28 research outputs found

    Use of Machine Learning Consensus Clustering to Identify Distinct Subtypes of Black Kidney Transplant Recipients and Associated Outcomes

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    Importance: Among kidney transplant recipients, Black patients continue to have worse graft function and reduced patient and graft survival. Better understanding of different phenotypes and subgroups of Black kidney transplant recipients may help the transplant community to identify individualized strategies to improve outcomes among these vulnerable groups. Objective: To cluster Black kidney transplant recipients in the US using an unsupervised machine learning approach. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study performed consensus cluster analysis based on recipient-, donor-, and transplant-related characteristics in Black kidney transplant recipients in the US from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database. Each cluster\u27s key characteristics were identified using the standardized mean difference, and subsequently the posttransplant outcomes were compared among the clusters. Data were analyzed from June 9 to July 17, 2021. Exposure: Machine learning consensus clustering approach. Main Outcomes and Measures: Death-censored graft failure, patient death within 3 years after kidney transplant, and allograft rejection within 1 year after kidney transplant. Results: Consensus cluster analysis was performed for 22 687 Black kidney transplant recipients (mean [SD] age, 51.4 [12.6] years; 13 635 men [60%]), and 4 distinct clusters that best represented their clinical characteristics were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by highly sensitized recipients of deceased donor kidney retransplants; cluster 2, by recipients of living donor kidney transplants with no or short prior dialysis; cluster 3, by young recipients with hypertension and without diabetes who received young deceased donor transplants with low kidney donor profile index scores; and cluster 4, by older recipients with diabetes who received kidneys from older donors with high kidney donor profile index scores and extended criteria donors. Cluster 2 had the most favorable outcomes in terms of death-censored graft failure, patient death, and allograft rejection. Compared with cluster 2, all other clusters had a higher risk of death-censored graft failure and death. Higher risk for rejection was found in clusters 1 and 3, but not cluster 4. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study using an unsupervised machine learning approach, the identification of clinically distinct clusters among Black kidney transplant recipients underscores the need for individualized care strategies to improve outcomes among vulnerable patient groups

    Clinically adjudicated deceased donor acute kidney injury and graft outcomes

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    Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in deceased donors is not associated with graft failure (GF). We hypothesize that hemodynamic AKI (hAKI) comprises the majority of donor AKI and may explain this lack of association. Methods: In this ancillary analysis of the Deceased Donor Study, 428 donors with available charts were selected to identify those with and without AKI. AKI cases were classified as hAKI, intrinsic (iAKI), or mixed (mAKI) based on majority adjudication by three nephrologists. We evaluated the associations between AKI phenotypes and delayed graft function (DGF), 1-year eGFR and GF. We also evaluated differences in urine biomarkers among AKI phenotypes. Results: Of the 291 (68%) donors with AKI, 106 (36%) were adjudicated as hAKI, 84 (29%) as iAKI and 101 (35%) as mAKI. Of the 856 potential kidneys, 669 were transplanted with 32% developing DGF and 5% experiencing GF. Median 1-year eGFR was 53 (IQR: 41-70) ml/min/1.73m2. Compared to non-AKI, donors with iAKI had higher odds DGF [aOR (95%CI); 4.83 (2.29, 10.22)] and had lower 1-year eGFR [adjusted B coefficient (95% CI): -11 (-19, -3) mL/min/1.73 m2]. hAKI and mAKI were not associated with DGF or 1-year eGFR. Rates of GF were not different among AKI phenotypes and non-AKI. Urine biomarkers such as NGAL, LFABP, MCP-1, YKL-40, cystatin-C and albumin were higher in iAKI. Conclusion: iAKI was associated with higher DGF and lower 1-year eGFR but not with GF. Clinically phenotyped donor AKI is biologically different based on biomarkers and may help inform decisions regarding organ utilization

    The Impact of Temporary Residence Permits on Young Refugees’ Abilities to Build a Life in Sweden

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    Drawing on interviews with young refugees, 20–30 years old, mainly from Syria and Afghanistan, we discuss the effects that temporary residence permits have on their ability to build a life in Sweden. The article includes both unaccompanied and accompanied youth that at some point had been given temporary residence permits. These permits could later be renewed or turned into permanent permits if the youth fulfilled certain tough requirements. Through rich empirical data, we show how these temporal techniques of border control keep young refugees in a state where they fear deportation, which have detrimental effects for their ability to build a life in Sweden. They are not able to plan ahead and they feel forced to work although they would have preferred to study, which puts them out of sync with other young people around them, challenges their sense of agency and increases their vulnerability. Temporary residence permits severely limit the life opportunities of young refugees in Sweden, and thus hamper their ability to achieve the “migrant integration” that is expected of them

    Potential barriers to renal patient care: Perspectives of dialysis and transplant social workers.

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    Background: Little is studied about social workers\u27 (SW) perceptions and experiences in dialysis and transplant care. We aimed to assess patient care experiences and perspectives of SW in dialysis and transplant settings. Methods: In our survey, six care Barriers were identified: Communication (reading, verbal), advance care planning, psychosocial (transportation, vocation, insurance), independence, support system, and cognitive status. Surveys were sent to dialysis (DSW) and transplant (TSW) SW in Michigan to inquire about Barriers perceived. Results were quantified with a 1∼5 scale (1 = most likely). Weighted average and standard error were calculated, and Barriers with significant differences (difference of avg. ≥ 1) were reported. Results: 37 DSW and 7 TSW responded to our survey. DSW frequently noted transportation difficulties and concerns, considered patients\u27 employment status in care plans (psychosocial), modified treatment based on cultural/religious background (support system), and discussed advance care planning; DSW perceived resolving psychosocial Barriers (mobility) and support system as vital for treatment success. However, TSW emphasized “adequate social support” as assistance with medication and compliance, early hands-on help, and caregiver education for post-transplant care. In contrast, DSW deemed “adequate social support” in general terms. (Figure presented) Both DSW and TSW experienced literacy, insurance, and cognitive status Barriers. They both perceived overcoming most Barriers and ensuring patients\u27 cognitive ability as important for treatment success. (Figure presented) Conclusions: Common goals of care plan among DSW and TSW would be beneficial to aid patients transitioning between the two settings and improving overall treatment outcome

    Potential Barriers to renal patient care: Perspectives of dialysis and transplant social workers.

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    Background: Little is studied about social workers\u27 (SW) perceptions and experiences in dialysis and transplant care. We aimed to assess patient care experiences and perspectives of SW in dialysis and transplant settings. Methods: In our survey, six care Barriers were identified: Communication (reading, verbal), advance care planning, psychosocial (transportation, vocation, insurance), independence, support system, and cognitive status. Surveys were sent to dialysis (DSW) and transplant (TSW) SW in Michigan to inquire about Barriers perceived. Results were quantified with a 1∼5 scale (1 = most likely). Weighted average and standard error were calculated, and Barriers with significant differences (difference of avg. ≥ 1) were reported. Results: 37 DSW and 7 TSW responded to our survey. DSW frequently noted transportation diffi culties and concerns, considered patients\u27 employment status in care plans (psychosocial), modified treatment based on cultural/religious background (support system), and discussed advance care planning; DSW perceived resolving psychosocial Barriers (mobility) and support system as vital for treatment success. However, TSW emphasized “adequate social support” as assistance with medication and compliance, early hands-on help, and caregiver education for post-transplant care. In contrast, DSW deemed “adequate social support” in general terms. (Figure presented) Both DSW and TSW experienced literacy, insurance, and cognitive status Barriers. They both perceived overcoming most Barriers and ensuring patients\u27 cognitive ability as important for treatment success. (Figure presented) Conclusions: Common goals of care plan among DSW and TSW would be beneficial to aid patients transitioning between the two settings and improving overall treatment outcome

    Polyomavirus Genotypes in Renal Transplant Recipients in the United States

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    Purpose: BK Polyomavirus (BKV) subtypes and subgroups present uneven geo-graphical distribution, suggesting a potential relationship with ethnicity. In the United States where there is a definite racial and ethnic diversity, the epidemiology of BKV genotypes remains unclear. This meta-analysis was conducted with the aim to assess BKV genotypes among kidney transplant (KTX) recipients. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing MEDLINE. Embase and Cochrane Database through October 2018 to identify all studies that reported BKV subtypes and/or subgroups in KTx recipients in the United States. Effect estimates from each individual study were extracted and combined using random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimoman and Laird. Results: 8 observational studies with a total of 193 samples (urine, blood, and kidney tissues) from 188 BKV-mfected KTx recipients in the United States were enrolled. The study years ranged from 2001 to 2016. Overall, the pooled estimated percentages of BKV subtypes were 72. 2% (95%CI: 62. 7%-80. 0%) for subtype I, 6. 8%(95%CI: 2. 5%-16. 9%)forsubtypeII, 8. 3% (95%CI: 4. 4%-15. 1%)for subtype III, and 16. 1% (95%CI: 10. 4%-24. 2%) for subtype IV, respectively. While meta-regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between year of study and the percentage of BKV subtype I (slopes =+0. 1023, P =0. 01), there were no significant correlations between year of study and percentages of BKV subtype II-IV (P \u3e0. 05). Among KTx recipients with BKV subtype I, the pooled estimated percentages of BKV subgroups were 22. 4% (95%CI: 13. 7%-34. 5%) for subgroup la, 30. 6% (95%CI: 17. 7%-47. 5%)for subgroup Ibl, 47. 7% (95%CI: 35. 8%-59. 9%) for subgroup Ib2, and 4. 1% (95%CI: 1. 2%-13. 3%) for subgroup Ic, respectively. Conclusions: BKV subtype I is the most prevalent subtype among KTx recipients in the United States and its percentage seems to increase overtime. Subgroup Ib2 is the most common among BKV subtype I. Further analysis is needed to assess the effect of BKV genotype on the clinical course of BK viremia in KTx

    Is Remote Ischemic Conditioning of Benefit to Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation?

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    Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), an inevitable event during kidney transplantation procedure, can result in delayed graft function or even primary nonfunction. In addition to strategies to limit IRI such as advancements in organ allocation systems and preservation of organs, and reduction in cold and warm ischemia time, remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has attracted much attention in recent years. With promising findings and data suggesting a potential benefit of RIC in animal kidney transplantation models, a few clinical trials have investigated the use of RIC in human kidney transplantation. Unfortunately, the findings from these investigations have been inconclusive due to a number of factors such as diverse time points of RIC, limited sample size, and complexity of kidney transplant patients. This brief commentary aims to discuss the effects of RIC on clinical outcomes and proinflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing kidney transplantation

    Epidemiology of Parvovirus B19 and Anemia Among Kidney Transplant Recipients

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    Purpose: Persistent anemia has been described in kidney transplant (KTX) recipients with Parvovirus B19 virus infection. However, epidemiology of Parvovirus B19 and Parvovirus B19-related anemia after KTx remains unclear. The study\u27s aims were 1) to investigate the frequency of Parvovirus B19 infection and 2) to assess the incidence of Parvovirus B19-related anemia in KTx recipients. Methods: Aliterature search for studies that reported the occurrence rate of Parvo-virus B19 infection and/or seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 inKTx recipientswas conducted using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database from inception through October 2018. Effect estimates from the individual study were extracted and combined using random-effect, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. Results: 15 observational studies with a total of 1, 757 KTx patients were enrolled. Overall, the pooled estimated seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 IgG was 87. 4% (950/oCI: 64. 4°/\u3c, 96. 4%). The pooled estimated occurrence rate of positive Parvovirus B19 DNA in the first year after KTx was 9. 7% (95%CI: 4. 7°/\u3c, 18. 9%). Sensitivity analysis excluding a study (that solely included KTx patients with anemia) was performed, and showed the pooled estimated occurrence rate of positive Parvovirus B19DNAafterKTxof8. 6%(95%CI: 4. 0%-17. 6%). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated no significant correlations between the year of study and occurrence rate of positive Parvovirus B19 DNA (P = 0. 93). Among KTx recipients with positive Parvovirus B19 DNA, the pooled estimated incidence rates of anemia and severe anemiawere37. 6o/o(95o/oCL25. 8o/o-51. 1o/o)and22. 3o/o(7. 1o/\u3c, 51. 9o/o), respectively. Egger\u27s regression asymmetry test was perforated and showed no publication bias in all analyses. Conclusions: Parvovirus B19 infection occurs mostly within the first year post-transplant. The overall estimated occurrence of positive Parvovirus Bl 9 DNA after KTX is 9. 70/0. The estimated incidence of anemia among KTx recipients with positive Parvovirus B19 DNA is 21. 6%. Parvovirus B 19 should be ruled out in cases of persistent anemia after transplant. [Figure Presented]
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