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[Analysis of the reasons for non graft initial function in our series of the last eleven years].

UNLABELLED: FUNDAMENTAL: [corrected] To know which risk factor of delayed graft function in our patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 469 transplants, 270 had good initial function and 199 had delayed function graft. Variables studies in booth groups were: age, sex and dead cause of donant, type of extraction and place were it was done, implantation side, vases multiple, isquemia times, age and receptor sex, HLA compatibility, retransplant, Ac Anti-VHC, PTH pretransplant, years in waiting list, hiperinmunization, number of transfusion, and type of inmunosupretion. RESULTS: Univariant study: significant differences were found in age and dead cause of donant, isquemia times, years in waiting list, hiperinmunization, number of transfusions, and HLA-B incompatibility. Multivariate study: we have significant differences in age of donant, could isquemia time, years in waiting list, cuadruple? Inmunosupretion. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest to short could and revascularization isquemia time as possible, and use less nefrotoxic inmunosupretion pautes in high-risk patients.

Adult↗

The effects of delayed function on recipients of cadaver renal allografts. A study of 158 patients randomized to cyclosporine or ALG-azathioprine.

We randomized 158 recipients of cadaver renal allografts to cyclosporine-prednisone (83) or antilymphocyte globulin-azathioprine-prednisone (75) to evaluate: the effects of immunosuppression and pretransplant risk factors on the incidence of delayed graft function, the effects of immunosuppression on the resolution of delayed graft function, and the effects of delayed graft function and pretransplanted risk factors on patient and graft survival. Cyclosporine did not increase the incidence of delayed graft function, compared with ALG-azathioprine-treated patients (33% versus 27%, P = 0.550) but doubled the mean (+/- SD) duration of oliguria (11.8 +/- 11.0 versus 5.9 +/- 3.2 days, P = 0.002) and the number of required dialyses (6.6 +/- 7.6 versus 3.2 +/- 1.3, P = 0.031). Retransplanted patients had a higher incidence of delayed graft function that recipients of primary grafts in both the cyclosporine (82% versus 25%, P = 0.001) and ALG-azathioprine (55% versus 22%, P = 0.025) treatment groups. The presence of delayed function reduced one-year graft survival from 89% in all patients without delayed function to 72% (P = 0.011) in all patients with delayed function. Cyclosporine-treated patients had a slightly, but not significantly better one-year graft survival rate than ALG-azathioprine treated patients both with (73% versus 68%, P = 0.750) and without (92% versus 82%, P = 0.069) delayed graft function. A preservation time longer than 24 hr did not increase the incidence of delayed graft function in cyclosporine-treated patients (34% versus 32%, P = 0.811) or ALG-azathioprine-treated patients (27% versus 27%, P = 0.902). Cyclosporine-treated patients given kidneys with greater than 24 hr of preservation time had reduced graft survival only when delayed graft function occurred (67% versus 92%, P = 0.009). In conclusion, (1) cyclosporine did not increase the incidence of delayed graft function over ALG-azathioprine treatment; (2) cyclosporine did significantly slow recovery of kidneys with delayed function; (3) delayed graft function correlated with poorer graft survival rate in both treatment groups; but (4) prolonged preservation time did not increase the incidence of delayed graft function or reduce graft survival.

Actuarial Analysis↗

[Preservation of kidney transplants with a modified UW solution--initial clinical results].

Although the University of Wisconsin (UW) has become the standard solution for the preservation of kidneys for transplantation, the importance of the colloid hydroxyethylstarch (HES), one of the key compounds of the UW solution, has been judged controversial. It has been shown in various experimental models that dextran-40 may successfully substitute for HES. Dextran-40 is not only cheaper but also has a variety of biological effects which may be beneficial during the graft reperfusion phase. The aim of this clinical study was to examine the efficiacy of dextran-40 based preservation solution (Dex-PS) for its use for human kidney graft preservation and to compare the transplantation results with kidneys preserved with UW solution. A total of 87 kidneys were preserved with Dex-PS and matched with 87 kidneys preserved with UW solution. Both groups were comparable in terms of donor and recipients characteristics. Patient survival and graft survival after 1 year was 95% and 86% for the Dex-PS group and 94% and 90% for the UW group, respectively (p = n.s.). Primary non-function, delayed graft function, postoperative need for dialysis, and follow-up of serum creatinine were statistically comparable between these two groups. We conclude that dextran-40 can safely replace HES in the UW solution for the purpose of human kidney preservation for transplantation. There were no statistically detectable differences in graft performance between the kidneys preserved with UW and those preserved with Dex-PS.

Adenosine↗

Outcome of transplantation using kidneys from controlled (Maastricht category 3) non-heart-beating donors.

BACKGROUND: Many renal transplant centres are reluctant to use kidneys from non-heart-beating (NHB) donors because of the high incidence of primary non-function and delayed graft function reported in the literature. Here, we report our favourable experience of using kidneys from Maastricht category 3 donors (controlled NHB donors). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1996 to June 2002, 42 renal transplants using kidneys from 25 controlled NHB donors were undertaken at our centre. The rates of primary non-function, delayed graft function (DGF), rejection and long-term graft and patient survival were compared with those of 84 recipients of grafts from heart-beating (HB donors) transplanted contemporaneously. RESULTS: Primary non-function did not occur in recipients of grafts from NHB donors but was seen in two grafts from HB donors. DGF occurred in 21 of 42 (50%) kidneys from NHB donors and 14 of 84 (17%) kidneys from HBD donars (p < 0.001). The acute rejection rates in the two groups were similar (33% for grafts from NHB donors vs. 40% from HB donors). By 1 month after transplantation, there was no significant difference in serum creatinine concentration between the two groups. Over a median follow-up period of 32 months (range 2-75 months), the actuarial graft survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 yr after transplantation were 84, 80 and 74% for recipients of kidneys from NHB donors, compared with 89, 85 and 80% for kidneys from HB donors. CONCLUSION: Controlled NHB donors are a valuable and under-used source of kidneys for renal transplantation. The outcome for recipients of kidney allografts from category 3 NHB donors is similar to that seen in recipients of grafts from conventional HB cadaveric donors.

Adult↗

The contribution of adhesion molecule expression in donor kidney biopsies to early allograft dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Renal allograft rejection is associated with the expression of adhesion molecules on vascular endothelial and tubular epithelial cells. METHODS: To assess whether the number of cell adhesion molecules expressed in donor kidneys can predict early rejection or delayed graft function, kidney biopsies from 20 living and 53 cadaveric kidney donors were obtained before engraftment into the recipients and the expression of the cell adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule (E-selectin) were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All biopsies from living donors showed significantly lower expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 compared to biopsies from cadaveric donors. There was no difference in the expression of adhesion molecules on tubular cells between transplants with primary function compared to allografts with early rejection in living donated kidneys (ICAM-1: 2+/-8 vs. 3+/-8%; VCAM-1: 9+/-7 vs. 1+/-1%), as well as in cadaveric kidneys (ICAM-1: 38+/-29 vs. 39+/-38%; VCAM-1: 55+/-27 vs. 48+/-29%). The expression of ICAM-1 molecules on tubular cells was determined to be a predictor for the occurrence of delayed graft function in cadaveric kidneys (ICAM-1: 65+/-24* vs. 38+/-29% delayed graft versus primary graft function). No delayed graft function occurred in recipients of living donated kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that adhesion molecule expression in donor biopsies is not a predictor for early allograft rejection, but can be used as a marker for the development of postischemic acute renal allograft failure.

Adult↗

The role of oxygen free radicals in organ preservation.

There is controversy over the role of oxygen free radical-induced damage in preserved organs following reperfusion. Furthermore, there has been no definitive study that shows a dramatic improvement in organ functions, delayed graft functions, or improved longevity in organ transplants with oxygen free radical scavenger therapy. However, the presence of glutathione in a new organ preservation solution (University of Wisconsin, UW, solution) yields improved preservation of the liver and heart. The beneficial effect of glutathione may involve in scavenging of cytotoxic products of oxygen metabolism. The results discussed here show that glutathione improves liver preservation. Also, it is shown that glycine, and amino acid component of glutathione, can also give cytoprotection to the rabbit and dog liver tested by either isolated perfusion or orthotopic transplantation. Thus, there may be an involvement of oxygen free radicals in damage to organs hypothermically preserved and transplanted. The injury may occur within the cells or may be due to oxygen within the cells or may be due to oxygen free radicals generated in the extracellular environment.

Adenosine↗

The advantage of allocating kidneys from old cadaveric donors to old recipients: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: In January 1999 a new kidney allocation program was launched by the Eurotransplant Foundation, the 'Eurotransplant Senior Program' (ESP). Cadaveric donors above the age of 65 yr are allocated to kidney transplant recipients of the same age group. METHODS: Using a single-center database, 91 patients who underwent first renal transplantation at the age of 65 yr and older in the years 1999-2002 were identified. Fifty-six patients were transplanted through ESP allocation (study group) and 35 patients (control group) via normal Eurotransplant Kidney Allocation System (ETKAS) procedure. RESULTS: Age, sex and comorbid conditions did not differ by group. The rate of acute rejection episodes, primary non-function, delayed graft function, perioperative mortality did not differ by group. Serum creatinine was significantly lower in the ETKAS group (1.3 vs. 1.9 mg/dL; p=0.015) from six months after the transplantation on. Overall graft survival at six yr was 56% in the ETKAS group and 52% in the ESP group. With 73% in the ETKAS group and 71% in the ESP group, cumulative patient survival according to the Kaplan-Meier estimation was not statistically different at five yr. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a relevant difference in the outcome between young and old kidney transplants in old recipients after this long observation period.

Aged↗

The prognostic significance of acute renal failure after renal transplantation in patients treated with cyclosporin.

We studied 733 cadaveric renal transplant patients (747 transplants) under cyclosporin immunosuppression, to: (i) establish the risk profile for acute renal failure (ARF) after renal transplantation in a unit using many sub-optimal donors; (ii) assess the long-term prognostic relevance of ARF; and (iii) explore the synergistic prognostic significance of delayed graft function and acute rejection during the early post-transplant period. Transplanting from a non-heart-beating or elderly donor, protracted cold ischaemia, haemodialysis immediately before transplant surgery, poor HLA matching, and grafting to a hypersensitized recipient without residual renal function, all independently predicted delayed graft function. This delay had no detrimental effect on patient or graft survival, but prolonged ARF was associated with increased mortality from infection. Late markers of graft dysfunction (poor graft function, proteinuria, hypertension) were highly prevalent among grafts affected by ARF, specially in prolonged ARF. Delayed graft function and early acute rejection showed a definite, albeit not strong, additive impact on late graft survival, and also on the prevalence of late markers of graft dysfunction.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Graft outcome in cadaver renal transplants treated with full-dose cyclosporine induction without antibody, irrespective of graft function.

Cyclosporine (CSA) induction has been shown to prolong delayed graft function which in turn may compromise graft outcome. In this study we report our experience with full-dose CSA induction without antibody treatment irrespective of graft function and stress the importance of achieving therapeutic CSA levels in the early post-transplant period. The records of 293 first cadaver renal transplant recipients who were transplanted between January 1992 and December 1995 were reviewed. Patients were divided into those who had immediate graft function (IGF, n = 197) and the ones who had delayed graft function (DGF, n = 96). Twenty-six (13%) patients in the IGF group and 27 (28%) patients in the DGF group experienced at least one episode of acute rejection (AR), (P = 0.002). Patient and graft survival rates at 1, 2 and 5 yr were similar in the IGF and DGF groups. Cox regression analysis revealed that the absence of both DGF and AR was independently associated with a 0.44 times lower risk of graft failure (P = 0.06), whereas AR without DGF was associated with a 1.9 times increased risk of graft failure (P = 0.02). DGF, with or without AR, did not affect the risk of graft failure. Logistic regression analysis showed that DGF was associated with a 3.6 times higher risk-of AR (P = 0.003). A non-traumatic cause of donor death and preservation time > 24 h were associated with 1.9 and 2.4 times higher risks of DGF (P = 0.01, P = 0.08), whereas female donor gender reduced the risk of DGF by 0.6 (P = 0.1). In conclusion, our results suggest that full-dose CSA induction with achievement of therapeutic target levels in the early post-transplant period is associated with an acceptable graft outcome. Graft outcome was not compromised by delayed function, whereas acute rejection was an independent predictor of graft failure.

Acute Disease↗

Glomerulosclerosis as a determinant of posttransplant function of older donor renal allografts.

Transplantation of kidneys from older donors is being advocated to expand the organ donor pool. However, the prevalence of atherosclerosis and age-induced renal structural alterations account for the variable function of allografts procured from these older donors. Pretransplant biopsies are sometimes used to evaluate kidneys from older donors, but to date there are no defined criteria correlating the extent of structural alterations in these kidneys to subsequent function. We investigated the effect of glomerulosclerosis, a marker for nephrosclerosis, on graft outcome. Sixty-five baseline biopsies of kidney allografts were retrospectively analyzed to identify a referent point of glomerulosclerosis that correlated with inferior graft outcome. Age and death from nontraumatic cerebrovascular injuries were the main correlates for donor glomerulosclerosis (P < 0.001). Allografts with poor function at 6 months defined as serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dl (n = 13) or nephrectomy (n = 4) had a mean of 20% glomerulosclerosis at the time of implantation compared with only 2% sclerosis in allografts with good function (P < 0.05). Delayed graft function occurred in 22% and 33% of recipients with no glomerulosclerosis and those with less than 20% glomerulosclerosis, respectively. In contrast, patients receiving kidneys with > 20% sclerosis had an 87% incidence of delayed function (P < 0.05). Moreover, graft loss occurred in 7% of recipients of kidneys with less than 20% sclerosis and in 38% of recipients with > 20% sclerosis (P < 0.04). Measurements of serum creatinine in the donors did not distinguish the different degrees of glomerulosclerosis found on biopsy. Our data indicate that donor glomerulosclerosis greater than 20% increases the risk of delayed graft function and poor outcome of transplanted kidneys. Therefore, we advocate the use of routine biopsies of kidneys from older (> 50 yrs) donors and those donors with nontraumatic cerebrovascular accidents, despite seemingly normal preprocurement serum creatinine.

Adolescent↗

[Secondary hyperparathyroidism as a cause of delayed functioning of renal graft. Reports of two cases].

Parathormone (PTH) exerts vasomodulatory effect. In patients with severe hyperparathyroidism (HPTx) post transplant (Tx) PTH level decreases slowly and this could be a reason of delayed graft function. Case 1: 19 years old female; 2 years of CAPD-renal Tx lost after 8 years--6 years on hemodialysis (HD), clinical symptoms of severe HPTx (iPTH > 1300 pg/ml). Elective parathyroidectomy was cancelled as patient received the second graft. Then she was oliguric and required regular HD from the 4th day after Tx. We observed increasing resistance index (RI) and finally no diastolic blood flow in graft USG-Doppler scan. Ten days after Tx, the patient was revised surgically and renal biopsy was performed. No pathology but slight ATN was found. At the same time iPTH level was 1225 pg/ml. Plasmapheresis (PF) was introduced, decreasing iPTH level to 850 pg/ml, 995 pg/ml, and 345 pg/ml respectively. After the second PF urine output increased (to 600 ml). Serum creatinine level decreased from 7.3 to 1.3 mg/dL within the next 10 days. Actually (5 months post Tx) graft function remains stable (creatinine 1.2 mg/dl). The level of iPTH at the second month after Tx was 756 pg/ml, at 4th month--439 pg/ml. Case 2: M.P. 20 years old female initially on HD, then Tx, lost after 5 months because of FSGS recurrence--again HD therapy. She developed severe secondary HPTx (iPTH level > 1300 pg/ml). Planned parathyroidectomy was cancelled as she received a second transplant. After Tx she was anuric for 5 weeks and was treated with HD. She had high RI index in repeated USG-Doppler scans, blood flow in renal cortex was deceleration. Repeated renal biopsy showed no pathology and PF therapy was introduced. After the first PF the patient started to urinate, after the 5th--the urine output was 1000 ml. Overall 10 PFs were done. Now, 13 months after Tx, graft function is satisfactory (creatinine level 2.1 mg/dL). The level of iPTH in 4th month after Tx was 772 pg/ml, in 10th month--631 pg/ml. We suggest that disturbances in graft blood flow were influenced by high level of iPTH, decreased successfuly by PF therapy.

Adult↗

Endotoxin-mediated delayed islet graft function is associated with increased intra-islet cytokine production and islet cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Primary nonfunction resulting in immediate graft loss is responsible for the failure of a large number of islet transplants. Evidence is accumulating to single out endotoxin contamination of the various reagents needed for islet isolation as a major cause of early graft loss. METHODS: Islets isolated with endotoxin-containing (400 endotoxin units/ml) collagenase type V and "endotoxin-free" (3.1 endotoxin units/ml) Liberase were compared. Graft function was assessed using a syngeneic murine model of marginal islet mass transplantation. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by islets was measured by ELISA in culture supernatants, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. Islet cell apoptosis was measured using the annexin assay. RESULTS: Graft function was significantly delayed when islets were isolated with endotoxin-containing collagenase. Addition of endotoxin to the Liberase solution similarly delayed graft function. After 18 hr in culture, collagenase-isolated islets released higher amounts of proinflammatory cytokines compared with Liberase-isolated islets (interleukin-6: 2,185+/-1,174 pg/ml vs. 520+/-201 pg/ml; tumor necrosis factor-alpha: 304+/-298 pg/ml vs. 0; IL-1beta: 12.5 pg/ml+/-12.5 vs. 0). This observation correlated with higher cytokine mRNA expression in collagenase-isolated islets. The percentage of apoptotic islet cells immediately after isolation was 17.2%+/-9.4 in collagenase-isolated islets and 7.1%+/-2.1 in Liberase-isolated islets. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that endotoxin contamination is the primum movens of a chain of events that involves intra-islet cytokine production and release and islet cell apoptosis, and endotoxin contamination can ultimately lead to primary nonfunction in vivo. This emphasizes the fact that using endotoxin-free reagents during isolation is a key factor for successful islet transplantation.

Animals↗

Expanding the donor pool: use of renal transplants from non-heart-beating donors supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

In response to organ shortage, we used the renal grafts from non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used to maintain NHBDs before organ procurement. We compared the results of renal transplantation from different donors, including heart-beating donors (HBDs), living-related donors (LDs), and NHBDs supported with ECMO. From February 1998 to June 2003, we recruited 219 patients receiving renal transplantation at National Taiwan University Hospital. Among them, 31 received kidneys from NHBDs supported with ECMO, 120 from HBDs, and 68 from LDs. Multiple organ transplant recipients were not included in this study. We compared the graft survival, serum creatinine levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rates of the three groups. The rate of delayed graft function was higher in NHBD recipients (41.9%) than in HBD recipients (27.0%) and LD recipients (10.9%) (p = 0.003). In the NHBD group, the recipients of grafts with delayed function had significantly longer ECMO runs (63.1 +/- 3.0 min) than those without delayed function (53.7 +/- 2.5 min) (p = 0.024). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.472) and mean serum creatinine level (p = 0.286) were not significantly different between the three groups using a longitudinal approach. The 5-yr graft survival rates for NHBD (88.4%, 95% CI: 0.680-0.962), HBD (83.2%, 95% CI: 0.728-0.899), and LD transplant recipients (89.3%, 95% CI: 0.619-0.974) were not significantly different (p = 0.239). The 5-yr patient survival rates for NHBD, HBD, and LD transplant recipients were 100, 93.0 (95% CI: 0.859-0.966) and 100% respectively. The long-term allograft survival and function of kidneys from NHBDs supported by ECMO, HBD, and LD did not differ significantly. Long ECMO running time tended to delay graft function.

Adult↗

A review of the kidneys that nobody wanted: determinants of optimal outcome.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported excellent outcome at 6 months after transplantation in recipients of expanded criteria donor kidneys that other local centers had declined, kidneys that nobody wanted (KNW), versus controls. We now report follow-up after 23 months. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 27 donor and 24 recipient characteristics in 126 adult recipients of transplants from January 1, 1995, to November 25, 1996. RESULTS: Donors of control kidneys versus KNW were younger and had significantly higher minimum 4-hr urine output. Recipients of control kidneys versus KNW had significantly more HLA matches and lower 3-month posttransplant serum creatinine levels. Patient and graft survival rates were similar between the control kidneys versus the KNW. We also compared the control kidneys and KNW with regard to prompt function or delayed graft function and satisfactory versus unsatisfactory function (unsatisfactory: serum creatinine > or =2.5 ml/dl or graft loss at 6 months) to identify donor and recipient characteristics associated with delayed graft function and unsatisfactory outcome. The incidence of rejection was significantly lower in control kidneys and KNW with satisfactory function versus control kidneys and KNW with unsatisfactory function. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate: (1) similar graft survival at 12 months, (2) lower donor age, (3) higher minimum 4-hr urine output, and (4) more HLA matches in recipients of control kidneys versus KNW. Optimal outcome was achieved in recipients of control kidneys and KNW with prompt function and satisfactory function based upon serum creatinine in the first 6 months and in recipients with lower rates of rejection. Although outcome is dependent upon many donor and recipient variables, we believe that with careful donor and recipient selection, excellent outcome can be achieved using expanded criteria donor kidneys.

Actuarial Analysis↗

Delayed renal graft function: the influence of immunosuppression.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the influence of different immunosuppressive regimens on delayed renal graft function and progression of renal function in the first year after transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into four groups according to the immunosuppressive regimen received: (1) rapamycin (Rap) + mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) + methylprednisolone (MP) + daclizumab (Dmab); (n = 44); (2) tacrolimus (Tac) + MMF + MP + Dmab (n = 39); (3) cyclosporine (CsA) + MMF + MP + basiliximab (Bmab); (n = 30); (4) antithymocyte globulin (ATG) + MMF + MP and CsA after ATG withdrawal (n = 40). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and linear regression. Delayed graft function was defined as the need for hemodialysis posttransplantation. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the four groups in terms of gender, time on dialysis before transplantation, histocompatibility, donor age, and cold ischemia time. However, age (49.8, 50.4, 49.8, and 43.5 years, P < .05), panel reactive antibodies (22%, 39%, 27%, 34%, P < .05) and time of delayed graft function (12, 7, 3, 6 days, P < .05) were significantly different between the four groups. The time of delayed graft function depended on the immunosuppressive regimen, as well as donor and recipient age (P < .05). The creatinine clearance demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the four groups in the first month after transplantation (45, 46, 61, 53 mL/min, P < .05), though no further difference was observed at the month 12th. CONCLUSIONS: The type of immunosuppressive therapy seems to substantially influence the time of recovery from delayed renal graft function, even though it does not seem to affect future graft function. Especially Rap, probably due to its potent antiproliferative effects, seems to prolong the length of graft recovery after renal transplantation.

Adolescent↗

Insulin-like growth factor-I ameliorates delayed kidney graft function and the acute nephrotoxic effects of cyclosporine.

BACKGROUND: Delayed graft function (DGF) is a relatively common complication after cadaveric renal transplantation. The adverse effect of DGF on long-term graft survival has lead to intensive efforts to reduce ischemic graft injury. In this study we examined the effects of a new protective treatment based on insulin growth factor (IGF)-I. We evaluated the impact of the treatment on renal recovery and on the nephrotoxicity that is a common side effect of mainstream immunosuppressants. Because therapy with IGF-I or the analog des(1-3)IGF-I is effective in treating experimental ischemic renal failure, these peptides may be useful as perspective clinical treatments. METHODS: We have addressed three areas relating to the potential use of IGF-I and its analog des(1-3)IGF-I. First, because of the immunogenic properties of IGF-I, we assessed the effect of des(1-3)IGF-I on the rejection of skin allografts in Lewis rats. Next we determined whether treatment with des(1-3)IGF-I influences the early function of transplanted kidneys in a model of DGF induced by a combination of warm and cold ischemia. Finally we tested whether IGF-I protects against acute cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. RESULTS: Des(1-3)IGF-I did not accelerate the rejection of the skin grafts (P=0.57). The administration of this peptide in a model of syngenic renal transplant improved the early function of the graft. Postoperative values of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were significantly better (P<0.05) in treated animals. IGF-I also ameliorated the nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine, with better values of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In evaluating this study it should be recognized that the animal models studied, although widely used, differ from the human condition. However, IGF-I and des(1-3)IGF-I exhibit properties that strongly suggest their value in preventing clinical DGF, and they deserve further studies.

Animals↗

Does delayed kidney graft function increase the risk of chronic rejection?

The impact of delayed graft function (DGF) on later renal graft loss due to chronic rejection was studied in a single center using uniform protocol for organ procurement and posttransplant patient care. DGF function was observed in 34% of 829 consecutive first cadaveric renal transplants in adults and in 47% of 169 retransplantations (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in graft survival between groups with early graft function (EGF) and DGF, either in first transplantations or retransplantations. The half-life in EGF and DGF groups of first transplants was 12.3 years and 10.5 years, respectively, and of retransplantants was 8.0 years and 6.5 years, respectively. DGF was divided in three subgroups according to the day of onset. If graft function started during the first or second week after transplantation there were no significant differences in long-term graft survival rates compared with EGF. Only in retransplants, if graft function started later than 2 weeks postoperatively, were long-term graft survival rates significantly lower when compared with EGF and the difference persisted if other causes of graft loss except chronic rejection were censored.

Adolescent↗

Triiodothyronine (T3) reflects renal graft function after renal transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormalities in thyroid function are observed in patients with end stage renal disease. However, there are no data available evaluating sequential changes of thyroid function after renal transplantation. Therefore, we have studied thyroid hormone function in the immediate post-operative period after renal transplantation in order to determine the relationship between improving renal function and changes in thyroid hormone economy. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Thyroid function was evaluated in 22 patients before and on days 1, 3, 7 and 15 after renal transplantation. All patients received prednisone and cyclosporin as immunosuppressive therapy. Twelve patients with normal renal function undergoing comparable surgical procedures served as a control group. MEASUREMENTS: Serum creatinine and thyroid hormone parameters (total T4, total T3, free T4, free T3, thyroxin binding globulin (TBG), reverse T3, T3 sulphate and TSH) were measured. RESULTS: According to post-operative kidney function after renal transplantation, patients could be subdivided into three groups: five patients had primary graft function (group I); seven patients had delayed graft function because of acute renal failure (group II); 10 patients had delayed graft function requiring high doses of prednisone and some also of OKT3 because of acute rejection (group III). There was a significant fall in T3 and T4 concentrations with a concomitant rise in reverse T3 in all patients up to 3 days after renal transplantation. However, only patients in group I reached pre-operative values on day 15 after renal transplantation (serum creatinine 167 +/- 52 microM), whereas patients in group II (creatinine 609 +/- 118 microM) and group III (creatinine 839 +/- 71 microM) continued to have T3 concentrations well in the hypothyroid range (group I, 1.68 +/- 0.28 nM) vs 0.87 +/- 0.09 nM in group II and 0.76 +/- 0.10 nM in group III; P < 0.01). Serum T4 concentrations were also low in group III (47.7 nM vs 100.2 nM in group I; P < 0.05) 15 days after renal transplantation. These changes were accompanied by a concomitant fall in T3/TBG ratio and in free T3. Elevated reverse T3 returned to normal values in all groups on the 15th day after renal transplantation. TSH fell significantly on the first post-operative day, but did not return to pre-operative values in renal transplantation patients. In the control group, TSH did not change during the study period. T3 sulphate, known to be elevated in chronic renal failure, remained above normal in all patients irrespective of graft function during this study period. CONCLUSIONS: T3 concentrations reflect renal graft function after renal transplantation. T3 is below normal in patients with delayed graft function (acute renal failure or acute rejection). The post-operative period (up to 3 days after renal transplantation) is associated with a low T3 syndrome. TSH does not return to pre-operative values even in patients with primary graft function. This might be due to the administration of prednisone. T3-sulphate is elevated before and after renal transplantation irrespective of graft function.

Acute Kidney Injury↗