Ex-vivo perfusion machines in kidney transplantation. The significance of the resistivity index.

Introduction: With a growing shortage of organs for transplantation, finding ways of increasing the donor organ pool remains of utmost importance. Perfusion machines (PM) have been proven to enhance the potential for kidney transplants to function sooner, last longer, giving patients the opportunity for a better life quality.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between the resistance index provided by the PM, the postoperative resistance index measured by Doppler ultrasound and the initial graft outcome.

Soluble CD30 and ELISA-detected human leukocyte antigen antibodies for the prediction of acute rejection in pediatric renal transplant recipients.

Biomarker-based post-transplant immune monitoring for the prediction of impending graft rejection requires validation in specific patient populations. Serum of 28 pediatric renal transplant recipients within the framework of a well-controlled prospective randomized trial was analyzed pre- and post-transplant for soluble CD30 (sCD30), a biomarker reflecting mainly T-cell reactivity, and anti-human leukocyte antigen (anti-HLA) antibody reactivity, a biomarker for B-cell activation. A sCD30 concentration ≥40.

Clinical experience with induction therapy in renal transplantation.

Introduction: Acute rejection (AR) is a major determinant of renal allograft survival. The incorporation of new immunosuppressive agents explains the improvement seen in the results of transplantation in recent years.

Objective: To assess the optimal immunosuppression regimen according to the immunological risk of renal transplant patients.

Immunosuppression in kidney transplantation.

For most patients with chronic kidney failure, kidney transplantation has the greatest potential for restoring a healthy and productive life. The risk of acute rejection is the highest in the first months after transplantation (induction phase) and diminishes afterwards (maintenance phase). Immunosuppression should be at the highest level in the early period and reduced for long-term therapy.

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy v classic lumbotomy for pyonephrosis.

Purpose: To describe our experience and operative technique for retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for pyonephrosis and to compare the results with those of open surgery.

Patients And Methods: Since October 1998, 23 successful retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomies for pyonephrosis were performed in our institution (Group A). These patients were compared with 23 patients, matched by age, sex, and body weight, who underwent classic lumbotomy for pyonephrosis (Group B).