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Biomedical subjects

V A Tellis

Publications and source records attributed to V A Tellis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Superoxide dismutase: enhanced small intestinal preservation.

Injury from oxygen free radicals has been suggested to be of greater significance in the preservation of small intestine than of other organs. To determine if using the free radical scavenger, superoxide dismutase (SOD), with University of Wisconsin (UW) solution would improve preservation of small intestine, acute and chronic studies were conducted. Thirty-centimeter segments of small intestine from Lewis rats were flushed with and stored in Collins, UW, or SOD-modified (8000 U/ml) UW solution at 4 degrees C for 18 hr. For the acute study, small intestine segments were subsequently reperfused using support rats. The support rats in the UW/SOD group also received SOD (1750 U, iv) at the onset of reperfusion of small intestine. After 2 hr of reperfusion, maltose absorption and weight gain of small intestine were determined. For the chronic study, small intestine segments were transplanted as isografts. SOD (1750 U, iv) was also given to recipients prior to reperfusion of grafts in the UW/SOD group. Long-term effects were determined by recipient survival for at least 17 days. Results showed the small intestine in the UW/SOD group had the best recovery of mucosal absorption (256 +/- 39 versus 202 +/- 21 in the Collins group, P less than 0.01), the least percentage weight gain (19 +/- 3% versus 25 +/- 5% in the UW group and 38 +/- 5% in the Collins group, P less than 0.01), and the best 17-day survival rate (9/12 versus 2/9 in the UW group, P less than 0.025, and 0/8 in the Collins group, P less than 0.01) among the three groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine

A simple cuff-suture technique for microvascular anastomosis.

The use of synthetic cuffs to simplify and hasten microvascular anastomoses is offered as an alternative to conventional methods. In this study, a soft, non-irritating, silicone rubber cuff was used to construct end-to-end and end-to-side cuff-sutured anastomoses in rats. This technique was as rapid as other non-sutured anastomoses, required no assistant, and provoked no foreign-body reactions.

Anastomosis, Surgical

Evidence that zero antigen-matched cyclosporine-treated renal transplant recipients have graft survival equal to that of matched recipients. Reevaluation of points.

The value of HLA matching in cadaver renal transplantation (CRT) continues to be debated. It has recently been suggested that increased importance be given to HLA matching for the distribution of cadaver kidneys. Such a policy would add both delay and expense to CRT, which could be justified only by significantly improved results. The results of CRT in 252 cyclosporine treated adult patients transplanted at our institution from November 1984 to April 1989 were reviewed. Kidneys were initially transplanted into crossmatch-negative recipients based on waiting time, regardless of match. From October 1987, a points system, based on United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) criteria has been used. Eighty-four pts. with zero antigen match with their donors were compared with 168 pts. sharing 1-6 Ag. Actuarial graft and patient survival were determined by the cumulative life table method and compared using a log rank test. Our results indicated no statistically significant difference in graft survival because of better matching or mismatching. These findings are in keeping with our previously reported long-term results for non-CsA pts. Past predictions of improved graft survival based upon better matching at our institution have not fulfilled expectations, with the exception of 6 Ag matches. In conclusion, increased emphasis on HLA matching with fewer "points" for poorer matches does not appear justifiable.

Adult

Successful transplantation after conversion of a positive crossmatch to negative by dissociation of IgM antibody.

Preliminary crossmatching usually eliminates highly sensitized patients from consideration for renal transplantation. However, if the crossmatch is positive because of the presence of IgM antibody, this activity can be eliminated by treatment with the reducing agent Dithiothreitol (DTT). Successful transplantation may then be possible in patients whose crossmatch is positive due to the presence of IgM antibody. After treatment with DTT, the sera of 25 highly sensitized patients were measured for cytotoxicity against a selected panel of 40 cells. Those whose high %PRA could be attributed to blood transfusions or previous transplants did not change with DTT. Only two patients who had developed high panel reactivity, without a clear cause, had little reactivity remaining after DTT treatment of their sera. To select patients whose crossmatch might be rendered negative by DTT treatment, we developed a "minipanel" screening protocol. Patients whose monthly PRA cells increased greater than 30% from baseline had their serum samples treated with DTT to reduce IgM. The treated sera were tested against a panel of six cells. If there was little or no cytotoxicity, it was assumed that IgM antibody was responsible for the positive crossmatches. All subsequent cadaver donor crossmatches were done with and without DTT treated sera. Five patients (2 living-related; 3 cadaver) with current crossmatches positive before, but negative after, DTT treatment continue to have functioning kidneys 3-15 months after renal transplantation. There were no hyperacute rejections. We conclude that patients with IgM antibody can be successfully transplanted if they have a negative cross-match after reduction of IgM antibody in their serum samples. A "minipanel" helps to identify patients who will benefit from DTT treatment.

Adult

The effect of the referring dialysis center on renal transplant results.

Between 1/1/76 and 12/31/86, 448 patients underwent transplantation (360 first transplants). Of these, 286 (230 first) were referred by 5 dialysis centers, each referring more than 40 recipients. The remainder were referred by a large number of centers. Using our 5 largest referral centers, we studied the effect of dialysis center on graft and patient survival. There was no difference between dialysis centers in patient survival. Actuarial graft survival differed significantly for all cadaver transplants and for first cadaver transplants (P less than 105). Significant differences persisted when groups were subdivided by type of immunosuppression (azathioprine vs cyclosporine). Demographic (age, race, cause of renal disease) and immunologic (transfusions, PRA, matching) differences between groups did not explain the difference in graft survival. We conclude that referring dialysis center is a previously unrecognized factor affecting transplant outcome. Further studies with larger numbers will be required to determine the underlying reasons for ths phenomenon.

Adult