Intra-graft Coagulation Events in Clinical Renal Transplantation and Delayed Graft Function (KTX)

Background

In clinical kidney transplantation organ retrieval, cold-preservation of the graft as well as restoration of the blood flow to the transplant cause tissue damage (ischemia/reperfusion injury). Clinically these events can manifest themselves as delayed graft function (DGF), which is usually defined as the need for dialysis during first week after transplantation. DGF increases the risk of developing chronic rejection and subsequently loss of the transplant.

Ischaemia/reperfusion injury is biologically characterized by local profound inflammatory response, activation of the coagulation system and endothelial dysfunction in the transplanted organ. After reperfusion activated neutrophils cause tissue damage in the graft by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of proteolytic enzymes, which lead to plugging of the capillaries by accumulation of thrombocytes and fibrin. Blood flow is further diminished by increased blood viscosity and local vasoconstriction and swelling of the endothelial cells. Disorders of the microcirculation lead to "no-reflow" phenomenon whereby locally tissues remain ischemic, despite of good blood flow in the organ artery and vein.

Coagulation is activated in the renal transplant during reperfusion, when circulating factor VIIa (FVIIa) comes into contact with the tissue factor (TF), which is expressed on the endothelium due to ischaemia. FVII-TF complex activates factor X (FX) and activated FX (FXa) cleaves thrombin (FII) from prothrombin. Thrombin activates thrombocytes, cleaves fibrin from fibrinogen and activates factor XIII( FXIII), which stabilizes fibrin clot. Fibrin has been demonstrated to accumulate in the kidney graft during reperfusion. Fibrin accumulation is aggravated by inhibition of fibrinolysis due to reperfusion.

Furthermore, the investigators conducting this current research project, have previously gained indirect evidence in a small cohort study, that accumulation of fibrin occurs even before reperfusion, during donor care and organ retrieval. Most importantly, specifically this pre-reperfusion fibrin deposition was related to DGF.

Patients and sample size

There were several limitations in investigators previous study concerning intra-graft coagulation events in DGF. It was conducted as a part of a larger trial in renal transplantation and included only 30 patients in two study arms with different immunosuppressant regimens (peri-operative basiliximab and conventional triple therapy). Therefore, a new study, with larger sample size and standardized immunosuppression is warranted.

Therefore, in this current prospective observational study surgical technique, anaesthesia and hemodynamic management, immunosuppressive medications are strictly standardized. Sample size is increased to 100. The investigators prospectively screen all adult patients receiving their first kidney transplant from cadaveric donor. Only patients scheduled to receive local standard triple immunosuppressant therapy with cyclosporine A, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone are included.

Blood samples and prospective data collection

Blood samples for assessment of intra-graft coagulation events (generation of thrombin and fibrin, activation and inhibition of fibrinolysis) are drawn peri-operatively. Predefined clinical and demographical data are collected preoperatively and prospectively during 3 months after kidney transplantation to assess the influence of these coagulation events on delayed graft function according to Halloran criteria (8) (primary outcome) and acute cell mediated graft rejection (primary outcome).