Delayed Graft Function Under the Microscope: Surveillance Biopsies in Kidney Transplantation.

Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication of kidney transplantation and frequently leads to the necessity of surveillance biopsies. The purpose of this study is to describe the histological findings in surveillance biopsies of deceased donor kidney transplant recipients and evaluate the risk factors for graft outcomes. This is a monocentric, retrospective study including kidney transplant recipients that underwent a graft biopsy during the DGF period between January 2006 and July 2019. 356 biopsies were performed in 335 deceased donor transplant recipients. Biopsies were analyzed according to the Banff classification. The main histological findings were: acute tubular necrosis in 150 biopsies (42.1%), acute rejection in 96 biopsies (26.9%), and borderline findings in 91 biopsies (25.5%). In the multivariate analysis, recipient age (p = 0.028) and DGF duration (p = 0.005) were associated with rejection, antibody-induction with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) was protective (p = 0.001). The occurrence of rejection was associated with lower death-censored graft survival (log-rank; p = 0.009). Surveillance biopsies of kidney grafts experiencing DGF remain an essential tool for the care of kidney transplant recipients. The recipient's age and duration of DGF are independent risk factors for acute rejection, while antibody-induction therapy with ATG is associated with protection from its occurrence.

Patients' satisfaction with and views about treatment with disease-modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with disease-modifying-drugs (DMDs) is evolving and new drugs are reaching the market. Efficacy and safety aspects of the drugs are crucial, but the patients' satisfaction with the treatment must be taken into consideration. METHODS: Individual interview with patients with MS regarding their satisfaction and points of view on the treatment with DMDs. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty eight patients attending specialized MS Units in five different cities were interviewed. Over 80% of patients were very satisfied with the drugs in use regarding convenience and perceived benefits. The only aspect scoring lesser values was tolerability. CONCLUSION: Parameters for improving treatment in MS must include efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with the given DMD.

Patients' satisfaction with and views about treatment with disease-modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis / Satisfação e pontos de vista dos pacientes com esclerose múltipla em tratamento com drogas modificadoras da doença

ABSTRACT Objective The treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) with disease-modifying-drugs (DMDs) is evolving and new drugs are reaching the market. Efficacy and safety aspects of the drugs are crucial, but the patients’ satisfaction with the treatment must be taken into consideration. Methods Individual interview with patients with MS regarding their satisfaction and points of view on the treatment with DMDs. Results One hundred and twenty eight patients attending specialized MS Units in five different cities were interviewed. Over 80% of patients were very satisfied with the drugs in use regarding convenience and perceived benefits. The only aspect scoring lesser values was tolerability. Conclusion Parameters for improving treatment in MS must include efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction with the given DMD.

RESUMO Objetivo O tratamento da esclerose múltipla (EM) com drogas-modificadoras-da-doença (DMDs) está evoluindo e novas drogas estão sendo comercializadas. Eficácia e segurança são aspectos cruciais nas medicações, porém a satisfação do paciente com o tratamento deve ser levada em consideração. Métodos Entrevista individual com pacientes com EM investigando a satisfação e ponto de vista desta população em relação ao tratamento com DMDs. Resultados Cento e vinte e oito pacientes atendidos em unidades especializadas de EM de cinco cidades diferentes foram entrevistados. Mais de 80% dos pacientes estava bastante satisfeito com as medicações utilizadas, considerando aspectos de conveniência de uso e benefício das drogas. O único aspecto que pontuou menos foi tolerabilidade. Conclusão Parâmetros para melhor tratamento de EM devem incluir eficácia, segurança e satisfação dos pacientes com a DMD prescrita.