CTP CTP Transplant Pharmacology & Preservation Solutions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which preservation solution is considered the gold standard for cold static storage of abdominal organs such as the kidney and liver?
- University of Wisconsin (UW) solution (Correct answer)
- Euro-Collins solution
- Custodiol HTK solution
- Celsior solution
Correct answer: University of Wisconsin (UW) solution
University of Wisconsin (UW) solution has been the gold standard for cold static storage of abdominal organs due to its ability to maintain cellular integrity during prolonged ischemia.
Question 2: What is the primary role of impermeants such as lactobionate in organ preservation solutions?
- Prevent cellular swelling by limiting osmotic fluid influx (Correct answer)
- Provide energy substrate for cellular metabolism
- Neutralize free radicals during reperfusion
- Maintain electrolyte balance in the preservation fluid
Correct answer: Prevent cellular swelling by limiting osmotic fluid influx
Impermeants like lactobionate prevent cellular swelling by creating an osmotic barrier that limits the influx of water and sodium into cells during cold storage.
Question 3: Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution, also known as Custodiol, is most commonly used for preservation of which organ in the US?
- Heart (Correct answer)
- Kidney
- Pancreas
- Intestine
Correct answer: Heart
HTK/Custodiol is widely used for cardiac preservation in the US due to its low viscosity allowing rapid cooling and its buffering capacity provided by histidine.
Question 4: Which additive in preservation solutions acts as an oxygen free radical scavenger to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury?
- Allopurinol (Correct answer)
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Mannitol
Correct answer: Allopurinol
Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase, reducing the generation of oxygen free radicals that cause cellular damage during ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Question 5: What is the recommended target temperature range (°C) for cold static storage of most solid organs during preservation?
- 0–4°C (Correct answer)
- 5–8°C
- 10–12°C
- 15–18°C
Correct answer: 0–4°C
Cold static storage is performed at 0–4°C to slow cellular metabolism and minimize ischemic injury without causing ice crystal formation.
Question 6: Which preservation solution component is primarily responsible for maintaining colloid osmotic pressure and preventing interstitial edema in the graft?
- Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) (Correct answer)
- Potassium phosphate
- Magnesium sulfate
- Adenosine
Correct answer: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES)
Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is a colloid that maintains oncotic pressure in preservation solutions, preventing edema formation in the graft during cold storage.
Which preservation solution is considered the gold standard for cold static storage of abdominal organs such as the kidney and liver?