Removal of Anti-Thymocyte Globulin by Plasma Exchange in ABO-Incompatible and Positive Crossmatch Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Background: Recipients of ABO-incompatible (ABOI) and positive crossmatch (PXM) kidney transplants are at high risk for antibody-mediated acute rejection. Despite aggressive immunosuppression in high-risk patients, the incidence of acute rejection remains considerably higher than in other groups. No published studies have examined plasma concentrations of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in patients undergoing plasma exchange.

A randomized, open-label pharmacokinetic trial of tacrolimus extended-release dosing in obese de novo kidney transplant recipients.

Purpose: Tacrolimus extended-release (TAC-ER; Astagraf XL ) is utilized in many immunosuppressive regimens post-renal transplantation. Current dosing recommendation for the TAC-ER in renal transplant is 0.15-0.

Balance of academic responsibilities of clinical track pharmacy faculty in the United States: a survey of select American College of Clinical Pharmacy Practice and Research Network Members.

Study Objectives: To characterize the balance of clinical and academic responsibilities of clinical track pharmacy faculty in the United States and evaluate organizational structures that promote satisfactory balance between these responsibilities.

Design: Prospective cross-sectional survey.

Setting: A 22-item online survey was developed and distributed via Qualtrics software.

Minimally invasive robotic kidney transplantation for obese patients previously denied access to transplantation.

Obese patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are often excluded from kidney transplantation due to concerns about surgical site infections. To reduce infections, we developed a robotic kidney transplantation method for obese recipients. From June 2009-December 2011, a prospective cohort of 39 obese patients underwent robotic kidney transplantation at a single center.

The use of bortezomib as a rescue treatment for acute antibody-mediated rejection: report of three cases and review of literature.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) typically occurs early after transplantation in approximately 5%-7% of recipients. The literature reports suggest that 12%-37% of kidney transplant recipients with acute AMR do not respond to treatment and eventually lose their grafts. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of multiple myeloma.