Factors associated with therapeutic non-adherence in renal transplant patients: a bicentric study in Algeria / Facteurs associés à la non-observance thérapeutique chez les patients greffés rénaux : une étude bicentrique en Algérie

Introduction: Medication non-adherence is a global concern, particularly in the context of renal transplantation, where it leads to graft failures, increased hospitalizations, diminished quality of life for patients, and higher healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to assess the level of therapeutic adherence among Algerian kidney transplant recipients and identify potential influencing factors. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional bicenter study was conducted among kidney transplant patients receiving outpatient care at two specialized medical centers in Algeria: the Urology Department of the Hospital Establishment for Urology, Nephrology, and Renal Transplantation in Constantine, and the Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) in Blida, spanning from January to December 2022. Therapeutic adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky questionnaire, while the level of knowledge was analyzed through a 12-item questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence to therapy. Results: This study included 130 patients with an average age of 47 years and a sex ratio of 1.7. The results revealed therapeutic non-adherence in 40.8% of the patients. Multivariate analysis identified several potentially associated factors, including residence, unemployment status, lack of affiliation with a health insurance fund, the use of a therapeutic regimen involving triple therapy, the occurrence of adverse effects, limited education level, and insufficient disease knowledge. Furthermore, non-adherence was associated with an increased risk of graft rejection. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight concerning therapeutic adherence among kidney transplant recipients, emphasizing the crucial importance of therapeutic education to improve treatment adherence and underscoring the need to integrate these factors into clinical patient management.

Introduction: La non-observance thérapeutique est un problème mondial préoccupant, notamment dans le contexte de la transplantation rénale où elle entraîne des échecs de greffe, une augmentation des hospitalisations, une détérioration de la qualité de vie des patients et des coûts de santé accrus. Cette étude avait pour objectif d'évaluer le niveau d'observance thérapeutique chez les transplantés rénaux algériens et d'identifier les facteurs qui pourraient l'influencer. Méthodes: Une étude descriptive transversale bicentrique a été menée auprès de patients transplantés rénaux suivis en ambulatoire dans deux centres médicaux spécialisés en Algérie : le service d'urologie de l'Établissement hospitalier spécialisé (EHS) en urologie, néphrologie et transplantation rénale de Constantine ainsi que le service de néphrologie et transplantation rénale du Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Blida, sur une période allant de janvier à décembre 2022. L'observance thérapeutique a été évaluée à l'aide du questionnaire à 8 items de Morisky, tandis que le niveau de connaissance a été analysé à travers un questionnaire de 12 items. La régression logistique a été utilisée pour identifier les facteurs associés à la non-observance thérapeutique. Résultats: Cette étude a inclus 130 patients présentant un âge moyen de 47 ans et un sex ratio de 1,7. Les résultats ont révélé une non-observance thérapeutique chez 40,8 % des patients. L'analyse multivariée a permis d'identifier plusieurs facteurs potentiellement associés à cette non-observance, notamment le lieu d'habitation, le statut de chômage, l'absence d'affiliation à une caisse d'assurance maladie, l'utilisation d'un schéma thérapeutique incluant une trithérapie, la survenue d'effets indésirables, le niveau d'éducation limité et une connaissance insuffisante de la maladie. En outre, la non-observance a été associée à un risque accru de rejet de greffe. Conclusion: Les résultats de cette étude révèlent une observance thérapeutique préoccupante chez les transplantés rénaux, soulignant l'importance cruciale de l'éducation thérapeutique afin de l'améliorer et mettant en évidence la nécessité d'intégrer ces facteurs dans la gestion clinique des patients.

Novel factors potentially initiating acute antibody-mediated rejection in pig kidney xenografts despite an efficient immunosuppressive regimen.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a common cause of graft failure after pig-to-nonhuman primate organ transplantation, even when the graft is from a pig with multiple genetic modifications. The specific factors that initiate AMR are often uncertain. We report two cases of pig kidney transplantation into immunosuppressed baboons in which we identify novel factors associated with the initiation of AMR. In the first, membranous nephropathy was the initiating factor that was then associated with the apparent loss of the therapeutic anti-CD154 monoclonal antibody in the urine when severe proteinuria was present. This observation suggests that proteinuria may be associated with the loss of any therapeutic monoclonal antibody, for example, anti-CD154 or eculizumab, in the urine, resulting in xenograft rejection. In the second case, the sequence of events and histopathology tentatively suggested that pyelonephritis may have initiated acute-onset AMR. The association of a urinary infection with graft rejection has been well-documented in ABO-incompatible kidney allotransplantation based on the expression of an antigen on the invading microorganism shared with the kidney graft, generating an immune response to the graft. To our knowledge, these potential initiating factors of AMR in pig xenografts have not been highlighted previously.

Anuria after kidney transplantation diagnosed as early recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis combined with acute calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a glomerular disease that sometimes recurs in patients after kidney transplantation (KT) and increases the risk of graft loss. Proteinuria is a common early sign of recurrent FSGS, but an abrupt decrease in urine volume is rare. Herein, we report a patient with early recurrence of FSGS with anuria following KT. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease caused by primary FSGS experienced anuria on postoperative day 2 following deceased donor KT. Laboratory results revealed that serum tacrolimus trough levels were consistently elevated at the time of anuria. At first, we considered acute calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity based on graft biopsy on light microscopy, laboratory findings, and clinical courses. However, the allograft function did not recover even after discontinuation of CNI, and recurrent FSGS was diagnosed 2 weeks later on electron microscopy. A total of 13 sessions of plasmapheresis and two administrations of rituximab (375 mg/m2) were required to treat recurrent FSGS. The patient achieved a partial response, and the spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio decreased from 15.5 g/g creatinine to 5.2 g/g creatinine. At 5 months following KT, the serum creatinine level was stable at 1.15 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight that anuria can occur in cases of early recurrence of FSGS combined with acute CNI nephrotoxicity.

Characteristics of Delayed Graft Function and Long-Term Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation From Brain-Dead Donors: A Single-Center and Multicenter Registry-Based Retrospective Study.

Delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation is common and associated with worse graft outcomes. However, little is known about factors affecting graft survival post-DGF. We studied the association of cold ischemia time (CIT) and Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) with the long-term outcomes of deceased brain-dead donor kidneys with and without DGF. Data from Finland (n = 2,637) and from the US Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) registry (n = 61,405) was used. The association of KDPI and CIT with the graft survival of kidneys with or without DGF was studied using multivariable models. 849 (32%) kidneys had DGF in the Finnish cohort. DGF and KDPI were independent risk factors for graft loss, [HR 1.32 (95% CI 1.14-1.53), p < 0.001, and HR 1.01 per one point (95% CI 1.01-1.01), p < 0.001, respectively], but CIT was not, [HR 1.00 per CIT hour (95% CI 0.99-1.02), p = 0.84]. The association of DGF remained similar regardless of CIT and KDPI. The US cohort had similar results, but the association of DGF was stronger with higher KDPI. In conclusion, DGF and KDPI, but not CIT, are independently associated with graft survival. The association of DGF with worse graft survival is consistent across different CITs but stronger among marginal donors.

Exploring personalized treatment for cardiac graft rejection based on a four-archetype analysis model and bioinformatics analysis.

Heart transplantation is the gold standard for treating patients with advanced heart failure. Although improvements in immunosuppressive therapies have significantly reduced the frequency of cardiac graft rejection, the incidences of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) and antibody-mediated rejection remain almost unchanged. A four-archetype analysis (4AA) model, developed by Philip F. Halloran, illustrated this problem well. It provided a new dimension to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and an independent system for recalibrating the histology guidelines. However, this model was based on the invasive method of endocardial biopsy, which undoubtedly increased the postoperative risk of heart transplant patients. Currently, little is known regarding the associated genes and specific functions of the different phenotypes. We performed bioinformatics analysis (using machine-learning methods and the WGCNA algorithm) to screen for hub-specific genes related to different phenotypes, based Gene Expression Omnibus accession number GSE124897. More immune cell infiltration was observed with the ABMR, TCMR, and injury phenotypes than with the stable phenotype. Hub-specific genes for each of the four archetypes were verified successfully using an external test set (accession number GSE2596). Logistic-regression models based on TCMR-specific hub genes and common hub genes were constructed with accurate diagnostic utility (area under the curve > 0.95). RELA, NFKB1, and SOX14 were identified as transcription factors important for TCMR/injury phenotypes and common genes, respectively. Additionally, 11 Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs were chosen from the DrugBank Database for each four-archetype model. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be a promising new option for transplant rejection treatment. KRAS signaling in cardiac transplant rejection is worth further investigation. Our results showed that heart transplant rejection subtypes can be accurately diagnosed by detecting expression of the corresponding specific genes, thereby enabling precise treatment or medication.

Non-antigen-specific Immunoadsorption Is a Risk Factor for Severe Postoperative Infections in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplant Recipients.

ABO-incompatible (ABOi) living kidney transplantation (KTx) is an established procedure to address the demand for kidney transplants with outcomes comparable to ABO-compatible KTx. Desensitization involves the use of immunoadsorption (IA) to eliminate preformed antibodies against the allograft. This monocentric retrospective study compares single-use antigen-selective Glycosorb® ABO columns to reusable non-antigen-specific Immunosorba® immunoglobulin adsorption columns regarding postoperative infectious complications and outcome. It includes all 138 ABOi KTx performed at Freiburg Transplant Center from 2004-2020. We compare 81 patients desensitized using antigen-specific columns (sIA) to 57 patients who received IA using non-antigen-specific columns (nsIA). We describe distribution of infections, mortality and allograft survival in both groups and use Cox proportional hazards regression to test for the association of IA type with severe infections. Desensitization with nsIA tripled the risk of severe postoperative infections (adjusted HR 3.08, 95% CI: 1.3-8.1) compared to sIA. nsIA was associated with significantly more recurring (21.4% vs. 6.2%) and severe infections (28.6% vs. 8.6%), mostly in the form of urosepsis. A significantly higher proportion of patients with sIA suffered from allograft rejection (29.6% vs. 14.0%). However, allograft survival was comparable. nsIA is associated with a two-fold risk of developing a severe postoperative infection after ABOi KTx.

[Outcome of ABO-incompatible living-donor kidney transplants : A plea for crossover living-donor kidney transplantation]. / Outcome von ABO-inkompatiblen Lebendnierenspenden : Ein Plädoyer für Crossover-Lebendnierenspenden.

BACKGROUND: The lack of postmortem donated organs is the background to varyingly high rates of living-donor kidney transplants worldwide. ABO blood group-incompatible living-donor kidney transplants have also been established for at least 20 years. The equivalence of the results of ABO-incompatible and ABO-compatible transplants has recently been questioned. OBJECTIVE: In the sense of a critical reflection of our own kidney transplant program, we were interested in comparing ABO-incompatible with ABO-compatible living-donor kidney transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of all living-donor kidney transplants performed at our center since the first ABO-incompatible transplants were performed in 2005 up to and including 2022 was performed. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2022, 1099 living kidney transplants were performed at the authors' center. Among them were 241 ABO-incompatible transplants. Transplant survival was significantly lower after ABO-incompatible donation than after ABO-compatible donation. This effect consisted of an increased mortality of the recipients, especially in the early phase, and a reduced longevity of the grafts. CONCLUSION: Including ABO-incompatible pairs for living-donor kidney transplants in crossover programs can improve medical outcomes and reduce costs.

Impact of OPTN policy 3.7D providing waiting time modification for candidates affected by race-inclusive eGFR calculations: Early results from a single center.

INTRODUCTION: OPTN Policy 3.7D, implemented January 5, 2023, mandates that all kidney transplant programs modify waiting time for candidates affected by race-inclusive eGFR calculations. We report the early impact of this policy change. METHODS: Our transplant program reviewed all listed transplant candidates and identified patients potentially eligible for waiting time modification. Eligible candidates received waiting time modification after submission of supporting evidence to the OPTN. We reviewed the impact on waiting time and transplant activity through October 1, 2023. RESULTS: Forty-six adult patients on our center's active waiting list self-identified as Black/African American. 25 (54.3%) candidates qualified for waiting time modification. A median 451 (321, 1543.5) additional days of waiting time was added for qualifying patients. Of the 25 patients who qualified for waiting time modification, 11 patients received a deceased donor kidney in the early period following waiting time modification, including 5 patients transplanted within 1 month after modification. CONCLUSIONS: Policy 3.7D is one of few national mandates to address specifically structural racism within transplantation. Implementation has yielded near immediate effects with greater than 40% of time-adjusted patients at our center receiving a deceased donor kidney transplant in the initial months after policy enactment. Early assessment demonstrates great potential impact for this policy.

Management of the sensitized pediatric renal transplant candidate.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with ESRD as it is associated with improved patient survival and better quality of life, especially in children. There are several barriers to a successful transplant including organ shortage, anatomic barriers, and immunologic barriers. One of the biggest immunologic barriers that precludes transplantation is sensitization, when patients have antibodies prior to transplantation, resulting in positive crossmatches with donor. 30%-40% of adult patients on the wait list are sensitized. There is a growing number of pediatric patients on the wait list who are sensitized. This poses a unique challenge to the pediatric transplant community. Therefore, attempts to perform desensitization to remove or suppress pathogenic HLA antibodies resulting in acceptable crossmatches, and ultimately a successful transplant, while reducing the risk of acute rejection, are much needed in these children. This review article aims to address the management of such patients both prior to transplantation, with strategies to overcome sensitization, and after transplantation with monitoring for allograft rejection and other complications.

Unrecognized opportunities: The landscape of pediatric kidney-paired donation in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric (age < 18 years) kidney transplant (KT) candidates face increasingly complex choices. The 2014 kidney allocation system nearly doubled wait times for pediatric recipients. Given longer wait times and new ways to optimize compatibility, more pediatric candidates may consider kidney-paired donation (KPD). Motivated by this shift and the potential impact of innovations in KPD practice, we studied pediatric KPD procedures in the US from 2008 to 2021. METHODS: We describe the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric KPD recipients with comparison to pediatric non-KPD living donor kidney transplants (LDKT), pediatric LDKT recipients, and pediatric deceased donor (DDKT) recipients. RESULTS: Our study cohort includes 4987 pediatric DDKTs, 3447 pediatric non-KPD LDKTs, and 258 pediatric KPD transplants. Fewer centers conducted at least one pediatric KPD procedure compared to those that conducted at least one pediatric LDKT or DDKT procedure (67, 136, and 155 centers, respectively). Five centers performed 31% of the pediatric KPD transplants. After adjustment, there were no differences in graft failure or mortality comparing KPD recipients to non-KPD LDKT, LDKT, or DDKT recipients. DISCUSSION: We did not observe differences in transplant outcomes comparing pediatric KPD recipients to controls. Considering these results, KPD may be underutilized for pediatric recipients. Pediatric KT centers should consider including KPD in KT candidate education. Further research will be necessary to develop tools that could aid clinicians and families considering the time horizon for future KT procedures, candidate disease and histocompatibility characteristics, and other factors including logistics and donor protections.

[Robot-assisted kidney transplantation-what is new?] / Aktuelles zur robotischen Nierentransplantation ­ quo vadis?

BACKGROUND: The first robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) was conducted in 2010, and the first time in Germany in 2016. As more than 5 years have passed, current evidence, technological developments and the latest (German) experience are presented. OBJECTIVES: The current evidence and experience of RAKT was investigated from an international and German perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a systemic search, relevant publications were analyzed and compared with the experiences at a German urological transplant department. RESULTS: From an international perspective, RAKT can now be considered a standard procedure at experienced departments, as more than 680 RAKT have been documented in Europe. The functional results are excellent with low complication rates and good mid- to long-term functional outcomes. Although RAKT was initially only performed with living organ donations, it has also been successfully conducted with cadaveric grafts. The surgical technique can be applied in challenging and complex situations, such as for arteriosclerotic recipient vessels or for kidney transplantations in children. Although RAKT is still not widely performed in Germany, the university hospital in Marburg, the third urological department in Germany, has successfully initiated a robotic transplant program. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to open kidney transplantation, robot-assisted kidney transplantation enables at least noninferior results. It further appears to translate the well-documented advantages of minimally invasive surgery to kidney transplantation. However, its spread throughout Germany is only slowly increasing, possibly because only a handful of urological departments still perform kidney transplantations.

Novel indications for referral and care for simultaneous liver kidney transplant recipients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kidney dysfunction is challenging in liver transplant candidates to determine whether it is reversible or not. This review focuses on the pertinent data on how to best approach liver transplant candidates with kidney dysfunction in the current era after implementing the simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) allocation policy and safety net. RECENT FINDINGS: The implementation of the SLK policy inverted the steady rise in SLK transplants and improved the utilization of high-quality kidneys. Access to kidney transplantation following liver transplant alone (LTA) increased with favorable outcomes. Estimating GFR in liver transplant candidates remains challenging, and innovative methods are needed. SLK provided superior patient and graft survival compared to LTA only for patients with advanced CKD and dialysis at least 3 months. SLK can provide immunological protection against kidney rejection in highly sensitized candidates. Post-SLK transplant care is complex, with an increased risk of complications and hospitalization. SUMMARY: The SLK policy improved kidney access and utilization. Transplant centers are encouraged, under the safety net, to reserve SLK for liver transplant candidates with advanced CKD or dialysis at least 3 months while allowing lower thresholds for highly sensitized patients. Herein, we propose a practical approach to liver transplant candidates with kidney dysfunction.

Biopsy-based transcriptomics in the diagnosis of kidney transplant rejection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The last year has seen considerable progress in translational research exploring the clinical utility of biopsy-based transcriptomics of kidney transplant biopsies to enhance the diagnosis of rejection. This review will summarize recent findings with a focus on different platforms, potential clinical applications, and barriers to clinical adoption. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent literature has focussed on using biopsy-based transcriptomics to improve diagnosis of rejection, in particular antibody-mediated rejection. Different techniques of gene expression analysis (reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR, microarrays, probe-based techniques) have been used either on separate samples with ideally preserved RNA, or on left over tissue from routine biopsy processing. Despite remarkable consistency in overall patterns of gene expression, there is no consensus on acceptable indications, or whether biopsy-based transcriptomics adds significant value at reasonable cost to current diagnostic practice. SUMMARY: Access to biopsy-based transcriptomics will widen as regulatory approvals for platforms and gene expression models develop. Clinicians need more evidence and guidance to inform decisions on how to use precious biopsy samples for biopsy-based transcriptomics, and how to integrate results with standard histology-based diagnosis.

Results in Kidney Transplant Recipients from Living Donors 75 Years of Age or Older.

The increasing age of patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Turkey, coupled with a shortage of kidney donors, has led to longer waiting times for transplants and an escalation in mortality rates. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effect on transplant outcomes of accepting kidneys from donors ≥70 years of age, given the rising number of older patients in the population. In all, 1400 patients were transplanted with kidneys from donors >50 years, with patient and graft survival as primary endpoints. Our results demonstrated that the most significant risk factors for graft function were recipient age >65 years, male sex, and presence of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, kidneys from donors ≥75 years of age achieved a half-life of 5 years. These findings suggest that donor age does not necessarily correlate with graft failure and that transplantation from older donors could help alleviate the organ shortage. Further research is needed to substantiate these conclusions.

Higher Donor Age and Severe Microvascular Inflammation Are Risk Factors for Chronic Rejection After Treatment of Active Antibody-Mediated Rejection.

Recent developments in intensive desensitization protocols have enabled kidney transplantation in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-sensitized recipients. However, cases of active antibody-mediated rejection (AABMR), when they occur, are difficult to manage, graft failure being the worst-case scenario. We aimed to assess the impact of our desensitization and AABMR treatment regimen and identify risk factors for disease progression. Among 849 patients who underwent living-donor kidney transplantation between 2014 and 2021 at our institution, 59 were diagnosed with AABMR within 1 year after transplantation. All patients received combination therapy consisting of steroid pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, and plasmapheresis. Multivariable analysis revealed unrelated donors and preformed donor-specific antibodies as independent risk factors for AABMR. Five-year death-censored graft survival rate was not significantly different between patients with and without AABMR although 27 of 59 patients with AABMR developed chronic AABMR (CABMR) during the study period. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that a donor age greater than 59 years and microvascular inflammation (MVI) score (g + ptc) ≥4 at AABMR diagnosis were independent risk factors for CABMR. Our combination therapy ameliorated AABMR; however, further treatment options should be considered to prevent CABMR, especially in patients with old donors and severe MVI.

Perioperative management of kidney transplantation in China: A national survey in 2021.

Perioperative anaesthesia management has an important significance for kidney transplantation; however, the related consensus remains limited. An electronic survey with 44 questions was developed and sent to the chief anaesthesiologist at 115 non-military medical centres performing kidney transplantation in China through WeChat. A response rate of 81.7% was achieved from 94 of 115 non-military medical centres, where 94.4% of kidney transplants (10404 /11026) were completed in 2021. The result showed an overview of perioperative practice for kidney transplantations in China, identify the heterogeneity, and provide evidence for improving perioperative management of kidney transplantation. Some controversial therapy, such as hydroxyethyl starch, are still widely used, while some recommended methods are not widely available. More efforts on fluid management, hemodynamical monitoring, perioperative anaesthetics, and postoperative pain control are needed to improve the outcomes. Evidence-based guidelines for standardizing clinical practice are needed.

Two Decades of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Solid Organ Transplantation.

Transplant surgery has undergone significant advancements with the emergence of minimally invasive techniques, particularly in kidney and liver transplantation. This review explores the applications and impact of minimally invasive approaches in transplant surgeries. The history of laparoscopy and robotic surgery is discussed, highlighting the evolution of these techniques and their contributions to the field of minimally invasive surgery. Despite the numerous benefits offered by minimally invasive techniques, their acceptance in the transplant world remains relatively low. Factors such as technical complexity, concerns about graft function and longterm outcomes, surgical time and cost considerations, and the lack of standardized guidelines contribute to this low acceptance. However, as research and technological advancements continue, the acceptance of minimally invasive techniques is gradually increasing. Specific applications of minimally invasive techniques in kidney and liver transplant surgeries are explored, highlighting the transformative effect on patient outcomes and quality of life. The review concludes by emphasizing the ongoing evolution of transplant surgery and the potential for minimally invasive techniques to bring renewed hope and improved outcomes to transplant patients worldwide.

Immunology Status of Patients During Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: The immunology status of a patient has a crucial role in kidney transplant. We investigated the effectiveness of a desensitization protocol, guided by the immunology status of patients, for kidney transplant candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibody screening for human leukocyte antigens was conducted with the Luminex single-antigen microsphere bead assay method for 34 patients from June 2021 to June 2022. Donor human leukocyte antigen genotypes at 8 loci (A*, B*, С*, DRB1*, DQA1*, DQB1*, DPA1*, and DPB1*) were determined, to correlate the specificities of recipient human leukocyte antigen antibodies with donor antigens and identify unacceptable donor antigen combinations. Specialized immunology studies measured panel reactive antibody levels and human leukocyte antigen class I and class II antibodies. A crossmatch compatibility test using complementdependent cytotoxicity was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 34 patients, 10 completed all 3 stages of the desensitization therapy. Most patients experienced decreased sensitization to human leukocyte antigen class I and class II antibodies. Two patients achieved complete clearance of A1 and DQ5 antibodies, respectively, whereas 1 patient exhibited an increase in donor-specific antibody mean fluorescence intensity. Prior to desensitization therapy, the crossmatch compatibility test yielded positive results with T and B lymphocytes. After completing the therapy, the crossmatch test showed negative results in 4 cases with T lymphocytes and positive results with B lymphocytes. Plasmapheresis sessions effectively reduced circulating antibodies. However, the combination of rituximab and plasmapheresis alone did not achieve a negative crossmatch test required for kidney transplant. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to assess the reduction of donor-specific antibody quantity, considering both the percentage and the mean fluorescence intensity. To avoid false-positive results in crossmatch analysis, drug half-life must be considered. Laboratories should have various crossmatch techniques, such as flow cytometry and single-antigen microsphere bead assay technology, available for research and urgent cases that require crossmatch analysis.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Kidney Donors at First Check: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney transplant is the best treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease. In many regions of the world, including the Middle East, most kidney transplants are from living donors. In contrast to recipients, data for living donors remain scarce. Here, we describe living donor baseline characteristics at first hospital check at a single center in Baghdad, Iraq. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected and analyzed demographic, laboratory, imaging, and histocompatibility data from donor records at the Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Center, Medical City-Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq, from July 2022 to September 2022. RESULTS: We included 124 kidney donors (56.4% male) who donated their kidneys 1 to 3 years previous to our study, with a mean age of 34.84 ± 10.04 years and mean body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 27.11 ± 2.12. Most donors donated their kidneys to a firstdegree relative (69.2%); blood group O was the most prevalent (47.5%). More than half of the donors were unemployed. Histocompatibility testing showed that 40% of the donors had >3 human leukocyte antigen mismatches with their recipients, and 30% of the recipients were high-risk sensitized patients with a calculated panel reactive antibody >50%. Regarding the virus status, 68.5% of the donors tested positive for cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin G, 8% of the transplants were high-risk cytomegalovirus status, and 43.5% tested positive for Epstein-Barr virus immunoglobulin G. Renal imaging showed that 75.8% of donors had a single artery and 24.1% had a double artery (26.6% double left, 40% double right, and 33.3% both). CONCLUSIONS: For living transplant procedures at a single center in Iraq, most were from related donors. Most donors are unemployed, which mandates future health and social support. High immunological and viral risks must not be ignored in a single center with living related donors.