A Fatal Outcome after Cessation of Nucleotide Analogue Therapy in a Patient with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Case Report.

Introduction: Emerging evidence suggests that long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy can be ceased in a selective group of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This is being gradually implemented in clinical practice. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man known with a chronic hepatitis B e antigen-positive hepatitis B infection without signs of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis was admitted with acute liver failure. Two months prior to his admission, he ceased his NA therapy. During the admission, NA therapy was restarted, but the liver function worsened. The patient was put on the high-urgency liver transplantation waiting list, and the next day, he was successfully transplanted. However, the patient died 17 days later due to hemorrhagic shock that resulted from intra-abdominal bleeding and acute pancreatitis. Conclusion: Current guidelines suggest that NA therapy can be discontinued in a selective group of CHB patients. However, these guidelines suggest different stopping and follow-up criteria. This case illustrates that NA withdrawal is not without risks and that these differences in recommendations may lead to inadequate management and eventually a fatal outcome.

Modifying Tacrolimus-related Toxicity After Liver Transplantation Comparing Life Cycle Pharma Tacrolimus Versus Extended-released Tacrolimus: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The aim of this open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled study was to investigate whether the life cycle pharma (LCP)-tacrolimus compared with the extended-release (ER)-tacrolimus formulation results in a difference in the prevalence of posttransplant diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 12 mo after liver transplantation. Methods: Patients were 1:1 randomized to either of the 2 tacrolimus formulations. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite endpoint of any of 3 events: sustained (>3 mo postrandomization) posttransplant diabetes, new-onset hypertension, and/or CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for >3 m during the follow-up. Results: In total, 105 patients were included. In the intention-to-treat analysis, a statistically significant lower proportion of liver transplant recipients in the LCP-tacrolimus group reached the composite primary endpoint at 12 mo compared with the ER-tacrolimus group (50.9% [27/53], 95% confidence interval [CI], 37.9%-63.9% versus 71.2% [37/52], 95% CI, 57.7%-81.7%; risk difference: 0.202; 95% CI, 0.002-0.382; P = 0.046). No significant difference was found in the per protocol analysis. In the intention-to-treat and per protocol population, fewer liver transplant recipients in the LCP-tacrolimus group developed CKD and new-onset hypertension compared with the ER-tacrolimus group. No differences in rejection rate, graft and patient survival were found. Conclusions: A statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in the prevalence of the composite primary endpoint was found in the LCP-tacrolimus group compared with the ER-tacrolimus group in the first year after liver transplantation with comparable efficacy.

Successful adult domino living donor liver transplantation in methylmalonic acidemia: case report.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is a therapeutic option in multiple inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs), including methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), as LT reduces the risk of acute metabolic decompensations and long-term complications associated with these diseases. In certain IMDs, such as maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), domino liver transplant (DLT) is an accepted and safe method which expands the donor pool. However, only one adult case of DLT using an MMA donor liver has been reported; outcome and safety are still unknown and questioned. Case Description: In this case report, we describe our experience with DLT using MMA livers. Two adult MMA patients underwent living donor liver transplant (LDLT); their MMA livers were consecutively transplanted into two patients on the liver transplant waiting list who had limited chance of receiving a liver transplant in the short term due to their low model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores. No severe peri- or postoperative complications occurred, however the recipients of the MMA livers biochemically now have mild MMA. Conclusions: DLT using MMA grafts is a feasible strategy to treat end-stage liver disease and expand the donor organ pool. However, the recipient of the MMA domino liver may develop mild MMA which could affect quality of life, and long-term safety remains unclear. Further long-term of outcomes for domino recipients of MMA livers, focusing on quality of life and any metabolic complications of transplantation are needed to better define the risks and benefits.

Impact of EUS in liver transplantation workup for patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For a highly selected group of patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), liver transplantation (LT) is a treatment option. The Dutch screening protocol comprises nonregional lymph node (LN) assessment by EUS, and whenever LN metastases are identified, further LT screening is precluded. The aim of this study is to investigate the yield of EUS in patients with pCCA who are potentially eligible for LT. METHODS: In this retrospective, nationwide cohort study, all consecutive patients with suspected unresectable pCCA who underwent EUS in the screening protocol for LT were included from 2011 to 2021. During EUS, sampling of a "suspicious" nonregional LN was performed based on the endoscopist's discretion. The primary outcome was the added value of EUS, defined as the number of patients who were precluded from further screening because of malignant LNs. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were included in whom 84 EUS procedures were performed, with EUS-guided tissue acquisition confirming malignancy in LNs in 3 of 75 (4%) patients. In the 43 who underwent surgical staging according to the protocol, nonregional LNs with malignancy were identified in 6 (14%) patients. Positive regional LNs were found in 7 patients in post-LT-resected specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Our current EUS screening for the detection of malignant LNs in patients with pCCA eligible for LT shows a limited but clinically important yield. EUS with systematic screening of all LN stations, both regional and nonregional, and the sampling of suspicious lymph nodes according to defined and set criteria could potentially increase this yield.

Portal Embolisation as Treatment of Severe Portal Hypertension Due to Idiopathic Intrahepatic Arterioportal Fistula: A Case Report.

Intrahepatic arterioportal fistula (IAPF) is a rare cause of portal hypertension. Treatment is usually aimed at restoring the normal portal hemodynamics by obliterating the shunt. This report describes a case of idiopathic IAPF with severe portal hypertension complicated by portal enteropathy with vomiting, gastrointestinal hemorrhage and sepsis. The patient was successfully treated with portal embolization.

The Yield of Routine Post-Operative Doppler Ultrasound to Detect Early Post-Liver Transplantation Vascular Complications.

Early detection of liver transplantation (LT) vascular complications enables timely management. Our aim was to assess if routine Doppler ultrasound (rDUS) improves the detection of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and hepatic venous outflow obstruction (HVOO). We retrospectively analysed timing and outcomes, number needed to diagnose one complication (NND) and positive predictive value (PPV) of rDUS on post-operative day (POD) 0,1 and 7 in 708 adult patients who underwent primary LT between 2010-2022. We showed that HAT developed in 7.1%, PVT in 8.2% and HVOO in 3.1% of patients. Most early complications were diagnosed on POD 0 (26.9%), 1 (17.3%) and 5 (17.3%). rDUS correctly detected 21 out of 26 vascular events during the protocol days. PPV of rDUS was 53.8%, detection rate 1.1% and NND was 90.5. Median time to diagnosis was 4 days for HAT and 47 days for PVT and 21 days for HVOO. After intervention, liver grafts were preserved in 57.1%. In conclusion, rDUS protocol helps to detect first week's vascular events, but with low PPV and a high number of ultrasounds needed.

Health-related Quality of Life and Fatigue in Liver Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus Versus Sirolimus-based Immunosuppression: Results From a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The impact of different immunosuppression regimes on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the severity of fatigue in liver transplant recipients is largely unknown. We investigated the impact of a sirolimus-based regimen compared with a tacrolimus (TAC)-based regimen on the HRQoL and the severity of fatigue. METHODS: In this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled trial, 196 patients were randomized 90 d after transplantation to (1) once daily normal-dose TAC or (2) once daily combination therapy of low-dose sirolimus and TAC. HRQoL was measured with the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, the EQ-visual analog scale, and the severity of fatigue questionnaire Fatigue Severity Score (FSS). The EQ-5D-5L scores were translated to societal values. We examined the HRQoL and the FSS over the course of the study by fitting generalized mixed-effect models. RESULTS: Baseline questionnaires were available for 87.7% (172/196) of the patients. Overall, patients reported the least problems in the states of self-care and anxiety/depression and the most problems in the states of usual activities and pain/discomfort. No significant differences in HrQol and FSS were seen between the 2 groups. During follow-up, the societal values of the EQ-5D-5L health states and the patient's self-rated EQ-visual analog scale score were a little lower than those of the general Dutch population in both study arms. CONCLUSIONS: The HRQoL and FSS were comparable in the 36 mo after liver transplantation in both study groups. The HRQoL of all transplanted patients approximated that of the general Dutch population, suggesting little to no residual symptoms in the long term after transplantation.

Outflow obstruction after living donor liver transplantation managed with a temporary vena cava filter: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Outflow obstruction is a rare but critical vascular complication in liver transplantation, which may lead to graft loss and mortality. We report a case of caval vein outflow obstruction due to retrohepatic compression after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), which was managed by temporary implantation of a vena cava filter. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 63-year-old male with end stage liver disease presented with caval vein outflow obstruction and massive ascites 12 days after right lobe LDLT. We opted for a minimally invasive approach and implanted a vena cava filter at the compressed site through transjugular route. The patient's ascites drainage significantly decreased and graft function maintained stable after the intervention. On day 50 posttransplant, the filter was successfully removed and the patient was discharged without complications. DISCUSSION: Outflow obstruction after liver transplantation can result from anastomotic stenosis, graft size mismatch, thrombosis or compression of the outflow tract. Various management strategies have been employed both peri- and posttransplant, ranging from surgical interventions to minimally-invasive techniques. The treatment strategy should be tailored to the individual case, considering the timing of presentation and the specific cause for the obstruction. CONCLUSION: We successfully managed a case of compressive outflow obstruction by temporary implantation of a vena cava filter after LDLT. The vena cava filter was safely removed under angiography.

Current Perspectives on the Management of Herpesvirus Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at high risk of human herpesvirus (HHV)-related morbidity and mortality due to the use of immunosuppressive therapy. We aim to increase awareness and understanding of HHV disease burden in SOTRs by providing an overview of current prevention and management strategies as described in the literature and guidelines. We discuss challenges in both prevention and treatment as well as future perspectives.

Oral antibiotics lower mycophenolate mofetil drug exposure, possibly by interfering with the enterohepatic recirculation: A case series.

Mycophenolate mofetil has an important role as immunosuppressive agent in solid organ transplant recipients. Exposure to the active mycophenolic acid (MPA) can be monitored using therapeutic drug monitoring. We present three cases in which MPA exposure severely decreased after oral antibiotic coadministration. By diminishing gut bacteria ß-glucuronidase activity, oral antibiotics can prevent deglucuronidation of the inactive MPA-7-O-glucuronide metabolite to MPA and thereby possibly prevent its enterohepatic recirculation. This pharmacokinetic interaction could result in rejection, which makes it clinically relevant in solid organ transplant recipients, especially when therapeutic drug monitoring frequency is low. Routine screening for this interaction, preferably supported by clinical decision support systems, and pragmatic close monitoring of the MPA exposure in cases is advised.

Immunosuppressants exert differential effects on pan-coronavirus infection and distinct combinatory antiviral activity with molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir.

BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised populations, such as organ transplant recipients and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory medications, may be more susceptible to coronavirus infections. However, little is known about how immunosuppressants affect coronavirus replication and their combinational effects with antiviral drugs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to profile the effects of immunosuppressants and the combination of immunosuppressants with oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir on pan-coronavirus infection in cell and human airway organoids (hAOs) culture models. METHODS: Different coronaviruses (including wild type, delta and omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, and NL63, 229E and OC43 seasonal coronaviruses) were used in lung cell lines and hAOs models. The effects of immunosuppressants were tested. RESULTS: Dexamethasone and 5-aminosalicylic acid moderately stimulated the replication of different coronaviruses. Mycophenolic acid (MPA), 6-thioguanine (6-TG), tofacitinib and filgotinib treatment dose-dependently inhibited viral replication of all tested coronaviruses in both cell lines and hAOs. The half maximum effective concentration (EC50) of tofacitinib against SARS-CoV-2 was 0.62 µM and the half maximum cytotoxic concentration (CC50) was above 30 µM, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of about 50. The anti-coronavirus effect of the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and filgotinib is dependent on the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib, and filgotinib with the oral antiviral drugs molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. CONCLUSIONS: Different immunosuppressants have distinct effects on coronavirus replication, with 6-TG, MPA, tofacitinib and filgotinib possessing pan-coronavirus antiviral activity. The combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib and filgotinib with antiviral drugs exerted an additive or synergistic antiviral activity. Thus, these findings provide an important reference for optimal management of immunocompromised patients infected with coronaviruses.

Spleen Stiffness Measurement Across the Spectrum of Liver Disease Patients in Real-World Practice.

Objectives: Spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) provides a non-invasive surrogate marker for clinical significant portal hypertension (CSPH). Results obtained in highly selected populations were promising but require validation across the spectrum of liver disease. We aimed to investigate the clinical applicability of SSM in a real-world setting. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients referred for liver ultrasound (January-May 2021). Patients with a portosystemic shunt, liver transplant, or extrahepatic etiology of portal hypertension were excluded. We performed liver ultrasound, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and SSM (dedicated software, 100 Hz-probe). Probable CSPH was established if ≥1 of the following items occurred: ascites, varices, encephalopathy, splenomegaly, recanalized umbilical vein, collaterals, dilated portal veins, hypertensive gastropathy, or LSM ≥25 kPa. Results: We enrolled 185 patients (53% male; age 53years [37-64], 33% viral hepatitis, 21% fatty liver disease). Of them, 31% of patients had cirrhosis (68% Child-Pugh A) and 38% of patients had signs of portal hypertension. SSM (23.8 kPa [16.2-42.3]) and LSM (6.7 kPa [4.6-12.0]) were successful and met reliability criteria in 70% and 95%, respectively. Spleen size was inversely associated with SSM failure (odds ratio: 0.66 increment/cm, 95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.82). Optimal spleen stiffness cut-off to detect probable CSPH was >26.5 kPa (likelihood ratio: 4.5, sensitivity: 83%; specificity: 82%). Spleen stiffness did not outperform liver stiffness in detecting probable CSPH (P = 1.0). Conclusions: In real-world practice, reliable SSM were obtained in 70% and could potentially stratify patients between high- and low-risk of probable CSPH. However, cut-offs for CSPH might be substantially lower than previously reported. Future studies validating these results are required. Clinical trial number: Netherlands Trial Register (Registration number: NL9369).

Three-year results of renal function in liver transplant recipients on low-dose sirolimus and tacrolimus: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of low-dose sirolimus (SRL) and low-dose extended-release tacrolimus (TAC) compared to normal-dose extended-release TAC results in a difference in the renal function and comparable rates of rejection, graft and patient survival at 36 months after transplantation. This study was an open-label, multicenter randomized, controlled trial. Patients were randomized to once-daily normal-dose extended-release TAC (control group) or once-daily combination therapy of SRL and low-dose extended-release TAC (interventional group). The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) defined as grade ≥3 (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) at 36 months after transplantation. In total, 196 patients were included. CKD at 36 months was not different between the control and interventional group (50.8%, 95% CI: 39.7%-59.9%) vs. 43.7%, 95% CI: 32.8%-52.8%). Only at 6 months after transplantation, the eGFR was higher in the interventional group compared to the control group (mean eGFR 73.1±15 vs. 67.6±16 mL/min/1.73 m2, p=0.02) in the intention-to-treat population. No differences in the secondary endpoints and the number of serious adverse events were found between the groups. Once daily low-dose SRL combined with low-dose extended-release TAC does ultimately not provide less CKD grade ≥3 at 36 months compared to normal-dose extended-release TAC.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Immunocompromised Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Caused by the Omicron Variant: A Prospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Illness after infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant is less severe compared with previous variants. Data on the disease burden in immunocompromised patients are lacking. We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of immunocompromised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Omicron. METHODS: Organ transplant recipients, patients on anti-CD20 therapy, and allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients infected with the Omicron variant were included. Characteristics of consenting patients were collected and patients were contacted regularly until symptom resolution. To identify possible risk factors for hospitalization, a univariate logistic analysis was performed. RESULTS: 114 consecutive immunocompromised patients were enrolled. Eighty-nine percent had previously received 3 mRNA vaccinations. While only 1 patient died, 23 (20%) were hospitalized for a median of 11 days. A low SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response (<300 BAU [binding antibody units]/mL) at diagnosis, being older, being a lung transplant recipient, having more comorbidities, and having a higher frailty score were associated with hospital admission (all P < .01). At the end of follow-up, 25% had still not fully recovered. Of the 23 hospitalized patients, 70% had a negative and 92% had a low IgG (<300 BAU/mL) antibody response at admission. Sotrovimab was administered to 17 of these patients, and 1 died. CONCLUSIONS: While the mortality in immunocompromised patients infected with Omicron was low, hospital admission was frequent and the duration of symptoms often prolonged. In addition to vaccination, other interventions are needed to limit the morbidity from COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients.

The Role of PIVKA-II as a Predictor of Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence-Free Survival after Liver Transplantation in a Low Alpha-Fetoprotein Population.

INTRODUCTION: AFP and the RETREAT score are currently used to predict HCC recurrence after LT. However, superior discriminating models are needed for low AFP populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of PIVKA-II on recurrence-free survival after LT in a low AFP population and microvascular invasion on explant. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients transplanted for HCC between 1989 and 2019 in the Erasmus MC University Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was used. AFP and PIVKA-II levels were determined in serum samples collected at the time of transplantation. Data on tumor load and microvascular invasion were retrieved from patients' records. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 121 patients, with HCC recurrence in 15 patients (12.4%). The median AFP was 7.7 ng/mL (4.4-20.2), and the median PIVKA-II was 72.0 mAU/mL (41.0-213.5). Patients with low AFP (≤8 ng/mL) and PIVKA-II (≤90 mAU/mL) had a 5-year recurrence-free survival of 100% compared to 85.7% in patients with low AFP and high PIVKA-II (p = 0.026). Regardless of the AFP level, patients within the Milan criteria (based on explant pathology) with a low PIVKA-II level had a 5-year recurrence-free survival of 100% compared to patients with a high PIVKA-II level of 81.1% (p = 0.002). In patients with microvascular invasion, the AUC for PIVKA-II was slightly better than the AUC for AFP (0.775 vs. 0.687). CONCLUSIONS: The dual model of PIVKA-II ≤ 90 mAU/mL with either AFP ≤ 8 ng/mL or with patients within the Milan criteria identifies patient groups which can be exempted from HCC surveillance after LT in a low AFP population. PIVKA-II may be a better predictor for explant microvascular invasion than AFP and could play a role in future models identifying LT candidates with the highest risk for HCC recurrence.

Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Response in Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The rapid development and universal access to vaccines represent a milestone in combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there are major concerns about vaccine response in immunocompromised populations in particular transplant recipients. In the present study, we aim to comprehensively assess the humoral response to COVID-19 vaccination in both orthotopic organ transplant and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 96 studies that met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The pooled rates of seroconversion were 49% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43%-55%) in transplant recipients and 99% (95% CI, 99%-99%) in healthy controls after the second dose of vaccine. The pooled rate was 56% (95% CI, 49%-63%) in transplant recipients after the third dose. Immunosuppressive medication is the most prominent risk factor associated with seroconversion failure, but different immunosuppressive regimens are associated with differential outcomes in this respect. Calcineurin inhibitors, steroids, or mycophenolate mofetil/mycophenolic acid are associated with an increased risk of seroconversion failure, whereas azathioprine or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors do not. Advanced age, short interval from receiving the vaccine to the time of transplantation, or comorbidities confers a higher risk for seroconversion failure. CONCLUSIONS: Transplant recipients compared with the general population have much lower rates of seroconversion upon receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Immunosuppressants are the most prominent factors associated with seroconversion, although different types may have differential effects.

Prognostic significance of hyperammonemia in neuroendocrine neoplasm patients with liver metastases.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare, usually slow-growing tumors, often presenting with extensive liver metastases. Hyperammonemia due to insufficient hepatic clearance has been described in NEN cases; however, no systematic evaluation of risk factors and outcomes of NEN-associated hyperammonemia exists so far. This case report and retrospective review of NEN patients developing hyperammonemia from the years 2000 to 2020 at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, aimed to describe these patients and determine prognostic factors to improve evaluation and treatment. Forty-four NEN patients with documented hyperammonemia were identified. All patients had liver metastases with 30% (n = 13) showing signs of portal hypertension. Patients who developed encephalopathy had higher median ammonia levels, but there was no association between the severity of hyperammonemia and liver tumor burden or presence of liver insufficiency. Eighty-four percent (n = 37) of patients died during follow-up. The median (IQR) time from diagnosis of hyperammonemia to death was 1.7 months (0.1-22.7). Hyperbilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated international normalized ratio, presence of liver insufficiency, encephalopathy and ascites were associated with worse outcomes. Their role as independent risk factors for mortality was confirmed using the Child-Pugh score as a summary factor (P < 0.001). No difference was seen concerning overall survival between our hyperammonemia patients and a propensity score-matched control stage IV NEN cohort. In conclusion, hyperammonemia comprises a relevant and potentially underdiagnosed complication of NEN liver metastases and is associated with worse outcomes. Assessment of signs of encephalopathy, risk factors and the Child-Pugh score could be helpful in selecting patients in whom ammonia levels should be measured.

Assessment of human leukocyte antigen matching algorithm PIRCHE-II on liver transplantation outcomes.

For liver transplantations, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching is not routinely performed because observed effects have been inconsistent. Nevertheless, long-term liver transplantation outcomes remain suboptimal. The availability of a more precise HLA-matching algorithm, Predicted Indirectly Recognizable HLA Epitopes II (PIRCHE-II), now enables robust assessment of the association between HLA matching and liver transplantation outcomes. We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of 736 liver transplantation patients. Associations between PIRCHE-II and HLAMatchmaker scores and mortality, graft loss, acute and chronic rejection, ischemic cholangiopathy, and disease recurrence were evaluated with Cox proportional hazards models. Associations between PIRCHE-II with 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year outcomes and severity of acute rejection were assessed with logistic and linear regression analyses, respectively. Subgroup analyses were performed for autoimmune and nonautoimmune indications, and patients aged 30 years and younger, and older than 30 years. PIRCHE-II and HLAMatchmaker scores were not associated with any of the outcomes. However, patients who received transplants for autoimmune disease showed more acute rejection and graft loss, and these risks negatively associated with age. Rhesus mismatch more than doubled the risk of disease recurrence. Moreover, PIRCHE-II was inversely associated with graft loss in the subgroup of patients aged 30 years and younger with autoimmune indications. The absence of associations between PIRCHE-II and HLAMatchmaker scores and the studied outcomes refutes the need for HLA matching for liver (stem cell) transplantations for nonautoimmune disease. For autoimmune disease, the activated immune system seems to increase risks of acute rejection and graft loss. Our results may suggest the benefits of transplantations with rhesus matched but PIRCHE-II mismatched donor livers.

External Validation of the RETREAT Score for Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to externally validate the performance of the RETREAT score in a European population. METHODS: This single center retrospective cohort study enrolled all consecutive patients with HCC who underwent LT between 1989 and 2019. The performance of RETREAT was assessed in the overall population and after stratification between being within or beyond the Milan criteria based on the explant pathology report. Recurrence probabilities were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: We studied 203 patients; 42 patients were beyond the Milan criteria based on explant pathology. The median follow-up was 26.8 months (IQR 7.2-60.7). Overall cumulative HCC recurrence rates were 10.6%, 21.3%, and 23.0% at 2, 5, and 10 years, with the majority of recurrences extrahepatic and at multiple sites. Higher RETREAT scores were associated with higher recurrence rates, with a 10-year recurrence rate of 60.5% in patients with RETREAT ≥ 3 (n = 65), compared to 6.2% in those with RETREAT ≤2 (n = 138; p < 0.001). HCC recurrence rates were even lower in patients within the Milan criteria who also had a low RETREAT score (n = 122; 2.7% at 10 years). CONCLUSION: Low RETREAT scores identify patients at low risk of HCC recurrence after LT in patients within the Milan criteria based on explant pathology.