Tenofovir-emtricitabine therapy for the prevention of hepatitis B recurrence in four patients after liver transplantation.

In patients infected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) that goes untreated, therapeutic options are limited once the disease decompensates, and orthotopic liver transplantation is often the only treatment available to save the patient's life. After liver transplantation, combined therapy with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and a nucleos(t)ide analog is the standard of practice for the prevention of HBV recurrence. Historically, nucleos(t)ide analogs such as lamivudine and adefovir have been used with low-dose HBIG for the prevention of HBV recurrence after liver transplantation.

YSPSL (rPSGL-Ig) for improvement of early renal allograft function: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase IIa study.

Introduction: Recombinant P-selectin glycoprotein ligand IgG fusion protein, rPSGL-Ig (YSPSL), a fusion protein of human P-selectin ligand and IgG1-Fc, blocks leukocyte adhesion and protects against ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) in animal models.

Patients And Methods: This randomized 15-center, double-blind, 59-patient Ph2a study assessed YSPSL's safety in recipients of deceased-donor kidney allografts and its potential efficacy in improving early graft function. Two doses and two dosing modalities were evaluated.

Preserving renal function in liver transplant recipients with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin and delayed initiation of calcineurin inhibitors.

Early renal dysfunction following liver transplantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the impact of delayed initiation of calcineurin inhibitor on renal function, we conducted a retrospective study comparing 118 liver transplant recipients who received rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin and delayed initiation of calcineurin inhibitor with 80 liver transplant recipients who received no antibody and early initiation of calcineurin inhibitor (control group). All patients received mycophenolate mofetil and steroids.

Proposed relationship between intravenous immunoglobulin and thrombosis in renal transplant recipients.

Objective: To report 2 cases of intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIG)-associated thrombosis in kidney transplant patients.

Case Summary: Both cases involved female patients presenting to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit for renal transplantation. Patient 1 presented with systemic lupus erythematosus, positive for both anticardiolipin and anti-DNA antibody.

Candida kefyr, an uncommon but emerging fungal pathogen: report of two cases.

Although Candida species are present as normal microflora of the human host, alterations in host defenses can lead to development of disease. Candida infections, ranging from urinary tract infections to bloodstream infections, are common in patients in the intensive care unit. Infections with non-albicans Candida sp are becoming more frequent, and resistance among these isolates is concerning.

The efficacy and limitations of sirolimus conversion in liver transplant patients who develop renal dysfunction on calcineurin inhibitors.

This study evaluates sirolimus in preserving renal function in 28 patients who developed renal insufficiency after liver transplantation. Patients with a creatinine level higher than 1.8 mg/ml were eligible for conversion.