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H W Sollinger

Publications and source records attributed to H W Sollinger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The use of UW solution in clinical transplantation. A 4-year experience.

The development of the University of Wisconsin (UW) cold storage solution has extended safe preservation of the liver and pancreas from 6 to 24 hours or more. From May 1987 until November 1991, 288 livers and 163 simultaneous pancreas/kidney transplants were performed using UW solution. The mean preservation times were: liver, 12.7 +/- 4.4 hours, pancreas 17.2 +/- 4.4 hours, and kidney, 19.2 +/- 4.3 hours. Included in this series were 35 reduced-sized liver transplants, 7 cluster transplants, and 132 combined liver/pancreas retrievals. No differences in allograft function or graft-related complications were seen in organs preserved for less than or longer than 12 hours or in grafts from combined liver/pancreas retrievals. All pancreas/kidney transplants and most liver transplants were performed semi-electively. Actuarial 1-month patient and graft survival after liver transplantation was 91.4% and 80.2%, and at 4 years was 74.0% and 62.0%, respectively. After pancreas/kidney transplantation, the actuarial patient survival at 1 month and 4 years was 99.4% and 90.5%, respectively, whereas pancreatic and renal allograft survival at 1 month was 97.5% and 96.8%, and at 4 years was 83.0% and 83.4%, respectively. The ability to extend preservation times with UW solution has many advantages; however, the most important contribution of UW solution to clinical transplantation has been the increased utilization of scarce donor organs for more recipients because the previously imposed constraints on preservation time have been removed.

Adenosine

RS-61443 (mycophenolate mofetil). A multicenter study for refractory kidney transplant rejection.

RS-61443 (mycophenolate mofetil) inhibits a key enzyme of the de novo synthesis of purine nucleotides in T and B lymphocytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of RS-61443 in patients with refractory renal allograft rejection. Patients eligible for the study had previously undergone anti-rejection therapy with high-dose steroids or OKT3 monoclonal antibody. All rejection episodes were proven by renal biopsy. Successful rescue was achieved in 52 (69%) patients. Rescue was more successful when patients were entered with a creatinine of 4 mg/dL or lower (79%), versus a 52% rescue rate in patients entered with a creatinine of 4 mg/dL or above. Major side effects were predominantly gastrointestinal, but there was no overt nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, or bone marrow suppression. The overall infection rate was 40%, with the spectrum of infections characteristic for the highly immunocompromised patient. The conclude that this pilot study suggests that RS-61443 is effective in refractory kidney allograft rejection. Based on this study, prospectively randomized multi-center trails have been planned and are in progress.

Adolescent

The effect of donor age, recipient age, and HLA match on immunologic graft survival in cadaver renal transplant recipients.

We retrospectively analyzed 526 primary cadaver recipients transplanted at a single center to identify pretransplant variables that predict long-term survival with multivariate analysis. All recipients received at least three random blood transfusions and were treated under a quadruple-therapy protocol consisting of ALG, azathioprine, prednisone, and cyclosporine. Of 526 consecutive transplants, 86 grafts were lost from acute or chronic rejection. Thirteen grafts were lost for nonimmunologic reasons and 35 recipients died with a functioning graft. A total of 273 patients (52%) experienced at least one episode of acute rejection. Donor age ranged from 3 to 64 years, with 62% of donors less than 30 years of age and 9% of donors over 50 years of age. Donor age was not predictive of long-term graft survival and neither was the difference between donor and recipient age. Recipient age was predictive of subsequent immunologic graft less, with younger recipients at greater risk (P = 0.011). The rate of first rejection was also inversely related to recipient age, with younger recipients rejecting earlier (P = 0.0001). The degree of DR mismatch was the only other significant predictor of long-term graft success (P = 0.013). Transplant survival correlated with the degree of DR mismatch: 2 DR mismatch was the worst, 1 DR mismatch was intermediate and 0 DR mismatch was the best (P = 0.02). A, B, AB, and BDR did not influence long-term graft outcome. In our center, donor age does not predict graft failure. Younger recipients have a higher rate of early rejection and, combined with a poor DR match, are at higher risk for long-term graft failure.

Adult

RS-61443--a phase I clinical trial and pilot rescue study.

RS-61443, a morpholinoethyl ester of mycophenolic acid, inhibits the synthesis of guanosine monophosphate, which plays a pivotal role in lymphocyte metabolism. The drug blocks proliferative responses of T and B lymphocytes, and inhibits antibody formation and the generation of cytotoxic T cells. In vivo, RS-61443 prolongs the survival of islet allografts in mice, heart allografts in rats, and kidney allografts in dogs. Reversal of ongoing acute rejection was demonstrated in rat heart allografts and kidney allografts in dogs. Preliminary evidence suggests that the drug prevents chronic rejection. The purpose of this study was to test the safety and tolerance in patients receiving primary cadaver kidneys. RS-61443 in doses from 100 mg/day p.o. to 3500 mg/day p.o. was given to patients in combination with cyclosporine and prednisone. Further study goals were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of RS-61443, watch for the occurrence of opportunistic infections and acute rejection, and establish dosages for further clinical trials. Forty-eight patients were entered, with six patients in each dose group. RS-61443 was well tolerated in all dose groups, with only one adverse event possibly related to the drug (hemorrhagic gastritis). There was a statistically significant correlation between rejection episodes and dose (P = 0.022), patients with rejection episodes versus dose (P = 0.038), and number of OKT3/prednisone courses versus dose (P = 0.008). There was no overt nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity. Preliminary results of a rescue trial in 20 patients with kidney transplants will also be presented.

Adult

Chronic human skin graft rejection in severe combined immunodeficient mice engrafted with human PBL from an HLA-presensitized donor.

Mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (C.B-17 scid [SCID]) accepted xenografts of adult human peripheral blood leukocytes injected intraperitoneally as evidenced by production of human immunoglobulin (IgG and IgM), and circulation of human leukocytes in peripheral blood. SCID mice also accepted human split-thickness skin xenografts. Passenger leukocytes present in small numbers in such skin grafts could also recirculate in host peripheral blood and make detectable levels of human immunoglobulin. To test the immunocompetence of the transferred human PBL, SCID mice received a human skin xenograft from a second donor (HLA-mismatched with the PBL donor) either before (n = 6) or after (n = 23) xenografting of PBL. Skin was monitored daily for signs of rejection, and rejection was scored by histology 3-4 weeks after the second graft (PBL or skin) was placed. Of 19 SCID injected with PBL from an HLA presensitized patient (L.G.), 7/19 (37%) rejected a subsequent HLA-mismatched skin xenograft. Two of six SCID (33%) rejected a previously established skin xenograft when PBL were administered afterward. The rejection of the human skin was chronic, of relatively late onset (3-4 weeks), and was characterized grossly by contraction, glassy surface, and thickening. Histopathologic examination showed lymphocyte infiltration into the dermis with endothelial cell cuffing and destruction of capillaries, as well as lymphocyte tagging of the basal epidermis, hyperkeratosis, lymphocyte exocytosis and single epidermal cell necrosis. Immunostaining with monoclonal antibody to human CD2 or mouse CD3 revealed that human, but not mouse T lymphocytes were tagging the dermis/epidermis junction and infiltrating the epidermis of rejecting skin grafts. We conclude that a form of human skin graft rejection may be reproduced in an SCID mouse. The immune status of the transferred cells (sensitized vs. normal) and the lymphocytes ability to recirculate in SCID peripheral blood appear to be factors limiting the rejection process.

Animals

Hyperlipidemia and transplantation: etiologic factors and therapy.

Hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized complication of renal transplantation. In long-term survivors of renal transplantation, cardiovascular disease accounts for the majority of patient deaths. In the cyclosporine era, cardiovascular disease has surpassed infection as the number one cause of death. Risk factors in the transplant population for hyperlipidemia include age, male sex, diabetes, prednisone dose, graft impairment, obesity, and antihypertensive therapy. Recently, cyclosporine has been implicated as an aggravating factor in the development of hyperlipidemia after transplantation, although its role has been controversial. Because renal transplant recipients have other significant risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease, the amelioration of hyperlipidemia may improve long-term patient survival. Because most late deaths occur in patients with a functioning graft, long-term graft survival could also be improved. The role of corticosteroids in the development of hyperlipidemia is well established. Recent studies employing corticosteroid withdrawal after transplantation have shown a marked reduction in cholesterol despite the use of cyclosporine. Data on corticosteroid withdrawal in living related transplants at our center show a significant reduction in total cholesterol after steroid withdrawal. Data from heart transplant recipients under corticosteroid-free protocols show a similar reduction in total cholesterol. Other treatments for hyperlipidemia include diet and cholesterol-lowering agents, such as Mevacor (lovastatin; Merck Sharp & Dohme, West Point, PA). The efficacy of lowering cholesterol in this high-risk population is unknown.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholism is the leading cause of end-stage liver failure in the United States, but the application of liver transplantation to the treatment of alcoholic liver disease remains controversial because of medical and ethical concerns. Information about the outcome of patients who undergo transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis would help to resolve these concerns. METHODS: The results of 41 patients (Group 1) with alcoholic liver disease were compared with those of patients who underwent liver transplantation for other medical problems (group 2) at this center. Thirty of the 32 survivors from group 1 and 30 matched subjects from group 2 were interviewed to assess substance dependence, recidivism, and activity level. RESULTS: Compared with control subjects, patients with alcoholic liver disease had equivalent patient and graft survival rates and achieved an equal level of postoperative health. These results were achieved even though patients with alcoholic liver disease had significantly worse liver failure and more morbidity before surgery, and one third of the patients in this group were not abstinent before transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that patients with alcoholic liver disease merit equal consideration for liver transplantation compared with other causes of liver failure. Treatment of the addictive disorder should be included before and after surgery.

Actuarial Analysis

Indications for enteric conversion after pancreas transplantation with bladder drainage.

BACKGROUND: Bladder drainage has become the procedure of choice for 94% of transplant centers in North America. Bladder drainage is superior to other techniques as far as graft survival and technical success are concerned; however, the procedure is associated with significant urologic problems that might necessitate conversion to enteric drainage. This review summarizes the indications and results for enteric conversion at this institution. METHODS: Between June 1982 and January 1992 a total of 240 pancreas transplantations were performed at our center. In 229 cases exocrine secretions were drained into the bladder. These cases were reviewed, and those with enteric conversions were further analyzed to delineate indications, complications, and results. RESULTS: Sixteen (7%) were converted to enteric drainage (side-to-side duodenojejunostomy). The reasons for conversion were urethral disruption (six), recurrent urine leaks (five), bleeding (four), and chronic urinary tract infection (one). Enteric conversions were performed between 1 1/2 and 32 months after the initial transplantation. With the exception of one anastomotic leak resulting in an intraabdominal abscess, no complications occurred. All patients undergoing enteric conversions had resolution of their problems and, in addition, were able to discontinue use of oral bicarbonate. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that enteric conversion after pancreas transplantation with bladder drainage is safe and effective in the correction of urologic problems. Based on our experience, we recommend early enteric conversion if urologic problems do not resolve after an appropriate period of conservative therapy.

Duodenum

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for prophylaxis of infection in renal transplantation. Side effects of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, interaction with cyclosporine.

Questions have been raised regarding the safety of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) in organ transplantation, particularly adverse interactions with azathioprine and cyclosporine. In a prospective randomized, double-blind, trial in 132 patients that encompassed 33,876 patient-days, long-term prophylaxis with TMP-SMZ was found to significantly reduce the incidence of bacterial infection after renal transplantation. Prophylaxis was very well tolerated; none of the 66 recipients of TMP-SMZ, who took the drug for an average of 8.9 months, was withdrawn from the study because of hypersensitivity or toxic side effects. Serial measurements of hematologic parameters and liver function tests after transplantation in the two groups showed no significant differences. Recipients of cadaveric transplants, who were all given cyclosporine, randomized to receive TMP-SMZ had serum creatinine levels approximately 15% higher than those in control patients receiving cyclosporine (p less than 0.01); comparison of renal function by 24-hour endogenous creatinine clearances and technetium 99m-labeled diethylenetriamine-penta-acetic acid glomerular filtration rates in 17 patients crossed over to the alternate treatment group for 7 weeks, however, shows that the observed differences are reversible and represent inhibition of tubular excretion of creatinine by TMP in the presence of cyclosporine. Prophylaxis with TMP-SMZ had no discernable effect on cyclosporine pharmacokinetics: recipients of TMP-SMZ had blood levels of cyclosporine similar to those in patients in the placebo group. Episodes of graft rejection occurred at a similar frequency in the two groups (placebo, 50; TMP-SMZ, 44). We conclude that long-term prophylaxis with TMP-SMZ does not produce discernable hematologic, renal, or hepatic toxicity in renal transplant recipients nor does it augment nephrotoxicity with cyclosporine or increase the risk of rejection. TMP-SMZ may be used safely and is highly cost-beneficial for prophylaxis of infection in renal transplantation.

Creatinine

MRI of the pancreas transplant: lack of correlation between imaging and clinical status.

Twenty-five MRI scans were performed on 14 patients with cadaveric pancreatic transplants to determine the role of this modality in the evaluation of transplant dysfunction. Our population included 12 normal transplants and 13 recipients with pancreatic graft dysfunction (either rejection or pancreatitis). Six of the latter patients had two or more scans permitting reassessment of the same transplant in various states of health. T1-and T2-weighted MR images were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively to see if certain patterns were associated with clinical status. We found that although MRI was capable of producing excellent images of the in situ pancreatic transplant, this modality was unable to reliably distinguish the normal from the abnormal transplant. This conclusion differs from prior assessments; possible reasons for this are discussed.

Graft Rejection

A comparison of the effects of hyperbaric oxygen culture on survival of murine and canine thyroid gland grafts.

Canine thyroid tissue (CTy) was subjected to hyperbaric oxygen culture (HOC) under conditions that affect immunoalteration in murine thyroid tissue (MTy). Survival of autografts and allografts implanted under the kidney capsule was determined after 21 days by 125I uptake and histology. Unlike MTy, autograft CTy subjected to normothermic HOC (95% O2, 5% CO2; 1.76 kg/cm2) for 48 h did not survive (0/8) whereas decrease of culture duration to 24 h resulted in autograft CTy survival (3/3). Under hypothermia (5 degrees C), HOC could be extended to 7 days with autograft CTy survival (3/3 after 4 days and 3/3 after 7 days). Allograft CTy after 24 h of normothermic HOC and 7 days of hypothermic HOC was rejected. Indicators of oxygen free radical injury were determined:catalase activity was comparable in MTy and CTy (means 14.82 and 6.3-10.8 mm/mg protein, respectively) but superoxide dismutase activity was low in CTy (means 0.01-0.29 and 4.75 U/mg protein, respectively). Malondialdehyde content after 48 h of normothermic HOC was higher in CTy than in MTy (means 2215 and 1275 nmol/g, respectively). The results show that CTy is injured by HOC under conditions tolerated by MTy, and that this difference is related to the greater sensitivity of CTy to oxygen free radical injury.

Animals

Inhibition of human antigen-specific memory B cell response in vitro by a diphtheria toxin-related interleukin 2 fusion protein.

Recombinant diphtheria toxin-related interleukin-2 fusion protein (DAB486IL-2) is specifically cytotoxic for cells bearing the high-affinity IL-2 receptor (p55/75). We evaluated the effects of DAB486IL-2 on the generation of tetanus toxoid (TT)-specific IgG antibody-forming cells in 6-day cocultures of human splenocytes and TT-coupled Sepharose beads. The results indicate that a significant portion (30-75%) of the anti-tetanus toxoid IgG response in vitro was susceptible to inhibition by 10(-10) M DAB486IL-2. The inhibition required both the IL-2 portion of the fusion protein and an active toxin moiety and was greater when the IL-2 toxin was added on Day 3 as compared with Day 0 of culture. The induction of the p55 (Tac) subunit of the IL-2R was demonstrable by two-color flow cytometry on a small percentage (5%) of B cells and on a higher percentage (10%) of non-B cells 3 days after exposure to TT-coupled Sepharose. Short-term (2 hr) treatment of T and B cell subpopulations separated on Day 3 of culture followed by remixing indicated that while activated T helper cells were most strongly inhibited by DAB486IL-2, up to 50% of the TT-specific IgG response was inhibited by treatment of B cells alone with DAB486IL-2. Our results suggest that a strategy of eliminating human memory B cells by a combination of antigen activation and properly timed administration of a recombinant lymphokine-toxin fusion protein is feasible.

Animals

Immunochemical analysis of a recombinant, genetically engineered, secreted HLA-A2/Q10b fusion protein.

We engineered a fusion gene which encodes the alpha 1 and alpha 2 domains of HLA-A2 with the alpha 3 and truncated transmembrane domains of the murine class I-like protein Q10b, and transferred it into mouse L cells along with the gene for human beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m). The secreted rA2/Q10b gene product consisted of a single heavy chain of molecular weight 42 kd that was noncovalently associated with the human beta 2m light chain. Native detergent-solubilized HLA-A2 and secreted rA2/Q10b proteins were found to be similar by: (a) the binding to mouse monoclonal anti-HLA antibodies in an ELISA; (b) the blocking of lysis of HLA-A2+ cells by human anti-HLA-A2,-B17, anti-HLA-A2,9,28, and anti-HLA-A2,28 cross-reactive group (CREG) antisera in a complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay; and (c) the ability when coupled to Sepharose to selectively purify HLA-A2,9,28 and HLA-A2,28 CREG-specific antibodies. Mouse L cells expressing rA2/Q10b produced as much as 2.5 micrograms protein per 10(6) cells/day, or 50- to 100-fold more antigen on a per cell basis than the level of HLA-A2 expressed by B-lymphoblastoid cell line or spleen cells. Thus rA2/Q10b represents a viable alternative to detergent-solubilized HLA-A2 for purification of anti-HLA-A2 antibodies and analysis of anti-HLA-A2 immune responses.

Animals

Experience with 100 consecutive simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplants with bladder drainage.

From December 1985 to December 1989, 100 consecutive simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplants were performed at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Bladder drainage technique was used for all grafts. One- and three-year patient survival was 93% and 90%; kidney survival, 90% and 85%; and pancreas survival, 86% and 84%. Quadruple immunosuppressive therapy was used in all patients and consisted of either MALG or OKT3 induction, and cyclosporine, prednisone, and azathioprine maintenance therapy. OKT3 induction therapy was used in 42 patients and Minnesota antilymphocyte globule in 58 patients, with equivalent results except for more opportunistic infection with OKT3. The duodenal button technique was used in the first 17 patients with systemic anticoagulation and was associated with significantly more postoperative bleeding and infection compared with the duodenal segment technique. The most common surgical complication of the duodenal segment technique was urine leak (13%), which usually occurred from the distal duodenal segment. The most common urologic complication of bladder drainage was hematuria (13%), which was usually self-limited. Within 6 months of transplantation, 84% of patients developed urinary tract infections, and 25% of patients had opportunistic infections. The surgical techniques and immunosuppressive methods used in this series are reviewed, and strategies for preventing medical and surgical complications are outlined.

Adult

RS-61443--a new, potent immunosuppressive agent.

The immunosuppressive activity of RS-61443, a semisynthetic derivative of mycophenolic acid, was examined in 33 canine renal allografts. Initial studies established that triple therapy consisting of 20 mg/kg RS-61443 in combination with 5 mg/kg cyclosporine and 0.1 mg/kg methylprednisolone was the optimal combination to prevent graft rejection. The median survival time was 8.1 +/- 1.2 days in dogs without treatment (n = 5), 8.5 +/- 1.7 days in the treatment control group (CsA 5 mg/kg, MP 0.1 mg/kg; n = 6), 36.0 +/- 9.6 days with RS-61443 monotherapy (40 mg/kg; n = 6); and 122.4 +/- 38.75 days with triple therapy (n = 16). Graft prolongation was statistically significant when compared with controls (P less than 0.05 and 0.002, respectively). Six recipients in the triple therapy group survived over 150 days without major adverse effects. Long-term administration of RS-61443 (20 mg/kg/day) did not cause nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, or hepatotoxicity, with the exception of a slight elevation of the alkaline phosphatase levels. Gastrointestinal symptoms including gastritis, diarrhea, and anorexia were common, especially under 40 mg/kg RS-61443 monotherapy, and appeared to be dose-related. Despite its immunosuppressive activity, an increased susceptibility to bacterial or viral infections was not observed. Histological studies of the kidney grafts revealed slight interstitial cell infiltration without vascular or glomerular damage.

Animals

The predictive value of donor liver biopsies for the development of primary nonfunction after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Methods of accurately assessing the suitability of donor livers prior to transplantation are required if the incidence of primary nonfunction (PNF) is to be reduced. This study evaluated the ability of donor liver biopsies to predict the development of primary nonfunction after transplantation. From June 1987 until May 1990, 170 liver transplants were performed in 147 patients. A total of 124 donor liver biopsies were obtained and divided into three groups. Group 1 biopsies (n = 77) were obtained after revascularization of the liver, group 2 biopsies (n = 19) were obtained prior to donor hepatectomy but examined only after implantation, and group 3 biopsies (n = 28) were obtained as in group 2, but were examined prior to implantation. Three of 89 (3.4%) livers interpreted as having normal histology developed primary nonfunction, while one of 26 (3.8%) biopsies interpreted as having a minimal or moderate amount of fatty infiltration developed primary nonfunction. PNF occurred in 7 of 8 livers with severe fatty infiltration (3), hydropic degeneration (3), and centrilobular necrosis (1). A fourth liver with hydropic degeneration and poor function ultimately failed requiring retransplantation 8 weeks later. Analysis of liver function revealed progressive elevation in aspartate-aminotransferase, alanine-aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum ammonia (NH3) with increasing degrees of fatty infiltration. Donor age and weight was also found to be significantly higher in livers with fatty infiltration. This study suggests that donor liver biopsies demonstrating normal histology or minimal-to-moderate fatty infiltration function adequately, but that donor livers with severe fatty infiltration or hydropic degeneration function poorly and should not be transplanted.

Biopsy