SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Allograft function”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Rapamycin in patients with chronic renal allograft dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Nephrotoxicity of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) complicates the management of chronic renal allograft dysfunction. Rapamycin is a promising immunosuppressive agent free of nephrotoxicity. The effect of conversion from CNI to rapamycin in recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction is still unclear. We investigated the effect of rapamycin in patients with chronic allograft dysfunction. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on kidney transplant recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction. The patients were under classic CNI, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone triple therapy. They had progressive deterioration of the allograft function. They were converted from CNI to rapamycin directly and observed for 6 months. The CNI serum levels before the conversion were within recommended range. Allograft function, clinical features and adverse effects were evaluated before and after the rapamycin conversion. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients were enrolled. Six of them (37.5%) failed to have a smooth conversion because of deterioration of allograft function and intractable adverse effects. Ten patients (62.5%) went through the 6-month observation period with improved graft function. The average reduction of serum creatinine was 27.7% (p < 0.001) in successful conversion. There were no significant differences on age, gender, lipid profile, sugar control, and rapamycin levels between successful and failed conversion. Anemia and diastolic blood pressure were significantly improved after successful conversion. The failed patients had a longer transplantation period (6.1 +/- 4.1 vs. 11.2 +/- 3.4 yr, p < 0.05). Two of them (12.5%) developed bacteria pneumonia. Self-limited diarrhea developed in three patients (18.8%). CONCLUSION: We suggested that conversion from CNI to rapamycin was beneficial in some kidney transplant recipients with chronic allograft dysfunction.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Cystatin C and creatinine after successful kidney transplantation in children.

BACKGROUND: Serum creatinine is commonly used for the monitoring of allograft function following renal transplantation (RTX). Due to lower muscle mass, creatinine production rate is reduced in children, thus decreasing its sensitivity for the detection of allograft dysfunction. In children, the serum concentration of cystatin C, a low molecular weight protein of 13.3 kDa, reflects glomerular filtration rate independent of age, height and body composition. We, therefore, sought to assess the potential of cystatin C as a marker of allograft function in children. METHODS: Cystatin C and creatinine were measured in parallel at least daily in 24 children (14 boys, 10 girls; mean age 10.5+/-5.1 years) during hospitalization after successful RTX. Cystatin was determined immunoturbidimetrically, creatinine enzymatically. RESULTS: Within one hour after RTX, cystatin C (mean+/-SE) almost halved from 6.69+/-0.45 mg/l to 3.69+/-0.38 mg/l while creatinine declined from 862 +/-65.4 to 633+/-62.9 micromol/l. Following a nadir of 1.82+/-0.18 mg/l on day 2, there was a secondary increase in cystatin C concentrations to 2.69+/-0.35 mg/l on day 10. Creatinine concentrations continued to decline until day 9 reaching 80.5+/-13.1 micromol/l. Day-to-day variation at steady-state was comparable. In the course of 9 acute rejection episodes, both parameters rose in parallel, the increase in creatinine concentration being much greater. CONCLUSION: Cystatin C was an early indicator of allograft function following successful RTX in children. It did not prove superior to creatinine for the recognition of acute allograft dysfunction, however.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2003

Long-term follow-up of ACE-inhibitor versus beta-blocker treatment and their effects on blood pressure and kidney function in renal transplant recipients.

Hypertension and nephrotoxicity are frequent complications of cyclosporine-induced immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients. Long-term antihypertensive treatment is obligatory for hypertensive transplant patients, to protect allograft function. The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in the anti-hypertensive treatment of renal transplant recipients who receive immunosuppression with cyclosporine has long been discussed controversially. The aim of this prospective study, with a duration of 2 years and a follow-up of another 3 years, was to estimate the long-term antihypertensive potential of quinapril compared with that of the beta-blocker atenolol and to compare their effects on renal allograft function and proteinuria in 96 hypertensive renal transplant recipients who received cyclosporine A as immunosuppressive therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either quinapril (group Q) or atenolol (group A) as anti-hypertensive treatment. Forty patients of each group completed the 5-year observation period according to protocol. Intention-to-treat and according-to-protocol analyses were performed. With the patients starting at similar baseline blood pressure values, both agents, atenolol and quinapril, decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) as well as middle arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) to a similar extent (Delta SBP: group Q: -8+/-3 vs group A mmHg: -5+/-3; Delta DBP: -5+/-2 vs -4+/-2 mmHg; Delta MAP: -6+/-2 vs -5+/-2 mmHg; Delta PP: -2+/-2 vs -1+/-3 mmHg; mean +/- SEM). Neither serum creatinine levels nor Cockcroft-Gault clearance had changed significantly in either group after the 5-year period (Delta creatinine: 0.1+/-0.1 vs 0.2+/-0.2 mg/dl; Delta Cockcroft-Gault clearance: 3.9+/-4.6 vs 2.8+/-4.3 ml/min; mean +/- SEM). Urinary protein excretion remained stable among the quinapril-treated patients, whereas a significant increase was observed in the atenolol group during the 5-year study period (group Q: from 0.52+/-0.08 to 0.54+/-0.14 g/24 h; group A: from 0.34+/-0.03 to 0.72+/-0.13 g/24 h, P<0.02; mean +/- SEM). Albuminuria increased comparably in both groups, while the excretion of alpha-microglobuline increased slightly in the atenolol group, but decreased slightly in the quinapril group. The difference between the groups failed to be statistically significant (ANOVA, P<0.056). In conclusion, quinapril and atenolol may be considered suitable and safe substances in the long-term treatment of hypertensive renal transplant recipients, since both agents prove to be effective in anti-hypertensive treatment, and keep allograft function stable over a period of 5 years.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1987

Selective reduction of donor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors in patients with a well-functioning kidney allograft.

We have recently developed a sensitive limiting dilution (LD) culture system to measure human alloreactive cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTL-p) in a given lymphoid cell population. We have now used this system to determine frequencies of donor HLA antigen-inducible CTL-p in the peripheral blood of human allograft recipients at various stages after transplantation. All patients (1 pancreas recipient and 9 kidney recipients) were on continuous cyclosporine treatment throughout the study. We report that, in patients with a well-functioning kidney graft (6/9), the number of donor-reactive CTL-p among peripheral blood lymphocytes decreased within 3-8 months after transplantation--in some cases (2/6) more than 10-fold. In contrast, frequencies of CTL-p with specificity for third-part HLA antigens remained largely unaltered in these patients. Furthermore, no decrease of donor-reactive CTL-p frequencies was seen in 3 of 4 patients showing clinical symptoms of graft rejection. These results indicate that functional clonal deletion of antigraft-reactive CTL-p may contribute to the state of graft tolerance in certain patients with a well-functioning kidney allograft.

Cells, Cultured↗

PubMed1988

Acute renal transplant rejection in children: assessment by Duplex Doppler sonography.

Over a two year period 74 consecutive Duplex Doppler scans were performed in 23 children with renal allografts and were compared to the Doppler sonographic findings in orthotopic kidneys of 25 age matched healthy controls. The Doppler waveforms of renal arterial flow were analyzed qualitatively assessing systolic and diastolic flow amplitudes, for quantitation the Pourcelot index (PI) was used. There was no variation between the Doppler waveforms in recipients with normal allograft function and healthy controls. In 12 patients with biopsy proven acute rejection a decrease or absence of the diastolic flow amplitude was noted, resulting in increased pulsatility of the Doppler waveform. The mean PI in acute rejection differed significantly from the mean PI in normal allograft function. Duplex Doppler sonography is a useful imaging modality in the differentiation between acute rejection and normal allograft function and should therefore be integrated in the screening of children after renal transplantation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Steroids and bone density in patients with functioning kidney allografts.

INTRODUCTION: Osteopenia and osteoporosis after renal transplantation have been associated with factors related to the cause of end-stage renal disease, as well as to clinical events and therapeutic factors in the posttransplant period. We studied the prevalence of low bone density (LBD) according to WHO criteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a cohort of 106 patients (54 men and 52 women) with functioning renal allografts, who underwent bone densitometry (DEXA) of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Patients were grouped according to DEXA into those with normal bone density (NBD) or LBD. We studied clinical, analytical, and therapeutic variables. RESULTS: Thirtysix patients (34%) had NBD and 70 patients (66%) LBD. Weight was the only parameter showing a significant difference (P = .034), namely, among NBD it was 80.44+/-15.13 versus LBD 73.94 +/- 14.54 kg, respectively. Creatinine clearance (CCr) tended to be lower among patients with LBD 59.62 +/- 22.73 versus 69.59 +/- 28.15 mL/min in patients with NBD (P = .052). PTHi levels were higher in patients with LBD (149.39 +/- 110.75) than those with NBD (110.94 +/- 82.61) (P = .069). In the multivariate analysis the important determinants were weight Exp(ss) = 0.967 [CI = 0.939 to 0.996] (P = .036); CCr Exp(ss) = 0.982 [CI = 0.965 to 1.000] (P = .055); and PTHi levels Exp(ss) = 1.003 [CI = 0.932 to 0.994] (P = .059). CONCLUSIONS: Osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequent among kidney transplant patients (66%), with a similar distribution between the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Excess weight and possibly better renal function may be protective factors. The cumulative steroid dose showed a significant effect on bone density. As expected, secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with renal impairment seemed to be a risk factor for LBD.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2005

Improvement of renal function in pediatric heart transplant recipients treated with low-dose calcineurin inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil.

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction is a major complication in heart transplant recipients treated with calcineurin inhibitors. The goal of the study was to investigate the effect of a reduction of calcineurin inhibitor dosage with the concomitant introduction of mycophenolate mofetil on both renal function and cardiac allograft function. METHODS: Fourteen of 52 consecutive pediatric cardiac allograft recipients experienced a progressive decrease of renal function. A renal biopsy was performed before the dose of calcineurin inhibitors was reduced by 50% and azathioprine was replaced by mycophenolate mofetil. Renal function was evaluated by inulin clearance and maximal urinary osmolality before and yearly after the therapeutic changes. Acute rejection was monitored clinically, by echocardiography and endomyocardial biopsies. RESULTS: Inulin clearance in the fourteen children decreased from 84.2 mL/min/1.73 m at one year posttransplantation to 46.5+/-9.6 mL/min/1.73 m at the time of the change in immunosuppressive therapy. Significant renal lesions were observed in the renal biopsies performed before the change. At 1 year, inulin clearance had increased by 67%. In six patients who had a second determination 2 years after the switch, inulin clearance was not significantly different from the value at 1 year. There were three reversible acute rejection episodes in three patients. The incidence of rejection episodes was not different from a control group of patients whose treatment was not changed. CONCLUSION: The reduction of calcineurin inhibitor dosage and replacement of azathioprine by mycophenolate mofetil is a safe way to improve renal function in children with heart transplants and calcineurin inhibitor induced nephrotoxicity.

Calcineurin Inhibitors↗

PubMed2001

Results of simultaneous and sequential pediatric liver and kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The indications for simultaneous and sequential pediatric liver (LTx) and kidney (KTx) transplantation have not been well defined. We herein report the results of our experience with these procedures in children with end-stage liver disease and/or subsequent end-stage renal disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 1995, 12 LTx recipients received 15 kidney allografts. Eight simultaneous and seven sequential LTx/KTx were performed. There were six males and six females, with a mean age of 10.9 years (1.5-23.7). One of the eight simultaneous LTx/KTx was part of a multivisceral allograft. Five KTx were performed at varied intervals after successful LTx, one KTx was performed after a previous simultaneous LTx/KTx, and one KTx was performed after previous sequential LTx/KTx. Immunosuppression was with tacrolimus or cyclosporine and steroids. Indications for LTx were oxalosis (four), congenital hepatic fibrosis (two), cystinosis (one), polycystic liver disease (one), A-1-A deficiency (one), Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)-related (one), cryptogenic cirrhosis (one), and hepatoblastoma (one). Indications for KTx were oxalosis (four), drug-induced (four), polycystic kidney disease (three), cystinosis (one), and glomerulonephritis (1). RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 58 months (0.9-130), the overall patient survival rate was 58% (7/12). One-year and 5-year actuarial patient survival rates were 66% and 58%, respectively. Patient survival rates at 1 year after KTx according to United Network of Organ Sharing (liver) status were 100% for status 3, 50% for status 2, and 0% for status 1. The overall renal allograft survival rate was 47%. Actuarial renal allograft survival rates were 53% at 1 and 5 years. The overall hepatic allograft survival rate was equivalent to the overall patient survival rate (58%). Six of seven surviving patients have normal renal allograft function, and one patient has moderate chronic allograft nephropathy. All surviving patients have normal hepatic allograft function. Six (86%) of seven sequentially transplanted kidneys developed acute cellular rejection compared with only two (25%) of eight simultaneously transplanted kidneys (P<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneously transplanted kidneys were less likely to develop rejection than sequentially transplanted kidneys in this series. This did not have any bearing on patient or graft survival rates. Mortality correlated directly with the severity of United Network of Organ Sharing status at the time of kidney transplantation. Candidates for simultaneous or sequential LTx/KTx should be prioritized based on medical stability to optimize distribution of scarce renal allografts.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) of human allografts after renal transplantation.

BACKGROUND: 31P-Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) can be used as a non-invasive tool for measuring the relative intracellular concentrations of several phosphorus metabolites in different organs. Various pathological conditions are characterized by different metabolic patterns. We studied the value of 31P-MRS after renal transplantation with both an uneventful and a clinically complicated course. METHODS: We determined the relative concentrations of phosphate-containing metabolites in renal allografts of humans with 31P-MRS (1.5 Tesla) in the first few weeks after transplantation; 18 patients with an uneventful clinical course and 10 patients who required dialysis after transplantation were examined. Six patients with a stable allograft function 2-3 months after transplantation served as controls. RESULTS: In patients with primary allograft function, we found a significant correlation between the phosphomonoester/phosphodiester-ratio (PME/PDE) (r = 0.66, r < 0.01) and the time after transplantation, but no correlation between the nucleoside triphosphate (beta-NTP)-concentration (r = -0.11) and the time course. In the patients with primary or early allograft dysfunction caused by histologically proven rejection (n=5), we found a low beta-NTP compared to patients with an uncomplicated clinical course (0.09+/-0.01 vs 0.15+/-0.03), but no differences in the PME/PDE ratio (0.73+/-0.21 vs 0.80+/-0.21). In contrast, the PME/PDE ratio was lowered in three patients with delayed graft function caused by acute tubular necrosis (0.45+/-0.07 vs 0.80+/-0.21), but the beta-NTP concentration was not reduced (0.15+/-0.003 vs 0.15+/-0.03). The 31P-MR spectrum of two patients with cyclosporin A damage was not altered compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: 31P-MRS can be used in patients in the early period after renal transplantation. A significant correlation between the PME/PDE ratio and the time course but no change in the beta-NTP concentration was found in patients with primary allograft function in the first 4 weeks after renal transplantation. Different patterns of 31P-MR spectra were observed depending on the different causes of primary and early transplant dysfunction.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Response to diphtheria and tetanus booster vaccination in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Although inactivated vaccines are recommended for immunocompromized patients, efficacy and safety of diphtheria and tetanus immunization in renal transplant recipients have received little attention so far. The aim of the study was to investigate the response to a standard diphtheria and tetanus booster vaccination in pediatric renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Forty-two children, median age 13.2 years (range, 7.8-18.9 years) with complete primary immunization 9.2 years (0.9-15.4 years) before transplantation were enrolled. Immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine plus prednisolone in 15 (36%), cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone in 24 (57%), and tacrolimus plus prednisolone in 3 (7%). Antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and 1, 6, and 12 months after vaccination. RESULTS: Before vaccination, protective antibody concentrations exceeding 0.1 IU/ml against diphtheria were found in 16 children (38%). Thirty-eight (90%) had protective antibody concentrations against tetanus. After booster immunization, the protection rate against diphtheria rose to 95% at 1 month with a decline to 93% at 6 and 76% at 12 months. Protection against tetanus was complete after vaccination and persisted over the observation. Antibody concentrations were comparable to those reported for healthy children. Statistical analysis showed no influence of allograft function, immunosuppressive regimen, previous cytotoxic therapy, or time between primary immunization and end-stage renal failure on antibody response. Immunization was well tolerated and kidney function remained unaffected in patients with stable allograft function. CONCLUSIONS: Diphtheria and tetanus vaccination can be performed effectively and safely in renal transplant recipients as generally recommended.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Reperfusion injury in single-lung transplant recipients with pulmonary hypertension and emphysema.

BACKGROUND: The early postoperative course of single-lung transplant recipients depends on the recipient's underlying lung pathophysiology and the degree of ischemic-reperfusion injury. We examined the effect of pulmonary hemodynamics and preoperative diagnosis on early allograft function and the effects of pulmonary hemodynamics, allograft blood flow, and chest radiographs on length of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on 30 single-lung transplant recipients, 15 each with pretransplantation pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. Blood flow to the allografts was quantitated by perfusion scans obtained on the first postoperative day. Chest radiographs were graded for reperfusion injury. Pulmonary and hemodynamic data, gas exchange parameters, duration of mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit stay were recorded. RESULTS: Patients with pulmonary hypertension had a prolonged intensive care unit stay compared with emphysema patients, but pulmonary artery pressures were not quantitatively related to duration of ventilation during the intensive care unit stay. There was no difference in the severity of allograft infiltrate between the emphysema and pulmonary hypertensive patients. The day 1 chest radiograph score was highly predictive of an intensive care unit stay of > or = 7 days, although the threshold score of those with pulmonary hypertension was significantly lower than in emphysema patients. Allograft blood flow and pulmonary hypertension were not contributors to early graft dysfunction. Allograft perfusion decreased with increasing radiographically demonstrated infiltrate in those with emphysema but not in those with pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated allograft blood flow and pressures do not exacerbate radiographically confirmed reperfusion injury. Reperfusion injury is the major cause of early respiratory morbidity after single-lung transplantation. Allograft perfusion in emphysema patients decreases in response to reperfusion injury, but pulmonary hypertension patients remain almost entirely dependent on allograft function, even with severe chest radiograph scores. This may be an important mechanism by which single-lung transplant recipients with emphysema, unlike those with pulmonary hypertension, are able to mitigate the degree of respiratory impairment associated with reperfusion injury.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

PubMed1989

Tc-NGA imaging in liver transplantation: preliminary clinical experience.

Technetium-99m galactosyl-neoglycoalbumin (Tc-NGA) is a new liver imaging agent that binds to hepatic-binding protein, a hepatocyte-specific membrane receptor. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of Tc-NGA imaging in clinical liver transplantation. A total of 25 studies were performed in nine patients. Imaging studies performed in the early posttransplant period in patients with good hepatic allograft function revealed diffuse patchiness in tracer distribution, a manifestation of preservation damage. Left lobar infarction was demonstrated within a few hours of ischemic injury. Right posterior segmental infarction was seen in another patient. Comparison of kinetic, clinical, and biochemical data revealed good correlation between hepatic allograft function and Tc-NGA kinetics. Major kinetic alterations were noted during periods of preservation injury, hepatic infarction, and acute rejection. These studies indicate: (1) major alterations in Tc-NGA kinetics occur during preservation injury, hepatic infarction, and acute rejection, and (2) Tc-NGA kinetic data appear to provide an accurate reflection of hepatic allograft function. Tc-NGA imaging has the advantages of being noninvasive and of utilizing standard nuclear medicine instrumentation, including portable imaging devices. In conclusion, Tc-NGA imaging provides a promising noninvasive approach for evaluation of liver function in patients undergoing hepatic transplantation.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Ultrasonographic findings of functioning renal allografts in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the findings of serial ultrasound investigations of functioning and histologically normal renal allografts in the cynomolgus monkey. METHODS: Ten cyclosporine (Neoral) treated cynomolgus monkeys underwent renal allograft transplantation with bilateral nephrectomy, seven of which were examined serially with ultrasound. Ultrasound findings were compared to serum creatinine, and the results of histology from allograft biopsy on day 150 post-transplantation. RESULTS: Allografts increased in volume up to one and a half to twice that of their original volume and appeared morphologically similar to native kidneys. Allograft ureters were dilated postoperatively but decreased in size with time. Other than in two cases of ureter complications, the resistive index (RI) was normal in functioning grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Elevations in RI, as well as graft enlargement and increased cortical thickness, were related to graft pathology, but not necessarily to rejection histologically. The ultrasound findings of functioning grafts and of surgical complications after renal allograft transplantation in the cynomolgus monkey were similar to those in humans.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Current status of organ preservation with University of Wisconsin solution.

A retrospective analysis of all organs that were preserved with University of Wisconsin solution was undertaken to assess the impact of this solution on early allograft function. From May 1987 until June 1990, 181 livers, 92 pancreata, and 92 kidneys were preserved with University of Wisconsin solution for extended periods of time. The mean (+/- SD) preservation times were as follows: liver, 12.6 +/- 4.5 hours; pancreas, 16.7 +/- 4.4 hours; and kidney, 18.3 +/- 4.3 hours. The overall rate of primary nonfunction and hepatic artery thrombosis were 6.1% and 3.9%, respectively. No differences in the rates of primary nonfunction and hepatic artery thrombosis were noted for combined liver-pancreas procurement vs isolated liver retrievals or when reduced-size liver transplants were compared with nonreduced liver transplants. Likewise, no difference in primary nonfunction or hepatic artery thrombosis was seen in livers that were preserved for less than 6, 6 to 12, and greater than 12 hours. However, serum aminotransferase levels and prothrombin times were lower on the first postoperative day in livers that were preserved for less than 6 hours when compared with 6 to 12 or greater than 12 hours. Early pancreatic allograft function was also excellent for up to 24 hours of cold-storage preservation. All patients were immediately insulin independent, and there were no cases of initial nonfunction or graft pancreatitis. There were only two cases (2.2%) of pancreatic vascular thrombosis in this series. No difference in pancreatic function was noted for organs that were preserved for less than 6, 6 to 12, or greater than 12 hours. Likewise, renal allograft function was excellent, with only two patients (2.2%) requiring postoperative hemodialysis. The actuarial 1-month patient survival for liver and pancreas-kidney transplant recipients was 91.5% and 98.9%, respectively. Actuarial 1-month allograft survival for liver, pancreas, and kidney transplants was 83.0%, 96.7%, and 97.8%, respectively. In conclusion, University of Wisconsin solution represents a significant advancement in cold-storage organ preservation and is ideally suited as a universal intra-abdominal aortic-flush and cold-storage solution.

Adenosine↗

PubMed2005

Ablation of non functioning renal allograft by embolization: a valid alternative to graft nephrectomy?

OBJECTIVE: Removal of transplant for the treatment of graft intolerance syndrome (GIS) is an invasive procedure with high risk, often performed in patients with poor general conditions. Renal allograft embolization is a recent alternative treatment to surgical nephrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of allograft embolization in a series of patients with GIS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 12 patients (9 males and 3 females) with irreversible renal graft rejection and GIS. All patients were in hemodialysis and they have not responded to medical treatment. Infection was ruled out by blood and urine cultures. The embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles and steel coils. Vascular access was obtained via femoral artery puncture in all the patients. Before starting embolization at the puncture site local anaesthesia was performed. RESULTS: Eleven of the twelve procedures were technically successful, but in one patient a second treatment was necessary, after a month, for the presence of collateral perirenal circulation caused hematuria. There were no major complications and the mean hospital stay was 5 days. CONCLUSION: The graft embolization is a simple, safe and effective technique that permits non-surgical ablation of a non-functioning renal allograft in a significant number of patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Impact of graft ischemic time on outcomes after bilateral sequential single-lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Graft ischemic time (GIT) is a potential limiting factor in lung transplantation. METHODS: Seventy-four patients who underwent bilateral sequential single-lung transplantation were divided into three groups: group I, GIT less than 5 hours (n = 20); group II, GIT between 5 and 8 hours (n = 39); and group III, GIT more than 8 hours (n = 15). We compared early allograft function (ratio of arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen fraction and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient), blood loss, the need for tracheostomy, the duration of ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay. We also compared prevalences of acute and chronic rejection, airway complications, lung function test, and 2-year survival. RESULTS: Early allograft function in group III was significantly worse than those in groups I and II. However, there was no significant difference in any other variables of early and medium-term outcomes among the three groups. No significant correlation was detected between GIT and duration of intensive care unit stay or hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The limitation of acceptable GIT could be extended from the traditionally approved 4 to 5 hours, to 5 to 8 hours or even longer.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Recurrence of diffuse panbronchiolitis after lung transplantation.

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DBP) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract. DPB has been found almost exclusively in oriental populations. We describe the occurrence of a case of DPB in an African American patient who underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation. Ten weeks after transplantation, DPB recurred in the lung allograft, with rapid and significant deterioration in graft function. Allograft function improved within a few weeks after beginning treatment with erythromycin. This early recurrence is suggestive of a systemic etiology of DPB. Although recurrence of other systemic diseases has been reported after lung transplantation, no previous patients have been reported with early functional deterioration based solely on disease recurrence.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

A simple and accurate grading system for orthoiodohippurate renal scans in the assessment of post-transplant renal function.

Orthoiodohippurate renal scanning has proved to be a reliable, noninvasive method for the evaluation and followup of renal allograft function. However, a standardized system for grading renal function with this test is not available. We propose a simple grading system to distinguish the different functional phases of hippurate scanning in renal transplant recipients. This grading system was studied in 138 patients who were evaluated 1 week after renal transplantation. There was a significant correlation between the isotope renographic functional grade and clinical correlates of allograft function such as the serum creatinine level (p = 0.0001), blood urea nitrogen level (p = 0.0001), urine output (p = 0.005) and need for hemodialysis (p = 0.007). We recommend this grading system as a simple and accurate method to interpret orthoiodohippurate renal scans in the evaluation and followup of renal allograft recipients.

Adult↗