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- Bucin, Dragan, et al.
(author)
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Heart transplantation across the antibodies against HLA and ABO
- 2006
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In: Transplant International. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1432-2277 .- 0934-0874. ; 19:3, s. 239-244
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We have intentionally performed heart transplantation in a 5-year-old child, despite the most unfavourable risk factors for patient survival; the presence of high level of antibodies against donor's human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I/II and blood group antigens. Pretransplant treatment by mycophenolate mofetil, prednisolone, tacrolimus, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, protein-A immunoadsorption (IA) and plasma exchange reduced antibody titres against the donor's lymphocytes from 128 to 16 and against the donor's blood group antigen from 256 to 0. The patient was urgently transplanted with a heart from an ABO incompatible donor (A(1) to O). A standard triple-drug immunosuppressive protocol was used. No hyperacute rejection was seen. Antibodies against the donor's HLA antigens remained at a low level despite three acute rejections. Rising anti-A(1) blood group antibodies preceded the second rejection and were reduced by two blood group-specific IAs and remained at a low level. The patient is doing well despite the persistence of donor-reactive antibodies.
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2. |
- Kurkus, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Biocompatibility of a novel avidin-agarose adsorbent for extracorporeal removal of redundant radiopharmaceutical from the blood.
- 2007
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In: Artificial Organs. - : Wiley. - 0160-564X .- 1525-1594. ; 31:3, s. 208-214
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in cytotoxic conjugates (radionuclides, toxins, or drugs) for targeting tumor cells is restricted due to toxicity in vital organs. Through improved tumor targeting, it is possible to administer larger amounts of such labeled MAbs, thus improving the ability to eradicate tumor cells without increased normal organ toxicity. Extracorporeal affinity adsorption treatment (ECAT) has therefore been developed using an avidin-agarose (AA) adsorbent with high binding affinity for the biotinylated radiolabeled MAb, rituximab. During ECAT, excess radioimmunoconjugates, not bound to the tumor cells, can be removed improving tumor targeting. The present study was performed to estimate the biocompatibility of the AA adsorber. Seven patients with B-cell lymphoma not responding to conventional treatment were studied. During the ECAT procedure, blood (B) components, plasma (P) complement fragments C3a, C5a, and P-bradykinin were analyzed, and other laboratory tests were carried out. Slight decreases in B-hemoglobin (8.3%), B-thrombocytes (11.4%), and P-albumin (14.3%) were observed, and could be explained by the dilution of the blood with normal saline and acid citrate dextrose. The AA adsorbent had no effect on the blood cells, immunological status or P-bradykinin level. The AA adsorber demonstrated good hemocompatibility and biocompatibility, without any side effects in the patients.
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4. |
- Bakoush, Omran, et al.
(author)
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Low Plasma Activated Protein C-Protein C Inhibitor Complex Concentration Is Associated with Vascular Access Failure in Hemodialysis Patients.
- 2008
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In: Nephron Clinical Practice. - : S. Karger AG. - 1660-2110. ; 110:3, s. 151-157
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Vascular access failure is a common cause of morbidity in patients with end-stage renal failure on hemodialysis (HD). Activation of the coagulation system and formation of a thrombus play important roles in recurrent arteriovenous fistula/graft (AVFG) failure. Thrombin in complex with thrombomodulin (TM) activates the anticoagulant protein C and creates activated protein C (APC), which is subsequently inactivated by the protein C inhibitor (PCI). The plasma concentration of the complex between APC and PCI (P-APC-PCI complex) is increased in hypercoagulable states and is therefore a sensitive indicator of the degree of activation of blood coagulation. Methods: Thirty-five HD patients dialyzed through a functioning AVFG were studied. The period of patency of AVFGs was recorded. Blood was drawn before and after the HD session for the analysis of the APC-PCI complex, soluble TM concentration and activity, von Willebrand factor antigen and homocysteine. Results: Patients with frequent AVFG failures (n = 8) had a significantly lower level of P-APC-PCI complex (median 0.09 mug/l) than those with less frequent AVFG failures (median 0.18 mug/l; n = 27; p = 0.04). No other significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusion: Thus, a low level of P-APC-PCI complex may be associated with an increased risk of AVFG failure in HD patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and to evaluate the possibility of prophylactic measures.
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6. |
- Kurkus, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Thirty-five years of hemodialysis: two case reports as a tribute to Nils Alwall.
- 2007
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In: American Journal of Kidney Diseases. - : Elsevier BV. - 1523-6838 .- 0272-6386. ; 49:3, s. 471-476
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Two patients with long-term (35 years) survival on hemodialysis are described. Kidney replacement therapy for these patients was initiated by a pioneer in hemodialysis, Nils Alwall, in 1968 and 1971, respectively. Kidney transplantation was attempted twice in both patients; however, the dialysis-free interval was less than 18 months in both patients. These patients represent two of the longest known survivors on hemodialysis worldwide. Factors that may have influenced their survival are discussed, and the complications that have occurred over the years are presented.
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7. |
- Westerlund, P, et al.
(author)
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Rapid resolution of EPO-induced pure red cell aplasia after a course of immunoadsorption therapy using protein a columns
- 2005
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In: American Journal of Kidney Diseases. - : Elsevier BV. - 1523-6838 .- 0272-6386. ; 45:6, s. 97-99
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare, but important, complication of erythropoietin (EPO) replacement therapy in patients with renal disease. There is no consensus about the best way to treat this condition; however, recent reports indicated that immunosuppressive therapy is beneficial. We report a patient with EPO-induced PRCA treated with a regimen initially designed for antifactor VIII antibodies in patients with hemophilia. This regimen consists of immunoadsorption therapy using protein A columns, followed by oral prednisolone and single bolus infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin G and cyclophosphamide. Shortly after the course, a swift and rapid increase in reticulocyte count was evident; the patient became transfusion independent and has remained so during 2 years of follow-up. By means of this report, we wish to encourage others to consider this option when first-line treatments fail.
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