Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antibodies on graft function and survival in paediatric kidney transplant recipients.

HLA donor specific antibodies (DSA) are implicated in antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), graft dysfunction and failure in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Non-HLA antibodies including angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) may also play a role in AMR, impact graft function and survival. Data is limited in paediatric KT cohorts. We aimed to assess the prevalence and effect of pre-transplant AT1R antibodies on rejection, graft function and survival in paediatric KT recipients. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted across two paediatric centres including KT recipients with a pre-transplant AT1R antibody level. Outcomes included rejection, de novo DSA formation, graft function, failure, proteinuria and hypertension. Of 71 individuals, 72% recorded a positive pre-transplant AT1R Ab level (≥17 U/mL). Over a median follow-up of 4.7 years, AT1R Ab positivity demonstrated a trend towards increased risk of rejection however was not statistically significant (HR 3.45, 95% CI 0.97-12.35, p-value 0.06). Sensitivity analysis with AT1R Ab levels of ≥25 U/mL (HR 2.05 95% CI 0.78-5.39, p-value 0.14) and ≥40 U/mL (HR 1.32, CI 95% 0.55-3.17, p-value 0.53) validated this. De novo DSA formation occurred more frequently with AT1R Ab positivity (41% vs. 20%, p-value 0.9). AT1R Ab was not associated with hypertension, proteinuria, graft failure or dysfunction. In conclusion, this cohort study demonstrated a high prevalence of pre-transplant AT1R Ab positivity (72%). AT1R Ab positivity demonstrated a trend towards increased risk of rejection and de novo DSA formation however did not meet statistical significance. There was no association between AT1R Ab and hypertension, proteinuria, graft failure or dysfunction.

Development of de novo HLA donor specific antibodies (HLA-DSA), HLA antibodies (HLA-Ab) and allograft rejection post blood transfusion in kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion during the post-operative period of kidney transplantation is common as part of a life-saving procedure, especially in the event of acute blood loss. However, there have been conflicting opinions since the pre-cyclosporine era. The risk of sensitization post-transfusion remains the main limiting factor following transfusion in kidney transplant recipients. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the development of de novo HLA-DSA, HLA-Ab and allograft rejection post blood transfusion. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective cohort study recruiting all kidney transplant recipients in South Australia from January 2010 till December 2018. Following that, the incidence of blood transfusion within one week post-operatively were traced (transfusion group). The outcomes were compared with all other transplant recipients (non-transfusion group). Recipient's demographic, donor characteristics and immunological risk profiles were obtained from the transplant unit database, while the biopsy report, history of blood transfusion, latest serum creatinine and follow-up status was gathered from the electronic medical system (OASIS). The HLA-DSA and HLA-Ab results were collected from the NOMS database. Finally, the survival data were merged with the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry for South Australia recipients graft survival. RESULTS: A total of 699 patients were eligible for analysis. The mean age was 50.64 ± 13.23 years old. There were more elderly (>65 years old) and females who needed transfusion. The majority had glomerulonephritis as the primary disease. There was no statistical difference in donor characteristics, cold ischemic time and immunological risk between the transfusion and non-transfusion group. There was no difference in the development of de novo HLA-DSA, HLA-Ab and rejection episodes between the group and the results were consistent in a model adjusted for all potential confounders. Median graft survival in days between the transfusion vs non-transfusion group was 1845 IQR (961,2430) and 1250 IQR (672,2013). CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion under strong immunosuppressive cover within a one-week post-operative period is safe with no significant association with the development of de novo HLA-DSA, HLA-Ab or clinical rejection.

BK virus encoded microRNAs are present in blood of renal transplant recipients with BK viral nephropathy.

BK viral infection is an important cause of renal transplant dysfunction and failure. Current strategies utilize surveillance for infection with DNA polymerase chain reaction assays and modulation of immunosuppression. Many viruses including polyomaviruses encode microRNAs (miRNAs). We have detected BK virus (BKV) encoded miRNAs in the blood of infected renal transplant recipients, and see a strong correlation between BKV encoded miRNA and BKV DNA in blood and a relationship between levels of bkv-miR-B1-5p and the presence of biopsy-proven BK viral nephropathy. Further research is needed to determine whether the detection of this and other virally encoded miRNAs may be useful in the diagnosis of active viral replication.

Skin cancer surveillance in renal transplant recipients: re-evaluation of U.K. practice and comparison with Australian experience.

BACKGROUND: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common tumour following solid organ transplantation. In 2000 a survey of U.K. centres managing renal transplant recipients (RTRs) showed that only 21% offered skin cancer surveillance. OBJECTIVES: The survey was repeated in 2006 in the U.K. and Australia. The aims were to determine if U.K. practice had changed since 2000, to define skin cancer surveillance practice in Australian RTRs and to compare this with that in the U.K. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to 84 U.K. and 45 Australian centres providing long-term RTR follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-six (67%) U.K. centres caring for 82% (n = 16 349) of the RTR population replied. Sixty-six per cent provided annual skin cancer surveillance and 39% offered full skin examination (FSE) compared with 21% and 20% in 2000. Eighty-one per cent of surveillance was performed by nondermatologists (n = 30), nine (30%) of whom had received formal training for the role. Thirty-one (69%) Australian centres covering 86% (n = 5392) of the RTR population responded. Ninety-seven per cent provided skin cancer surveillance, and 61% offered FSE. Forty per cent (n = 12) of skin cancer surveillance was conducted by nondermatologists. Two nondermatologists had received formal training. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a substantial improvement in the provision of skin cancer surveillance for RTRs in the U.K. between 2000 and 2006, only 39% of units offer FSE. In contrast, virtually all Australian centres offer annual skin cancer surveillance, with more dermatology involvement. Lack of training for nondermatologists involved in skin cancer surveillance is evident in both countries. The availability of dermatologists and the variation in NMSC risk between the populations may explain the different practices observed.

Dermatochalasis and dry eye.

The medical records of 141 patients with dermatochalasis seen during the 32-month period of January 1989 through August 1991 were reviewed. Patients were classified on the basis of symptoms and mode of treatment and were examined for effectiveness of blepharoplasty in ameliorating these symptoms. Seventy-three patients (51.8%) had symptoms similar to those found in keratoconjunctivitis sicca, including mattering, burning, itching, redness, epiphora, foreign-body sensation, and photophobia. Of these 73 patients, 38 (52.1%) underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Subjective improvement in symptoms was achieved in 33 of these patients (86.8%) postoperatively. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty may represent an effective component in the treatment of patients with dermatochalasis and dry-eye symptoms.

Transconjunctival surgery.

Transconjunctival surgery provides excellent exposure of the inferior orbit, leaves no visible scar, and poses less risk of the complications typically associated with transcutaneous techniques. The transconjunctival approach can be combined with lateral canthal techniques to increase exposure and surgical options. We review applications of the transconjunctival approach in blepharoplasty, the repair of orbital floor fractures, socket reconstruction, inferior orbital tumor excision, and orbital decompression.

En bloc resection in upper eyelid blepharoplasty.

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty as traditionally performed may fail to adequately debulk the eyelids especially in the middle age or older patient. A technique used by the senior author for the past 10 years is described. The en bloc resection of redundant upper eyelid tissue can be readily combined with other procedures.

Combined procedure for repair of involutional entropion.

Combined procedures that address multiple etiologic factors in involutional entropion are not new, but ophthalmic surgeons have been slow to accept this surgical approach. Traditional procedures that correct only one or two of the etiologic factors have a high incidence of recurrent entropion. The purpose of this article is to encourage the use of a combined procedure in the treatment of all cases of primary and recurrent entropion to minimize recurrences. Between 1983 and 1989, 127 consecutive eyelids with involutional entropion in 97 patients were operated by the senior author (R.P.C.) using the procedure described in this paper. Of these eyelids, 39% (49) had previous surgery and 22% (28) had more than one previous procedure. Although occasional minor postoperative problems occurred, they were readily managed, and there have been no known recurrences of entropion with an average follow-up of 33 months.

Putting "peer" into PRO.

Tracing Medicare peer review from its inception to the present day, this article focuses on the Texas problems with the state's peer review organization and the solutions brought about by the Texas Medical Association Physician-Patient Advocacy Committee. The author traces his personal involvement in the process to illustrate what impact can be made by any physician in the state through involvement in organized medicine. Lessons learned and messages for the future cap off this overview of peer review in Texas.

Cautery dissection in levator surgery.

This report describes a new technique that facilitates dissection of tissue planes and essentially eliminates intraoperative bleeding, two of the most frequently encountered problems during levator surgery. The described technique has been used in more than 450 consecutive eyelids with congenital and acquired ptosis requiring levator surgery. Disinsertion or dehiscence of the aponeurosis was found in less than 5% of the cases of involutional ptosis.

Cystic lesions of the eyelid following ptosis repair.

The formation of epithelial cysts and pseudocysts of the eyelid is an uncommon complication of ptosis surgery. These lesions may originate at the time of surgery from the burying of conjunctival epithelium, from obstruction of the gland of Krause, or from injury to the main lacrimal gland or duct. Although surgical excision effectively cures lesions stemming from buried conjunctiva or obstruction of the gland of Krause, lacrimal gland pseudocysts must be drained into the conjunctival fornix. These complications are best avoided by a thorough understanding of eyelid anatomy and by meticulous surgical dissection.

Entropion following the Cutler-Beard procedure.

Cicatricial entropion is one of several complications that may occur following the Cutler-Beard procedure in upper eyelid reconstruction. Three of ten eyelids developed this complication and were treated successfully. The incidence of entropion following this procedure should be decreased if a tarsal substitute is provided at the time of the initial operation. A composite graft from the nasal septum, a tarsoconjunctival flap from the opposing lower lid, preserved sclera, or autogenous ear cartilage are acceptable tarsal substitutes that can provide the necessary stability to the reconstructed eyelid.

Preventable problems following the Fasanella-Servat procedure.

While the Fasanella-Servat Procedure is a reliable and technically simple operation, less than optimal results are frequently encountered. Proper patient selection, adequate patient evaluation, and meticulous surgical technique are as essential in this procedure as they are in more involved ophthalmic plastic procedures.