Publications by authors named "Stephen Jensik"

Background: Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) complicated by aneurysms are repaired through several mechanisms. Little is known about risk factors for aneurysm recurrence or the efficacy of subsequent repair of recurring aneurysms.

Methods: About 291 patients underwent AVF aneurysm repair between 2009 and 2019 at a large urban medical center.

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Introduction: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) aneurysms are a chronic complication which can be disfiguring, painful, and can rupture. Here, we compare the outcomes between three different methods of AVF aneurysm repair.

Methods: One-way ANOVA, Chi-square, and Fisher Exact analyses were used to compare demographics.

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Objective: Techniques such as the use of nonpenetrating vascular clips for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) anastomotic creation have been developed in an effort to reduce fistula-related complications. However, the outcomes data for the use of clips have remained equivocal, and the cost evaluations to support their use have been largely theoretical. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine both the clinical and the cost outcomes of AVFs created with nonpenetrating vascular clips compared with the continuous suture technique during a 10-year period at a single institution.

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This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody bleselumab (ASKP1240) in de novo kidney transplant recipients over 36 months posttransplant. Transplant recipients were randomized (1:1:1) to standard of care (SoC: 0.1 mg/kg per day immediate-release tacrolimus [IR-TAC]; target minimum blood concentration [C ] 4-11 ng/mL plus 1 g mycophenolate mofetil [MMF] twice daily) or bleselumab (200 mg on days 0/7/14/28/42/56/70/90, and monthly thereafter) plus either MMF or IR-TAC (0.

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Objective: This study explored the long-term outcomes of arteriovenous fistulas treated with vonapanitase (recombinant human elastase) at the time of surgical creation.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 151 patients undergoing radiocephalic or brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula creation who were randomized equally to placebo, vonapanitase 10 μg, or vonapanitase 30 μg. The results after 1 year of follow-up were previously reported.

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Introduction: The decision for isolated kidney transplant (KT) vs. combined liver-kidney transplant (CLKT) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with compensated cirrhosis remains controversial. We sought to determine outcomes of patients requiring listing for a liver transplant (LT) following either a cadaveric or living donor KT and compare these outcomes to similar patients receiving a CLKT.

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Objective: This study explored the safety and efficacy of recombinant type I pancreatic elastase (PRT-201) topically applied once to the external surface of an arteriovenous fistula.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Adults with kidney disease undergoing creation of a radiocephalic fistula (RCF) or brachiocephalic fistula were randomized to treatment with placebo (n = 51), PRT-201 at 10 μg (n = 51), or PRT-201 at 30 μg (n = 49).

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A modified technique for placement of the venous outflow component (VOC) of the Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) device (Hemosphere Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) is described. The purpose of the technique is to improve the system's trackability and facilitate device insertion in patients with central venous occlusion. Device preparation requires placement of a 6-mm × 4-cm angioplasty balloon within the leading end of the VOC.

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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.

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Background: Cyclosporine exposure, as estimated by the area under the curve (AUC), predicts outcomes in renal transplantation. Cyclosporine concentration at two h post-dose (C(2)) has been shown to be the most reliable, single-point surrogate marker for AUC. The objective of this study was to measure renal function beyond month 2 post-transplant using two different C(2) maintenance targets in combination with enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), corticosteroids, and basiliximab induction.

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Background: This is the 1-year report of a randomized, multicenter, clinical trial comparing the combination of sirolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in kidney transplantation.

Methods: Prior to transplantation, recipients were randomized to receive tacrolimus plus corticosteroids with either sirolimus (n=185) or MMF (n=176). The incidence of biopsy-confirmed acute rejection at 6 months was the primary endpoint of the study.

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This pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of converting from a calcineurin inhibitor (CI) to a sirolimus (SRL)-based regimen in established renal transplant recipients with moderate renal insufficiency. Sixty renal transplant recipients on CI-based immuno-suppression with a serum creatinine (SCr) between 159 and 265 microM (1.8 and 3.

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Background: This is the first report of a randomized, multicenter, clinical trial comparing the combination of sirolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression in kidney transplantation. Results at 6 months of follow-up are presented.

Methods: Before transplantation, patients were randomized to receive tacrolimus plus corticosteroids with sirolimus (n=185) or MMF (n=176).

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Background: The 1-year results of the Phase III U.S. Multicenter Trial comparing tacrolimus (FK506)- and cyclosporine (CsA)-based immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplantation revealed a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of acute rejection episodes among patients maintained on tacrolimus.

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Article Synopsis
  • Leflunomide (Arava) shows promise in transplantation, especially for chronic rejection, and has been evaluated in 53 liver and kidney transplant patients over three years.
  • A pharmacokinetic study indicated that achieving effective serum levels involves a loading dose, with toxicity being related to those levels, particularly in patients with high serum creatinine.
  • The study found that patients with lower creatinine levels tolerated leflunomide better, with significant reductions in conventional immunosuppressive drugs needed for some, highlighting the drug's potential benefits in managing transplant recipients.
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