Procurement Biopsies Can Predict Unfavorable Outcomes in Kidneys With Low MAPI Score Values

André Costa Teixeira1, Tainá Veras de Sandes-Freitas2, Melissa Lou Fagundes de Deus E Silva3

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza (CE), Brazil.

Abstract

Insights

Procurement biopsies using the Maryland Aggregate Pathology Index (MAPI) score can predict poor kidney transplant outcomes, even with low scores. Glomerulosclerosis and arterial wall-lumen ratio are key indicators of delayed graft function and reduced renal function post-transplant.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on the utility of the Maryland Aggregate Pathology Index (MAPI) score in procurement biopsies.
  • Assessing pre-transplant kidney graft histology is crucial for predicting post-transplant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the association between MAPI score-based histopathological analysis of procurement biopsies and unfavorable outcomes within the first year after kidney transplantation (KT).
  • To determine the predictive value of specific MAPI parameters in deceased-donor KT recipients with initially low MAPI scores.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 159 deceased-donor KT recipients with pre-transplant procurement biopsies and low MAPI scores (<8) on frozen sections (FS).
  • Comparison of FS and paraffin section (PS) MAPI criteria, including glomerulosclerosis, periglomerular fibrosis, arterial wall-lumen ratio, arteriolar hyalinosis, and interstitial scar.
  • Multivariable models were employed to identify risk factors for delayed graft function (DGF), prolonged DGF, impaired renal function, and graft loss.

Main Results:

  • Low agreement was observed between FS and PS for all MAPI criteria (kappa values 0.28-0.51).
  • FS analysis did not reveal any independent association between histologic parameters and outcomes.
  • Post-transplant analysis, adjusted for confounders, identified glomerulosclerosis as a risk factor for prolonged DGF (OR=6.18) and an elevated arterial wall-lumen ratio (>0.5) as a predictor of inferior renal function at 1 year (OR=4.08).

Conclusions:

  • Procurement biopsies, even those with low MAPI scores, are valuable for predicting inferior outcomes in kidney transplantation.
  • Specific histological findings like glomerulosclerosis and arterial changes in procurement biopsies have significant implications for graft function and survival.