Multifaceted Control Interventions for Healthcare-associated Infections in a Kidney Transplant Intensive Care Unit: Clinical Outcome Improvement and Bundle Adherence.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are preventable complications that overwhelm the healthcare system. The implementation of multifaceted control intervention actions in the intensive care setting modifies clinical outcomes, but its effectiveness has not been specifically investigated for high-risk patients, such as kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

Methods: This observational retrospective natural experiment evaluated the effectiveness of multifaceted control interventions (bundles) in reducing HAIs in a KTR intensive care unit.

The Influence of Initial Immunosuppression on the Kinetics of Humoral Response after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation.

The effect of initial immunosuppressive therapy on the kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral response is unknown. Here, we compared the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced humoral response in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KTRs) and compared to patients remaining on dialysis during the Omicron circulation. This prospective, non-randomized, real-world study included 113 KTRs and 108 patients on dialysis.

Age and Epstein-Barr viral load at diagnosis of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease are associated with patient survival in kidney transplant recipients.

Introduction: This study investigated variables associated with mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and a simultaneous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study enrolling KTRs diagnosed with PTLD between 2018 and 2020. Outcome: death within two years after diagnosis.

Renal function at 12 months of kidney transplantation comparing tacrolimus and mycophenolate with tacrolimus and mTORi in donors with different KDPI ranges. A multicenter cohort study using propensity scoring.

Introduction: The combination of tacrolimus/mTORi compared to tacrolimus/mycophenolate (MMF) was shown to be safe in the TRANSFORM trial. For donors with a high KDPI (Kidney Donor Profile Index), however, there are no data to support the effectiveness of this regimen. The main objective of this study was to explore the influence of the KDPI on 12-month renal function (eGFR) in patients receiving mTORi or MMF.

Use of Machine Perfusion to Increase the Number of Expanded Criteria Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants: A Pharmacoeconomic Analysis.

Background: The discard of expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidneys is unacceptably high, considering the growing demand for transplantation. Using machine perfusion may reduce the discard rate, increase the number of transplants, and reduce mortality on the waiting list.

Methods: We developed a 5-y Markov model to simulate incorporating the pulsatile perfusion machine into the current government-funded healthcare system.

The impact of preservation solutions for static cold storage on kidney transplantation outcomes: Results of a Brazilian nationwide multicenter study.

This study evaluated the current practices of selecting cold storage preservation solutions in Brazil and their impact on delayed graft function (DGF) incidence and 1-year outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 3,134 brain-dead deceased donor kidney transplants performed between 2014 and 2015 in 18 Brazilian centers. The most commonly used preservation solution was Euro-collins (EC, 55.

The Second International Consensus Guidelines on the Management of BK Polyomavirus in Kidney Transplantation.

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) remains a significant challenge after kidney transplantation. International experts reviewed current evidence and updated recommendations according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). Risk factors for BKPyV-DNAemia and biopsy-proven BKPyV-nephropathy include recipient older age, male sex, donor BKPyV-viruria, BKPyV-seropositive donor/-seronegative recipient, tacrolimus, acute rejection, and higher steroid exposure.

Efficacy and safety of single-dose anti-thymocyte globulin versus basiliximab induction therapy in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: A retrospective comparative cohort study.

Background: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of basiliximab (BAS) versus a single dose of anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) induction therapy in pediatric kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

Methods: This single-center retrospective comparative cohort study included all pediatric KTRs from May 2013 to April 2018 and followed up to 12 months. In the first period, all recipients received BAS, while from May 2016, a single 3 mg/kg dose of r-ATG was instituted.

Assessing the influence of graft loss on 4-year patient survival after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation: Kaplan-Meier versus Competing Risk Analysis model.

Background: Graft loss increases the risk of patient death after simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation. The relative risk of each graft failure is complex due to the influence of several competing events.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center study compared 4-year patient survival according to the graft status using Kaplan-Meier (KM) and Competing Risk Analysis (CRA).

Recurrence of membranous nephropathy after kidney transplantation: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a leading cause of kidney failure worldwide and frequently recurs after transplant. Available data originated from small retrospective cohort studies or registry analyses; therefore, uncertainties remain on risk factors for MN recurrence and response to therapy. Within the Post-Transplant Glomerular Disease Consortium, we conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study examining the MN recurrence rate, risk factors, and response to treatment.

Excess mortality among kidney transplant recipients: Impact of COVID-19-related deaths during the pandemic.

Background: Because COVID-19 has been associated with high lethality rates among kidney transplant recipients (KTR), but also with a severe disruption and delays in overall healthcare, this study aims to evaluate the excess mortality in the pandemic era among KTR in a high-volume Brazilian transplant center.

Methods: This study used data from a single center that provides follow-up on all its transplant recipients. The population of interest included all the patients who were transplanted between August 31, 1983 and December 31, 2022 and who were live from January 1, 2014.

Long COVID Among Kidney Transplant Recipients Appears to Be Attenuated During the Omicron Predominance.

Background: Omicron variant has been associated with milder cases of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients. However, little is known about postacute sequelae, referred to as Long COVID.

Methods: Prospective, single-center cohort study investigating prevalence and risk factors for Long COVID among kidney transplant recipients during the omicron predominance in Brazil.

Sex Differences among Overweight/Obese Kidney Transplant Recipients Requiring Oxygen Support Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

: Overweight/obesity puts individuals at greater risk for COVID-19 progression and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the impact of overweight/obesity on oxygen (O) requirement outcomes of male and female kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. : We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of KTRs diagnosed with COVID-19.

Use of sirolimus as an adjuvant therapy for kidney transplant recipients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas: a prospective non-randomized controlled study.

Introduction: Previous research demonstrated benefits of late conversion to mTOR inhibitors against cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC) in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), despite of poor tolerability. This study investigated whether stepwise conversion to sirolimus monotherapy without an attack dose modified the course of disease with improved tolerability.

Methods: This prospective exploratory study included non-sensitized KTR with more than 12-months post-transplant, on continuous use of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI)-based therapy, and with poor-prognosis cSCC lesions.

A Head-to-head Comparison of De Novo Sirolimus or Everolimus Plus Reduced-dose Tacrolimus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Prospective and Randomized Trial.

Background: Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi), sirolimus (SRL) and everolimus (EVR), have distinct pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics properties. There are no studies comparing the efficacy and safety of de novo use of SRL versus EVR in combination with reduced-dose calcineurin inhibitor.

Methods: This single-center prospective, randomized study included first kidney transplant recipients receiving a single 3 mg/kg antithymocyte globulin dose, tacrolimus, and prednisone, without cytomegalovirus (CMV) pharmacological prophylaxis.

Oxygen Requirement in Overweight/Obese Kidney Transplant Recipients with COVID-19: An Observational Cohort Study.

Introduction: Obesity is one of the components of the cardiometabolic syndrome that contributes to COVID-19 progression and mortality. Immunosuppressed individuals are at greater risk of the COVID-19 burden. Therefore, we sought to investigate the impact of the combination of overweight/obesity and kidney transplant on oxygen (O) requirements in the COVID-19 setting.