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.

Post-transplant malignancy:Focusing on virus-associated etiologies,pathogenesis,evidence-based management algorithms,present status of adoptive immunotherapy and future directions

Modern immunosuppression has led to a decrease in rejection rates and improved survival rates after solid organ transplantation.Increasing the potency of immunosuppression promotes post-transplant viral infections and associated cancers by impairing immune response against viruses and cancer immunoediting.This review reflects the magnitude,etiology and immunological characteristics of various virus-related post-transplant malignancies,emphasizing the need for future research.A multidisciplinary and strategic approach may serve best but overall literature evidence targeting it is sparse.However,the authors attempted to provide a more detailed update of the literature consensus for the prevention,diagnosis,management and surveillance of post-transplant viral infections and associated malignancies,with a focus on the current role of adoptive immunotherapy and the way forward.In order to achieve long-term patient and graft survival as well as superior post-transplant outcomes,collaborative research on holistic care of organ recipients is imperative.

Right Radical Nephrectomy with Type-IV IVC Tumor Thrombectomy Using Venovenous Bypass Instead of Cardiopulmonary Bypass—A Case Report

A renal mass with level Level IV IVC thrombus is usually managed with radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy. This procedure requires the assistance of a cardiac surgeon and is usually done under complete cardiopulmonary bypass. However, the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with reduced cardiac venous return and can consequently decrease cardiac output, adversely affecting haemo-dynamic stability and systemic arterial perfusion. This can lead to relative ischemia of the abdominal viscera, lower limbs and kidneys. We report a case where radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy was done under venovenous bypass, thus avoiding the complications associated with the cardiopulmonary bypass.

Current insights on haemorrhagic complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objective:Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL)is the standard procedure for the management of large and complex renal stones.Blood loss during PCNL may occur during puncture,tract dilatation,and stone fragmentation.Therefore,despite recent advances in PCNL,haemorrhagic complication still occurs.This study aims to enlighten on various aspects of haemorrhagic complication in PCNL,mainly focusing on risk factors and management of this dreadful complication.Methods:Literature search for the study was carried out using advanced search engines like PubMed,Cochrane,and Google Scholar,combining keyword“percutaneous lithotomy”with other keywords like“bleeding”,“haemorrhage”,“complications”,“stone scoring systems”,“mini-PCNL vs.standard”,“dilatation techniques”,“supine vs.prone”,“USG-guided”,“endoscopic combined intra-renal surgery”,“papillary vs.non-papillary puncture”,“bilateral”,and“angioembolization”.The articles published between January 1995 and September 2020 were included for the review.Results:A total of 3670 articles published from January 1995 to September 2020 were screened for the review.Although not consistent,multiple studies have described various preoperative and intraoperative risk factors related to significant bleeding in PCNL.Identification of these risk factors help urologists to anticipate and promptly manage haemorrhagic complications associated with the procedure.A conservative approach suffices to control bleeding in most cases;nevertheless,bleeding can be life-threatening and few still need surgical intervention in the form of angiographic embolisation or open surgical exploration.Conclusion:As hemorrhagic complication in PCNL is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality,prudent intraoperative decision and postoperative care are necessary for its timely prevention,detection,and management.