Results and prognosis of kidney transplantation in lupus nephritis: Experience of an Argentine center.

INTRODUCTION: Although RT has improved the survival of the population with ESRD due to all causes, renal outcomes in SLE are controversial. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics and evolution of the patients and the kidney transplant in LN, and compare it with patients transplanted for other causes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, observational, analytical, single-center study in which records of patients undergoing nephrotransplantation for LN were analyzed. They were compared with a group of patients transplanted at the same center for other causes of ESRD. RESULTS: 41 patients with kidney transplant due to SLE and 89 transplanted due to other causes of ESRD were registered. Graft loss occurred in 12 (29.26%) patients with LN and 34 (38.2%) patients in the comparison group (p = .428). Only one case (4.8%) presented reactivation of the LN in the graft, without graft loss. Median graft survival was 73.1 months in the LN group and 66.3 months in the comparison group (p = .221). A total of 8 (19.5%) patients with LN and 11 (12.4%) without LN died (p = .42), with infections being the main cause in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in graft and patient survival. In a sub-analysis of 28 patients with LN with aPL study, 4 thrombotic events were observed, in 3 different patients, in the aPL-positive group. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of causes of graft loss and graft survival (positive aFL 75.7 months vs negative aFL 72.7 months, p= .96). There were also no differences in mortality between the groups (p = .61). CONCLUSION: Patients transplanted for LN did not differ from the control population in terms of graft and patient survival. Infections were the main cause of death, so prophylaxis and vaccination continue to be a fundamental pillar in the prevention of infections in immunocompromised patients.

Renal Transplantation in the Elderly: Are They All the Same? A Multicenter, Comorbidity-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: The age for kidney transplantation (KT) is no longer a limitation and several studies have shown benefits in the survival of elderly patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the baseline Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score to morbidity and mortality after transplantation. METHODS: In this multicentric observational retrospective cohort study, we included patients older than 60 years admitted on the waiting list (WL) for deceased donor KT from January 01, 2006, to December 31, 2016. The CCI score was calculated for each patient at inclusion on the WL. RESULTS: Data for analysis were available of 387 patients. The patients were divided in tertiles of CCI: group 1 (CCI: 1-2) n = 117, group 2 (CCI: 3-4) n = 158, and group 3 (CCI: ≥5) n = 112. Patient survival was significantly different between CCI groups at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively: 90%, 88%, and 84% for group 1, 88%, 80%, and 72% for group 2, and 87%, 75%, and 63% for group 3 (p < 0.0001). Variables associated with mortality were CCI score (p < 0.0001), HLA mismatch (p = 0.014), length of hospital stay (p < 0.0001), surgical complications (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Individualized strategies to modify these variables may improve patient's morbidity and mortality after KT.

COVID-19 en pacientes trasplantados renales, en lista de espera y en evaluación para trasplante. Experiencia en un hospital público en Argentina / COVID-19 in renal transplant patients, on the waiting list and under evaluation for transplantation. Experience in a public hospital in Argentina

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar frecuencia de hisopado, casos positivos y tasa de letalidad por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes trasplantados, en lista de espera o en evaluación en un Hospital Público de la Argentina. Material y métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los pacientes de la unidad (trasplantados, en lista de espera o en evaluación para trasplante) hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2020. Se buscó en forma individualizada cada paciente en el SINTRA, en bases de datos de pacientes de una unidad de trasplante y en el sistema SISA, para buscar: realización de hisopados, porcentaje de positividad de los mismos, mortalidad general y aquella vinculada a SARS-CoV-2. Se consideró edad, sexo, tiempo en diálisis, condición de diabético, hipertensión y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Se realizó análisis estadístico mediante Student, Mann Whitney y Chi cuadrado según correspondiere. Resultados: Durante 2020, estuvieron en seguimiento, en la Unidad de Trasplante Renal, un total de 1513 pacientes entre trasplantados renales en seguimiento (n=515), pacientes en lista de espera renal (n= 413) y pacientes en evaluación para trasplante (n=585). Se registraron un total de 103 casos positivos de COVID-19, sobre 477 hisopados realizados (positividad del 32,51%). La tasa de letalidad global fue del 21,88%, variando según el paciente estuviera en lista de espera (22,73%), en evaluación de trasplante (30%) o trasplantado (35,48%). Estas diferencias no alcanzaron significación estadística. Conclusiones: Se presenta un análisis descriptivo de los efectos de la pandemia sobre nuestra población. Es importante notar que nuestro centro atiende un porcentaje elevado de pacientes de bajos recursos y un área geográfica extensa, por lo cual los resultados pueden haber sido sesgados por estas características. En nuestra población trasplantada se observó un incremento de 10 veces la letalidad observada en la población general. La presencia de un mayor grado de inmunosupresión y factores de riesgo (diabetes, edad, hipertensión) podrían explicar lo observado.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Assess frequency of swabbing, positive and lethality rate cases of SARS-CoV-2 in transplant patients on the waiting list or evaluation in a Public Hospital of Argentina. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out of the patients in the unit (transplanted, on the waiting list or under evaluation for transplantation) until September 30, 2020. Each patient was searched individually in the SINTRA, in databases of patients of a transplant unit and in the SISA system, to find: swabbing, percentage of tests positivity, general mortality and that related to SARS-CoV-2. Age, sex, time on dialysis, diabetic condition, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were considered. Statistical analysis was performed using Student, Mann Whitney and Chi square as appropriate. Results: During 2020, a total of 1,513 patients were under follow-up in the Kidney Transplant Unit, including kidney transplants under follow-up (n=515), patients on the renal waiting list (n=413) and patients under evaluation for transplantation (n=585). A total of 103 positive cases of COVID-19 were registered, out of 477 swabs performed (positivity of 32.51%). The overall case fatality rate was of the 21.88%, varying according to the patient was on the waiting list (22.73%) in transplant evaluation (30%) or transplanted (35.48%). These differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: A descriptive analysis of the effects of the pandemic on our population is presented. It is important to note that our center cares for a high percentage of low-income patients and a large geographic area, so the results may have been biased by these characteristics. In our transplanted population, a 10-fold increase in mortality observed in the general population was observed. The presence of a higher degree of immunosuppression and risk factors (diabetes, age, hypertension) could explain what was observed.

Renal Transplantation in Patients Older Than 60 Years With High Comorbidity. Is There a Survival Benefit? A Multicenter Study in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: The impact of renal transplantation (RT) in the elderly with many comorbid conditions is a matter of concern. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of RT on the survival of patients older than 60 years compared with those remaining on the waiting list (WL) according to their comorbidities. METHODS: In this multicentric observational retrospective cohort study, we included all patients older than 60 years old admitted on the WL from 01 January 2006 to 31 December 2016. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score was calculated for each patient at inclusion on the WL. Kidney donor risk index was used to assess donor characteristics. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-six patients were included on the WL of which 371 (36%) received an RT during a median follow-up period of 2.5 (1.4-4.1) years. Patient survival was higher after RT compared to patients remaining on the WL, 87%, 80%, and 72% versus 87%, 55%, and 30% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. After RT survival at 5 years was 37% higher for patients with CCI ≥ 3, and 46% higher in those with CCI < 3, compared with patients remaining on the WL. On univariate and multivariate analysis, patient survival was independently associated with a CCI of ≥3 (hazard ratio 1.62; confidence interval 1.09-2.41; P < 0.02) and the use of calcineurin-based therapy maintenance therapy (hazard ratio 0.53; confidence interval 0.34-0.82; P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that RT improved survival in patients older than 60 years even those with high comorbidities. The survival after transplantation was also affected by comorbidities.

Utilidad de la dinamometría en pacientes en hemodiálisis / Use of dynamometry in hemodialysis patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: La dinamometría es un método de evaluación de la fuerza muscular (FM) reproducible, barato y sencillo, que en conjunto con otras determinaciones presenta alta sensibilidad y especificidad en la detección precoz de variaciones en el estado nutricional. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar factores relacionados con disminución de la FM en pacientes en hemodiálisis (HD).MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, unicéntrico. Se analizaron variables clínicas: sexo, edad, tensión arterial, peso, pérdida de peso significativa a los 3 y 6 meses previos, índice de masa corporal (IMC), ganancia interdialítica, tiempo en HD, condición de diabético, ingesta energética y proteica, de laboratorio (hemoglobina, hepatograma, ionograma, calcio, fósforo, lipidograma, proteinograma, transferrina) y fuerza prensil (pre y posdiálisis y en ambos brazos) medida por dinamometría. Se compararon los valores de FM con los de una población sana, considerando como alterados aquellos por debajo del percentilo 10. Se consideró promedio, mediana, desvío estándar y análisis mediante test de Student y Chi cuadrado según correspondiera. Se consideró significativo una p<0.05. RESULTADOS: Participaron 73 pacientes. Un 47.95% presentó baja FM con una significativa disminución de fuerza entre el brazo del acceso vascular y el contralateral (p 0,00019). De las variables estudiadas, el mayor tiempo en HD (p 0,026), menor IMC (p 0,046) tuvieron diferencia significativa entre los que tuvieron FM normal vs disminuida. Conclusiones: La disminución de la FM en pacientes en HD es muy frecuente y se relacionó con mayor tiempo en HD y menor IMC

INTRODUCTION: Dynamometry is a cheap, simple and easily reproduced method to assess muscle strength (MS), which, like other processes of obtaining measurements, displays high sensitivity and specificity for the early detection of any change in the nutritional status. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate factors concerning the reduction in MS in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: A single center, cross-sectional study was carried out. The following clinical variables were analyzed: sex, age, blood pressure, weight, significant weight loss within the last 3 6 months, body mass index (BMI), weight gain in between dialysis sessions, hemodialysis treatment time, diabetes, energy and protein intake. Other factors taken into account were: laboratory findings (hemoglobin, hepatogram, electrolyte panel, calcium test, phosphate test, lipid profile, protein analysis, transferrin saturation) and hand grip strength (before and after dialysis, on both arms) measured through dynamometry. The patients' muscle strength values were compared to those of healthy subjects. Values below the 10th percentile were regarded as abnormal. Mean, median, standard deviation as well as the X2 and the Student's t tests were considered where applicable. A p<0.05 constituted a significant value. RESULTS: There were 73 patients included in this study and 47.95% of them showed low MS with significant strength loss on the arm having the vascular access when compared to the other arm (p 0.00019). A longer hemodialysis treatment time (p 0.026) and a lower BMI (p 0.046) were found to be the two variables with the highest impact on MS. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle strength loss in patients undergoing hemodialysis is very common and is associated with a longer HD treatment time and a lower BMI

Hiperuricemia, enfermedad renal crónica y trasplante renal (parte II) / Hyperuricemia, chronic renal disease and renal transplant (part II)

La hiperuricemia (HU) en el trasplante renal (TR) ha sido definida igual que en la población general en las Guías KDIGO como valores por encima de 6 mg/dl en mujeres y 7 mg/dl en hombres. La incidencia de HU en algunas poblaciones es de 28%,(1) alcanzando el 80% en la era Ciclosporina (CSA).(2) La HU se observa precozmente luego del TR, los factores de riesgo asociados con su desarrollo incluyen: edad avanzada al momento del TR; historia de gota o HU pre-existente; obesidad; presencia de síndrome metabólico (SM); deterioro de la función del injerto; uso de inmunosupresores, principalmente ciclosporina (CSA); uso de diuréticos

Hyperuricemia (HU) in renal transplant (RT) has been defined, like general population, with KDIGO Guides, as over 6 mg/dl values in women and 7 mg/dl in men. HU incidence in some populations are 28%, reaching 80% in Cyclosporine era (CSA). HU is early observed after RT, risk factors associated with its development include: advanced age at the time of RT; gout history or pre-existing HU; obesity; metabolic syndrome presence (MS); graft function deterioration; use of Inmunosuppression drugs, mainly cyclosporine (CSA); use of diuretics

Hiperuricemia, enfermedad renal crónica y trasplante renal (parte I) / Hyperuricemia, chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant (part I)

La hiperuricemia post trasplante ha sido definida con valores iguales a la población general, en su prevalencia pueden alcanzar un 80% en los que han recibido un trasplante renal, un 5-25% desarrolla crisis gotosas. La edad avanzada al momento del implante, la historia de hiperuricemia o gota, la obesidad, el tratamiento con anticalcineurínicos, el uso de diuréticos y el bajo filtrado glomerular son algunos de los factores implicados en su desarrollo. La hiperuricemia se han relacionado con disminución de la vasodilatación mediada por óxido nítrico y la proliferación del músculo liso vascular a través de efectos proinflamatorios y profibróticos (mediados por células T, macrófagos, PDGF, TGF ß, entre otros). Estos efectos se han asociado a su vez con hipertensión arterial, afecciones cardiovasculares y progresión del daño renal (relacionado con fibrosis túbulo intersticial, arterioloesclerosis de la aferente, atrofia tubular), factores que conllevan a una reducción en la sobrevida del injerto como del paciente. La indicación de tratamiento de la hiperuricemia asintomática en esta población es aún objeto de debate, tanto respecto de la indicación en sí como del tipo de fármaco a utilizar, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en litiasis, tofos o artritis donde se debe encarar el tratamiento, jerarquizando la interacción con las drogas propias del trasplante. Se debe considerar que la mayoría de la información disponible se desprende del análisis sobre población general por lo que se requieren estudios de este grupo poblacional en particular.

Post-transplant hyperuricemia has been defined with equal values to the ones of general population, its prevalence can reach 80% in those who have received a kidney transplant, and 5 to 25% can develop gout crisis. Advanced age at implant, history of hyperuricemia or gout, obesity, treatment with calcineurin inhibitors, use of diuretics and low glomerular filtration rate are some of the factors involved in its development. Hyperuricemia has been linked to decreased nitric oxide mediated vasodilation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle through proinflammatory and profibrotic effects (mediated by T cells, macrophages, PDGF, TGF ß among others). These effects have been associated, in turn, with hypertension, cardiovascular disease and renal damage progression (related tubulointerstitial fibrosis, arteriosclerosis of afferent tubular atrophy) factors that lead to a reduction in graft and patient survival. Indication for asymptomatic hyperuricemia treatment in this population is still under debate, both in terms of the indication in itself and the type of drug used, unlike what happens in stones, arthritis, or tophi where they must face treatment must be addressed, prioritizing the interaction with the drugs used in transplantation. It must be considered that most of the available information comes from the analysis of general population, therefore studies on this population group are particularly required

Hiperuricemia, enfermedad renal crónica y trasplante renal (parte ii) / Hyperuricemia, chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant (part ii)

La hiperuricemia post trasplante ha sido definida con valores iguales a la población general, en su prevalencia pueden alcanzar un 80% en los que ha recibido un trasplante renal, un 5-25% desarrolla crisis gotosas. La edad avanzada al momento del implante, la historia de hiperuricemia o gota, la obesidad, el tratamiento con anticalcineurínicos, el uso de diuréticos y el bajo filtrado glomerular son algunos de los factores implicados en su desarrollo. La hiperuricemia se han relacionado con disminución de la vasodilatación mediada por óxido nítrico y la proliferación del músculo liso vascular a través de efectos proinflamatorios y profibróticos (mediados por células T, macrófagos, PDGF, TGF ² , entre otros). Estos efectos se han asociado a su vez con hipertensión arterial, afecciones cardiovasculares y progresión del daño renal (relacionado con fibrosis túbulo intersticial, arterioloesclerosis de la aferente, atrofia tubular), factores que conllevan a una reducción en la sobrevida del injerto como del paciente. La indicación de tratamiento de la hiperuricemia asintomática en esta población es aún objeto de debate, tanto respecto de la indicación en sí como del tipo de fármaco a utilizar, a diferencia de lo que ocurre en litiasis, tofos o artritis donde se debe encarar el tratamiento, jerarquizando la interacción con las drogas propias del trasplante. Se debe considerar que la mayoría de la información disponible se desprende del análisis sobre población general por lo que se requieren estudios de este grupo poblacional en particular.

Post-transplant hyperuricemia has been defined with equal values to the ones of general population, its prevalence can reach 80% in those who have received a kidney transplant, and 5 to 25% can develop gout crisis. Advanced age at implant, history of hyperuricemia or gout, obesity, treatment with calcineurin inhibitors, use of diuretics and low glomerular filtration rate are some of the factors involved in its development. Hyperuricemia has been linked to decreased nitric oxide mediated vasodilation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle through proinflammatory and profibrotic effects (mediated by T cells, macrophages, PDGF, TGF ² among others). These effects have been associated, in turn, with hypertension, cardiovascular disease and renal damage progression (related tubulointerstitial fibrosis, arteriosclerosis of afferent tubular atrophy) factors that lead to a reduction in graft and patient survival. Indication for asymptomatic hyperuricemia treatment in this population is still under debate, both in terms of the indication in itself and the type of drug used, unlike what happens in stones, arthritis, or tophi where they must face treatment must be addressed, prioritizing the interaction with the drugs used in transplantation. It must be considered that most of the available information comes from the analysis of general population, therefore studies on this population group are particularly required.

Análise da contaminaçäo por Salmonella em ovos do tipo colonial através da reaçäo em cadeia da polimerase / Analysis of Salmonella in free-range eggs through polymerase chain reaction

A identificaçäo de poedeiras comerciais infectadas por salmonelas tem sido um dos pontos fortes da profilaxia e conseqüente reduçäo de surtos de salmonelose em humanos associados ao consumo de ovos, sendo que a análise dos ovos pode ser mais um dos pontos de detecçäo da infecçäo, que, muitas vezes, cursa sem sinais clínicos. A Reaçäo em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) parece ser uma estratégia útil para detecçäo de Salmonella, pois vários autores têm utilizado a PCR para verificar a presença da bactéria em carnes, fezes, tecidos, sangue, leite e ovos, com diferentes metodologias de manipulaçäo das amostras. Foram analisados 360 ovos, procedentes de dez propriedades rurais, produtoras de ovos tipo colonial, no distrito de Camobi, em Santa Maria - RS. Os ovos foram divididos em grupos de seis, totalizando sessenta amostras. O exame bacteriológico foi realizado conforme metodologia preconizada pelas normas técnicas e a metodologia de extraçäo de DNA pelo fenol-clorofórmio. A PCR foi realizada para a amplificaçäo de um fragmento de DNA de 284 pb. A análise dos resultados näo demonstrou diferença significativa entre a PCR, sendo que essa última detectou duas amostras a mais, devido a sua alta sensibilidade e especificidade, especialmente quando é sabido que os ovos apresentam uma populaçäo microbiana mista que, muitas vezes, impede o isolamento adequado das salmonelas no bacteriológico pela competiçäo com a flora bacteriana normalmente presente.

Avaliação da reação em cadeia da polimerase na análise de ovos, saladas de batata e maioneses, envolvidos em surtos de toxinfecção alimentar / Evaluation of the chain reaction of the polimerase in eggs, mayonnaise and potato salads involved in food toxinfection booms

O consumo médio de ovos no Brasil foi de apenas 94 unidades/habitante/ ano, em 2000, enquanto em outros países esse valor é três vezes maior. Acredita-se que o pouco consumo de ovos em nosso país esteja associado a restrições relacionadas a fatores culturais, estéticos e de saúde como colesterol elevado e presença de contaminantes. A incidência de surtos de intoxicações alimentares por salmonelas em diversos países chamou a atenção para fontes comuns de infecção. As investigações epidemiológicas identificaram o consumo de ovos ou alimentos com eles, como responsáveis pela maioria dos surtos. A metodologia oficial de diagnóstico das salmonelas nos alimentos, envolve cinco fases que demandam muita manipulação, com cerca de 96 horas para que se conclua pela bactéria com ainda a necessidade da tipificação sorológica. A reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) é rápida e eficaz, dependendo apenas de métodos de extração do material genético e para a retirada de substâncias que possam interferir na técnica. Avaliou-se a técnica da PCR em ovos, maionese e saladas de batatas envolvidas em surtos de toxinfecção alimentar em comparação com a metodologia bacteriológica convencional. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a recuperação de 12/30 pelo bacteriológico, 14/30 pela PCR com extração pelo Tratamento Térmico e 17/30 com a extração pelo Fenol-Clorofórmio. O aumento da recuperação, aliado ao menor tempo de execução, variando de 30 horas até 54 horas, conforme a metodologia de pré-enriquecimento da amostra e a metodologia de extração utilizadas, são pontos favoráveis à indicação do uso da PCR no diagnóstico de rotina das salmonelas presentes em ovos e derivados.