Sirolimus Associated with Tacrolimus at Low Doses in Elderly Kidney Transplant Patients: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus on the best immunosuppressive regimen for elderly renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to assess cytomegalovirus infection incidence and kidney transplant outcomes in elderly recipients treated with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors sirolimus/ tacrolimus at low doses compared with those receiving tacrolimus/mycophenolate sodium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center prospective randomized study (Trial Registration No. NCT02683291), kidney transplant recipients over 60 years of age were randomly allocated into 2 groups: tacrolimus-sirolimus (21 patients) and tacrolimus-mycophenolate (23 patients). Cytomegalovirus infection rate and patient survival, biopsy-proven acute rejection, and renal function at 12 months were assessed. RESULTS: Cytomegalovirus infection rate was higher in the mycophenolate group (60.9%) than in the sirolimus group (16.7%; P = .004). The rates of biopsy-proven acute rejection, patient survival, graft survival, and estimated glomerular filtration rate over 12 months did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of cytomegalovirus infection was significantly lower in the sirolimus group. The use of tacrolimus combined with sirolimus in elderly kidney transplant recipients is safe.

A case report of venous thrombosis after kidney transplantation - We can save the graft? Time is the success factor.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thrombosis is a serious surgical complication that frequently results in loss of kidney graft. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a female patient recipient of a decease kidney transplant that in the tenth postoperative presented with hematuria, graft pain and oliguria. Ultrasound examination was suggestive of venous thrombosis with abnormal doppler waveform pattern and reversal of diastolic flow. She underwent emergency surgical intervention after 2h of diagnosis. The vein thrombus was removed by perfusing the renal graft artery with 1000ml of Euro-Collins solution. The patient evolves with recovery of renal function after 1 week of the procedure DISCUSSION: Similar reports of graft rescue in the vein thrombosis are scarce and that the time of diagnosis to intervention is a determining factor. CONCLUSION: Rapid diagnosis of exactly 2h combined with the early re-operation may be successful in preserving renal graft in cases of venous thrombosis.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a transplanted kidney

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare infection characterized by necrosis and gas accumulation in the renal parenchyma, adjacent tissues, and/or urinary collecting system. This entity is rarely reported in transplanted kidneys. Computed tomography imaging is necessary for diagnosis and risk classification. The authors described the case of a 58-year-old man who underwent a kidney transplant and presented sepsis from a urinary tract infection. An abdominal tomography showed some characteristics of emphysematous pyelonephritis associated with an abscess. A graft biopsy, performed 45 days after the transplant, failed to show signs of infection, and tubule-interstitial and vascular rejection were ruled out. The patient had a poor outcome, and a nephrectomy was needed, the pathological analysis of which yielded the diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis with necrotizing papillitis. The patient became hemodynamically unstable and died. The authors highlight the current tomographic criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis and question the validity of accepting the same standards used to guide the treatment of patients without transplants, and call attention to the importance of the clinical status for the indication of nephrectomy in cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis in a transplanted kidney.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare infection characterized by necrosis and gas accumulation in the renal parenchyma, adjacent tissues, and/or urinary collecting system. This entity is rarely reported in transplanted kidneys. Computed tomography imaging is necessary for diagnosis and risk classification. The authors described the case of a 58-year-old man who underwent a kidney transplant and presented sepsis from a urinary tract infection. An abdominal tomography showed some characteristics of emphysematous pyelonephritis associated with an abscess. A graft biopsy, performed 45 days after the transplant, failed to show signs of infection, and tubule-interstitial and vascular rejection were ruled out. The patient had a poor outcome, and a nephrectomy was needed, the pathological analysis of which yielded the diagnosis of chronic pyelonephritis with necrotizing papillitis. The patient became hemodynamically unstable and died. The authors highlight the current tomographic criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis and question the validity of accepting the same standards used to guide the treatment of patients without transplants, and call attention to the importance of the clinical status for the indication of nephrectomy in cases of emphysematous pyelonephritis.

Behavioral measures to reduce non-adherence in renal transplant recipients: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Solid-organ transplant recipients present a high rate of non-adherence to drug treatment. Few interventional studies have included approaches aimed at increasing adherence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an educational and behavioral strategy on treatment adherence of kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, incident renal transplant patients (n = 111) were divided into two groups: control group (received usual transplant patient education) and treatment group (usual transplant patient education plus ten additional weekly 30-min education/counseling sessions about immunosuppressive drugs and behavioral changes). Treatment adherence was assessed using ITAS adherence questionnaire after 3 months. Renal function at 3, 6, and 12 months, and the incidence of transplant rejection were evaluated. RESULTS: The non-adherence rates were 46.4 and 14.5 % in the control and treatment groups (p = 0.001), respectively. The relative risk for non-adherence was 2.59 times (CI 1.38-4.88) higher in the control group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a 5.84 times (CI 1.8-18.8, p = 0.003) higher risk of non-adherence in the control group. There were no differences in renal function and rejection rates between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A behavioral and educational strategy addressing the patient's perceptions and knowledge about the anti-rejection drugs significantly improved the short-term adherence to immunosuppressive therapy.

Different induction therapies for kidney transplantation with living donor.

INTRODUCTION: Indications for induction therapy is not consensual in living donors. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was compare no induction with thymoglobulin and basiliximab induction in the incidence of acute rejection in kidney transplantation with living donor. METHODS: We select all cases of renal transplantation with living donor performed in Hospital das Clínicas de Botucatu da UNESP during the period of January 2010 to December 2013. The group was divided by the type of medication used for induction. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were evaluated. There were no differences in baseline characteristics of age and underlying disease. The rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection was higher in the group without induction (42.9%) compared to basiliximab group (20%) and Thymoglobulin (16.7%), p = 0.04. The rejection by compatibility shows that the identical had the lower rejection rate (10%). The haploidentical group without induction had the highest rejection rates (53.3%). In all distinct group the rejection rates were similar with basiliximab or Thymoglobulin, p = NS. The use of induction therapy was associated independently with a lower risk of rejection (OR = 0.32 CI: 0.11 to 0.93, p = 0.036). There were no differences in renal function at 6 months and patient survival and graft in the three groups. DISCUSSION: The haploidentical patients without induction were those with higher rates of acute rejection. The group of patients induced with Thymoglobulin had a higher immunological risk, however showed low rates of rejection. CONCLUSION: The use of induction therapy resulted in lower rates of rejection in transplantation with living donor.

Diferentes esquemas de indução para transplante renal com doador vivo / Different induction therapies for kidney transplantation with living donor

Resumo Introdução: A indicação de terapia de indução não é consensual em doadores vivos. Objetivo: Comparar não indução com indução com basiliximab e timoglobulina na incidência de rejeição aguda em transplante renal com doador vivo. Métodos: Todos os casos de transplante renal com doador vivo realizados no serviço de transplante do Hospital das Clínicas de Botucatu da UNESP no período de janeiro de 2010 a dezembro de 2013. O grupo foi dividido pelo tipo de medicação usada na indução. Resultados: Foram avaliados 90 pacientes. Não houve diferenças nas características basais de idade e doença de base. A taxa de rejeição aguda comprovada por biópsia foi maior no grupo sem indução (42,9%) em comparação aos grupos basiliximab (20%) e timoglobulina (16,7%), p = 0,04. A divisão das rejeições por compatibilidade mostra que os idênticos apresentaram menor taxa de rejeição (10%). O grupo haploidêntico sem indução apresentou as maiores taxas de rejeição (53,3%). No grupo distinto, todos foram induzidos e as taxas de rejeição foram semelhantes com basiliximab ou timoglobulina, p = NS. O uso de terapia de indução associou-se de forma independente a menor risco de rejeição (OR = 0,32 IC: 0,11-0,93, p = 0,036). Não houve diferenças na função renal aos 6 meses e sobrevida do paciente e enxerto nos três grupos. Discussão: Os pacientes haploidênticos sem indução foram os que apresentaram maiores taxas de rejeição aguda. O grupo de pacientes induzidos com timoglobulina apresentava maior risco imunológico, entretanto, eles mostraram baixas taxas de rejeição. Conclusão: O uso de terapia de indução resultou em menores taxas de rejeição em transplante com doador vivo. .

Abstract Introduction: Indications for induction therapy is not consensual in living donors. Objective: The objective of this study was compare no induction with thymoglobulin and basiliximab induction in the incidence of acute rejection in kidney transplantation with living donor. Methods: We select all cases of renal transplantation with living donor performed in Hospital das Clínicas de Botucatu da UNESP during the period of January 2010 to December 2013. The group was divided by the type of medication used for induction. Results: A total of 90 patients were evaluated. There were no differences in baseline characteristics of age and underlying disease. The rate of biopsy-proven acute rejection was higher in the group without induction (42.9%) compared to basiliximab group (20%) and Thymoglobulin (16.7%), p = 0.04. The rejection by compatibility shows that the identical had the lower rejection rate (10%). The haploidentical group without induction had the highest rejection rates (53.3%). In all distinct group the rejection rates were similar with basiliximab or Thymoglobulin, p = NS. The use of induction therapy was associated independently with a lower risk of rejection (OR = 0.32 CI: 0.11 to 0.93, p = 0.036). There were no differences in renal function at 6 months and patient survival and graft in the three groups. Discussion: The haploidentical patients without induction were those with higher rates of acute rejection. The group of patients induced with Thymoglobulin had a higher immunological risk, however showed low rates of rejection. Conclusion: The use of induction therapy resulted in lower rates of rejection in transplantation with living donor. .

Quantified power Doppler as a predictor of delayed graft function after renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: No safe ultrasound (US) parameters have been established to differentiate the causes of graft dysfunction. OBJECTIVES: To define US parameters and identify the predictors of normal graft evolution, delayed graft function (DGF), and rejection at the early period after kidney transplantation. METHODS: Between June 2012 and August 2013, 79 renal transplant recipients underwent US examination 1-3 days posttransplantation. Resistive index (RI), power Doppler (PD), and RI + PD (quantified PD) were assessed. Patients were allocated into three groups: normal graft evolution, DGF, and rejection. RESULTS: Resistive index of upper and middle segments and PD were higher in the DGF group than in the normal group. ROC curve analysis revealed that RI + PD was the index that best correlated with DGF (cutoff = 0.84). In the high RI + PD group, time to renal function recovery (6.33 ± 6.5 days) and number of dialysis sessions (2.81 ± 2.8) were greater than in the low RI + PD group (2.11 ± 5.3 days and 0.69 ± 1.5 sessions, respectively), p = 0.0001. Multivariate analysis showed that high donor final creatinine with a relative risk (RR) of 19.7 (2.01-184.7, p = 0.009) and older donor age (RR = 1.17 (1.04-1.32), p = 0.007) correlated with risk DGF. CONCLUSIONS: Quantified PD (RI + PD) was the best DGF predictor. PD quantification has not been previously reported.

The 600 kidney transplants performed at the Botucatu Medical School Hospital - UNESP: changes over.

INTRODUCTION: A progressive improvement in kidney transplant outcomes has been achieved over the last decades. OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree to which this has occurred in our center, we conducted an outcome analysis of our kidney transplant program during three different time periods, especially focusing on patient and graft survival. METHODS: The 600 kidney transplants performed at Botucatu Medical School/UNESP up to December 2011 were examined. Three different time periods were chosen to correspond with major shifts in immunosuppressant usage: Era 1 (1987-2000), cyclosporine and azathioprine usage (n = 180); Era 2 (2001-2006), cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil usage (n = 120); and Era 3 (2007-2011), tacrolimus and mycophenolate (n = 300). RESULTS: Compared with the first era, mean recipient age, diabetes prevalence, and the number of living donor transplantations (60%) were increased in the third era. Induction therapy was used in 75% of the cases in Era 3, 46.6% in Era 2, and in 3.9% in Era 1 (p < 0.0001). The mean number of transplants/year rose from 14 in Era 1 to 75 in Era 3. Overall survival according to donor type was similar to that reported in the literature. Five-year graft survival following deceased donor transplantation progressively increased from 13.1% (Era 1) to 81.9% (Era 3). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were observed over time. The percentage of living donors decreased as that of deceased donors increased. Survival after deceased donor transplants was greatest in Era 3, probably due to the improved experience of the medical team, and to the use of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil combination with induction.

Os 600 transplantes renais do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu (HC da FMB) - UNESP: Mudanças ao longo do tempo / The 600 kidney transplants performed at the Botucatu Medical School Hospital - UNESP: Changes over

Introdução: Os resultados alcançados pelos transplantes renais nas últimas décadas têm melhorado progressivamente. Objetivo: A fim de determinar a extensão desse progresso, conduzimos uma análise dos resultados obtidos em nosso programa de transplantes através de três períodos diferentes. Métodos: Avaliamos os 600 transplantes renais realizados no HC FMB-UNESP até dezembro de 2011, subdividindo-os em três eras, de acordo com a imunossupressão vigente. Era 1: de 1987 a 2000 (n = 180); associação de ciclosporina e azatioprina. Era 2: de 2001 a 2006 (n = 120); associação de ciclosporina e micofenolato e Era 3: de 2007 a 2011 (n = 300); associação de tacrolimus e micofenolato. Resultados: Os resultados mostram aumento da idade média do receptor, da prevalência de diabetes e do número de transplantes com doador falecido (60%) na terceira era. O uso de terapia de indução foi de 75% era atual contra 46,6% (Era 2) e 3,9% (Era 1), p < 0,0001. Os dados de sobrevida geral por tipo de doador mostram dados semelhantes à literatura. Houve progressivo aumento da sobrevida do enxerto com doadores falecidos em 5 anos, saindo de 13,7% (Era 1) para 81,9% (Era 3). Conclusão: Houve significativas diferenças ao longo do tempo, culminando com aumento do volume de transplantes na atual era (média de 14 transplantes/ano na Era 1 para 75 transplantes/ano na Era 3). Inverteu-se o perfil de transplantes na era atual com predomínio de doador falecido. A melhor sobrevida com doador falecido da atual era foi atribuída a maior experiência do centro e aos esquemas de imunossupressão baseados na combinação de tacrolimus com micofenolato associados a esquema de indução. .

Introduction: A progressive improvement in kidney transplant outcomes has been achieved over the last decades. Objective: To determine the degree to which this has occurred in our center, we conducted an outcome analysis of our kidney transplant program during three different time periods, especially focusing on patient and graft survival. Methods: The 600 kidney transplants performed at Botucatu Medical School/UNESP up to December 2011 were examined. Three different time periods were chosen to correspond with major shifts in immunosuppressant usage: Era 1 (1987-2000), cyclosporine and azathioprine usage (n = 180); Era 2 (2001-2006), cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil usage (n = 120); and Era 3 (2007-2011), tacrolimus and mycophenolate (n = 300). Results: Compared with the first era, mean recipient age, diabetes prevalence, and the number of living donor transplantations (60%) were increased in the third era. Induction therapy was used in 75% of the cases in Era 3, 46.6% in Era 2, and in 3.9% in Era 1 (p < 0.0001). The mean number of transplants/year rose from 14 in Era 1 to 75 in Era 3. Overall survival according to donor type was similar to that reported in the literature. Five-year graft survival following deceased donor transplantation progressively increased from 13.1% (Era 1) to 81.9% (Era 3). Conclusion: Significant differences were observed over time. The percentage of living donors decreased as that of deceased donors increased. Survival after deceased donor transplants was greatest in Era 3, probably due to the improved experience of the medical team, and to the use of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil combination with induction. .

Coronary artery disease treatment in dialysis patients at the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu--UNESP.

BACKGROUND: Interventional treatment of coronary insufficiency is underemployed among dialysis patients. Studies confirming its efficacy in this set of patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of interventional treatment of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing dialysis. METHODS: A total of 34 dialysis patients submitted to coronary angiography between September 1995 and October 2004 were divided according to presence or absence of coronary lesion, type of treatment and presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. The groups were compared according to their clinical and survival characteristics. Survival of patients undergoing interventional treatment was compared to overall survival of 146 dialysis patients at the institution in the same period. Interventional treatment was indicated to the same clinical conditions in the general population. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with no angiography coronary lesions presented a survival rate of 100% in 48 months as compared to 35% of 21 patients with coronary artery disease. Diabetic patients had a lower survival rate compared with non-diabetics. Angioplasty had a worse prognosis compared to surgery; however, 80% of patients undergoing angioplasty were diabetic. Seventeen patients submitted to interventional procedures presented a survival rate similar to that of the others 146 hemodialysis patients without clinical evidence of coronary disease. CONCLUSION: This small series shows that myocardial revascularization, whenever indicated, can be performed in dialysis patients. This conclusion is corroborated by similar mortality rates in two groups of patients: coronary patients submitted to revascularization and overall dialysis patients.

Tratamento da doença arterial coronariana em renais crônicos em diálise do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - UNESP / Coronary artery disease treatment in dialysis patients at the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - UNESP

FUNDAMENTO: O tratamento intervencionista da insuficiência coronariana é subempregado nos pacientes em diálise, pois há poucos estudos comprovando sua eficácia. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados do tratamento intervencionista da doença arterial coronariana em pacientes tratados por diálise no HC da FMB. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 34 pacientes em diálise submetidos à angiografia coronariana entre set/95 e out/04, divididos de acordo com a presença ou ausência de lesão coronariana, tipo de tratamento e presença ou ausência de diabetes. Os grupos foram comparados de acordo com suas características clínicas e sobrevida. A sobrevida dos pacientes submetidos a tratamento intervencionista foi comparada à sobrevida geral dos 146 pacientes em diálise na instituição no mesmo período. O tratamento intervencionista foi indicado nas mesmas situações clínicas que na população geral. RESULTADOS: Os 13 pacientes que realizaram coronariografia e não exibiam lesões coronarianas apresentaram sobrevida de 100 por cento em 48 meses, contra 35 por cento dos 21 coronarianos no mesmo período. Os diabéticos coronarianos apresentaram sobrevida inferior aos não-diabéticos. A angioplastia exibiu pior prognóstico quando comparada à cirurgia; entretanto 80 por cento dos submetidos a angioplastia eram diabéticos. Os 17 pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de revascularização coronariana apresentaram sobrevida semelhante aos 146 pacientes gerais do serviço. CONCLUSÃO: Esta pequena casuística mostra que a revascularização miocárdica, quando indicada, pode ser realizada em pacientes em diálise. Esta conclusão é corroborada pelo índice de mortalidade semelhante nos dois extratos de pacientes: coronarianos revascularizados e pacientes em diálise de maneira geral.

BACKGROUND: Interventional treatment of coronary insufficiency is underemployed among dialysis patients. Studies confirming its efficacy in this set of patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of interventional treatment of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing dialysis. METHODS: A total of 34 dialysis patients submitted to coronary angiography between September 1995 and October 2004 were divided according to presence or absence of coronary lesion, type of treatment and presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. The groups were compared according to their clinical and survival characteristics. Survival of patients undergoing interventional treatment was compared to overall survival of 146 dialysis patients at the institution in the same period. Interventional treatment was indicated to the same clinical conditions in the general population. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with no angiography coronary lesions presented a survival rate of 100 percent in 48 months as compared to 35 percent of 21 patients with coronary artery disease. Diabetic patients had a lower survival rate compared with non-diabetics. Angioplasty had a worse prognosis compared to surgery; however, 80 percent of patients undergoing angioplasty were diabetic. Seventeen patients submitted to interventional procedures presented a survival rate similar to that of the others 146 hemodialysis patients without clinical evidence of coronary disease. CONCLUSION: This small series shows that myocardial revascularization, whenever indicated, can be performed in dialysis patients. This conclusion is corroborated by similar mortality rates in two groups of patients: coronary patients submitted to revascularization and overall dialysis patients.