Transforming Growth Factor ß1 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Fetal Pancreatic Stem Cell Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to determine transforming growth factor ß1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after fetal pancreatic stem cell transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 10 patients (age range, 41-65 y) with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which we subsequently divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised 5 patients who received fetal pancreatic stem cell transplant (cells were 16-18 wk gestation) performed by intravenous infusion. Group 2 comprised 5 patients (control group) who were on hypoglycemic tablet therapy or insulin therapy. The quantity of fetal stem cells infused was 5 to 6 × 106. We analyzed transforming growth factor ß1, C-peptide, and glycated hemoglobin levels in patients before and 3 months after fetal pancreatic stem cell transplant. RESULTS: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, fetal pancreatic stem cell transplant led to a significant increase in transforming growth factor ß1 levels, from 16 364.8 to 35 730.4 ng/mL (P = .008), with trend in decreased glycated hemoglobin levels, from 7.96% to 6.98% (P = .088) after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Transforming growth factor ß1 levels increased significantly within 3 months after fetal pancreatic stem cell transplant in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Organ Transplants in Kazakhstan.

The Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the fastest developing countries in the world and has a health care system that is unique in Central Asia. Its organ transplant services are also developing rapidly. We aimed to analyze and briefly report on the current status of organ transplant in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We analyzed organ transplant activities in that country for the period 2012 to 2014. All data were collected from the official database of the National Transplant Coordinating Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the end of 2014, the number of transplant centers had increased to 10, three of which could perform multiorgan transplants; during the same period, the number of deceased-donor organ-donating hospitals increased up to 37. By 2013, the transplant activity rate for all centers had reached 9.22 per million population. During the previous 3 years (2012-2014), there was a 3-fold increase in the number of living donors and an 18-fold increase in the number of kidney transplants. Between 2012 and 2014, the number of living-donor liver transplants increased from 17 to 25, and the number of deceased-donor transplants increased from 3 to 7. During the last 3 years (2012-2014), the number of heart transplants increased to 7 cases. During the last 3 years (2012-2014), Kazakhstan achieved a significant improvement in the organization of its transplant services, and a noticeable upward trend in the system continues.

Splenic Artery Embolization in Patients After Orthotopic Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Hypersplenism (thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, anemia) syndrome and ascites occur after orthotopic liver transplant. These conditions can be treated by open splenectomy. Splenic artery embolization has been practiced as an alternative surgical method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and January 2015, twenty-one orthotopic liver transplants were performed at the National Scientific Medical Research Center, Astana, Kazakhstan. Of these patients, 3 subsequently received splenic artery embolization 12, 8, and 6 months after transplant: 2 patients who had been diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis and 1 patient with hepatitis B virus -related liver cirrhosis. Two patients received a right-lobe living orthotopic liver transplant, and 1 patient received a deceased donor transplant. Indications for splenic artery embolization (ascites, splenomegaly) were based on clinical and ultrasonographic investigation and laboratory findings (thrombocytopenia, platelet count < 60 × 109/L, leukocytopenia, and white blood cell count < 2 × 109/L). Two recipients had leukothrombocytopenia and refractory ascites, and 1 had only thrombocytopenia. Splenic artery embolization was performed via a percutaneous femoral artery approach under local anesthesia. Transcatheter splenic artery branch occlusion was performed by deploying occlusion material. Preoperative spleen size ranged from 17.5 × 8.0 cm to 22.0 × 12.5 cm; ascites volumes were > 1000 mL. RESULTS: In all patients, ascites and platelet levels decreased after splenic artery embolization. In 1 patient with leukopenia, white blood cell count normalized. After embolization, 1 patient had severe abdominal pain requiring analgesia medication, and 2 patients had fever that lasted 3 days. Patients were discharged 6 to 9 days after embolization. One patient developed a perisplenic abscess without fever 1 month after discharge, and the abscess was drained using an ultrasound-guided percutaneous procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery embolization is a safe and effective minimally invasive method for treating hypersplenism and ascites in orthotopic liver transplant recipients and an alternative to open splenectomy.

Evaluation of Kidney Allograft in the Early Posttransplant Period Using Ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the kidney allograft after transplant to assess restoration of blood flow, the time required to functionally recovery after surgery, and the ability to differentiate normal from pathologic grafts using color Doppler ultrasonography in the early posttransplant period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen kidney recipients underwent renal color Doppler ultrasonography examinations 1, 2, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days after transplant. We evaluated the clinical and biochemical test results of recipients and the functioning allografts and evaluated the acute pathology. Results of resistive index in color Doppler ultrasonography were compared with blood test results. RESULTS: During the early postoperative period after kidney transplant, the average size of the kidney was 10.7 × 5.1 cm, with parenchyma at 1.7 cm. The structure of the parenchyma was nonhomogeneous in 14 patients and homogeneous in 2 patients. The medullary pyramid layer was prominent in 6 patients, moderately prominent in 7 patients, and not prominent in 3 patients. The pyelocaliceal system was condensed in 1 patient. Hematoma in the perinephrium was found in 5 patients, and free fluid was found in 5 patients. Satisfactory vascularization of allografts occurred in 14 patients, with resistive index sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Color Doppler ultrasonography and resistive index results were useful in evaluating kidney allografts during the early postoperative period and in confirming their condition despite excessive blood parameter values.