Grant monitoring after intestinal transplantation

The current review aims to describe in detail the most common practices utilized to monitor graft function in intestinal transplant (ITx) recipients. In addition, to discussing the role of endoscopy and stool studies it will examine the use of other potential biomarkers which have been utilized. Data will be discussed from contemporary publications in the field, the Intestinal Transplant Registry as well as detailed data from a large, ITx single-center.

Significant improvements have been made in early outcomes following ITx, yet long-term survival remains challenged by infection and rejection, both of which can present with diarrhea. While endoscopy and stool studies are the gold-standard for graft monitoring, calprotectin, citrulline, measurements of immunoreactivity and donor-specific antibodies have been investigated in the field and are herein reviewed.

Despite a number of tests which are currently available for monitoring ITx recipients, a strong need exists for improved noninvasive, timely and accurate biomarkers to help improve ITx graft and patient survival.