Review
Virology
S. Reshwan K. Malahe, Jeroen J. A. van Kampen, Olivier C. C. Manintveld, Rogier A. S. Hoek, Caroline M. M. den Hoed, Carla C. C. Baan, Marcia M. L. Kho, Georges M. G. M. Verjans
Summary: Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) face a high risk of human herpesvirus (HHV)-related morbidity and mortality due to immunosuppressive therapy. We aim to increase awareness of the HHV disease burden in SOTRs by providing an overview of current prevention and management strategies from the literature and guidelines. We discuss challenges in prevention, treatment, and future perspectives.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Carmen Farinas, Claudia Gonzalez-Rico, Marta Fernandez-Martinez, Jesus Fortun, Rosa Escudero-Sanchez, Asuncion Moreno, Marta Bodro, Patricia Munoz, Maricela Valerio, Miguel Montejo, Javier Nieto, Juan Carlos Ruiz-San Millan, Fernando Casafont-Morencos, Luis Martinez-Martinez, Concepcion Farinas-Alvarez
Summary: The study found that oral colistin-neomycin did not reduce MDR-E infections in SOT recipients. Colistin resistance and adverse effects like diarrhea were noted as potential issues during the treatment.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Tomohiro Tanaka, Charles F. Lynch, Kelly J. Yu, Bozena M. Morawski, Mei-Chin Hsieh, Georgetta Alverson, April A. Austin, Yun Zeng, Eric A. Engels
Summary: The incidence of pancreatic cancer is higher in solid organ transplant recipients, particularly in liver transplant recipients. Compared with the general population, pancreatic cancer is more commonly diagnosed in transplant recipients, especially in cases arising in the head of the pancreas and those diagnosed at localized stage. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer in transplant recipients are consistent with those in the general population, including male sex, older age, non-O blood type, and history of diabetes.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hannah N. Imlay, Daniel R. Kaul
Summary: Until recently, available drugs for CMV prevention and treatment in transplant patients have been limited by toxicity and resistance issues, with letermovir being the first new drug approved for CMV prevention since 2003. The efficacy of letermovir in treating established CMV infection or disease remains largely unstudied, while the investigational agent maribavir shows promise as a preemptive treatment option with unique mechanisms of action. Ongoing studies will define the efficacy of these drugs in patients with refractory or resistant CMV disease.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Gabriella Rozera, Ubaldo Visco-Comandini, Emanuela Giombini, Francesco Santini, Federica Forbici, Giulia Berno, Cesare Gruber, Paolo De Paolis, Roberto Colonnelli, Gianpiero D'Offizi, Giuseppe Maria Ettorre, Paolo Grossi, Maria Rosaria Capobianchi, Giuseppe Ippolito, Isabella Abbate
Summary: This study investigates the transplantation of kidneys and livers among HIV positive patients and analyzes the HIV quasispecies in the donors and transplant recipients before and after the transplantation. The results show that the HIV viremia in the recipients is effectively suppressed after the transplantation, but there is some residual HIV replication. The study concludes that there is no evidence of HIV superinfection and the immunosuppressive treatment does not cause clinically relevant viral reactivation.
Article
Surgery
Molly Hayes, Craig L. K. Boge, Anna Sharova, Daniel Vader, Marina Mitrou, Despoina M. Galetaki, Yun Li, Kevin J. Downes
Summary: Toxicities are common with VGCV prophylaxis in pediatric SOT recipients, including kidney injury and neutropenia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Puja H. Nambiar, Brianna Doby, Aaron A. R. Tobian, Dorry L. Segev, Christine M. Durand
Summary: The implementation of the HOPE Act has enabled HIV+ organ transplantation, with successful deceased donor transplants and the first living donor kidney transplants. However, reaching the full potential of HIV+ donors requires overcoming challenges at various levels in the community, organ procurement organizations, and transplant centers. Multiple ongoing clinical trials will provide further data to expand knowledge in this field.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF MEDICINE, VOL 72, 2021
(2021)
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Alexander C. Wiseman
Summary: Chronic kidney disease after solid organ transplant is common, with varied causes among different types of transplants. Kidney transplantation benefits solid organ transplant recipients with advanced CKD, but they face higher mortality rates both while waitlisted and after transplant. Recent policies aim to improve candidate identification and prioritization for kidney transplants, with future research focusing on predictive factors and strategies to preserve kidney function in this unique patient population.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF KIDNEY DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Gilad Hamdani, Mark M. Mitsnefes
Summary: The current literature on hypertension (HTN) following pediatric solid organ transplant (SOTx) was reviewed, including definition, prevalence, risk factors, outcomes, and treatment. Several new guidelines for pediatric HTN have been published, but no specific recommendations for SOTx recipients. HTN is highly prevalent, yet underdiagnosed and undertreated in kidney transplant recipients, especially with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Little data is available regarding its prevalence in other SOTx recipients. HTN in this population is multifactorial and associated with pre-transplant HTN, demographic factors, weight status, and immunosuppression protocol. HTN is associated with subclinical cardiovascular (CV) end-organ damage, but no recent data on long-term outcomes are available. There are no updated recommendations for the optimal management of HTN in this population.
CURRENT HYPERTENSION REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Maria Rendina, Michele Barone, Chiara Lillo, Silvia Trapani, Lucia Masiero, Paolo Trerotoli, Francesca Puoti, Luigi Giovanni Lupo, Francesco Tandoi, Salvatore Agnes, Antonio Grieco, Enzo Andorno, Simona Marenco, Edoardo Giovanni Giannini, Umberto Baccarani, Pierluigi Toniutto, Amedeo Carraro, Antonio Colecchia, Matteo Cescon, Maria Cristina Morelli, Umberto Cillo, Patrizia Burra, Paolo Angeli, Michele Colledan, Stefano Fagiuoli, Luciano De Carlis, Luca Belli, Paolo De Simone, Paola Carrai, Fabrizio Di Benedetto, Nicola De Maria, Giuseppe Maria Ettorre, Valerio Giannelli, Salvatore Gruttadauria, Riccardo Volpes, Sveva Corsale, Vincenzo Mazzaferro, Sherrie Bhoori, Renato Romagnoli, Silvia Martini, Giorgio Rossi, Lucio Caccamo, Maria Francesca Donato, Massimo Rossi, Stefano Ginanni Corradini, Marco Spada, Giuseppe Maggiore, Giuseppe Tisone, Ilaria Lenci, Giovanni Vennarecci, Raffaella Tortora, Marco Vivarelli, Gianluca Svegliati Baroni, Fausto Zamboni, Laura Mameli, Silvio Tafuri, Simona Simone, Loreto Gesualdo, Massimo Cardillo, Alfredo Di Leo
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence, mortality, and lethality of COVID-19 infection in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) compared to non-liver solid transplant recipients (NL-SOTRs) and the general population (GP) in Italy. The results showed that the infection, mortality, and lethality rates in LTRs were lower than NL-SOTRs and comparable to the Italian GP. The discussion suggests that LTRs may have a different immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to NL-SOTRs, possibly due to the immunotolerance induced by the grafted liver.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Mauro Vigano, Marta Beretta, Marta Lepore, Raffaele Abete, Simone Vasilij Benatti, Maria Vittoria Grassini, Stefania Camagni, Greta Chiodini, Simone Vargiu, Claudia Vittori, Marco Iachini, Amedeo Terzi, Flavia Neri, Domenico Pinelli, Valeria Casotti, Fabiano Di Marco, Piero Ruggenenti, Marco Rizzi, Michele Colledan, Stefano Fagiuoli
Summary: Prevention of infections is crucial in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients. Vaccination is an important measure, however, the vaccine response is reduced, especially in the early post-transplant period or after rejection treatment.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Mireia Forner-Puntonet, Laura Gisbert-Gustemps, Eudald Castell-Panisello, Mauricio Larrarte, Jesus Quintero, Gema Ariceta, Ferran Gran, Ignacio Iglesias-Serrano, Annabella Garcia-Moran, Gemma Espanol-Martin, Pol Ibanez-Jimenez, Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate psychopathology, family stress, and coping strategies in families of pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients compared to families of healthy children and adolescents. The results showed that families of SOT recipients exhibited higher levels of anxiety, stress related to childcare and parent-child interaction, and used more avoidance and religious coping strategies, while using fewer social support coping strategies. The study highlights the importance of providing psychological interventions and support for caregivers of SOT patients.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jennifer M. Geris, Logan G. Spector, Ruth M. Pfeiffer, Ajit P. Limaye, Kelly J. Yu, Eric A. Engels
Summary: The study found that CMV status was not associated with the risk of most cancers among SOT recipients, but the inverse association with DLBCL may reflect the protective effects of CMV prophylaxis or treatment against EBV infection.
Review
Rheumatology
Frederic Meyer, Delphine Weil-Verhoeven, Clement Prati, Daniel Wendling, Frank Verhoeven
Summary: The use of biologic treatments in solid-organ transplant recipients poses risks of complications, such as infections, malignancies, and acute graft rejections. Further comparative studies are needed to evaluate the safety of biological treatments in transplanted patients.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aracelly Gaete-Argel, Vicente Saavedra-Alarcon, Denis Saure, Luis Alonso-Palomares, Monica L. Acevedo, Marion Alarcon, Susan M. Bueno, Alexis M. Kalergis, Ricardo Soto-Rifo, Fernando Valiente-Echeverria, Claudia P. Cortes
Summary: This study shows that booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines can improve seroconversion rates in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). However, the impact of homologous and heterologous booster doses on neutralizing antibody titers and their ability to interfere with the Omicron variant has not been well studied. Therefore, monitoring antibody responses is crucial in planning booster vaccination programs for immunocompromised individuals.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Francesco Procaccio, Lucia Masiero, Francesca Vespasiano, Paolo A. Grossi, Carlo Gagliotti, Annalisa Pantosti, Mario Caprio, Letizia Lombardini, Alessandro Nanni Costa, Daniela Maccarone, Bruno Giacon, Angelo Saracino, Pellegrino Mancini, Paolo Giannattasio, Gabriela Sangiorgi, Maurizia Licari, Maurizio Valeri, Montserrat Munoz Lopez, Massimo Moschini, Raffaella Giacometti, Annarita Panebianco, Roberto Littera, Angelita Butera, Manuela Bonizzoli, Laura Pilati, Atanassios Dovas, Fabio Lazzarini, Elena Coluccio, Sergio Vesconi, Angelo Ghirardini, Francesca Puoti, Andrea Ricci, Paola Di Ciaccio
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2020)
Article
Surgery
Alessandra Agnese Grossi, Umberto Maggiore, Francesca Puoti, Paolo Antonio Grossi, Mario Picozzi, Massimo Cardillo
TRANSPLANT INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Surgery
Silvia Trapani, Lucia Masiero, Francesca Puoti, Maria C. Rota, Martina Del Manso, Letizia Lombardini, Flavia Riccardo, Antonio Amoroso, Patrizio Pezzotti, Paolo A. Grossi, Silvio Brusaferro, Massimo Cardillo
Summary: Italy has set up a dedicated surveillance system for COVID-19 cases, revealing higher infection and mortality rates in solid organ transplant recipients, especially in the Lombardy region. Heart transplant recipients have a higher infection rate, while liver transplant recipients have a lower rate. Further studies on disease management and evolution are needed for these high-risk patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Article
Surgery
Tommaso Maria Manzia, Carlo Gazia, Ilaria Lenci, Roberta Angelico, Luca Toti, Andrea Monaco, Alessandro Anselmo, Leonardo Baiocchi, Paolo Grossi, Giuseppe Tisone
Summary: This case report describes the first successful liver transplantation using a liver procured from a SARS-CoV-2 positive donor, with the recipient clearing the infection and recovering normal liver function after the surgery. The findings suggest that the prompt use of SARS-CoV-2 infected liver donors could offer a life-saving opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 positive patients who have developed neutralizing antibodies.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Massimo Andreoni, Matteo Bassetti, Salvatore Corrao, Francesco Giuseppe De Rosa, Vincenzo Esposito, Marco Falcone, Paolo Grossi, Federico Pea, Nicola Petrosillo, Carlo Tascini, Mario Venditti, Pierluigi Viale
Summary: Dalbavancin is a novel antibiotic with long-lasting effects for treating Gram-positive infections. Research indicates its potential value in other indications such as osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infections, and infective endocarditis.
EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Monica Miele, Alessia Gallo, Mariangela Di Bella, Francesca Timoneri, Floriana Barbera, Marco Sciveres, Silvia Riva, Paolo Grossi, Pier Giulio Conaldi
Summary: In a liver-transplanted recipient with refractory recurrent CMV infection, the infusion of allogenic CMV-reactive T-cells from a healthy CMV-seropositive donor resulted in the clearance of CMV infection and resolution of the pathological manifestations. The study suggests that infusion of allogenic CMV-reactive T-cells can be an effective strategy to treat CMV infection recurrence when autologous virus specific T cell clones cannot be generated.
Article
Surgery
Renato Romagnoli, Salvatore Gruttadauria, Giuseppe Tisone, Giuseppe Maria Ettorre, Luciano De Carlis, Silvia Martini, Francesco Tandoi, Silvia Trapani, Margherita Saracco, Angelo Luca, Tommaso Maria Manzia, Ubaldo Visco Comandini, Riccardo De Carlis, Valeria Ghisetti, Rossana Cavallo, Massimo Cardillo, Paolo Antonio Grossi
Summary: In specific circumstances, liver transplant from donors with active COVID-19 may be considered for recipients with SARS-CoV-2 immunity to safely expand the donor pool and minimize transmission risks.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alessandra Mularoni, Maria Lina Mezzatesta, Michele Pilato, Alice Annalisa Medaglia, Adriana Cervo, Dafne Bongiorno, Ausilia Aprile, Angelo Luca, Stefania Stefani, Paolo Grossi
Summary: A challenging case of metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa sternal osteomyelitis was successfully treated with surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. Time-kill curves demonstrated strong synergistic effect of the triple antibiotic combination of ceftazidime/avibactam, aztreonam, and amikacin.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Alessandra Agnese Grossi, Federico Nicoli, Massimo Cardillo, Salvatore Gruttadauria, Giuseppe Tisone, Giuseppe Maria Ettorre, Luciano De Carlis, Renato Romagnoli, Carlo Petrini, Paolo Antonio Grossi, Mario Picozzi
Summary: The ethical analysis of performing liver transplantation in patients with resolved or active COVID-19 shows that the decision is ethically justifiable. By considering medical indications, patient preferences, quality of life, and contextual features, the decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Shared decision-making allows for the integration of clinical options with the patient's subjective preferences and considerations, providing valid informed consent tailored to individual circumstances. Including carefully selected SARS-CoV-2 positive donors offers the opportunity to save lives for patients who may have limited chances of receiving a transplant.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Federica Invernizzi, Marta Cilla, Silvia Trapani, Maria Guarino, Valentina Cossiga, Martina Gambato, Maria Cristina Morelli, Filomena Morisco, Patrizia Burra, Annarosa Floreani
Summary: Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The etiology of AILD is not well understood but is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. AILDs commonly affect young individuals and have a highly variable clinical course. They significantly impact quality of life and can progress to liver decompensation, hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma, and end-stage liver disease requiring transplantation. This review highlights the importance of considering sex characteristics and conducting sex-specific analysis in future studies for better understanding and treatment development of AILD.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maddalena Peghin, Paolo Antonio Grossi
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on organ donation and transplantation globally. Based on current experience, transplantation of non-lung organs from deceased donors with active SARS-CoV-2 infection has been considered possible and safe. With the evolving outbreak and the availability of vaccines and treatments, organs from deceased donors with active SARS-CoV-2 infection may be considered for transplantation in recipients with limited opportunities and specific immunity. Expert opinions are provided in the absence of definitive data and standardized acceptance patterns.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Maddalena Peghin, Elena Graziano, Paolo Antonio Grossi
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic presents significant challenges for solid organ transplant recipients, and although vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19, they have lower immunogenicity and efficacy in waitlisted candidates and SOT recipients. Vaccination priority is recommended for SOT patients and their family members, along with adherence to preventive measures.
Review
Microbiology
Davide Lo Porto, Andrea Cona, Francesca Todaro, Elena De Carolis, Francesca Cardinale, Neha Hafeez, Giuseppina Di Martino, Pier Giulio Conaldi, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Paolo Antonio Grossi, Alessandra Mularoni
Summary: Phaeohyphomycosis is a diverse infection caused by pigmented fungi, and solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk due to immunosuppression. In this study, three successful cases of phaeohyphomycosis in transplant recipients were treated with surgery and antifungal therapy. A literature review revealed a wide range of fungal species, with Alternaria being the most common. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing disease dissemination.
Article
Immunology
Silvia Martini, Margherita Saracco, Donatella Cocchis, Fabrizia Pittaluga, Bruna Lavezzo, Francesca Barisone, Luigi Chiusa, Antonio Amoroso, Massimo Cardillo, Paolo A. Grossi, Renato Romagnoli
Summary: This study evaluated the medium-term outcomes of liver transplant recipients from COVID-19 donors and found favorable results in terms of patient survival. However, there was a higher risk of hepatic artery thrombosis compared to recipients from COVID-19-negative donors.
TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)