Tailoring allocation policies and improving access to paediatric liver transplantation over a 16-year period.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mortality on the paediatric liver transplantation (pLT) waiting list (WL) is still an issue. We analysed the Italian pLT WL to evaluate the intention-to-treat (ITT) success rate and to identify factors influencing success. METHODS: All children (<18 years) listed for pLT in Italy between 2002-2018 were included (Era 1 [2002-2007]: centre-based allocation; Era 2 [2008-2014]: national allocation; Era 3 [2015-2018]: national allocation+mandatory-split policy). RESULTS: A total of 1,424 patients (median age: 2.0 [IQR 1.0-9.0] years; median weight: 12.0 kg [IQR 7-27]) were listed for pLT. Median WL time was 2 days (IQR 1-5) for Status 1 and 44 days (IQR 15-120) for non-Status 1 patients; 1,302 children (91.4%) were transplanted (67.3% with split grafts), while 50 children (3.5%) dropped off the WL (2.5% death, 1.0% clinical deterioration). Predictive factors for receiving LT included Status 1 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66, p = 0.001), Status 1B (HR 1.96, p = 0.016), Status 2A (HR 2.15, p = 0.024) and each 1-point increase in PELD/MELD score. Children with recipient's weight >25 kg, blood group O or awaiting pLT combined with other organs had less chance of being transplanted. ITT patient survival rates were 90.5% at 1 year and 87.5% at 5 years, remaining stable across eras. Risk factors for ITT survival were re-transplantation (HR 5.83, p <0.001), Status 1 (HR 2.28, p = 0.006), Status 1B (HR 2.90, p = 0.014), Status 2A (HR 9.12, p <0.001), recipient weight <6 kg (HR 4.53, p <0.001) and low-volume activity (HR 4.38, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Italy, continuous adaption of paediatric organ allocation policies via the introduction of national allocation, paediatric prioritisation rules and a mandatory-split policy have helped maximise the use of donors for paediatric candidates and to minimise WL mortality without compromising outcomes. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Globally, paediatric liver transplant candidates still suffer from high mortality. Over recent decades, the continuous adaption of organ allocation policies in Italy has led to excellent outcomes for children awaiting liver transplantation. The mortality rate of paediatric liver transplant candidates has been minimised to almost zero, mainly using grafts from deceased donors. Paediatric prioritisation rules, national organ exchange organisation and a mandatory-split liver policy have resulted in a unique allocation model for paediatric liver transplant candidates and represent a landmark for the paediatric transplant community.

Simultaneous split liver/kidney transplantation: A national and single center experience report.

BACKGROUND: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are prevalent diseases for which the definitive treatment is transplantation. With limited organ supply, strategies to maximize organ availability has led to increasing rates of split liver transplantations for ESLD patients. Therefore, simultaneous split liver and kidney transplantations (SSLK) for patients with ESLD and ESRD could represent a treatment option for comorbid patients. However, current practice and outcomes after SSLK are unknown. METHODS: We aim to report national trends and our experience with patients undergoing SSLK. We performed a retrospective review of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file from January 2011-April 2022. Descriptive analysis of preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes and actuarial graft and patient survivals are reported. RESULTS: National review of the UNOS transplant registry from 2011-2021 of adult patients undergoing initial transplantation via SSLK demonstrates that this procedure remains uncommon, with only 76 such cases captured in that time. Nevertheless, survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years remains robust, at 94%, 92%, and 90% for patients overall, 90%, 88%, 88%, for the liver graft, and 93%, 91%, 88% for the kidney graft, respectively. Review of a single center experience with three such patients from 2019-2021 has shown a safe, enduring transplant option with no graft complications seen. CONCLUSIONS: SSLK is both safe and a feasible option to optimize organ supply while allowing recipients to receive quality liver and kidney grafts and should be considered more often by transplant centers going forward.

HOPE Mitigates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Ex-Situ Split Grafts: A Comparative Study With Living Donation in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

Optimizing graft preservation is key for ex-situ split grafts in pediatric liver transplantation (PSLT). Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion (HOPE) improves ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and post-operative outcomes in adult LT. This study compares the use of HOPE in ex-situ partial grafts to static cold storage ex-situ partial grafts (SCS-Split) and to the gold standard living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). All consecutive HOPE-Split, SCS-Split and LDLT performed between 2018-2023 for pediatric recipients were included. Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS, drop ≥30% in systolic arterial pressure) and reperfusion biopsies served as early indicators of IRI. We included 47 pediatric recipients (15 HOPE-Split, 17 SCS-Split, and 15 LDLT). In comparison to SCS-Split, HOPE-Split had a significantly shorter cold ischemia time (CIT) (470min vs. 538 min; p =0.02), lower PRS rates (13.3% vs. 47.1%; p = 0.04) and a lower IRI score (3 vs. 4; p = 0.03). The overall IRI score (3 vs. 3; p = 0.28) and PRS (13.3% vs. 13.3%; p = 1) after HOPE-Split were comparable to LDLT, despite a longer CIT (470 min vs. 117 min; p < 0.001). Surgical complications, one-year graft, and recipient survival did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, HOPE-Split mitigates early IRI in pediatric recipients in comparison to SCS-Split, approaching the gold standard of LDLT.

Combining living and deceased donation for pediatric first isolated liver transplantation: A win-win even in countries with high deceased donor donation rates.

BACKGROUND: Split and living donor liver transplantations are both key surgical strategies for development of pediatric liver transplant programs. Often, however, teams tend to prioritize only one preferentially. METHODS: In the context of a very active national split liver graft allocation program (Italy), retrospective study of 226 consecutive pediatric first isolated liver transplants performed by a single team using organs from both deceased and living donors. Clinical characterisitics and outcome were compared. RESULTS: In the context of a steadily slowly decreasing split graft offer, living donation activity steadily increased. Deceased and living donation accounted for 52.6% and 47.4% of transplantations, respectively. Both strategies were equally used for transplanting patients up to 30 kg of weight, while deceased donors were predominantly used for older recipients. Technical variants represented 86% of all transplants, with 183 conisting of left lateral segment grafts (76 split liver grafts and 107 left grafts from living donors). Outcome of both surgical strategies was similar, with excellent outcomes at early, mid-, and long-term. CONCLUSIONS: Splitting livers of deceased donors and using living donation were complementary and non-competitive strategies for developping pediatric liver transplant activity. Implementing both activities in parallell allowed to maintain stable the number of annual transplant in Italy and allowed to reach superior outcomes. This analysis provides evidence that living donation plays a role in Italy despite an existing very active "mandatory-split" national policy.

Biliary atresia and liver transplantation in the United States: A contemporary analysis.

BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) remains the number one indication for paediatric liver transplantation (LT) worldwide but is an uncommon indication for older LT recipients. The impact of recent donor allocation changes, pervasive organ shortage and evolving LT practices on the BA LT population is unknown. METHODS: We identified patients who underwent LT between January 2010 and December 2021 using the UNOS database. We compared clinical outcomes between patients with BA and those with non-BA cholestatic liver disease. Groups were stratified by age, <12 years (allocated via PELD system) and ≥12 years (allocated via MELD system). Waitlist outcomes were compared using competing-risk regression analysis, graft survival rates were compared using Kaplan-Meier time-to-event analysis and Cox proportional hazards modelling provided adjusted estimates. RESULTS: There were 2754 BA LT waitlist additions and 2206 BA LTs (1937 <12 years [younger], 269 ≥12 years [older]). There were no differences in waitlist mortality between BA and non-BA cholestatic patients. Among BA LT recipients, there were 441 (20.0%) living-donor liver transplantations (LDLT) and 611 (27.7%) split deceased-donor LTs. Five-year graft survival was significantly higher among BA versus non-BA cholestatic patients in the older group (88.3% vs. 79.5%, p < .01) but not younger group (89.3% vs. 89.5%). Among BA LT recipients, improved graft outcomes were associated with LDLT (vs. split LT: HR: 2, 95% CI: 1.03-3.91) and higher transplant volume (volume >100 vs. <40 BA LTs: HR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.87-6.2). CONCLUSION: Liver transplant outcomes among BA patients are excellent, with LDLT and higher transplant centre volume associated with optimal graft outcomes.

Utilization of Segmental Grafts Is Associated With Higher Transplant Rates in Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: In July 2017, a policy to increase the use of segmental grafts (SGs) was implemented at our institution. The aim was to compare changes in waitlist activity after implementation of this policy. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study. Pediatric patients on the liver waiting list between January 2015 and December 2019 were screened. Patients were classified as receiving a liver transplant (LT) before (Period 1) or after (Period 2) policy changes. Primary end points were transplant rates and time to transplant. RESULTS: Sixty five first LT performed on 65 patients were included. Twenty nine LT were performed during Period 1 and 36 during Period 2. More than half (55%) of LT in Period 2 were SG, compared to 10.3% in Period 1 (P < 0.001). Forty nine and 56 pediatric candidates on the waiting list accounted for 38.78 and 24.48 person-years during Period 1 and Period 2, respectively. Transplant rates per 100 person-years on the waiting list increased from 85.09 during Period 1 to 187.87 in Period 2 (Rate ratio: 2.20; P < 0.001). Median time to receive a LT decreased from 229 d in Period 1 to 75 d during Period 2 (P = 0.013). One-year patient survival rates were 96.6% in Period 1 and 95.7% in Period 2. One-year graft survival rates were 89.7% and 88% in Period 1 and Period 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A policy to increase the use of SG was associated with significantly higher transplant rates and lower waiting times. Implementation of this policy can be done successfully with no observed negative impact on patient and graft survival.

Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging as an adjunct for the localization of a bile leak after split liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative identification of a bile leak after liver transplantation can be challenging, especially when using technical variant grafts. Possible sources of leakage include the sometimes multiple biliary anastomoses or orphan ducts leading to cut surface leak. Preoperative imaging is often unable to precisely identify the location of the leak. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been utilized in adult hepatobiliary and transplant surgery, but not for the management of postoperative biliary complications. METHODS: We present a case where ICG fluorescence imaging was used to identify a cut surface bile leak after pediatric split liver transplantation. RESULTS: A 5-year-old girl with methylmalonic acidemia underwent a left lobe split liver transplantation. A single Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy was performed. Nine days after transplant, bile was noted in the surgical drain. Imaging confirmed the patency of the hepatic artery and the absence of intraabdominal collection. A hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan showed the majority of radiotracer was excreted through the surgical drain. The patient was explored surgically: 4.5× loupe magnification did not allow for the localization of the leak. ICG was administered intravenously, after which a cut surface bile leak could be identified and repaired. There was no recurrence of bile leak after repair. Eighteen months after transplant, the patient is alive and well and has not suffered from any additional biliary complications. CONCLUSION: Indocyanine green constitutes an additional tool in the arsenal of measures available to facilitate the intraoperative detection and management of bile leaks occurring after pediatric technical variant graft transplant.

Split liver transplantation with extended right grafts on adult recipients: A propensity score matching analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Split liver transplantation (SLT) emerged due to its potential to contribute to the organ pool and reduce organ shortage. However, SLT is technically challenging and has been associated with higher rates of postoperative complications leading to concerns about graft and patient survival. Moreover, there are few studies on matched-pair adult recipients of SLT and whole-liver transplant (WLT), with conflicting results. METHODS: This retrospective study analyze outcomes among adults who underwent SLT at our institution from 2010 to 2019. A 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was performed based on important donor and recipient variables. Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed and compared between groups. Actuarial graft and patient survival were analyzed by KM curves. RESULTS: Out of 592 adults receiving a LT in our institution, 21 SLT adult recipients were identified and matched with 21 adults undergoing WLT. As expected donor age was significantly lower in SLT recipients (16 (15-22) vs. 32 (17-47), P = .012). Additional donor characteristics, including anthropometrics, and ischemic times were similar between groups. Baseline recipient characteristics and postoperative outcomes, including length of stay, vascular complications, biliary complications, and re-transplantation were comparable between SLT and WLT recipients. Graft (95/95/95 vs. 100/94/94, P = .98) and patient (100/100/100 vs. 100/94/94, P = .30) survival at 1-, 3-, 5-years, were similar between the SLT- and WLT group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Split liver transplantation has the potential to increase the availability of organs for adult recipients without compromising individual outcomes.

Is it safe to expand the indications for split liver transplantation in adults? A single-center analysis of 155 in-situ splits.

INTRODUCTION: Split liver transplantation (SLT) enables two recipients to be transplanted using a single donor liver; typically, an adult and a child. Despite equivalent long-term outcomes to whole grafts in selected adults, the use of these grafts in high-risk adult recipients with high model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores (≥30), a poor pre-transplant clinical status (ICU or hospital-bound), acute liver failure or retransplantation remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all deceased donor adult liver transplants performed between July 2002 and November 2019 at a single high-volume center and performed a propensity score-matched analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess utility of these grafts for high-risk recipients. RESULTS: A total of 1090 adult liver transplants were performed, including 155 SLT (14%). Graft survival at 1-, 3- and 5-years were comparable between recipients of split and whole liver grafts (82%, 79% and 74% vs. 86%, 81% and 77%, respectively, log rank P = .537), as was patient survival at 1-, 3- and 5-years. Recipients of split grafts were more likely to have biliary complications and hepatic artery thrombosis, but equivalent long-term survival. Recipients with high MELD scores or a poor pre-transplant clinical status had similar patient and graft survival and complication profiles irrespective of whether they received split or whole grafts. CONCLUSIONS: SLT is an important method for addressing donor shortages and provides comparable long-term outcomes in adult recipients despite an increase in short-term complications. SLT use in high-risk recipients should be considered to allow for sickest-first allocation policies.

Epidemiology and outcomes of surgical site infections among pediatric liver transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSI) are a significant cause of morbidity in liver transplant recipients, and the current data in the pediatric population are limited. The goal of this study was to identify the incidence, classification, risk factors, and outcomes of SSIs among children undergoing liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: A single-center, retrospective descriptive analysis was performed of patients age ≤18 years undergoing LT between September 2007 and April 2017. SSI identified within the first 30 days were analyzed. Primary endpoints included incidence, classification, risk factors, and outcomes associated with SSIs. RESULTS: We included 86 patients, eight patients (9.3%) developed SSIs. Among segmental grafts (SG) recipients, 7/61 (11.4%) developed SSI. Among whole grafts recipients, 1/25 (4%) developed SSI. SSIs were associated with the presence of biliary complications (35% vs. 3%, p < .01; odds ratios 24, 95% CI: 3.41-487.37, p<.01). There were no differences in long term graft or patient survival associated with SSI. Patients who developed SSI were more likely to undergo reoperation (50% vs. 16.7%, p = .045) and had an increased total number of hospital days in the first 60 days post-transplant (30.5 vs. 12.5 days, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: SSIs after pediatric LT was less frequent than what has been previously reported in literature. SSIs were associated with the presence of biliary complications without an increase in mortality. SG had an increased rate of biliary complications without an association to SSIs but, considering its positive impact on organ shortage barriers, should not be a deterrent to the utilization of SGs.

Full left/full right liver graft ex situ split during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Ex vivo split liver transplantation in pediatric recipients has shown inferior results compared with whole grafts. One factor among others contributing to split grafts being considered as marginal is the prolonged static cold storage time related to ex vivo liver splitting. End ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion is a validated strategy to improve outcomes of marginal whole grafts and may thus also benefit split liver grafts. METHOD: We present the first case of full left/full right split procedure performed during hypothermic oxygenated perfusion. RESULTS: We present a standardized surgical two-step approach where parenchymal transection was performed during end ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion via the portal vein to shorten static cold storage duration. Both split grafts were successfully transplanted in a 4-year-old pediatric and a 38-year-old adult recipient. Despite high-risk procedure (retransplantation), extended donor criteria including a prolonged cardiac arrest and high donor risk index (2,25), both grafts showed early recovery of hepatic function and low serum transaminase release. At 6 months, both recipients were alive with a normal liver biology and a functioning graft. CONCLUSION: Although challenging, full left/full right liver split procedure during end ischemic hypothermic oxygenated perfusion can be successfully performed and is a promising strategy to improve post-transplant outcomes.

Reappraisal of liver transplantation for erythropoietic protoporphyria: A deadly combination of disease recurrence and biliary complication.

BACKGROUND: Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited disorder that causes the accumulation of protoporphyrin in the erythrocytes, skin, and liver. Severe protoporphyric hepatopathy results in liver failure, requiring both liver and bone marrow transplantation as a life-saving procedure and to correct the underlying enzymatic defect, respectively. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 20-year-old man who underwent split liver transplantation using a right trisegment and caudate lobe graft for EPP-induced liver failure, but succumbed to a deadly combination of early relapse of EPP and subsequent, intractable, late-onset bile leakage from the cut surface of segment 4. EPP recurrence most likely created a high-risk situation for bile leakage from the non-communicating bile ducts of segment 4; therefore, this case shed light on the potential relationship between EPP recurrence and biliary complications. CONCLUSION: Physicians should recognize the potentially rapid and life-threatening progression of protoporphyric hepatopathy that leads to liver failure. For young patients with EPP, LT and sequential BMT should thoroughly be considered by a multidisciplinary team as soon as hepatic reserve deterioration becomes evident. Split liver transplantation should preferably be avoided and appropriate post-transplant management is critical before protoporphyrin depositions to the bile duct and hepatocyte causes irreversible damage to the liver graft.

Increased use of split liver grafts in adult recipients following implementation of a pediatric liver transplant program.

BACKGROUND: Split liver transplantation (SLT) is a strategy to address organ shortage, but is a technically more demanding procedure than whole graft liver transplantation (LT). We aimed to determine the outcomes following SLT in adult recipients as well as to highlight the impact that having a pediatric LT program has on SLT implementation. METHODS: All SLTs conducted at a single-center from 2010 to 2019 were identified. Patient data was obtained through retrospective review of the electronic medical record. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed primary outcomes of 1-,3-, and 5-year graft and patient survival. RESULTS: We identified 37 SLTs performed at our institution from 2010 to 2019. Twenty-four donated livers resulted in 21 extended right lobes and 16 left lateral segments for adults and pediatrics recipients, respectively. Eighty-one percent (30/37) of the SLTs were performed after introduction of the combined pediatric program in 2016. 13/24 donor livers were split with both grafts allocated and used at our institution and 92% occurred after introduction of the pediatric program. Graft survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years were 94% in adult recipients and 100% for all time periods in pediatric recipients. Actuarial post-transplant patient survival was 100% at 1-, 3-, and 5-years in both. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a pediatric liver transplantation program resulted in more than a fourfold increase in the number of SLTs performed at our center. Increase in allocation and use of both grafts at our institution was also seen.

Impact of allograft types on outcomes after pediatric liver transplantation due to biliary atresia.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical strategies, including split donor transplantation and living donor transplantation, have been used to increase the donor liver pool. This report focuses on the effects of whole, split, and LDLT on recipient outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of all patients with biliary atresia at Tianjin First Central Hospital between April 2013 and December 2019. RESULTS: A total of 882 patients were included and divided into three groups by graft type, with 198 in the whole-liver-transplantation group, 78 in the split liver transplantation group, and 606 in the LDLT group. The median follow-up time was 39 months, patient survival rates of three groups were 94.4%, 88.5%, and 95.0%, respectively, and graft survival rates were 90.2%, 83.3%, and 94.7%, respectively. We divided the split liver transplantation group into two subgroups according to the donor's age, and patient survival rates exhibited a significant difference only in the group whose donor age was over 45 years. The postoperative complication rates were significantly higher with respect to hepatic artery thrombosis, portal stenosis, and AR; and lower in hepatic venous stenosis, PTLDs, CMV virus, and EBV infection in the WLT group. Our multivariate model showed that donor age ≥45 years, RBC transfusion, pneumonia, and HAT were the independent predictors of allograft loss. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of split liver transplantation group was slightly lower. The types of complications are different from different graft types. Therefore, postoperative monitoring and treatment need to be adjusted according to the different graft types used.

IV segment portal vein reconstruction in split-liver transplantation with extended right grafts.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is one of the most effective treatments for end-stage liver disease. Split liver transplantation (SLT) can effectively improve the utilization efficiency of grafts. However, split liver transplantation still faces shortcomings and is not widely used in surgery. How to improve the effective transplantation volume of split liver transplantation and promote the postoperative recovery of patients has important clinical significance. METHODS: In our study, the donor's liver was split into the extended right graft and left lateral sector, and the IV segment occur ischemia. To guarantee the functional graft size, and avoid complications, we reconstructed the IV segment portal vein and left portal vein. And we analyzed the operation time, intraoperative bleeding, liver function, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In our research, 14 patients underwent IV segment portal vein reconstruction, and 8 patients did not undergo vascular reconstruction. We found that the ischemic area of the IV segment decreased significantly after IV segment portal vein reconstruction. We found that there was no significant difference in operation time and postoperative complications between the patients of the groups. There were significant differences in ALT on the 1st day and albumin on the 6th day after the operation. CONCLUSION: It indicates that IV segment reconstruction in SLT surgery can alleviate the graft ischemic and promote the recovery of liver function after the operation. And, IV segment reconstruction as a novel operating procedure may be widely used in SLT.

Full-left-full-right split liver transplantation for adult recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Full-left-full-right split liver transplantation (FSLT) for adult recipients, may increase the availability of liver grafts, reduce waitlist time, and benefit recipients with below-average body weight. However, FSLT may lead to impaired graft and patient survival. This study aims to assess outcomes after FSLT. Five databases were searched to identify studies concerning FSLT. Incidences of complications, graft- and patient survival were assessed. Discrete data were pooled with random-effect models. Graft and patient survival after FSLT were compared with whole liver transplantation (WLT) according to the inverse variance method. Vascular complications were reported in 25/273 patients after FSLT (Pooled proportion: 6.9%, 95%CI: 3.1-10.7%, I2 : 36%). Biliary complications were reported in 84/308 patients after FSLT (Pooled proportion: 25.6%, 95%CI: 19-32%, I2 : 44%). Pooled proportions of graft and patient survival after 3 years follow-up were 72.8% (95%CI: 67.2-78.5, n = 231) and 77.3% (95%CI: 66.7-85.8, n = 331), respectively. Compared with WLT, FSLT was associated with increased graft loss (pooled HR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.24-3.61, P = 0.006, n = 189) and patient mortality (pooled HR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.17-2.81, P = 0.008, n = 289). FSLT was associated with high incidences of vascular and biliary complications. Nevertheless, long-term patient and graft survival appear acceptable and justify transplant benefit in selected patients.

Considering extended right lobe grafts as major extended donor criteria in liver transplantation is justified.

The outcomes of split-liver transplantation are controversial. This study compared outcomes and morbidity after extended right lobe liver transplantation (ERLT) and whole liver transplantation (WLT) in adults. MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched systematically and unrestrictedly for studies on ERLT and its impact on graft and patient survival, and postoperative complications. Graft loss and patient mortality odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were assessed by meta-analyses using Mantel-Haenszel tests with a random-effects model. Vascular and biliary complications, primary nonfunction, 3-month, 1-, and 3-year graft and patient survival, and retransplantation after ERLT and WLT were analyzed. The literature search yielded 10 594 articles. After exclusion, 22 studies (n = 75 799 adult transplant patients) were included in the analysis. ERLT was associated with lower 3-month (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.09-1.89, P = 0.01), 1-year (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.08-1.97, P = 0.01), and 3-year (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.01-1.84, P = 0.04) graft survival. WL grafts were less associated with retransplantation (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.41-0.80; P < 0.01), vascular complications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.38-0.74, P < 0.01) and biliary complications (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.47-0.95; P = 0.03). Considering ERLT as major Extended Donor Criteria is justified because ERL grafts are associated with vasculobiliary complications and the need for retransplantation, and have a negative influence on graft survival.

Successful auxiliary two-staged partial resection liver transplantation (ASPIRE-LTx) for end-stage liver disease to avoid small-for-size situations.

BACKGROUND: Risks for living-liver donors are lower in case of a left liver donation, however, due to lower graft volume, the risk for small-for-size situations in the recipients increases. This study aims to prevent small-for-size situations in recipients using an auxiliary two-staged partial resection liver transplantation (LTX) of living-donated left liver lobes. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients received a two-stage auxiliary LTX using living-donated left liver lobes after left lateral liver resection. The native extended right liver was removed in a second operation after sufficient hypertrophy of the left liver graft had occurred. Neither donor developed postoperative complications. In both recipients, the graft volume increased by an average of 105% (329 ml to 641 ml), from a graft-to-body-weight ratio of 0.54 to 1.08 within 11 days after LTX, so that the remnant native right liver could be removed. No recipient developed small-for-size syndrome; graft function and overall condition is good in both recipients after a follow-up time of 25 months. CONCLUSIONS: Auxiliary two-staged partial resection LTX using living-donor left lobes is technically feasible and can prevent small-for-size situation. This new technique can expand the potential living-donor pool and contributes to increase donor safety.

Deceased vs living donor grafts for pediatric simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: In conditions of limited experience of pediatric simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) using grafts from living and deceased donors, there is a certain need to validate the approach. PATIENTS: The retrospective study of 18 pediatric patients who received SLKT between 2008 and 2019. RESULTS: Grafts were obtained from both living and deceased donors. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 16 years (9 years ±4). The body weight of the children varied from 9.5 to 39 kg (22 kg ±9). The follow-up period lasted from 1 to 109 months (median 38 months ±35). The various graft combinations were used in both groups. There was no mortality during the follow-up. There was no significant difference in baseline parameters in recipients who received grafts from living and deceased donors except age (7.5 years ±2.2 vs 11.8 years ±4.1; P = .038). Rate of complications > grade II was higher among recipients of deceased donor SLKT (7.7% vs 60%; OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.04-58.48; P = .044). All the patients are alive with both grafts functioning. All the living donors returned to the normal life. CONCLUSION: SLKT is a safe and effective procedure for children with both simultaneous end-stage liver disease and end-stage renal disease. Both living donor partial liver and kidney transplantation and deceased donor liver-kidney transplantation can be considered as safe and feasible options.

Outcomes of hemi- versus whole liver transplantation in patients from mainland china with high model for end-stage liver disease scores: a matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adult hemiliver transplantation (AHLT) is an important approach given the current shortage of donor livers. However, the suitability of AHLT versus adult whole liver transplantation (AWLT) for recipients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores remains controversial. METHODS: We divided patients undergoing AHLT and AWLT into subgroups according to their MELD scores (≥ 30: AHLT, n = 35; AWLT, n = 88; and < 30: AHLT, n = 323; AWLT, n = 323). Patients were matched by demographic data and perioperative conditions according to propensity scores. A cut-off value of 30 for MELD scores was determined by comparing the overall survival data of 735 cases of nontumor liver transplantation. RESULTS: Among patients with an MELD score ≥ 30 and < 30, AHLT was found to be associated with increased warm ischemia time, operative time, hospitalization time, and intraoperative blood loss compared with AWLT (P < 0.05). In the MELD ≥ 30 group, although the 5-year survival rate was significantly higher for AWLT than for AHLT (P = 0.037), there was no significant difference between AWLT and AHLT in the MELD < 30 group (P = 0.832); however, we did not observe a significant increase in specific complications following AHLT among patients with a high MELD score (≥ 30). Among these patients, the incidence of complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade III or above was significantly higher in patients undergoing AHLT than in those undergoing AWLT (25.7% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.047). For the MELD < 30 group, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications classified as Clavien-Dindo grade III or above for patients undergoing AHLT or AWLT. CONCLUSION: In patients with an MELD score < 30, AHLT can achieve rates of mortality and overall survival comparable to AWLT. In those with an MELD score ≥ 30, the prognosis and incidence of complications classified as Clavien-Dindo III or above are significantly worse for AHLT than for AWLT; therefore, we may need to be more cautious regarding the conclusion that patients with a high MELD score can safely undergo AHLT.