was on maintenance hemodialysis, while the remaining 22.3% on peritoneal dialysis. The obtained results were analyzed based on t-Student's, Mann-Whitney's, chi-square and Fisher tests. It was shown that infective skin changes were significantly more frequent in the group of patients after kidney transplantation as compared with the dialyzed population. They were observed in 53.9% and 9.8% of the studied populations, respectively (p<0.0001). In the studied group after kidney transplantation the most frequent were viral changes (38.9%). Fungal infection was observed in 25.9% of these patients, while bacterial in 1.2% of this study group. In the dialyzed population fungal infections were diagnosed in 8.9%, while viral in 3.6% of patients. No bacterial changes were observed in this group. Acne was observed in 16.5% of patients after kidney transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: 1. In the group of patients after kidney transplantation receiving immunosuppressive therapy viral, fungal and bacterial infective skin changes were significantly more frequent as compared with the dialyzed patients. 2. The most frequent skin changes observed in patients after kidney transplantation were viral warts.

[The evaluation of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of valganciclovir for the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus disease to 200 days after kidney transplantation]. / Ocena kosztowej efektywnosci i kosztowej uzytecznosci stosowania walgancyklowiru w profilaktyce wystapienia choroby cytomegalowirusowej do 200. dnia od przeszczepu nerki.

UNLABELLED: Standard procedure for cytomegalovirus disease (CMV) prophylaxis in kidney transplant patients was the administration of valganciclovir for up to 110 days after organ transplant. This prophylaxis has been extended up to 200 days in Poland since 2011. The decision was based on the results of clinical trials which showed significant clinical benefit in case of prolonged administration of the drug. The aim of the analysis was to provide the economic evaluation of extending the CMV prophylaxis with co-financed from public funds Valcyte (valganciclovirum; 60 tab. a 450 mg; Roche Polska Sp. z o.o.) from 110 to 200 days, in the high risk patients group after kidney transplant (seronegative recipient and infected donor, D+/R-). The analysis was performed from the Polish healthcare payer's perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All methods used in the following study were consistent with the Requirements of the Polish HTA Agency (AHTAPOL). The cost-effectiveness and the cost-utility analysis were performed on the basis of a randomised study which was identified as a result of the systematic search of the medical databases, comparing 200 days valgancyclovir administration with 100 days drug use as a prophylaxis of CMV disease in the patients group mentioned above. The Markov model was developed, simulating the disease evolution over time considering a high risk patient after kidney transplant treated with valgancicloviras the CMV disease prophylaxis. The disease period was divided into health states that are the most probable for this condition and the transitions probabilities between them were identified and assigned. Based on the clinical trial results, registry database of health conditions usability and experts' opinion, all health states (i.e. death, kidney transplant, CMV disease) were attributed with utilities and costs. The direct costs, important from the Polish healthcare payer's perspective, were included in the analysis. Extension of the proposed model in the series of one month time cycles made it possible to assess long-term (assumed time horizon was median patient's life expectancy--23,5 years) costs and clinical effects of the compared technologies. RESULTS: The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was 39 669 008 PLN and The Incremental Cost-Utility Ratio (ICUR) was 48 008 PLN in the specified time horizon. The result is well below the accepted threshold of profitability in Poland (assuming tripled GDP per capita cost-utility threshold, i.e. 99 543 PLN), which means that the therapy is cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the analysis confirmed that the 200 days use of valganciclovirin the prevention of CMV disease compared to standard 110 days therapy is economically justified from the Polish healthcare payer's perspective.

[Post transplant lymphoprolipherative disorder (PTLD) in patients after kidney transplantation--clinical manifestation, treatment and prognosis]. / Potransplantacyjna choroba limfoproliferacyjna (PTLD) u pacjentów po przeszczepie nerki--obraz kliniczny, leczenie i rokowanie.

Post transplant lymphoprolipherative disorder (PTLD) is a very severe, life threatening complication after organ transplantation. In adults after kidney transplantation the frequency of this complication is 0.3-3%; whereas in children 0.4-10%. Epstein-Barr virus infection discovered in 90% of patients, as a result of immunosuppression, plays an important role in the PTLD etiology. There is a coincidence between heavy immunosuppression, especially its cumulative doses, and the increased risk of lymphoprolipherative disorder. The clinical manifestation of PTLD may present as: mononucleosis like syndrome (fever, pharyngitis, tonsillar enlargement, lymphadenopathy), or as a rapid progressive course presenting with severe acidosis, lymphadenopathy, dysfunction of graft and other internal organs, where infiltration may mimic tumour like appearance. The present paper discusses methods and effectiveness of PTLD treatment, which aims to restore effectiveness of the immunological system, elimination of neoplastic cells and EBV.

[Influence of elevated homocystein level and selected lipid parameters in kidney transplant patients on the progression of atherosclerotic changes assessed by intima-media thickness index (CCA-IMT)]. / Ocena wplywu hiperhomocysteinemii i wybranych parametrów lipidowych u chorych po przeszczepieniu nerki na rozwój zmian miazdzycowych ocenianych wskaznikiem intima-media (CCA-IMT).

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of elevated homocystein (Hcy) level and selected lipid parameters on the progression of atherosclerotic changes in patients after kidney transplantation (KTx). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 51 pts (17 F, 34 M) aged 15-62 years (median 38.1) after cadaver KTx. The mean observation period equaled 21.2 months (6-24 months); while total observation period was 90 patients/ years. Hcy levels was measured using HPLC, Lp(a) and Apo-B levels using the nephelometric method and total cholesterol with its' HDL and LDL fractions, triglycerides and creatinine based on the Hitachi 917 analyzer. Patients' blood was drawn before renal transplantation and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 months after KTx. Common carotid artery intima media thickness (CCA-IMT) was evaluated by ultrasound on 14 days, 12 and 24 months after KTx. RESULTS: CCA-IMT correlated significantly with Hcy levels after 12 months (R=0.53; p=0.0009) and 24 months (R=0.38; p=0.0356) after KTx. Significant differences were found 12 and 24 months after KTx in CCA-IMT between patients with normal (<15 micromol/l) and increased (>15 micromol/ l) mean Hcy concentrations: p=0.0035 and p= 0.015, respectively. Analyzing changes in CCA-IMT, significant differences were noted when comparing the CCA-IMT increment after 12 and 24 months post KTx in patients with normal (< or =15 micromol/l) and increased (>15 micromol/l) homocystein concentrations: p=0.049 and p=0.0039, respectively. Increment of CCA-IMT 12 months after KTx, significantly correlated with mean total cholesterol level (R=0.35; p=0.0333), whereas 24 months after procedure correlated significantly with 0.0315). CONCLUSIONS: Hcy level is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis development in patients after KTx. Elevated Hcy level as well as increased cholesterol and Lp(a) levels enhance the progression of atherosclerotic changes evaluated by CCA-IMT in KTx patients.