器官移植

Expert consensus on organ donation from patients infected with novel coronavirus in China

Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association, Branch of Organ Transplant Physician of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, National Quality Control Center for Human Donated Organ Procurement

2023, 14(1): 1-10. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.001

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Abstract:
The spread, prevention and control of novel coronavirus infection and the potential risks and uncertainties of novel coronavirus transmission from donor to recipient have brought serious impacts and great challenges to organ donation and transplantation. There is increasing evidence that the use of non-pulmonary organs (kidney, liver and heart) from novel coronavirus infected donors carries a low risk of transmission, regardless of whether they were symptomatic at the time of acquisition. Delaying organ donation after the death of those who are positive for novel coronavirus antigen or nucleic acid testing, and then waiting until turns negative, will result in the discarding of a significant number of organs that are medically suitable for transplantation. In order to maximally meet the demand for transplantation in patients with end-stage organ failure, Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association organized relevant experts formulated the "Expert consensus on organ donation from patients infected with novel coronavirus in China" after citizen' s death by taking into account the epidemic situation of novel coronavirus infection in China and the clinical practice of organ donation and transplantation, and by referring to relevant research results and clinical research evidence at home and abroad. It aims to provide recommendations and references for the procurement and application of donor organs from patients infected with novel coronavirus.

Chinese experts consensus on the management of surgical site infection in solid organ transplantation (2022 edition)

Branch of Organ Transplant Physicians of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association

2023, 14(1): 11-23. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.002

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The quality of solid organ transplantation has been improved significantly in China in recent years. However, surgical site infection (SSI) is still a main factor affecting the survival of solid organ transplantation recipients. With the joint efforts of experts in fields of organ transplantation, infectious diseases, critical care medicine, laboratory medicine and clinical pharmacy, this expert consensus systematically summarizes the experiences of SSI management in solid organ transplantation in China, focusing on basic management principles, epidemiology, risk factors, special pathogen infection and diagnostic techniques of SSI. It aims to standardize the prevention measures of SSI in transplantation centers to reduce the incidence and mortality of SSI in solid organ transplantation recipients.

Clinical technical operation specification of kidney transplantation for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (2022 edition)

Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association

2023, 14(1): 24-30. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.003

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Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease and one of the most common causes for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney transplantation is the optimal renal replacement therapy for ADPKD patients complicated with ESRD. Currently, scholars at home and abroad have a certain controversy about whether polycystic kidney resection is necessary in ADPKD patients before kidney transplantation, and the criteria and methods for polycystic nephrectomy also differ. To further standardize the clinical technical operation of kidney transplantation in ADPKD patients, experts in organ transplantation organized by Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association formulated this specification from the aspects of diagnosis of ADPKD, indications and contraindications of kidney transplantation for ADPKD, preoperative evaluation and treatment, polycystic nephrectomy, and postoperative management, etc.

Development status and new challenges of heart transplantation

Chen Liangwan, Li Qianzhen, Dai Xiaofu, Fang Guanhua, Qiu Zhihuang

2023, 14(1): 31-41. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.004

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Heart transplantation is the primary therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. The shortage of donors has been the main limiting factor for the increasing quantity of heart transplantation. With persistent updating and introduction of novel technologies, the donor pool has been increasingly expanded, such as using the heart from older donors, donors infected with hepatitis C virus, donors dying from drug overdose or donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors, etc. Meantime, the proportion of recipients with advanced age, multiple organ dysfunction, mechanical circulatory support and human leukocyte antigen antibody sensitization has been significantly increased in recent years. The shortage of donors, complication of recipients' conditions, individualized management of immunosuppressive therapy and prevention and treatment of long-term cardiac allograft vasculopathy are all challenges in the field of heart transplantation. In this article, novel progresses on donor pool expansion, improving the quality of recipients, strengthening the diagnosis and treatment of rejection, and preventing cardiac allograft vasculopathy were reviewed, aiming to prolong the survival and enhance the quality of life of patients with end-stage heart failure on the waiting list or underwent heart transplantation.

Clinical research progress and mechanism on myocardial injury in hearts from donors with stroke

Wang Xiaowen, Zheng Zhe, Huang Jie

2023, 14(1): 42-48. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.005

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At present, the heart of donor from donation after brain death are the primary organ sources for heart transplantation. After brain death, severe hemodynamic changes and a series of organ functional changes will occur, thereby leading to the functional damage or even loss of tissues and organs, especially the heart. Intimate relationship and interaction have been found in the physiology and pathophysiology between nervous and cardiovascular systems. After stroke, autonomic nervous disorder, neuroendocrine disorder and intense and persistent inflammatory reaction could be caused by the brain-heart axis reaction, leading to stroke-induced cardiac injuries, such as sympathetic storm, catecholamine storm, inflammatory storm, etc. In this article, research progresses on the mechanism of myocardial injury in heart from donors with stroke and the effect on clinical efficacy and prognosis after heart transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical practice and subsequent research.

Application of ECMO in pediatric heart transplantation

Cai Ziwen, Zhang Tailong, Wang Yin, Dong Nianguo

2023, 14(1): 49-55. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.006

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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could pump the blood from human veins to the outside of the body, oxygenate the red blood cells in an artificial environment and then return them back into the body. ECMO could replace the heart and lungs to complete gas exchange and systemic blood perfusion in patients with severe cardiopulmonary insufficiency, which also plays an important role in the field of heart transplantation. Besides circulatory support treatment after heart transplantation, ECMO may also be used to prolong the waiting time for heart transplantation in patients with respiratory and circulatory failure before operation, as a bridging therapy for heart transplantation. However, at present, the application of ECMO in pediatric heart transplantation still exist challenges, such as high perioperative mortality and difficulty in determining the timing of treatment, etc. In this article, the development history of ECMO application in pediatric heart transplantation, use of ECMO before and after pediatric heart transplantation, ECMO-related complications in children, and application of ventricular assist device (VAD) in pediatric heart transplantation were briefly reviewed, aiming to provide reference for promoting the application of ECMO in pediatric heart transplantation.

Progress and prospect of heart transplantation in children

Zhu Jiade, Wu Min

2023, 14(1): 56-61. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.007

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Pediatric heart transplantation is the standard treatment for children complicated with refractory heart failure which is difficult to be treated by conventional surgery or drugs. At present, an increasing quantity of pediatric heart transplantation is being performed worldwide, whereas relevant experience is still lacking in China. In recent 10 years, significant progress has been achieved in pediatric heart transplantation. On one hand, the number of pediatric heart transplantation has been increased year by year. On the other hand, ABO-incompatible heart transplantation, application of ventricular assist device in children, and recipient-donor weight mismatch transplantation have been widely employed to resolve the shortage of donor heart in pediatric heart transplantation. However, relevant experience of pediatric heart transplantation is lacking in China, especially in understanding the indications of pediatric heart transplantation and the application of specific strategies for pediatric heart transplantation, etc. In this article, the development history, advances in therapeutic strategy and clinical prognosis of pediatric heart transplantation were reviewed.

Current status and progress on the application of ventricular assist device

Chen Ming, Wang Yixuan, Xu Li, Li Fei

2023, 14(1): 62-67. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.008

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At present, heart transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage heart failure. Nevertheless, the shortage of donors is becoming an increasingly severe challenge. In recent years, rapid development of mechanical circulatory support technologies has provided multiple therapeutic options for patients with end-stage heart failure. As an important mechanical circulatory support device, ventricular assist device (VAD) are divided into durable VAD (dVAD) and temporary VAD (tVAD) according to the duration of assistance. dVAD shows application potential in bridging heart transplantation, destination therapy and bridge to decision. With technological progress and experience accumulation in clinical application, VAD is evolving towards the direction of more biocompatible, lighter, more bionic and intelligent. In this article, the development of VAD, application status at home and abroad and the overall application of VAD in our hospital were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for promoting the clinical application of VAD in China.

Progress on diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy

Li Dawei, Zhang Ming

2023, 14(1): 68-74. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.009

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Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a severe complication after kidney transplantation, mainly characterized by thrombocytopenia, microvascular hemolytic anemia and acute kidney injury, which may lead to kidney allograft failure or even death of the recipients. With the increasing quantity of solid organ transplantation in China and deeper understanding of TMA, relevant in-depth studies have been gradually carried out. Kidney transplantation-associated TMA is characterized with different causes and clinical manifestations. Non-invasive specific detection approach is still lacking. The diagnosis of TMA mainly depends on renal biopsy. However, most TMA patients are complicated with significant thrombocytopenia. Hence, renal puncture is a risky procedure. It is difficult to make a definite diagnosis. For kidney transplantation-associated TMA, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin and withdrawal of potential risk drugs are commonly employed. Nevertheless, the overall prognosis is poor. In this article, the classification of TMA after kidney transplantation, diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated TMA were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of kidney transplantation-associated TMA.

Preliminary study of the role of IL-18/IL-18BP in mediating cytotoxic ability of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models

Meng Qiang, Zhang Wenjie, Wu Weikang, Niu Kunwei, Yang Long, Zhang Xuan, Tao Kaishan

2023, 14(1): 75-82. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.010

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Objective To evaluate the role and potential mechanism of interleukin (IL)-18/IL-18 binding protein (BP) in mediating the killing effect of natural killer (NK)-92MI cells upon endothelial cells from α-1, 3- galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GTKO) porcine models. Methods NK-92MI cells were divided into the NK, NK+IL-18, NK+GTKO, IL-18+NK+GTKO and IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO groups. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of inflammation-related genes in NK-92MI cells were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The killing effect of NK-92MI cells on endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The apoptosis of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression levels of proteins with killing effect and apoptosis-related proteins were determined by Western blot. Results Compared with the NK, NK+IL-18 and NK+GTKO groups, the expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-3, IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) mRNA were up-regulated in NK-92MI cells in the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, the expression levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-3, IL-6 and GM-CSF mRNA were down-regulated in NK-92MI cells in the IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the NK+GTKO group, the expression levels of perforin, granzyme B and IFN-γ proteins in NK-92MI cells were up-regulated, the killing rate of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was enhanced, the apoptosis rate of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was increased, and the ratios of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models were elevated in the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the IL-18+NK+GTKO group, the expression levels of perforin, granzyme B and IFN-γ proteins were down-regulated, the killing rate of NK-92MI cells against endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was decreased, the apoptosis rate of endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models was decreased, and the ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3/Caspase-3 in endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models were declined in the IL-18+IL-18BP+NK+GTKO group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Conclusions IL-18BP may block the expression of inflammation-related genes in NK-92MI cells induced by IL-18 and the killing effect of NK-92MI cells on endothelial cells from GTKO porcine models.

Identification of M1 macrophage-related genes in rejection after kidney transplantation based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis

Dong Boqing, Li Yang, Shi Yuting, Zhang Jing, Feng Xinshun, Zheng Jin, Li Xiao, Ding Xiaoming, Xue Wujun

2023, 14(1): 83-92. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.011

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Objective To identify M1 macrophage-related genes in rejection after kidney transplantation and construct a risk prediction model for renal allograft survival. Methods GSE36059 and GSE21374 datasets after kidney transplantation were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GSE36059 dataset included the samples from the recipients with rejection and stable allografts. Using this dataset, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential analysis were conducted to screen the M1 macrophage-related differentially expressed gene (M1-DEG). Then, GSE21374 dataset (including the follow-up data of graft loss) was divided into the training set and validation set according to a ratio of 7∶3. In the training set, a multivariate Cox's model was constructed using the variables screened by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and the ability of this model to predict allograft survival was evaluated. CIBERSORT was employed to analyze the differences of infiltrated immune cells between the high-risk group and low-risk group, and the distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-related genes was analyzed between two groups. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to further clarify the biological process and pathway enrichment in the high-risk group. Finally, the database was employed to predict the microRNA (miRNA) interacting with the prognostic genes. Results In the GSE36059 dataset, 14 M1-DEG were screened. In the GSE21374 dataset, Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), Fc gamma receptor 1B (FCGR1B), BCL2 related protein A1 (BCL2A1), cathepsin S (CTSS), guanylate binding protein 2(GBP2) and caspase recruitment domain family member 16 (CARD16) were screened by LASSO-Cox regression analysis, and a multivariate Cox's model was constructed based on these 6 M1-DEG. The area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic of this model for predicting the 1- and 3-year graft survival was 0.918 and 0.877 in the training set, and 0.765 and 0.736 in the validation set, respectively. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that the infiltration of rest and activated CD4⁺ memory T cells, γδT cells and M1 macrophages were increased in the high-risk group (all P < 0.05). The expression level of HLA I gene was up-regulated in the high-risk group. GSEA analysis suggested that immune response and graft rejection were enriched in the high-risk group. CTSS interacted with 8 miRNA, BCL2A1 and GBP2 interacted with 3 miRNA, and FCGR1B interacted with 1 miRNA. Conclusions The prognostic risk model based on 6 M1-DEG has high performance in predicting graft survival, which may provide evidence for early interventions for high-risk recipients.

Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in early allograft dysfunction after heart transplantation

Zheng Shanshan, Zheng Zhe, Song Yunhu, Huang Jie, Liao Zhongkai, Hou Jianfeng, Tang Hanwei, Liu Sheng

2023, 14(1): 93-99. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.012

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Objective To evaluate the effect of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after heart transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 614 heart transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. All recipients were divided into the ECMO group (n=43) and non-ECMO group (n=571) according to postoperative application of ECMO. In the ECMO group, the conditions of recipients undergoing ECMO after heart transplantation were summarized. Perioperative status and long-term prognosis of recipients were compared between two groups. Results Among 43 recipients undergoing ECMO, 17 cases underwent thoracotomy due to bleeding, 10 cases of infection, 4 cases of venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, and 1 case of stroke, respectively. Twenty-six recipients were recovered and discharged after successful weaning from ECMO, six died during ECMO support, six died after weaning from ECMO, five received retransplantation due to unsuccessful weaning from ECMO, and only one survived after retransplantation. Compared with the non-ECMO group, intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass duration was significantly longer, the proportion of recipients requiring postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), dialysis due to renal insufficiency, reoperation for hemostasis, infection, mechanical ventilation time≥96 h and tracheotomy was significantly higher, and the length of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay was significantly longer in the ECMO group (all P < 0.05). The survival rate after discharge and 90-d survival rate in the ECMO group were 63% and 96%, significantly lower than 97% and 100% in the non-ECMO group (both P < 0.05). Survival analysis showed that the long-term survival rate in the ECMO group was significantly lower than that in the non-ECMO group (P < 0.05). After excluding the recipients who died within 90 d after heart transplantation, no significant difference was observed in the long-term survival rate (P > 0.05). Conclusions ECMO is an effective treatment of EAD after heart transplantation. The short-term survival rate of recipients using ECMO after heart transplantation is lower than that of those who do not use ECMO, and there is no significant difference in long-term survival of recipients surviving 90 d after heart transplantation.

Effect of preoperative pulmonary artery pressure on perioperative prognosis of recipients with end-stage heart failure undergoing heart transplantation

Zhou Wei, Li Bailing, Zhang Guanxin, Tang Yangfeng, Ma Shaolin, Hu Daoxi, Fan Xingli, Han Lin

2023, 14(1): 100-105. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.013

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Objective To evaluate the effect of preoperative pulmonary artery pressure on perioperative prognosis of the recipients with end-stage heart failure undergoing heart transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 105 recipients receiving heart transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was used as the diagnostic criterion. The optimal cut-off value of mPAP for predicting perioperative prognosis of heart transplant recipients was determined. According to the optimal cut-off value of mPAP, all recipients were divided into the low mPAP group (n=66) and high mPAP group (n=39). Intraoperative indexes (cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic occlusion time, assisted circulation time and cold ischemia time of donor heart) and postoperative indexes [intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support rate, IABP support time, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support rate, ECMO support time, mechanical ventilation time, length of ICU stay, incidence of moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation and perioperative mortality rate] were compared between the low and high mPAP groups. The prognosis of the two groups was compared. Results The optimal cut-off value of mPAP in predicting clinical prognosis of heart transplant recipients was 30.5 mmHg. In the high mPAP group, the ECMO support rate and perioperative mortality rate were higher than those in the low mPAP group (both P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic occlusion time, assisted circulation time, cold ischemia time of donor heart, IABP support rate, IABP support time, ECMO support time, mechanical ventilation time, length of ICU stay and incidence of moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation between two groups (all P > 0.05). No significant differences were noted in the 1-, 2-, 3- and 4- survival rates between two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative mPAP in patients with end-stage heart failure is intimately correlated with perioperative prognosis of heart transplant recipients. The optimal cut-off value of mPAP in predicting perioperative prognosis of heart transplant recipients is 30.5 mmHg. In the high mPAP group, perioperative ECMO support rate and perioperative mortality rate are high, which do not affect the medium and long-term prognosis of the recipients undergoing heart transplantation.

Risk factors and predictive analysis of hyperkalemia after heart transplantation

Chen Siyao, Wu Min, Huang Jinsong, Wu Yijin

2023, 14(1): 106-112. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.014

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Objective To analyze clinical prognosis, risk factors and predictive indexes of hyperkalemia in recipients after heart transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 158 recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to the serum potassium levels within postoperative 1-year follow-up, all recipients were divided into the normal serum potassium level group (n=83), hyperkalemia group (n=43) and severe hyperkalemia group (n=32). The incidence and prognosis of hyperkalemia after heart transplantation were summarized. The risk factors and predictive indexes of hyperkalemia after heart transplantation were identified. Results The incidence of hyperkalemia and severe hyperkalemia within postoperative 1 year was 47.5%(75/158) and 20.3%(32/158), respectively. In the severe hyperkalemia group, the fatality was 16%(5/32), higher than 8%(7/83) in the normal serum potassium level group and 7%(3/43) in the hyperkalemia group. The mean serum creatinine (Scr) within 6 months before heart transplantation, the final total bilirubin level before heart transplantation, postoperative hemodialysis time, the Scr level and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level at postoperative 1 d were the independent risk factors for hyperkalemia following heart transplantation (all P < 0.05). The mean Scr level within 6 months before heart transplantation, postoperative hemodialysis time, and Scr levels at postoperative 1 and 7 d could be used to predict postoperative severe hyperkalemia. Conclusions The recipients with severe hyperkalemia after heart transplantation obtain poor prognosis. The mean Scr level within 6 months before heart transplantation, the final total bilirubin level before heart transplantation, postoperative hemodialysis time, and the Scr level and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level at postoperative 1 d are the independent risk factors for hyperkalemia after heart transplantation. Perioperative Scr level and postoperative hemodialysis time may be used to predict the incidence of severe hyperkalemia within 1 year after heart transplantation.

Clinicopathological features analysis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation

Zhang Minyue, Lan Ping, Gong Huilin, Zheng Jin

2023, 14(1): 113-119. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.015

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Objective To investigate the clinicopathological features of recurrent and de novo focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) after kidney transplantation. Methods Thirty-four recipients pathologically diagnosed with FSGS by renal allograft biopsy were enrolled in this clinical trial. According to the detection of primary diseases of renal allografts and circulating permeability factors, 34 recipients were divided into the recurrent FSGS group (n=12) and de novo FSGS group (n=22). The differences of clinical indexes and the degree of pathological injury of renal allografts were compared between two groups. Results There was no significant difference in the mesangial hyperplasia score, glomerulosclerosis rate, renal tubular atrophy score, interstitial fibrosis score and podocyte proliferation rate between two groups (all P > 0.05). In the recurrent FSGS group, segmental glomerulosclerosis rate of the recipients was 0.10 (0.08, 0.27), lower than 0.19 (0.13, 0.33) in the de novo FSGS group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection, drug-induced renal tubular injury and BK virus infection between two groups (all P > 0.05). The incidence of T cell-mediated rejection in the recurrent FSGS group was 17%, lower than 55% in the de novo FSGS group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the infiltrating inflammatory cells in the renal allografts were mainly T lymphocytes. The positive rates of C4d deposition in peripheral capillaries between the recurrent and de novo FSGS groups were 33% (4/12) and 32% (7/22), with no significant difference (P > 0.05). Immunofluorescence results revealed IgM deposition in the segmental glomerulosclerosis area of renal allografts in most cases. Electron microscopy showed extensive fusion or segmental distribution of podocytes in the glomerulus of renal allografts. Conclusions The degree of renal functional injury and the incidence of T cell-mediated rejection in the recurrent FSGS group are lower than those in the de novo FSGS group. Comprehensive analysis of preoperative and postoperative clinical manifestations, laboratory testing and pathological examination of kidney transplant recipients contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of recurrent and de novo FSGS.

Investigation on status quo and influencing factors for donation coordination of organ donation coordinators

Hou Xiaoli, Guo Hang, Ren Jing, Cui Qianqian, Wang Xinzhe, Yu Xiang, Kong Yang

2023, 14(1): 120-127. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.016

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Objective To explore the important factors influencing organ donation willingness and coordination effect of organ donation coordinators. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 349 national organ donation coordinators by convenience sampling, including 145 males and 204 females, aged 27 (23, 36) years. Multiple linear regression and disordered logistic regression were used to investigate the important factors influencing the willingness to donate organs and coordination effects. Results Among 349 organ donation coordinators, 146 (41.8%) were willing to donate organs, including 101 (28.9%) who had signed the consent card for organ donation. Adequate awareness of organ donation laws, high education level, marital experience, and good self-perceived health status all showed positive effects on organ donation willingness of organ donation coordinators (all P < 0.05). High income, long length of service as organ donation coordinators, full-time mode of employment, high willingness to donate organs, and adequate awareness of donation conditions and donation procedures all showed positive effects on the coordination effect of organ donation coordinators (all P < 0.05). Conclusions The willingness to donate organs is increased as the higher awareness of organ donation laws of organ donation coordinators, while enhancing the willingness to donate organs of organ donation coordinators exerts positive impact upon improving the coordination effect of organ donation coordination. Therefore, an all-round organ donation coordinator training system should be established to improve the success rate of organ donation advocacy and promote the development of organ donation.

Effect of hepatic artery reconstruction techniques on prognosis of liver transplantation

Li Xincheng, Huang Fan, Wang Guobin, Yu Xiaojun, Wu Ruolin, Hou Liujin, Ye Zhenghui, Zhang Xinghua, Wang Wei, Geng Xiaoping, Zhao Hongchuan

2023, 14(1): 128-134. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.017

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Objective To evaluate the effect of different techniques of hepatic artery reconstruction on postoperative hepatic artery complications and clinical prognosis in liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 140 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. All recipients were divided into the conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group (n=123) and special hepatic artery reconstruction group (n=17) according to hepatic artery reconstruction methods. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical indexes, the incidence of postoperative hepatic artery complications and survival rate were compared between two groups. Results The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels at postoperative 1 d, total bilirubin (TB) at postoperative 7 d and prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) at postoperative 30 d in special hepatic artery reconstruction group were higher than those in conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the operation time, anhepatic phase, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative transfusion volume of red blood cells, cold or warm ischemia time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the length of hospital stay and postoperative blood flow of liver allograft between two groups (all P > 0.05). In the conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group, 5 recipients developed hepatic artery complications, whereas no hepatic artery complications occurred in the special hepatic artery reconstruction group, with no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). In the special hepatic artery reconstruction group, the 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates were equally 82.4%, compared with 85.0%, 78.9% and 75.6% in the conventional hepatic artery reconstruction group, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions When hepatic artery variations and (or) lesions are detected in donors and recipients, use of special hepatic artery reconstruction may effectively restore the hepatic arterial blood flow of liver allograft after liver transplantation, and will not affect the incidence of hepatic artery complications and survival rate of the recipients following liver transplantation.

The latest progress on novel coronavirus vaccination in kidney transplant recipients

Liu Qixing, Li Yuehong

2023, 14(1): 135-141. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.018

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Due to long-term use of immunosuppressant, poor immune function and a higher risk of critical diseases after novel coronavirus pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients, it is of significance to deliver prophylactic vaccination for this high-risk population. Studies have shown that the immune reaction of kidney transplant recipients to novel coronavirus vaccine is significantly lower than that of healthy counterparts. Standard vaccination program in the United States, such as 2 doses of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, fails to provide sufficient protection for kidney transplant recipients. Many studies have proven that increasing the frequency of vaccination for kidney transplant recipients may enhance the vaccine efficacy. Nevertheless, the role of adjusting immunosuppressive therapy in increasing vaccine efficacy remains to be elucidated. In this article, the importance, effectiveness and particularity of novel coronavirus vaccine for kidney transplant recipients and the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on the efficacy of novel coronavirus vaccine were reviewed, aiming to provide reference on the vaccination for kidney transplant recipients.

Research progress on anhepatic phase in rat liver transplantation

Han Tian, Zhang Li, Chang Qingyao, Li Xiang, He Xiaopeng, Yan Zhening, Gao Lin, Xu Jun

2023, 14(1): 142-146. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.019

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Abstract:
With persistent advancement of surgical instruments, methods and techniques, clinical efficacy of liver transplantation has been steadily enhanced. However, the length of anhepatic phase is still an important factor affecting the efficacy of liver transplantation. Rat is one of the major animal models for liver transplantation-related basic research. In this article, multiple approaches for prolonging the anhepatic phase and shortening the operation time during anhepatic phase in rat liver transplantation were reviewed, which consisted of sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia, intravenous infusion via jugular vein indwelling needle, clamping of the abdominal aorta before anhepatic phase, injection of normal saline into portal vein before anhepatic phase, subcutaneous transposition of the spleen, electrocoagulation of hepatic esophageal artery, magnetic ring anastomosis of the superior and inferior hepatic vena cava, cannula anastomosis of the superior and inferior hepatic vena cava, stent anastomosis of the superior and inferior hepatic vena cava, rapid connection device and cannula of portal vein, and ring-shaped cannula of hepatic tissue-preserving inferior hepatic vena cava, aiming to add evidence for prolonging the duration of anhepatic phase, improving the operation efficiency during anhepatic phase and elevating the success rate of rat liver transplantation.

Progress in the role of peritubular capillary injury in kidney transplantation

Liang Cheng, Niu Jiping, Man Jiangwei, Yang Li

2023, 14(1): 147-153. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.020

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Abstract:
Kidney is a highly vascularized organ and peritubular capillary network constitutes the critical component of its microvascular system. Peritubular capillaries, as the main vessels for blood supply in renal tubules and renal interstitium, involve in important physiological processes in renal tubules such as energy metabolism, substance secretion and reabsorption. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that ischemia-reperfusion injury, rejection and renal fibrosis during kidney transplantation would result in compromised structural integrity and decreased number in peritubular capillaries, thus leading to interstitial fibrosis in renal allograft, which would seriously affect the long-term stability of renal function in the renal allograft. Therefore, we reviewed the structure and function of peritubular capillary, peritubular capillary and ischemia-reperfusion injury, rejection and renal allograft fibrosis, focusing on the mechanism for peritubular capillary injury in kidney transplantation and the specific changes manifested, with the aim of providing a reference for preventing and treating perioperative complications in kidney transplantation and improving the long-term prognosis of grafts.

Value of hepatic venous pressure gradient in preoperative evaluation and prognosis prediction in liver transplant recipients

Zhang Pengfei, Chen Yajie, Cao Jinglin, Zhao Caiyan, Wang Yang, Dou Jian

2023, 14(1): 154-159. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.01.021

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Abstract:
Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of portal hypertension, which could be applied in the evaluation of liver cirrhosis. Combined use of HVPG with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system may more accurately match the donors and recipients undergoing liver transplantation for liver cirrhosis, select the appropriate timing of surgery, and provide guidance for bridging treatment for patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. Besides, HVPG may also predict clinical prognosis of liver transplant recipients, and provide evidence for early detection and intervention of potential complications. Therefore, the value of HVPG in preoperative evaluation and prognosis prediction of liver transplant recipients was reviewed, aiming to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment of liver transplant recipients before and after surgery.

2023 Vol. 14, No. 1