Study of therapeutic patient education practices in French renal transplantation centres.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic patient education (TPE) plays a critical role in the management of kidney transplant recipients. However, discrepancies exist in the guidance provided regarding the usage of immunosuppressants across different kidney transplant centres in France. METHODS: To assess the current landscape of TPE practices in this patient population, an online questionnaire consisting of 51 questions was distributed to 32 French renal transplantation centres. RESULTS: The participation rate in our survey was 96.9%, (31 of the 32 centres contacted). The respondents had diverse professions: they were nurses (15/31), physicians (9/31) and pharmacists (7/31). Virtually all institutions have implemented TPE initiatives, with an implementation rate of 93.5% (29/31). The topic of anti-rejection medication was consistently addressed, with only one centre not providing support at the conclusion of these sessions. However, the content of the sessions varied significantly from one centre to another, particularly regarding the proper management of anti-rejection medications. Only 19.4% (6/31) of the centres provided the correct recommendation regarding fasting when taking tacrolimus. Dietary guidance was a topic covered in 89.7% (26/29) of the centres, but significant divergences were also observed. TPE teams primarily consisted of nurses, with pharmacists present in only 51.6% (16/31) of the centres. We also observed limited involvement of patient partners, with just 9.7% (3/31) of the centres including them in their programme. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight considerable variability in the approach towards TPE among kidney transplant centres. Addressing counselling variability and increasing pharmacist and patient partner involvement is an essential step to improving the quality and effectiveness of TPE. By establishing a standardised and comprehensive approach to patient education, healthcare providers can ensure that kidney transplant recipients receive information that will ultimately help them improve their health and well-being.

In vitro assessment of isopropanol leakage from antiseptic barrier caps into commonly used needleless connectors.

BACKGROUND: Needleless connectors (NCs) can be disinfected using antiseptic barrier caps (ABCs) to reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections. However, recent evidence suggests that isopropanol can leak from the ABC into the NC, posing concern about their safe use. We sought to determine in vitro which ABC and NC parameters influence the leakage of isopropanol through the infusion circuit. METHODS: We assessed 13 NCs and 4 ABCs available in the European market. In vitro circuits consisting of an isopropanol cap, a NC, and an 11-cm catheter line were created. The circuits were left in place for 1 to 7 days at room temperature to assess the kinetics of isopropanol leakage. Isopropanol content in ABC and in circuit flushing solutions (5 mL NaCl 0.9%) after exposure to the cap were measured using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. RESULTS: The leakage of isopropanol from the cap to the NC was dependent on the NC, but not the cap. The NC mechanism did not predict the leakage of isopropanol. The Q-Syte NC exhibited the most isopropanol leakage (7.01±1.03 mg and 28.32±2.62 mg at 24 hours and 7 days, respectively), whereas the Caresite NC had the lowest isopropanol leakage at 7 days (1.69±0.01 mg). CONCLUSION: The use of isopropanol ABCs can cause isopropanol leakage into the catheter circuit according to NC parameters. Caution should be exercised when using these devices, especially in the pediatric and neonatal population.

Spice-drug interactions: a case report on the use of turmeric, curry and ginger in a renal transplant patient on tacrolimus.

Tacrolimus is a widely used immunosuppressant for the prevention of rejection after transplantation. In vitro studies suggest that interactions exist between spices and tacrolimus. We present the case of a renal transplant patient aged around 70 years who was treated with prednisone, mycophenolate-mofetil and tacrolimus. The patient had a pre-transplant dietary habit of consuming foods spiced with turmeric, curry and ginger. The following protocol was implemented in parallel with close monitoring of plasma tacrolimus concentrations: administration of 10 g/day of turmeric for 4 days, then 10 g/day of curry for 4 days and then 10 g/day of ginger for 4 days. No change in tacrolimus plasma concentrations during and after the implementation of the protocol was observed. The impact of turmeric, curry and ginger on plasma tacrolimus concentrations seems negligible in vivo although further studies are needed. A shared decision to test the impact of spice consumption in a patient with dietary habits involving these spices seems reasonable.