Retransplantation after post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: an OPTN/UNOS database analysis

Am J Transplant. 2006 Nov;6(11):2743-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01543.x.

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are a life-threatening complication of immunosuppressive therapy. Retransplantation of survivors remains controversial. The Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database was reviewed for individuals who developed PTLD and underwent retransplant from 1987 through 2004. Sixty-nine retransplants have been performed: 27 kidney, 22 liver, 9 lung, 6 heart, 4 intestine and 1 pancreas. At first transplant, most subjects (63.8%) were <17 years of age and was similar at retransplant with 50.7% less than 17 years. Time from transplant to PTLD was <1 year in 33.3%, 1-3 years in 21.7%, 3-5 years in 21.7%, 5-10 years in 21.7% and >10 years in 1.4%. Time from PTLD to retransplant was <1 year in 24.6%, 1-3 years in 37.7%, 3-5 years in 17.4% and 5-10 years in 20.3%. Induction agents were used in 21.7% of first and 47.8% of retransplants. Immunosuppression for first transplant was cyclosporine (CSA) in 55.1%, tacrolimus (TAC) in 27.5% versus CSA in 26.1%, TAC in 66.7% of retransplants. At last follow-up, patient and graft survival are 85.5% and 73.9%, respectively. Most subjects retransplanted after PTLD are <17 years on TAC-based immunosuppression. Patient/graft survival is excellent and retransplantation in PTLD subjects should be considered acceptable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Factual
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / immunology*
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / immunology*
  • Reoperation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / organization & administration
  • Transplantation Immunology*
  • Waiting Lists

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents