Transplantation proceedings
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Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
The pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury is known to involve cytokines and particularly surface adhesion molecules, the expression of which initiates the attachment of inflammatory cells. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma is considered an important immunomodulatory factor as well as a fatty acid regulator. In this study, we researched the expression of PPAR-gamma in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury of the rat. ⋯ From 1.5 to 5 hours after reperfusion, PPAR-gamma staining was strong on endothelial cells, moderate on interstitial cells, and strong on collecting ducts. Twelve hours after reperfusion, PPAR-gamma staining was weak on endothelial cells, moderate on interstitial cells, and strong on collecting ducts. PPAR-gamma is induced on collecting ducts, interstitial cells, and endothelial cells in a rat model having renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Size matching between donors and recipients represents one of the organ distribution criteria widely accepted by lung transplant teams. However, in some cases it is not possible to allocate a donor to the corresponding size-compatible recipient. ⋯ There were no significant differences between lung-downsized patients and standard lung transplantation patients in terms of donor characteristics, surgical and postoperative complications, functional outcome, and survival. We conclude that downsizing the lung graft either by nonanatomical resection or lobar transplantation is safe and reliable to overcome size disparities between donor and recipients, with no additional morbidity and with similar early and midterm outcomes to those in standard lung transplants.
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Hypertension is a frequent cardiovascular risk factor in liver transplant recipients. The usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in these patients is unknown. This study was aimed at evaluating the circadian rhythms of blood pressure in liver allograft recipients. ⋯ Overall, 72% of the patients were hypertensive, and 39.5% showed a nondipper pattern. Diastolic hypertension was more frequent than systolic hypertension. No differences were found in renal function, immunosuppressive therapy, or corticosteroids.
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Laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy is a major advance but a challenging procedure to learn even after laparoscopic training. It requires significant previous training in both laparoscopic and transplant surgery. Telementoring has been shown to reduce the laparoscopic learning curve in other fields. ⋯ There were no adverse events in recipients and graft function was excellent. With regards to the telementored group the mean operative time was 240 minutes, the mean warm ischemic time 189 seconds, the mean estimated blood loss 171 mL, and the mean length of hospital stay 3 days. Telementoring for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is feasible, effective, and likely to aid independent practice by providing continued supervision and reducing the learning period.
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Comparative Study
African American renal transplant recipients benefit from early corticosteroid withdrawal under modern immunosuppression.
African Americans have historically been considered high-risk renal transplant recipients due to increased rejection rates and reduced long-term graft survival. Modern immunosuppression has reduced rejections and improved graft survival in African Americans and may allow successful corticosteroid withdrawal. Outcomes in 56 African Americans were compared to 56 non-African Americans enrolled in early withdrawal protocols. ⋯ Acute rejection at 1 year was 23% and 18% (P = NS), while patient and graft survival was 96% versus 98% and 91% versus 91% (P = NS), respectively. In conclusion, early withdrawal in African Americans is associated with acceptable rejection rates and excellent patient and graft survival, indicating that the risks and benefits of early withdrawal are similar between African Americans and non-African Americans. Additional followup is needed to determine long-term renal function, graft survival, and cardiovascular risk in African Americans with early steroid withdrawal.