Late Conversion to Sirolimus or Everolimus After Pancreas Transplant.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas transplant is an effective treatment for insulin-dependent diabetic individuals with end-stage renal disease, yet immunosuppression-associated adverse events may adversely affect patient and graft survival. The aim of the study was to document whether mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) are safe and effective as a second-line drug after pancreas transplant. METHODOLOGY: An observational single-center study was performed in a cohort of 490 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant and 45 pancreas-after-kidney transplant individuals after conversion to mTORi (n = 13) owing to adverse events of either tacrolimus or mycophenolate. RESULTS: mTORi conversion was performed 11.5 ± 10.1 (range, 1-28) months after pancreas transplant, mainly owing to cytomegalovirus infection and gastrointestinal intolerance. We frequently observed clinical complications after mTORi conversion, yet creatinine, eGFR, proteinuria, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and C-peptide remained stable throughout the study (mean follow-up 8.2 ± 5, range 1-17) years, as did the lipid profile (P > .05). However, graft loss occurred in almost 20% of patients owing to chronic alterations. LIMITATIONS: The small number of patients and a single-center cohort were limitations of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Late mTORi conversion is a safe and effective approach when tacrolimus or mycophenolate-mediated adverse events occur after pancreas transplant.

Prospective study of 2151 patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative treatment with multidisciplinary care in the Vale do Paraíba, SP.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is common, severe and treatable. Its detection involves low cost tests. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary (nephrologist, social worker, nurse, nutritionist, and psychologist) intervention comparing clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with CKD. METHODS: A prospective study with 2,151 patients attended at the State Center for Kidney Diseases of the Vale do Paraiba, São Paulo, from February 2008 to March 2011. The kidney function was measured using albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) using the MDRD formula The clinical outcomes were the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CAD), hospitalization episodes, need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and death. RESULTS: Participants had a mean (range) age of 62 years (14-101), a mean follow-up of 546 days (90-1540) and the majority was in the stage 3 of CKD (59%). The most common primary diagnoses were hypertension (41.2%) and diabetes (32.4%). Mean blood pressure values at the beginning and at the end of treatment were 143 ± 26 mmHg x 87 ± 14 mmHg and 123 ± 16 mmHg x 79 ± 9 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001); the eGRF decreased from 58.5 ± 31 ml/min. to 56.3 ± 23 ml/min (p < 0.01). Mean value of proteinuria decreased from 1.04 ± 1.44 g/day to 0.61 ± 1.12 g/day, p < 0.001, and the fasting glicemia decreased from 137 ± 73 mg/dl to 116 ± 42 mg/dl. One hundred and twenty-two patients (5.7%) had a CAD episode, the hospitalization rate was 6.6% (n = 143 patients), 7.3% patients died (n = 156), and 1.1% (n = 23) patients needed to start RRT. The risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalization, or death was inversely related to eGRF, and the rates of these events were low compared with the international literature. CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary care with well defined targets is effective for the preservation of renal function and reduction in morbidity and mortality of CKD patients.

Estudo prospectivo de 2151 pacientes com doença renal crônica em tratamento conservador com abordagem multidisciplinar no Vale do Paraíba, SP / Prospective study of 2151 patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative treatment with multidisciplinary care in the Vale do Paraíba, SP

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença renal crônica (DRC) é uma enfermidade grave, comum e tratável, cuja detecção envolve exames de baixo custo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção multidisciplinar (nefrologista, assistente social, enfermeira, nutricionista e psicóloga) em parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais de pacientes com DRC. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de 2.151 pacientes atendidos no Centro Estadual de Doenças Renais do Vale do Paraíba, SP, de fevereiro de 2008 a março de 2011. A função renal foi avaliada no início e ao final do seguimento por testes de albuminúria e taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (TFGe) pela fórmula do MDRD. Os desfechos clínicos foram: ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV), episódios de hospitalização, necessidade de terapia renal substitutiva (TRS) e óbito. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi 62 anos (variação: 14 a 101), com acompanhamento médio de 546 dias (variação: 90 a 1540), havendo predomínio do estagio três da DRC (59%). Os diagnósticos de base mais comuns foram: hipertensão arterial (41,2%) e diabetes (32,4%). A média da pressão arterial antes e ao final do seguimento foi de 143 ± 26 mmHg x 87 ± 14 mmHg e 123 ± 16 mmHg x 79 ± 9 mmHg, respectivamente (p < 0,001); a TFGe reduziu de 58,5 ± 31 ml/min para 56,3 ± 23 ml/min (p < 0,01). A proteinúria caiu de 1,04 ± 1,44 g/dia para 0,61 ± 1,12 g/dia (p < 0,001); e a glicemia de jejum de 137 ± 73 mg/dl para 116 ± 42 mg/dl. Cento e vinte e dois pacientes (5,7%) apresentaram eventos cardiovasculares, a taxa geral de hospitalizações foi de 6,6% (n = 143 pacientes), foram observados 156 (7,3%) óbitos e 23 (1,1%) pacientes evoluíram para TRS. O risco de ECV, hospitalização e óbito aumentou de forma inversa à TFGe, mas são considerados baixos quando comparados à literatura internacional. CONCLUSÕES: A intervenção multidisciplinar com metas bem definidas é efetiva para preservação da função renal e redução da morbidade e mortalidade de pacientes com DRC.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is common, severe and treatable. Its detection involves low cost tests. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a multidisciplinary (nephrologist, social worker, nurse, nutritionist, and psychologist) intervention comparing clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with CKD. METHODS: A prospective study with 2,151 patients attended at the State Center for Kidney Diseases of the Vale do Paraiba, São Paulo, from February 2008 to March 2011. The kidney function was measured using albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGRF) using the MDRD formula The clinical outcomes were the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CAD), hospitalization episodes, need of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and death. RESULTS: Participants had a mean (range) age of 62 years (14-101), a mean follow-up of 546 days (90-1540) and the majority was in the stage 3 of CKD (59%). The most common primary diagnoses were hypertension (41.2%) and diabetes (32.4%). Mean blood pressure values at the beginning and at the end of treatment were 143 ± 26 mmHg x 87 ± 14 mmHg and 123 ± 16 mmHg x 79 ± 9 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.001); the eGRF decreased from 58.5 ± 31 ml/min. to 56.3 ± 23 ml/min (p < 0.01). Mean value of proteinuria decreased from 1.04 ± 1.44 g/day to 0.61 ± 1.12 g/day, p < 0.001, and the fasting glicemia decreased from 137 ± 73 mg/dl to 116 ± 42 mg/dl. One hundred and twenty-two patients (5.7%) had a CAD episode, the hospitalization rate was 6.6% (n = 143 patients), 7.3% patients died (n = 156), and 1.1% (n = 23) patients needed to start RRT. The risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalization, or death was inversely related to eGRF, and the rates of these events were low compared with the international literature. CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary care with well defined targets is effective for the preservation of renal function and reduction in morbidity and mortality of CKD patients.

Charcot neuroarthropathy after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive regimen is associated with several metabolic adverse effects. Bone loss and fractures are frequent after transplantation and involve multifactorial mechanisms. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 130 patients submitted to simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) and an identification of risk factors involved in de novo Charcot neuroarthropathy by multivariate analysis were used; P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Charcot neuroarthropathy was diagnosed in 4.6% of SPKT recipients during the first year. Cumulative glucocorticoid doses (daily dose plus methylprednisolone pulse) during the first 6 months both adjusted to body weight (>78 mg/kg) and not adjusted to body weight were associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy (P=0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively). Age, gender, race, time on dialysis, time of diabetes history, and posttransplantation hyperparathyroidism were not related to Charcot neuroarthropathy after SPKT. CONCLUSIONS: Glucocorticoids are the main risk factors for de novo Charcot neuroarthropathy after SPKT. Protocols including glucocorticoid avoidance or minimization should be considered.

Duodenum-stomach anastomosis: a new technique for exocrine drainage in pancreas transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Poor vascular access due to previous surgery can be a major obstacle in pancreas transplantation for which new exocrine and vascular outflow techniques might be useful. A 34-year-old female with early onset type 1 diabetes who underwent living donor kidney transplantation 20 years ago and a failed pancreas transplantation 2 years ago presented for pancreas retransplantation. METHODS: The inferior vena cava was used in the previous deceased donor pancreas transplantation and both iliac arteries had intense perivascular fibrosis, making arterial anastomosis impossible. The only remaining option for the implant was the infrarenal aorta, with venous drainage to the superior mesenteric vein and exocrine drainage to the gastric antrum. RESULTS: The patient had an uneventful recovery and graft function appeared normal. This report shows that when the recipient's abdominal cavity does not provide clear access for the usual surgical techniques regarding exocrine drainage, the stomach drainage procedure is an option. CONCLUSION: Duodenum-stomach anastomosis might be an alternative to portal enteric drainage because there is easy access for graft biopsies and even for procedures involving the papilla major.

Impact of delayed pancreatic graft function in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and end-stage chronic kidney disease. Delayed pancreatic graft function is a common and multifactor condition with significant impact in short-term outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function on simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. METHODS: Donor and recipient's demographic data, percentage of panel reactivity, acute rejection incidence, and patient and grafts survivals were retrospectively analyzed in 180 SPKT performed between 2002 and 2007. RESULTS: The incidence of pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function was 11%. Donors older than 45 years had significant risk of pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function (OR 2.26; p < 0,05). Patients with pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function had higher rates of acute renal rejection (47 versus 24%; p < 0.05), altered fasting plasma glucose (25 versus 5%; p < 0.05) and mean glycated hemoglobin (5.8 versus 5.4%; p < 0.05), than patients without pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function at the end of the first year of follow up. There were no significant differences between patients with and without pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function regarding patient survival (95 versus 88.7%; p = 0.38), pancreatic graft survival (90 versus 85.6%; p = 0.59) and renal graft survival (90 versus 87.2%; p = 0.70), respectively at the sample period of time. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function had no significant impact in the short-term outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations. Although delayed pancreatic graft function had no impact on 1-year pancreas graft survival, it contributed to early pancreas graft dysfunction, as assessed by enhanced insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs requirements.

Impacto da função retardada do enxerto pancreático no transplante simultâneo pâncreas-rim / Impact of delayed pancreatic graft function in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation

OBJETIVO: O transplante pâncreas-rim é efetivo para pacientes com doença renal crônica terminal e diabetes mellitus insulino-dependente. A função retardada do enxerto pancreático é condição frequente exercendo impacto significativo nos resultados em curto prazo dos transplantes pâncreas-rim. O objetivo foi analisar o impacto da função retardada do enxerto pancreático no transplante pâncreas-rim. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de 180 receptores de transplante pâncreas-rim, incluindo dados demográficos dos doadores e dos receptores, a reatividade contra painel, a incidência de rejeição aguda e as sobrevidas do paciente e dos enxertos pancreático e renal. RESULTADOS: A incidência de função retardada do enxerto pancreático foi 11 por cento. A idade do receptor superior a 45 anos apresentou associação com o risco de desenvolvimento de função retardada do enxerto pancreático (Razão de chances 2,26; p < 0,05). Os pacientes com função retardada do enxerto pancreático apresentaram maior incidência de rejeição aguda renal (47 versus 24 por cento; p < 0,05), glicemia de jejum alterada (25 versus 5 por cento; p < 0,05) e média de hemoglobina glicada (5,8 versus 5,4 por cento; p < 0,05) ao final do primeiro ano de acompanhamento em relação aos pacientes sem função retardada do enxerto pancreático. Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos de pacientes com e sem função retardada do enxerto pancreático quanto à sobrevida do paciente (95 versus 88,7 por cento; p = 0,38), do enxerto pancreático (90 versus 85,6 por cento; p = 0,59) e do enxerto renal (90 versus 87,2 por cento; p = 0,70), respectivamente, nesse mesmo período. CONCLUSÃO: A função retardada do enxerto pancreático não exerceu impacto significativo nos resultados em curto prazo dos transplantes pâncreas-rim desta casuística...

OBJECTIVE: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes melli>tus and end-stage chronic kidney disease. Delayed pancreatic graft function is a common and multifactor condition with significant impact in short-term outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function on simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. METHODS: Donor and recipient's demographic data, percentage of panel reactivity, acute rejection incidence, and patient and grafts survivals were retrospectively analyzed in 180 SPKT performed between 2002 and 2007. RESULTS: The incidence of pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function was 11 percent. Donors older than 45 years had significant risk of pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function (OR 2.26; p < 0,05). Patients with pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function had higher rates of acute renal rejection (47 versus 24 percent; p < 0.05), altered fasting plasma glucose (25 versus 5 percent; p < 0.05) and mean glycated hemoglobin (5.8 versus 5.4 percent; p < 0.05), than patients without pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function at the end of the first year of follow up. There were no significant differences between patients with and without pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function regarding patient survival (95 versus 88.7 percent; p = 0.38), pancreatic graft survival (90 versus 85.6 percent; p = 0.59) and renal graft survival (90 versus 87.2 percent; p = 0.70), respectively at the sample period of time. CONCLUSION: Pancreatic delayed pancreatic graft function had no significant impact in the short-term outcome of simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations. Although delayed pancreatic graft function had no impact on 1-year pancreas graft survival, it contributed to early pancreas graft dysfunction, as assessed by enhanced insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs requirements.

Family history of diabetes as a new determinant of insulin sensitivity and secretion in patients who have undergone a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant.

OBJECTIVES: We used homeostasis model assessment to investigate insulin sensitivity and secretion after a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant or kidney transplant alone. In that model, fasting plasma glucose and C-peptide levels are used to evaluate insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Factors (eg, age, sex, race, delayed kidney allograft function) were correlated with homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function and homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity values after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (n=89) or kidney transplant alone (n=68), and the results were compared with those in healthy subjects (n=49). RESULTS: Homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function values were similar in patients who underwent kidney transplant alone or a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant, and were higher than homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function values in healthy subjects. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity showed intermediate values for patients who underwent a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant and correlated with prednisone dosages (in those who underwent kidney transplant alone) and tacrolimus levels (in patients who underwent a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant). Homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function values correlated with prednisone dosages in both groups and with tacrolimus levels in only those who underwent a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant. The body mass index of subjects who underwent kidney transplant alone correlated with both homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function results and homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity results. A family history of diabetes in subjects who underwent a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant correlated with homeostasis model assessment of beta-cell function results and homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity results. CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppressive regimen and body mass index were linked with reduced insulin sensitivity after kidney transplant. A family history of diabetes was linked with higher values of insulin secretion and lower insulin sensitivity in patients who underwent a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant.

The evolution of diabetic chronic complications after pancreas transplantation.

Pancreas transplantation is an invasive procedure that can restore and maintain normoglycemic level very successfully and for a prolonged period in DM1 patients. The procedure elevates the morbimortality rates in the first few months following the surgery if compared to kidney transplants with living donors, but it offers a better quality of life to patients.Although controversial, several studies have shown the stabilization or the improvement of some of the chronic complications related to diabetes, as well as the extra number of years of life that patients submitted to a double pancreas-kidney transplantation may gain.Recent studies have demonstrated clashing outcomes regarding isolated pancreas transplantations, a fact which reinforces the need for a more discerning selection of patients for this procedure.

Kidney transplant in diabetic patients: modalities, indications and results.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a disease of increasing worldwide prevalence and is the main cause of chronic renal failure. Type 1 diabetic patients with chronic renal failure have the following therapy options: kidney transplant from a living donor, pancreas after kidney transplant, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant, or awaiting a deceased donor kidney transplant. For type 2 diabetic patients, only kidney transplant from deceased or living donors are recommended. Patient survival after kidney transplant has been improving for all age ranges in comparison to the dialysis therapy. The main causes of mortality after transplant are cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, infections and neoplasias. Five-year patient survival for type 2 diabetic patients is lower than the non-diabetics' because they are older and have higher body mass index on the occasion of the transplant and both pre- and posttransplant cardiovascular diseases prevalences. The increased postransplant cardiovascular mortality in these patients is attributed to the presence of well-known risk factors, such as insulin resistance, higher triglycerides values, lower HDL-cholesterol values, abnormalities in fibrinolysis and coagulation and endothelial dysfunction. In type 1 diabetic patients, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant is associated with lower prevalence of vascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction, stroke and amputation in comparison to isolated kidney transplant and dialysis therapy. CONCLUSION: Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients present higher survival rates after transplant in comparison to the dialysis therapy, although the prevalence of cardiovascular events and infectious complications remain higher than in the general population.

[Pancreas and islet transplantation in patients with diabetes mellitus]. / Transplante de pâncreas e ilhotas em portadores de diabetes melito.

Pancreas and kidney transplants have specific indications, benefits and risks. The procedure has become more common and more often as long-term success has improved and risks have decreased. Compared with a patient being on dialysis, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant offers a distinct advantage when it comes to mortality, quality of life and diabetic complications. Since there can be a living-donor kidney transplant,, a possibly similar patient and graft survival by 10 years follow-up, this procedure should be considered. Pancreas after kidney transplants, when successful, can improve microvascular complications compared with kidney transplant alone, but immediate mortality may be higher. Solitary pancreas transplantation can improve the quality of life in selected patients, but it may also increase the immediate risk of mortality due to the complexity of the surgery and the risks of immunosupression. The results of Islet transplantation differ from the higher metabolic performance achieved by whole pancreas allotransplantation and its applicability is limited to selected adult diabetic patients.

Transplante de pâncreas e ilhotas em portadores de diabetes melito: [revisão] / Pancreas and islet transplantation in patients with diabetes mellitus: [review]

O transplante simultâneo de pâncreas/rim tem indicações específicas, riscos e benefícios. O procedimento, cada vez mais realizado, traz vantagens se comparado ao paciente em diálise, em relação à qualidade de vida, anos de vida ganhos e evolução das complicações crônicas. Se o paciente tiver a opção de realizar o transplante de rim com doador vivo, que apresenta sobrevida semelhante do enxerto e do paciente aos dez anos, o procedimento deverá ser considerado. O transplante de pâncreas após rim, quando efetivo, pode melhorar a evolução das complicações cardiovasculares, mas em contrapartida provoca maior mortalidade nos primeiros meses após a cirurgia. O transplante isolado de pâncreas também ocasiona a maior mortalidade pós-operatória, resultado da complexidade do procedimento e da imunossupressão. O transplante de ilhotas tem sua indicação para um seleto grupo de diabéticos com instabilidade glicêmica.

Pancreas and kidney transplants have specific indications, benefits and risks. The procedure has become more common and more often as long-term success has improved and risks have decreased. Compared with a patient being on dialysis, simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant offers a distinct advantage when it comes to mortality, quality of life and diabetic complications. Since there can be a living-donor kidney transplant,, a possibly similar patient and graft survival by 10 years follow-up, this procedure should be considered. Pancreas after kidney transplants, when successful, can improve microvascular complications compared with kidney transplant alone, but immediate mortality may be higher. Solitary pancreas transplantation can improve the quality of life in selected patients, but it may also increase the immediate risk of mortality due to the complexity of the surgery and the risks of immunosupression. The results of Islet transplantation differ from the higher metabolic performance achieved by whole pancreas allotransplantation and its applicability is limited to selected adult diabetic patients.

Impact of pancreatic allograft function on 1-year survival rates after simultaneous pancreatic-renal transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Simultaneous pancreatic-renal transplant is an effective treatment for insulin-dependent patients with chronic renal failure. We sought to identify the main influences on pancreatic and patient survival rates after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 1-year patient and pancreas survival rates of 150 patients who had undergone simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazards regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method. Uni and multivariate analyses were performed in terms of transplant-, recipient-, and donor-related risk factors. RESULTS: At 1 year, patient and pancreatic allograft survival rates were 82% and 76.7%, respectively. Delayed graft function in the kidney (P = .001, HR 5.41), acute kidney rejection (P = .016, HR 3.36), and intra-abdominal infection (P < .0001, HR 4.15) were the main factors related to 1-year patient survival. Pancreatic allograft survival at 1 year was related to intra-abdominal infection (P < .0001, OR 12.83), vascular thrombosis (P = .002, OR 40.55), acute kidney rejection (P = .027, OR 3.06), donor sodium greater than 155 mEq/L (P = .02, OR 3.27), and dopamine administration exceeding 7.6 microg/kg/min (P = .046, OR 2.85). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed kidney allograft function and intra-abdominal infection had an important effect on both patient and pancreatic allograft survival rates.

The use of sirolimus in ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus infections in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of prophylactic ganciclovir and anti-lymphocyte/thymocyte therapies are associated with increased induction of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus (CMV) strains. The use of sirolimus has been associated with a lower incidence of CMV infection in transplant recipients. We questioned whether it could also be effective as a therapeutic treatment of resistant CMV infection. METHODS: Patients with ganciclovir-resistant CMV infections determined clinically and by DNA sequencing analysis were enrolled. Antigenaemia and DNA sequencing were used to diagnosis and follow the mutations. RESULTS: Nine transplant patients were given sirolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil (n = 4) or a calcineurin inhibitor (n = 5). Seven out of nine recipients were CMV IgG negative before transplantation. We observed a rapid decrease in antigenaemia levels, reaching zero in eight out of nine (88.9%) patients within a median of 20.3 +/- 10.1 d. Graft function remained stable and no patient presented acute rejection or recurrence of the CMV infection. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that the use of sirolimus plus ganciclovir therapy could be useful in ganciclovir-resistant CMV infections.

Thrombotic microangiopathy after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is rare after transplantation and is associated with a high incidence of kidney graft dysfunction. Between December 2000 and March 2006, 136 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantations were performed with an incidence of TMA of 5.1% (71.4% localized to kidney allograft). All cases were diagnosed during the first three months and were attributed to tacrolimus; 74% were women. Systemic TMA presented higher values of lactate dehydrogenase (2658 +/- 659 U/L vs. 1331 +/- 473 U/L, p = 0.04) and a greater decrease in hematocrit (45.8 +/- 17.7% vs. 19.2 +/- 6%, p = 0.02) than in localized TMA. Acute kidney rejection complicated almost 90% of the cases with 43% of kidney graft lost. Tacrolimus was switched to sirolimus and fresh-frozen plasma was administered. Creatinine clearance after a mean follow-up of two yr was 100.7 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and 57.9 mL/min/1.73 m(2) in patients with systemic and localized TMA, respectively. In conclusion, sirolimus is an alternative to TMA associated with tacrolimus.

Selective approach for venous drainage in right iliac vein and cava vein for combined pancreas-kidney transplantation.

In this paper, the authors evaluate if the use of a venous drainage system in the cava vein (instead of the external iliac vein) presents differences in pancreatic transplantation. Between December 2000 and 2004, 105 pancreas-kidney transplants were performed. Patients in group A (n=49) underwent complete liberation of the right iliac vein for venous drainage. In group B (n=56), the venous drainage system was placed in the cava vein or in the confluence. Analyzed clinical parameters included: insulin replacement, vascular thrombosis in the graft, intraabdominal collections, graft loss, reoperation, and deaths. When compared to the external iliac vein, venous drainage to the cava vein did not result in significant differences. Venous drainage to the cava vein is a valuable alternative when the right iliac fossa has been previously approached. It is a practical, rapid procedure and it is not necessary to expose the internal iliac vein.

Effects of Eurocollins solution as aortic flush for the procurement of human pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Belzer solution is considered to be the best preservation media used for pancreas transplantation; however, its high cost accounts for approximately 14.5% of all resources allocated by the Brazilian government toward each pancreatic transplant. The objective of the present study was to test a reduction of Belzer solution during pancreas harvest, thereby lowering procedural cost. METHODS: The patients received pancreas-kidney transplantations during the period from January 2003 to August 2004. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients assigned to Group A (n=30) received only Belzer solution (2 L through the aorta artery), whereas patients in Group B (n=16) were perfused first with 1 L of Eurocollins solution followed by 1 L of Belzer solution. The two groups were assessed for differences in the following clinical parameters: the need for insulin replacement or antifungal and anticytomegalovirus treatment, pancreatitis, acute cellular rejection, graft vascular thrombosis, fistulas, intra-abdominal collection, graft loss, deaths, pancreatic ischemia time, and average hospitalization time. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in any of the parameters analyzed (P<0.05). The use of Eurocollins solution, followed by Belzer solution during pancreas harvesting, did not result in differences in graft survival or functionality, postsurgical complications, or patient survival and hospitalization time, when compared to the use of Belzer solution alone. CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion with 1 L of Eurocollins solution followed by 1 L of Belzer solution during pancreas harvesting seems to be a simple and efficient alternative for reducing the costs of the harvesting process.

Opções técnicas utilizadas no transplante pancreático em centros brasileiros / Technical options used in pancreatic transplants in brazilian centers

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil dos principais centros de transplantes do Brasil, quanto às opções técnicas no transplante de pâncreas. MÉTODO: Foi encaminhado um questionário por correio eletrônico (email) para um membro de cada equipe de 12 centros de transplante do Brasil, com casuística mínima de um transplante de pâncreas. O questionário continha 10 perguntas, abordando aspectos controversos e não padronizados. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos centros (90,9 por cento) utiliza incisão mediana. O órgão de escolha a ser implantado primeiro foi principalmente o rim, em 63 por cento dos centros. Em relação à drenagem venosa, 90,9 por cento utilizam a drenagem sistêmica. A ligadura da veia ilíaca interna é realizada em 54,5 por cento dos centros. A maioria dos centros (90,9 por cento) utiliza a drenagem entérica para transplante combinado pâncreas-rim. Para o transplante de pâncreas isolado, apenas cinco centros responderam, sendo que dois utilizam a drenagem entérica e três a vesical. A utilização de dreno na cavidade abdominal ocorre em 63 por cento dos centros. Em 72,7 por cento dos centros é realizada algum tipo de indução na imunossupressão para o transplante combinado pâncreas-rim, sendo a imunossupressão básica a associação de tacrolimus (FK506), micofenolato mofetil (MMF) e corticóide. A antibioticoprofilaxia é realizada por todos os centros e profilaxia para fungos é realizada por seis centros (54,5 por cento). Oito centros (72,7 por cento) utilizam algum tipo de profilaxia para trombose vascular, em esquemas diversos. CONCLUSÃO: Existem diversos caminhos técnicos na condução do transplante pancreático. A falta de padronização dificulta a análise e a comparação dos resultados. Apesar dessa heterogeneidade das equipes, observamos uma tendência para a realização de incisão mediana, drenagem venosa sistêmica e exócrina entérica, com a utilização de algum tipo de profilaxia para trombose vascular nos transplantes combinados pâncreas-rim.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the profile of the most important Brazilian Transplant Centers regarding technical options in the pancreas transplant. METHODS: A query was sent by electronic mail for the 12 Brazilian Transplant Centers with at least one pancreas transplant performed. The query included ten questions approaching controversial and non-standard technical aspects. RESULTS: Midline abdominal incision is used in 90.9 percent of the Centers. The first organ to be implanted is the kidney in 63 percent of the Centers. Regarding the venous drainage, 90.9 percent perform systemic drainage. In 54.5 percent of the Centers the internal iliac vein is ligated. For combined pancreas-kidney transplant 90.9 percent of the teams perform enteric drainage. Five Centers answered about isolated pancreas transplant, two of them use enteric drainage and the other three prefer to utilize the bladder. 63 percent of the surgical teams use abdominal drain. 72.7 percent of the Centers adopt immunosupression induction for the combined pancreas-kidney transplant. The basic immunosuppression was an association between tacrolimus (FK506), and mofetil microfenolato (MMF), and corticoids. While antibiotic prophylaxis is performed in all the 12 Centers, fungus prophylaxis is routinely made in six of them. Eight Centers (72.7 percent) adopt vascular thrombosis prophylaxis by several different protocols. CONCLUSION: There are various technical medical protocols on how to conduct a pancreas transplant patient. The lack of homogeneity in the protocols makes it more difficult to analyze and compare the results. Nevertheless we can conclude that in combined pancreas-kidney transplant there is a preference towards midline abdominal incision, and vein systemic and enteric drainage, and vascular thrombosis prophylaxis.

Efeito da uninefrectomia sobre a funçäo do rim remanescente em doadores renais / Effect of uninephrectomy on remaining kidney function in kidney donors

Foram estudados 17 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, internados para doaçäo de rim dois dias pré e cinco dias após a uninefrectomia (grupo I), nos quais foram medidos clearance de creatinina, proteinúria de 24 horas, excreçäo renal diária de sódio e potássio, assim como avaliado o tamanho renal pelo ultra-som. Esses doadores, após cinco dias de uninefrectomia, apresentaram aumento significante da filtraçäo glomerular (de 52,4 para 81,6ml/min), da proteinúria de 24 horas (de 30,5 para 109,2 mg), da excreçäo diária urinária de sódio (de 93,6 para 147,0 *Eq/min), assim como significante aumento do rim remanescente (de 9,9 para 10,9cm diâmetro longitudinal e 4,3 para 5,1 diâmetro transversal). Foram também estudados em 36 doadores de rim de ambos os sexos, após intervalos variáveis de um a nove anos de doaçäo, os mesmos parâmetros de funçäo e morfologia observados no grupo I, assim como avaliada a reserva funcional renal através de sobrecarga proteíca aguda (grupo II). Nesses pacientes observou-se uma tendência decrescente da reserva funcional renal, que se mostrou mais acentuada quanto maior tenha sido o tempo de doaçäo. O incremento da filtraçäo glomerular com a sobrecarga protéica foi de 56% em pacientes até 40 meses de doaçäo e decresceu a 14% quando a doaçäo se processou após nove anos de doaçäo. Esses pacientes também apresentaram proteinúria acima dos níveis normais, mais elevada nos pacientes com intervalo maior pós-doaçäo

Tamponamento cardíaco em pacientes renais crônicos dialisados / Cardiac tamponade in dialysed chronic renal patients

Entre março de 1982 e fevereiro 1984, de 220 pacientes admitidos para tratamento de uremia terminal no serviço de Nefrologia da Escola Paulista de Medicina, 8 (3,6%) apresentaram tamponamento cardíaco. A análise retrospectiva desses casos revelou que 7 pacientes apresentavam pericardite, 6 poderiam ser enquadrados no conceito de diálise inadequada e 4 apresentavam infecçöes sistêmicas. Os sinais clínicos mais freqüentes foram atrito pericárdico, estase jugular, hipotensäo arterial, abafamento de bulhas e taquicardia. O Rx de tórax e o ecocardiograma, obtidos em 7 casos, revelam cardiomegalia e presença de derrame pericárdio de moderado a grande em todos eles. Apenas um paciente apresentou tamponamento cardíaco durante a hemodiálise, sendo imediatamente tratado. A pericardiostomia subxifóidea com drenagem tubular foi mais eficaz que a pericardiocentese para o tratamento, näo ocorrendo complicaçöes, recidivas ou óbitos durante a fase diagnóstico e tratamento. Diagnóstico precoce e rápida drenagem do saco pericárdico parecem ter sido os principais fatores responsáveis pela boa evoluçäo dos pacientes