Assessment of Tacrolimus Neurotoxicity Measured by Retinal OCT.

BACKGROUND: Neurotoxicity secondary to anticalcineurinics is a prevalent side effect in transplant recipients. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans the central nervous system by direct access to the retina. OCT assesses central nervous system involvement by measuring the thickness of the retinal layers, especially the ganglion cell layer (GCL). The retinal scan divides the scanned area into affected and unaffected segments, which can be quantified for each eye. The aim of this study was to determine retinal GCL thickness by means of OCT, analyzing the proportion of affected segments in individuals exposed to tacrolimus compared with a control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 20 renal transplant recipients exposed to tacrolimus for ≥6 months. The number of affected segments in the GCL of the retina was quantified by OCT. The control group was drawn from the general population attending routine ophthalmologic checkups. RESULTS: Patients exposed to tacrolimus had a pathologic examination in 50% of cases compared with 20% in the control group (P < .044). Furthermore, among patients with an exposure time to tacrolimus >5 years, the examination was pathologic in 80% (P < .005). Linear regression analysis showed the presence of GCL segments with decreased thickness to be associated with the duration of exposure to tacrolimus (P = .036) and the time in dialysis before kidney transplant (P = .030). CONCLUSION: Although this is a preliminary study, OCT scanning could serve to detect the neurotoxic effect of tacrolimus on the retinal GCL and central nervous system in renal transplant recipients.

Biopsia renal en receptores de transplante renal: cuidados de enfermería y complicaciones / Renal biopsy in renal transplant recipients: nursing care and complications

Introducción: La biopsia renal percutánea es una herramienta fundamental para el manejo del paciente trasplantado renal. La prueba es primordial para detectar y/o prevenir cualquier disfunción en el injerto, siendo un procedimiento tanto diagnóstico como preconizador. Objetivo: Describir los cuidados de enfermería e identificar las complicaciones derivadas de la biopsia renal en los receptores de Trasplante Renal. Material y métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal realizado en la Unidad de Trasplante Renal, Servicio de Nefrología, del 2008 al 2014. La población objeto de estudio son los receptores de Trasplante Renal (TR). La muestra está compuesta por 368 biopsias renales de seguimiento que ingresan para someterse a una biopsia renal. Los criterios de inclusión son ser mayores de 18 años, trasplantados y que han firmado el consentimiento informado. Se recogen datos sociodemográficos, clínico-asistenciales y complicaciones post-biopsia renal. Resultados: Desde 1980 hasta el 2014 se han llevado a cabo 1868 TR, de 2008 a 2014 se estudiaron 368 biopsias de seguimiento. Se monitoriza la Tensión Arterial y la coagulación pre biopsia. Tras el procedimiento, se controla la presencia de sangrado por micción y constantes vitales. Inicialmente el reposo absoluto era de 24 h, a partir de 2014 se reduce a 6 horas, recomendando reposo relativo al alta, las complicaciones fueron mínimas. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que la biopsia renal es un procedimiento eficaz, con escasas complicaciones. Destacar el papel de enfermería en la detección precoz de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: Percutaneous Renal Biopsy is an essential tool for the management of renal transplant patients. The test is essential to detect and / or prevent any graft dysfunction, being both a diagnostic and preconizador procedure. Objective is to describe nursing care and identify complications of renal biopsy in renal transplant recipients. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and transversal study was carried out in the Renal Transplantation Unit, Nephrology Department of Puigvert Foundation, from 2008 to 2014. The study population is kidney transplant recipients (TR). The sample consists of 368 kidney biopsies follow-up. Inclusion criteria are being over 18 years, transplanted, and signed informed consent. Sociodemographic data, clinical care and complications after renal biopsy are collected. Results: From 1980 to 2014 were carried out 1868 TR of 2008-2014 368 follow-up biopsies were studied. Blood Pressure and pre biopsy coagulation were monitored. After the procedure, the presence of bleeding urination and vital signs monitored. Initially absolute rest was 24 h, since 2014 was reduced to 6 hours, recommending rest relative to high, complications were minimal. Conclusions: The results indicate that renal biopsy is an effective procedure with few complications. The nursing role in the early detection of complications is important (AU)