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Graft Survival (graft + survival)
Kinds of Graft Survival Terms modified by Graft Survival Selected AbstractsCurrent Concepts of Fat Graft Survival: Histology of Aspirated Adipose Tissue and Review of the LiteratureDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 12 2000Boris Sommer MD Background. Controversy remains about the longevity of correction in autologous fat grafts and its relation to adipocyte survival. Reported long-term fat graft survival rates differ widely, depending on harvesting method, means of reinjection, injection site, and evaluation methods. Objective. To demonstrate histologic findings of aspirated adipose tissue and compare the findings to the reports in the literature. Methods. Review of the literature and the histology of transplanted fat 7 years after subcutaneous implantation and trypan blue staining to determine the vitality of defrosted adipocytes. Results. Fat cells survive aspiration with a suction machine or syringe equally well. Use of a liposuction cannula or 14-gauge needle gives comparable results. Local anesthesia or tumescent local anesthesia is recommended for the donor site, preferably with addition of epinephrine. Conclusion. Clinical longevity of correction after autologous fat transfer is determined by the degree of augmentation resulting from the amount of fibrosis induced and the number of viable fat cells. Survival of aspirated fat cell grafts depends mainly on the anatomic site, the mobility and vascularity of the recipient tissue, or underlying causes and diseases, and less on harvesting and reinjection methods. [source] A Preliminary Study of Solid Embryonic Cerebellar Graft Survival in Adult B6CBA Lurcher Mutant and Wild Type MiceTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Jan Cendelín Abstract Lurcher mutant mice represent a model of olivocerebellar degeneration. They suffer from complete loss of Purkinje cells and a reduction of granule cells and inferior olive neurons. Their wild type littermates serve as healthy controls. The aim of the work was to compare solid embryonic cerebellar graft survival within a period of 9 weeks after their transplantation in adult Lurcher mutant and wild type mice of the B6CBA strain. The solid grafts were injected through a hole in the occipital bone. Host mice were sacrificed 3, 6, or 9 weeks after the transplantation and their cerebella and brain-stems were examined histologically to assess graft presence and structure. We did not find significant differences in graft survival rates between Lurcher mutant and wild type mice. The frequency of graft presence did not differ between mice examined 3, 6, and 9 weeks after the transplantation, neither in Lurchers nor in wild type mice. The grafts were of various sizes. In some cases, only small residua of the grafts were found. Nerve fiber sprouting and cell migration from the graft to the host tissue were observed more often in wild type mice than in Lurchers when examined 6 weeks after surgery. In the period 3,9 weeks after transplantation, massive dying out of the grafts was not observed despite regressive processes in some of the grafts. The degenerative changes in the Lurcher mutant cerebellum do not have strong impact on the fate of the solid cerebellar graft. Anat Rec, 292:1986,1992, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] An Evaluation of Fibrin Tissue Adhesive Concentration and Application Thickness on Skin Graft SurvivalTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 11 2000Kevin M. O'Grady BS Abstract Objectives To e-amine the effects of fibrinogen concentration and application thickness of fibrin tissue adhesive on skin graft survival. Study Design Prospective controlled study. Methods Ten domestic pigs were included in the study. A 20 , 5-cm area of skin was harvested bilaterally along the flanks of the animals using a Padgett dermatome. The harvested grafts were trimmed into four 4 , 4-cm squares. Donor sites were treated according to group assignment and the non-meshed grafts were placed on the side opposite their initial orientation and secured with staples. Both single- and multiple-donor human fibrin tissue adhesive preparations, with low and high average fibrinogen concentrations of 30 mg/mL and 60 mg/mL, were used. Adhesive preparations were applied in either a thin layer (0.015 mL/cm2) or a thick layer (0.06 mL/cm2) using a spray applicator. A constant thrombin concentration of 10 U/mL was used in the study. No adhesive was used in the control group and grafts were stabilized with staples. No topical dressings were applied to any of the treatment sites. Animals were sacrificed 4 weeks after graft application. Results Based on statistical analysis, thickness of adhesive application had a significant effect on skin graft survival. Percent mean graft survival in the control and thin application groups was found to be 92% and 97.8% respectively; the mean survival rate in the thick application group was 63.1%. Fibrinogen concentration, when evaluated independently within the thin and thick application groups, was found to have no significant effect on graft survival. Conclusion Independent of fibrinogen concentration, a thin layer of fibrin tissue adhesive, when applied between two opposing surfaces, does not interfere with and may support the healing process, whereas a thick layer of adhesive inhibits skin graft healing. [source] Pancreatic Graft Survival Despite Partial Vascular Graft Thrombosis due to Splenocephalic AnastomosesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2010C. Margreiter Thrombotic complications following pancreas transplantation are still the most common cause of nonimmunologic graft loss. The aim of this study was to analyze pancreatic graft function after partial arterial graft thrombosis and the investigation of the pancreatic arterial anatomy with regard to intraparenchymal anastomoses. We retrospectively analyzed the data for 175 consecutive pancreas transplants performed between January 2002 and October 2007. Selective Y-graft angiography was performed in 10 and rubber-milk injection in 5 fresh pancreas specimens. Thrombosis of one leg of the Y-graft was diagnosed in 18 (10.3%) patients. Only one of these patients with thrombosis of the splenic artery required exogenous insulin. Sufficient graft perfusion was demonstrated in all of the remaining grafts. One graft was lost due to acute rejection. In all specimens angiography showed an excellent perfusion of the pancreaticoduodenal arcade, even after selective cannulation of the splenic artery. Arterial collaterals between the gastroduodenal, splenic artery and the superior mesenteric artery were demonstrated. Our results demonstrate that global perfusion of the pancreatic graft and sufficient graft function is sustained after the thrombotic occlusion of one branch of the Y-graft by a complex system of intraparenchymal anastomoses. These anatomical findings may have consequences for resection strategies in pancreas surgery. [source] Access and Outcomes Among Minority Transplant Patients, 1999,2008, with a Focus on Determinants of Kidney Graft SurvivalAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4p2 2010P.-Y. Fan Coincident with an increasing national interest in equitable health care, a number of studies have described disparities in access to solid organ transplantation for minority patients. In contrast, relatively little is known about differences in posttransplant outcomes between patients of specific racial and ethnic populations. In this paper, we review trends in access to solid organ transplantation and posttransplant outcomes by organ type, race and ethnicity. In addition, we present an analysis of categories of factors that contribute to the racial/ethnic variation seen in kidney transplant outcomes. Disparities in minority access to transplantation among wait-listed candidates are improving, but persist for those awaiting kidney, simultaneous kidney and pancreas and intestine transplantation. In general, graft and patient survival among recipients of solid organ transplants is highest for Asians and Hispanic/Latinos, intermediate for whites and lowest for African Americans. Although much of the difference in outcomes between racial/ethnic groups can be accounted for by adjusting for patient characteristics, important observed differences remain. Age and duration of pretransplant dialysis exposure emerge as the most important determinants of survival in an investigation of the relative impact of center-related versus patient-related variables on kidney graft outcomes. [source] The Impact of C4d Pattern and Donor-Specific Antibody on Graft Survival in Recipients Requiring Indication Renal Allograft BiopsyAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 12 2009A. Haririan We examined the pattern of PTC C4d by immunohistochemistry and DSA in 297 kidney recipients with indication biopsies, and evaluated their predictive value for graft survival. Median biopsy time was 5.1 months posttransplant. Patients were followed for 17.9 ± 9.4 months postbiopsy. An 18.5% had focal and 15.2% had diffuse C4d, with comparable graft survival (adjusted graft failure HR: 2.3, p = 0.001; HR:1.9, p < 0.02, respectively). 31.3% were DSA+, 19.5% class I and 22.9% class II DSA. Only those with class II DSA had worse outcome (adjusted HR:2.5, p = 0.001 for class II only; HR:2.7, p < 0.001 for class I/II DSA). Among patients with <10%C4d, 23.9% had DSA, compared to 68.9% with diffuse staining. For patients biopsied in first-year posttransplant presence of DSA, regardless of C4d positivity in biopsy, was a poor prognostic factor (adjusted graft failure HR: 4.2, p < 0.02 for C4d,/DSA+; HR:4.9, p = 0.001 for C4d+/DSA+), unlike those biopsied later. We have shown that focal C4d had similar impact on graft survival as diffuse pattern. During the first-year posttransplant either class I or II DSA, and afterward only class II DSA were associated with worse graft survival. DSA was predictive of worse outcome regardless of C4d for patients biopsied in first year and only with C4d positivity afterward, supporting the importance of assessment of both DSA and C4d pattern in biopsy. [source] Lack of Effect of MICA Antibodies on Graft Survival Following Heart TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2009J. D. Smith Little is known about the effect of MICA antibodies (Abs) on cardiac allograft function and survival. Pretransplant and posttransplant serum from 491 and 196 adult cardiac allograft recipients, respectively, has been investigated for MICA Abs, donor specificity and the effect of MICA Abs on graft survival, acute rejection episodes (AR) and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Patients with HLA Abs (11.6%) were excluded from the analysis. A total of 11.8% of patients had MICA Abs, without HLA Abs, before their transplant. Actuarial graft survival demonstrated slightly better survival of patients with donor-specific MICA Abs at 1 and 5 years (88.9% and 83.3%) than patients negative for MICA Abs (72% and 63.7%, p = 0.051). After transplantation, 15.8% of patients produced MICA Abs, and in 17 patients these were produced de novo. There was no effect of pretransplant or posttransplant production of MICA Abs on numbers of AR episodes in year 1, or CAV assessed at years 3 and 5. Immunocytochemistry of cardiac biopsies from 11 patients did not demonstrate a presence of MICA. Sera from only 4/69 patients with MICA Abs fixed complement prior to transplantation and from 7/38 patients following transplantation. In conclusion, this study suggests that MICA Abs do not adversely affect the outcome of cardiac transplantation. [source] The Impact of Hepatitis C and Biliary Complications on Patient and Graft Survival Following Liver TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2009E. C. Verna Recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) and biliary complications (BC) are major causes of post liver transplant morbidity and mortality. The impact of these complications may be additive or synergistic. We performed a retrospective cohort study to analyze the effects of HCV and BC on all patients transplanted at two institutions over 6 years. BC was defined by imaging findings in the setting of abnormal liver function tests that required intervention. The primary outcomes were graft and patient survival over a mean 3.4 years. 709 patients (619 deceased, 90 living donor) were included, 337 with HCV and 372 without. BC was diagnosed more frequently in patients with HCV, 26% versus 18% (p = 0.008). One-year and overall patient and graft survival were significantly lower in patients with HCV, but BC impacted only 1-year graft survival. The combination of BC and HCV had no additional impact on survival or fibrosis rates on 1-year protocol biopsies. Multivariate analysis revealed HCV (HR 2.1) and HCC (HR 1.9) to be independent predictors of mortality. Since BC are diagnosed more frequently in HCV patients and only affect early graft loss, it is likely that recurrent HCV rather than BC accounts for the majority of adverse graft outcomes. [source] Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) Is Associated with Reduced Graft Survival of Deceased Donor Kidney TransplantsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2009Z. A. Stewart Single-center studies have reported equivalent outcomes of kidney allografts recovered with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) or University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. However, these studies were likely underpowered and often unadjusted, and multicenter studies have suggested HTK preservation might increase delayed graft function (DGF) and reduce graft survival of renal allografts. To further inform clinical practice, we analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database of deceased donor kidney transplants performed from July 2004 to February 2008 to determine if HTK (n = 5728) versus UW (n = 15 898) preservation impacted DGF or death-censored graft survival. On adjusted analyses, HTK preservation had no effect on DGF (odds ratio [OR] 0.99, p = 0.7) but was associated with an increased risk of death-censored graft loss (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20, p = 0.008). The detrimental effect of HTK was a relatively late one, with a strong association between HTK and subsequent graft loss in those surviving beyond 12 months (HR 1.43, p = 0.007). Interestingly, a much stronger effect was seen in African-American recipients (HR 1.55, p = 0.024) than in Caucasian recipients (HR 1.18, p = 0.5). Given recent studies that also demonstrate that HTK preservation reduces liver and pancreas allograft survival, we suggest that the use of HTK for abdominal organ recovery should be reconsidered. [source] Histidine,Tryptophan,Ketoglutarate (HTK) Is Associated with Reduced Graft Survival in Deceased Donor Livers, Especially Those Donated After Cardiac DeathAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2009Z. A. Stewart Single-center studies have reported that liver allograft survival is not affected by preservation in histidine,tryptophan,ketoglutarate (HTK) versus University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. We analyzed the UNOS database of liver transplants performed from July, 2004, through February, 2008, to determine if preservation with HTK (n = 4755) versus UW (n = 12 673) impacted graft survival. HTK preservation of allografts increased from 16.8% in 2004 to 26.9% in 2008; this was particularly striking among donor after cardiac death (DCD) allografts, rising from 20.7% in 2004 to 40.9% in 2008. After adjusting for donor, recipient and graft factors that affect graft survival, HTK preservation was associated with an increased risk of graft loss (HR 1.14, p = 0.002), especially with DCD allografts (HR 1.44, P = 0.025) and those with cold ischemia time over 8 h (HR 1.16, P = 0.009). Furthermore, HTK preservation was associated with a 1.2-fold higher odds of early (< 30 days) graft loss as compared to UW preservation (OR 1.20, p = 0.012), with a more pronounced effect on allografts with cold ischemia time over 8 h (OR 1.31, p = 0.007), DCD allografts (OR 1.63, p = 0.09) and donors over 70 years (OR 1.67, p = 0.081). These results suggest that the increasing use of HTK for abdominal organ preservation should be reexamined. [source] Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) Is Associated with Reduced Graft Survival in Pancreas TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2009Z. A. Stewart Prior single-center studies have reported that pancreas allograft survival is not affected by preservation in histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) versus University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. To expand on these studies, we analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database of pancreas transplants from July 2004, through February 2008, to determine if preservation with HTK (N = 1081) versus UW (N = 3311) impacted graft survival. HTK preservation of pancreas allografts increased significantly in this time frame, from 15.4% in 2004 to 25.4% in 2008. After adjusting for other recipient, donor, graft and transplant center factors that impact graft survival, HTK preservation was independently associated with an increased risk of pancreas graft loss (hazard ratio [HR] 1.30, p = 0.014), especially in pancreas allografts with cold ischemia time (CIT) ,12 h (HR 1.42, p = 0.017). This reduced survival with HTK preservation as compared to UW preservation was seen in both simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplants and pancreas alone (PA) transplants. Furthermore, HTK preservation was also associated with a 1.54-fold higher odds of early (<30 days) pancreas graft loss as compared to UW (OR 1.54, p = 0.008). These results suggest that the increasing use of HTK for abdominal organ preservation should be re-examined. [source] Improvement in Long-Term Renal Graft Survival due to CMV Prophylaxis with Oral Ganciclovir: Results of a Randomized Clinical TrialAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2008V. Kliem Oral ganciclovir prophylaxis and intravenous preemptive therapy are competitive approaches to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease after renal transplantation. This trial compared efficacy, safety and long-term graft outcome in 148 renal graft recipients randomized to ganciclovir prophylaxis (N = 74) or preemptive therapy (N = 74). Hierarchical testing revealed (i) patients with CMV infection had more severe periods of impaired graft function (creatinine clearancemax-min 25.0 ± 14.2 mL/min vs. 18.1 ± 12.5 mL/min for patients without CMV infection; p = 0.02),(ii) prophylaxis reduced CMV infection by 65% (13 vs. 33 patients; p < 0.0001) but (iii) creatinine clearance at 12 months was comparable for both regimes (54.0 ± 24.9 vs. 53.1 ± 23.7 mL/min; p = 0.92). No major safety issues were observed, and patient survival at 12 months was similar in both groups (5 deaths [6.8%] vs. 4 [5.4%], p = 1.0000). Prophylaxis significantly increased long-term graft survival 4 years posttransplant (92.2% vs. 78.3%; p = 0.0425) with a number needed to treat of 7.19. Patients with donor +/recipient + CMV serostatus had the lowest rate of graft loss following prophylaxis (0.0% vs. 26.8%; p = 0.0035). In conclusion, it appears that routine oral prophylaxis may improve long-term graft survival for most renal transplant patients. Preemptive therapy can be considered in low risk patients in combination with adequate CMV monitoring. [source] Pretransplant HLA Antibodies Are Associated with Reduced Graft Survival After Clinical Islet TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2007P. M. Campbell Despite significant improvements in islet transplantation, long-term graft function is still not optimal. It is likely that both immune and nonimmune factors are involved in the deterioration of islet function over time. Historically, the pretransplant T-cell crossmatch and antibody screening were done by anti-human globulin,complement-dependent cytotoxicity (AHG-CDC). Class II antibodies were not evaluated. In 2003, we introduced solid-phase antibody screening using flow-based beads and flow crossmatching. We were interested to know whether pretransplant human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies or a positive flow crossmatch impacted islet function post-transplant. A total of 152 islet transplants was performed in 81 patients. Islet function was determined by a positive C-peptide. Results were analyzed by procedure. Class I and class II panel reactive antibody (PRA) > 15% and donor-specific antibodies (DSA) were associated with a reduced C-peptide survival (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). A positive T- and or B-cell crossmatch alone was not. Pretransplant HLA antibodies detectable by flow beads are associated with reduced graft survival. This suggests that the sirolimus and low-dose tacrolimus-based immunosuppression may not control the alloimmune response in this presensitized population and individuals with a PRA > 15% may require more aggressive inductive and maintenance immunosuppression, or represent a group that may not benefit from islet transplantation. [source] Benefit of Sustained Virological Response to Combination Therapy on Graft Survival of Liver Transplanted Patients with Recurrent Chronic Hepatitis CAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2005Thierry Bizollon Recurrent hepatitis C infection is an important cause of progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and graft loss after liver transplantation. Treatment for post-transplant recurrence results in sustained virological response (SVR) in up to 30% of cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SVR on patients and graft survival. Thirty-four patients with an SVR to IFN-ribavirin were included. Forty-six nonresponders to the combination formed the control group. Follow-up data were recorded every 6 months and included HCV RNA, and the occurrence of clinical problems (cirrhosis, decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, death). A graft biopsy was performed every year. The mean follow-up duration was 52 months in responders and 57 months in nonresponders. Two patients died in each group of patients. Two patients with SVR developed late virological relapse. Fibrosis decreased in 38% of patients with SVR, remained stable in 44% and worsened in 18%. In contrast, fibrosis increased in the majority of nonresponder patients (74%, p < 0.001). At the end of follow-up, no patient without cirrhosis at inclusion developed cirrhosis of the graft versus 9 among nonresponder patients (p = 0.009). No difference in patient survival was observed in the two groups. In conclusion, this study shows that HCV eradication has a positive impact on graft survival. [source] Early Presence of Calcium Oxalate Deposition in Kidney Graft Biopsies is Associated with Poor Long-Term Graft SurvivalAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2005Hélady Sanders Pinheiro Accumulated oxalate will be excreted after renal transplantation, creating an increased risk of tubular precipitation, especially in the presence of allograft dysfunction. We evaluated calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposition in renal allograft biopsies with early dysfunction, its association with acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and graft survival. We studied 97 renal transplant patients, submitted to a graft biopsy within 3 months post-transplant, and reanalyzed them after 10 years. We analyzed renal tissue under polarized light and quantified CaOx deposits. CaOx deposits were detected in 52.6% of the patients; 26.8% were of mild and 25.8% of moderate intensity. The deposits were more frequent in biopsies performed within 3 weeks post-transplant (82.4 vs. 63.0%, p < 0.05) and in allografts with more severe renal dysfunction (creatinine 5.6 mg/dL vs. 3.4 mg/dL, p < 0.001). ATN incidence was also higher in patients with CaOx deposits (47% vs. 24%, p < 0.001). Twelve-year graft survival was strikingly worse in patients with CaOx deposits compared to those free of deposits (49.7 vs. 74.1%, p = 0.013). Our study shows a high incidence of CaOx deposits in kidney allografts with early dysfunction, implying an additional risk for acute tubular injury, with a negative impact on graft survival. [source] "Tongue sandwich" bolster for skin graft immobilization,HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 7 2002Charles E. Butler MD Abstract Background Because of surface irregularities and continuous movement of the tongue, predictable immobilization of split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) for tongue defects is difficult to achieve. Methods A novel composite, bilayer foam bolster was used to immobilize a STSG after reconstruction of more than 80% of the tongue mucosa after resection of a squamous cell carcinoma and extensive leukoplakia. Dorsal and ventral bolster components were placed over the STSG and affixed using transglossal, through-and-through sutures. Results The composite foam bolster provided uniform compression along the highly irregular and mobile skin-grafted surface. Graft survival was excellent, and there were no complications. Conclusions The "tongue sandwich" bolster is quickly and easily fabricated, immobilizes the tongue in a fully expanded position, and provides excellent apposition of STSGs to highly irregular and vascular surfaces. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 705,709, 2002 [source] Graft weight/recipient weight ratio: How well does it predict outcome after partial liver transplants?LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2009Mark J. Hill Partial graft liver recipients with graft weight/recipient weight (GW/RW) ratios < 0.8% are thought to have a higher incidence of postoperative complications, including small-for-size syndrome (SFSS). We analyzed a cohort of such recipients and compared those with GW/RW < 0.8% to those with GW/RW , 0.8%. Between 1999 and 2008, 107 adult patients underwent partial graft liver transplants: 76 from live donors [living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)] and 31 from deceased donors [split liver transplantation (SLT)]. Of these, 22 had GW/RW < 0.8% (12 with LDLT and 10 with SLT), and 85 had GW/RW , 0.8% (64 with LDLT and 21 with SLT). The baseline demographics and median length of follow-up were similar. SFSS developed in 3 recipients with GW/RW < 0.8% (13.6%) and in 8 recipients with GW/RW , 0.8% (9.4%; P = not significant). Other early complications were similar between the 2 groups. Inflow modification with splenic artery occlusion was performed in 13 recipients: 7 with GW/RW < 0.8% and 6 with GW/RW , 0.8%. Graft survival at 1 year post-transplant did not differ (91% versus 92%; P = not significant). In conclusion, GW/RW did not appear to be the only determinant of outcome after partial liver transplantation. Using techniques such as inflow modification may help to prevent some of the problems seen with smaller grafts. Liver Transpl 15:1056,1062, 2009. © 2009 AASLD. [source] Outcomes in hepatitis C virus,infected recipients of living donor vs. deceased donor liver transplantation,,§¶LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2007Norah A. Terrault In this retrospective study of hepatitis C virus (HCV),infected transplant recipients in the 9-center Adult to Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study, graft and patient survival and the development of advanced fibrosis were compared among 181 living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients and 94 deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) recipients. Overall 3-year graft and patient survival were 68% and 74% in LDLT, and 80% and 82% in DDLT, respectively. Graft survival, but not patient survival, was significantly lower for LDLT compared to DDLT (P = 0.04 and P = 0.20, respectively). Further analyses demonstrated lower graft and patient survival among the first 20 LDLT cases at each center (LDLT ,20) compared to later cases (LDLT > 20; P = 0.002 and P = 0.002, respectively) and DDLT recipients (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively). Graft and patient survival in LDLT >20 and DDLT were not significantly different (P = 0.66 and P = 0.74, respectively). Overall, 3-year graft survival for DDLT, LDLT >20, and LDLT ,20 were 80%, 79% and 55%, with similar results conditional on survival to 90 days (84%, 87% and 68%, respectively). Predictors of graft loss beyond 90 days included LDLT ,20 vs. DDLT (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.1, P = 0.04), pretransplant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (HR = 2.21, P = 0.03) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) at transplantation (HR = 1.24, P = 0.04). In conclusion, 3-year graft and patient survival in HCV-infected recipients of DDLT and LDLT >20 were not significantly different. Important predictors of graft loss in HCV-infected patients were limited LDLT experience, pretransplant HCC, and higher MELD at transplantation. Liver Transpl 13:122,129, 2007. © 2006 AASLD. [source] Early steroid withdrawal after liver transplantation: The canadian tacrolimus versus microemulsion cyclosporin a trial: 1-year follow-upLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2003Paul Greig Corticosteroid therapy contributes significant toxicity to liver transplantation. The safety and efficacy of early steroid withdrawal were determined in patients treated with either tacrolimus or microemulsion cyclosporin A (micro-CsA). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who were steroid-free 1 year posttransplantation. From the seven Canadian adult liver transplant centers, 143 patients were randomly allocated oral treatment with either tacrolimus (n = 71) or micro-CsA (n = 72), together with corticosteroids and azathioprine. Eligibility criteria for steroid withdrawal included freedom from acute rejection for a minimum of 3 months, and prednisone ,0.15 mg/kg/d. In eligible patients, the daily steroid dose was reduced by 2.5 mg each month until complete discontinuation was achieved. At 1 year after transplantation, 75% of the tacrolimus patients and 63% of the micro-CsA patients were steroid-free (P = .20). Of all of the patients who became eligible for steroid withdrawal, steroid discontinuation was achieved in over 80%. One-year patient survival was 97% with tacrolimus and 89% with micro-CsA (P = .052). Graft survival was 97% and 86%, respectively (P = .017). The overall incidence of acute rejection during the first year was 35% with tacrolimus and 43% with micro-CsA (P = .26). There was no difference in survival, acute rejection, or rate of steroid withdrawal when adjusting for hepatitis C. All acute rejection episodes experienced during steroid withdrawal were steroid-responsive. Steroid-resistant rejection occurred in 5.6% of the tacrolimus and 9.7% of the micro-CsA patients. One patient, in the micro-CsA group, experienced refractory rejection. Chronic rejection was not observed in either group. The toxicity profiles were similar. Postoperative serum creatinine levels were similar, and dialysis was required in less than 10% of patients in each group. Infectious complications were similar in both groups. Neurotoxicity was a serious adverse event in 13% and 10% of patients receiving tacrolimus and micro-CsA, respectively. Early steroid withdrawal is safe and effective after liver transplantation using either tacrolimus plus azathioprine or micro-CsA plus azathioprine immunoprophylaxis. [source] Mycophenolate mofetil without antibody induction in cadaver vs. living donor pediatric renal transplantationPEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2 2003O. Ojogho Abstract: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a new immunosuppressive agent that blocks de novo purine synthesis in T and B lymphocytes via a potent selective inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. MMF has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of acute rejection in both adult and pediatric renal transplantation. The impact of MMF on routine antibody induction therapy in pediatric renal transplantation has not been defined. Remarkably, a recent North American Pediatric Transplant Cooperative Study concluded that T-cell antibody induction therapy was deleterious for patients who received MMF. Our study examines the use of MMF in an evolving immunosuppressive strategy to avoid antibody induction in both living (LD) and cadaver (CAD) donor pediatric renal transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed the records of 43 pediatric renal transplants that received MMF-based triple therapy without antibody induction therapy between November 1996 and April 2000. We compared CAD (n = 17) with LD (n = 26). The two groups were similar demographically except that CAD had significantly younger donors than LD, 26.1 ± 13.7 vs. 36.2 ± 9.2 yr (p = 0.006). All the patients received MMF at 600 mg/m2/b.i.d. (maximum dose of 2 g/d) and prednisone with cyclosporine (86%) or tacrolimus (14%). Mean follow-up was >36 months for each group. Acute rejection rate at 6 months was 11.8% (CAD) vs. 15.4% (LD) (p = 0.999) and at 1 yr was 23.5% (CAD) vs. 26.9% (LD) (p = 0.999). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73 m2) at 6 months was 73.3 ± 15.3 (CAD) vs. 87.6 ± 24.2 (LD) (p = 0.068). Patient survival at 1, 2, and 3 yr was 100, 100, and 100% for CAD vs. 100, 96, and 96% for LD, respectively. Graft survival at 1, 2, and 3 yr was 100, 100, and 94% for CAD vs. 96, 88, and 71% for LD, respectively. Graft loss in CAD was because of chronic rejection (n = 2) while in LD it was because of non-compliance (n = 6), post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (n = 1), and sepsis (n = 1). In conclusion, MMF without antibody induction in both CAD and LD pediatric renal transplantation provides statistically similar and effective prophylaxis against acute rejection at 6 months and 1 yr post-transplant. The short-term patient and graft survival rates are excellent, however, non-compliance remains a serious challenge to long-term graft survival. Additional controlled studies are needed to define the role of MMF without antibody induction therapy in pediatric renal transplantation. [source] Renal Transplantation in HIV-Infected Patients: The Paris ExperienceAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2010M. Touzot Kidney transplantation is now considered as a reasonable option for HIV-infected patients with end-stage renal disease. We describe here a retrospective study conducted in five transplantation centers in Paris. Twenty-seven patients were included. Immunosuppressive protocol associated an induction therapy and a long-term treatment combining mycophenolate mofetil, steroids and either tacrolimus or cyclosporine. All the patients had protocol biopsies at 3 months and 1 year. Patient's survival was 100% at 1 year and 98% at 2 years. Graft survival at 1 and 2 years is 98% and 96% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The mean glomerular filteration rate values at 12 and 24 months were 60.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range 23,98) and 65.4 mL/min/1.73m2 (range 24,110), respectively. Acute cellular rejection was diagnosed in four cases (15%). Because of high trough levels of calcineurin inhibitor, protease-inhibitor therapies were withdrawn in 11 cases. HIV disease progression was not observed. One patient developed B-cell lymphoma. In conclusion, our study confirms the safety of renal transplantation in HIV-infected patients with few adverse events and a low incidence of acute rejection. [source] Induction of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase by Gene Delivery in Allogeneic Islets Prolongs Allograft SurvivalAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 8 2010H. Dellê Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that plays a critical role in fetomaternal tolerance, exerts immunoregulatory functions suppressing T-cell responses. The aims of this study were to promote IDO expression in rat islets using a nonviral gene transfer approach, and to analyze the effect of the in vivo induction of IDO in a model of allogeneic islet transplantation. The IDO cDNA was isolated from rat placenta, subcloned into a plasmid and transfected into rat islets using Lipofectamine. The efficiency of transfection was confirmed by qRT-PCR and functional analysis. The in vivo effect of IDO expression was analyzed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Lewis rats transplanted with allogeneic islets under the renal capsule. Transplantation of IDO-allogeneic islets reversed diabetes and maintained metabolic control, in contrast to transplantation of allogeneic nontransfected islets, which failed shortly after transplantation in all animals. Graft survival of allograft islets transfected with IDO transplanted without any immunosuppression was superior to that observed in diabetic rats receiving nontransfected islets. These data demonstrated that IDO expression induced in islets by lipofection improved metabolic control of streptozotocin-diabetic rats and prolonged allograft survival. [source] Successful DCD Kidney Transplantation Using Early Corticosteroid WithdrawalAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2010R. E. Chudzinski Organs from donors after cardiac death (DCD) are being increasingly utilized. Prior reports of DCD kidney transplantation involve the use of prednisone-based immunosuppression. We report our experience with early corticosteroid withdrawal (ECSW). Data on 63 DCD kidney transplants performed between 2002 and 2007 were analyzed. We compared outcomes in 28 recipients maintained on long-term corticosteroids (LTCSs) with 35 recipients that underwent ECSW. DGF occurred in 49% of patients on ECSW and 46% on LTCS (p = 0.8). There was no difference between groups for serum creatinine or estimated GFR between 1 and 36 months posttransplant. Acute rejection rates at 1 year were 11.4% and 21.4% for the ECSW and LTCS group (p = 0.2). Graft survival at 1 and 3 years was 94% and 91% for the ECSW group versus 82% and 78% for the LTCS group (p , 0.1). Death censored graft survival was significantly better at last follow-up for the ECSW group (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed no correlation between the use of corticosteroids and survival outcomes. In conclusion, ECSW can be used successfully in DCD kidney transplantation with no worse outcomes in DGF, rejection, graft loss or the combined outcome of death and graft loss compared to patients receiving LTCS. [source] Comparison of Combination Plasmapheresis/IVIg/Anti-CD20 Versus High-Dose IVIg in the Treatment of Antibody-Mediated RejectionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2009C. Lefaucheur Different strategies appear to improve the success in treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), although no one best method has yet emerged. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the combination of Plasmapheresis/intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)/anti-CD20-based regimes versus high-dose IVIg alone in the treatment of AMR. Group A (12 patients) was treated with high-dose IVIg between January 2000 and December 2003; group B (12 patients) was treated by Plasmapheresis/IVIg/anti-CD20 between January 2004 and December 2005. Graft survival at 36 months was 91.7% in group B versus 50% in group A (p = 0.02). Donor-specific human leukocyte antigens (DSA) levels detected by Luminex single antigen (Luminex SA) and ELISA, 3 months postrejection are significantly lower in group B than in group A: DSA ELISA class 2 score 6,8 (p = 0.02), DSA mean intensity of fluorescence (MFI) max (p = 0.009) and DSA mean MFI (p = 0.0004). The persistence of elevated DSA levels posttreatment is more frequent in patients with graft loss as compared to those with preserved renal function: score 6,8 on ELISA (p = 0.04); mean MFI (p = 0.00009) and MFImax (p = 0.018). We conclude that: (1) high dose IVIg alone is inferior to Plasmapheresis/IVIg/anti-CD20 as therapy for AMR and (2)DSA postrejection can be quantified using solid phase assays, showing that 3 months after AMR, DSA levels are higher in patients with graft loss. [source] Lung Transplantation in Infants and Toddlers from 1990 to 2004 at St. Louis Children's HospitalAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2009A. Elizur In a retrospective, single-center cohort study, outcomes of infants and toddlers undergoing lung transplant at St. Louis Children's Hospital between 1990 and 2004 were compared to older children. Patients with cystic fibrosis (exclusively older children) and those who underwent heart,lung, liver,lung, single lung or a second transplantation were excluded from comparisons. One hundred nine lung transplants were compared. Thirty-six were in infants <1 year old, 26 in toddlers 1,3 years old and 47 in children >3 years old. Graft survival was similar for infants and toddlers (p = 0.35 and p = 0.3, respectively) compared to children over 3 years old at 1 and 3 years after transplant. Significantly more infants (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.003) and toddlers (p = 0.002 and p = 0.03) were free from acute rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans compared to older patients. While most infants and toddlers had only minimal lung function impairment, and achieved normal to mildly delayed developmental scores, somatic growth remained depressed 5 years after transplant. Lung transplantation in infants and young children carries similar survival rates to older children and adults. Further insights into the unique immunologic aspects of this group of patients may elucidate strategies to prevent acute and chronic rejection in all age groups. [source] Racial Disparity Trends for Graft Failure in the US Pediatric Kidney Transplant Population, 1980,2004AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2009B. M. Chavers Graft survival among adult African American kidney transplant patients remains low compared to whites, but little information is available for children and adolescents. We examined trends in graft failure among US incident primary kidney transplant patients aged <19 years (n = 13 692), 1980,2004. Trends in 1-year and 2- to 5-year graft failure (for patients whose grafts survived the first year) were analyzed in 5-year intervals. One-year graft failure declined 70% for white and 77% for African American patients over the 25-year period, and 1-year graft failure rates improved at a slightly higher rate for African American compared to white patients (p = 0.02). In contrast, the graft failure rates for years 2,5 declined 53% for white and only 41% for African American patients over the 25 years (p = 0.29). In fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis, the rate of graft failure among African Americans was approximately 2-fold higher than for white patients over the entire study period. Graft survival has improved slightly more for African American than white pediatric patients over the past 25 years. However, graft survival for African American pediatric patients remains poor compared with white patients. [source] Portal Venous Donor-Specific Transfusion in Conjunction with Sirolimus Prolongs Renal Allograft Survival in Nonhuman PrimatesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2009K. K. Dhanireddy Pretransplant exposure to donor antigen is known to modulate recipient alloimmunity, and frequently results in sensitization. However, donor-specific transfusion (DST) can have a protolerant effect that is dependent on route, dose and coadministered immunosuppression. Rodent studies have shown in some strain combinations that portal venous (PV) DST alone can induce tolerance, and uncontrolled clinical use of PVDST has been reported. In order to determine if pretransplant PVDST has a clinically relevant salutary effect, we studied it and the influence of concomitant immunosuppression in rhesus monkeys undergoing renal allotransplantation. Animals received PVDST with unfractionated bone marrow and/or tacrolimus or sirolimus 1 week prior to transplantation. Graft survival was assessed without any posttransplant immunosuppression. PVDST alone or in combination with tacrolimus was ineffective. However, PVDST in combination with sirolimus significantly prolonged renal allograft survival to a mean of 24 days. Preoperative sirolimus alone had no effect, and peripheral DST with sirolimus prolonged graft survival in 2/4 animals, but resulted in accelerated rejection in 2/4 animals. These data demonstrate that PVDST in combination with sirolimus delays rejection in a modest but measurable way in a rigorous model. It may thus be a preferable method for donor antigen administration. [source] Impact of Tips Preliver Transplantation for the Outcome PosttransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2009G. P. Guerrini The effects of transjugular intrahepatic portocaval shunt (TIPS) on the survival of grafts and patients after liver transplantation (LTx) have only been documented in small series and with only a comparative description with non-TIPS recipients. We evaluated 61 TIPS patients who had a subsequent LTx and compared these with 591 patients transplanted with cirrhosis without TIPS. Pretransplant characteristics were similar between groups. Graft survival at 1, 3 and 5 years post-LTx was 85.2%, 77% and 72.1% (TIPS) and 75.3%, 69.8% and 66.1% (controls). Patient survival at the same points was 91.7%, 85% and 81.7%, respectively (TIPS) and 85.4%, 80.3% and 76.2% (controls). Cox regression showed the absence of TIPS pre-LTx, transfusion of >5 units of blood during LTx, intensive care unit (ICU) stay post-LTx >3 days and earlier period of transplant to be significantly associated with a worse patient and graft survival at 1 year. Migration of the TIPS stent occurred in 28% of cases, increasing the time on bypass during LTx, but was not related to graft or patient survival. TIPS may improve portal supply to the graft and reduce collateral flow, improving function. This may account for the improved adjusted graft and patient survival by Cox regression at 12 months. Long-term survival was not affected. [source] Recovery Factors Affecting Utilization of Small Pediatric Donor KidneysAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2009L. K. Kayler Kidneys from small pediatric donors are underutilized. Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for donors <21 kg in which at least one organ was recovered from 1997 to 2007 (n = 3341), donor and recovery factors were evaluated by multivariate analysis for associations with (a) kidney nonrecovery and (b) transplantation of recovered kidneys. Results: The proportion of kidney recoveries were 55% during liver procurements and 40% during intestine procurements amongst donors <10 kg (p < 0.01) compared to 93% and 88%, respectively, for donors weighing 10,20 kg (p = 0.003). Intestine procurement was independently associated with an 81% greater likelihood of kidney nonrecovery (p < 0.0001) and a 48% lower likelihood of transplantation (p = 0.0004). A multivariate Cox model indicated that single kidney recipients had a 63% higher risk of graft failure compared with en bloc kidney recipients (p < 0.0001); however, concurrent intestine recovery was not a significant risk factor for graft loss. Intestine recovery from donors <21 kg of age is strongly associated with higher kidney nonrecovery and lower transplantation rates. Graft survival is worse with single kidney transplantation, but is not significantly affected by intestine recovery. Small pediatric donors procurement teams should strive to increase kidney recoveries overall and en bloc recoveries in particular. [source] Status 5 Years after Bilateral Hand TransplantationAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2006S. Schneeberger Graft survival and function early after hand transplantation is good. It remains unknown, however, whether long-term survival is limited by chronic rejection. We here describe the clinical course and the status 5 years after bilateral hand transplantation with emphasis on immunosuppression (IS), function, morphology and graft vascular changes. Clinical observation, evaluation of hand function, skin biopsies, X-ray, ultrasound, angiography, CT angiography, electrophysiologic studies including compound motor and sensory action potentials (CMAP, CSAP) and somatosensory evoked potentials were performed and results recorded at regular intervals. Following reduction of IS one mild (grade II) rejection episode occurred at 4 years. Subsequently, skin histology remained normal and without signs of chronic rejection. Hand function continuously improved during the first 3 years and remained stable with minor improvement thereafter. CMAP and CSAP progressively increased during the observation period. Latencies of the cortical responses were prolonged but amplitudes were within normal range. Investigation of hand vessels revealed no signs of occlusion but showed revascularization of a primarily occluded right radialis artery. Motor and sensory function improved profoundly between years 1 and 5 after hand transplantation. No signs whatsoever of chronic rejection have been observed. [source] |