Evaluation of psychological symptoms in patients before and after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: a single-center cross-sectional study

Purpose: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) brings several benefits for insulin-dependent type-1 diabetic patients associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, data on psychological outcomes for the waiting list and the transplanted patients are still lacking. Methods: Using the psychological Beck inventories of anxiety (BAI) and depression (BDI), 39 patients on the waiting list were compared to 88 post-transplanted patients who had undergone SPKT. Results: Significant differences were found regarding depression (p = 0.003) but not anxiety (p = 0.161), being the pretransplant patients more vulnerable to psychological disorders. Remarkable differences were observed relative to the feeling of punishment (p < 0.001) and suicidal thoughts (p = 0.008) between the groups. It was observed that patients who waited a longer period for the transplant showed more post-transplant anxiety symptoms due to the long treatment burden (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These results demonstrated the positive impact of SPKT on psychological aspects related to depression when comparing the groups. The high number of stressors in the pretransplant stage impacts more severely the psychosocial condition of the patient.

Type 1 diabetes and subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome treated with pancreas transplantation / Diabetes tipo 1 y síndrome de resistencia subcutánea a la insulina tratada con trasplante de páncreas

Abstract We present a case of subcutaneous insulin resistance syndrome, a rare entity, consisting of subcutaneous and intramuscular insulin resistance, with normal or almost normal sensitivity to insulin when administered intravenously. Its cause is unknown and its treatment is challenging. Our patient required a pancreas transplant.

Resumen Presentamos un caso de síndrome de resistencia subcutánea a la insulina, entidad in frecuente, que consiste en resistencia a la insulina por vía subcutánea e intramuscular, con sensibilidad normal o casi normal a la insulina cuando se aplica por vía intravenosa. Se desconoce su causa y su tratamiento es un desafío. Nuestra paciente requirió trasplante de páncreas.

Tratamento farmacológico da estrongiloidíase em pacientes transplantados / Pharmacological treatment of strongilloidiasis in transplanted patients

O objetivo deste artigo foi comparar o uso da ivermectina e do albendazol em pacientes transplantados e relatar os respectivos sucessos terapêuticos nessa população. Foram analisados artigos que abordassem relatos de casos publicados nos últimos 4 anos no PubMed® relacionando os descritores "transplante de órgãos", "estrongiloidíase" e "tratamento". Foram encontrados e analisados dez relatos de caso que abordaram a estrongiloidíase em situa- ção pós-transplante contemplando 13 indivíduos. Desses, cinco (38,5%) utilizaram ambos os medicamentos, dos quais quatro (80%) se curaram, tendo recebido albendazol e ivermectina por via subcutânea (50%) ou albendazol e ivermectina por vias oral/ subcutânea (50%). O paciente que morreu recebeu albendazol e ivermectina por via subcutânea. Sete (53,8%) indivíduos utiliza- ram apenas ivermectina, dos quais três (42,8%) se curaram tendo recebido o medicamento oral (dois pacientes) ou subcutâneo (um paciente); dois (28,6%) morreram recebendo o medicamento via oral, dois (28,6%) usaram profilaticamente via oral e apenas um não manifestou sintomas. Apenas um (7,7%) indivíduo utilizou somente albendazol via oral tendo sobrevivido à infecção. A uti- lização combinada dos medicamentos ivermectina e albendazol parece ter efeito positivo no tratamento da estrongiloidíase. A administração da ivermectina por via subcutânea apresentou resultados promissores, contudo estudos controlados de siner- gia medicamentosa e vias de administração devem ser realizados para efetiva avaliação.

The objective of this article was to compare the use of ivermec- tin and albendazole in transplanted patients and to report the respective therapeutic successes in this population.Articles ad- dressing case reports published in the last 4 years in the PubMed relating the descriptors "organ transplantation", "strongyloidia- sis", and "treatment" were analyzed. Ten case reports addres- sing strongyloidiasis in a post-transplant situation, covering 13 individuals, were found and analyzed. Of these, five (38.5%) used both drugs of which 4 (80%) were cured having received subcu- taneous albendazole and ivermectin (50%) or oral/subcutaneous albendazole and ivermectin (50%). The patient who died received subcutaneous albenzadole and ivermectin. Seven (53.8%) indi- viduals used only ivermectin, of which three (42.8%) were cured having received the oral (2/3) or subcutaneous (1/3) medication, two (28.6%) died receiving the oral medication, and two (28.6%) used oral medication prophylactically, and only one did not show symptoms. Only one (7.7%) individual used only oral albenzadole and survived the infection. The combined use of the drugs iver- mectin and albendazole seems to have a positive effect on the treatment of strongyloidiasis. The administration of subcuta- neous Ivermectin has shown promising results; however, con- trolled studies of drug synergy and administration routes shall be performed for effective evaluation.

Transplantes de órgãos sólidos no Brasil: estudo descritivo sobre desigualdades na distribuição e acesso no território brasileiro, 2001-2017 / Trasplantes de órganos sólidos en Brasil: estudio descriptivo sobre desigualdades en la distribución y acceso en el territorio brasileño, 2001-2017 / Solid organ transplantation in Brazil: a descriptive study of distribution and access inequalities across the Brazilian territory, 2001-2017

Objetivo: descrever a distribuição dos transplantes de órgãos sólidos no Brasil, bem como informações da lista de espera (demanda) e origem dos pacientes transplantados, por tipo de órgão e Unidade da Federação, de 2001 a 2017. Métodos: estudo descritivo, com dados das Centrais Estaduais de Transplantes, da Associação Brasileira de Transplantes de Órgãos e do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde (SIH/SUS). Resultados: 153 centros de transplante foram identificados em 2017, apenas 11,8% deles localizados nas regiões Norte e Centro-Oeste; no período em estudo, foram realizados 99.805 transplantes, variando de 3.520 (2001) a 8.669 (2017); as regiões Sul e Sudeste concentraram o maior número de transplantes. Conclusão: existem desigualdades regionais na realização dos transplantes, possivelmente por não haver uniformidade na distribuição dos serviços.

Objetivo: describir la distribución de los trasplantes de órganos sólidos en Brasil, así como informaciones de la lista de espera (demanda) y origen de los pacientes trasplantados por tipo de órgano y unidad federativa, entre 2001 y 2017. Métodos: estudio descriptivo usando datos extraídos de Centrales Estatales de Trasplantes, Asociación Brasileña de Trasplantes de Órganos y Sistema de Informaciones Hospitalarias del Sistema Único Nacional de Salud (SIH/SUS). Resultados: 153 centros de trasplante identificados en 2017, solamente 11,8% están ubicados en las regiones Norte y Centro-Oeste; se realizaron 99.805 trasplantes, desde 3.520 (2001) hasta 8.669 (2017); Sur y Sudeste concentran el mayor número de trasplantes. Conclusión: hay desigualdad en el acceso a los trasplantes, posiblemente debido a la falta de uniformidad en la distribución de los servicios.

Objective: to describe the distribution of solid organ transplants in Brazil, as well as information about the waiting list (demand) and origin of transplant patients by organ type and Federative Unit, from 2001 to 2017. Methods: this was a descriptive study using data from State Transplantation Centers, the Brazilian Organ Transplant Association, and the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS). Results: 153 transplant units were identified in 2017, with only 11.8% located in the Northern and Midwest regions; within the study period, 99,805 transplants were performed, ranging from 3,520 (2001) to 8,669 (2017); the highest number of transplants was concentrated in the Southern and Southeastern regions. Conclusion: there are inequalities in transplantation access, possibly due to lack of uniformity in service distribution.

Necessidade de tratamento odontológico em pacientes candidatos a transplante simultâneo de pâncreas-rim e fígado num centro único / Need for dental treatment in patients on the waiting list for liver and simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant at a single center

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar as condições bucais e os principais fatores predisponentes para tratamento odontológico de pacientes em lista de espera para transplante simultâneo de pâncreas-rim e para transplante hepático, em um centro único. Métodos: foram avaliados 100 pacientes na fila de espera, 50 candidatos a transplante hepático e 50 a transplante simultâneo de pâncreas-rim, no período de agosto de 2015 a fevereiro de 2018. Exames extra e intrabucais foram correlacionados com variáveis demográficas pré-transplante. Resultados: a principal alteração bucal nos candidatos a transplante de pâncreas-rim e de transplante hepático foram dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados, presentes em 83% e 100% dos candidatos, respectivamente (P=0,03). A necessidade de tratamento odontológico foi igual nos dois grupos: 71% e 70%. Nos candidatos a transplante hepático, os fatores predisponentes para tratamento odontológico foram idade, cor e diagnóstico etiológico da cirrose hepática. Não identificamos fatores predisponentes para tratamento odontológico nos candidatos a transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim. Conclusão: pacientes candidatos a transplante simultâneo de pâncreas-rim e transplante hepático apresentaram higiene bucal precária com presença de cárie, raízes residuais, gengivite e periodontite, revelando que a avaliação odontológica deve fazer parte do protocolo de atendimento dos pacientes em fila de espera para transplantes.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the oral conditions and the main predisposing factors for dental treatment of patients on the waiting list for liver and simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, in a single center. Methods: we evaluated 100 patients in the waiting list, 50 candidates for liver transplantation and 50 for simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation, from August 2015 to February 2018. We correlated extra and intraoral examinations with pre-transplant demographic variables. Results: the main oral alteration in the pancreas-kidney and liver transplant candidates were decayed, lost and filled teeth, present in 83% and 100% of the candidates, respectively (p=0.03). The need for dental treatment was equal in both groups: 71% and 70%. In liver transplant candidates, the predisposing factors for dental treatment were age, color and etiological diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. We did not identify predisposing factors for dental treatment in candidates for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. Conclusion: candidates for liver and for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation had poor oral hygiene, with cavities, residual roots, gingivitis and periodontitis, revealing that dental evaluation should be part of the transplantation waiting list.

Impacto das complicações pós-transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim sobre o custo da internação hospitalar / Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation and the impact of postoperative complications on hospitalization cost

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar o impacto financeiro das complicações pós-operatórias no transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim durante a internação hospitalar. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo dos dados da internação hospitalar dos pacientes submetidos consecutivamente ao transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim no período de janeiro de 2008 a dezembro de 2014 no Hospital do Rim/Fundação Oswaldo Ramos. As principais variáveis estudadas foram a reoperação, pancreatectomia do enxerto, óbito, complicações pós-operatórias (cirúrgicas, infecciosas, clínicas e imunológicas) e os dados financeiros da internação para o transplante. Resultados: a amostra foi composta de 179 pacientes transplantados. As características dos doadores e receptores foram semelhantes nos pacientes com e sem complicações. Na análise dos dados, 58,7% dos pacientes apresentaram alguma complicação pós-operatória, 21,8% necessitaram de reoperação, 12,3%, de pancreatectomia do enxerto e 8,4% evoluíram para o óbito. A necessidade de reoperação ou pancreatectomia do enxerto aumentou o custo da internação em 53,3% e 78,57%, respectivamente. A presença de complicação pós-operatória aumentou significativamente o custo. Entretanto, a presença de óbito, hérnia interna, infarto agudo do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral e disfunção do enxerto pancreático não apresentaram significância estatística no custo, cuja média foi de US$ 18,516.02. Conclusão: complicações pós-operatórias, reoperação e pancreatectomia do enxerto aumentaram significativamente o custo médio da internação hospitalar do SPK, assim como as complicações cirúrgicas, infecciosas, clínicas e imunológicas. No entanto, o óbito durante a internação, a hérnia interna, o infarto agudo do miocárdio, o acidente vascular cerebral e a disfunção do enxerto pancreático não interferiram estatisticamente neste custo.

ABSTRACT Objective: considering simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation cases, to evaluate the financial impact of postoperative complications on hospitalization cost. Methods: a retrospective study of hospitalization data from patients consecutively submitted to simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT), from January 2008 to December 2014, at Kidney Hospital/Oswaldo Ramos Foundation (Sao Paulo, Brazil). The main studied variables were reoperation, graft pancreatectomy, death, postoperative complications (surgical, infectious, clinical, and immunological ones), and hospitalization financial data for transplantation. Results: the sample was composed of 179 transplanted patients. The characteristics of donors and recipients were similar in patients with and without complications. In data analysis, 58.7% of the patients presented some postoperative complication, 21.8% required reoperation, 12.3% demanded graft pancreatectomy, and 8.4% died. The need for reoperation or graft pancreatectomy increased hospitalization cost by 53.3% and 78.57%, respectively. The presence of postoperative complications significantly increased hospitalization cost. However, the presence of death, internal hernia, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and pancreatic graft dysfunction did not present statistical significance in hospitalization cost (in average US$ 18,516.02). Conclusion: considering patients who underwent SPKT, postoperative complications, reoperation, and graft pancreatectomy, as well as surgical, infectious, clinical, and immunological complications, significantly increased the mean cost of hospitalization. However, death, internal hernia, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and pancreatic graft dysfunction did not statistically interfere in hospitalization cost.

Ensayo pictórico: Imágenes en trasplante de páncreas: ¿qué debemos buscar? / Pictorial essay: Imaging in pancreas transplants: what should we look for?

El trasplante de páncreas es una alternativa terapéutica para pacientes diabéticos con complicaciones metabólicas severas y/o enfermedad renal crónica terminal. En el 80% de los casos, se realiza trasplante simultáneo de páncreas y riñón. El ultrasonido (US) es la técnica de elección para una primera evaluación del injerto, principalmente el modo Doppler espectral. Este último permite la evaluación de la vasculatura y perfusión de injerto. La tomografía computada (TC) y resonancia magnética (RM) se reservan para la evaluación de complicaciones (Tabla 1). Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de una serie casos de trasplante páncreas-riñón realizada en nuestra institución entre los años 2014 y 2017, con un total de 12 casos.

Pancreas transplantation is a therapeutic alternative for diabetic patients with severe metabolic complications and/or terminal chronic kidney disease. In 80% of cases, a simultaneous transplant of pancreas and kidney is performed. Ultrasound (US) is the technique of choice for a first evaluation of the implant, mainly the spectral Doppler mode, which allows evaluation of the graft vasculature and perfusion. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are reserved for the evaluation of complications (Table). A retrospective review of a series of cases of pancreas-kidney transplantation performed at our institution between 2014 and 2017 was carried out, with a total of 12 cases.

Liver biopsy may facilitate pancreatic graft evaluation: positive association between liver steatosis and pancreatic graft adipose infiltration

OBJECTIVES: The number of pancreatic transplants has decreased in recent years. Pancreatic grafts have been underutilized compared to other solid grafts. One cause of discard is the macroscopic appearance of the pancreas, especially the presence of fatty infiltration. The current research is aimed at understanding any graft-related association between fatty tissue infiltration of the pancreas and liver steatosis. METHODS: From August 2013 to August 2014, a prospective cross-sectional clinical study using data from 54 multiple deceased donor organs was performed. RESULTS: Micro- and macroscopic liver steatosis were significantly correlated with the donor body mass index ([BMI]; p=0.029 and p=0.006, respectively). Positive gamma associations between pancreatic and liver macroscopic and microscopic findings (0.98; confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-1 and 0.52; CI 0.04-1, respectively) were observed. Furthermore, comparisons of liver microscopy findings showed significant differences between severe versus absent (p<0.001), severe versus mild (p<0.001), and severe versus moderate classifications (p<0.001). The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.94 for the diagnosis of steatosis by BMI evaluation using a cut-off BMI of 27.5 kg/m2, which yielded 100% sensitivity, 87% specificity, and 100% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a positive association of macroscopic and microscopic histopathological findings in steatotic livers with adipose infiltration of pancreatic grafts.

Variations in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk and its clinical significance / 대한해부학회지

Celiac trunk is the artery of foregut, arising from the abdominal aorta at the level of T12/L1 vertebral body. It extends approximately 1.5 to 2 cm horizontally forwards before dividing into three branches: left gastric, common hepatic, and splenic arteries. Out of the three ventral branches of abdominal aorta, celiac trunk is more prone to have variations. During routine dissection of abdomen for undergraduate students we found some rare variations in the branching pattern of the celiac trunk. Absence of celiac trunk with hepatomesenteric trunk, quadrifurcation with dorsal pancreatic artery arising from it, quadrifurcation with middle colic artery arising from it, left inferior phrenic artery arising from celiac trunk, highly tortuous splenic artery supplying distal 1/3rd of transverse colon and hepatosplenic trunk. Knowledge of such variations is essential for liver and pancreas transplantations, pancreaticoduodenectomy, radiological abdominal interventions, laproscopic surgeries, and in trauma of the abdomen.

Stepwise Approach to Problematic Hypoglycemia in Korea: Educational, Technological, and Transplant Interventions

Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia has been found to be prevalent in 20% to 40% of people with type 1 diabetes. If a similar prevalence exists in Koreans with type 1 diabetes, at a minimum, thousands of people with type 1 diabetes suffer at least one unpredicted episode of severe hypoglycemia per year in Korea. For patients with problematic hypoglycemia, an evidence-based stepwise approach was suggested in 2015. The first step is structured education regarding multiple daily injections of an insulin analog, and the second step is adding a technological intervention, such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or real-time continuous glucose monitoring. The next step is a sensor-augmented pump, preferably with a low glucose suspension feature or very frequent contact, and the final step is islet or pancreas transplantation. In Korea, however, none of these treatments are reimbursed by the National Health Insurance, and thus have not been widely implemented. The low prevalence of type 1 diabetes means that Korean physicians are relatively unfamiliar with the new technologies in this field. Therefore, the roles of new technologies and pancreas or islet transplantation in the treatment of problematic hypoglycemia need to be defined in the current clinical setting of Korea.

Derivación exocrina al duodeno en trasplante simultáneo de riñón y páncreas, experiencia en la Fundación Valle de Lili, Cali, Colombia / Exocrine bypass to the duodenum in simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant, experience at Fundación Valle de Lili, Cali, Colombia

Introducción: El trasplante simultáneo de riñón y páncreas es reconocido como un tratamiento eficaz para el manejo de pacientes con diabetes mellitus, principalmente de tipo I, e insuficiencia renal crónica. Sin embargo, hoy en día aún existe dificultad para el seguimiento del injerto pancreático, ya que no existe un marcador serológico definitivo que lo permita y persiste la dificultad para la toma de biopsias. Se ha descrito una modificación en la técnica quirúrgica que permitiría el acceso endoscópico mediante una duodeno-duodenostomía. Material y métodos. Se seleccionaron los pacientes que recibieron un trasplante simultáneo de riñón y páncreas con derivación exocrina al duodeno, evaluando la seguridad del procedimiento, la evolución y las complicaciones médico-quirúrgicas. Resultados. Nueve pacientes fueron sometidos a trasplante simultáneo de riñón y páncreas con derivación exocrina al duodeno. La mediana de la edad fue de 36 años y la mayoría era del sexo masculino. El tiempo de isquemia en frío fue de 10 horas para el injerto pancreático y de 11 horas para el renal. El tiempo total de hospitalización fue de 21 días. Se presentó una pérdida del injerto pancreático y una pérdida del injerto renal. Hubo una sola muerte, causada por aspergilosis pulmonar. Conclusiones. La derivación exocrina duodenal permite y facilita la evaluación y el seguimiento endoscópico del injerto pancreático. No supone una mayor exigencia técnica en el trasplante simultáneo de riñón y páncreas, ni un incremento en el número de complicaciones en relación directa con la modificación del procedimiento quirúrgico.

Introduction: Despite its recognition as an effective therapy for the management of patients with Type I diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure, simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant encounters difficulties in monitoring the pancreatic graft, and there is no strong serologic marker coupled with the difficulties in taking biopsies. We describe a modification of a surgical technique that allows endoscopic access through a duodenostomy. Material and methods. Patients who received simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation with exocrine bypass to the duodenum were selected to evaluate the safety of the procedure, the clinical postoperative course, and the medical and surgical complications. Results: Nine patients were submitted to simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation with exocrine bypass to the duodenum. Median age was 36, most patients where male. Cold ischemia time was 10 hours for the pancreatic graft and 11 hours for the kidney graft. Total hospital stay was 21 days. There was one death caused by pulmonary aspergillosis. Conclusion: The duodenal exocrine derivation permits and facilitates the evaluation and endoscopy follow-up of the pancreatic graft. It neither imposes greater technical demands in simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation, nor an increase in the number of complications directly related to the modification of the surgical procedure.

Calcifilaxis luego del trasplante renal. Reporte de 3 casos clínicos / Calciphylaxis after renal transplant. Three clinical cases report

INTRODUCCIÓN: La calcifilaxis (CFX) es un síndrome caracterizado por depósito de calcio en la capa íntima y media de los vasos, proliferación, fibrosis y trombosis luminal, isquemia y necrosis tisular. Su reporte inicial y descripciones posteriores estuvieron asociados a la insuficiencia renal crónica terminal (IRCT). Hay poca información sobre el efecto que la recuperación de la función renal secundaria al trasplante renal produce en la incidencia de esta patología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico. Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de la cohorte de los 448 pacientes trasplantados de riñón y riñón y páncreas entre el 1 de enero de 2001 y el 1 de enero de 2014 en nuestro Servicio. RESULTADOS: Tres pacientes presentaron CFX confirmada por biopsia. En los 3 pacientes la CFX se asoció a hipercalcemia (calcemia promedio 11.5 mg/dl), en 2 de ellos al momento del diagnóstico. La Paratohormona intacta (PTHi) al momento del diagnóstico fue 2pg/ml, 62,3pg/ml y 3561pg/ml respectivamente. Dos pacientes eran diabéticos. Se halló hipoalbuminemia en los 3 pacientes. Sólo un paciente presentó obesidad, hiperfosfatemia y anticoagulación como factores de riesgo agregados. En todos los casos la biopsia proporcionó el diagnóstico de certeza para CFX. La mediana de la creatininemia en el momento del diagnóstico de CFX fue de 1,5 mg/dl (1,2mg/dl; 1,2mg/dl y 2mg/dl respectivamente) y el promedio de tiempo entre el trasplante y el desarrollo de CFX fue de 32 meses. En todos los casos se realizó un estricto control del fósforo, la hipercalcemia, las lesiones dérmicas y se administró tiosulfato de sodio IV durante 7 meses promedio. Se observó hipercalcemia al año post trasplante en el 19,59 % de los 448 pacientes estudiados, la evolución fue favorable dos pacientes, con control de la calcemia y mejoría de las manifestaciones cutáneas, y conservación de la función renal. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de CFX luego de un TxR sobre un total de 448 pacientes trasplantados de riñón y de riñón y páncreas para el periodo 2001/2014 fue del 0,66%, inferior a los reportes de incidencia de CFX en diálisis. Los factores asociados a CFX en nuestros pacientes fueron la hipercalcemia al año post trasplante y al momento del evento, la hipoalbuminemia, la diabetes y los desórdenes de la glándula paratiroidea. La persistencia de la hipercalcemia al año post-trasplante renal debe ser un elemento de alta sospecha clínica de esta complicación

INTRODUCTION: Calciphylaxis (CFX) is a syndrome characterized by deposition of calcium in the intima and media of vessels, intimal proliferation, fibrosis, luminal thrombosis, tissue ischemia and necrosis. Its initial report and subsequent descriptions were associated with chronic renal failure. There is little information regarding the possible effect of the recovery of renal function secondary to kidney transplantation in the incidence of this disease. METHODS: Center retrospective study. We analyze in this report the three cases of patients who developed CFX after a renal transplant within a cohort of 448 kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant patients from January 1th 2001 to January 1th 2014 in our Hospital. RESULTS: Three patients were found to have CFX. All of them had hypercalcemia (serum calcium average 11.5 mg/dl) at first year post transplant and 2 patients at diagnosis of CFX. PTHi in the three CFX patients was 2 pg/ml, 62,3pg/ml and 3561pg/ml respectively. Hypoalbuminemia was found in all patients. Two patients were diabetic. Only one patient was obese and under anticoagulation treatment. In all cases a biopsy provided the diagnosis of certainty for calciphylaxis. Median serum creatinine at diagnosis was 1.5 mg/dl (1.2 mg/dl 1.2 mg/dl and 2 mg/dl, respectively) and the average time between transplantation and calciphylaxis diagnosis was 32 months. In all cases, strict control of phosphorus and hypercalcemia and sodium IV thiosulfate treatment was performed. The evolution was successful in two patients, controlling blood calcium and improving cutaneous manifestations with preservation of renal function. CONCLUSIONS: CFX prevalence in a cohort of 448 kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant patients from 2001 to 2014 was 0.66%, less than reported in dialysis patients. Factors associated with CFX in our patients were hypercalcemia in the first year after renal transplant and at the time of the event, hypoalbuminemia, diabetes and disorders of the parathyroid gland. The persistence of hypercalcemia in the first year after renal transplant should be an element of high clinical suspicion of this complication in the kidney transplant recipients

Meta-Análisis. Efecto del trasplante renal, hepático, cardíaco y pancreático-renal en la calidad de vida de las personas adultas / Meta-Analysis. Effect of renal, hepatic, cardiac and pancreatic-renal transplantation on the quality of life of adults

Este Meta-Análisis (MA) determinó, a partir de la integración de 92 estudios publicados entre 1980-2012, en diferentes fuentes de búsqueda, formal e informal, la magnitud del efecto que la terapia del trasplante renal (n=49), hepático (n=31), cardíaco (n=8) y pancreático ­renal (n=4) tiene sobre la Calidad de Vida Global-CVG, Física-CVF, Psicológica-CVPs y Social­CVS de las personas adultas con enfermedades en estado terminal, con daño irreversible de un órgano vital, trasplantadas. Método. En el MA se calculó el Tamaño del Efecto Medio Global (TE=d), el grado de heterogeneidad de los resultados (Q e I2) y de moderadores de la variabilidad interestudio, aplicando el Modelo de Efectos Aleatorios. Resultados. TE(d) y Heterogeneidad de cada grupo de trasplantados: En renales: CVG: (d:0,78, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val:0.0001 e I2:98,24%), CVF (d:0,73, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,39%), CVPs (d:0,61, p-val: 0,0007, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,74) y CVS (d:0,41, p-val: 0.0025, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,25%). En hepáticos: CVG (d:1,27, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,36%), CVF (d:1,29, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,32%), CVPs (d:1,04, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,26%) y CVS (d:1,02, p-val: 0.0127, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,64%). En cardíacos: CVG (d:1,67, p-val: 0.0129, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:96,77%), CVF (d:1,77, p-val: 0,1386, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,97%), CVPs (d:1,46, p-val: 0,1119, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,21%) y CVS (d:1,78, p-val: 0,1916, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,92%). Y en Páncreas ­Riñón: CVG (d:0,73, p-val: 0,0254, Q p-val: 0,1308 e I2:47,47%), CVF (d:0,48, p-val: 0,023, Q p-val: 0,0133 e I2:71,92%), CVPs (d:0,45, p-val: 0,623, Q p-val: 0,4564 e I2:0%) y CVS (d:0,38, p-val: 0,117, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,92%). Hallazgos similares fueron encontrados en estudios realizados en trasplantados renales, que aplicaron para valorar la Calidad de Vida el Instrumento SF-36. Conclusiones y recomendaciones. El trasplante renal y hepático beneficia la Calidad de Vida Global, Física, Psicológica y Social, mientras en trasplantados cardíacos y reno-pancreáticos solo se reportan beneficios para la CVG y CVG y CVF, respectivamente. La presencia de Heterogeneidad de los resultados de TE (d), no explicada por los características de los estudios, limitan la generalización de estos hallazgos. Por lo que recomienda continuar realizando estudios, en donde se explore de manera específica los posibles moderadores de la Calidad de Vida en población adulta trasplantada.

Abstract. This meta-analysis (MA) determined from the integration of 92 studies published from 1980 to 2012; on different sources of formal and informal search, the magnitude of the effect of renal transplantation therapy (n = 49), liver (n = 31), cardiac (n = 8) and pancreatic -renal (n = 4) has on the Global ­OQL, Physical-PQL, Psychological-PsQL and Social-SQL Quality of Life adults with end-stage disease with irreversible damage to vital organs transplanted. Method. Meta-analysis calculated the mean effect size Global (TE = d), the heterogeneity of the results (Q and I2) and analysis of moderators inter-study variability, using the Random Effects Model. Results. TE(d) and Heterogeneity of each group of transplant recipients were: In renals: CVG: (d:0,78, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val:0.0001 e I2:98,24%), CVF (d:0,73, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,39%), CVPs (d:0,61, p-val: 0,0007, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,74) y CVS (d:0,41, p-val: 0.0025, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,25%). In hepatics: CVG (d:1,27, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,36%), CVF (d:1,29, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,32%), CVPs (d:1,04, p-val:0.0001, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:97,26%) y CVS (d:1,02, p-val: 0.0127, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,64%). In cardiacs: CVG (d:1,67, p-val: 0.0129, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:96,77%), CVF (d:1,77, p-val: 0,1386, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,97%), CVPs (d:1,46, p-val: 0,1119, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,21%) y CVS (d:1,78, p-val: 0,1916, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,92%). And in Pancreas ­Kidney: CVG (d:0,73, p-val: 0,0254, Q p-val: 0,1308 e I2:47,47%), CVF (d:0,48, p-val: 0,023, Q p-val: 0,0133 e I2:71,92%), CVPs (d:0,45, p-val: 0,623, Q p-val: 0,4564 e I2:0%) y CVS (d:0,38, p-val: 0,117, Q p-val: 0.0001 e I2:98,92%). Hallazgos similares fueron encontrados en trasplantados renales, que utilizaron el SF-36 para medir la Calidad de Vida el instrumento SF-36, en cada dimensión de Calidad de Vida. Conclusions and recommendations. Kidney and liver transplantation benefits Global Quality of life, physical, psychological and social. While heart-pancreas transplant and only benefits the CVG and CVG and CVF, respectively. The presence of heterogeneity of the results of TE (d), not explained by the characteristics of the studies, they limit the generalizability of these findings. Therefore recommends that further studies, where specifically explore the possible moderators of the Quality of Life transplanted adult population.

Management of Hypoglycemic Unawareness and the Current Status of Clinical Allogeneic Islet Transplantation / 임상당뇨병

Problematic hypoglycemia is defined as a condition in which episodes of severe hypoglycemia are unpredictable and/or cannot be easily explained or prevented, typically associated with impaired awareness of hypoglycemia. The treatment algorithm for patients with type 1 diabetes and problematic hypoglycemia emphasizes the stepwise approach including structured education regarding multiple daily injections of insulin, use of technology such as sensor-augmented pump with low glucose suspension, and islet or pancreas transplantation. Although the prevalence of insulin independence at 5 years is 25~50% in most recent clinical trials of islet transplantation, both islet and pancreas transplantation are equally efficient to cure severe hypoglycemia for more than 5 years in about 70% of the recipients. To date, international cohorts of clinical islet transplantation such as the French-Swiss GRAGIL Network have successfully reproduced the long-term C-peptide positivity initially achieved with the Edmonton protocol, with long-term insulin independence demonstrated in selected cases. Several cases with partial islet graft function have been reported in Korea, with the first case of long-term insulin independence being reported in late 2015. Therefore, islet transplantation can offer freedom from life-threatening severe hypoglycemia for type 1 diabetes patients with problematic hypoglycemia, even in non-responders to the latest technology-based treatment.

Insight into Microenvironment Remodeling in Pancreatic Endocrine Tissue Engineering: Biological and Biomaterial Approaches

The treatment of diabetes mellitus, as a chronic and complicated disease, is a valuable purpose. Islet transplantation can provide metabolic stability and insulin independence in type 1 diabetes patients. Diet and insulin therapy are only diabetes controllers and cannot remove all of the diabetes complications. Moreover, islet transplantation is more promising treatment than whole pancreas transplantation because of lesser invasive surgical procedure and morbidity and mortality. According to the importance of extracellular matrix for islet viability and function, microenvironment remodeling of pancreatic endocrine tissue can lead to more success in diabetes treatment by pancreatic islets. Production of bioengineered pancreas and remodeling of pancreas extracellular matrix provide essential microenvironment for re-vascularization, re-innervation and signaling cascades triggering. Therefore, islets show better viability and function in these conditions. Researchers conduct various scaffolds with different biomaterials for the improvement of islet viability, function and transplantation outcome. The attention to normal pancreas anatomy, embryology and histology is critical to understand the pancreatic Langerhans islets niche and finally to achieve efficient engineered structure. Therefore, in the present study, the status and components of the islets niche is mentioned and fundamental issues related to the tissue engineering of this structure is considered. The purpose of this review article is summarization of recent progress in the endocrine pancreas tissue engineering and biomaterials and biological aspects of it.

Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Donor Surgery for Living Donor Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation: A Single Center Experience / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: In this era of donor shortage, use of organs from living donors has increased significantly. Nonetheless, less than 1% of pancreas transplantations involve living donors, despite the immunological benefits, reduced cold ischemic time, and decreased waiting time. One reason for the paucity of donors is the high morbidity after open surgery. Using hand-assisted laparoscopic donor surgery (HALDS) can be a favorable technique for living donors. METHODS: Using HALDS, we performed three Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations (SPKs) involving living donors. Two donors were women; one was a man. RESULTS: Their mean age was 34.3±4.7 years, and their body mass index was 23.2±2.36 kg/m². The mean operation time was 241±19.0 minutes and the mean cold-ischemic time of the kidney was 42.7±9.8 minutes, while that of the pancreas was 64.3±5.2 minutes. One donor developed a pancreatic fistula, which was controlled using conservative management. The donors' pancreatic and renal functions were well preserved postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: HALDS for SPKs can be performed without significant complications if the surgeon has sufficient skill.

Pancreas transplantation: review / Transplante de pâncreas: revisão

ABSTRACT Vascularized pancreas transplantation is the only treatment that establishes normal glucose levels and normalizes glycosylated hemoglobin levels in type 1 diabetic patients. The first vascularized pancreas transplant was performed by William Kelly and Richard Lillehei, to treat a type 1 diabetes patient, in December 1966. In Brazil, Edison Teixeira performed the first isolated segmental pancreas transplant in 1968. Until the 1980s, pancreas transplants were restricted to a few centers of the United States and Europe. The introduction of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil in 1994, led to a significant outcome improvement and consequently, an increase in pancreas transplants in several countries. According to the International Pancreas Transplant Registry, until December 31st, 2010, more than 35 thousand pancreas transplants had been performed. The one-year survival of patients and pancreatic grafts exceeds 95 and 83%, respectively. The better survival of pancreatic (86%) and renal (93%) grafts in the first year after transplantation is in the simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant group of patients. Immunological loss in the first year after transplant for simultaneous pancreas-kidney, pancreas after kidney, and pancreas alone are 1.8, 3.7, and 6%, respectively. Pancreas transplant has 10 to 20% surgical complications requiring laparotomy. Besides enhancing quality of life, pancreatic transplant increases survival of uremic diabetic patient as compared to uremic diabetic patients on dialysis or with kidney transplantation alone.

RESUMO O transplante vascularizado de pâncreas é o único tratamento que estabelece normoglicemia e normaliza os níveis séricos de hemoglobina glicosilada em pacientes diabéticos tipo 1. O primeiro transplante de pâncreas vascularizado foi realizado para tratar um paciente diabético tipo 1 em dezembro de 1966, por William Kelly e Richard Lillehei. No Brasil, Edison Teixeira realizou o primeiro transplante de pâncreas segmentar isolado em 1968. Até a década de 1980, os transplantes de pâncreas ficaram restritos a poucos centros dos Estados Unidos e da Europa. A introdução dos imunossupressores tacrolimo e micofenolato mofetila, a partir de 1994, propiciou a melhora significativa dos resultados e a consequente realização de transplantes em escala crescente em vários países. Segundo o Registro Internacional de Transplante de Pâncreas, foram realizados, até 31 de dezembro de 2010, mais de 35 mil transplantes de pâncreas. Sobrevida no primeiro ano dos pacientes e dos enxertos pancreáticos excede, respectivamente, 95 e 83%. A melhor sobrevida dos enxertos pancreático (86%) e renal (93%), no primeiro ano pós-transplante, está na categoria de transplante simultâneo de pâncreas e rim. As perdas imunológicas no primeiro ano pós-transplante para transplante simultâneo de pâncreas e rim, transplante de pâncreas após rim e transplante de pâncreas isolado foram, respectivamente, 1,8, 3,7, e 6%. O transplante de pâncreas apresenta de 10 a 20% de complicações cirúrgicas, necessitando laparotomia. O transplante de pâncreas, além de melhorar a qualidade de vida, proporciona o aumento da sobrevida em diabéticos urêmicos, comparados aos diabéticos em diálise ou transplantados renais.

Diarrea aguda en trasplantes renales y reno-pancreáticos

La diarrea es una complicación frecuente y potencialmente grave del trasplante renal. Se describen aquí, en un estudio de corte transversal, las características epidemiológicas y microbiológicas de la diarrea aguda y persistente en pacientes internados con trasplante renal o reno-páncreas. Se incluyeron 52 pacientes internados en un hospital de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, 42 (80.8%) habían recibido un trasplante renal y 10 (19.2%) reno-páncreas. La diarrea fue el motivo de ingreso en 34 casos (65.4%). La etiología de la diarrea pudo estudiarse en 50 pacientes: en 25 (50%) no se arribó a un diagnóstico etiológico y en 18 (36%) se constató diarrea con causa microbiológica específica: 3 (6%) enfermedad por citomegalovirus, 6 (12%) diarrea atribuida a citomegalovirus, 5 (10%) a rotavirus y 4 (8%) a Clostridium difficile. En 7 (14%) la diarrea fue atribuida a fármacos (mofetil micofenolato y sirolimus). Aquellos con diarrea con causa microbiológica habían recibido recientemente inmunosupresores a altas dosis con mayor frecuencia que el resto (p = 0.048). Los pacientes con diarrea atribuida a fármacos recibían más frecuentemente mofetil micofenolato (p = 0.039). En 16 (30.8%) se realizaron modificaciones de los inmunosupresores como medida terapéutica, y a 47 (90.4%) se les indicó antibioticoterapia empírica. La mediana de duración de internación fue de 6 días y 7 pacientes (14.6%) persistieron con diarrea al quinto día. Todos tuvieron resolución de la diarrea al alta y un tercio persistió con insuficiencia renal. La información de este estudio puede servir para mejorar las medidas preventivas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas en estos pacientes.

Diarrhea is a frequent and potentially severe complication of kidney transplantation. We describe here, in a cross-sectional study, the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of acute and persistent diarrhea in 52 inpatients with kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant in a hospital in Buenos Aires, 42 (80.8%) of whom had received a kidney and 10 (19.2%) a kidney-pancreas transplant. Diarrhea was the reason of admission of 34 cases (65.4%). The etiology could be studied in 50 patients: 25 (50%) had no etiological diagnosis of diarrhea and 18 (36%) had a specific infectious etiology: 3 (6%) cytomegalovirus disease, 6 (12%) diarrhea attributed to cytomegalovirus, 5 (10%) to rotavirus and 4 (8%) to Clostridium difficile. In 7 (14%) diarrhea was attributed to drugs (mycophenolate mofetil and sirolimus). Patients with infectious diarrhea had recently received high doses of immunosuppressive therapy more frequently than the rest (p = 0.048). Those with diarrhea attributed to drugs were more frequently on mycophenolate mofetil than the rest (p = 0.039). Empirical modification of the immunosuppressive treatment was done in 16 (30.8%) and empirical antibiotic therapy was given to 47 patients (90.4%). Median length of hospital stay was 6 days. Seven patients (14.6%) persisted with diarrhea at the fifth day of admission. At hospital discharge all cases had complete resolution of symptoms and one third persisted with kidney failure. Information provided in this study can be useful as a starting point for improving preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures in these patients.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: lessons learned from the initial experience of a single center in Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report the results of simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantations and describe the lessons learned from the early experiences of a single center. METHODS: Between January 2002 and June 2013, a total of 8 patients underwent SPK transplantation. Clinical and radiologic data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Seven patients were diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus and one patient became insulin-dependent after undergoing a total pancreatectomy because of trauma. Pancreas exocrine drainage was performed by enteric drainage in 4 patients and bladder drainage in 4 patients. Three patients required conversion from initial bladder drainage to enteric drainage due to urinary symptoms and duodenal leakage. Four patients required a relaparotomy due to hemorrhage, ureteral stricture, duodenal leakage, and venous thrombosis. There was no kidney graft loss, and 2 patients had pancreas graft loss because of venous thrombosis and new onset of type II diabetes mellitus. With a median follow-up of 76 months (range, 2-147 months), the death-censored graft survival rates for the pancreas were 85.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years and 42.9% at 10 years. The patient survival rate was 87.5% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. CONCLUSION: The long-term grafts and patient survival in the current series are comparable to previous studies. A successful pancreas transplant program can be established in a single small-volume institute. A meticulous surgical technique and early anticoagulation therapy are required for further improvement in the outcomes.

Financial cost of the admissions for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant in a Brazilian Hospital

PURPOSE: To perform a cost analysis of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) in a Brazilian hospital. METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2011, 105 consecutive SPKTs at the Hospital of Kidney and Hypertension in Sao Paulo were evaluated. We evaluated the patient demographics, payment source (public health system or supplementary system), and the impact of each hospital cost component. The evaluated costs were corrected to December 2011 values and converted to US dollars. RESULTS: Of the 105 SPKT patients, 61.9% were men, and 38.1% were women. Eight patients died, and 97 were discharged (92.4%). Eighty-nine procedures were funded by the public health system. The cost for the patients who were discharged was $18.352.27; the cost for the deceased patients was $18.449.96 (p = 0.79). The FOR for SPKT during this period was positive at $5,620.65. The costs were distributed as follows: supplies, 36%; administrative costs, 20%; physician fees, 15%; intensive care unit, 10%; surgical center, 10%; ward, 9%. CONCLUSION: Mortality did not affect costs, and supplies were the largest cost component. .