Cellular immunity against cytomegalovirus and risk of infection after kidney transplantation.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a challenge following kidney transplantation (KTx). Currently, CMV-IgG serostatus at transplantation is used to individualize CMV preventive strategies. We assessed the clinical utility of CMV-IGRA for predicting CMV infection following KTx.

Cytomegalovirus High-risk Kidney Transplant Recipients Show No Difference in Long-term Outcomes Following Preemptive Versus Prophylactic Management.

Background: Following kidney transplantation (KT), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains an important challenge. Both prophylactic and preemptive antiviral protocols are used for CMV high-risk kidney recipients (donor seropositive/recipient seronegative; D+/R-). We performed a nationwide comparison of the 2 strategies in de novo D+/R- KT recipients accessing long-term outcomes.

β-Thromboglobulin may not reflect platelet activation during haemodialysis with the HeprAN membrane.

Background: When blood passes through the extracorporeal circuit during haemodialysis (HD) undesirable effects including platelet degranulation and coagulation activation take place. β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) is a sensitive marker of platelet activation. The aim of this study was to investigate platelet degranulation and coagulation activation during HD with the heparin-coated dialysis membrane HeprAN.

Low level of MAp44, an inhibitor of the lectin complement pathway, and long-term graft and patient survival; a cohort study of 382 kidney recipients.

Background: Higher incidence of malignancy and infectious diseases in kidney transplant recipients is related to immunosuppressive treatment after transplantation and the recipient's native immune system. The complement system is an essential component of the innate immunity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of effector molecules of the lectin complement pathway with graft and patient survival after kidney transplantation.