Urological Complications Associated With Pyeloureterostomy Without Ipsilateral Nephrectomy in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Background: The implications of ligating the native ureter without ipsilateral nephrectomy after primary kidney transplant pyeloureterostomy (PU) have been described previously. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study including 4,215 kidney transplants performed between February 2010 and December 2014, analyzed urological complications following primary (P-PU) and secondary (S-PU) pyeloureterostomy used to treat urological leaks (UL-PU) and ureteral stenosis (US-PU) without concomitant ipsilateral nephrectomy, in a large cohort of patients. Results: There were 495 (11.7%) pyeloureterostomy with native ureter ligation without nephrectomy, 409 P-PU (82.6%) and 86 S-PU (17.4%), of which 76 were UL-PU and 10 were US-PU. The median follow-up was 33.8 months. The incidence of native ipsilateral kidney complications requiring nephrectomy was 2.02% (n = 10). Urinary leak was diagnosed in 3.6% of patients after P-UP and 9.2% after UL-PU. Ureteral stenosis was diagnosed in 1.7% of patients after P-UP, 3.9% after UL-PU and 10% after US-PU. Conclusion: This cohort analysis suggests that native ureter ligation during pyeloureterostomy without native nephrectomy is associated with low incidence of clinically indicated ipsilateral native nephrectomy. Caution and awareness should be emphasized in patients with history of ADPKD and neurogenic augmented bladders.

Kidney transplantation in the time of COVID-19: Dilemmas, experiences, and perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital do Rim is a high-volume kidney transplant (KT) center located in São Paulo, a city with 12.2 million inhabitants. Over the last 18 years, we performed 11 436 KT, 70% of which from deceased donors. To mitigate the effects of reduction in the number of transplants on the waiting list, sequential measures were implemented when COVID-19 was declared pandemic. METHODS: The first step was to provide SARS-COV-2 RT-PCR testing for all symptomatic employees and patients and the compulsory use of personal protective equipment in the hospital facilities. Living donor KT were postponed, and all deceased donors and recipients were tested before the transplantation. The immunosuppressive protocols were maintained, and telehealth strategies were developed. RESULTS: Among the 1013 employees, there were 214 cases of COVID-19, nine required ward hospitalization, and no deaths occurred. In 26%, the probable source of contamination was occupational. From the first patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in 03/20/2020 till 10/21/2020, 523 deceased KT were performed, a 21% increase compared with 2019, with no confirmed donor-derived SARS-CoV-2 infection. Four patients were transplanted with a positive pretransplant SARS-CoV-2 test, but none of them developed the disease. Overall, of 11 875 KT followed in our center, 674 developed COVID-19. Among the hospitalized, 53% required mechanical ventilation, and 45% required hemodialysis. Their overall mortality rate was 27.5%. CONCLUSION: This experience shows the challenges that transplant centers faced as the pandemic unfolded and illustrates the effectiveness of the sequential measures implemented to provide a safe environment for transplantation.

Budd-Chiari Syndrome after Bilateral Nephrectomy for Polycystic Kidney Disease in a Kidney Transplant Recipient.

We report a rare case of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) as a postoperative complication after bilateral nephrectomy in a kidney transplant recipient with polycystic liver and kidneys. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed a narrowed inferior vena cava, compressed by the polycystic liver that moved downwards after nephrectomy. A stenting angioplasty was performed, resulting in remarkable clinical improvement. This case highlights the need for careful evaluation of polycystic kidneys and their anatomic relationship with the liver before nephrectomy, as well as for considering BCS as a differential diagnosis in similar cases.

Early hospital readmission after kidney transplantation under a public health care system.

Early hospital readmission (EHR) is associated with increased mortality after kidney transplantation. This is influenced by population demographics and the comprehensiveness of the healthcare system. We investigated the incidence and risk factors associated with EHR and 1-year patient and graft survivals. METHODS: We included all recipients of kidney transplant between 2011 and 2012. We excluded recipients younger than 18 years, retransplants and who died or lost the graft during the index hospital admission. RESULTS: Among 1175 recipients, the incidence of EHR was 26.6%. The main reasons for EHR were infection (67%), surgical complications (14%), and metabolic disturbances (11%). Independent risk factors associated with EHR were recipient age (OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.46-2.63, P < 0.001), CMV serology negative (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.31-3.65, P = 0.003), use of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (OR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.33-3.13, P < 0.001), treatment for acute rejection during index hospitalization (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.15-2.47, P = 0.008), and length of stay (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.18-2.5, P = 0.005). Patient (88.8% vs 97.6%, P < 0.001) and death-censored graft (97.4% vs 99.0%, P < 0.001) survivals were inferior comparing patients with and without EHR. Conclusion EHR was independently associated with mortality (OR 4.01, 95% CI 2.13-7.54, P < 0.001), but its incidence and causes are directly related to the local characteristics of the population and healthcare system.

Prospective randomized study comparing everolimus and mycophenolate sodium in de novo kidney transplant recipients from expanded criteria deceased donor.

The optimal immunosuppressive regimen for recipients of expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidneys has not been identified. In this single-center study, 171 recipients of ECD kidney transplants were randomized to receive antithymocyte globulin induction, and delayed introduction of reduced dose tacrolimus, prednisone and everolimus (r-ATG/EVR, n = 88), or mycophenolate (r-ATG/MPS, n = 83). No cytomegalovirus (CMV) pharmacological prophylaxis was used. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CMV infection/disease at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included treatment failure [first biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, or death] and safety. Patients treated with EVR showed a 89% risk reduction (13.6 vs. 71.6%; HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.06-0.220, P < 0.001) in the incidence of first CMV infection/disease. Incidences of BPAR (16% vs. 5%, P = 0.021), graft loss (11% vs. 1%, P = 0.008), death (10% vs. 1%, P = 0.013), and treatment discontinuation (40% vs. 28%, P = 0.12) were higher in the r-ATG/EVR, leading to premature study termination. Mean glomerular filtration rate was lower in r-ATG/EVR (31.8 ± 18.8 vs. 42.6 ± 14.9, P < 0.001). In recipients of ECD kidney transplants receiving no CMV pharmacological prophylaxis, the use of everolimus was associated with higher treatment failure compared with mycophenolate despite the significant reduction in the incidence of CMV infection/disease (ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT01895049).

A randomized clinical trial comparing Nitrofurazone-coated and uncoated urinary catheters in kidney transplant recipients: Results from a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections are frequent complications early after kidney transplantation, and the use of antimicrobial coated catheters in settings other than transplantation has shown promising results for infection prevention. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of Nitrofurazone-coated silicone urinary catheters with non-impregnated silicone urinary catheters in reducing bacteriuria and urinary tract infections in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: This single-center study, randomized controlled trial at the Hospital do Rim, a tertiary referral center in kidney transplantation, located in São Paulo, Brazil. Subjects involved living donor kidney transplant recipients, and were randomized 1:1 ratio with a computer-generated system to a Nitrofurazone-coated silicone urinary catheter and non-impregnated silicone urinary catheter from March 2013 to December 2014. Patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria or urinary tract infection at baseline, deceased kidney transplant donors, patients with known hypersensitivity to nitrofurantoin, pregnancy, and those refusing to sign the informed consent form were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen subjects were randomized and one hundred seventy-six completed the study. There were no differences in the rates of asymptomatic bacteriuria (12.5% in the Nitrofurazone group and 11.4% in the control group, P = 0.99) and urinary tract infection (8% and 6.8%, P = 0.99) and the incidence of side effects was more frequent in the Nitrofurazone-impregnated silicone urinary catheter group (46.6% and 26.1%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that there is no beneficial effect of the employment of Nitrofurazone-coated urinary catheter. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN57888785.

Ureterocalicostomy with lower pole nephrectomy in a renal transplant: A case report.

As the number of kidney transplants continues to rise, so does the number and complexities of surgical-related complications, which may be associated with increased morbidity and potentially graft loss. Ureteral stenosis, the most prevalent urological complication, may require diverse techniques for surgical correction depending on several recipient and graft abnormalities. Here we report the surgical and clinical outcomes of a 62-year-old man with a posttransplant pyeloureterostomy stricture successfully treated with ureterocalicostomy after a lower pole nephrectomy. Although the resection of renal parenchyma may prevent a stenosis recurrence, surgeons can be reluctant to use this strategy due to the possible negative impact on renal function. We highlight some key steps of the surgical technique to prevent unnecessary allograft lesion and present short-term outcomes, suggesting that this rarely described procedure is a safe and effective alternative treatment for kidney transplant recipients with pyeloureterostomy stenosis.

Pretransplant defunctionalized bladder-overrated condition?

AIMS: The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of bladder receptors in patients with defunctionalized bladder (DB) and to assess voiding behavior after refunctionalization. METHODS: A total of 68 pretransplant patients were divided in two groups: DB (diuresis <300 mL/24 h; n = 33) and NDB (non-DB; diuresis ≥300 mL/24 h; n = 35). A sample of mucosa and detrusor at the site of the future ureteral implantation was collected. The following receptors were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR): M2 , M3 , α1D , ß3 , P2X2 , P2X3 , TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPA1, and TRPM8. At 3, 6, and 12 months after transplant patients answered IPSS and ICIQ-OAB questionnaires and filled a 3-day 24 h frequency/volume chart (FVC) at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The expression of all receptors in the mucosa and in the detrusor was similar in both groups, except from α1D , which was overexpressed in the detrusor of DB relatively to NDB group. ICIQ-OAB symptom score was similar between the groups at 3, 6, and 12 months. There was a reduction of this score in both groups with time. The same pattern was found for IPSS score. Bother scores were similar between groups. No difference was observed for all FVC parameters between DB and NDB patients. CONCLUSION: Gene expression of bladder receptors involved in micturition control was similar in patients with or without DB. Bladder behavior had a similar pattern independently of pretransplant residual diuresis. These findings question the relevance of the term DB in pretransplant patients.

The effect of anti-thymocyte globulin and everolimus on the kinetics of cytomegalovirus viral load in seropositive kidney transplant recipients without prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: The use of mTOR inhibitors is associated with lower incidence of CMV infections but its effect on viral load has not been investigated. AIMS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: This post-hoc analysis included data from 273 CMV seropositive kidney transplant recipients randomized to receive anti-thymocyte globulin and everolimus (rAGT/TAC/EVR, n = 81), basiliximab and everolimus (BAS/TAC/EVR, n = 97) or basiliximab and mycophenolate (BAS/TAC/MPS, n = 95). All patients received tacrolimus (TAC) and corticosteroids. Preemptive CMV therapy based on weekly pp65 antigenemia test was used during the first 6 months. Blinded weekly CMV DNAemia was compared among the groups. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with undetectable CMV DNAemia (23.4% vs 56.7% vs 22.1%, P < .001) was higher in the BAS/TAC/EVR. The median number of study visits with positive CMV DNAemia (2.0 vs 0.0 vs 4.6, rATG/EVR vs BAS/MPS, P = .354; BAS/EVR vs BAS/MPS, P < .0001; rATG/EVR vs BAS/EVR, P < .001) were lower in the BAS/TAC/EVR. The proportion of patients with positive CMV DNAemia who were not treat for CMV infection/disease based on pp65 antigenemia was higher in rATG/TAC/EVR group (74.1% vs 36.1% vs 44.2%, P < .001) but mean CMV DNAemia was comparable to BAS/TAC/EVR and lower than BAS/TAC/MPS (8536 ± 15 899 vs 7975 ± 17 935 vs 16 965 ± 37 694 copies/mL, P < .05), respectively. The proportion of patients with CMV DNAemia below 5000 copies/mL was higher in patients receiving EVR (74.1% vs 83.5% vs 50.0%, P = .000), respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These data suggest that mTOR inhibitors reduce the incidence of CMV infection by limiting CMV viral replication.

The influence of mTOR inhibitors on the incidence of CMV infection in high-risk donor positive-recipient negative (D+/R-) kidney transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies and meta-analysis suggest the mTOR inhibitors are associated with reduced incidence of CMV infection after kidney transplantation, although their effects on the high-risk population have not been investigated thoroughly. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study investigates the association between immunosuppression and CMV infection in D+/R- kidney transplant recipients receiving preemptive therapy. METHODS: All patients received rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, prednisone and azathioprine (AZA), mycophenolate (MPA) or everolimus (EVR). RESULTS: Among 89 D+R-, the overall incidence of CMV infection was 76%, with no difference among the groups AZA vs MPA vs EVR (73 vs 83 vs 74%, P = 0.643). CMV infection occurred later (31 in AZA vs 31 in MPA vs 43 days in EVR group, P < 0.001) and showed a lower trend of recurrences (57% in AZA vs 79% in MPA vs 48% in EVR group, P = 0.058) in the everolimus group. There were no differences in the IgG seroconversion rate (82% in AZA vs 76% in MPA vs 72% in EVR group, P = 0.983). There were no differences in the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (10% in AZA vs 8% in MPA vs 6% in EVR group, P = 0.811) and renal function at 12 months (53.6 in AZA vs 60.3 in MPA vs. 55.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 in EVR group). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of high-risk CMV D+/R- kidney transplant recipients receiving rATG induction and tacrolimus, the use of mTOR inhibitors could only show a tendency towards but not a significant difference on the incidence of CMV events, when compared to antimetabolites.

Donor-Specific Anti-Human Leukocyte Antigens Antibodies, Acute Rejection, Renal Function, and Histology in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus and Everolimus.

BACKGROUND: This analysis compared efficacy, renal function, and histology in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus (TAC) combined with everolimus (EVR) or mycophenolate (MPS). METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis from a randomized trial in kidney transplant recipients who received a single 3 mg/kg dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG), TAC, EVR, and prednisone (PRED; r-ATG/EVR, n = 85), basiliximab (BAS), TAC, EVR, and PRED (BAS/EVR, n = 102) or BAS, TAC, MPS, and PRED (BAS/MPS, n = 101). We evaluated the incidence of de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigens antibodies (DSA) and histology on protocol biopsies at 12 months, and the incidence of acute rejection, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria at 36 months. RESULTS: At 12 months, there were no differences in de novo DSA (6.4 vs. 3.4 vs. 5.5%) or in subclinical inflammation (2.0 vs. 4.8 vs. 10.2%), interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (57.1 vs. 58.5 vs. 53.8%) and C4d deposition (2.0 vs. 7.3 vs. 2.6%). At 36 months, there were no differences in the incidence of treatment failure (19.0 vs. 27.7 vs. 27.7%, p = 0.186), first biopsy-proven acute rejection (9.5 vs. 21.8 vs. 16.8%, p = 0.073), and urine protein/creatinine ratios (0.53 ± 1.05 vs. 0.62 ± 0.75 vs. 0.71 ± 1.24). eGFR was lower in the BAS/EVR compared to that in the BAS/MPS group (53.4 ± 20.9 vs. 50.8 ± 19.5 vs. 60.7 ± 21.2 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.017) but comparable using a sensitive analysis (49.5 ± 23 vs. 47.5 ± 22.6 vs. 53.6 ± 27.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.207). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, the use of EVR and reduced TAC concentrations were associated with comparable efficacy, renal function, and histological parameters compared to the standard-of-care immunosuppressive regimen.

Efficacy and Safety of Elective Conversion From Sotrastaurin (STN) to Tacrolimus (TAC) or Mycophenolate (MPS) in Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety outcomes of conversion strategies in stable kidney transplant recipients after premature termination of the sotrastaurin (STN) development program. METHODS: This is an exploratory and prospective study, including 38 stable renal transplant recipients. Tacrolimus (TAC) group [STN → mycophenolate sodium (MPS)] consisted of 9 patients receiving TAC, STN, and prednisone that were converted from STN to MPS. Everolimus (EVR) group (STN → TAC) consisted of 29 patients receiving EVR, STN, and prednisone that were converted from STN to TAC. RESULTS: In TAC (STN → MPS) group, dose-adjusted TAC concentrations decreased from baseline to first week (2.3 ± 1.1 versus 1.5 ± 1.0 ng·mL·mg, P < 0.05). Two patients experienced a first acute rejection episode. Conversion to MPS was associated with a higher incidence of adverse events. In EVR (STN → TAC) group, dose-adjusted EVR concentrations decreased from baseline to first week (3.6 ± 2.3 ng·mL·mg versus 1.9 ± 0.8 ng·mL·mg, P < 0.01). The proportion of patients with donor-specific antibodies was lower in TAC (STN → MPS) (11%) compared to EVR (STN → TAC) (31%) before conversion. Conversion from STN to TAC was associated with a reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate (69.6 ± 16.9 versus 61.0 ± 18.8 mL·min·1.73 m, P < 0.01) and a decreased proportion of patients with donor-specific antibodies (31% versus 14%) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from TAC/STN to TAC/MPS or from EVR/STN to TAC/EVR was associated with significant pharmacokinetic changes in both TAC and EVR whole-blood trough concentrations due to known drug-to-drug interaction, which were associated with changes in efficacy and safety.

Long-Term Follow-Up of De Novo Use of mTOR and Calcineurin Inhibitors After Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Long-term efficacy and safety of de novo use of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) have been evaluated primarily using registry data. METHODS: This was a pooled retrospective analysis of data obtained from 10 prospective randomized trials in de novo kidney transplant recipients (n = 581) receiving calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) combined with sirolimus (n = 329), everolimus (n = 128), or antimetabolites (n = 124). RESULTS: There were no differences in patient (84.5 versus 80.9 versus 89.7%, P = 0.996), graft (65.4 versus 59.5 versus 73.1%, P = 0.868), and biopsy-confirmed acute rejection-free (78.1 versus 77.3 versus 79.0%, P = 0.976) survivals, respectively. The incidence of cytomegalovirus infection was lower (6 versus 3 versus 11%, P = 0.024) but treatment discontinuation was higher among patients receiving mTORi (66.0 versus 47.7 versus 31.5%, P < 0.001), respectively. At 5 years, median estimated glomerular filtration rate (49.6 versus 43.9 versus 53.2 mL/min, P = 0.006) was lower and the proportion of patients with proteinuria (53 versus 40 versus 23%, P < 0.001) was higher among patients receiving mTORi, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of de novo use of mTORi is comparable with that of antimetabolites in kidney transplant recipients receiving calcineurin inhibitor. Apart from the lower cytomegalovirus infection rate, the safety profile is unfavorable, showing higher treatment discontinuation rates and higher incidence of proteinuria.

Prospective Randomized Trial Investigating the Influence of Pharmaceutical Care on the Intra-Individual Variability of Tacrolimus Concentrations Early After Kidney Transplant.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the influence of pharmaceutical care (PhC) in the intra-individual variability of dose-corrected whole blood tacrolimus (TAC) trough concentrations, adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We randomized 128 kidney transplant recipients to receive PhC consisted of predefined instructions provided by a pharmacist (PhC group, n = 64) or standard nurse staff instructions (control group, n = 64) from day 3 to day 90 after kidney transplantation. The study was powered to detect at least 50% reduction in the coefficient of variation (%CV), calculated from 6 dose-corrected whole blood TAC trough concentrations, in the PhC group. Patient adherence was evaluated using Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medication Scale (BAASIS) questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no difference in the %CV comparing PhC and control group (31.4% ± 12.3% versus 32.5% ± 16.1%, P = 0.673). There were no differences in the proportion of patients showing TAC concentrations within predefined target concentrations in each study visit. There was no difference in the proportion of nonadherent patients at day 28 (17% versus 26%, P = 0.135) and day 90 (27% versus 25%, P = 0.457) based on BAASIS questionnaire answers, respectively. There were no differences in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Universal PhC in addition to standard nurse staff instruction was not associated with reduced intra-individual variability of dose-corrected whole blood TAC trough concentrations or improved adherence.

A Head-to-head Comparison of De Novo Sirolimus or Everolimus Plus Reduced-dose Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Prospective and Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi), sirolimus (SRL) and everolimus (EVR), have distinct pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics properties. There are no studies comparing the efficacy and safety of de novo use of SRL versus EVR in combination with reduced-dose calcineurin inhibitor. METHODS: This single-center prospective, randomized study included first kidney transplant recipients receiving a single 3 mg/kg antithymocyte globulin dose, tacrolimus, and prednisone, without cytomegalovirus (CMV) pharmacological prophylaxis. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: SRL, EVR, or mycophenolate sodium (MPS). Doses of SRL and EVR were adjusted to maintain whole blood concentrations between 4 and 8 ng/mL. The primary endpoint was the 12-mo incidence of the first CMV infection/disease. RESULTS: There were 266 patients (SRL, n = 86; EVR, n = 90; MPS, n = 90). The incidence of the first CMV event was lower in the mTORi versus MPS groups (10.5% versus 7.8% versus 43.3%, P < 0.0001). There were no differences in the incidence of BK polyomavirus viremia (8.2% versus 10.1% versus 15.1%, P = 0.360). There were no differences in survival-free from treatment failure (87.8% versus 88.8% versus 93.3%, P = 0.421) and incidence of donor-specific antibodies. At 12 mo, there were no differences in kidney function (75 ± 23 versus 78 ± 24 versus 77 ± 24 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , P = 0.736), proteinuria, and histology in protocol biopsies. Treatment discontinuation was higher among patients receiving SRL or EVR (18.6% versus 15.6% versus 6.7%, P = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: De novo use of SRL or EVR, targeting similar therapeutic blood concentrations, shows comparable efficacy and safety. The reduced incidence of CMV infection/disease and distinct safety profile of mTORi versus mycophenolate were confirmed in this study.

A Stentless Modified Lich-Gregoir Technique for Safe Early Bladder Catheter Removal in Living and Deceased Kidney Transplants.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a stentless modified Lich-Gregoir technique (mLG) for ureteroneocystostomy in renal transplantation (RT), with early bladder catheter (BC) removal (under 48 hours), and compare the postoperative results with those of the traditional technique (LG) with routine bladder catheter removal (4 to 5 days). The modification consists of maintaining a thin layer of detrusor fibers covering the bladder mucosa during dissection, which is incorporated into the anastomosis to reinforce the ureteroneocystostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared the postoperative outcomes of 100 consecutive patients who underwent mLG with early removal of BC between October 2018 to November 2019 with those of a historical cohort of 165 consecutive patients transplanted using stentless LG and routine removal of BC, who underwent surgery between July 2017 and September 2018. All transplants were performed by the same surgeon. Follow-up was 6 months. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were comparable, although patients in the mLG group had a higher mean preoperative urine volume (911 ± 753.8mL vs 629 ± 638.6mL, P =.016). Patients in the mLG group successfully underwent early BC removal (2.2 ± 0.9 vs 4.8 ± 4.8 days, P <.001), with no differences in the incidence of surgical or clinical complications, including urine leaks (1% vs 3%, P =.284). In addition, mLG patients presented a shorter mean length of hospital stay (6.5 ± 5.0 vs 7.1 ± 6.2 days, P =.023). CONCLUSION: This stentless modified Lich-Gregoir technique enables safe early bladder catheter removal and is associated with reduced hospital length of stay.

Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Everolimus Versus Mycophenolate in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus.

BACKGROUND: The short-term efficacy and safety of everolimus in combination with tacrolimus have been described in several clinical trials. Yet, detailed long-term data comparing the use of everolimus or mycophenolate in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus are lacking. METHODS: This is a 5-y follow-up post hoc analysis of a prospective trial including 288 patients who were randomized to receive a single 3-mg/kg dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, everolimus (EVR), and prednisone (rabbit antithymocyte globulin/EVR, n = 85); basiliximab, tacrolimus, everolimus, and prednisone (basiliximab/EVR, n = 102); or basiliximab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone (basiliximab/mycophenolate, n = 101). RESULTS: There were no differences in the incidence of treatment failure (31.8% versus 40.2% versus 34.7%, P = 0.468), de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (6.5% versus 11.7% versus 4.0%, P = 0.185), patient (92.9% versus 94.1% versus 92.1%, P = 0.854), and death-censored graft (87.1% versus 90.2% versus 85.1%, P = 0.498) survivals. Using a sensitive analysis, the trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate were comparable in the intention-to-treat (P = 0.145) and per protocol (P = 0.354) populations. There were no differences in study drug discontinuation rate (22.4% versus 30.4% versus 17.8%, P = 0.103). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this analysis in a cohort of de novo low/moderate immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients suggests that the use of a single 3 mg/kg rabbit antithymocyte globulin dose followed by EVR combined with reduced tacrolimus concentrations was associated with similar efficacy and renal function compared with the standard of care immunosuppressive regimen.

Is There Sufficient Evidence Justifying Limited Access of Jehovah's Witness Patients to Kidney Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) refuse blood transfusions due to religious issues. This situation may impact kidney transplantation (KT) outcomes in case of hemorrhagic complications. We evaluated demographic characteristics of this population, hematologic safety, and graft outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study comparing KT outcomes in JW patients versus a non-JW control group. Hematologic endpoints included clinical indication for blood transfusion (hemoglobin <7 g/dL), decrease of hemoglobin >2 g/dL or hematocrit >5% in the first week after KT, hemorrhagic complications requiring surgery, and de novo prescription of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Secondary endpoints included delayed graft function, treated biopsy-proven acute rejection, renal function, mortality, and graft survival at 12 months. RESULTS: From January 1989 to September 2018, we identified 143 JW (10 pediatric) and selected 142 matched control (non-JW) patients. There were no differences in the incidence of clinical indication for transfusion (13.3% versus 11.3%, P = 0.640), but a higher proportion of non-JW patients received transfusions (2.1% versus 9.2%, P = 0.010). There were no differences in the proportion of patients with decreased hemoglobin concentration, in reinterventions due to hemorrhagic complications, in the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents at hospital discharge, in the incidence of acute rejection, in renal function, and in mortality or graft survival rate at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this matched control cohort study suggests that, when clinically indicated, blood transfusions can be safely avoided in the majority of JW kidney transplant, who achieve and maintain comparable hemoglobin concentrations during the first year after transplantation compared with non-JW patients.

Strategies to keep kidney transplant alive amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the result of the strategies adopted to maintain the transplant program amid the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Since March 2020, several measures have been adopted sequentially, including the compulsory use of personal protective equipment and the real-time polymerase chain reaction testing of collaborators, symptomatic patients, potential deceased donors, candidates for recipients, and in-hospital readmissions, regardless of symptoms. The living-donor transplantation was restricted to exceptional cases. RESULTS: Among 1013 health professionals, 201 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed between March and August 2020, with no severe cases reported. In this period, we observed a 19% institutional increase in the number of transplants from deceased donors compared with that observed in the same period in 2019. There was no donor-derived severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Four COVID-19-positive patients underwent transplantation; after 28 days, all were alive and with functioning allograft. Among the 11,875 already transplanted patients being followed up, there were 546 individuals with confirmed diagnosis, 372 who required hospitalization, and 167 on mechanical ventilation, resulting in a 27% mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that the adoption of sequential and coordinated measures amid the pandemic was able to successfully maintain the transplant program and ensure the safety of health professionals and transplanted patients who were already in follow-up.