A score model for predicting post-liver transplantation survival in HBV cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma recipients: a single center 5-year experience

BACKGROUND： The prognostic prediction of liver transplantation（LT） guides the donor organ allocation. However, there is currently no satisfactory model to predict the recipients’ outcome, especially for the patients with HBV cirrhosis-related hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）. The present study was to develop a quantitative assessment model for predicting the post-LT survival in HBV-related HCC patients.METHODS： Two hundred and thirty-eight LT recipients at the Liver Transplant Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between 2008 and 2013 were included in this study. Their post-LT prognosis was recorded and multiple risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses in Cox regression.RESULTS： The score model was as follows： 0.114×（Child-Pugh score）-0.002×（positive HBV DNA detection time）＋0.647×（number of tumor nodules）＋0.055×（max diameter of tumor nodules）＋0.231×ln AFP＋0.437×（tumor differentiation grade）.The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the scoring model for predicting the post-LT survival was 0.887. The cut-off value was 1.27, which was associated with a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 90.7%, respectively.CONCLUSION： The quantitative score model for predicting post-LT survival proved to be sensitive and specific.

Early ileocolonoscopy with biopsy for the evaluation of persistent post-transplantation diarrhea

AIM: To investigate the signifi cance of ileocolonoscopy with histology in the evaluation of post-transplantation persistent diarrhea (PD). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all records of renal transplant patients with PD, over a 3-year period. All patients were referred for ileocolonoscopy with biopsy, following a negative initial diagnostic work up. Clinical and epidemiological data were compared between cases with infectious or drug-induced diarrhea. RESULTS: We identif ied 30 episodes of PD in 23 renaltransplant patients (1-3 cases per patient). There were 16 male patients and the mean age at the time of PD was 51.4 years. The average time from transplantation to a PD episode was 62.3 ± 53.2 mo (range 1-199 mo). Ileocolonoscopy detected mucosal abnormalities in 19 cases, whereas the intestinal mucosa appeared normal in 11 cases. Histological examination achieved a specific diagnosis in 19/30 cases (63.3%). In nine out of 11 cases (82%) with normal endoscopic appearance of the mucosa, histological examination of blinded biopsies provided a specif ic diagnosis. The etiology of PD was infectious in 11 cases (36.6%), drug-related in 10 (33.3%), of other causes in three (10%), and of unknown origin in six cases (20%). Infectious diarrhea occurred in significantly longer intervals from transplantation compared to drug-related PD (85.5 ± 47.6 mo vs 40.5 ± 44.8 mo, P < 0.05). Accordingly, PD due to drug-toxicity was rarely seen after the f irst year post-transplantation. Clinical improvement followed therapeutic intervention in 90% of cases. Modif ication of immunosuppressive regimen was avoided in 57% of patients. CONCLUSION: Early ileocolonoscopy with biopsies from both affected and normal mucosa is an important adjunctive tool for the etiological diagnosis of PD in renal transplant patients.

Recent insights in the pathogenesis of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD) is an aggressive complication of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that arises in up to 20% of transplant recipients. Infection or reactivation of the Epstein-Barr virus(EBV), a ubiquitous human herpesvirus, in combination with chronic immunosuppression are considered as the main predisposing factors, however insight in PTLD biology is fragmentary. The study of PTLD is complicated by its morphological heterogeneity and the lack of prospective trials, which also impede treatment optimization. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of underlying disorders and the graft type represent important confounding factors. PTLD encompasses different malignant subtypes that resemble histologically similar lymphomas in the general population. Post-transplant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(PT-DLBCL), Burkitt lymphoma(PTBL) and plasmablastic lymphoma(PT-PBL) occur most frequently. However, in many studies various EBV+ and EBV- PTLD subtypes are pooled, complicating the interpretation of the results. In this review, studies of the gene expression pattern, the microenvironment and the genetic profile of PT-DLBCL, PT-BL and PT-PBL are summarized to better understand the mechanisms underlying post-transplantation lymphomagenesis. Based on the available findings we propose stratification of PTLD according to the histological subtype and the EBV status to facilitate the interpretation of future studies and the establishment of clinical trials.

Intraoperative management and early post-operative outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequently observed in aging end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients who require orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This situation is challenging for both the pa- tients and the medical staff. Methods: We retrospectively studied the case records of 26 ESLD patients with CAD who underwent OLT with total clamping of the inferior vena cava between 2014 and 2018. We analyzed the details of the pre-operative evaluation, intraoperative anesthetic management and post-operative prognosis of these patients. Results: All patients tolerated the anhepatic stage well. Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS) was observed in 13 patients (50%) and 2 of them were severe but corrected well. ST-segment depression was frequently observed during the anhepatic stage and reperfusion stage. No mortality due to cardiac-related events occurred among the patients during hospitalization. OLT with the modi ed piggyback technique could successfully be performed in ESLD patients with mild and moderate CAD. Conclusions: A thorough evaluation and optimization of recipients, strict monitoring and optimized man-agement of circulation, knowledge of the complicated changes during OLT procedures, and strategies to ameliorate post-reperfusion syndrome favorite the outcomes.

Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders:Current concepts and future therapeutic approaches

Transplant recipients are vulnerable to a higher risk of malignancy after solid organ transplantation and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant.Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders(PTLD)include a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from benign proliferation of lymphoid tissues to frank malignancy with aggressive behavior.Two main risk factors of PTLD are:Firstly,the cumulative immunosuppressive burden,and secondly,the oncogenic impact of the Epstein-Barr virus.The latter is a key pathognomonic driver of PTLD evolution.Over the last two decades,a considerable progress has been made in diagnosis and therapy of PTLD.The treatment of PTLD includes reduction of immunosuppression,rituximab therapy,either isolated or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents,adoptive therapy,surgical intervention,antiviral therapy and radiotherapy.In this review we shall discuss the prevalence,clinical clues,prophylactic measures as well as the current and future therapeutic strategies of this devastating disorder.

EBV-Associated Post-Transplantation B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Patient after Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a severe complication following solid-organ transplantation (SOT) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We present a case of a 15-year-old male developing a monomorphic B-cell PTLD after receiving an allogenic stem cell transplant for acute acute myeloid leukemia. A diagnostic lymph node biopsy revealed monomorphic type, B cell phenotype, associated with Epstein-Barr virus, consistent with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). The morbidity and mortality of PTLD are high, and there is no standard protocol for treatment of PTLD. To prevent the occurrence of PTLD and early intervention are important for the prognosis of patients.

Impact of EBV infection and immune function assay for lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric patients after liver transplantation: A single-center experience

Background:Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD)is a lethal complication after pediatric liver transplantation,but information regarding risk factors for the development of PTLD remains unclear.This study was to identify characteristics and risk factors of PTLD.Methods:A total of 705 pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation between January 2017 and October 2018 were studied.Impact of clinical characteristics and Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection on the development of PTLD was evaluated.In addition,ImmuKnow assay was adopted in partial patients to analyze the immune status.Results:Twenty-five(3.5%)patients suffered from PLTD with a median time of 6 months(3–14 months)after transplantation.Extremely high tacrolimus(TAC)level was found in 2 fatal cases at PTLD onset.EBV infection was found in 468(66.4%)patients.A higher peak EBV DNA loads(>9590 copies/mL)within 3 months was a significant indicator for the onset of PTLD.In addition,the ImmuKnow assay demonstrated that overall immune response was significantly lower in patients with EBV infection and PTLD(P<0.0001).The cumulative incidence of PTLD was also higher in patients with lower ATP value(≤187 ng/mL,P<0.05).Conclusions:A careful monitoring of EBV DNA loads and tacrolimus concentration might be supportive in prevention of PTLD in pediatric patients after liver transplantation.In addition,application of the ImmuKnow assay may provide guidance in reducing immunosuppressive agents in treatment of PTLD.

Surgical Complications of Kidney Transplantation in a Resource Limited Country: Retrospective Study of the First Five Years

Background: Kidney transplantation is the most efficient treatment for renal failure but may be ruined by complications. Objective: To report the surgical complications of renal transplantation and the therapeutic means applied. Method: It was a retrospective study including 42 files of kidney transplantation in Côte d’Ivoire. We report 11 cases of surgical complications of the recipient’s intervention during the first five years. Results: The mean age was 42.64 years (±15.04). In 90.9% of the cases, there was a comorbidity factor. Lymphocele and stenosis of the uretero vesical anastomosis were the most frequent complications. One death was observed. Conclusion: Kidney transplantation is an effective way of managing chronic renal failure. Postoperative complications are polymorphic and unpredictable.

Transplantation Expression of 4-1BB molecule on peripheral blood T cells in liver transplanted patients and its clinical implication

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gene expression of 4-1BB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and its possible significance in clinical liver transplantation. METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the gene expression of 4-1BB in PBMCs from 22 patients receiving liver transplantation, 13 patients with primary liver carcinoma (PLC), and 12 healthy controls. To determine whether 4-1BB molecule is also expressed on the surface of CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cell, flow cytometry was used to analyse the phenotype of T cell subsets from the blood of liver transplantation patients. RESULTS: 4-1BB mRNA was detected in PBMCs from stable survivors after liver transplantation, but almost not deteeted in PBMCs from PLC patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, 4-1BB was almost not expressed on the surface of CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells in healthy controls and PLC patients. A low level of 4-1BB expression, however, was found on the surface of CD4^+ and CD8^+ T cells from the stable survivors after liver transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that although patients are stable after liver transplantation, effector T-cells can also be activated through the signal of 4-1BB molecule and persistent irmmune response to grafts. Blockage of 4-1BB/4-1BBL pathway may benefitially reduce the clinical dosage of immunosuppressive agents and prolong the survival of grafts.

A good prognostic predictor for liver transplantation recipients with benign end-stage liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND： Post-transplant model for predicting mortality（PMPM, calculated as-5.359＋1.988×ln（serum creatinine [mg/d L]）＋1.089×ln（total bilirubin [mg/d L]）） score has been proved to be a simple and accurate model for predicting the prognosis after liver transplantation（LT） in a single center study. Here we aim to verify this model in a large cohort of patients.METHODS： A total of 2727 patients undergoing LT with endstage liver cirrhosis from January 2003 to December 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Data were collected from the China Liver Transplant Registry（CLTR）. PMPM score was calculated at 24-h and 7-d following LT. According to the PMPM score at 24-h, all patients were divided into the low-risk group（PMPM score ≤-1.4, n=2509） and the high-risk group（PMPM score 〉-1.4, n=218）. The area under receiver operator characteristic curve（AUROC） was calculated for evaluating the prognostic accuracy.RESULTS： The 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates in the low-risk group were significantly higher than those in the high-risk group（90.23%, 88.01%, and 86.03% vs 63.16%, 59.62%, and 56.43%, respectively, P〈0.001）. In the high-risk group, 131 patients had a decreased PMPM score（≤-1.4） at 7-d, and their cumulative survival rate was significantly higher than the other 87 patients with sustained high PMPM score（〉-1.4）（P〈0.001）. For predicting 3-month mortality, PMPM score showed a much higher AUROC than post-transplant MELD score（P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION： PMPM score is a simple and effective tool to predict short-term mortality after liver transplantation in patients with benign liver diseases, and an indicator for prompt salvaging treatment as well.

Persistent Epstein-Barr viral load in Epstein-Barr viral na?ve pediatric heart transplant recipients:Risk of late-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease

AIM To examine the risk of late-onset post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD) in the presence of persisting high Epstein-Barr virus(EBV) in EBV na?ve pediatric heart transplant(HT) recipients. METHODS A retrospective review of the medical records of the 145 pediatric HT recipients who had serial EBV viral load monitoring at our center was performed. We defined EBV naive patients whose EBV serology either IgM or IgG in the blood were negative at the time of HT and excluded passive transmission from mother to child in subjects less than 6 mo of age. RESULTS PTLD was diagnosed in 8 out of 145 patients(5.5%); 6/91(6.5%) in those who were EBV seropositive and 2/54(3.7%) in the EBV na?ve group at the time of HT(P = 0.71). We found 32/145(22%) patients with persistently high EBV load during continuing follow-up; 20/91(22%) in EBV seropositive group vs 12/54(22%) in EBV na?ve group(P = 0.97). There was no significant association between pre-HT serostatus and EBV load after transplant(P > 0.05). In the EBV seropositive group, PTLD was diagnosed in 15%(3/20) of patients with high EBV vs 4.2%(3/71) of patients with low or undetectable EBV load(P = 0.14) whereas in EBV na?ve patients 8.3%(1/12) of those withhigh EBV load and 2.3%(1/42) with low or undetectable EBV load(P = 0.41). There was a highly significant association between occurrence of PTLD in those with high EBV load and duration of follow up(4.3 ± 3.9 years) after HT by Cochran-Armitage test for the entire cohort(P = 0.005). At least one episode of acute rejection occurred in 72%(23/32) of patients with high EBV vs 36%(41/113) patients with low or undetectable EBV after HT(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION There is an association between persistently high EBV load during post-HT follow up and the occurrence of late-onset PTLD in pediatric HT recipients irrespective of serostatus at the time of transplant. The occurrence of allograft rejection increased in patients with high EBV load presumably due to reduction in immunosuppression.

Renal Transplant Artery Stenosis: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Treatment

Introduction: Renal transplant artery stenosis (RTAS) is a common and early complication of renal transplantation, which can lead to severe post-transplant hypertension, as well as significant morbidity and mortality, particulary graft loss. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, clinico-radiological characteristics and evaluate the outcomes of luminal angioplasty as a first-line treatment for RTAS, through the analysis of medical records of 27 kidney transplant patients. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center, and descriptive study conducted at the Nephrology department of the Ibn-Sina Hospital in Rabat, including 27 renal transplant patients with RTAS during the period from 1998 to 2023. All patients with clinically suspected RTAS and confirmed by Doppler ultrasound of the transplanted renal artery were included in the study. Results: The mean age of donors was 48.66 ± 13.55 years, with a female predominance (65%). The donor was deceased in 15% of cases. The mean age of the recipients was 39 ± 16 years with a male-to-female ratio of 4.4. The median onset of RTAS was 3.6 ± 3.4 months after renal transplantation. Seven patients (26%) had high blood pressure (HBP) before their transplantation. Six patients (22%) had hypertriglyceridemia and 7 patients (26%) had pure hypercholesterolemia. The main clinical signs were worsening of preexisting HBP, de novo HBP and acute renal failure (ARF). Stenosis was confirmed by renal Doppler ultrasound in all patients. It was severe in 63%, with a stenosis degree greater than 70%. Six patients underwent angioplasty, resulting in the stabilization of graft function with a nadir of 15 mg/l creatinine and blood pressure control with dual therapy in 5 patients. No graft loss cases were noted. Conclusion: RTAS is a significant vascular complication of renal transplantation that predicts unfavorable outcomes for both the patient and the graft. Early diagnosis is crucial to successfully restore graft function and prevent complications.

Treatment of Severe Post-kidney-transplant Lung Infection by Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine

Objective： To explore treatments of severe post-kidney-transplant lung infection by integrative Chinese and Western medicine （ICWM）, in order to elevate the curing rate as well as to lower the death rate. Methods： Based on conventional ways of Western medical treatments of 18 cases of severe post-kidney-transplant lung infection, such as putting the patients in single individual ward, antibiotics to prevent infection, respiratory machines, blood filtration, nutritional support, steroids, and maintaining electrolytes balance, we applied integrated Chinese medicinal treatments, like altering conventional prescription ＂pneumonia Ⅲ ＂, and conducted clinical observation of effectiveness, and indexes including white blood cell （WBC）, neutrophilic granulocyte, blood urea nitrogen （BUN）, blood creatinine （Or）, etc. Results： Of the 18 cases studied, 7 were already cured, 8 proved the treatment effective, 3 died. All clinical indexes had statistically significant changes compared with those of before treatment （P〈0. 01 ）. Cenclusien. ICWM can increase curing rate and lower death rate.

Post Liver Transplantation Lympho Proliferative Disorder, Classical Hodgkins Lymphoma Type—A Case Report

Post transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder is a lymphoid/plasmacytic proliferation that develops as a consequence of immunosuppression in a recipient of a solid organ/bone marrow/stem cell allograft. The incidence reported in literature in post liver transplant patients is 1% - 2%. This case was of a 16-year-old boy who underwent liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure and subsequently developed PTLD. Morphologically and immunohistochemically, it was Hodgkin’s lymphoma like PTLD, which was the least common type reported in literature.

Management strategies for common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients

Viral infections have been considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation in pediatric cohort.Children are at high risk of acquiring virus-related complications due to immunological immaturity and the enhanced alloreactivity risk that led to maintenance of high immunosuppressive regimes.Hence,prevention,early detection,and prompt treatment of such infections are of paramount importance.Among all viral infections,herpes viruses(herpes simplex virus,varicella zoster virus,Epstein-Barr virus,cytomegalovirus),hepatitis B and C viruses,BK polyomavirus,and respiratory viruses(respiratory syncytial virus,parainfluenza virus,influenza virus and adenovirus)are common in kidney transplant recipients.These viruses can cause systemic disease or allograft dysfunction affecting the clinical outcome.Recent advances in technology and antiviral therapy have improved management strategies in screening,monitoring,adoption of prophylactic or preemptive therapy and precise treatment in the immunocompromised host,with significant impact on the outcome.This review discusses the etiology,screening and monitoring,diagnosis,prevention,and treatment of common viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Rare presentation of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder isolated to gastroesophageal junction

Post transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) represents a life threatening disorder occurring after transplantation, ranging from a polyclonal mononucleo- sis like illness to a monomorphic high grade neoplasm with cytologic and histopathologic evidence indica- tive of transformation to lymphoma. PTLD of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) subtype, isolated to the esophagus is a rare diagnosis. We describe the first case of an immunocompromised adult patient diagnosed with DLBCL-PTLD limited to his esophagus without an associated mass or locoregional lymphade-nopathy on imaging since the institution of the revised Cheson criteria, which includes positron emission tomography-computed tomography as the standard staging modality. Even more unique to our case was the suggestion of underlying cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastritis leading to a hypothesis about a less well understood relationship between CMV and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). In the post transplant setting, im- munocompromised state, or EBV positive state, upper gastrointestinal symptoms should prompt investigation with an upper endoscopy (EGD). Additionally, specific to our case, the fact that the patients' presentation was suspicious for CMV gastritis raises the possibility that the CMV infection predated his PTLD increasing his risk of acquiring PTLD. This reemphasizes the im- portance and diagnostic utility of early screening with EGD in patients after transplantation.

Everolimus Associated with Activated Vitamin D for Post-Transplant Increase Epstein-Barr-Virus Load Treatment. Two Case Reports

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of solid-organ and blood stem-cell transplants. It is caused by an uncontrolled expansion of B lymphocytes infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It responds poorly to therapy, including reduction of immunosuppression, interferon, antivirals or chemotherapy. Therefore the optimal strategy for management is currently focused on prevention. Some centers have already introduced chemoprophylaxis and/or preemptive strategies using EBV viral load as a surveillance. Some experimental studies suggest that mTOR inhibitors inhibits growth of human EBV-transformed B lymphocytes and vitamin D had an immune response to EBV. We report two cases of an increased of blood BKV viral load after renal transplantation that were successfully treated with everolimus in association with calcitriol. This report suggests that everolimus associated with calcitriol could be an effective and safe treatment for the prevention of PTLD in transplant recipients.

An Evaluation of the Benefit of Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis with Acyclovir on Post-Transplant Cytomegalovirus Infection Prevention in a Population of Renal Transplant Recipients in Nigeria

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an important infection in renal transplant recipients and may significantly impact recipients’ long-term outcome and graft survival. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the benefit of prophylaxis with acyclovir on post-transplant CMV infection prevention in a population of renal transplant recipients in Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design involving renal transplant recipients attending post-transplant follow-up clinics in Lagos, Nigeria between October 2004 and July 2005. Data on the use of CMV prophylaxis were obtained from the hospital case records of the study subjects. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was employed to detect CMV IgM antibodies for the diagnosis of post-transplant CMV infection and Microsoft Excel and EPI-Info 2002 statistical software were used for data entry and analysis. Results: Forty (40) renal transplant recipients were studied, 32 recipients were males and 8 were females with M:F ratio of 4:1. The mean age of the recipients was 39 ± 11.6 years old. The recipients’ post-transplant duration ranged from 2 to 80 months (Mean 17.6 ± 18.6 months). Fifteen (37.5%) of the transplant recipients received acyclovir prophylaxis for six months, one recipient (2.5%) received ganciclovir prophylaxis for three weeks while 24 recipients (60%) received no prophylactic therapy. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of seropositive CMV-IgM between transplant recipients who used CMV prophylaxis and those who did not (Fisher exact p = 0.45). Conclusion: Prophylaxis with acyclovir for six months showed no significant benefit on post-transplant CMV infection prevention in renal transplant recipients.

Content Validity of a Self-Management Behavior Assessment Tool for Adult Post-Renal Transplant Recipients Using a Modified Delphi Method

Background: Self-management is important for post-renal transplant recipients to resolve renal dysfunction, heart failure, and post-transplant psychosocial issues, and to maintain transplant kidney function, etc. However, because recipients may be unable to adequately self-manage, healthcare providers need to provide self-management support for recipients to improve their skills and confidence in managing their disease. However, it is difficult to comprehensively assess the self-management behaviors in a busy outpatient support setting. Furthermore, since there are no uniform standards for assessment, it is based on the experience and abilities of medical personnel. Therefore, self-management behavior of post-renal transplant recipients is not sufficiently evaluated. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate content validity of a tool that can assess self-management behaviors of adult post-renal transplant recipients, consisting of consensus components from experts familiar with the follow-up of adult post-renal transplant recipients. Methods: A three-round modified Delphi method was used to assess the self-management behaviors of adult post-renal transplant recipients by a panel of experts consisting of certified transplant recipient coordinators, physicians, outpatient nurses, and researchers familiar with the follow-up of post-renal transplant recipients. Regarding management behaviors of adult post-renal transplant recipients, the experts rated the appropriateness and validity of each item using a Likert scale. Consensus ratings from the experts were made by calculating the median, interquartile range, and interquartile range percentage. In the third round, an item-level content validity index was calculated to assess content validity. Conclusions: The 41-item self-management behavior scale for kidney transplant recipients assessed self-management behaviors in five domains: medication, exercise, fluids and diet, disease and symptom prevention and management, and psychosocial adjustment. The content validity of this tool was confirmed, and it can be used to more easily assess the recipients’ self-management behaviors in the post-renal transplant follow-up. This tool can potentially contribute to the maintenance of transplant kidney function and high QOL in recipients.

Long-Term Management of Post-Transplant Ureteral Stricture with Surgical Reconstruction: A Case Series and Literature Review

Introduction: Ureteral stricture is the most common complication after kidney transplant and is largely responsible for graft dysfunction. Surgical intervention is the definitive treatment if conservative management with stenting and percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement fails and has been shown to have comparable long-term survival rates and limited post-operative complications. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study following seven patients who received a kidney or a kidney and pancreas transplant between August 2012 and January 2021. These patients underwent surgical ureteral reconstruction after failed conservative management of a ureteral stricture. The reconstruction procedures performed were native ureter to transplanted kidney ureteropyelostomy, native bladder to transplanted renal pelvis vesicopyelostomy, non-transecting side-to-side ureteroneocystostomy, and a Boari flap creation. Data collected from electronic medical records included recipient age, gender, delayed post-transplant complications, ureteral reconstruction technique, and post-reconstruction outcomes. Renal ultrasound (RUS), renogram, nephrostogram, serum creatinine (Cr), and graft biopsy were used to assess for severity of hydronephrosis, ureteral stricture, and graft dysfunction. Serum Cr and RUS were used to assess renal function after the ureteral reconstruction. Results: Six out of seven cases resulted in reduced or resolved hydronephrosis and preserved graft function without future nephrostomy or ureteral stenting. One case required immediate revision due to persistent obstruction, and this patient had concomitant rejection leading to intrarenal stricture requiring ureterocalycostomy. Conclusions: Formal ureteral reconstruction is the definitive treatment for many cases of ureteral strictures after transplant. The surgical technique chosen for these procedures must consider the physical and functional state of the bladder, ureter, and kidney. Our series outlines multiple surgical approaches that should be considered early in the management of post-transplant ureteral strictures to limit graft dysfunction.