Renal Vessel Extension With Cryopreserved Vascular Grafts: Overcoming Surgical Pitfalls in Living Donor Kidney Transplant.

In LDKT, right kidneys and kidneys with anomalous vascularization are often deferred because of concerns on complications and vascular reconstructions. To date, only few reports have examined renal vessel extension with cryopreserved vascular grafts in LDKT. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of renal vessel extension on short-term outcomes and ischemia times in LDKT. From 2012 to 2020, recipients of LDKT with renal vessels extension were compared with standard LDKT recipients. Subset analysis of rights grafts and grafts with anomalous vascularization, with or without renal vessel extension, was performed. Recipients of LDKT with (n = 54) and without (n = 91) vascular extension experienced similar hospital stays, surgical complications and DGF rates. For grafts with multiple vessels, renal vessel extension granted a faster implantation time (44±5 vs. 72±14 min), which resulted comparable to that of standard anatomy grafts. Right kidney grafts with vascular extension had a faster implantation time compared to right kidney grafts without vascular lengthening (43±5 vs. 58±9 min), and a comparable implantation time to left kidney grafts. Renal vessel extension with cryopreserved vascular grafts allows faster implantation time in right kidney grafts or grafts with anomalous vascularization, maintaining similar surgical and functional outcomes.

A case report of IgG4-related disease: an insidious path to the diagnosis through kidney, heart and brain.

BACKGROUND: IgG4-related disease, described around the years 2000 as a form of autoimmune pancreatitis, is now increasingly accepted as a systemic syndrome. The diagnosis is based on both comprehensive and organ-specific criteria. For the kidney, Mayo clinic classification and the guidelines of the Japanese Nephrology Society are used. Ultimately, together with parameters that characterize every organ or apparatus involved, the key element is the confirmation of growing levels of IgG4 in blood or in tissues. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a male patient with chronic renal failure associated to hypertension without proteinuria. IgG4-related disease was diagnosed through renal biopsy. After an initial positive response to steroids, he presented tinnitus, and histological assessment showed cerebral and subsequently cardiac damage, both IgG4-related. This case appears unique for the type of histologically documented cardiac and neurological parenchymal involvement, and at the same time, exemplifies the subtle and pernicious course of the disease. Frequently, blurred and non-specific signs prevail. Here, kidney damage was associated with minimal urinary findings, slowly progressive renal dysfunction and other factors that can be equivocated in the differential diagnosis. Neurological involvement was represented by tinnitus alone, while cardiac alterations were completely asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: This report is representative of the neurological and cardiac changes described in the literature for IgG4-related disease, which may be correlated or not with the renal form and highlights the need, in some cases, of targeted therapeutic approaches. In addition to glucocorticoids, as in this case, rituximab may be necessary.

Preliminary experience of sequential use of normothermic and hypothermic oxygenated perfusion for donation after circulatory death kidney with warm ischemia time over the conventional criteria - a retrospective and observational study.

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) is a potential source of reducing organ demand. In Italy, DCD requires a 20-min no-touch period that prolongs warm ischemia and increases delayed graft function (DGF) risk and graft loss. We report here our preliminary experience of sequential use of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), as standard procedure, and hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE), as an experimental technique of organ preservation, in 10 kidney transplants (KT) from five DCD Maastricht III with extensive functional warm ischemia time (fWIT) up to 325 min. During NRP, renal function tests were evaluated to accept organs which were retrieved according to standard fashion with biopsy. While waiting for pathology and cross-match results, organs were preserved with HOPE through pressure- and temperature-controlled arterial pulsatile flow. All grafts with Karpinski score ≤4 were used for conventional single KT with mean cold ischemia time of 584 ± 167 min and mean fWIT of 151 ± 132 min. At the end of HOPE, lactate levels increased significantly in all cases with DGF (P = 0.0095), which were 3/10 (30%). No primary nonfunctions were recorded, and all patients had sCr < 1.5 mg/dl at 6-month post-KT. NRP and HOPE for DCD may overcome fWIT limits safely, and lactate during HOPE predicts DGF.

Fifteen-Year Analysis of Deceased Kidney Donation: A Single Transplant Center Experience in a Region of Northern Italy.

BACKGROUND The rising number of patients on waiting lists for kidney transplant and the shortage of available organs has intensified efforts to increase the number of potential donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study investigated changes in clinical parameters among potential deceased donors in the 15-year period between 1999 and 2013 and their impact on transplantation procedure and outcomes. A total of 1634 potential deceased donors were examined and divided into 2 groups: 707 of them identified from 1999 to 2005 (Group A), and 927 from 2006 to 2013 (Group B). RESULTS The comparison between the potential donors in Group A vs. Group B revealed an increase over time in donor age (54.6±17.2 vs. 58.8±16.3, p<0.001), a reduction in the percentage of standard donors (52.3% vs. 39.8%, p<0.001), a broader utilization of organs from expanded criteria donors, and a greater number of comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia. However, renal function parameters and the bioptic scores did not change significantly over the years. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the usefulness of strategies to increase the number of potential donors suitable for organ donation, especially among elderly and marginal donors.

The DESCARTES-Nantes survey of kidney transplant recipients displaying clinical operational tolerance identifies 35 new tolerant patients and 34 almost tolerant patients.

BACKGROUND: Kidney recipients maintaining a prolonged allograft survival in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs and without evidence of rejection are supposed to be exceptional. The ERA-EDTA-DESCARTES working group together with Nantes University launched a European-wide survey to identify new patients, describe them and estimate their frequency for the first time. METHODS: Seventeen coordinators distributed a questionnaire in 256 transplant centres and 28 countries in order to report as many 'operationally tolerant' patients (TOL; defined as having a serum creatinine <1.7 mg/dL and proteinuria <1 g/day or g/g creatinine despite at least 1 year without any immunosuppressive drug) and 'almost tolerant' patients (minimally immunosuppressed patients (MIS) receiving low-dose steroids) as possible. We reported their number and the total number of kidney transplants performed at each centre to calculate their frequency. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-seven questionnaires were returned and we identified 66 TOL (61 with complete data) and 34 MIS patients. Of the 61 TOL patients, 26 were previously described by the Nantes group and 35 new patients are presented here. Most of them were noncompliant patients. At data collection, 31/35 patients were alive and 22/31 still operationally tolerant. For the remaining 9/31, 2 were restarted on immunosuppressive drugs and 7 had rising creatinine of whom 3 resumed dialysis. Considering all patients, 10-year death-censored graft survival post-immunosuppression weaning reached 85% in TOL patients and 100% in MIS patients. With 218 913 kidney recipients surveyed, cumulative incidences of operational tolerance and almost tolerance were estimated at 3 and 1.5 per 10 000 kidney recipients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In kidney transplantation, operational tolerance and almost tolerance are infrequent findings associated with excellent long-term death-censored graft survival.

Physical activity in solid organ transplant recipients: preliminary results of the Italian project.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of physical activity in transplanted patients is often underestimated. We discuss the Italian National Transplant Centre experience, which started in 2008 studying transplanted patients involved in sports activities. The study was then developed through a model of cooperation between surgeons, sports physicians and exercise specialists. METHODS: A multicentre study was realized in 120 transplanted patients of which 60 treated with supervised physical activity (three sessions/week of aerobic and strengthening exercises) and 60 controls. We present the results of the first 26 patients (16 males, 10 females; 47.8 ± 10.0 years; 21 kidney, 5 liver transplanted; time from transplant 2.3 ± 1.4 years) who completed 12 months of supervised physical activity. RESULTS: Data showed an increase of peak aerobic power (t=4.535; P<0.01) and maximum workload (t=4.665; P<0.01) in the incremental cycling test. Maximum strength of knee extensors (t=2.933; P<0.05) and elbow flexors (t=2.450; P<0.05), and the power of lower limb (t=2.303; P<0.05) significantly increases. Health Related Quality of Life showed a significant improvement. Serum creatinine (1.4 ± 0.5 vs 1.3 ± 0.4 mg/dL) and proteinuria (0.10 ± 0.14 vs 0.08 ± 0.08 gr/dL) were stable. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results confirm the positive effects of supervised physical exercise. It can be considered as an input to promote other detailed exercise protocols.

"Eculizumab First" in the Management of Posttransplant Thrombotic Microangiopathy.

Introduction: Posttransplant thrombotic microangiopathy (PT-TMA) is an uncommon event that characterizes approximately 3% to 14% of kidney transplants (KTs), and that is associated with a higher risk of delayed graft function and graft loss. PT-TMA occurs more frequently within the first 3 months after transplant and can be a manifestation of de novo disease or the recurrence of previous atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Abnormalities in complement regulation genes could explain the increased susceptibility of some patients to PT-TMA. Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits the formation of the membrane attack complex C5b-9. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of eculizumab as treatment for PT-TMA. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical records of 45 KT patients who received eculizumab immediately after the clinical diagnosis of PT-TMA. Results: Kidney biopsy was performed in 91.1% of patients, and complement genetic study was performed in 64.4%. Of the kidney biopsies, 85.4% showed signs of TMA; genetic analysis revealed 1 pathogenetic variant, 2 variants of uncertain significance, 1 likely benign variant, 8 risk polymorphisms, and 27 risk haplotypes. After 2 weeks from the treatment starting, hemoglobin and platelets significantly increased. A remarkable improvement in kidney function was also observed. After 6 months, 28.8% of patients had a complete renal recovery whereas 44.4% had a partial recovery. Conclusion: This is, to our knowledge, the largest series of KT patients with PT-TMA treated with eculizumab. These data suggest that eculizumab is associated with a normalization of hemolysis indices and an important and progressive improvement of graft function.

Thrombosis of tunneled-cuffed hemodialysis catheters: treatment with high-dose urokinase lock therapy.

Thrombosis-related malfunction of tunneled-cuffed central venous catheters (TCC) for hemodialysis (HD) currently leads to a high rate of untimely catheter removal. Urokinase (UK) therapy is used for TCC thrombosis/malfunction, but no consensus exists on the adequate dose to obtain thrombolysis. We selected 72 HD patients with TCC and a mean age and HD vintage of 74 years (range 65-87) and 36 months (range 12-61), respectively. All patients received warfarin therapy with a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.8-2.5. Coagulative assessment of the patients was obtained by checking the INR, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and platelets. Sixty-five thrombotic events were recorded during a 3-year follow-up (median 0.3 events/patient/year). The patients selected were randomized into two groups according to a different thrombolytic therapy. Group A comprised 29 thrombotic events in 32 patients who received UK 25,000 IU in both arterial and venous lines of the TCC for each event. UK restored an adequate blood flow rate (BFR) for HD (≥ 250 mL/min) in 4/29 events (13.7%), whereas addition of 50,000 IU to both arterial and venous lines was required in 25/29 events (86.3%). For the same 25 events in the second HD session, a further 75,000 IU of UK was needed for each TCC lumen. Group B comprised 36 thrombotic events in 40 patients who received 100 000 IU of UK in the arterial and venous lumen of the TCC for each event. An adequate BFR was recovered in all events. In 12/36 events (33.3%), 100,000 IU UK for both lumens were needed in the second HD. In conclusion, group B patients obtained (i) a significantly better TCC patency than group A patients; (ii) a low UK administration in the following HD sessions; and (iii) no bleeding complications.

Current Perspectives in ABO-Incompatible Kidney Transplant.

For a long time, ABO incompatible living donor kidney transplantation has been considered contraindicated, due to the presence of isohemagglutinins, natural antibodies reacting with non-self ABO antigens. However, as the demand for kidney transplantation is constantly growing, methods to expand the donor pool have become increasingly important. Thus, in the last decades, specific desensitization strategies for ABOi transplantation have been developed. Nowadays, these regimens consist of transient removal of preformed anti-A or anti-B antibodies by using plasmapheresis or immunoadsorption and B-cell immunity modulation by CD20+ cells depletion with rituximab, in association with maintenance immunosuppression including corticosteroids, tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. The outcome in ABOi kidney transplantation have markedly improved over the years. In fact, although randomized trials are still lacking, recent meta analysis has revealed that there is no difference in terms of graft and patient's survival between ABOi and ABO compatible kidney transplant, even in the long term. However, many concerns still exist, because ABOi kidney transplantation is associated with an increased risk of bleeding and infectious complications, partly related to the effects of extracorporeal treatments and the strong immunosuppression. Thus, a continuous improvement in desensitization strategies, with the aim of minimize the immunosuppressive burden, on the basis of immune pathogenesis, antibodies titers and/or ABO blood group, is warranted. In this review, we discuss the main immune mechanisms involved in ABOi kidney transplantation, the pathogenesis of tolerance and the desensitization regimens, including immunoadsorption and plasmapheresis and the immunosuppressive protocol. Finally, we provide an overview on outcome and future perspectives in ABOi kidney transplant.

Kidney transplantation in systemic sclerosis: Advances in graft, disease, and patient outcome.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated rheumatic disease characterized by vascular abnormalities, tissue fibrosis, and inflammation. Renal disease occurring in patients with SSc may have a variable clinicopathological picture. However, the most specific renal condition associated with this disease is the scleroderma renal crisis (SRC), characterized by acute onset of renal failure and severe hypertension. SRC develops in about 20% of cases of SSc, especially in those patients with diffuse cutaneous disease. The prognosis of this condition is often negative, with a rapid progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The advent of the antihypertensive angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in 1980 was associated with a significant improvement in patients' survival and recovery of renal function. However, the prognosis of these patients can still be improved. The dialytic condition is associated with early death, and mortality is significantly higher than among patients undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) due to other conditions. Patients with SRC who show no signs of renal functional recovery despite timely blood pressure control are candidates for kidney transplantation (KT). In this review, we reported the most recent advances in KT in patients with ESRD due to SSc, with a particular overview of the risk of disease recurrence after transplantation and the evolution of other disease manifestations.

The Relationship between Timing of Pretransplant Kidney Biopsy, Graft Loss, and Survival in Kidney Transplantation: An Italian Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Kidney biopsy is performed to assess if an extended criteria graft can be used for transplantation. It may be performed before or after cross-clamping during organ procurement. This study aims to evaluate whether the timing of biopsy may modify cold ischemia times (CIT) and/or graft outcomes. METHODS: Kidney transplants performed in our center from January 2007 to December 2017 were analyzed. Grafts with preimplantation kidney biopsy were included. Biopsies were performed during surgical back table (ex situ kidney biopsy [ESKB]) until 2012 and since then before the aortic cross-clamping (in situ kidney biopsy [ISKB]). To overcome biases owing to different distributions, a propensity score model was developed. The study population consists in 322 patients, 115 ESKB, and 207 ISKB. RESULTS: CIT was significantly lower for ISKB (730 min ISKB vs. 840 min ESKB, p value = 0.001). In both crude (OR 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.12-0.60; p value = 0.002) and adjusted analyses (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14-0.94; p value = 0.039), ISKB was associated with a reduced odd of graft loss when compared to ESKB. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Performing preimplantation kidney biopsy during the recovery, prior to the aortic cross-clamping, may be a strategy to reduce CIT and improve transplant outcomes.

Effects of unfractioned heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin on osteoprotegerin and RANKL plasma levels in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: This randomized crossover study investigated the effects of unfractioned heparin (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on intra- and post-dialytic blood levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Forty patients on haemodialysis for at least 12 months were selected. UFH or LMWH was randomly assigned and maintained for 1 month, and then, in the following month, each patient was switched to the other form of heparin. In the mid-week session, we determined the changes in anti-Xa activity, OPG, RANKL, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α values before heparin administration and after 15 min, 4, 8 and 24 h (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively). Since these parameters at the various experimental times showed a non-normal distribution, log transformation was applied in order to run parametric ANOVA, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The changes in anti-Xa activity over time were similar but not the same for the UFH and LMWH. A highly significant (P<0.001) increase in anti-Xa activity was detected at T1, regardless of the type of heparin, as confirmed in the comparison of T0 vs T1 using one-way ANOVA. Moreover, with both heparins, significant differences were found in the comparisons of anti-Xa activity at T1 vs T2 (both P<0.001) and at T2 vs T3 (P=0.0003 with UFH; P<0.001 with LMWH). Conversely, the difference in anti-Xa activity at T3 vs T4 was still significant with UFH (P=0.0186) but not significant with LMWH (P=0.728). When comparing anti-Xa activity at T4 vs T0, no significant differences were found either with UFH (P=0.1996) or with LMWH (P=0.7470), thus indicating that 24 h after heparin infusion, anti-Xa activity returned back to the pre-infusion values. When we analysed the changes in OPG levels over time, we found that the administration of heparin, regardless of the type, determined an increase in circulating OPG with a zenith at 15 min (T1), with a return back to the baseline levels within the 24th hour post-infusion. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in OPG blood levels at T0 vs T1 with both UFH (P=0.0112) and LMWH (P=0.0288), whereas no significant difference was observed in the comparisons of OPG levels at T1 vs T2, T2 vs T3, T3 vs T4 and T4 vs T0, either with UFH or with LMWH. The circulating levels of RANKL, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α at the different intra- and post-dialytic times did not show significant variations following heparin administration, either with UFH or with LMWH. One-way ANOVA performed on the log-transformed values of RANKL, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α at the various experimental times (T0 vs T1, T1 vs T2, T2 vs T2, T3 vs T4 and T4 vs T0) revealed no significant intra- and post-dialytic changes in their blood levels, thus confirming that heparin infusion did not affect their blood levels. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that heparin-regulated cyclic increases of OPG might play a role in the vascular pathology of haemodialysis patients.

VDR expression on circulating endothelial progenitor cells in dialysis patients is modulated by 25(OH)D serum levels and calcitriol therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with endothelial dysfunction in uremic patients, possibly by the impairment in the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In 89 hemodialysis patients, we investigated the factors associated with the number of circulating EPCs (CD34+/CD133+/KDR+ and CD34+/CD133-/KDR+ cells), the presence of VDR and the determinants of VDR expression on EPCs, in particular in calcitriol therapy. METHODS: EPC counts, percentages of VDR-positive EPCs and VDR expression were assessed by flow cytometry. Cells isolated from a subgroup of patients were cultured to analyze colony-forming units, specific markers expression and a capillary-like structure formation. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the presence of VDR on EPCs. In our dialysis patients, the parameters studied on both CD34+/CD133+/KDR+ and CD34+/CD133-/KDR+ cells, in particular VDR expression, seem to be influenced by uremia-related factors, including anemia, inflammation, diabetes, 25(OH)D serum levels and calcitriol therapy.

[Hemodiafiltration reduces mortality and prevents comorbidities? Technical innovations to improve hemodynamics and efficacy]. / L'emodiafiltrazione riduce la mortalita' e previene le comorbidita'? Innovazioni tecniche per migliorare emodinamica ed efficacia.

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is a dialysis technique characterized by the combination of diffusive and convective depuration. This allows the removal of both low and medium-high molecular weight toxins, keeping the intradialytic hemodynamic status of the patient more stable. Technical innovations in HDF technology aim to enhance the depurative efficacy of the treatment and reduce intradialytic hypotensive events and intolerance. Among these techniques, mixed HDF, middilution HDF and HFR Aequilibrium have particular innovative significance. Mixed HDF and mid-dilution HDF are clinically indicated to enhance the depurative efficacy of HDF and HFR Aequilibrium may serve to widen the depurative range in patients suffering from the malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome and intradialytic hypotension or intolerance. Mixed HDF and mid-dilution HDF allow to improve the infusion volumes thanks to the intradialytic modulation of the pre/post-infusion ratio (mixed HDF) or the high-volume intradialyzer pre/postinfusion (mid-dilution HDF). HFR Aequilibrium is based on a) separation between convection (first chamber) and diffusion with body weight decrease (second chamber); b) infusion of endogenous ultrafiltrate purified by resin adsorption; c) use of dialysate sodium and ultrafiltration profiles automatically elaborated by a mathematical model incorporated in the software of the dialysis machine.

Iloprost in Acute Post-kidney Transplant Atheroembolism: A Case Report of Two Successful Treatments.

Cholesterol embolization (CE) is a rare and alarming post-transplant complication, responsible for primary non-function (PNF) or delayed graft function (DGF). Its incidence is expected to rise due to increasingly old donors and recipients and the extended criteria for donation. Therapy with statins and steroids has not been shown to be effective, while agonism of prostaglandin I2 has been reported to be useful in systemic CE. We report two cases of acute post-transplant CE in which intravenous iloprost (0.05 mg/kg/day) was added to standard statin and steroid therapy. In the first instance, CE was due to embolization from the kidney artery resulting in embolization of the small vessels; after a long DGF and 15 days of iloprost therapy, renal function recovered. The second instance is a case of embolization from the iliac artery of the recipient, where CE manifested as a partial renal infarction. After 5 days of iloprost administration, creatinine levels improved. Iloprost acts on vasodilation and on different inflammatory pathways, improving the anti-inflammatory profile. Post-transplant CE is difficult to diagnose and, if not treated, can lead to loss of function. Iloprost added to standard therapy could be beneficial in accelerating renal function recovery immediately after transplant.

Double Single-Side Kidney Transplants With Bench Vascular Reconstruction: A Further Challenge Beyond the Marginality Without Future Preclusions.

BACKGROUND: Double kidney transplantation allows the use of marginal kidneys with a significant improvement in the recovery of renal function expected after transplantation, although with a greater anesthesiologic and surgical risk. One-sided positioning, more cautious in the event of functional exhaustion, can be complex due to vascular anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of 2 double unilateral kidney transplants with vascular reconstructions. The first is a double kidney transplant from a 83-year-old donor. Both kidneys (score 5) had 2 arteries and the arterial patch was not usable. A cryopreserved arterial graft was used for the packaging of an arterial axis with which a single T-L anastomosis was performed; the 2 veins were also joined with the packaging of a single anastomosis. The second case is a double kidney transplant from a cadaveric donor performed on a recipient suffering from severe diffuse atheromasia. The right kidney had 2 arteries and the left kidney had 3 arteries (both score 5). The aortic patches and veins of the 2 kidneys were joined together and a single arterial and venous anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: The course has been uneventful. In both cases there were no perioperative vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of marginal organs is an increasingly common reality. Bench vascular reconstructions can further increase donation resources, safely enhancing the transplantation of already marginal organs that would otherwise not be usable and allowing the contralateral vascular axis to be kept intact.

Post-coronarography application of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration in the prevention of contrast nephropathy in patients with complex multisystem deficiency.

BACKGROUND: An increased admission of high-risk patients to diagnostic and interventional radiological procedures with contrast medium has resulted in an increase of contrast-induced nephropathy, which now represents the third main cause of hospital-acquired acute renal failure. The pathogenic mechanism of contrast-induced nephropathy (CN) is unclear, but there is much evidence which indicated an interaction between direct tubular cytotoxicity and osmotic/hemodynamic effects. Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) has shown possible benefits in preventing CN. It is not understood when and how prophylactic strategies should be used either in pharmacological therapies or in continous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the CVVH technique in preventing CN secondary to emergency radiological procedures in very high-risk patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with severe chronic renal impairment (serum creatinine concentration >2 mg/dl with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <40 ml/min) in association with at least two severe comorbidities (such as previous acute myocardial infarction in hypertensive or diabetic patients obesity, cardiac failure with ejection fraction <40%, severe hypotension) were treated with CVVH after coronarography using an iso-osmolar contrast medium (Visipaque, Iodixanol), with or without percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Adverse events and their association with the interventional radiological procedure were investigated after hemofiltration. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed for both eGFR and serum creatinine at different time points (pre-, post- and 7 days after the procedure) at p<0.05. Statistical analysis of all the variables related to the radiological procedure and the hemofiltration technique did not cause any modification of renal function between the pre- and post-procedure values. No patient showed signs of cardiovascular instability, nor were any episodes of marked hypotension reported during the dialysis session. No patient showed any adverse effects related to the interventional radiological procedure or to the CVVH technique. Renal function, according to serum creatinine concentration and the e-GFR calculation (Cockcroft), did not worsen but had improved when the patients left hospital, with function rates statistically significantly better compared to that on hospital admission, even 7 days after the radiological procedure. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests the efficiency of the CVVH technique in preventing CN in high-risk patients who need to undergo interventional radiological cardiovascular procedures involving the administration of an iodine-based contrast medium.

Increase in Serum Amylase and Resistive Index After Kidney Transplant Are Biomarkers of Delayed Graft Function.

BACKGROUND: Both amylase and resistive index (RI) are routinely measured after kidney transplant and proposed as markers of delayed graft function (DGF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed amylase and RI in 269 renal transplant recipients before and after transplantation, and at discharge. An increase above 20% of total amylase with/without RI>0.7 were evaluated as prognostic markers of DGF, hospitalization length and risk of rejection. RESULTS: Serum amylase increase >20% was found in 103/269 (38.3%) patients who showed DGF (45.6% vs. 25.3%, p=0.001) and had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to those with an amylase increase <20% (42.0±21.7 vs. 49.8±23.2 ml/min, p=0.007). The double condition consisting of concomitant amylase increase >20% and RI>0.7 was associated with higher DGF occurrence (65% vs. 24%, p<0.001), longer hospital stay, lower eGFR at discharge, and higher risk of rejection. CONCLUSION: Patients with concomitant amylase increase >20% and RI>0.7 might require closer monitoring to diagnose DGF early and modify the therapeutic approach accordingly.

Mycophenolate Mofetil: A Possible Alternative Treatment for IgA Nephropathy.

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis in developed countries and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. IgAN is a mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis characterized by diffuse mesangial deposition of IgA, often accompanied by the deposition of IgG and the C3 component of complement in a similar distribution. This condition is in most cases oligosymptomatic, often discovered coincidentally. Currently, there is no specific treatment available for IgAN and the use of immunosuppression therapy is debated. Due to immune-mediated pathogenic nature of IgAN, therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a potent immunosuppressive agent, could be effective in patients at risk for progressive disease. In this paper, we discuss the case of an IgAN patient treated with MMF at our center, followed by a review of the literature and our previous experience on the potential renoprotective effects of MMF in IgAN patients with different clinical presentation, despite adequate angiotensin blockade and steroid therapy.