Prevalence of hepatitis E in liver transplant recipients in Greece.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a well-known cause of acute hepatitis. Immunocompromised subjects, including liver transplant recipients, are considered to be at risk for HEV infection, which occasionally follows a chronic course. The diagnosis of HEV infection in these patients must be based on HEV RNA testing, as serology has variable performance. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HEV infection in liver transplant recipients in Greece by means of HEV RNA testing. Liver transplant recipients followed in the sole transplant centre in Greece were prospectively included. HEV RNA was detected by real-time RT-PCR. Positive samples were further analysed using a nested reverse transcription RT-PCR kit, which amplifies a 137-nucleotide sequence within the ORF2/ORF3 overlapping region to detect the HEV genotype and perform phylogenetic analysis. The mean age of the included patients (n = 76) was 54 years. The most common indication for liver transplantation was viral hepatitis (57%). The majority of the patients (75%) received a calcineurin inhibitor as part of their immunosuppressive regimen and had normal liver enzymes. HEV RNA was found positive in only 1/76 (1.3%) patient. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequence clustered into the HEV genotype 3 clade. This patient experienced an acute hepatitis flare, which nonetheless did not become chronic. The prevalence of HEV infection in liver transplant recipients in Greece is similar (1.3%) to that reported previously in other countries. Transplant physicians should be aware of this condition and its associated consequences.

Nucleos(t)ide analog(s) prophylaxis after hepatitis B immunoglobulin withdrawal against hepatitis B and D recurrence after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) have made a hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG)-sparing protocol an attractive approach against hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). However, this approach is considered controversial in patients transplanted for HBV and hepatitis D (HDV) co-infection. MATERIAL/METHODS: All patients transplanted for HBV/HDV cirrhosis were evaluated. After LT, each patient received HBIG + NAs and then continued with NAs prophylaxis. All patients were followed up with HBV serum markers and HBV DNA, while anti-HDV/HDV RNA was performed in those with HBV recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 34 recipients were included (22 men, age: 46.7 ± 16 years). After HBIG discontinuation, NAs were received as monoprophylaxis (lamivudine [LAM]: 2, adefovir [AFV]: 1, entecavir: 9, tenofovir [TDF]: 12) or dual prophylaxis (LAM + AFV [or TDF]: 10 patients). Two (5.8%) of the 34 patients had HBV/HDV recurrence after HBIG withdrawal (median follow-up: 28 [range, 12-58] months). These 2 patients had undetectable HBV DNA at LT. Statistical analysis revealed that those with recurrence had received HBIG for shorter period, compared to those without recurrence (median: 9 vs. 28 months, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: We showed for the first time, to our knowledge, that maintenance therapy with NAs prophylaxis after HBIG discontinuation was effective against HBV/HDV recurrence, but it seems that a longer period of HBIG administration might be needed before it is withdrawn after LT.

Telbivudine is associated with improvement of renal function in patients transplanted for HBV liver disease.

Recent studies showed that telbivudine in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection improved their glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but data regarding its impact on renal function in liver transplant (LT) recipients are very limited. We evaluated 17 consecutive recipients who received at baseline nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) (NAs) other than telbivudine for 12 months, and then they were switched to telbivudine prophylaxis for another 12 months. In each patient, laboratory data including evaluation of GFR (using MDRD and CKD-EPI) were prospectively recorded. The changes in GFR (ΔGFR) between baseline and after 12 months (1st period) and between telbivudine initiation and 24 months (2nd period) were evaluated. All patients remained serum HBsAg and HBV-DNA negative. GFR-MDRD at baseline, 12 months and 24 months were 72 ± 18, 67.8 ± 16 and 70.3 ± 12 mL/min, respectively, (P = 0.025 for comparison between 12 months and 24 months). ΔGFR at the 1st period was significantly lower, compared with ΔGFR at the 2nd period [mean ΔGFR-MDRD: -4.2 (range: -24-9) vs 2.5 (range: -7-22) mL/min, P = 0.013; mean ΔGFR-CKD-EPI: -4.2 (range: -19-10) vs 4.0 (range: -7-23) mL/min, P = 0.004], although the serum levels of calcineurin inhibitors were similar between the two periods. A second group of recipients (n = 17) who remained under the same nontelbivudine NA(s) for 24 months had a decline in the mean eGFR during the total follow-up period. In conclusion, we showed that telbivudine administration in LT recipients for HBV cirrhosis was effective and it was associated with significant improvement in renal function, but this remains to be confirmed in larger well-designed studies.

Long-Term (≥25 Years) Kidney Allograft Survivors: Retrospective Analysis at a Single Center.

INTRODUCTION: Despite great improvements in the short-term patient and kidney graft survival, the long-term morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients still remains a significant problem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of both donor and transplant recipient factors, as well as renal function indices on the very long-term (>25 years) kidney allograft survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 41 kidney transplant recipients (KTR), group A: follow-up = 25 years, 20 KTR, 10 male, mean age (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD]): 34.6 ± 12.6 years, 14 living donors (LD), 6 cadaveric donors (CD); group B: follow-up > 25 years, 21 KTR, 16 male, mean age (M ± SD): 30.86 ± 12.37 years, 14 LD, 7 CD). Kidney graft origin, post-kidney transplantation diabetes mellitus, HLA compatibility, delayed graft function, and acute rejection episodes were also analyzed retrospectively. Statistical analysis with Mann-Whitney test and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed (SPSS 20.0 for Windows). RESULTS: The mean age of CDs was lower than that of LDs: CD mean age (M ± SD): 23.84 ± 16.26 years vs LD mean age: 52.75 ± 12.42 years (P < .001). Cadaveric kidney graft was associated with better renal allograft function 10, 15, and 25 years post kidney transplant. None of the other factors analyzed reached statistical significance between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The age of the donor and the kidney graft origin are important co-factors of the very long-term kidney allograft survival.

Vaccination with Trichinella spirallis antigens increases CD8+ peripheral T cells and enhances the Th2 immune response in Leishmania infantum challenged mice.

In this study we investigate the effect of Trichinella spiralis vaccination on immune responses elicited in BALB/c mice challenged subcutaneously with 0.5 x 10 6 of Leishmania infantum promastigotes. Secretion of specific anti-L. infantum antibodies and changes in the number of CD4+, CD8+ T cell and CD19+ B cells in the peripheral blood were tested for the evaluation of immune responses. Immunization with low amounts of T. spiralis antigens induced depression in anti-Leishmania specific antibodies of the IgG1 isotype, while no changes in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subpopulations or CD19+ B cells were observed. In contrast, high amounts of T. spiralis antigens induced an enhancement in anti-Leishmania specific antibodies of total IgG and IgG1 isotype, increase of CD8+ T cell number and activation of CD19+ B cells, indicated by the co-expression of CD69 marker. Our results suggest that immunization with a certain dose of T. spiralis antigens in experimentally challenged mice with L. infantum leads to an increase of peripheral CD8+ T cells which are responsible for the control of L. infantum infection, although a simultaneous enhancement in Th2-type of immune response is also observed.

Major liver resections for primary liver malignancies in the elderly.

PURPOSE: The aim of our prospective study was to assess the results of major hepatic resections for primary liver tumours in patients 75 years of age or older. METHODS: From 10/1999 to 04/2006, 23 patients with non-cirrhotic livers > or = 75 years presented to our department to undergo curative resection for primary liver malignancies. Data were collected prospectively. Patients were assigned to two groups. Group A included those with resectable tumours, while Group B was made up of those with unresectable lesions. RESULTS: Fourteen patients had intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma while 9 had hepatocellular carcinoma. Comorbidities were present in every case. Morbidity and hospital mortality rates for group A patients were 25% and 8%, respectively. The corresponding rates for group B patients were 9% and 9%. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative group A survival was 71%, 51% and 26% for cholangiocarcinoma and 80%, 60% and 60% for hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. The corresponding group B survival was 45%, 18% and 0%. CONCLUSION: Advanced age does not seem to negatively affect the outcome of liver resections for malignancies. Hepatic resections in patients 75 years of age or older may be carried out with relative safety as long as patients are appropriately selected.

Prediction of Microvascular Tumor Invasion in Liver Transplant Candidates With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Feasible Concept or a Misleading Illusion?

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis is a widely accepted indication for liver transplantation (LT). Many scoring systems have been proposed intending to an extension of the established Milan criteria. Bridging treatments are systematically applied in order to maintain or to downstage such patients to the listing criteria. The objective of our study was to estimate the feasibility of the prediction of microvascular tumor invasion in transplant candidates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data corresponding to transplanted HCC patients were reviewed for the purposes of this study. All tumor slices were blindly re-evaluated by a single pathologist in order to score for tumor necrosis and microvascular invasion. Recipients of pediatric or split LT were excluded. RESULTS: Eighty patients (30 women and 50 men) were included in the study. Tumor necrosis was absent in 29 of 80 liver explants (36.25%). In the majority of instances (63.75%) tumor necrosis was evident in proportions between 5% and 100%. In 58 liver explants showing 0%-60% tumor necrosis and 22 liver explants showing > 60% tumor necrosis, microvascular tumor invasion was detectable in 11 and 0 cases, respectively (P = .0385). CONCLUSION: In about one-fourth of the cases (27.5%) microvascular tumor invasion could not be detected due to extended areas of tumor necrosis. Preoperative detection of microvascular invasion is misleading.

Solid Organ Transplantation After Retrieval From Deceased Donors With Abdominal Aortic Grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Organ procurement from deceased donors has been steadily augmented over the last 20 years. With a more aged donor population, a higher incidence of intraabdominal pathologies, including abdominal aortic aneurysms and atherosclerotic aortic disease, is commonly being encountered. The objective of our study was to report our institutional experience with abdominal aortic grafts during solid organ harvesting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data concerning the presence of aortic grafts in deceased solid organ donors during a 36-month period were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, the organ retrieval team of our institution performed 246 multiorgan retrievals from deceased donors. More specifically, we harvested 6 livers and 12 kidneys from 6 donors with abdominal aortic grafts, which were not known/diagnosed to the organ retrieving team prior to the harvesting procedure. Severe atherosclerosis was present in all these donors. All 18 harvested organs were successfully transplanted. Apart of the absence of the aortic patch in 5 kidney grafts, no further special technical difficulties have been reported by the transplant teams. Data analysis of the recipient and graft outcome was performed through the Eurotransplant database. CONCLUSION: There are so far no literature data on the outcome of recipients and grafts from deceased donors with abdominal aortic grafts. Although retrieval of such organs is very challenging and requires a very experienced team, the transplantation of the corresponding organs can be performed without special technical problems.

Kidney Transplantation in Old Recipients From Old Donors: A Single-Center Experience.

PURPOSE: The program Old for Old or European Senior Program (ESP), allocates donors aged ≥65 years to recipients of ≥65, within a narrow geographic area in order to minimize cold ischemia time, decrease the waiting time for elderly patients listed for kidney transplantation and expand the transplant resource in this group. The ESP is not officially applied in Greece. In our center, the Old for Old criteria have been used since 2003 for elderly patients who are candidates for kidney transplantation. METHODS: We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the results of kidney transplantation from donors ≥65 years to recipients ≥65 years (Old for Old group), by examining a 5-year actual survival of the recipient and the graft. Ten Old for Old transplantations were performed at our center and the graft and patient survival was estimated during a 5-year follow-up. This group was compared to a control group of 10 recipients under the age of 65, who received grafts from deceased donors aged ≥65 years; it was found that graft and patient survival was significantly lower in the Old for Old group (50% and 58% respectively), compared to the control group, with graft and patient survival 72% and 80%, respectively (P < .05). The main cause of death was cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: More studies with higher number of patients are needed for the assessment of survival outcome between the elderly transplanted patient and those on dialysis listed for renal allografts to conclude whether Old for Old transplantation is beneficial. It is also important to consider a better pre-transplant medical evaluation with attention to cardiovascular status of the candidates and modification of the immunosuppression protocol in order to avoid serious infections and long hospital stays.

Comparison Between Salvage Liver Transplantation and Repeat Liver Resection for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Repeat liver resection (RLR) has been adopted by surgeons as the first-line treatment in the case of intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), whereas salvage liver transplantation (SLT) is considered a second-line option. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of SLT and RLR for HCC. METHODS: We searched for articles published up to December 1, 2017, in the PubMed database that compared SLT with RLR for HCC. We extracted data about patient and tumor characteristics, operative and postoperative outcomes, and survival and performed a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Patients who underwent SLT had somewhat larger liver lesions (mean difference: 0.73 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-1.18, P = .001; I2: 0%, P = .82). Moreover, salvage liver transplantation resulted in higher blood loss, longer operating time, longer hospital stay, and higher postoperative morbidity (risk ratio [RR]: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.6-3.75, P < .0001; I2: 0%, P = .58) than RLR, whereas there was no significant difference in terms of postoperative mortality (RR: 6.48, 95% CI: 0.51-82.54, P = .15; I2: 61%, P = .08). On the other hand, SLT led to longer disease-free survival (DFS) than RLR (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25-0.7, P = .0009; I2: 63%, P = .03), but there was no significant difference in regard to overall survival (OS) (HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.55-1.23, P = .34; I2: 0%, P = .62). CONCLUSIONS: SLT seems to be inferior to RLR regarding operative and postoperative results but presents a significant advantage in terms of DFS over RLR.

Liver Transplantation for Wilson's Disease in Non-adult Patients: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder transmitted through a gene located on chromosome 13. Liver transplantation (LT) provides a therapeutic option for patients with WD presenting fulminant liver failure or drug resistance. LT in patients with WD has a twofold aim: to save the patient's life when the disorder has progressed to hepatic (or other organ) failure and to cure the underlying metabolic defect. The aim of our study was to investigate the indications, aspects and post-operative outcomes in pediatric patients (< 18 years old) with WD who underwent LT. METHODS: A meticulous search of the literature since 1971 was performed. A retrospective analysis of all the studies, presenting cases of LT in children due to WD, was conducted. Studies that did not report patients' characteristics, transplantation indications, post-operative outcomes, and complications, as well as those with small study populations (< 10 patients), were excluded. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the present review, which involved 290 children. The main indications for LT included chronic liver failure and fulminant liver failure. The average 1-year survival rate was 91.9%, while the average 5-year survival rate was 88.2%. Retransplantation was performed in 16 patients due to transplant rejection. In general, patients transplanted for WD displayed an excellent quality of life after LT. CONCLUSION: LT is a safe and efficient procedure in selected pediatric patients with WD, demonstrating excellent long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Association of Double-J Stenting in Renal Transplant Patients With Urinary Tract Colonization and Infections in a Multidrug-resistant Microbe Endemic Nosocomial Environment.

PURPOSE: We investigated the association of ureteral stenting after kidney transplantation with the development of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and/or urinary tract colonization, in a hospital environment considered endemic for multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae. METHODS: Seventy-five recipients of deceased donor grafts were divided in groups A and B. Group A (with subgroups A1 and A2) included 45 transplanted patients without urinary stenting, and group B 30 patients with stenting. Subgroup A1 consisted of 30 patients transplanted before 2006, and A2 of 15 patients transplanted after 2006, when MDR, mainly carbapenem-resistant, Enterobacteriaceae, frequency has risen in our hospital. RESULTS: The incidence and the number of UTIs per patient were significantly higher in patients without stenting compared to those with stenting. (Group A: 32/45 vs group B: 9/30, P < .001, and group A: 2.86 ± 0.43 vs group B: 0.6 ± 0.19, P < .01 respectively). Patients without stenting tended to have a higher frequency of recurrent UTIs compared to those with stenting (group A: 16/45 vs group B: 4/30, P < .05). Asymptomatic bacteriuria was more frequent in the patients with stent (group A: 8/45 vs group B: 14/30, P < .05). Further sub-comparison of the A1 and A2 subgroups with group B did not change the statistical results. CONCLUSIONS: There is no clinically significant association of ureteral stenting after kidney transplantation with the high frequency of MDR Gram-negative bacteria in our hospital.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Compatibility and De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies in Long-term Renal Transplant Patients With Stable Graft Function.

PURPOSE: De novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are associated with antibody-mediated rejection leading to late renal transplant failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether HLA compatibility is associated with sensitization along with other risk factors. METHODS: Eighty-nine stable renal transplant recipients (47 men) were studied. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to HLA compatibility between donor and recipient, group A (1-4/8 matches) and group B (5-8/8 matches). Cold ischemia time (CIT) and delayed graft function (DGF) were recorded along with time with a functional graft. Anti-HLA antibodies were detected using a Luminex single-antigen bead assay and were further classified into DSA and non-DSA. RESULTS: HLA group A consisted of 49 (56%) transplant recipients while 38 (44%) were classified to group B, with functional grafts for 10.9 ± 6.7 and 14.8 ± 8.5 years, respectively (P = .019). Group A patients had more anti-HLA antibodies than group Β (P = .001) and this correlation was retained for DSA patients. De novo anti-HLA were detected in 40 patients; DSA were detected in 19 (21.8%). DSA (+) patients had recorded with functional renal grafts for 11 ± 5 years, compared to 14.4 ± 8.6 years (P = .048) for anti-HLA negative patients. Increased CIT and DGF were associated with anti-HLA antibodies detection but no with DSA. CONCLUSION: HLA compatibility is probably correlated with DSA in a context of a more general anti-HLA sensitization, and both have a negative effect on long-term renal graft outcome.

Hepatic Artery Anatomic Variations and Reconstruction in Liver Grafts Procured in Greece: The Effect on Hepatic Artery Thrombosis.

AIMS: Variations of the anatomy of donor hepatic arteries increase the number of arterial anastomoses during liver transplantation and, possibly, the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT). In this study, we describe the arterial anatomic variations in liver grafts procured and transplanted by a single center in Greece, the techniques of arterial anastomosis, and their effect on the incidence of early HAT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2017, the arterial anatomy of 116 grafts procured for liver transplantation were recorded, as well as the technique of arterial anastomosis and the incidence of early hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT <30 days). RESULTS: A single hepatic artery was recorded in 72.41% of the procured grafts, an aberrant left hepatic artery (accessory or replaced) in 18 grafts (15.52%), and an aberrant right hepatic artery (accessory or replaced) in 17 grafts (14.66%), while other variations were observed in less than 1% of the procured livers. Of the 116 primary liver transplantations, 6 patients (5.17%) developed early HAT <30 days. Two of these patients (1.72%) had 1 anastomosis of the hepatic artery and 4 (3.45%) had 2 anastomoses due to anatomic variations. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic variations of the hepatic artery in liver grafts is a common finding and increase the incidence of early HAT but not to a degree to make these grafts unusable.

Prevalence and Impact of Reformed and De Novo Anti-HLA Donor-Specific Antibodies in Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and impact of pre-existing and de novo anti-HLA donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is still controversial. We investigated the prevalence of DSAs and their implication in the development of allograft dysfunction after OLT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 65 liver transplant patients were tested for anti-HLA antibodies, with single antigen bead technology, before, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation, and thereafter annually, along with other risk factors. Sixteen out of 65 patients (24.6%) had circulating pre-existing anti-HLA antibodies, and 4 of them (25%) had DSAs. All patients positive for anti-HLA antibodies (100%) presented allograft dysfunction. Fourteen out of 65 patients (21.5%) had circulating de novo DSAs, and 12 out of 14 (85.7%) presented allograft dysfunction. The investigated risk factors for allograft dysfunction were: recipient and donor age, time on the waiting list, cold ischemia time, cytomegalovirus infection, immunosuppression regimen, de novo DSAs, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), direct bilirubin and total bilirubin peak post-transplant, and alkaline phosphatase. The multivariate analysis showed that de novo DSAs and time on the waiting list were independent risk factors for allograft dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Our results show that de novo DSAs are an independent risk factor for allograft dysfunction, along with time on the waiting list.

Trough Levels of Everolimus Are Associated With Recurrence Rates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Liver Transplantation.

PURPOSE: Everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, may have a protective role on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT), but data regarding the impact of its trough serum levels on HCC recurrence are missing. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (43 men, age 55 ± 8 years) who underwent LT for HCC were evaluated. Several demographic and clinical variables were recorded, including radiological and histological characteristics of HCC as well as dosages and trough levels of immunosuppressive regimens. RESULTS: HCC recurrence occurred in 11 (20%) patients: 5 (25%) of 20 patients under calcineurin inhibitors and 6 (17%) of the 35 patients under everolimus (P = .48). The patients with HCC recurrence (n = 11, group 1), compared to those without recurrence (n = 44, group 2), had significantly more frequent HCC in the explant: outside Milan criteria (P = .001), microvascular invasion (P < .001), and higher number of nodules (P = .001). In multivariate analysis, microvascular invasion was the only independent factor significantly associated with HCC recurrence (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4-10.5, P = .03). Among the patients who received everolimus-based immunosuppression, the recipients with HCC recurrence, compared to those without HCC recurrence, had significantly lower mean trough levels of everolimus at 7-12 months post-LT (3.9 vs 5.9 ng/mL, P = .001), while the patients with mean trough levels of everolimus >6 ng/mL had decreased HCC recurrence rates (log rank: 2.3, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: We found for the first time mean concentrations of everolimus between 7-12 months post-LT as the only modifiable variable related with HCC recurrence in LT recipients. However, larger studies are needed for final conclusions.

Perioperative Chemoprophylaxis οr Treatment for Extensively Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation Based on Preoperative Donor/Recipient Surveillance Cultures: A Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The importance of preoperative donor/recipient colonization or donor infection by extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (XDR-GNB) and its relation to serious post-transplantation infection pathogenicity in liver transplantation (LT) patients has not been clarified. AIM: Prevention of postoperative infection due to XDR-GNB with the appropriate perioperative chemoprophylaxis or treatment based on preoperative donor/recipient surveillance cultures in LT patients, as well as their outcome. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-six patients (20 male, 6 female) were studied (average preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≈15, range: 8-29) from January 2017 to January 2018. In all patients, blood, urine, and bronchial secretions culture samples as well as a rectal colonization culture were taken pre- and postoperatively, once weekly after LT, and after intensive care unit discharge. Recipients with positive XDR-GNB colonization and patients receiving a transplant from a donor with an XDR-GNB positive culture or colonization received the appropriate chemoprophylaxis one half hour preoperatively according to culture results. De-escalation of the antibiotic regimen was done in 2 to 5 days based on the colonization/culture results of the donor and recipient and their clinical condition. Evaluation for serious infection was done at 1 week and at 28 days for outcome results. RESULTS: Fourteen out of 26 recipients (53.8%) were positive for XDR-GNB colonization preoperative, with 2/14 (14.28%) presenting serious infection due to the same pathogen. Intensive care unit length of stay was significantly longer in colonized with XDR-GNB patients (P < .0001). The outcome of colonized patients was 6/14 (42.8%) expired, but only in 2/14 (14.2%) was mortality attributable to infection. CONCLUSION: Administering appropriate perioperative chemoprophylaxis and treatment may limit the frequency of XDR-GNB infections and intensive care unit length of stay and may improve the outcome in LT recipients.

Colonization and Infection With Extensively Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Liver Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Infections due to extensively drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) after solid organ transplantation are increasing in prevalence and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Surveillance culture (SC) seems to be an important tool for extensively drug resistant GNB control. The aim of this study was to evaluate colonization rates and subsequent infections by XDR-GNB in liver transplant recipients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) between January 2016 and January 2018. Data on demographics, extensively drug resistant colonization, and 3-month clinical outcomes were obtained. Colonization was defined as a positive surveillance culture (SC-perirectal) immediately before transplantation, once weekly after LT, and after intensive care unit discharge, with emphasis to carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB). RESULTS: Forty-four patients who underwent LT were included in the study. Ten patients (22.72%) were colonized with CR-GNB prior to transplantation, and 7/10 (70%) developed infection due to the same pathogen (5 patients bloodstream infections, 2 patients pneumonia) during the study period. Intensive care unit length of stay was significantly longer in colonized with CR-GNB patients (P < .05). Mortality rate was higher in colonized patients (30%) than in noncolonized (11.76%) (P = .2). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest an overall 70% risk of CR-GNB infection among colonized patients. Given the high mortality rate and the difficulty in treating these infections, further research to investigate and develop strategies to eliminate the colonization is needed.

Preoperative evaluation of living kidney donors with multidetector computed tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determinate the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography for imaging evaluation of renal anatomic variants among potential living renal donors for surgical planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty-three living kidney donors underwent MDCT angiography (MDCTA) in our institution over the last 2 years. The examination was performed with a 4-detector scanner, including scanning before and after power injection of nonionic contrast material during the arterial, nephrographic, and excretory phases. Scans were reconstructed for three-dimensional (3D) images using MIP, MPR, VRT, and CPR techniques. RESULTS: Arterial variants, including supernumerary renal arteries, were present in 140 subjects: 11 presented luminal stenosis; 10 had calcifications within the vessel wall; 3 had renal artery aneurysms; 2 had obstructions; and 1 had angulation of the renal artery. Calcifications were associated with luminal stenosis (4 subjects) or no pathology (6 subjects). Venous variants were present in 4 subjects, including 3 retroaortic renal veins and 1 left renal vein draining into the retrohepatic portion of the IVC. Incidental findings were 3 renal infarcts. CONCLUSION: MDCTA and urography are a minimally invasive, fast method to detect and classify a variety of anatomic anomalies among potential living renal donors relevant to surgical planning.

Five-year survival after monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in the setting of cirrhosis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results with monotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the setting of cirrhosis. We reviewed data of 14 patients who survived for at least 5 years after performance of liver resection (n = 1), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE, n = 3), or liver transplantation (OLT, n = 19). Eight patients were within the Milan criteria, whereas the remaining 6 were beyond the criteria. Tumor stages according to the UICC were I (n = 8), II (n = 5), and IIIA (n = 1). Vascular invasion was not detected in any patient. The HCCs recurred in 2 patients, at 81 and 48 months' posttransplant. Sites of recurrence were the intrathoracic lymph nodes in the first case, and lungs in the second case. Treatment of recurrence included chemotherapy in the first case and local resection in the second case. Both patients died at 98 and 64 months postoperation (ie, 17 and 16 months, respectively, after the diagnosis of the recurrence). A third patient died of nontumor-related causes at 69 months after his first TACE. Currently, 11 patients are alive with a median survival of 70 months (range, 63-144 months). The alpha-fetoprotein level was demonstrated to be prognostic of recurrence by discriminant function analysis. In conclusion, OLT provided the best long-term results as monotherapy for HCC in the setting of cirrhosis.