Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life in Non-Directed Versus Directed Kidney Donors: Implications for the Promotion of Non-Directed Donation.

Living kidney donation has increased significantly, but little is known about the post-donation health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of non-directed donors (NDs) vs. directed donors (DDs). We thus examined the outcomes of 112 living kidney donors (82 NDs, 30 DDs). For the primary outcomes-namely, the mean physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) questionnaire-scores were significantly higher for the NDs vs. the DDs (PCS: +2.69, MCS: +4.43). For secondary outcomes, NDs had shorter hospital stays (3.4 vs. 4.4 days), returned to physical activity earlier (45 vs. 60 days), exercised more before and after donation, and continued physical activity post-donation. Regression analyses revealed that donor type and white blood cell count were predictive of the PCS-12 score, and donor type was predictive of the MCS-12 score. Non-directed donation was predictive of a shorter hospital stay (by 0.78 days, p < 0.001) and the odds of having PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores above 50 were almost 10 and 16 times higher for NDs, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings indicate the safety and potential benefits of promoting non-directed donation. However, careful selection processes must be maintained to prevent harm and exploitation.

Efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis with monoclonal-antibody tixagevimab-cilgavimab against emerging SARS-CoV-2 resistant variants in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Introduction Pre exposure prophylaxis with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed in addition to COVID19 vaccine for immunocompromised and those with insufficient immune response, among them patients with CLL. Omicron variant and its sublineages evolved mutations that escape mAbs neutralizing effect, yet the extent of which was not studied. Methods We evaluated anti-spike titters and neutralization activity of COVID-19 wild type (WT) , Delta , Omicron, BA2, BA4 and BA5 before and after tixagevimab-cilgavimab (TGM/CGM) dose of 150/150mg or 300/300mg in patients with CLL. Results 70 patients were tested 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after receiving TGM/CGM mAbs. After TGM/CGM anti-spike ab level increased 170 folds from 13.6 BAU/ml (IQR, 0.4-288) to 2328 BAU/ml (IQR, 1681-3500). Neutralization activity increased in all variants, and was 176 folds higher in WT and 55 folds higher in Delta compared to 10 folds higher in Omicron and its sublineages (BA2 x11, BA4 x4 , BA5 x18). Over follow-up period of 3 months, 20 patients (29%) with CLL acquired COVID-19 infection, all recovered uneventfully. In a multivariate analysis anti-spike antibody titer was found a significant predictor for post TGM/CGM COVID19 infection. Conclusion Efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis with TGM/CGM in patients with CLL is significantly reduced in era of Omicron and its sublineages BA2, BA4 and BA5.

Cellular and humoral response to the fourth BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose in patients with CLL.

We assessed the humoral and cellular response to the fourth BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose in patients with CLL. A total of 67 patients with CLL and 85 age matched controls tested for serologic response and pseudo-neutralization assay. We also tested the functional T-cell response by interferon gamma (IFNγ) to spike protein in 26 patients. Two weeks after the fourth vaccine antibody serologic response was evident in 37 (55.2%) patients with CLL, 20 /22 (91%) of treatment naïve, and 9/32 (28%) patients with ongoing therapy, compared with 100% serologic response in age matched controls. The antibody titer increased by 10-fold in patients with CLL, however, still 88-folds lower than age matched controls. Predictors of better chances of post fourth vaccination serologic response were previous positive serologies after second, third, and pre-fourth vaccination, neutralizing assay, and treatment naïve patients. T-cell response improved from 42.3% before the fourth vaccine to 84.6% 2 weeks afterwards. During the time period of 3 months after the fourth vaccination, 14 patients (21%) developed COVID-19 infection, all recovered uneventfully. Our data demonstrate that fourth SARS-CoV-2 vaccination improves serologic response in patients with CLL to a lesser extent than healthy controls and induces functional T-cell response.

Predictors and Adverse Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury in Hospitalized Renal Transplant Recipients.

Data about in-hospital AKI in RTRs is lacking. We conducted a retrospective study of 292 RTRs, with 807 hospital admissions, to reveal predictors and outcomes of AKI during admission. In-hospital AKI developed in 149 patients (51%). AKI in a previous admission was associated with a more than twofold increased risk of AKI in subsequent admissions (OR 2.13, p < 0.001). Other major significant predictors for in-hospital AKI included an infection as the major admission diagnosis (OR 2.93, p = 0.015), a medical history of hypertension (OR 1.91, p = 0.027), minimum systolic blood pressure (OR 0.98, p = 0.002), maximum tacrolimus trough level (OR 1.08, p = 0.005), hemoglobin level (OR 0.9, p = 0.016) and albumin level (OR 0.51, p = 0.025) during admission. Compared to admissions with no AKI, admissions with AKI were associated with longer length of stay (median time of 3.83 vs. 7.01 days, p < 0.001). In-hospital AKI was associated with higher rates of mortality during admission, almost doubled odds for rehospitalization within 90 days from discharge and increased the risk of overall mortality in multivariable mixed effect models. In-hospital AKI is common and is associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes. Strategies to prevent AKI during admission in RTRs should be implemented to reduce re-admission rates and improve patient survival.

The Clinical Manifestation of Immunosuppressive Therapy as a Tool to Improve Immune Monitoring in Renal Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Metrics for posttransplant immune monitoring to prevent over or under immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are lacking. METHODS: We surveyed 132 RTRs, 38 in the first year posttransplant and 94 >1-year posttransplant, to study the clinical expression of immunosuppressive therapy. A questionnaire administered to these RTRs was divided into physical (Q physical) and mental (Q mental) symptoms. RESULTS: In multivariable models for the association between the calculated Q physical and Q mental scores and different clinical and biochemical variables in the 38 RTRs who filled out the questionnaire 130 times during the first year posttransplant, it was found that mycophenolic acid (MPA) and prednisone use increased the mean Q physical score by 0.59 (95% CI: 0.21-0.98, p = 0.002) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.26-0.81, p = 0.00), respectively, while MPA use increased the mean Q mental score by 0.72 (95% CI: 0.31-1.12, p = 0.001). Among the 94 RTRs who each completed the questionnaire only once, the odds for the mean Q mental score to be above the median value were more than 3 times higher for RTRs treated versus non-treated with MPA (OR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.1-10.3, p = 0.03). MPA-treated RTRs had higher mean scores for questions related to sleep disorders (1.83 ± 1.06 vs. 1.32 ± 0.67 for not treated, p = 0.037), to difficulty falling asleep (1.72 ± 1.11 vs. 1.16 ± 0.5, p = 0.02), and to depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: We concluded that prednisone and MPA use are associated with an increased Q physical and Q mental scores in RTRs. Routine monitoring of physical and mental status of RTRs should be implemented to improve the diagnosis of overimmunosuppression. Dose reduction or discontinuation of MPA should be considered in RTRs who report sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Intra-Cranial Arterial Calcifications in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background and objectives: Vascular calcification is an integral part of atherosclerosis and has been reported to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diSsease. Intra Cranial Arterial Calcifications (ICAC) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is highly prevalent. Materials and Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the predictors and outcomes of ICAC in MHD patients compared to a control group without kidney disease. A blinded neuroradiologist graded ICAC in brain imaging (computerized tomography) of MHD patients. Age- and sex-matched patients with normal kidney function served as the control group. Results: A total of 280 patients were included in the cohort; 140 of them were MHD patients with a mean ICAC score of 2.3 ± 0.2 versus a mean ICAC score of 1.4 ± 0.2 in the control group (p < 0.01). More than 90% of hemodialysis patients in our study had some degree of ICAC. Lower albumin and higher phosphorus and CRP levels were associated with increased ICACs. The multivariate analysis model for predictors of 1-year mortality demonstrated an increased odds ratio for mortality as the ICAC score increased. Conclusions: ICAC is very prevalent among MHD patients and results not simply from passive deposition of calcium and phosphate but rather from complex and active processes involving inflammation and structural changes in blood vessels. ICAC independently predicted all-cause mortality and may help with risk stratification of this high-risk population.

BNT162b2 Third Booster Dose Significantly Increases the Humoral Response Assessed by Both RBD IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Background: An impaired humoral response to full dose of BNT162b2 vaccine was observed in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Methods: To reveal predictors for humoral response to third vaccine, patients were stratified to positive (N = 85) and negative (N = 14) response groups based on receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG ≥1.1 and neutralizing antibodies (NA) ≥ 16 dilution versus RBD IgG <1.1 or NA < 16, respectively. NA were detected using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-virus. Results: Response rate increased from 32.3% (32/99) before the third dose to 85.9% (85/99) post-third vaccine with a significant rise in geometric mean titers (GMTs) for RBD IgG and NA [0.79 (95% CI 0.65-0.96) vs. 3.08 (95% CI 2.76-3.45), p < 0.001 and 17.46 (95% CI 12.38-24.62) vs. 362.2 (95% CI 220.7-594.6), p < 0.001 respective. 80.6% (54/67) seroconverted and 96.9% (31/32) remained positive following the vaccine with a significant increase in GMTs for RBD IgG and NA. Age, ESRD secondary to diabetic nephropathy (DN) and renal allograft function were independent predictors for antibody response in RTR. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) use and dose had no impact on humoral response following the third booster. AEs were recorded for 70.1% of RTR population. Systemic AEs were more common in recipients with a positive humoral response as opposed to non-responders (45.2% versus 15.4% respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion: 85.9% of RTR develop NA to BNT162b2 third vaccine, found effective in both negative and positive responders prior to the vaccine. Antigenic re-exposure overcame the suppressive effect of MPA on antibody response in RTR.

Impact of Post-Transplantation Hypomagnesemia on Long-Term Graft and Patient Survival after Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Post-transplant hypomagnesemia is commonly observed among patients prescribed calcineurin inhibitor (CNIs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis (2000-2013, N = 726) to examine the association of hypomagnesemia with long-term patient and allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. A median serum magnesium (Mg) level of all measured Mg levels from 1 month to 1 year posttransplant was calculated. RESULTS: For every increase in Mg of 0.1 mg/dL, the risk for either graft loss or death, overall mortality, and death with a functioning graft increased by 11%, 14%, and 12%, respectively (p < 0.01). In a multivariate model, patients with median Mg level ≥1.7 mg/dL had a reduced overall survival rate (HR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.04-2.38, p = 0.033) compared to those with median Mg level <1.7 mg/dL. This association was observed in subgroups of patients above 60 years old, in those who had a slow graft function (SGF) and in females. CONCLUSIONS: Posttransplant hypomagnesemia is associated with better patient and allograft survival up to 10 years posttransplant. This relationship remained significant after accounting for baseline allograft function, presence of SGF and CNI trough levels.

Can uric acid blood levels in renal transplant recipients predict allograft outcome?

BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia is common after renal transplantation, especially in those receiving calcineurin inhibitors. Little, however, is known about the relationship between uric acid (UA) levels and allograft outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis (N = 368) in order to assess UA blood levels post-transplant association with allograft outcome. For this study, a median serum UA level of all measured UA levels from 1 month to 1 year post renal transplantation was calculated. RESULTS: Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the median UA level measured between 1 and 12 months post-transplant. Those with median UA level ≥ 7 and ≥ 6 mg/dL (N = 164) versus median UA level < 7 and < 6 mg/dL for men and women respectively (N = 204) had lower GFR values at 1, 3 and 5 years posttransplant (mean GFR ± SD of 43.4 ± 20.6 and 58 ± 19.9 at 3 years post-transplant, p < 0.001). In multivariate models, UA levels were no longer significantly associated with renal allograft function. In a multivariate cox proportional hazard model, UA level was found to be independently associated with increased risk for death-censored graft loss (HR of 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.7, p < 0.05 for every increase of 1 mg/dL in UA level). CONCLUSION: Hyperuricemia was found to be associated with increased death- censored graft loss but not with allograft function. Increased UA levels were not found to be an independent predictor of long-term allograft function despite the known association of hyperuricemia with the progression of cardiovascular and renal disease.

Early persistent hyperparathyroidism post-renal transplantation as a predictor of worse graft function and mortality after transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Persistent hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is frequently seen after transplantation contributing to post-transplant complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single center analysis to explore the relationship of early pHPT and long-term allograft outcome. Patients were divided into high (N = 153) and low (N = 252) PTH groups based on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level 3 months post-transplant (PTH ≥ 150 and < 150 pg/mL, respectively). RESULTS: High PTH was found to be an independent predictor for reduced kidney allograft function up to 3 years post-transplant. eGFR decreased by 11.4 mL/min (P < .001) and the odds of having an eGFR < 60 mL/min 3 years post-transplant were sixfold higher (P < .01) in the high compared to the low PTH group. Subgroup analysis based on eGFR 1 year post-transplant, presence of slow graft function (SGF), and transplant type revealed similar results. High PTH three months post-transplant was also independently associated with an increased risk for overall mortality and for death with a functioning graft (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: pHPT three months post-renal transplantation is an independent predictor for a worse allograft function up to 3 years post-transplant and a risk factor for mortality. This relationship remains statistically significant after accounting for baseline allograft function, presence of SGF and serum mineral levels abnormalities.

Posttransplantation Hypomagnesemia as a Predictor of Better Graft Function after Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Hypomagnesemia is frequently seen after transplantation and is particularly associated with the use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center analysis (2000-2013, N = 726) to explore the relationship between hypomagnesemia and long-term allograft outcome in kidney transplant recipients. For this study, a median serum magnesium (Mg) level of all measured Mg levels from 1 month to 1 year after renal transplantation was calculated. RESULTS: For every increase in Mg by 0.1 mg/dL, the GFR decreased by 1.1 mL/min at 3 years posttransplant (p < 0.01) and by 1.5 mL/min at 5 years posttransplant. A median blood Mg level of ≥1.7 was found to be an independent predictor of a GFR <60 mL/min at 3 years posttransplant. The odds of having a GFR <60 mL/min 3 years posttransplant was almost 2-fold higher in the high Mg group than in the low Mg group. CONCLUSIONS: Hypomagnesemia from 1 to 12 months after renal transplantation is associated with a better allograft function up to 5 years posttransplant. This relationship was found to hold true after accounting for baseline allograft function and the presence of slow graft function.

Second vascular access after failure of the first fistula in the elderly
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BACKGROUND: In patients with failure of an initial arteriovenous fistula (AVF), a subsequent vascular access is needed before hemodialysis (HD) initiation. METHODS: To assess the optimal access strategy after a failed AVF, we linked data from the US Renal Data System with Medicare claims data identifying 21,436 patients ≥ 67 years old who started HD between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008, with an AVF placed as their first predialysis access. Of the 10,568 subjects whose AVF failed, 1,796 patients had an AVF placed as a second access predialysis (AVF2 group) and 399 patients had an arteriovenous graft placed as a second access predialysis (AVG2 group). Second access success was defined as HD initiation for the first HD session using this access avoiding need for a catheter. RESULTS: The mean age for AVF2 and AVG2 groups was 75.9 ± 6.0 and 75.9 ± 5.9 years with a significantly greater percentage of men and whites in the AVF2 group and women and blacks in the AVG2 group. Overall, 53% of AVF2 group initiated dialysis using AVF2, and 66% of AVG2 group started dialysis using AVG2 (p < 0.001). The following variables were found to be associated with AVF2 failure: female gender, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), interventional procedures, and the absence of pre-ESRD nephrology care. AVG2 failure was associated with white race, lower body mass index (BMI), and the absence of pre-ESRD (end-stage renal disease) nephrology care. CONCLUSION: Since the success rate to avoid the use of a catheter was significantly higher in the AVG2 group than in the AVF2 group, an AVG may be a preferable choice of second access in certain patients, especially in females, blacks and those with PVD.
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Arteriovenous fistula placement in the elderly: when is the optimal time?

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). However, many AVFs fail before starting dialysis. To assess the optimal time for AVF placement in the elderly, we linked data from the US Renal Data System with Medicare claims data to identify 17,511 patients ≥67 years old on incident HD who started dialysis between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008, with an AVF placed as the first predialysis access. AVF success was defined as dialysis initiation using the AVF, with time between AVF placement and dialysis start as our primary variable of interest. The mean age was 76.1±6.0 years, and 58.3% of subjects were men. Overall, 54.9% of subjects initiated dialysis using an AVF, and 45.1% of subjects used a catheter or graft. The success rate increased as time from AVF creation to HD initiation increased from 1-3 months (odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.44 to 0.53) to 3-6 months (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.02) to 6-9 months (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.11) but stabilized after that time. Furthermore, the number of interventional access procedures increased over time starting at 1-3 months, with a mean of 0.64 procedures/patient for AVFs created 6-9 months predialysis compared with 0.72 for AVFs created >12 months predialysis (P<0.001). Although limited by the observational nature of this study, our results suggest that placing an AVF >6-9 months predialysis in the elderly may not associate with a better AVF success rate.

Protein carbamylation is associated with heart failure and mortality in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease.

Serum carbamylated albumin (C-Alb) levels are associated with excess mortality in patients with diabetic end-stage renal disease. To gain insight into the pathophysiology of carbamylation, we determined associations between C-Alb and causes of death in patients on chronic hemodialysis. The Die Deutsche Diabetes Dialyse Studie (4D study) was a randomized controlled trial testing the effects of atorvastatin on survival in diabetic patients on dialysis during a median follow-up of 4 years. We stratified 1161 patients by C-Alb to see whether differences in carbamylation altered the effects of atorvastatin on survival. Baseline C-Alb significantly correlated with serum cardiac stress markers troponin T and N-terminal pro-B-type-natriuretic peptide and was associated with a history of heart failure and arrhythmia. C-Alb was strongly associated with 1-year adjusted risk of cardiovascular mortality, sudden cardiac death, and the 4-year risk of death from congestive heart failure (hazard ratios of 3.06, 3.78, and 4.64, respectively) but not with myocardial infarction or stroke. Patients with low C-Alb, treated with atorvastatin, experienced a significant improvement in their 4-year survival (hazard ratio 0.692). High C-Alb levels are associated with ongoing cardiac damage, risk of congestive heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Thus, carbamylation and uremic cardiomyopathy are associated in patients with diabetes mellitus and kidney disease. In addition, statins were specifically beneficial to hemodialysis patients with low C-Alb.

Clinical issues in renal transplantation in the elderly.

Kidney transplantation is the best renal replacement therapy option and is superior to dialysis in elderly end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Furthermore, the outcome of transplantation in the elderly is comparable to younger patients in terms of allograft survival. The exact nature of this phenomenon is not completely clear. As the elderly population continues to grow, it becomes more important to identify specific issues associated with kidney transplantation. In particular, elderly transplant recipients might have a lower chance of acute rejection as their immune systems seem to be less reactive. This might predispose elderly recipients to greater risk of post-transplant infectious complications or malignancies. Furthermore, due to differences in pharmacokinetics, elderly recipients might require lower doses of immunosuppressive medication. As the main cause of graft failure in the elderly is death with a functioning graft and also considering the scarcity of donor organs, it might make sense to recommend transplanting elderly recipients with extended criteria donor kidneys. This approach would balance shorter patient survival compared to younger recipients. In conclusion, old age should not preclude ESRD patients from kidney transplantation. However, specific differences that have to do with immunosuppression and other aspects of managing elderly transplant recipients should be considered.

Recombinant PTH therapy for severe hypoparathyroidism after kidney transplantation in pre-transplant parathyroidectomized patients: review of the literature and a case report.

Although transient hypocalcemia following kidney transplantation can occur, severe refractory hypocalcemia is uncommon. We report a case of a 31-yr-old highly sensitized man with end-stage renal disease caused by reflux nephropathy, who received an expanded criteria deceased donor kidney transplant. The post-transplant course was significant for profound hypocalcemia despite treatment with large doses of calcium and vitamin D, in the setting of severe hypoparathyroidism following a subtotal parathyroidectomy three yr prior to the transplant. His course was also complicated by suboptimal allograft function with significant new vascular changes seen in the allograft biopsy by seven wk post-transplant. Teriparatide (recombinant parathyroid hormone) injections were initiated (up to three times daily) with improvement in the vascular changes and a decrease in calcium phosphate calcification in biopsy, as well as reduction in hypercalciuria, restoration of calcium phosphate homeostasis and stabilization of allograft function. We describe six other cases of post-transplant hypoparathyroidism, with five of six having decreased allograft function and three of those five demonstrating significant accelerated vascular changes on biopsy. We discuss the use of teriparatide injections for the treatment of renal transplant recipients with impaired renal function in the setting of hypoparathyroidism.

Vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease: data from the Heart and Soul Study.

A growing body of evidence supports an association between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. From 2000 to 2002, we identified 946 participants with stable cardiovascular disease in San Francisco, California, and followed them prospectively for cardiovascular events (heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death). We then examined the extent to which the association was attenuated by adjustment for poor health behaviors, comorbid health conditions, and potential biological mediators. During a median follow-up period of 8.0 years (through August 24, 2012), 323 subjects (34.1%) experienced a cardiovascular event. Following adjustment for sociodemographic factors, season of blood measurement, health behaviors, and comorbid conditions, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels under 20 ng/mL remained independently associated with cardiovascular events (hazard ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.67). However, after further adjustment for potential biological mediators, the independent association was no longer present (hazard ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 0.85, 1.44). Parathyroid hormone, a potentially modifiable biological factor downstream from 25-hydroxyvitamin D, was responsible for the majority of this attenuation. These findings highlight the need for randomized controlled trials to determine whether vitamin D supplementation in persons with deficiency could be beneficial for the primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

The role of disparities and socioeconomic factors in access to kidney transplantation and its outcome.

BACKGROUND: Research focused on identifying vulnerable populations and revealing specific risk factors for barriers along the pathway from ESRD to kidney transplantation has been mostly descriptive and the causes of existing disparities remain unclear. However, several socio-economic factors that are associated with the access to and the outcome of the kidney transplantation have been identified. SUMMARY: While the presence of racial, gender, and geographic disparities is noted, we were interested mostly to describe potential socio-economic factors associated with and possibly responsible for the presence of such disparities. In this review we focused on five factors: education level, employment status, income, presence of substance addiction or abuse, and marital status. We describe the new method to quantify patients' socio-economic status and identify the group of high risk in terms of the transplant outcome, easily calculated social adaptability index, previously associated with clinical outcome in several patient populations including those with kidney transplant. At the end, based on literature analyzed we offer potential interventions that potentially can be used in order to reduce the degree of disparities. CONCLUSION: Based on review of literature socio-economic factors are associated with and possibly responsible for healthcare disparities. Social adaptability index allows quantifying the degree of socio-economic status and identifying the group of high risk for inferior transplant outcome.

The Impact of the Donor Card Holder Prioritization Program on Kidney Allocation in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Since 2014, as part of a priority program within the Israeli Transplant Law, additional points were given to waitlisted candidates with donor cards. We assessed the impact on deceased donor kidney allocation. METHODS: This study enrolled all patients older than 18 y who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation (January 2016-December 2019). Data were obtained from the National HLA Tissue Laboratory registry at the Sheba Medical Center. Patients were grouped by donor card status (ADI group) (not signed, 0 points; relative signed, 0.1 points; patient signed, 2 points; and relative donated, 9 points). The primary outcome was waiting time until kidney transplantation with and without the additional score. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-four patients underwent kidney transplantation during the study period: 281 (63%) were donor card holders (DCH) and 163 (37%) were not DCH. DCH with extra points waited 68.0 (±47.0) mo on average, compared with 94.6 (±47.3) mo for not DCH ( P  < 0.001). Donor card signers had a shorter time until transplant in a multivariable model. Without extra points, 145 recipients (32.6%) would have missed organs allocated to higher-scored candidates. Allocation changes occurred in 1 patient because of an additional 0.1 points, in 103 candidates because of an additional 2 points, and in 41 candidates because of an additional 9 points. CONCLUSIONS: Additional DCH scores improved allocation and reduced waiting time for donor card signers and those with donating relatives. To enhance fairness, consideration should be given to reducing the score weight of this social criterion and raising scores for other factors, especially dialysis duration.

Non-Interventional Weight Changes Are Associated with Alterations in Serum Uric Acid Levels.

Background/Objectives: Serum uric acid is an established cardiovascular risk factor. Higher serum uric acid levels are associated with overweight and obesity. We assessed whether non-interventional weight changes affect serum uric acid levels. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 19,193 participants referred to annual medical screening. Body mass index (BMI) and serum uric acid were measured annually. Subjects were divided into five groups according to changes in BMI between visits: large reduction (reduction of more than 5% in BMI), moderate reduction (reduction of more than 2.5% and 5% or less in BMI), unchanged (up to 2.5% change in BMI), moderate increase (increase of more than 2.5% and 5% or less in BMI), and large increase (increase of more than 5% in BMI). The primary outcome was serum uric acid level changes between visits. Results: A decrease in serum uric acid levels was evident as BMI decreased and an increase in serum uric acid levels was associated with an increase in BMI. The proportion of patients whose serum uric acid levels were increased by at least 10% between visits increased with the relative increase in BMI, while the proportion of patients whose serum uric acid levels were reduced by at least 10% decreased with the relative decrease in BMI. Conclusions: Non-interventional weight changes, even modest, are associated with significant alterations in serum uric acid levels. Our findings may aid in better risk stratification and the primary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.