Evolution of kidney allograft loss causes over 40 years (1979-2019).

INTRODUCTION: The improvement of kidney allograft recipient and graft survival showed a decrease over the last 40 years. Long-term graft loss rate remained stable during a 25-year time span. Knowing the changing causes and the risk factors associated with graft loss requires special attention. The present study aimed to assess the causes of graft loss and kidney allograft recipient death. Also, we aimed to compare two different periods (1979-1999 and 2000-2019) to identify changes in the characteristics of the failed allografts and recipient and donors profile. METHODS AND PATIENTS: We performed a single-center cohort study. We included all the kidney transplant recipients at the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) between May 1979 and December 2019. Graft loss was defined as recipient death with functioning graft and as loss of graft function (return to dialysis or retransplantation). We assessed the causes of graft loss using clinical and histological information. We also analyzed the results of the two different transplant periods (1979-1999 and 2000-2019). RESULTS: Between 1979 and 2019, 1522 transplants were performed. The median follow-up time was 56 (IQR 8-123) months. During follow-up, 722 (47.5%) grafts were lost: 483 (66.9%) due to graft failure and 239 (33.1%) due to death with functioning graft. The main causes of death were cardiovascular (25.1%), neoplasms (25.1%), and infectious diseases (21.8%). These causes were stable between the two periods of time. Only the unknown cause of death has decreased in the last period. The main cause of graft failure (loss of graft function) was the allograft chronic dysfunction (75%). When histologic information was available, antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) were the most frequent specific causes (15.9% and 12.6%). Of the graft failures, 213 (29.5%) were early (<1 year of transplantation). Vascular thrombosis was the main cause of early graft failure in the second period (2000-2019) (46.7%) and T-cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) was the main cause (31.3%) in the first period (1979-1999). The causes of late graft loss were similar between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: The causes of kidney allograft recipient death are still due to cardiovascular and malignant diseases. Vascular thrombosis has emerged as a frequent cause of early graft loss in the most recent years. The evaluation of the causes of graft loss is necessary to improve kidney transplantation outcomes.

Evolución de las causas de pérdida del injerto en trasplante renal durante 40 años (1979-2019) / Evolution of kidney allograft loss causes over 40 years (1979-2019)

Introducción: La mejoría en la supervivencia del receptor y del injerto renal sufre un proceso de deceleración. La tasa de pérdida del injerto a medio y largo plazo permanece estable desde hace 25 años. Es fundamental conocer las causas de pérdida del injerto y los factores relacionados, así como identificar si se han producido cambios en las causas de pérdida del injerto en los últimos años. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las causas de pérdida del injerto según fallecimiento del receptor o pérdida del injerto con vuelta a diálisis/retrasplante, y analizar las causas específicas de pérdida del injerto en 2 épocas (1979-1999 y 2000-2019) para identificar cambios en el perfil de los injertos perdidos. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de todos los trasplantes renales (TR) realizados en el Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) entre mayo-1979 y diciembre-2019. Consideramos pérdida del injerto el fallecimiento del paciente con injerto funcionante o el re-inicio de diálisis o retrasplante. Revisamos las causas de pérdida mediante información clínica e histológica, y analizamos los resultados en 2 periodos (1979-1999 y 2000-2019). (AU)

Introduction: The improvement of kidney allograft recipient and graft survival showed a decrease over the last 40 years. Long-term graft loss rate remained stable during a 25-year time span. Knowing the changing causes and the risk factors associated with graft loss requires special attention. The present study aimed to assess the causes of graft loss and kidney allograft recipient death. Also, we aimed to compare two different periods (1979-1999 and 2000-2019) to identify changes in the characteristics of the failed allografts and recipient and donors profile. Methods and patients: We performed a single-center cohort study. We included all the kidney transplant recipients at the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) between May 1979 and December 2019. Graft loss was defined as recipient death with functioning graft and as loss of graft function (return to dialysis or retransplantation). We assessed the causes of graft loss using clinical and histological information. We also analyzed the results of the two different transplant periods (1979-1999 and 2000-2019). (AU)

Clinical Profiles in Renal Patients with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to frequent referrals to the emergency department on suspicion of this infection in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and kidney transplant (KT) patients. We aimed to describe their clinical features comparing confirmed and suspected non-confirmed COVID-19 cases during the Spanish epidemic peak. Confirmed COVID-19 ((+)COVID-19) corresponds to patient with positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 assay. Non-confirmed COVID-19 ((-)COVID-19) corresponds to patients with negative RT-PCR. COVID-19 was suspected in 61 patients (40/803 KT (4.9%), 21/220 MHD (9.5%)). Prevalence of (+)COVID-19 was 3.2% in KT and 3.6% in MHD patients. Thirty-four (26 KT and 8 MHD) were (+)COVID-19 and 27 (14 KT and 13 MHD) (-)COVID-19. In comparison with (-)COVID-19 patients, (+)COVID-19 showed higher frequency of typical viral symptoms (cough, dyspnea, asthenia and myalgias), pneumonia (88.2% vs. 14.3%) and LDH and CRP while lower phosphate levels, need of hospital admission (100% vs. 63%), use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (36% vs. 11%) and mortality (38% vs. 0%) (p < 0.001). Time from symptoms onset to admission was longer in patients who finally died than in survivors (8.5 vs. 3.8, p = 0.007). In KT and MHD patients, (+)COVID-19 shows more clinical severity than suspected non-confirmed cases. Prompt RT-PCR is mandatory to confirm COVID-19 diagnosis.

Seguridad renal de espironolactona en pacientes con hipertensión arterial resistente / Renal safety outcomes of spironolactone in patients with resistant hypertension

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hipertensión arterial resistente (HTAR) supone un importante problema de salud de manejo complejo. Este trabajo evalúa los riesgos y beneficios de añadir espironolactona para tratar la HTAR. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron 216 pacientes con HTAR a quienes se añadió espironolactona (12,5-25 mg/día) como antihipertensivo. Ciento veinticinco se analizaron retrospectivamente y 91 prospectivamente. Se analizaron parámetros de presión arterial (PA) y laboratorio (creatinina plasmática [Creap], filtrado glomerular [FGe] y potasio plasmático [Kp]) al momento basal y tras 3-6-12 meses con espironolactona. RESULTADOS: Se objetivó una variación de PA sistólica/diastólica (media± desviación estándar) de -10,9 ± 2,7/-4,3 ± 1,6 mmHg a los 3 meses y -13,6 ± 2,8/-6,0 ± 1,6 mmHg a los 12 meses; p < 0,001. Valores confirmados mediante monitorización ambulatoria de PA a los 12 meses. A los 3 meses, la Creap incrementó 0,10 ± 0,04mg/dl, el FGe disminuyó -5,4 ± 1,9 ml/min/1,73 m2 y el Kp incrementó 0,3 ± 0,1 mmol/l; p < 0,001 para todos los casos. Estas variaciones se mantuvieron a los 12 meses. No hubo diferencias significativas en las variaciones de PA, Creap, FGe y Kp entre los 3 y 12 meses. Los resultados al analizar las cohortes retrospectiva y prospectiva por separado fueron superponibles. En la cohorte prospectiva, espironolactona fue suspendida en 9 pacientes (9,9%) por efectos adversos. CONCLUSIONES: Tras 3 meses con espironolactona se observó un descenso de PA asociado a descenso del FGe y aumento de Creap y Kp, cambios que se mantuvieron a los 12 meses. Espironolactona es un tratamiento eficaz y seguro para la HTAR en pacientes con FGe basal ≥ 30 ml/min/1,73 m2

INTRODUCTION: Resistant hypertension (RH) is a significant health problem with complex management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risks and benefits of adding spironolactone to treat RH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 216 patients with RH in whom spironolactone (12.5-25 mg daily) was added as an antihypertensive were evaluated. One-hundred and twenty-five (125) were analysed retrospectively and 91 prospectively. Blood pressure (BP) and laboratory parameters (serum creatinine [sCrea], estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and serum potassium [sK]) were analysed at baseline and at 3-6-12 months after introducing spironolactone. RESULTS: A change of systolic/diastolic BP (mean ± standard deviation) of -10.9 ± 2.7/-4.3 ± 1.6 mmHg at 3 months and -13.6 ± 2.8/-6.0 ± 1.6 mmHg at 12 months; p < 0.001 was observed. These values were confirmed with ambulatory-BP monitoring at 12 months. At 3 months, an increase in sCrea of 0.10 ± 0.04 mg/dl, a decrease in eGFR of -5.4 ± 1.9 ml/min/1.73m2 and an increase in sK of 0.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l; p < 0.001 was observed for all cases. These changes were maintained after 12 months. There were no significant differences in changes of BP, sCrea, eGFR and sK between 3 and 12 months. Results of the retrospective and prospective cohorts separately were superimposable. In the prospective cohort, spironolactone was withdrawn in 9 patients (9.9%) because of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 months with spironolactone, a decrease in BP associated with a decrease in the eGFR and an increase in sCrea and sK was observed. These changes were maintained at 12 months. Spironolactone is an effective and safe treatment for RH in patients with baseline eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2

Presión arterial central en la obesidad mórbida y tras la cirugía bariátrica / Central blood pressure in morbid obesity and after bariatric surgery

La obesidad está asociada con la hipertensión arterial por mecanismos diversos. La presión arterial (PA) central parece estar más correlacionada que la PA periférica con el riesgo cardiovascular futuro. La cirugía bariátrica constituye un método eficaz para disminuir la PA paralelamente a una pérdida de peso significativa en pacientes con obesidad severa. El estudio de la relación entre la modificación de peso tras cirugía bariátrica y la medición ambulatoria de PA, no solo a nivel periférico, sino también a nivel central, podría aportar información respecto a los mecanismos del daño orgánico asociado a la PA elevada en la obesidad. En esta revisión analizamos la evidencia disponible respecto a la asociación entre la PA central con la obesidad y sus modificaciones tras la cirugía bariátrica

Various mechanisms are related to arterial hypertension in obesity. Central blood pressure (BP) seems to correlate more than peripheral BP with future cardiovascular risk. Bariatric surgery is an effective method to reduce BP along with weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. The study of the relationship between weight modification after bariatric surgery and ambulatory BP measurement, not only peripheral BP, but also central BP, could provide information regarding the mechanisms of organic damage associated with elevated BP in obesity. In this review we analyze the available evidence regarding the association between central BP with obesity and its modifications after bariatric surgery

COVID-19 in elderly kidney transplant recipients.

The SARS-Cov-2 infection disease (COVID-19) pandemic has posed at risk the kidney transplant (KT) population, particularly the elderly recipients. From March 12 until April 4, 2020, we diagnosed COVID-19 in 16 of our 324 KT patients aged ≥65 years old (4.9%). Many of them had had contact with healthcare facilities in the month prior to infection. Median time of symptom onset to admission was 7 days. All presented with fever and all but one with pneumonia. Up to 33% showed renal graft dysfunction. At infection diagnosis, mTOR inhibitors or mycophenolate were withdrawn. Tacrolimus was withdrawn in 70%. The main treatment combination was hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. A subset of patients was treated with anti-retroviral and tocilizumab. Short-term fatality rate was 50% at a median time since admission of 3 days. Those who died were more frequently obese, frail, and had underlying heart disease. Although a higher respiratory rate was observed at admission in nonsurvivors, symptoms at presentation were similar between both groups. Patients who died were more anemic, lymphopenic, and showed higher D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 at their first tests. COVID-19 is frequent among the elderly KT population and associates a very early and high mortality rate.

Renal safety outcomes of spironolactone in patients with resistant hypertension. / Seguridad renal de espironolactona en pacientes con hipertensión arterial resistente.

INTRODUCTION: Resistant hypertension (RH) is a significant health problem with complex management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risks and benefits of adding spironolactone to treat RH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 216 patients with RH in whom spironolactone (12.5-25mg daily) was added as an antihypertensive were evaluated. One-hundred and twenty-five (125) were analysed retrospectively and 91 prospectively. Blood pressure (BP) and laboratory parameters (serum creatinine [sCrea], estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and serum potassium [sK]) were analysed at baseline and at 3-6-12 months after introducing spironolactone. RESULTS: A change of systolic/diastolic BP (mean±standard deviation) of -10.9±2.7/-4.3±1.6mmHg at 3 months and -13.6±2.8/-6.0±1.6mmHg at 12 months; p<0.001 was observed. These values were confirmed with ambulatory-BP monitoring at 12 months. At 3 months, an increase in sCrea of 0.10±0.04mg/dl, a decrease in eGFR of -5.4±1.9ml/min/1.73m2 and an increase in sK of 0.3±0.1mmol/l; p<0.001 was observed for all cases. These changes were maintained after 12 months. There were no significant differences in changes of BP, sCrea, eGFR and sK between 3 and 12 months. Results of the retrospective and prospective cohorts separately were superimposable. In the prospective cohort, spironolactone was withdrawn in 9 patients (9.9%) because of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 months with spironolactone, a decrease in BP associated with a decrease in the eGFR and an increase in sCrea and sK was observed. These changes were maintained at 12 months. Spironolactone is an effective and safe treatment for RH in patients with baseline eGFR ≥30ml/min/1.73m2.

Central blood pressure in morbid obesity and after bariatric surgery. / Presión arterial central en la obesidad mórbida y tras la cirugía bariátrica.

Various mechanisms are related to arterial hypertension in obesity. Central blood pressure (BP) seems to correlate more than peripheral BP with future cardiovascular risk. Bariatric surgery is an effective method to reduce BP along with weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. The study of the relationship between weight modification after bariatric surgery and ambulatory BP measurement, not only peripheral BP, but also central BP, could provide information regarding the mechanisms of organic damage associated with elevated BP in obesity. In this review we analyze the available evidence regarding the association between central BP with obesity and its modifications after bariatric surgery.