Transplantation proceedings
-
The 2012 and 2013 solid organ transplantation statistics were presented during the annual meeting of the Belgian Transplant Society. ⋯ Belgium demonstrated the highest number of effective organ donors that corresponded to 29 per million inhabitants (pmi) in 2012 and 27.4 pmi in 2013. Thus far, and in contrast with other countries, there is no erosion of DBD in the DCD donor organ pool, but it is the important responsibility of all transplant centers and donor hospitals to avoid a substitution from DBD by DCD donors.
-
Small-sized patients with cystic fibrosis usually face long waiting times for a suitable lung donor. Reduced-size lung transplantation (LTx) was promoted to shorten waiting times. We compared donor and recipient characteristics and outcome in lobar ([L]) versus full-size ([FS]) lung recipients. ⋯ Although hindered by a higher incidence of primary graft dysfunction, L-LTx is a viable option with excellent survival and pulmonary function comparable to FS-LTx.
-
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has emerged as an important cause of bloodstream infections in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for bloodstream infections caused by CRKP as well as risk factors for CRKP-associated mortality among ICU patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (LT). ⋯ CRKP bloodstream infections affect immunocompromised post-transplantation patients more. Bloodstream infections with CRKP along with APACHE and SOFA scores were predictors of death in ICU patients after LT.
-
Recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is an important cause of graft loss after kidney transplantation. The management of patients with recurrent FSGS is not well established because there are no prospective randomized studies with a view to the impact of FSGS on graft survival. Recent studies suggest that rituximab, an anti-B-CD20 monoclonal antibody, may be a therapeutic alternative in selected cases resistant to conventional therapy. ⋯ Ten months after transplantation and 5 months after the first dose of rituximab was administered, severe PJP pneumonia developed and the patient died despite all efforts with antibiotic therapy. It seems essential that all renal transplant recipients treated with rituximab should currently be considered at an increased risk for PJP. This case suggests that prolonged or restarted prophylaxis for PJP should be recommended not only after conventional treatment for acute rejection episodes but also after use of rituximab in combination with other immunosuppressive therapy as well.
-
Dilutional coagulopathy might cause life-threatening hemorrhages in liver transplantation. Liver insufficiency is usually accompanied by alteration in fibrinogen (Fib) synthesis, which is one of the main clotting factors providing appropriate hemostasis. Intraoperative hemodilution results in further Fib concentration reduction enhancing coagulopathy and blood loss. Exogenous Fib substitution might prevent this. ⋯ Clot formation is disturbed more profoundly by hemodilution in cirrhotic patients. Fib concentrate substitution might be effective in the management of dilutional coagulopathy.