Objective To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative use of tigecycline in preventing infection and the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia in liver transplant recipients. Methods Clinical data of 40 liver transplant recipients given with tigecycline to prevent infection were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of infection in recipients and donor-derived infection were analyzed. The changes of clinical indexes in recipients during, upon the completion and (7±2) d after tigecycline treatment were analyzed, respectively. The incidence and treatment of hypofibrinogenemia were summarized. Results Among 40 liver transplant recipients, 2 cases were infected by aspergillus niger and cytomegalovirus, out of the antibacterial spectrum of tigecycline. After adjusting the anti-infection regimen, the infection was properly controlled. Liver allografts were positive for relevant culture in 9 cases, whereas none of them progressed into donor-derived infection. Approximately at postoperative 2 weeks, all 40 recipients restored liver function and were discharged from hospital. Among them, 6 recipients developed hypofibrinogenemia complicated with coagulation disorder at postoperative 2-4 d, whereas transaminase level, bilirubin level and infection-related indexes were gradually decreased after liver transplantation, and albumin level was stable. After supplemented with human fibrinogen and prothrombin complex, coagulation function was improved, but fibrinogen level persistently declined. After terminating use of tigecycline, fibrinogen level was gradually restored to normal range, which might be an adverse drug reaction induced by tigecycline. Conclusions Perioperative anti-infection regimen including tigecycline may reduce the incidence of infection caused by sensitive bacteria in liver transplant recipients. Nevertheless, the incidence of hypofibrinogenemia should be intimately monitored throughout the use of tigecycline.

Objective:To summarize the incidence of acute rejection (AR) after pediatric kidney transplantation (KT) at a single center and examine its impact on graft/patient survival and risk factors for AR.Methods:This is a retrospective cohort study including pediatric recipients who underwent kidney transplantation in past 8 years.After excluding recipients of graft thrombosis within a week post-transplant and lost to follow-ups, a total of 143 cases were ultimately recruited and assigned into two groups of AR (n=29) and non-AR (n=114).Basic profiles of both donors and recipients and graft/patient survival rate were compared between two groups.Relative risk factors for AR episodes were also examined by Logistic regression.Results:Renal grafts for 130/143 cases (90.9%) were harvested from deceased donors and 120(83.9%) cases from children.Twenty-seven transplants (18.9%) were performed in infants and young recipients aged < 3 years.During a median follow-up of 33 months, 34 AR episodes occurred in 29(20.3%) patients.Rate of re-transplantation (27.6% vs. 7.9%), pediatric donor (96.5% vs. 80.7%) and rabbit anti-human thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction (79.3% vs. 36%) were significantly higher in AR group than non-AR group ( P=0.007, P=0.046, P<0.001).Multivariate regression analysis indicated that basiliximab induction caused a significant reduction in the risk of AR incidence as compared with rATG induction (odds ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.43, P<0.001).The median time of AR incidence was 1.3 months post-transplantation and 23 episodes (67.6%) were confirmed by biopsy.After anti-rejection treatment, 52.9%(n=18) of the cases achieved a full recovery and 38.3% (n=13) had improved graft function.However, 3 cases (8.8%) developed irreversible graft failure.The 1/3-year graft survival rates were significantly lower in AR group than those in non-AR group (75.3% vs. 95.2%, 68.4% vs. 90.4%, P=0.01), and there was no significant difference in 1-and 3-year patient survival rates between two groups. Conclusions:The incidence of AR is relatively high in pediatric renal transplantation, which has an impact on graft survival.Basiliximab induction can effectively reduce the risk of AR.

Examining the clinical data of 4 recipients with early duodenal fistula after liver transplantation, this review summarizes proper managements and provided references for the clinical prevention and treatment of this complication.

Objective:We employ different regimens of induction therapy in living donor ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation(ABOi-KT) recipients to compare their clinical outcomes during 6 months post-KT.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for the relevant clinical data of 41 ABOi-KT recipients from June 2018 to September 2022.Thirteen recipients on induction therapy of anti-human T lymphocyte porcine immunoglobin(pATG)were enrolled in pATG group; 19 recipients on induction therapy of basiliximab in basiliximab group; 9 recipients on induction therapy of rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin(rATG)in rATG group.Differences in age, gender, body mass index(BMI), dialysis modality/duration, sideness of donor kidney, frequency of blood group antibody treatment, dose of rituximab, basic blood group antibody titers of IgG/IgM, and the gender and BMI of recipient's donor were compared for three groups.Immune status was assessed by comparing absolute lymphocyte count before pre-treatment and within 6 months post-KT in recipients under different induction regimens among 3 groups by one-way analysis of variance.Transplant kidney function was assessed by comparing the levels of serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)and serum urea nitrogen using one-way analysis of variance.The incidence of delayed graft function(DGF), acute rejection(AR)and infection was compared among three groups.Results:Regarding baseline profiles, except for donor age pATG group[(60.23±6.10)years]versus basiliximab group[(51.95±6.97)years]was statistically significant( P=0.002), the differences in the remaining parameters were not statistically significant among three groups(all P>0.05). At Day 1/3/7/10/14 post-KT, absolute lymphocyte counts were(0.17±0.07)×10 9/L, (0.27±0.14)×10 9/L, (0.85±0.40)×10 9/L, (1.05±0.56)×10 9/L and(1.10±0.56)×10 9/L in pATG group and(0.69±0.04)×10 9/L, (0.18±0.21)×10 9/L, (0.57±0.44)×10 9/L, (0.67±0.45)×10 9/L and(0.81±0.46)×10 9/L in rATG group respectively.They were all higher than those in basiliximab group[(0.46±0.18)×10 9/L, (0.67±0.26)×10 9/L, (1.29±0.48)×10 9/L, (1.56±0.49)×10 9/L, (1.75±0.53)×10 9/L]and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). No statistically significant difference existed in absolute lymphocyte count among 3 groups before pre-treatment and after Day 21 post-KT(all P>0.05). At Week 1/2/4/12/24 post-KT, the differences in serum levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen were not statistically significant( P>0.05). At Month 1/3 post-KT, eGFR was(47.24±14.51)and(49.94±14.31)ml·min -1·(1.73 2) -1 in rATG group and they were lower than(67.36±21.60)and(65.00±14.67)ml·min -1·(1.73 2) -1 in basiliximab group with a statistically significant difference( P<0.05). However, at Week 1/2/24 post-KT, no statistically significant difference existed in eGFR among 3 groups( P>0.05). In ATG, basiliximab and rATG groups, DGF(1 case, 1 case, 1 case), AR(2 cases, 2 cases, 1 case)and infection(4 cases, 7 cases, 3 cases)occurred during 6 months post-KT. Conclusions:Through a limited sample of single centers, no statistically significant difference existed in graft function recovery for ABOi-KT recipients on induction therapies of pATG, basiliximab and rATG.And DGF, AR and infections occurred in all three groups.However, there were little inter-group differences.

In recent years, although the quantity of organ donation after citizen's death has been constantly increased, a large number of patients with end-stage renal diseases are waiting for kidney transplantation every year. The imbalance between donor and recipient is still one of the main problems affecting kidney transplantation in clinical practice. Therefore, it is of clinical significance to accurately evaluate the quality of donor kidney and fully utilize the expanded criteria donor kidney. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound has been gradually applied in the detection of multiple solid organs due to its safety, portability, real-time detection, quantification and other characteristics, and it also has promising application prospect in the evaluation of donor kidney quality. In this article, the advantages and limitations of current evaluation methods for donor kidney and current status and advantages of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in donor kidney evaluation were reviewed, and the application prospect of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of donor kidney quality was discussed, aiming to increase the methods and enhance the accuracy for donor kidney evaluation, and provide reference for rational use of expanded criteria donor kidney.

Intestinal transplantation has become the most ideal treatment for intestinal failure. Modern clinical intestinal transplantation includes three types: isolated intestinal transplantation, combined liver-intestinal transplantation and abdominal multivisceral transplantation. The immunological, anatomical and physiological characteristics of intestinal grafts significantly differ from those of other solid transplant organs. Consequently, intestinal grafts could develop specific and severe complications, such as acute rejection, chronic rejection, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infection and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), among which acute rejection and infection are extremely challenging. Endoscopic examination and intestinal mucosal biopsy of intestinal grafts could be performed to make timely diagnosis and differentiation of these complications, then deliver targeted treatment and guarantee the long-term survival of recipients and intestinal grafts.

Objective:To improve the level of detection method and quality control at different transplant centers in China and comprehensively analyze the data of tacrolimus(Tac)detection in multiple transplant centers and provide data supports.Methods:Low, medium and high concentration commercial quality control products in triplicate samples were delivered to 34 domestic organ transplantation centers and testing repeated for 2~3 times during different time periods. The detection results of 240 quality control samples were summarized. The methods, accuracy and stability of Tac detection results were analyzed.Results:In international standard laboratories, mean±standard deviation(SD)of Tac detection results of low/medium/high concentration commercial quality control products was(4.70±0.325), (8.46±0.548)and(13.50±0.966)respectively. Here the results were (4.79±0.605), (8.49±0.948)and(13.99±1.604)respectively. In contrast, SD and degree of variation of international standard data were smaller, indicating that the accuracy and stability of international standard laboratories in detecting Tac were higher. SD of Tac concentrations detected by international standard laboratory for low/medium/high concentrations was approximately 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 respectively, i.e.International first-class level. Here SD was approximately 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 respectively, i.e. Chinese industry level.Conclusions:The "Chinese industry level" is recommended. Before using a new batch of "testing reagents" , "standard control samples" must be employed for calibrating the calculated curve. The calculated curve should be re-calibrated at least once per month. And clinicians should be consulted frequently.

Objective:To observe the safety and efficacy of early conversion into a simplified once-daily immunosuppressive regimen of sirolimus plus low-dose extended-release tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients.Methods:From April 2019 to August 2020, clinical data were collected from 44 recipients (22 pairs) of kidney transplantation. Two kidneys from the same donor were randomly divided into observed and control groups. The immunosuppressive regimen of two groups was the same within 1 month post-transplantation, i. e. tacrolimus plus mycophenolatemofetil (or mycophenolate sodium) and prednisone. Then the immunosuppressive regimen of observed group was switched into a simplified once-daily regimen of sirolimus plus low-dose extended-release tacrolimus and prednisone while control group remained unchanged. The changes of graft function, proteinuria and the incidence of related adverse events were recorded.Results:No inter-group difference existed in serum level of creatinine at Month 1 post-transplantation (163.40±51.57 vs 166.10±49.48 μmol/L). After regimen conversion, serum level of creatinine was slightly lower in observed group than that in control group at Months 3 and 6 post-transplantation (130.10±30.10 vs 134.90±28.97, 121.50±24.96 vs 136.30±27.06). However, there was no statistic difference. The 24-hour urinary total trace protein was slightly higher in observed group than that in control group (331.20±84.21 vs 279.50±80.91 and 209.60±66.02 vs 179.50±37.60 mg/24 h) at Months 3 and 6 post-transplantation. However, there was no statistic difference. No inter-group difference existed in the incidence of drug side effects or other adverse events.Conclusions:In kidney transplant recipients at Month 1 post-transplantation, a conversion of immunosuppressive regimen into a simplified once-daily of sirolimus plus low-dose extended-release tacrolimus can significantly boost patient compliance without an elevated risk of drug side effects or adverse events and offer an advantage of reducing nephrotoxicity.

Objective:To explore the outcome of kidney transplantation from donation after cadaveric death(DCD)with high pathological Remuzzi score.Methods:From January, 2019 to December, 2019, 31 recipients of kidney allograft transplantation from marginal donors with Remuzzi score≥4 in preimplantation biopsy were retrospectively enrolled. They were divided into two groups of dual kidney transplantation(DKT, 14 cases)and single kidney transplantation(SKT, 17 cases). Median Remuzzi score of left kidney(5.05 in DKT group vs 4.92 in SKT group)or right kidney(5.26 vs. 4.58)was comparable. Dual donor kidneys were implanted into ipsilateral iliac fossa. Survival outcomes, kidney function, acute rejection episodes, incidence of delayed graft function(DGF)and proteinuria were recorded within Year 1 post-operation.Results:Proportion of male(92.9% vs. 52.9%, P<0.05)and recipient's body mass index(BMI, 23.93 vs. 21.09)were significant higher in DKT group than those in SKT group. One graft failure occurred in DKT group at Month 11 post-operation. The 1-year graft survival rate was 92.9% in DKT group and 1-year recipient survival rate both 100% in two groups. Mean 12-month serum creatinine[SCr, (164±37.7)μmol/L vs. (154.92±96.2)μmol/L]and estimated glomerular filtration rate[eGFR, (41.84±9.01) vs. (44.8±18.16)ml/(min·1.73m 2)]were comparable between two groups(both P>0.05). There was no occurrence of thrombosis resulting in graft loss. One-year incidence of acute rejection, rate of DGF(42.9% vs 41.2%)and proteinuria(57.1% vs. 41.2%)were comparable between two groups(both P>0.05). Conclusions:Through donor-recipient matching and dual kidney transplant allocation, short-term survival outcome of kidney allograft from marginal donors with high Remuzzi score≥4 is encouraging. However, long-term outcomes should be further examined.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of sirolimus-based immunosuppressive protocol on tumor recurrence and tumor-free survival after liver transplantation(LT)in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)patients.Methods:From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, a total of 114 HCC patients undergoing LT were recruited and divided into two groups of sirolimus(SRL)and tacrolimus. Univariate and multivariant analyses were performed for evaluating the risk factors of recurrence after LT. Tumor-free survival were compared using Cox logistic regression analysis.Results:Tumor recurrence and/or metastasis occurred in 45 patients. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis indicated that sirolimus was an independent protective factor for preventing tumor recurrence( P=0.005, HR=0.38, 95% CI 0.193~0.748). The median tumor-free survival time was 5(4~19)months in tacrolimus group and 23(13~31)months in sirolimus group. No inter-group statistical difference existed in incidence of infection or rejection complications( P>0.05). Conclusions:HCC patients benefit from sirolimus-based immunosuppressive protocol after LT. And sirolimus may reduce tumor recurrence rate and prolong tumor-free survival time.