Value of original and modified pathological scoring systems for prognostic prediction in paraffin-embedded donor kidney core biopsy.

BACKGROUND: No study has validated, compared and adapted scoring systems for prognosis prediction based on donor kidney core biopsy (CB), with less glomeruli than wedge biopsy. METHODS: A total of 185 donor kidney CB specimens were reviewed using seven scoring systems. The association between the total score, item scores, score-based grading, and allograft prognosis was investigated. In specimens with less than ten glomeruli (88/185, 47.6%), scoring systems were modified by adjusting weights of the item scores. RESULTS: The Maryland aggregate pathology index (MAPI) score-based grading and periglomerular fibrosis (PGF) associated with delayed graft function (DGF) (Grade: OR = 1.59, p < 0.001; PGF: OR = 1.06, p = 0.006). Total score, score-based grading and chronic lesion score in scoring systems associated with one-year and 3-year eGFR after transplantation. Total-score-based models had similar predictive capacities for eGFR in all scoring systems, except MAPI and Ugarte. Score of glomerulosclerosis (GS), interstitial fibrosis (IF), tubular atrophy (TA), and arteriolar hyalinosis (AH) had good eGFR predictive capacities. In specimens with less than ten glomeruli, modified scoring systems had better eGFR predictive capacities than original scoring systems. CONCLUSIONS: Scoring systems could predict allograft prognosis in paraffin-embedded CB with ten more glomeruli. A simple and pragmatic scoring system should include GS, IF, TA and AH, with weights assigned based on predictive capacity for prognosis. Replacing GS scores with tubulointerstitial scores could significantly improve the predictive capacity of eGFR. The conclusion should be further validated in frozen section.

Eplet-Predicted Antigens: An Attempt to Introduce Eplets into Unacceptable Antigen Determination and Calculated Panel-Reactive Antibody Calculation Facilitating Kidney Allocation.

(1) Calculated panel-reactive antibody (CPRA) is a measure of sensitization based on unacceptable antigens (UAs). Determination of UAs based on single-antigen bead assays at allele or antigen levels may be inappropriate. We aimed to introduce eplets for better assessment of sensitization; (2) 900 recipients and 1427 donors were enrolled for candidate or donor pools, respectively. Eplets were from the HLA Epitope Registry. UAs were determined by anti-HLA antibodies identified using LIFECODES Single Antigen (LSA) kits. CPRA values were calculated using a simplified method of donor filtering; (3) HLA antigens containing all eplets of an HLA antigen in LSA kits (LSA antigen) were defined as eplet-predicted (EP) antigens, the reactivity of which could be predicted by that LSA antigen. High reactivity concordance was found between LSA and EP antigens. More HLA antigens were covered by EP antigens in the population than LSA antigens. CPRA values at the EP level were higher than at the allele level and lower than at the antigen level. The EP antigens facilitated UA determination for non-LSA antigens and avoided acute rejection; (4) UA determination using EP antigens can lead to more accurate assessment of sensitization, enabling a high probability of compatible organs and a low risk of adverse outcomes.

Prognostic value of clinical and morphologic findings in patients with type B aortic intramural hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is a subset of acute aortic syndrome, and its prognosis may differ between races. This study aimed to study the prognosis of Chinese type B IMH patients and to find out risk factors. METHODS: A total of 71 type B IMH patients with or without penetrating atherosclerosis ulcer (PAU) administrated in our center between September 2013 and October 2017 were retrospectively studied. Both clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed. The primary end point was aorta-related death, and the secondary end point was progression, which was defined as enlargement of aorta, increased aortic wall thickness, and aortic dissection or aneurysm formation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used for prognostic analysis. RESULTS: Among these 71 patients, 21 had simple type B IMH, when 50 had type B IMH in association with PAU. Twenty-five patients received optimal medical therapy (OMT) alone, while 46 patients received surgery and OMT. The mean follow-up time was 27.5 ± 13.5 months. For type B IMH patients, association with PAU indicated poor prognosis and required more intensive management (HR = 16.68, 1.96~141.87), while maximum aortic diameter (MAD) was an independent risk factor (HR = 1.096, 1.016~1.182). For patients with PAU-IMH, MAD was an independent risk factor (HR = 1.04, 1.021~1.194), while surgical treatment was independent protective factor (HR = 0.172, 0.042~0.696). CONCLUSION: Association with PAU and MAD were independent risk factors for type B IMH patients. Surgery may improve the outcomes for type B IMH in association with PAU.