Author: Sumeet Asrani, MD, MSc

Time:  4:30 p.m. PST

Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

Time: 9:00 a.m. PST

Author: Ann Kataria, PharmD

Time: 2:30 – 2:45 p.m. PST

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

Time: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. PST

Author: Liza Johannesson, MD, PhD

Time:  7:00 - 7:15 a.m. PST

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Author: Giuliano Testa, MD, MBA

Time:  7:15 - 7:30 a.m. PST

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Author: Giuliano Testa, MD, MBA

Time:  1:45 - 2:00 p.m. PST

Author: Eric Martinez, MD

Time:  2:00 - 2:15 p.m. PST

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.

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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.

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Author: Amar Gupta, MD

Time: 10:25 a.m. PST

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Author: Anji Wall, MD, PhD

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST

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.

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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.

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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.

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