The relationship between blood transfusion following kidney transplantation (KT) and the development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSA) is controversial. This was investigated by conducting a meta-analysis of studies on patients who underwent KT with or without blood transfusion, and by evaluating the effect of post-KT blood transfusion on clinical outcomes of kidney transplant recipients. Relevant studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were identified from inception to July 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the selected articles and estimated study quality. A fixed effects or random effects model was used to pool data according to the heterogeneity among studies. Data included in the meta-analysis were derived from 11 studies with a total of 19,543 patients including 6191 with and 13,352 without blood transfusion post-KT. We assessed the pooled associations between blood transfusion and occurrence of dnDSA and clinical outcomes of transplant recipients. Blood transfusion was strongly correlated with the development of dnDSA (relative risk [RR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-1.67; P < 0.05). Patients with blood transfusion had a higher risk of developing anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I dnDSA than non-transfused patients (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.14-2.69; P < 0.05) as well as significantly higher rates of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) (RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.21-2.35; P < 0.05) and graft loss (RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.30-2.35; P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the development of anti-HLA antibodies, anti-HLA class II dnDSA, and anti-HLA class I and II dnDSA; delayed graft function; T cell-mediated rejection; acute rejection; borderline rejection; or patient death. Our results suggest that blood transfusion was associated with dnDSA development in KT recipients. The findings of this systematic review also suggest that post-KT blood transfusion recipients have a higher risk of AMR, and graft loss compared with non-transfused patients. Evidence from this meta-analysis indicates that the use of blood transfusion post-KT is associated with a significantly higher risk of immunological sensitization. More and higher quality results from large randomized controlled trials are still needed to inform clinical practice.

• ClinicalKey
• Elsevier Science

This new clinical practice guideline concerns the psychosocial diagnosis and treatment of patients before and after organ transplantation. Its objective is to establish standards and to issue evidence-based recommendations that will help to optimize decision making in psychosocial diagnosis and treatment.

For each key question, the literature was systematically searched in at least two databases (Medline, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and CENTRAL). The end date of each search was between August 2018 and November 2019, depending on the question. The literature search was also updated to capture recent publications, by using a selective approach.

Lack of adherence to immunosuppressant drugs can be expected in 25-30% of patients and increases the odds of organ loss after kidney transplantation (odds ratio 7.1). Psychosocial interventions can significantly improve adherence. Meta-analyses have shown that adherence was achieved 10-20% more frequently in the intervention group than in the control group. 13- 40% of patients suffer from depression after transplantation; mortality in this group is 65% higher. The guideline group therefore recommends that experts in psychosomatic medicine, psychiatry, and psychology (mental health professionals) should be involved in patient care throughout the transplantation process.

The care of patients before and after organ transplantation should be multidisciplinary. Nonadherence rates and comorbid mental disorders are common and associated with poorer outcomes after transplantation. Interventions to improve adherence are effective, although the pertinent studies display marked heterogeneity and a high risk of bias. *All of the issuing bodies, authors, and editors of the guideline are listed in eTables 1 and 2.

To systematically review the incidence and risk factors for recurrent FSGS after kidney transplantation.

We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBMdisc, Wanfang, and Weipu for case-control studies related to recurrent FSGS from the establishment until October 2022. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022315448). Data were analyzed using Stata 12.0, with odds ratios (counting data) and standardized mean difference (continuous data) being considered as effect sizes. If the I2 value was greater than 50%, the random-effects model was used; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was used. A meta-analysis on the incidence and risk factors for recurrent FSGS after kidney transplantation was performed.

A total of 22 studies with 966 patients and 12 factors were included in the meta-analysis. There were 358 patients with recurrent FSGS and 608 patients without FSGS after kidney transplantation. The results showed that the recurrence rate of FSGS after kidney transplantation was 38% (95% CI: 31%-44%). Age at transplantation (SMD = -0.47, 95% CI -0.73 to -0.20, p = .001), age at onset (SMD = -0.31, 95% CI -0.54 to -0.08, p = .008), time from diagnosis to kidney failure (SMD = -0.24, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.04, p = .018), proteinuria before KT (SMD = 2.04, 95% CI 0.91 - 3.17, p < .001), related donor (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.20 - 3.30, p = .007) and nephrectomy of native kidneys (OR 6.53, 95% CI 2.68 - 15.92, p < .001) were associated with recurrent FSGS, whereas HLA mismatches, duration of dialysis before KT, sex, living donor, tacrolimus use and previous transplantation were not associated with recurrent FSGS after kidney transplantation.

The recurrence of FSGS after kidney transplantation remains high. Clinical decision-making should warrant further consideration of these factors, including age, original disease progression, proteinuria, related donor, and nephrectomy of native kidneys.

• Europe PubMed Central
• PubMed Central

• Taylor & Francis

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and corresponding acute respiratory syndrome have affected all populations and led to millions of deaths worldwide. The pandemic disproportionately affected immunocompromised and immunosuppressed adult patients who had received solid organ transplants (SOTs). With the onset of the pandemic, transplant societies across the world recommended reducing SOT activities to avoid exposing immunosuppressed recipients. Due to the risk of COVID-19-related outcomes, SOT providers adapted the way they deliver care to their patients, leading to a reliance on telehealth. Telehealth has helped organ transplant programs continue treatment regimens while protecting patients and physicians from COVID-19 transmission. This review highlights the adverse effects of COVID-19 on transplant activities and summarizes the increased role of telehealth in the management of solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) in both pediatric and adult populations.

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to accentuate the outcomes of COVID-19 and analyze the efficacy of telehealth on transplant activities. This in-depth examination summarizes extensive data on the clinical detriments of COVID-19 in transplant recipients, advantages, disadvantages, patient/physician perspectives, and effectiveness in transplant treatment plans via telehealth.

COVID-19 has caused an increase in mortality, morbidity, hospitalization, and ICU admission in SOTRs. Telehealth efficacy and benefits to both patients and physicians have increasingly been reported.

Developing effective systems of telehealth delivery has become a top priority for healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is necessary to validate the effectiveness of telehealth in other settings.

• Wiley
• Ovid Technologies, Inc.

Patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation (LTx) usually lose muscle mass. Supplementation with β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) may have a promising effect on this clinical condition. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HMB on muscle mass, strength, functionality, and quality of life in patients on the LTx waiting list.

A double-blind, randomized study was conducted of 3g supplementation of HMB or 3g supplementation of maltodextrin (active control) with nutritional counselling for 12 wk in patients >18 y, evaluated at five points or timepoints. Body composition and anthropometric data (resistance, reactance, phase angle, weight, body mass index, arm circumference [AC], arm muscle area, and adductor pollicis muscle thickness) were collected, and muscle strength was assessed through dynamometry and muscle function by the frailty index (FI). Quality of life was assessed.

A total of 47 patients were enrolled (HMB: 23 and active control: 24). There was a significant difference in both groups for AC (P = 0.03), dynamometry (P = 0.02), and FI (P = 0.01). There was an increase in dynamometry between weeks 0 and 12 in both groups (HMB [Δdynamometry: 10.1% ± 16.4%; P < 0.05] and active control [Δdynamometry: 23.0% ± 70.3%; P < 0.05]). The AC increased in both groups between weeks 0 and 4 (HMB [ΔAC: 0.9% ± 2.8%; P < 0.05] and active control [ΔAC: 1.6% ± 3.6%; P < 0.05]) and between weeks 0 and 12 (HMB [ΔAC: 3.2% ± 6.7%; P < 0.05] and active control [ΔAC: 2.1% ± 6.6%; P < 0.05]). The FI decreased in both groups, between weeks 0 and 4 (HMB [ΔFI: -4.2% ± 6.9%; P < 0.05) and active control [ΔFI: -3.2% ± 9.6%; P < 0.05]) and between weeks 0 and 12 (HMB ΔFI: -4.4% ± 11.2%; P < 0.05] and active control [ΔFI: -5.5% ± 11.3%; P < 0.05]). The other variables did not change (P > 0.05).

Nutritional counselling with supplementation with HMB or active control in patients on the LTx waiting list improved AC, dynamometry, and the FI in both groups.

• ClinicalKey
• Elsevier Science

Pre-emptive kidney transplantation (PEKT), i.e., transplantation performed before initiation of maintenance dialysis, is considered an ideal renal replacement therapy because there is no exposure to long-term dialysis therapy. Therefore, we summarized advantages/disadvantages of PEKT to assist in deciding whether kidney transplantation should be performed pre-emptively.

This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021269163. Observational studies comparing clinical outcomes between PEKT and non-PEKT were included; those involving only pediatric recipients or simultaneous multi-organ transplantations were excluded. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web databases were searched on 1 August 2021. Studies were pooled using the generic inverse-variance method with random effects model, and risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I.

Seventy-six studies were included in the systematic review (sample size, 23-121,853; enrollment year, 1968-2019). PEKT patients had lower all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.78 [95% CI 0.66-0.92]), and lower death-censored graft failure (0.81 [0.67-0.98]). Unadjusted RRs for the following outcomes were comparable between the two patient groups: cardiovascular disease, 0.90 (0.58-1.40); biopsy-proven acute rejection, 0.75 (0.55-1.03); cytomegalovirus infection, 1.04 (0.85-1.29); and urinary tract infection, 0.89 (0.61-1.29). Mean differences in post-transplant QOL score were comparable in both groups. The certainty of evidence for mortality and graft failure was moderate and that for other outcomes was very low following the GRADE classification.

The present meta-analysis shows the potential benefits of PEKT, especially regarding patient and graft survival, and therefore PEKT is recommended for adults with end-stage kidney disease.

• Europe PubMed Central
• PubMed Central

• Taylor & Francis

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has been a legally approved practice in Canada since 2016. Only recently have patients undergoing MAiD also been considered as donors for liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to evaluate a case series of LT outcomes for recipients with MAiD donors and was paired with a systematic literature review of studies assessing the efficacy of MAiD-associated liver donation. A retrospective chart review of patients registered within the LT Registry at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in London, Ontario, Canada, that had received MAiD donor LT was conducted to develop a case series. Descriptive statistics were produced based on available patient outcomes information. The systematic review included euthanasia due to MAiD being a term exclusive to Canada. Case series had a 100% 1-year graft survival rate, with 50% of patients experiencing early allograft dysfunction but having no significant clinical outcome. A single case of postoperative biliary complication was reported. Median warm ischemic time ranged from 7.8-13 minutes among case series and literature reviews. Utilization of donation after circulatory death allografts procured after MAiD appears to be promising. Mechanisms associated with potential impact in postoperative outcomes include relatively lower warm ischemic time relative to donation after circulatory death Maastricht III graft recipients.

• Wolters Kluwer
• Ovid Technologies, Inc.

Patients received kidney transplantation (KTR) have a low seroconversion rate after vaccination. Our objective was to compare the seroconversion rates and adverse effects of additional different vaccinations in KTR patients in existing studies. Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and others. Three high-quality RCT were included and showed no statistical difference in seroconversion rates between the two vaccines (RR = 0.93[0.76,1.13]). There was no statistical difference in seroconversion rates between the sexes, for men (RR = 0.93[0.69,1.25]) and women (RR = 0.91[0.62,1.33]). Among the adverse effects there was no statistically significant difference in fever (RR = 1.06[0.44,2.57]), while for injection site pain there was a statistically significant difference (RR = 1.14[1.18,1.84]). There was no significant difference in seroconversion rates in patients with KTR who received the two additional vaccines. Patients injected with the viral vector vaccine were less painful than those injected with the mRNA vaccine.

• Europe PubMed Central
• PubMed Central

• Taylor & Francis

Tacrolimus (TAC) monotherapy has been compared to TAC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in the randomized Tacrolimus in Combination, Tacrolimus Alone Compared (TICTAC) trial. Long term results are now reported.

Demographics are presented with descriptive statistics. Time to event was determined with Kaplan-Meier plots and Mantel-Cox Logrank statistics used to compare groups.

One hundred and forty-seven (98 %) of the initial 150 TICTAC trial patients had long-term follow-up data available. The median follow-up was 13.4 years (interquartile range 7.2-15.1 years). Post-transplant survival at 5, 10 and 15 years in the TAC monotherapy group was 84.5 %, 66.9 %, and 52.7 %, and 94.4 %, 78.2 % and 56.1 % for patients randomized to TAC / MMF (p = 0.19 logrank). The freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (≥grade 1) was 100 %, 87.5 %, 69.3 % and 46.5 % at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years in the monotherapy group and 100 %, 76.9 %, 68.1 % and 54.4 % in the TAC/MMF group respectively (p = 0.96 logrank). Crossover of treatment assignment did not alter these findings. The freedom from dialysis or renal replacement was 92.8 %, 84.2 % and 68.4 % for TAC monotherapy patients versus 100 %, 93.4 % and 82.3 % for TAC/MMF patients at 5, 10 and 15-years post-transplant (p = 0.15 logrank).

Patients randomized to TAC/ MMF with 8-week steroid weaning had comparable outcomes to those with similar steroid regimen but discontinuation of MMF at 2 week post-transplant. The best outcomes were noted for patients initiated on TAC/ MMF including those where MMF was discontinued for intolerance. Both strategies are reasonable alternatives for patients post heart transplant.

Tacrolimus monotherapy was compared to TAC and mycophenolate mofetil without long term steroids in the randomized Tacrolimus in Combination, Tacrolimus Alone Compared (TICTAC) trial. Post-transplant survival at 5, 10 and 15 years in the TAC monotherapy group was 84.5%, 66.9 %, and 52.7 %, and 94.4 %, 78.2 % and 56.1 % for patients randomized to TAC / MMF (p = 0.19 logrank). Cardiac allograft vasculopathy and kidney failure were similar between groups. Immunosuppression should be individualized to avoid over treating some patients while undertreating others.

• ClinicalKey
• Elsevier Science