2023 Vol. 14, No. 2

Guideline and Consensus
Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients (2023 edition)
National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association, Organ Transplant Rehabilitation Committee of China Association Rehabilitation Medicine, Special Fund for Health Management of Organ Transplant Recipient of China Organ Transplantation Development Foundation
2023, 14(2): 163-182. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.001
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Abstract:
Since the end of 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 infection pandemic has swept the world. Although the current SARS-CoV-2 mutants have decreased in pathogenicity and virulence compared with the original strains, and most patients have a good prognosis, the solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2. And even with vaccination, the risk of hospitalization or death is still high in SOT recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2. What's more, the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment strategy of SOT recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2 has its unique features, which needs high attention. At present, there is a lack of guidelines or consensus in the diagnosis and treatment field of SARS-CoV-2 for such a large number of SOT recipients. Therefore, referring to the "Diagnosis and treatment regimen for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Trial Version 10)" and global published literature, the writing team wrote the "Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplantation recipients (2023 edition)". This consensus was evidence-based written and reached by experts after multiple rounds of discussions, forming 21 recommendations, providing reference for the diagnosis and treatment of SOT recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Special Column of SARS-CoV-2
Diagnosis and treatment strategies for solid organ transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Ju Chunrong, Xu Xin, Xue Wujun
2023, 14(2): 183-193. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.002
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Due to long-term use of immunosuppressive agents, solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) belong to high-risk populations of multiple pathogenic infection, including SARS-CoV-2. In addition, SOTR are constantly complicated by chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, etc. After infected with SARS-CoV-2, the critically ill rate and fatality of SOTR are higher than those of the general population, which captivates widespread attention from experts in the field of organ transplantation. Omicrone variant is currently the significant pandemic strain worldwide, rapidly spreading to more than 100 countries worldwide and causing broad concern. According to the latest international guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and relevant expert consensus in China combined with current domestic situation of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and China's "diagnosis and treatment regimen for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Trial Version 10)", the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and prognosis, diagnosis, clinical classification and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection were briefly reviewed.
Editorial
Research progress on emerging biomarkers in kidney transplantation
Zheng Jin, Xue Wujun
2023, 14(2): 194-200. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.003
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The hosts could show complex and diverse immune responses to the allografts. Whether biomarkers can be employed to explain the complexity of graft immune responses and the degree of disease damage are of significance. Conventional biomarkers, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate and blood concenrtation of immunosuppressant, lack of sensitivity and specificity in accurately identifying between immune and non-immune renal allograft injuries. Although renal biopsy is the "gold standard" for the diagnosis of postoperative complications, it still has disadvantages, such as invasiveness and high price, etc. Emerging biomarkers have potential advantages in the non-invasive diagnosis of subclinical injury of renal allograft, prediction of treatment response and individualized adjustment of immunosuppressive regimen. In this article, emerging biomarkers including blood, urine and tissue biomarkers that have been applied and are expected to be applied in clinical practice in the field of kidney transplantation were reviewed, and the range of application and effect of these biomarkers were evaluated, aiming to promote appropriate and rational application of these promising emerging biomarkers in clinical practice.
Liver graft preservation and functional maintenance accelerate the development of liver transplantation
Xie Yan, Jiang Wentao
2023, 14(2): 201-206. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.004
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As an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease, liver transplantation has been widely carried out worldwide and gradually captivated widespread recognition. With the advancement of liver transplantation techniques, the incidence of postoperative complications has been gradually declined, and the short-term and long-term prognosis of recipients have been constantly improved. However, a huge gap has existed between the supply and demand of donor organs, which is a major factors restricting the development of liver transplantation. The amount of liver transplantation operation in China is increasing year by year, the shortage of donor liver is becoming more and more prominent, and marginal donor liver is increasingly used in clinic. In recent years, the selection criteria of donor organs, organ preservation and functional maintenance have been continuously improved. In this article, the application and development trend of different techniques were reviewed from the perspectives of donor liver preservation and functional maintenance, and recent technical development and research results were summarized, aiming to provide reference for further enhancing the survival rate of grafts and recipients and promoting the development of liver transplantation in China.
Research progress on islet protection and functional maintenance
Gao Hongjun, Qiu Minhua, Chen Jibing
2023, 14(2): 207-212. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.005
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Islet transplantation is a promising treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Nevertheless, dysfunction post-transplantation, rejection and shortage of donors are the bottleneck issues in the field of islet transplantation. Optimizing the preservation method of pancreas plays a positive role in obtaining a sufficient quantity of effective islets and maintaining their functions. During the culture stage, anti-rejection and anti-apoptosis treatment of islets, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), MSC-derived exosomes, anti-apoptosis drugs and gene modification, may become major approaches for islet protection and functional maintenance in clinical islet transplantation. Use of anti-instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) drugs after islet transplantation also plays a critical role in protecting islet function. In this article, the whole process from islet preparation to islet transplantation was illustrated, and relevant strategies of islet protection and functional maintenance were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for improving the quality of donors to compensate for the shortage of absolute quantity of donors and elevating the efficiency of islet transplantation.
Preservation and functional maintenance of lung allograft
Hu Chunxiao, Shao Jingbo, Zhao Jin, Chen Jingyu
2023, 14(2): 213-219. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.006
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As the final resolution for end-stage lung disease, lung transplantation can not only significantly prolong the survival, but also remarkably improve the quality of life of recipients. In recent decades, with the advancement of surgical techniques, immunosuppressants and post-transplantation management, the quantity of lung transplantation has been surged around the globe. However, the shortage of donor lung has severely restricted the development of lung transplantation. It is necessary to develop innovative approaches to expand the donor pool. The number of donors and effective preservation and functional maintenance of potential donor lungs play a key role in expanding the donor pool. The quality of donor lung is a critical precondition to ensure the long-term survival of lung transplant recipients. Preservation and functional maintenance of donor lung are of significance for guaranteeing the quality of lung allograft. In this article, research progresses on the management and maintenance of donor lung before procurement, the procurement of donor lung and the preservation and functional maintenance of lung allograft were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for the development of lung transplantation in clinical practice.
Expert Forum
Management of diarrhea after kidney transplantation
Wang Yuchen, Miao Yun
2023, 14(2): 220-226. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.007
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Diarrhea is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation, which is a common clinical manifestation of prevalent diseases following multiple types of organ transplantation. The common causes of diarrhea after kidney transplantation include adverse reactions of immunosuppressants, infectious diseases and de novo postoperative inflammatory bowel disease, etc. Diarrhea could seriously affect the quality of life of kidney transplant recipients, and may lead to allograft dysfunction or even death of recipients. Because the causes of diarrhea after kidney transplantation are complicated and probably overlap with each other, along with individual differences among recipients, the etiological diagnosis and targeted treatment of diarrhea after kidney transplantation should follow the principles of gradual and phased treatment. In this article, the epidemiology and harm, common causes and management strategies of diarrhea after kidney transplantation were summarized, aiming to deepen the clinicians' understanding and enhance the diagnosis and treatment levels of diarrhea after kidney transplantation, thereby improving the quality of life and prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.
The past, present and future of heart transplantation
Zheng Zihe, Xu Zheng, Lin Xinfan, Wang Tao, Wang Wei, Jiang Xin, Dai Xiaofu
2023, 14(2): 227-234. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.008
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Heart transplantation is one of the most effective strategies to treat end-stage heart failure. Multiple challenges, such as difficulty in preservation of heart allograft, rejection and postoperative complications, emerge in heart allotransplantation. After decades of research and practice, most problems have been resolved. Nevertheless, the shortage of donor organs has become increasingly prominent. To alleviate the shortage of donor organs, artificial heart and heart xenotransplantation have captivated attention, and obtained significant progress in recent years. The application of artificial heart in clinical practice has significantly enhanced the survival rate of patients with end-stage heart failure, which is expected to become the standard treatment for end-stage heart failure. Heart xenotransplantation still faces many challenges, which is still far from clinical application. In this article, the history of heart transplantation, development of heart allotransplantation, use of artificial heart and research progress on heart xenotransplantation were reviewed, and the future development direction of heart transplantation was predicted.
Status of clinical research in HCV-negative recipients undergoing kidney transplantation from HCV-positive renal allografts
Tang Maozhi, Zhang Keqin
2023, 14(2): 235-240. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.009
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Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has entered the era of direct antiviral agent (DAA), and up to 95% of patients could be clinically cured. Under this circumstance, HCV infection has gradually changed from relative contraindication to surgical indication for kidney transplantation. However, at present, the number of kidney transplantation from HCV-infected donors or recipients has been rarely reported in China. The short-term follow-up data of HCV-negative recipients undergoing kidney transplantation from HCV-positive renal allografts in other countries have confirmed that DAA yields high cure rate and safety in the treatment of HCV infection, and recipients could obtain favorable short-term survival and allograft outcome. However, the long-term safety of HCV-infected kidney transplantation remains to be validated by clinical trials with large sample size and long-term follow-up. In this article, the virological clearance, allograft outcome and safety of DAA use in HCV-negative recipients undergoing kidney transplantation from HCV-positive renal allografts under the intervention of DAA were investigated, aiming to evaluate clinical safety and efficacy of this pattern of kidney transplantation and deepen the understanding of safe use of HCV-positive organs.
Original Article
Efficacy of perioperative use of tigecycline in preventing infection and incidence of hypofibrinogenemia in liver transplant recipients
Xu Jing, Zhao Yuanyuan, Chen Zhishui, Yang Bo, Chen Dong, Wei Lai
2023, 14(2): 241-247. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.010
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  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.
Role of the criteria based on preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT in predicting long-term survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Yan Cheng, Chen Xinguo, Jin Hailong, Jiao Ning, Qiu Shuang, Wu Fengdong, Li Wei, Zhu Xiaodan, Zou Weilong, Zhu Xiongwei, Yang Yang, Lu Bin, Shen Zhongyang, Zhang Qing
2023, 14(2): 248-256. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.011
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  Objective  To evaluate the role of preoperative serological indexes in predicting long-term survival and tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation, aiming to explore its significance in expanding the Milan criteria.  Methods  Clinical data of 669 recipients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off value was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk factors affecting the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation were identified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The correlation between preoperative serum liver enzymes and pathological characteristics in HCC patients was analyzed. The predictive values of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) combined with γ -glutamyl transferase (GGT) and different liver transplant criteria for the survival and recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation were compared.  Results  Exceeded Milan criteria, total tumor diameter (TTD) > 8 cm, AFP > 200 ng/mL and GGT > 84 U/L were the independent risk factors for the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that preoperative serum GGT level was correlated with TTD, number of tumor, venous invasion, microsatellite lesions, capsular invasion, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, Child-Pugh score and exceeded Milan criteria (all P < 0.05). Milan-AFP-GGT-TTD (M-AGT) criteria were proposed by combining Milan criteria, TTD with serum liver enzyme indexes (AFP and GGT). The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC recipients who met the M-AGT criteria (111 cases of exceeded Milan criteria) were significantly higher than those who met Hangzhou criteria (both P < 0.05), whereas had no significant difference from their counterparts who met the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) criteria (both P > 0.05).  Conclusions  Preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT could effectively predict the long-term survival and tumor recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation. Establishing the M-AGT criteria based on serological indexes contributes to expanding the Milan criteria, which is convenient and feasible.
Early application of tacrolimus extended-release capsule after kidney transplantation
Zou Zhiyu, Chen Song, Chang Sheng, Dai Linrui, Pan Ziwen, Zhang Qianqian, Yang Yuanyuan, Hou Yibo, Chen Renjie, Yu Chenzhen, Zhang Weijie
2023, 14(2): 257-264. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.012
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  Objective  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus extended-release (Tac-ER) in the early stage after kidney transplantation.  Methods  Clinical data of 68 recipients undergoing kidney transplantation from 34 pairs of renal allografts were retrospectively analyzed. Two recipients who received bilateral kidneys from the same donor were treated with Tac-ER (Tac-ER group) and tacrolimus immediate-release (Tac-IR) (Tac-IR group) as one of the basic immunosuppressant. The changes of tacrolimus dosage and blood concentration, intra-patient variability (IPV), renal function, incidence of acute rejection, recipient and allograft survival rates and adverse events were statistically compared between two groups.  Results  The average daily dose of tacrolimus in the Tac-ER group was significantly higher than that in the Tac-IR group (F=8.386, P=0.005). In the Tac-ER group, the mean trough concentration at postoperative 4 d was (6.14±4.04) ng/mL, did not reach the target concentration, significantly lower than (9.41±5.47) ng/mL in the Tac-IR group (F=7.854, P=0.007). In the Tac-ER group, the IPV of trough concentration of tacrolimus within postoperative 1 month was significantly higher than that in the Tac-IR group (0.44±0.15 vs. 0.36±0.12, P=0.032). At postoperative 6 months, there was no significant difference in the renal function between two groups [serum creatinine level was (126±26) μmol/L vs. (120±28) μmol/L, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was (56±13) mL/(min·1.73 m2) vs. (60±15) mL/(min·1.73 m2), both P > 0.05]. The allograft and recipient survival rates were 100% in both groups. The incidence of acute rejection within postoperative 1 month was 18% in the Tac-ER group and 3% in the Tac-IR group, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The overall incidence of adverse events was 94% in the Tac-ER group and 97% in the Tac-IR group, with no significant difference (P > 0.05).  Conclusions  The efficacy and safety of Tac-ER are equivalent to those of Tac-IR, whereas a higher dose of Tac-ER should be orally given to reach the blood concentration similar to that of Tac-IR. During early-stage drug treatment, Tac-ER should be orally given before kidney transplantation or inittally with loading dose, aiming to increase the systemic exposure to tacrolimus early after kidney transplantation and prevent acute rejection caused by insufficient exposure.
Effect of internal iliac artery calcification on delayed graft function and short-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients
Hui Yu, Hu Linkun, Zhou Zheng, Ge Wenqing, Wang Liangliang, Pan Hao, Wei Xuedong, Huang Yuhua, Hou Jianquan
2023, 14(2): 265-272. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.013
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  Objective  To analyze the correlation between internal iliac artery calcification and delayed graft function (DGF) and short-term prognosis of kidney transplant recipients.  Methods  Clinical data of 222 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to the recovery of renal function, all recipients were divided into the DGF group (n=50) and immediate graft function (IGF) group (n=172). According to whether the recipients were complicated with severe internal iliac artery calcification, DGF and IGF groups were further divided into the high-risk DGF (n=22), low-risk DGF (n=28), high-risk IGF (n=41) and low-risk IGF(n=131) subgroups, respectively. Clinical data of donors and recipients were statistically compared between two groups. The incidences of postoperative DGF and internal iliac artery calcification were recorded. The risk factors of DGF after kidney transplantation, and the correlation between internal iliac artery calcification and clinical parameters were analyzed. Short-term prognosis of recipients with DGF complicated with severe internal iliac artery calcification was evaluated.  Results  The incidence of DGF was 22.5% (50/222). Among all recipients, 28.4% (63/222) were complicated with severe internal iliac artery calcification. In the DGF group, 44% (22/50) of the recipients were complicated with severe internal iliac artery calcification, higher than 23.8% (41/172) in the IGF group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that high serum creatinine (Scr) level of donors, male donor, high triglyceride level and severe internal iliac artery calcification of recipients were the risk factors for DGF after kidney transplantation (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Scr≥143 μmol/L of donors and severe internal iliac artery calcification of recipients were the independent risk factors for DGF after kidney transplantation (both P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that internal iliac artery calcification was weakly correlated with the age of recipients and renal artery anastomosis (both P < 0.05). In the DGF group, the Scr level at postoperative 1 month was significantly higher, whereas the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly lower than those in the IGF group (both P < 0.05). The eGFR at postoperative 12 months in the high-risk DGF subgroup was significantly lower than those in the low-risk DGF, high-risk IGF and low-risk IGF subgroups (all P < 0.05).  Conclusions  Internal iliac artery calcification is not only a risk factor for recovery of renal allograft function, but also negatively affects short-term prognosis of renal allograft function.
Analysis of key genes and targeted protection methods affecting the survival of human islets
Li Wanli, Zhang Yingying, Zhang Ting, Yang Yuwei, Gu Shanshan, Wu Lingling, Chen Shuangqin, Chen Jibing, Gao Hongjun
2023, 14(2): 273-279. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.014
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  Objective  To identify the key genes and targeted protection methods affecting the survival of human islets.  Methods  Using bioinformatics method, the gene expression profile (GSE53454) was selected through screening and comparison from Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database. GEO2R tool was employed to screen the differentially expressed gene(DEG) between the human islets exposed (exposure group) and non-exposed (non-exposure group) to interleukin (IL)-1β and interferon (IFN)-γ for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by DAVID. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and Cytoscape apps.  Results  A total of 69 up-regulated DEGs and 2 down-regulated DEGs were identified. GO analysis showed that during the biological process, DEGs were enriched in the aspects of virus defense and inflammatory response. In cellular components, DEGs were significantly enriched in extracellular space, outside plasma membrane and extracellular regions. Regarding molecular functions, DEGs were significantly enriched in chemokine activity and cytokine activity. KEGG analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, virus protein-cytokine and cytokine-receptor interaction, etc. Ten key genes (STAT1, CXCL10, IRF1, IL6, CXCL9, CCL5, CXCL11, ISG15, CD274, IFIT3) with high connectivity were selected by STRING analysis, all of which were significantly up-regulated in human islets exposed to IL-1β and IFN-γ. Six genes (STAT1, CXCL10, CXCL9, CXCL11, CCL5, IL6) were screened by KEGG enrichment analysis, mainly in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway.  Conclusions  STAT1, CXCL10, CXCL9, CXCL11, CCL5 and IL6 are the key genes affecting the survival of human islets, which are mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and act as important targets for islet protection.
Distribution and drug resistance characteristics of pathogens in recipients undergoing simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Chen Rongxin, Fang Jiali, Zhang Lei, Li Guanghui, Liu Luhao, Zhang Peng, Wu Jialin, Ma Junjie, Guo Zebin, Chen Zheng
2023, 14(2): 280-287. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.015
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  Objective  To investigate the distribution and drug resistance characteristics of pathogens in donors and recipients undergoing simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK).  Methods  Clinical data of 231 pairs of donors and recipients undergoing SPK were analyzed retrospectively. The pathogens of samples from donors and recipients were identified by VITEK-2 analyzer, and drug sensitivity test was performed by K-B method. The source distribution and composition ratio of pathogens in donor and recipient samples, distribution characteristics of multi-drug resistant organism, infection of recipients and drug resistance characteristics of pathogens were analyzed.  Results  A total of 395 strains of pathogens were cultured from 1 294 donor samples, and the detection rate was 30.53%. Gram-negative bacteria mainly consisted of klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-positive bacteria mainly comprised staphylococcus aureus, and fungi primarily included candida albicans, respectively. In total, 2 690 strains of pathogens were cultured from 10 507 recipient samples, and the detection rate was 25.60%. Gram-negative bacteria mainly consisted of pseudomonas maltophilia, Gram-positive bacteria primarily comprised enterococcus faecalis, and fungi mainly included candida albicans, respectively. Among 395 pathogens of donors, 15 strains of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 16 strains of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) positive drug-resistant bacteria, 8 strains of carbapenem-resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR-PA), 21 strains of carbapenem-resistant acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB), 2 strains of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and 1 strain of multiple-drug/pan-drug resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR/PDR-PA) were identified. Among 2 690 strains of recipient pathogens, 73 strains of ESBL positive drug-resistant bacteria, 44 strains of CR-PA, 31 strains of CR-AB and 3 strains of MDR/PDR-PA were detected. One recipient developed donor-derived infection, 69 cases of pneumonia, 52 cases of urinary tract infection, 35 cases of abdominal infection and 2 cases of hematogenous infection were reported within postoperative 1 year. Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to certain antibiotics. Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin. Fungi were sensitive to amphotericin B.  Conclusions  Gram-negative bacteria are the main pathogens of SPK recipients, which are resistant to certain antibiotics. Empirical use of antibiotics can be delivered before culture results are obtained. Subsequently, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen according to the culture results to improve the survival rate of SPK recipients.
Effect of perioperative clinical application of enhanced recovery after surgery on elderly recipients undergoing liver transplantation
Lin Jianyu, Cui Chen, Gao Yanping, Zhou Lin, Xu Wenli, Wang Yuan
2023, 14(2): 288-294. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.016
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  Objective  To evaluate the application value of perioperative interventional strategy guided by enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in elderly recipients undergoing liver transplantation.  Methods  Clinical data of 405 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to age, all recipients were divided into the elderly (≥60 years, n=122) and non-elderly groups (< 60 years, n=283). All patients received perioperative interventions under the guidance of ERAS. Intraoperative and postoperative indexes, incidence of postoperative complications and discharge were analyzed between two groups.  Results  There were no significant differences in the duration of anesthesia, operation time, anhepatic phase, hemorrhage volume, blood transfusion volume, lactic acid level before abdominal closure, ventilator-assisted time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, Caprini score, CHIPPS score, time of gastric tube, urinary tube and drainage tube removal, time to first drinking, time to first physical activity and time to first flatus between two groups (all P > 0.05). In the elderly group, the time to first feeding was later than that in the non-elderly group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of fever, ascites, pulmonary infection, delayed gastric emptying, hemorrhage and inactive venous thrombosis between two groups (all P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, serum creatinine before discharge and total length of hospital stay between two groups (all P > 0.05). The alanine aminotransferase level in elderly recipients was lower than that in non-elderly counterparts, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No unplanned reoperation was performed within postoperative 30 d in two groups. There was no significant difference in the re-hospitalization rate within 30 d after discharge (P > 0.05).  Conclusions  ERAS-guided interventional strategy contributes to perioperative recovery of elderly recipients undergoing liver transplantation, and yields equivalent postoperative recovery between elderly and non-elderly recipients.
Review Article
Research status and progress on limb preservation technology
Li Yuhong, Zhao Wenyu, Zeng Li
2023, 14(2): 295-299. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.017
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Limb replantation and transplantation is the optimal treatment for traumatic limb amputation. Safe and effective limb preservation is the key factor to determine the success of limb replantation and transplantation. Currently, static cold storage is the gold standard of limb preservation. However, the preservation time is short, which may no longer meet clinical requirements. With rapid development of organ preservation in recent years, novel preservation technologies, such as ultra-low temperature preservation, supercooling preservation and mechanical perfusion preservation, have successively emerged. However, at present, these techniques are primarily applied to the preservation of solid organs rather than composite tissue allografts with blood vessels including limbs. In this article, research status and progress on the application of static cold storage and mechanical perfusion preservation in limb preservation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application of limb preservation technology and promote the development of limb replantation and transplantation.
Research progress on protective effect of hydrogen molecule and its products on lung transplantation
Liu Menggen, Liu Peizhi, Tang Hongtao, Huang Heng, Tian Dong
2023, 14(2): 300-304. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.018
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Ischemia-reperfusion injury after lung transplantation is the main cause of primary graft dysfunction, which will subsequently reduce the function of lung allograft and lower the overall survival rate of lung transplant recipients. As a physiological regulatory molecule, hydrogen molecule has the functions of anti-inflammation, easing oxidative stress, alleviating direct cell injury and mitigating epithelial edema. Recent studies have demonstrated that hydrogen molecule and its products (hydrogen and hydrogen-rich solution) could significantly mitigate ischemia-reperfusion injury and postoperative complications after lung transplantation. In this article, the protective effect and exact mechanism of hydrogen molecule and its products in lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide theoretical basis for the application of hydrogen molecule and its products as a novel treatment for lung transplantation-related complications, enhance the overall prognosis and improve the quality of life of lung transplant recipients
Highlights of human uterus transplantation
Liu Yu, Ding Yan, Zhang Xuyin, Hua Keqin
2023, 14(2): 305-312. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.019
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As a novel solid organ transplantation, uterus transplantation has become an important approach for women with uterine infertility to obtain biological offspring. Multiple technological challenges exist in uterus transplantation, such as acquisition of vascular pedicle, organ perfusion and vascular suture, etc. However, with the development and application of uterus transplantation in animal model and transplantation in human cadavers, a lot of problems have become new hot topics of discussion, such as the selection of uterus transplantation donors and recipients, selection of uterine vessels, prevention and treatment of complications after uterus transplantation, evaluation of graft vitality, timing of pregnancy and delivery, timing of hysterectomy, mental health of donors and recipients and offspring health, etc. According to current data and outcomes of human uterus transplantation worldwide, these hot topics were reviewed in this article, aiming to provide reference for promoting the development and progress of human uterus transplantation research in China.
Application progress in the role of vitamin D3 in transplantation immunity
Xia Zheng, Zhou Lin
2023, 14(2): 313-318. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-7445.2023.02.020
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Abstract:
Vitamin D3 is a kind of vitamin that plays important roles in maintaining the normal physiological function of the human body, and its metabolites and analogues exhibit strong anti-inflammatory activity. Vitamin D3 could be activated and converted into 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, a kind of steroid hormone, in the human body, which participates in the regulation of cellular metabolism by activating vitamin D receptor (a kind of transcription factor), thus exerting immunomodulatory effects. This is essential for maintaining the physiological health of the body. Currently, there is a growing number of studies that suggest important roles for 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in organ transplantation immunomodulation and tolerance. Therefore, we reviewed the overview and physiological effects of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D3 and the application of vitamin D3 in clinical organ transplantation, and summarized the value of applying vitamin D3 in inducing immune tolerance in transplantation, with the aim of providing a reference for promoting the application of vitamin D3 in transplantation immunity.