The American Transplant Congress on June 2-7 in San Diego, California, is a joint annual meeting of two groups: the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation. The forum exchanges new clinical information on tissue and solid organ transplantation and provides education on cutting-edge advances and research. The conference brings together transplant physicians, scientists, nurses, organ procurement personnel, pharmacists, allied health professionals and other transplant professionals.

Baylor Scott & White Research Institute investigators and clinicians on the medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth will be involved in more than 40 presentations, scheduled talks, education sessions and discussions. The talks reflect the commitment of our experienced team at Baylor Scott & White Annette C. and Harold C. Simmons Transplant Institute to advancing clinical care and serving patients better across liver, kidney, uterus, pancreas, heart and lung transplantation, as well as administration of a high-volume transplant center.

A snapshot of talks and presentations with Baylor Scott & White involvement can be found below. Additional details about the annual meeting are on the event website.

 

Giuliano Testa, MD, MBA, FACS, Chief of Abdominal Transplant at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, gives overview of Baylor Scott & White's participation at ATC 2023.

Don't miss our special feature video at ATC on Baylor Scott & White's Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program, led by Shelley Hall, MD, chief of transplant cardiology, mechanical circulatory support and advanced heart failure at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

Highlights:

Dr. Amar Gupta


Dr. Liza Johannesson


Dr. Anji Wall

 

 

 

FEATURED PRESENTATIONS AND SESSIONS HIGHLIGHTING RESEARCH IN TRANSPLANTATION

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2023

ORAL ABSTRACT – Understanding Short Sobriety Pathways and Role of Other Addictions in Liver Transplant

  • Author: Sumeet Asrani, MD, MSc

  • Time:  4:30 p.m. PST


SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023

ORAL ABSTRACT – The Harms Of Non-Donation

  • Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

  • Time: 9:00 a.m. PST

     

IN DEPTH – Utilization of a Transplant Pharmacy Collaborative Agreement (CPA) to Optimize Care for Patients and Financial Success for the Institution

  • Author: Ann Kataria, PharmD

  • Time: 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. PST

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – A Modern Heart Transplant Rejection Surveillance Protocol Utilizing Cell-Free DNA Testing - A Single Center Experience

  • Author: Ayman Saeyeldin, MD

  • Time: 4:25 – 4:35 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Endomyocardial biopsy (EMBx) is considered the gold standard for monitoring acute cellular rejection (ACR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after heart transplantation. However, it is invasive, and histological interpretation has limitations. Sensitive blood biomarkers, including donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), have emerged as complementary tests to decrease EMBx frequency.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Exosomal small RNA signatures From donor liver preservation fluid associate with transplant outcomes

  • Author: Carly Darden, PhD

  • Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Exosomal cargo provide reliable nucleic acid and protein profiles that may reflect the condition of donor livers pre-transplant. We analyzed the exosomal small RNAs released in the preservation fluid by livers from living donors (LD), donors after circulatory death (DCD), or donors after brain death (DBD). We hypothesized that small RNA profiles of liver exosomes may reveal biomarkers that reflect stress and damage to livers and associate with graft outcomes.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Outcomes Of Liver Transplant Recipients From Donation After Circulatory Death Grafts Procured Using Normothermic Regional Perfusion

  • Author: Nazokat Otajonova, MD

  • Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Cardiovascular transplant programs in the United States are using thoracic normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) to expand access to cardiac allografts from DCD donors, hence improving heart allograft availability. The process of TA-NRP involves using a modified extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit to perfuse the cardiac and abdominal organs after confirmation of death. NRP can also be used for abdominal-only donors (A-NRP) in which perfusion is limited only to the abdominal cavity. Because NRP is a novel procedure in the U.S. and differs from standard DCD recovery by perfusing organs with oxygenated blood rather than cold perfusion, it is important to study the outcomes of organs recovered with this technique.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

IMPACT SESSION – Development and Implementation of an Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion Donation After Circulatory Death Protocol

  • Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

  • Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Abdominal normothermic regional perfusion (A-NRP) is utilized in several European countries for donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver and kidney organ procurements, with excellent recipient outcomes. Our center developed an A-NRP protocol with the multidisciplinary engagement of all hospital stakeholders and our OPO.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

  • Preview:  Click Here

     


SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023

IMPACT SESSION – The Alphabet Soup of Assessment of Kidney Function

  • Author: Steven Gonzalez, MD, MS

  • Time: 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: This session will focus on challenges clinician face in the management of critically ill patients in the ICU with liver disease awaiting liver or SLK transplant

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Malnutrition And Mortality - A Different "M&M" Following Heart Transplantation

  • Author: Jeanette Hasse, PhD, RD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: We evaluated the effect of malnutrition as determined by a validated nutrition assessment tool (Subjective Global Assessment) on length of stay and mortality after HT.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Intermittent Dosing of Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin InductioniIs Effective for Rejection Prevention in High-Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients

  • Author: Asia Johnson, PharmD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST and 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte globulin (rATG) is the most widely used induction agent in kidney transplant (KT) patients. The appropriate dosing interval of rATG has not been rigorously studied. The purpose of this study is to describe patient and graft outcomes when 3 doses of rATG are intermittently spaced in a high immunologic risk and delayed graft function (DGF) population.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – No Antibody Induction in Non-High Risk Kidney Transplant Recipients is Effective for Rejection Prevention

  • Author: Asia Johnson, PharmD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST and 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: In 2020, 91% of kidney transplant recipients (KT) in the United States received induction immunosuppression with either a T-cell depleting agent or an interleukin-2 receptor agonist. In the era of modern immunosuppression, the need for induction immunosuppression in low to moderate immunologic risk KT has not been extensively studied. Herein, we described patient and allograft outcomes in low to moderate immunologic risk KT who did not receive induction immunosuppression.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Where There is Smoke, There is Not Always Fire: Cell-Free DNA Elevations Without Rejection

  • Author: Srikant Patlolla, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Discordance between modalities of surveillance for rejection is poorly understood. We aim to characterize messenger RNA expression utilizing the molecular microscope (MMDx) among heart transplant patients with elevated donor-derived, cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in the absence of rejection.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Comparison of Patient Characteristics And Outcomes of Left Ventricular Assist Devices Implanted During Early And Late Week 

  • Author: Melissa Medina, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about the differences in preoperative status and overall outcomes in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients comparing those implanted on early to late weekdays.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Correlation Between Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System, Histopathology and Clinical Judgement Following Heart Transplantation 

  • Author: Amit Alam, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about clinical decision making amongst discordant findings concerning for rejection with endomyocardial biopsy (EMBx) and Molecular Microscope Diagnostic System (MMDx) in patients following heart transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Never Underestimate Sex Ed  

  • Author: Catherine Shelton, BSN

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about the impact on sexual activity and sexual quality of life in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs).

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – It is Not Just Temperature Rising!!! The Impact of Active Viruses On Donor-Derived, Cell-Free DNA Testing  

  • Author: Hira Shakoor

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between active viral infections and donor-derived, cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels in patients following heart transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Can’t We All Just Get Along? Comparison of Cell Free DNA Technologies  

  • Author: Hira Shakoor

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about the comparative differences between the Allosure (CareDx) and Prospera (Natera) donor derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) assays following heart transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – The Protek Duo: A Meta-Analysis  

  • Author: William Sovic, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Protek Duo TandemHeart system.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Can’t We All Just Get Along? Comparison Of Cell-Free DNA Technologies

  • Author: Amit Alam, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about the comparative differences between the Allosure (CareDx) and Prospera (Natera) donor-derived, cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) assays following heart transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Risk Stratification of Cardiac Allograft Injury Using Cell-Free DNA testing – Real World Effectiveness

  • Author: Ayman Saeyeldin, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Donor-derived, cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is a noninvasive test that may enable more frequent, quantitative, and safer surveillance of cardiac allograft injury. Interpretation of this test results in heart transplantation is not standardized. We sought to evaluate outcomes at different cutoff values using data from our tertiary care center.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – The Effect of Off-Hour Admissions on Advanced Treatment Options in Cardiogenic Shock Patients

  • Author: Caroline Harrison, MS

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: The “off-hours effect” is a phenomenon where patients admitted overnight or on weekends have poorer outcomes, especially in acute severe conditions like cardiogenic shock. Given that little is known about whether this off-hours effect impacts patient access to advanced therapies, we compared complications and advanced treatment options between on- and off-hour admissions in cardiogenic shock patients.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – The Giant is Not Sleeping: Implications in Heart Transplantation

  • Author: Sarah Williams, RN

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Sleep disorders are often-overlooked comorbidities during evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies and post-heart transplant (HT) management, despite being associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Not All Machines Anger The Immunologic Gods: Prospective Analysis of The Impact of Impella 5.5 Devices on Hla Developmen in Transplant Recipients

  • Author: James Blair, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Little is known about the development of de novo Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antibodies with the use of the new Impella 5.5 temporary mechanical circulatory assist device and the downstream effects on patients receiving orthotopic heart transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Transition From Open- to Robot-Assisted Donor Right Hepatectomy Program for Adult to Adult Living Liver Donation: Early Outcomes and Lessons Learned

  • Author: Michelle Finotti, MD

  • Time: 9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Robotic living-donor right hepatectomy (RL-DRH) has been proposed as a safe modality compared to open living donor right hepatectomy (OL-DRH), with no differences in morbidity or mortality rate. Moreover, minimally invasive operative approaches are associated with better cosmesis, decreased length of stay, decreased operative blood loss, and faster return to work. Many operative procedures have evolved from open to laparoscopic to robotic approaches. However, we were able to transition directly from open to robotic DRH. This study demonstrates the transition process in a high-volume living donor program from an open live donor right hepatectomy to a fully robotic approach, without previous laparoscopic donor hepatectomy experience.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – 6-Month Outcomes of Liver and Kidney Transplantation From Donation After Circulatory Death Heart Donors in the U.S.

  • Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

  • Time: 3:00 – 4:20 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) heart donation is becoming increasingly common in the U.S. The two methods for DCD heart donation are thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion (TA-NRP) and super rapid recovery (SRR) with ex-vivo heart machine perfusion. Liver and kidneys can be successfully transplanted from donors with both procurement methods.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Cost, Complexity, and Carbon: Views on the Changing Landscape of Liver Acquisition

  • Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

  • Time: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. PST

     


MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023

IMPACT SESSION – Five Years of Uterus Transplantation in the U.S. (How Did We Get From a Research Endeavor to a Clinical Option?)

  • Author: Liza Johannesson, MD, PhD

  • Time:  7:00 - 7:15 a.m. PST

  • Preview:  Click Here

     

IMPACT SESSION – The Practical Ethics of Uterus Transplantation -- Cost, Utilization of Resources, Inherent Bias

  • Author: Giuliano Testa, MD, MBA

  • Time:  7:15 - 7:30 a.m. PST

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Gender and Leadership in Liver Transplantation: Defining the Gap

  • Author: Nazokat Otajonova, MD

  • Time:  9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST and 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Women are underrepresented in liver transplant program leadership positions throughout the world and in the U.S.. However, the reasons for this gender disparity have not been well-described. One impacting factor could be that women are less represented throughout the leadership infrastructure of their institutions. This study assessed the association of the gender of department chairs and division chiefs with the gender of liver transplant medical directors, surgical directors, and program directors.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Correlation of REG gene expression with degree of pancreatic calcification and its impact on grant function in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation

  • Author: Carly Darden, PhD

  • Time:  9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the pancreas. The diagnosis of CP is based on pancreatic calcifications, ductal dilatation, and atrophy visualized by imaging with computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previous studies have identified pancreatic stone protein/regenerating protein (REG1) involvement in CP and endocrine cell regeneration, but its mechanism is not fully understood. We investigated REG gene expression in CP pancreas with varying degrees of calcification.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Small Molecule Inhibitor of Toll-like Receptor 4, Tak-242, Inhibits Activation of Monocytes in An in Vitro Model of Allogenic Cellular Transplantation

  • Author: Jordan Mattke

  • Time:  9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Allogenic immune response is a major factor in the rejection of transplanted islet and hepatocyte cells. Activation of monocytes and T cells plays a major role in the destruction of transplanted tissue. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a major role in maturation, activation, and antigen uptake and presentation in monocytes. Recent work has also demonstrated a physical association between HLA class I and TLR4. Using small molecule inhibitor of TLR4, TAK-242, we aimed to investigate the effects of TLR4 inhibition in various immune cells in an in vitro allogenic co-culture model of islet and hepatocyte transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Darbepoetin Utilization in Renal Transplant Recipients

  • Author: Taylor Zurick, PharmD

  • Time:  9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Post-transplant anemia (PTA) is highly prevalent in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), affecting 30-40% at 1-year posttransplant. It is associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, graft loss, and a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).1,2 Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are effective in the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD, thus their use has been adapted for the treatment of PTA. However, the efficacy of ESAs as well as proper dosing strategy, at least during the early stage post-transplant, remains to be verified.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Gender and Leadership in Liver Transplantation: Defining the Gap

  • Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

  • Time:  9:15 – 9:55 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Women are underrepresented in liver transplant program leadership positions throughout the world and in the U.S.  However, the reasons for this gender disparity have not been well described.  One impacting factor could be that women are less represented throughout the leadership infrastructure of their institutions. This study assessed the association of the gender of department chairs and division chiefs with the gender of liver transplant medical directors, surgical directors, and program directors.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

IMPACT SESSION – OPOs role in DCD Procurement

  • Author: Giuliano Testa, MD, MBA

  • Time:  1:45 - 2:00 p.m. PST




     

IMPACT SESSION – Improving Program Efficiency By Removing Logistic Barriers and Lowering Costs for DCD Livers

  • Author: Eric Martinez, MD

  • Time:  2:00 - 2:15 p.m. PST

     

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – A Comparison of Living Donor Liver Transplant (LDLT) and Donor After Cardiac Death (DCD): Is There a Superior Option?

  • Author: Greg McKenna, MD

  • Time:  3:00 - 4:20 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Despite LDLT and DCD growing at a rate exceeding DBD, wide adoption of both DCD and LDLT has been hindered by concerns, biases, and misinformation: of donor risks and increased complications in LDLT, and of poor immediate graft function and ischemic cholangiopathy with DCD. Comparative data is limited to a few SRTR studies lacking in granularity, and very few centers have a large enough experience with both DCD and LDLT to allow a valid comparison to determine the most effective approach for transplanting lower MELD patients.

  • For More Information:  Click Here


TUESDAY JUNE 6, 2023

ORAL ABSTRACT – Mercedes vs. (reverse) Lexus in Liver Transplantation: Who Has the Better Incisional Warranty?

  • Author: Richard Ruiz, MD

  • Time: 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Wound complications after liver transplantation are not uncommon. There are many well-known contributing factors, including history of diabetes, recipient age and body mass index (BMI). However, superiority of incision type has not been established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of Mercedes and reverse Lexus incisions in liver transplantation with respect to wound complications.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

IMPACT SESSION – Current Status and Future Directions to Address the Ongoing Organ Shortage for Liver Transplantation

  • Author: Amar Gupta, MD

  • Time: 10:25 a.m. PST

  • Preview:  Click Here

     

IMPACT SESSION – How Do You Build an Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion DCD Program?

  • Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

  • Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST

     

     

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Expansion and differentiation of adult human islet cell precursors for islet cell transplantation

  • Author: Carly Darden, PhD

  • Time: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Emerging technologies in human embryonic stem cell (hES) and inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation protocols designed to mimic stages of islet cell development have led to promising sources of stem-cell derived β-like cells for potential islet cell transplantation. We hypothesized that islet cell precursors hICPs harvested from human pancreatic tissue could be expanded and differentiated for use in islet cell transplantation.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Shifting Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Induction Administration to Outpatient Setting Increases Inpatient Cost Savings and Transplant Reimbursement

  • Author: Asia Johnson, PharmD

  • Time: 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. PST and 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: High-cost antibody induction therapies are often targeted for cost savings. Our transplant center employs strategies including intermittently spacing Anti-Thymocyte globulin (rATG) administration within 7 days following a kidney transplant (KT) and dosing based on ideal body weight (IBW) to reduce inpatient costs. The purpose of this study is to describe the transplant cost savings and increased reimbursement when shifting doses of rATG for KT induction to outpatient (OP) setting.

  • For More Information:  Click Here

     

ORAL ABSTRACT – Therapeutic Low-density Lipoprotein Apheresis for Treatment Of Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis Post Kidney Transplantation 

  • Author: Kim Rice, MD

  • Time: 9:45 – 10:25 a.m. PST and 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. PST

  • Abstract/Study Purpose: Primary focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome and glomerular etiology of ESRD in the United States. Post kidney transplant (KT), the rate of recurrence FSGS can be as high as 30%. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of LDL-apheresis (LDL-A) in conjunction with standard therapy for FSGS in post KT patients.

  • For More Information:  Click Here