Update on the reciprocal interference between immunosuppressive therapy and gut microbiota after kidney transplantation

Gut microbiota is often modified after kidney transplantation.This principally happens in the first period after transplantation.Antibiotics and,most of all,immunosuppressive drugs are the main responsible.The relationship between immunosuppressive drugs and the gut microbiota is bilateral.From one side immunosuppressive drugs modify the gut microbiota,often generating dysbiosis;from the other side microbiota may interfere with the immunosuppressant pharmacokinetics,producing products more or less active with respect to the original drug.These phenomena have influence over the graft outcomes and clinical consequences as rejections,infections,diarrhea may be caused by the dysbiotic condition.Corticosteroids,calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and cyclosporine,mycophenolate mofetil and mTOR inhibitors are the immunosuppressive drugs whose effect on the gut microbiota is better known.In contrast is well known how the gut microbiota may interfere with glucocorticoids,which may be transformed into androgens.Tacrolimus may be transformed by microbiota into a product called M1 that is 15-fold less active with respect to tacrolimus.The pro-drug mycophenolate mofetil is normally transformed in mycophenolic acid that according the presence or not of microbes producing the enzyme glucuronidase,may be transformed into the inactive product.

Predicting outcomes after kidney transplantation: Can Pareto’s rules help us to do so?

Kidney transplantation is the best option for kidney replacement therapy,even considering that most of the times the grafts do not survive as long as their recipients.In the Khalil et al's experience,published in this issue of the Journal,they analyze their second kidney graft survival and describe those significant predictors of early loss.This editorial comments on the results and put in perspective that most of the times,long-term graft survival could be inadvertently jeopardized if the immunosuppressive therapy is reduced or withdrawn for any reason,and that it could happen frequently if the transplant physician intends to innovate with the clinical care without proper evidence-based data.

Challenges to establishing and maintaining kidney transplantation programs in developing countries:What are the coping strategies?

Kidney transplantation(KT)is the optimal form of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal diseases.However,this health service is not available to all patients,especially in developing countries.The deceased donor KT programs are mostly absent,and the living donor KT centers are scarce.Single-center studies presenting experiences from developing countries usually report a variety of challenges.This review addresses these challenges and the opposing strategies by reviewing the single-center experiences of developing countries.The financial challenges hamper the infrastructural and material availability,coverage of transplant costs,and qualification of medical personnel.The sociocultural challenges influence organ donation,equity of beneficence,and regular follow-up work.Low interests and motives for transplantation may result from high medicolegal responsibilities in KT practice,intense potential psychosocial burdens,complex qualification protocols,and low productivity or compensation for KT practice.Low medical literacy about KT advantages is prevalent among clinicians,patients,and the public.The inefficient organizational and regulatory oversight is translated into inefficient healthcare systems,absent national KT programs and registries,uncoordinated job descriptions and qualification protocols,uncoordinated on-site investigations with regulatory constraints,and the prevalence of commercial KT practices.These challenges resulted in noticeable differences between KT services in developed and developing countries.The coping strategies can be summarized in two main mechanisms:The first mechanism is maximizing the available resources by increasing the rates of living kidney donation,promoting the expertise of medical personnel,reducing material consumption,and supporting the establishment and maintenance of KT programs.The latter warrants the expansion of the public sector and the elimination of non-ethical KT practices.The second mechanism is recruiting external resources,including financial,experience,and training agreements.

Pathological mechanism of immune disorders in diabetic kidney disease and intervention strategies

Diabetic kidney disease is one of the most severe chronic microvascular complications of diabetes and a primary cause of end-stage renal disease.Clinical studies have shown that renal inflammation is a key factor determining kidney damage during diabetes.With the development of immunological technology,many studies have shown that diabetic nephropathy is an immune complex disease,and that most patients have immune dysfunction.However,the immune response associated with diabetic nephropathy and autoimmune kidney disease,or caused by ischemia or infection with acute renal injury,is different,and has a complicated pathological mechanism.In this review,we discuss the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in immune disorders and the intervention mechanism,to provide guidance and advice for early intervention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Pleural empyema with endobronchial mass due to Rhodococcus equi infection after renal transplantation: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the best option for patients with end-stage renal disease.However,the need for lifelong immunosuppression results in renal transplant recipients being susceptible to various infections.Rhodococcus equi(R.equi)is a rare opportunistic pathogen in humans,and there are limited reports of infection with R.equi in post-renal transplant recipients and no uniform standard of treat-ment.This article reports on the diagnosis and treatment of a renal transplant recipient infected with R.equi 21 mo postoperatively and summarizes the charac-teristics of infection with R.equi after renal transplantation,along with a detailed review of the literature.Here,we present the case of a 25-year-old man who was infected with R.equi 21 mo after renal transplantation.Although the clinical features at the time of presentation were not specific,chest computed tomography(CT)showed a large volume of pus in the right thoracic cavity and right middle lung atelectasis,and fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed an endobronchial mass in the right middle and lower lobe orifices.Bacterial culture and metagenomic next-generation sequen-cing sequencing of the pus were suggestive of R.equi infection.The immunosup-pressive drugs were immediately suspended and intravenous vancomycin and azithromycin were administered,along with adequate drainage of the abscess.The endobronchial mass was then resected.After the patient’s clinical symptoms and chest CT presentation resolved,he was switched to intravenous ciprofloxacin and azithromycin,followed by oral ciprofloxacin and azithromycin.The patient was re-hospitalized 2 wk after discharge for recurrence of R.equi infection.He recovered after another round of adequate abscess drainage and intravenous ciprofloxacin and azithromycin.CONCLUSION Infection with R.equi in renal transplant recipients is rare and complex,and the clinical presentation lacks specificity.Elaborate antibiotic therapy is required,and adequate abscess drainage and surgical excision are necessary.Given the recurrent nature of R.equi,patients need to be followed-up closely.

To analyze the differentially expressed genes in chronic rejection after renal transplantation by bioinformatics

Objective: To use bioinformatics technology to analyse differentially expressed genes in chronic rejection after renal transplantation, we can screen out potential pathogenic targets associated with the development of this disease, providing a theoretical basis for finding new therapeutic targets. Methods: Gene microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Profiling Integrated Database (GEO) and cross-calculated to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with gene ontology (GO) is a method used to study the differences in gene expression under different conditions as well as their functions and interrelationships, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis is a tool used to explore the functions and pathways of genes in specific biological processes. By calculating the distribution of immune cell infiltration, the result of immune infiltration in the rejection group can be analysed as a trait in Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) for genes associated with rejection. Then, protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software to identify hub gene markers. Results: A total of 60 integrated DEGs were obtained from 3 datasets (GSE7392, GSE181757, GSE222889). By GO and KEGG analysis, the GEDs were mainly concentrated in the regulation of immune response, defence response, regulation of immune system processes, and stimulation response. The pathways were mainly enriched in antigen processing and presentation, EBV infection, graft-versus-host, allograft rejection, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. After further screening using WGCNA and PPI networks, HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-F, and TYROBP were identified as hub genes (Hub genes). The data GSE21374 with clinical information was selected to construct the diagnostic efficacy and risk prediction model plots of the four hub genes, and the results concluded that all four Hub genes had good diagnostic value (area under the curve in the range of 0.794-0.819). From the inference, it can be concluded that the four genes, HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-F and TYROBP, may have an important role in the development and progression of chronic rejection after renal transplantation. Conclusion: DEGs play an important role in the study of the pathogenesis of chronic rejection after renal transplantation, and can provide theoretical support for further research on the pathogenesis of chronic rejection after renal transplantation and the discovery of new therapeutic targets through enrichment analysis and pivotal gene screening, as well as inferential analyses of related diagnostic efficacy and disease risk prediction.

Acute pancreatitis as a complication of acute COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is a rare extrapulmonary manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)but its full correlation with COVID-19 infection remains unknown.AIM To identify acute pancreatitis’occurrence,clinical presentation and outcomes in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients with acute COVID-19.METHODS A retrospective observational single-centre cohort study from a transplant centre in Croatia for all adult renal transplant recipients with a functioning kidney allograft between March 2020 and August 2022 to record cases of acute pancreatitis during acute COVID-19.Data were obtained from hospital electronic medical records.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection was proven by a positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on the nasopharyngeal swab.RESULTS Four hundred and eight out of 1432(28.49%)patients who received a renal allograft developed COVID-19 disease.The analyzed cohort included 321 patients(57%males).One hundred and fifty patients(46.7%)received at least one dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine before the infection.One hundred twenty-five(39.1%)patients required hospitalization,141(44.1%)developed pneumonia and four patients(1.3%)required mechanical ventilation.Treatment included immunosuppression modification in 233 patients(77.1%)and remdesivir in 53 patients(16.6%),besides the other supportive measures.In the study cohort,only one transplant recipient(0.3%)developed acute pancreatitis during acute COVID-19,presenting with abdominal pain and significantly elevated pancreatic enzymes.She survived without complications with a stable kidney allograft function.CONCLUSION Although rare,acute pancreatitis may complicate the course of acute COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients.The mechanism of injury to the pancreas and its correlation with the severity of the COVID-19 infection in kidney transplant recipients warrants further research.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Kidney Transplant Questionnaire 25 to Greek

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation leads to continuous improvement in the survival rates of kidney transplant recipients(KTRs)and has been established as the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage kidney disease.Health-related quality of life(HRQoL)has become an important outcome measure.It is highly important to develop reliable methods to evaluate HRQoL with disease-specific questionnaires.AIM To translate the disease-specific instrument Kidney Transplant Questionnaire 25(KTQ-25)to the Greek language and perform a cross-cultural adaptation.METHODS The translation and adaptation of the original English version of the KTQ-25 to the Greek language were performed based on the International Quality of Life RESULTS Eighty-four KTRs(59 males;mean age 53.5±10.7 years;mean estimated glomerular filtration rate 47.7±15.1 mL/min/1.73 m2;mean transplant vintage 100.5±83.2 months)completed the Greek version of the KTQ-25 and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey,and the results were used to evaluate the reliability of the Greek KTQ-25.The Cronbach alpha coefficients for all the KTQ-25 dimensions were satisfactory(physical symptoms=0.639,fatigue=0.856,uncertainty/fear=0.661,appearance=0.593,emotions=0.718,total score=0.708).The statistically significant correlation coefficients among the KTQ-25 dimensions ranged from 0.226 to 0.644.The correlation coeffi-cients of the KTQ-25 dimensions with the SF-36 physical component summary(PCS)ranged from 0.196 to 0.550;the correlation coefficients of the KTQ-25 with the SF-36 mental component summary(MCS)ranged from 0.260 to 0.655;and the correlation coefficients of the KTQ-25 with the total scores with the SF-36 PCS and MCS were 0.455 and 0.613,respectively.CONCLUSION According to the findings,the Greek version of the KTQ-25 is valid and reliable for administration among kidney transplant patients in Greece.

Kaposi Sarcoma after Kidney Transplant: A Clinical Case Report

Kaposi sarcoma is a neoplasm caused by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) that most commonly affects immunosuppressed patients. The skin is the most affected area, but other sites can be involved such as the lung, digestive tract and lymph nodes. The classical presentation involves a violaceous skin lesion that can be small or hidden, leading to a delay in diagnosis. We report a clinical case of a kidney transplant patient, who presented, 14 months after kidney transplant, with unilateral edema of the inferior member and cutaneous rash misdiagnosed and taken initially for erysipelas. The diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma was retained, on a lymph node biopsy of an inguinal adenopathy. The evolution was marked by a local and general improvement after systemic chemotherapy, reducing Tacrolimus and discontinuation of Mycophenolate mofetil. Graft function remained stable during the follow-up.

Echerichia coli Infection—Associated Glomerulonephritis in a Kidney Transplant Patient: A Case Report

Post infectious Glomerulonephritis (PIGN) in renal allograft is a rare entity. Only a few Cases have been described in the literature. The post streptococcal glomerulonephritis is the classic example in native kidney. A wide variety of organism has been associated with PIGN in renal allograft such as Staphylococcus, Cytomegalovirus and Polyomavirus. We describe one case of Infection associated glomerulonephritis due to Echericha Coli, developed 5 years after kidney transplantation, in 47 years old female patient. The Clinical presentation was characterized by a peripheral edema and high blood pressure, and biological tests showed a nephrotic syndrome, an acute kidney injury, a consumption of Complement fractions. The renal biopsy revealed a diffuse endocapillary cell proliferation with preponderant deposits of C3. Total recovery was achieved 4 months after Methyprednisolone pulse and Cyclophasphamid with antimicrobial treatment.

Gastrointestinal manifestations of long-term effects after COVID-19 infection in patients with dialysis or kidney transplantation:An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND Prolonged symptoms after corona virus disease 2019(Long-COVID) in dialysisdependent patients and kidney transplant(KT) recipients are important as a possible risk factor for organ dysfunctions,especially gastrointestinal(GI)problems,during immunosuppressive therapy.AIM To identify the characteristics of GI manifestations of Long-COVID in patients with dialysis-dependent or KT status.METHODS This observational,prospective study included patients with COVID-19 infection,confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,with the onset of symptoms between 1 January 2022 and 31 July 2022 which was explored at 3 mo after the onset,either through the out-patient follow-up or by telephone interviews.RESULTS The 645 eligible participants consisted of 588 cases with hemodialysis(HD),38 patients with peritoneal dialysis(PD),and 19 KT recipients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection during the observation. Of these,577(89.5%) cases agreed to the interviews,while 64(10.9%)patients with HD and 4(10.5%) cases of PD were excluded. The mean age was 52 ± 11 years with 52% women. The median dialysis duration was 7 ± 3 and 5 ± 1 years for HD and PD groups,respectively,and the median time post-transplantation was 6 ± 2 years. Long-COVID was identified in 293/524(56%) and 21/34(62%) in HD and PD,respectively,and 7/19(37%) KT recipients. Fatigue was the most prevalent(96%) of the non-GI tract symptoms,whereas anorexia(90.9%),loss of taste(64.4%),and abdominal pain(62.5%) were the first three common GI manifestations of Long-COVID. Notably,there were 6 cases of mesenteric panniculitis from 19patients with GI symptoms in the KT group.CONCLUSION Different from patients with non-chronic kidney disease,there was a high prevalence of GI manifestations of Long-COVID in dialysis-dependent patients and KT recipients. An appropriate long-term follow-up in these vulnerable populations after COVID-19 infection is possibly necessary.

Values of Donor Serum Lipids and Calcium in Predicting Graft Function after Kidney Transplantation:A Retrospective Study

Objective Delayed graft function(DGF)and early graft loss of renal grafts are determined by the quality of the kidneys from the deceased donor.As“non-traditional”risk factors,serum biomarkers of donors,such as lipids and electrolytes,have drawn increasing attention due to their effects on the postoperative outcomes of renal grafts.This study aimed to examine the value of these serum biomarkers for prediction of renal graft function.Methods The present study consecutively collected 306 patients who underwent their first single kidney transplantation(KT)from adult deceased donors in our center from January 1,2018 to December 31,2019.The correlation between postoperative outcomes[DGF and abnormal serum creatinine(SCr)after 6 and 12 months]and risk factors of donors,including gender,age,body mass index(BMI),past histories,serum lipid biomarkers[cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein(HDL)and low-density lipoprotein(DL)],and serum electrolytes(calcium and sodium)were analyzed and evaluated.Results(1)Donor age and pre-existing hypertension were significantly correlated with the incidence rate of DGF and high SCr level(≥2 mg/dL)at 6 and 12 months after KT(P<0.05);(2)The donor’s BMI was significantly correlated with the incidence rate of DGF after KT(P<0.05);(3)For serum lipids,merely the low level of serum HDL of the donor was correlated with the reduced incidence rate of high SCr level at 12 months after KT[P<0.05,OR(95%CI):0.425(0.202–0.97)];(4)The serum calcium of the donor was associated with the reduced incidence rate of high SCr level at 6 and 12 months after KT[P<0.05,OR(95%CI):0.184(0.045–0.747)and P<0.05,OR(95%CI):0.114(0.014–0.948),respectively].Conclusion The serum HDL and calcium of the donor may serve as predictive factors for the postoperative outcomes of renal grafts after KT,in addition to the donor’s age,BMI and pre-existing hypertension.

Evolution of human kidney allograft pathology diagnostics through 30 years of the Banff classification process

The second half of the previous century witnessed a tremendous rise in the number of clinical kidney transplants worldwide.This activity was,however,accompanied by many issues and challenges.An accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of causes of graft dysfunction were and still are,a big challenge.Kidney allograft biopsy played a vital role in addressing the above challenge.However,its interpretation was not standardized for many years until,in 1991,the Banff process was started to fill this void.Thereafter,regular Banff meetings took place every 2 years for the past 30 years.Marked changes have taken place in the interpretation of kidney allograft biopsies,diagnosis,and classification of rejection and other non-rejection pathologies from the original Banff 93 classification.This review attempts to summarize those changes for increasing the awareness and understanding of kidney allograft pathology through the eyes of the Banff process.It will interest the transplant surgeons,physicians,pathologists,and allied professionals associated with the care of kidney transplant patients.

Infertility,pregnancy and breastfeeding in kidney transplantation recipients:Key issues

Chronic kidney disease(CKD),especially in advanced stages,is an important cause of infertility.In CKD patients,infertility has been linked to multiple factors.The pathophysiology of infertility related to CKD is complex and forked.Correction of modifiable factors can improve fertility in both genders.In males as well as females,successful kidney transplantation offers good chances of restoration of reproductive function.In female renal allograft recipients,recovery of reproductive functions in the post-transplant period will manifest as restoration of normal menses and ovulation.Owing to this improvement,there is a significant risk of unplanned pregnancy,hence the need to discuss methods of contraception before transplantation.In kidney transplant recipients,different contraceptive options for pregnancy planning,have been used.The selection of one contraception over another is based on preference and tolerability.Pregnancy,in renal transplanted females,is associated with physiologic changes that occur in pregnant women with native kidneys.Immunosuppressive medications during pregnancy,in a recipient with a single functioning kidney,expose the mother and fetus to unwanted complications.Some immunosuppressive drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy.Immunosuppressive medications should be discussed with renal transplant recipients who are planning to breastfeed their babies.In addition to antirejection drugs,other medications should be managed accordingly,whenever pregnancy is planned.

Shifting perspectives in liver diseases after kidney transplantation

Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses,drug toxicity and metabolic disorders.Over the past decade,the aetiology of liver disease in kidney recipients has changed significantly.These relates to the use of direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus,the increasing availability of vaccination against hepatitis B and a better understanding of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.In addition,the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has brought new challenges to kidney recipients.This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the management of liver complications in kidney recipients and to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the risks and impact of liver disease in this population.

Successful treatment of a case of COVID-19 pneumonia following kidney transplantation using paxlovid and tocilizumab

BACKGROUND Since its initial detection in 2019,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pneumonia has rapidly spread throughout the world in a global pandemic.However,reports of COVID-19 pneumonia among patients following kidney transplantation have been limited and no uniform treatment guidelines for these patients have yet to be established.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report the case of a 39-year-old patient recovering from kidney transplantation who contracted perioperative COVID-19 pneumonia that was successfully controlled with oral paxlovid and a single intravenous drip infusion of tocilizumab following the discontinuation of immunosuppressive drugs.CONCLUSION Given the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections,clinicians should be aware of the potential for more cases of COVID-19 among patients following kidney transplantation and be familiar with appropriate treatment options and likely clinical outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of local candida immunotherapy in recalcitrant warts in pediatric kidney transplantation:A case report

BACKGROUND Warts are common in recipients of kidney transplantation(KT).Resistant warts which are not amenable to conventional therapies may lead to significant morbidity.Limited data exists on safety and efficacy of local immunotherapy among immunocompromised KT recipients.CASE SUMMARY We report a seven-year-old child who presented with recalcitrant plantar periungual warts in the early KT period.Immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus,mycophenolate and steroid.Due to failure of conventional anti-wart therapies,he was treated with two sessions of intralesional(IL)candida immunotherapy along with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy leading to complete resolution of the warts.Interestingly,de novo BK viremia was seen about three weeks following the last candida immunotherapy.This required reduction of immunosuppression and other anti-BK viral therapies.Allograft function remained stable but there were donor specific antibodies detected.There also was elevated level of plasma donor derived cell-free DNA.A pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia occurred ten months following completion of immunotherapy that was successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.During this ten-month follow-up period,there have been no recurrence of warts,and transplant kidney function has remained stable.CONCLUSION Stimulation of cell-mediated immunity against the human papilloma virus induced by the IL candida immunotherapy is thought to be a cause for wart resolution.With this therapy,whether it is necessary to augment the immunosuppression to prevent rejection is unclear as that may come with a risk of infectious complications.Larger,prospective studies in pediatric KT recipients are needed to explore these important issues.

Preemptive living donor kidney transplantation:Access,fate,and review of the status in

BACKGROUND Preemptive living donor kidney transplantation(PLDKT)is recommended as the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease.AIM To assess the rate of PLDKT among patients who accessed KT in our center and review the status of PLDKT in Egypt.METHODS We performed a retrospective review of the patients who accessed KT in our center from November 2015 to November 2022.In addition,the PLDKT status in Egypt was reviewed relative to the literature.RESULTS Of the 304 patients who accessed KT,32 patients(10.5%)had preemptive access to KT(PAKT).The means of age and estimated glomerular filtration rate were 31.7±13 years and 12.8±3.5 mL/min/1.73 m2,respectively.Fifty-nine patients had KT,including 3 PLDKTs only(5.1%of total KTs and 9.4%of PAKT).Twenty-nine patients(90.6%)failed to receive PLDKT due to donor unavailability(25%),exclusion(28.6%),regression from donation(3.6%),and patient regression on starting dialysis(39.3%).In multivariate analysis,known primary kidney disease(P=0.002),patient age(P=0.031)and sex(P=0.001)were independent predictors of achievement of KT in our center.However,PAKT was not significantly(P=0.065)associated with the achievement of KT.Review of the literature revealed lower rates of PLDKT in Egypt than those in the literature.CONCLUSION Patient age,sex,and primary kidney disease are independent predictors of achieving living donor KT.Despite its non-significant effect,PAKT may enhance the low rates of PLDKT.The main causes of non-achievement of PLDKT were patient regression on starting regular dialysis and donor unavailability or exclusion.

Diagnosis and treatment of Whipple disease after kidney transplantation:A case report

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the standard treatment for end-stage renal disease.Particularly,rare and specific pathogenic infections which are asymptomatic are often difficult to diagnose,causing delayed and ineffective treatment and thus seriously affecting prognosis.Tropheryma whipplei(T.whipplei)is a Gram-positive actinomycete widely found in soil,sewage,and other external environments and is present in the population as an asymptomatic pathogen.There is relatively little documented research on T.whipplei in renal transplant patients,and there are no uniform criteria for treating this group of post-transplant patients.This article describes the treatment of a 42-year-old individual with post-transplant T.whipplei infection following kidney transplantation.CASE SUMMARY To analyze clinical features of Whipple’s disease and summarize its diagnosis and treatment effects after renal transplantation.Clinical data of a Whipple’s disease patient treated in the affiliated hospital of Guizhou Medical University were collected and assessed retrospectively.The treatment outcomes and clinical experience were then summarized via literature review.The patient was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent diarrhea for 1 mo,shortness of breath,and 1 wk of fever,after 3 years of renal transplantation.The symptoms of the digestive and respiratory systems were not significantly improved after adjusting immunosuppressive regimen and anti-diarrheal,empirical antibiotic treatments.Bronchoscopic alveolar fluid was collected for meta-genomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).The deoxyribonucleic acid sequence of Tropheryma whipplei was detected,and Whipple’s disease was diagnosed.Meropenem,ceftriaxone,and other symptomatic treatments were given,and water-electrolyte balance was maintained.Symptoms resolved quickly,and the patient was discharged after 20 d of hospitalization.The compound sulfamethoxazole tablet was continued for 3 mo after discharge.No diarrhea,fever,and other symptoms occurred during the 6-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Whipple’s disease is rare,with no specific symptoms,which makes diagnosis difficult.Polymerase chain reaction or mNGS should be immediately performed when the disease is suspected to confirm the diagnosis.

Predictors of graft function and survival in second kidney transplantation: A single center experience

BACKGROUND The increasing kidney retransplantation rate has created a parallel field of research,including the risk factors and outcomes of this advanced form of renal replacement therapy.The presentation of experiences from different kidney transplantation centers may help enrich the literature on kidney retransplantation,as a specific topic in the field of kidney transplantation.AIM To identify the risk factors affecting primary graft function and graft survival rates after second kidney transplantation(SKT).METHODS The records of SKT cases performed between January 1977 and December 2014 at a European tertiary-level kidney transplantation center were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Beside the descriptive characteristics,the survivals of patients and both the first and second grafts were described using Kaplan-Meier curves.In addition,Kaplan-Meier analyses were also used to estimate the survival probabilities at 1,3,5,and 10 post-operative years,as well as at the longest followup duration available.Moreover,bivariate associations between various predictors and the categorical outcomes were assessed,using the suitable biostatistical tests,according to the predictor type.RESULTS Out of 1861 cases of kidney transplantation,only 48 cases with SKT were eligible for studying,including 33 men and 15 women with a mean age of 42.1±13 years.The primary non-function(PNF)graft occurred in five patients(10.4%).In bivariate analyses,a high body mass index(P=0.009)and first graft loss due to acute rejection(P=0.025)were the only significant predictors of PNF graft.The second graft survival was reduced by delayed graft function in the first(P=0.008)and second(P<0.001)grafts.However,the effect of acute rejection within the first year after the first transplant did not reach the threshold of significance(P=0.053).The mean follow-up period was 59.8±48.6 mo.Censored graft/patient survival rates at 1,3,5 and 10 years were 90.5%/97.9%,79.9%/95.6%,73.7%/91.9%,and 51.6%/83.0%,respectively.CONCLUSION Non-immediate recovery modes of the first and second graft functions were significantly associated with unfavorable second graft survival rates.Patient and graft survival rates of SKT were similar to those of the first kidney transplantation.