KEY POINTS:In 134 kidney transplant recipients with recurrent C3 glomerulopathy/immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative GN, 58% lost the graft, confirming the poor long-term prognosis. Time-averaged proteinuria >1 g/d and eGFR decline >5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 per year predicted higher graft failure risk. Complement profiling showed heterogeneity; autoantibody-positive patients lost grafts earlier, supporting personalized care. BACKGROUND:C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and primary immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative GN (IC-MPGN) frequently recur after kidney transplantation and represent leading causes of graft loss. However, the natural history of recurrent disease and the prognostic value of longitudinal kidney biomarkers remain poorly defined. METHODS:We conducted a multinational, retrospective cohort study of adults and children with biopsy-proven recurrent C3G or primary IC-MPGN in the kidney allograft (2001-2023). Patients were enrolled from 48 centers across 11 countries and required ≥4 serial measurements of eGFR and proteinuria after recurrence. Longitudinal trajectories of eGFR and proteinuria and their association with graft failure were evaluated using linear mixed-effects and Bayesian joint longitudinal-survival models. Complement genetic and autoantibody testing was performed in a subset of patients. RESULTS:Of 332 eligible transplant recipients, 134 developed biopsy-proven recurrence (C3GN 60%, dense deposit disease 12%, IC-MPGN 28%). The median time to recurrence was 16 months, and 58% progressed to graft failure after a median follow-up of 62 months. Earlier recurrence, lower serum albumin, and higher histologic chronicity independently predicted failure. Joint models demonstrated that lower eGFR and higher proteinuria were dynamically associated with higher graft failure risk. Time-averaged proteinuria >1 g/d and eGFR lowering steeper than -5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 per year identified high-risk trajectories. Among 71 tested patients, 34% carried pathogenic complement variants and 23% had complement-directed autoantibodies; autoantibody-positive patients experienced earlier graft failure despite similar overall failure rates. CONCLUSIONS:Recurrent C3G and primary IC-MPGN after transplantation are associated with poor long-term outcomes, substantial histologic injury, and marked biologic heterogeneity. Longitudinal eGFR and proteinuria provide powerful prognostic information and clinically meaningful thresholds (>1 g/d time-averaged proteinuria; eGFR slope steeper than -5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 per year) refine risk stratification. Dynamic biomarkers may serve as surrogate end points, underscoring the need for prospective validation with emerging proximal complement therapies.

Abstract Background and Aims Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a class of glucose-lowering drugs that have demonstrated important cardio- and nephroprotective effects. These effects, according to preclinical data, may include attenuation of ischemia/reperfusion injury due to downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and necroptosis mediators. This effect could be critical in the peritransplant period, protecting the allograft and potentially reducing delayed graft function (DGF). However, administration of SGLT2i immediately after deceased-donor kidney transplantation (KTx) could potentially be associated with adverse outcomes, such as urinary tract infections (UTI). We report the results of the first 10 patients of an ongoing study aimed at describing the safety profile of dapagliflozin in the peri-KTx period. Method Prospective, uncontrolled pilot study of consecutive, incident KTx patients that received a daily dose of dapagliflozin 10 mg, starting immediately before surgery and continuing until completing the first week post-transplant. All subjects provided informed consent for the study. Those with liver dysfunction, known allergy to SGLT2i, programmed for live-donor or multiorgan kidney transplantation or unable to provide informed consent were excluded. The primary outcome was the development of UTI during index hospitalization, defined either as a positive urine culture and/or symptoms suggestive of UTI. For comparison purposes, a retrospective sample of age- and sex-matched patients that received a KTx prior to the start of this study was included in this analysis. Two controls were selected for each case. Results Demographics and clinical characteristics of both patients in the study and retrospective controls are summarized in Fig. 1. Recipients that received dapagliflozin had similar rates of UTI when compared to controls, and were prescribed less frequently antibiotic therapy for UTI, although none of these differences reached statistical significance. Most cases of both groups consisted in asymptomatic bacteriuria. Of all four cases of documented UTI among treated patients, only one subject developed UTI during the days of dapagliflozin administration (the first 7 days after surgery). This patient did not require antibiotic therapy. The other three cases developed UTI after dapagliflozin discontinuation. Conclusion Results of this preliminary and limited experience lead us to believe that dapagliflozin in the peritransplant period may be a safe and feasible therapy that could help protect the renal allograft from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Abstract Background and Aims Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are glucose-lowering drugs that inhibit glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule, enhancing urinary glucose excretion. SGLT2i exhibit significant cardio- and renoprotective effects due to their capacity to increase diuresis and weight loss and reduce intraglomerular and blood pressure. Moreover, recent studies have described the potential of SGLT2i to improve additional cardiovascular risk factors, such as anemia or hyperuricemia. In this study, we aimed to describe the evolution of hemoglobin (Hb) and serum uric acid (SUA) levels in CKD patients with and without diabetic nephropathy before and after the initiation of SGLT2i therapy. Method CKD patients with and without diabetic nephropathy that were followed in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary referral academic hospital during January 2020 to September 2023 and that started SGLT2i therapy during that period were randomly recruited in the study. Patient characteristics, CKD staging, and levels of Hb and SUA before and after SGLT2i initiation were compared between groups. Hb and SUA levels were averaged considering all available laboratory controls during the last 12 months before treatment initiation and any available controls after treatment start. Results Demographic and clinical characteristics of enrolled patients are summarized in Fig. 1. Subjects with diabetic nephropathy were significantly older, more commonly hypertensive, presented worse kidney function, had received SGLT2i for a lengthier time and had lower hemoglobin values. We observed no change in hemoglobin levels after the initiation of SGLT2i in our sample, independently of diabetic nephropathy status or CKD stage (Fig. 2A, C). In contrast, SUA levels decreased significantly both in patients with and without diabetic nephropathy (Fig. 2B). This effect was observed across all the spectrum of CKD in our sample (Fig. 2D). Conclusion In our sample, SGLT2i initiation was associated with a significant decrease in SUA levels, both in patients with and without diabetic nephropathy and independently of CKD stage, which may help to explain its cardio- and nephroprotective effects. No change in Hb levels was observed, possibly due to a low prevalence of anaemia in our sample.

Abstract Background and Aims IgA deficiency (IgAD) is the most common primary immunoglobulin deficiency in western countries. This entity is associated with increased risk of other autoimmune diseases. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MesPGN) is a histological pattern defined by mesangial cell proliferation and expansion of the extracellular matrix within the mesangium. The clinical presentation can vary, from nephrotic syndrome to isolated hematuria. 30-40% of MesPGN cases are associated with IgA nephropathy. Other common diagnostic entities that present with this pattern include IgM nephropathy, C1q nephropathy or lupus nephritis, as well as Hepatitis B or C virus infection; idiopathic MesPGN is poorly described in the literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of idiopathic MesPGN associated with IgAD. Results A 17-year old woman with a background of IgAD and occasional episodes of bronchitis in her childhood presented in January 2022 with nonspecific abdominal pain and macroscopic hematuria. She had been suffering these symptoms for the last few weeks, usually after physical exercise. She was normotensive and showed no fever, skin rashes or other symptoms. Laboratory tests revealed normal renal function (serum creatinine 0.65 mg/dL), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 23.9 mg/g, a 24-h protein excretion ranging from 40 to 240 mg and non-dysmorphic hematuria of up to 51-150 erythrocytes/field. Additional laboratory tests repeatedly showed only low IgA serum levels, with normal ANA, ANCA or complement levels. Renal ultrasound showed both kidneys with normal size and cortical thickness. A CT urogram observed multiple, bilateral, non-obstructive small-sized kidney stones and a persistent nephrogram. Genetic tests were negative for Alport syndrome-related mutations. Additional workup included occult blood in the stool, stool culture, rectal biopsy and colonoscopy, which were all negative. Symptoms persisted during the following 12 months. A kidney biopsy was performed, finding 40 glomeruli with normal optical appearance, none of them sclerosed. Discrete mesangial expansion and cell proliferation was observed, with capillary lumens with occasional congestion but without thrombi or fibrinoid necrosis. Tubules and interstitium showed no sign of sclerosis or fibrosis, with conserved basement membranes and brush borders. In vessels, subintimal fibrosis, hyalinosis or concentric arteriolar hyperplasia or endarteritis were ruled out. Immunofluorescence showed low-intensity, discrete granular C3 mesangial deposits and no deposition of IgA, IgG, IgM, fibrinogen, C4, C1q or albumin. A diagnosis of non-IgA MesPGN was reached. The patient stopped performing intense physical exercise on a regular basis. This translated in hematuria and abdominal pain of much lower intensity. The patient is currently receiving only supportive therapy and maintains a normal renal function, with persistence of microscopic non-dysmorphic hematuria and occasional, low-grade proteinuria as described. Conclusion MesPGN is the most diagnosed form of glomerulonephritis worldwide. However, most cases are associated with granular IgA deposition in the mesangium, which was absent in this case. Idiopathic, non-IgA MesPGN is a much rarer condition that has been considered by some authors as a form focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or minimal change disease, although others believe it to be a separate condition. IgAD has been previously associated with Crohn's disease, which could explain this patient's symptoms. Crohn's disease has also been associated with non-IgA MesPGN in a low number of patients. Nevertheless, no findings in the patient workup were suggestive of Crohn's disease. A capsule endoscopy study will be performed to clearly rule out such diagnosis.

ABSTRACT Background Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a serious complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) that increases postoperative complications and mortality. CSA-AKI develops due to a combination of patient- and surgery-related risk factors that enhance renal ischemia–reperfusion injury. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as empagliflozin reduce renal glucose reabsorption, improving tubulo-glomerular feedback, reducing inflammation and decreasing intraglomerular pressure. Preclinical studies have observed that SGLT2i may provide significant protection against renal ischemia–reperfusion injury due to their effects on inadequate mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species activity or renal peritubular capillary congestion, all hallmarks of CSA-AKI. The VERTIGO (EValuating the Effect of periopeRaTIve empaGliflOzin) trial is a Phase 3, investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study that aims to explore whether empagliflozin can reduce the incidence of adverse renal outcomes in cardiac surgery patients. Methods The VERTIGO study (EudraCT: 2021-004938-11) will enroll 608 patients that require elective cardiac surgery with ECC. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either empagliflozin 10 mg orally daily or placebo. Study treatment will start 5 days before surgery and will continue during the first 7 days postoperatively. All participants will receive standard care according to local practice guidelines. The primary endpoint of the study will be the proportion of patients that develop major adverse kidney events during the first 90 days after surgery, defined as ≥25% renal function decline, renal replacement therapy initiation or death. Secondary, tertiary and safety endpoints will include rates of AKI during index hospitalization, postoperative complications and observed adverse events. Conclusions The VERTIGO trial will describe the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in preventing CSA-AKI. Patient recruitment is expected to start in May 2024.

Abstract Background and Aims The most worldwide used classification system for staging AKI is KDIGO-2012, it was based on a combination of the RIFLE and AKIN criteria. KDIGO severity stages are defined: Stage 1 ↑ in SCr by >0.3 mg/dl or increase in SCr to >1.5x baseline. Stage 2 ↑ in SCr ≥2.0–2.9x baseline. Stage 3 ↑ in SCr ≥3.0x baseline, ↑ in SCr to >4.0 mg/dl, or initiation of RRT. Some authors advocate for the elimination of the Stage 2 level and its incorporation in the severer stage; the justification is that this stage has a smaller number of individuals, and they show poorer clinical outcomes. We tested this hypothesis in a real-world setting. Method We retrospectively included all patients admitted to nephrology ward and nephrology consultations with AKI diagnosis by KDIGO-2012 classification, during a 3-y period. We compared clinical outcomes between KDIGO-AKI Stage 2 and 3. We excluded need for HD (because it is a criterion for Stage 3) and HD dependence at discharge (a consequence of initiating HD). In addition, we calculated the proportion of patients classified in Stage 2 by the rate of SCr increment, that were re-classified into Stage 3 by KDIGO criteria. Results 1130 individuals met inclusion criteria. 458 (41%) Stage-1, 148 (13%) Stage-2, 524 (46%) in Stage-3. We found no statistically significant differences in age, Charlson's Index, HTN and DM prevalence, hospitalization in medical wards, and hospital acquired AKI between groups. We found significant differences in sex distribution (61% Stage-2, 70% Stage-3) (see Table A: Features). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in Stage1-15d (±12) but not significantly different between Stage-2 19d (±16) and Stage-3 20d (±17). Median of time to nephrology consultation was 6-7d in all groups. Rate of in-hospital mortality incremented gradually in every severity stage: 9% Stage-1, 18% Stage-2 and 31% Stage-3 (see Table B: Results). When using only the rate of SCr increment as the classification criterion, 265 (24%) of patients would have been catalogued in the moderate AKI stratum. Of the 117 patients that were reclassified as AKI Stage-3, 36 needed HD, and 81 reached a SCr >4.0 mg/dl. Conclusion The proportion of subjects classified in KDIGO AKI Stage-2 is small but not negligible. We found that Stage-2 individuals show longer hospital stay and increased mortality than Stage-1, and slightly better outcomes than Stage-3; therefore, we consider that an increase in SCr ≥2.0–2.9x from baseline still leads to deleterious consequences. We also observed that possibly KDIGO AKI Stage 3 criteria lead to a skew to classification in the severer stage, (almost half of individuals are reclassified). With these findings, should we prescind of KDIGO Stage-2 in AKI severity classification?

Abstract Background and Aims AKI is a public health problem, affecting one in every five hospitalized adults. It's incidence in the ICU fluctuates between 16-36%, with a mortality rate between 28%-50%. The need for HD in the ICU varies from 3-7%, and these patients have twice the risk of death. But few studies have compared patients in medical (MD-ICU) and surgical (Qx-ICU) critical care units. Method We conducted a single center, retrospective study of individuals admitted to ICU units that underwent nephrology consultation. We examined a 5-y period, in the pre-COVID era, we excluded the pandemic period, because COVID patients were admitted to MD- and Qx-ICU indistinctly. We compared epidemiological and clinical characteristics and hard outcomes between patients in both groups. Results We included 433 patients, 42% in the MD-ICU. We found no statistical differences between sex, HTN, DM, Charlson's-Index, and previous CKD. Qx-ICU patients were older, suffered less Coronary Artery (CAD), and Cerebrovascular Disease (CVD), and their AKI etiology was more frequently obstructive. MD-ICU individuals showed less hospital acquired AKI, and were more frequently classified in KDIGO Stage 3, (Fig. A, Features). We found no differences in time to nephrology consultation, length of hospital-stay and in-hospital mortality. Qx-ICU patients had shorter ICU stay, needed less frequently acute HD, and were less HD dependent at discharge (Fig. B, Results). In-hospital mortality for patients that needed HD in MD-ICU OR 2.2 (1.2-4.1, P = 0.12), Qx-ICU OR 4.4 (2.2-8.6, P < 0.001). Conclusion Individuals don't differ remarkably in their baseline clinical characteristics (Charlson`s, DM, CKD). Nevertheless, Qx-ICU patients are older, suffer less CAD, and CVD, and show significantly more hospital acquired AKI. We found that medical ICU patients suffered worst AKI stage, longer ICU stay, required acute HD and were HD dependent more frequently, but had a lower risk of death when needing acute HD. We found no differences in general mortality rate, and general hospital stay, and time to nephrology consultation between groups. We need multicentric and well-powered studies to explore these differences more profoundly, find clusters of patients and phenotypes of AKI and discover protective factors and new preventive measures against hospital acquired AKI, and need for acute HD.

Abstract Background and Aims Multiple works show that women are less likely to receive a kidney transplant (Tx) compared to their male counterparts. We aimed to study the sex differences in access to Tx in our waiting list. We also studied the rate of masculine and feminine donors (Do) and their match to same-sex recipients (Rc). Method We included all adult patients active in our transplant waiting list during a 2-year period (from January 1-2021 to December 31-2022). Our center is a medium volume transplant center, and we only perform Tx from deceased donors, and don't perform combined organ transplantation. We analyzed the rate of women vs male, and Rc's and Do's sex, the degree of sex match and mismatch. We evaluated differences in time in waiting list until Tx, re-transplantation, and hyperimmunized patients, between groups. Results 270 individuals were active in our waiting list, 174 (64%) men, and 96 (36%) women. 142 were transplanted during the study period, 92 (65%) were males, and 50 (35%) females. We found no differences in terms of age, BMI, time to Tx, condition of hyperimmunized or re-Tx in the Rc's group and the rate of Tx (p = 0.34) (see Table A). We had 102 donors, ♀ 41 (40%), ♂ 61 (60%), regarding to their features, differences between age and BMI were statistically non-significant, neither in individually nor delta analysis (see Tables B-C, and Figs A-B). Proportionally more male kidneys were transplanted to female Rc's. Conclusion In our sample, we had a 2:1 rate of males to women in our waiting list, and in access to Tx. Relatively more women received a kidney form a male Do (46 vs 31%). Although other studies find a gender gap in access to kidney Tx, this phenomenon was not found in our sample. However, our results may be conditioned by a small sample size. We need to design well powered and multicentric studies, to dilucidate this controversial issue.

Acosta-Ochoa, Isabel; Coca, Armando; Ardura, Paula; Moscoso, Carlos L. Merizalde; Sanz, Sandra; Martinez, Maria; Campuzano, Kenia P. Cobo; Mendiluce, Alicia Author Information

Abstract Background and Aims AKI and anemia independently worsen the prognosis of hospitalized patients, but their association and adverse effects have been slightly studied. We aimed to investigate the effect of transfusions during hospitalization on hard renal and clinical outcomes of patients with AKI. In addition, we tested the influence of the number of transfusions on mortality between pure AKI (pAKI) and AKI-on-CKD (AoCKD) patients. Method Retrospective cohorts’ study, of in-patients with AKI attended by nephrology during a 12-month period. AKI severity was categorized by KDIGO-2012 criteria; we searched in a Hematology administrative data base for transfusions (and their number) during the hospitalization period. We analyzed epidemiological and clinical variables and compared the rates of the hard outcomes Length of Stay (LoS), Acute Hemodialysis (aHD), Dialysis Dependence at Discharge (DDD), and in-hospital Mortality (IHM) between individuals that didn't and received transfusions. Results We included 275 individuals, 134 (49%) were transfused; they were older and suffered more DM; with no differences in the ICU hospitalization and Charlson's Index. See Table 1A. We observed that transfused patients were classified more frequently in AKI Stage-3, had longer LoS, aHD, were more frequently dialysis dependent and their mortality rate was higher. See Table 1B. We compared patients with less or more than 5 transfusions; the latter group showed a higher rate of adverse events than the group of ≤4 transfusions. See table 1C. Figure 1 plots the K-M curve for survival between pAKI and AoCKD groups showing an excess mortality associated with the number of transfusions, especially in the AoCKD individuals. Conclusion In our study, we found that patients that received transfusions showed worst clinical and renal results including more severe AKI, longer hospital stay, higher rate of acute HD, dialysis dependence at discharge and mortality. We observed that the appearance of these adverse events was associated in a dose dependent manner with the number of transfusions; for these reasons, we consider that number of transfusions should be included in AKI risk models and calculators. Could optimizing the number of transfusions improve the rate of adverse renal and clinical events? We will need prospective and well-powered studies in order to answer this question and to deepen on the issue of AoCKD and worst clinical outcomes if transfused.

Abstract Background and Aims The second hit theory refers to the link between two or more deleterious events that cause AKI simultaneously (e.g., triple whammy) or successively (e.g., cardiac surgery after coronary angiography). We investigated the effect of 3 or more consecutive AKI episodes on baseline serum creatinine (SCr) and if these changes leaded to AKI to CKD transition (Transition), CKD progression (Progression) or stable SCr. Method Retrospective study of patients with AKI attended by nephrology during a 3-year period. AKI severity was categorized by KDIGO criteria. We searched for patient's successive admissions and if suffered a new AKI episode and included all patients with ≥3 AKI episodes during the study period. We analyzed the baseline SCr for every episode and investigated if serial AKI episodes leaded to incident CKD, Progression, or no changes in SCr. Results 144 individuals that suffered 525 AKI episodes were included. We observed 36 patients in the Transition, 70 in the Progression group, and 38 didn't vary their SCr. We found no statistically significant differences in hypertension, DM, Charlson's Index, admission to ICU, severity of AKI or length of stay between groups. See Table 1A. We found that progressors had shorter time to nephrology consultation, they were more prone to receive acute HD and to be dialysis dependent at discharge. With no difference in the mortality rate between groups. See Table 1B. Figure 1 plots baseline SCr of every episode that shows a trend to incremental cyphers. Conclusion In our study the clinical characteristics between Transition and Progression groups were similar. We observed more individuals in the Progression group and their time to nephrology consultation was significantly shorter, maybe because no nephrology specialists are afraid of managing CKD patients. Patients that progressed needed acute HD more frequently and were more dialysis dependent at discharge, this finding could be explained by their diminished renal reserve, with no differences in the rate of in-hospital mortality. Successive AKI episodes portend a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes, with excessive burden for patients with previous CKD. New AKI therapies could change the course of these ominous outcomes? This issue is under intense investigation, but it is very difficult to translate bench to bedside. Therefore, now we can only count on prevention and timely nephrological attention.

Introduction: SARS CoV2 infection has had a major impact on renal transplant patients with a high mortality in the first months of the pandemic. Intentional reduction of immunosuppressive therapy has been postulated as one of the cornerstone in the management of the infection in the absence of targeted antiviral treatment. This has been modified according to the patient`s clinical situation and its effect on renal function or anti-HLA antibodies in the medium term has not been evaluated.Objectives: Evaluate the management of immunosuppressive therapy made during SARS-CoV2 infection, as well as renal function and anti-HLA antibodies in kidney transplant patients 6 months after COVID19 diagnosis.Material and methods: Retrospective, national multicentre, retrospective study (30 centres) of kidney transplant recipients with COVID19 from 01/02/20 to 31/12/20. Clinical variables were collected from medical records and included in an anonymised database. SPSS statistical software was used for data analysis.Results: renal transplant recipients with COVID19 were included (62.6% male), with a mean age of 57.5 years. The predominant immunosuppressive treatment prior to COVID19 was triple therapy with prednisone, tacrolimus and mycophenolic acid (54.6%) followed by m-TOR inhibitor regimens (18.6%). After diagnosis of infection, mycophenolic acid was discontinued in 73.8% of patients, m-TOR inhibitor in 41.4%, tacrolimus in 10.5% and cyclosporin A in 10%. In turn, 26.9% received dexamethasone and 50.9% were started on or had their baseline prednisone dose increased. Mean creatinine before diagnosis of COVID19, at diagnosis and at 6 months was: 1.7 +/- 0.8, 2.1 +/- 1.2 and 1.8 +/- 1 mg/dl respectively (p < 0.001). 56.9% of the patients (N = 350) were monitored for anti-HLA antibodies. 94% (N = 329) had no anti-HLA changes, while 6% (N = 21) had positive anti-HLA antibodies. Among the patients with donor-specific antibodies post-COVID19 (N = 9), 7 patients (3.1%) had one immunosuppressant discontinued (5 patients had mycophenolic acid and 2 had tacrolimus), 1 patient had both immunosuppressants discontinued (3.4%) and 1 patient had no change in immunosuppression (1.1%), these differences were not significant.Conclusions: The management of immunosuppressive therapy after diagnosis of COVID19 was primarily based on discontinuation of mycophenolic acid with very discrete reductions or discontinuations of calcineurin inhibitors. This immunosuppression management did not influence renal function or changes in anti-HLA antibodies 6 months after diagnosis.

Abstract Background and Aims Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is common among post-surgical, critically ill and kidney transplant patients, and is associated with acute kidney injury and increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to describe the medium-term effect of IAH on graft and patient survival after deceased-donor kidney transplantation. Method 192 consecutive patients who received a cadaveric renal allograft transplant at our hospital were included in this study. IAP was measured every 8h for at least the first 72h after surgery using the urinary bladder technique, and an average value was obtained. Patients were followed up for 24 months or until a composite outcome (defined as graft loss or recipient death) occurred. Clinical, anthropometric, and analytical data was extracted from our hospital's database. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. Results 192 patients were included. Relevant clinical and anthropometric data are summarized in Table 1. Patients with grades II or III IAH were more frequently male, had longer dialysis vintage, received more frequently hemodialysis as renal replacement therapy and suffered delayed graft function, graft loss or death more repeatedly. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, grade II IAH or higher were associated with lower composite-outcome free survival (Log-Rank: 8.053; p = 0.018) (Figure 1). Conclusion Grade II-III IAH appear to be a risk factor for graft loss or recipient death in our sample of deceased donor kidney transplant recipients. Monitoring of intra-abdominal hypertension could provide useful information to identify patients at higher risk of post-transplant complications.

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS During the last 2 years, we have witnessed several waves of the COVID-19 pandemic characterized by massive infections among the general population, sudden increases in the number of hospitalizations and variable rates of complications and mortality among patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been described as a common and serious complication of COVID-19. However, multiple factors that are involved in the development of this complication have been modified throughout these months, including the appearance of new variants of the virus, the modification of treatment protocols or the advancement of vaccination among the general population. In this study, we aimed to compare the rates of AKI among patients who required admission due to COVID-19 in the first and current (sixth) waves of the pandemic. METHOD Consecutive patients that required admission due to COVID-19 in a tertiary referral hospital during the first (March to May 2020) and current (December 2021) waves of the pandemic were enrolled in the study. Patient characteristics, rates of AKI incidence, 28-day mortality and in-hospital length of stay were compared between groups. Viral infection was confirmed by real-time RT-qPCR in all cases. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines using peak serum creatinine and acute dialysis criteria. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to define potential predictors of AKI. RESULTS Table 1 summarizes demographic and clinical characteristics among enrolled patients. Compared with the current wave, patients admitted during the first wave were older, had higher baseline serum creatinine and lower baseline eGFR. During the first wave, patients presented higher peak serum creatinine values and a higher incidence of in-hospital AKI. Age, male sex, hypertension, diabetes, CKD and pandemic wave were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis as potential predictors of AKI. Only past history of hypertension [OR 2.867; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.279–6.424; P-value: .011] and CKD (OR 2.418; 95% CI 1.237–4.73; P-value: .01) independently predicted AKI in the sample. CONCLUSION Despite multiple changes that have occurred throughout the pandemic, including new treatment protocols, the appearance of new variants of the virus with different clinical profiles or the extensive application of vaccines, these changes have not translated into a significant decrease in the risk of AKI among patients admitted due to COVID-19, which appears to still be conditioned mainly by comorbidities of each patient, including past history of CKD.

BACKGROUND Aortic stenosis is one of the most prevalent valve diseases but is rarely accompanied by tricuspid regurgitation. Our objective was to analyze the impact of tricuspid regurgitation severity and its surgical treatment on prognosis of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study including all patients presenting with aortic stenosis with some de-gree of tricuspid regurgitation between 2001 and 2018. Patients were grouped according to the degree of tricuspid regurgitation.RESULTS From a sample of 8080 patients with aortic stenosis, 143 (1.8%) presented with more than trace tricuspid regurgitation. Among patients with mild, moderate, or severe tricuspid regurgitation, we observed no differences in 30 -day (15.1% vs 14.8% vs 8.7%; P = .727), 12-month (51.2% vs 56% vs 55%; P = .892), or 5-year (64% vs 73.3% vs 66.7%; P = .798) survival. Aortic valve replacement plus tricuspid annuloplasty, when compared with aortic valve replacement only was associated with longer intensive care unit stay (9 vs 3 days; P = .043) but not higher 30-day (0% vs 15.5%; P = .112), 12-month (38.5% vs 54.3%; P = .278), or 5-year mortality (57.1% vs 67.1%; P = .594). Only history of liver disease and postoperative major morbidity were independent predictors of survival 30 days, 12 months and 5 years after surgery.CONCLUSIONS Severity of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with aortic stenosis was not associated with increased mortality. Tricuspid annuloplasty did not improve survival in this subset of patients but was associated with increased postoperative morbidity.