Symptomatic polycystic liver disease: a rare indication of hepatectomy.

We present the case of forty-four-year-old woman with autosomal dominant Polycystic liver disease (PLD) without kidney disease diagnosed for 18 years ago. She experienced progressive abdominal distension and malnutrition over the previous twelve months. The patient had no other comorbidities. Physical examination revealed an 8 cm hepatomegaly in the right hypochondrium region. Liver function analysis was normal. CT scan showed multiple liver cysts with smooth and regular walls, predominantly in the right lobe which was considered as type III according to Gigot´s classification. Due to the significant hepatomegaly, conventional surgery was performed. Exploration showed multiple cysts of varying sizes on the liver surface, with diffuse involvement of the right hemiliver. Standard right lobe mobilization was technically not possible. Fenestration was performed in dominant superficial cysts, to allow access to the deeper cysts and liver parenchyma. A right hepatectomy was carried up using ultrasound devices and ultrasonic aspirator. And the biggest cysts located in the surface of left hepatic lobe were surgically unroofed. No surgical complications occurred, and the patient was discharged 5 days after the intervention.

Performance of pre-transplant criteria in prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma progression and waitlist dropout.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Liver transplantation (LT) selection models for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been proposed to predict waitlist dropout because of tumour progression. The aim of this study was to compare the alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) model and other pre-LT models in their prediction of HCC dropout. METHODS: A multicentre cohort study was conducted in 20 Latin American transplant centres, including 994 listed patients for LT with HCC from 2012 to 2018. Longitudinal tumour characteristics, and patterns of progression were recorded at time of listing, after treatments and at last follow-up over the waitlist period. Competing risk regression models were performed, and model's discrimination was compared estimating Harrell's adapted c-statistics. RESULTS: HCC dropout rate was significantly higher in patients beyond (24% [95% CI 16-28]) compared to those within Milan criteria (8% [95% IC 5%-12%]; p < .0001), with a SHR of 3.01 [95% CI 2.03-4.47]), adjusted for waiting list time and bridging therapies (c-index 0.63 [95% CI 0.57; 0.69). HCC dropout rates were higher in patients with AFP scores >2 (adjusted SHR of 3.17 [CI 2.13-4.71]), c-index of 0.71 (95% CI 0.65-0.77; p = .09 vs Milan). Similar discrimination power for HCC dropout was observed between the AFP score and the Metroticket 2.0 model. In patients within Milan, an AFP score >2 points discriminated two populations with a higher risk of HCC dropout (SHR 1.68 [95% CI 1.08-2.61]). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-transplant selection models similarly predicted HCC dropout. However, the AFP model can discriminate a higher risk of dropout among patients within Milan criteria.

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: Prognostic and predictive factors of survival in a Latin American cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) has a poor prognosis, and the adjusted effect of different treatments on post-recurrence survival (PRS) has not been well defined. This study aims to evaluate prognostic and predictive variables associated with PRS. METHODS: This Latin American multicenter retrospective cohort study included HCC patients who underwent LT between the years 2005-2018. We evaluated the effect of baseline characteristics at time of HCC recurrence diagnosis and PRS (Cox regression analysis). Early recurrences were those occurring within 12 months of LT. To evaluate the adjusted treatment effect for HCC recurrence, a propensity score matching analysis was performed to assess the probability of having received any specific treatment for recurrence. RESULTS: From a total of 1085 transplanted HCC patients, the cumulative incidence of recurrence was 16.6% (CI 13.5-20.3), with median time to recurrence of 13.0 months (IQR 6.0-26.0). Factors independently associated with PRS were early recurrence (47.6%), treatment with sorafenib and surgery/trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Patients who underwent any treatment presented "early recurrences" less frequently, and more extrahepatic metastasis. This unbalanced distribution was included in the propensity score matching, with correct calibration and discrimination (receiving operator curve of 0.81 [CI 0.72;0.88]). After matching, the adjusted effect on PRS for any treatment was HR of 0.2 (0.10;0.33); P < .0001, for sorafenib therapy HR of 0.4 (0.27;0.77); P = .003, and for surgery/TACE HR of 0.4 (0.18;0.78); P = .009. CONCLUSION: Although early recurrence was associated with worse outcome, even in this population, systemic or locoregional treatments were associated with better PRS.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: impact of expansion criteria in a multicenter cohort study from a high waitlist mortality region.

This study aimed to compare liver transplantation (LT) outcomes and evaluate the potential rise in numbers of LT candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of different allocation policies in a high waitlist mortality region. Three policies were applied in two Latin American cohorts (1085 HCC transplanted patients and 917 listed patients for HCC): (i) Milan criteria with expansion according to UCSF downstaging (UCSF-DS), (ii) the AFP score, and (iii) restrictive policy or Double Eligibility Criteria (DEC; within Milan + AFP score ≤2). Increase in HCC patient numbers was evaluated in an Argentinian prospective validation set (INCUCAI; NCT03775863). Expansion criteria in policy A showed that UCSF-DS [28.4% (CI 12.8-56.2)] or "all-comers" [32.9% (CI 11.9-71.3)] had higher 5-year recurrence rates compared to Milan, with 10.9% increase in HCC patients for LT. The policy B showed lower recurrence rates for AFP scores ≤2 points, even expanding beyond Milan criteria, with a 3.3% increase. Patients within DEC had lower 5-year recurrence rates compared with those beyond DEC [13.3% (CI 10.1-17.3) vs 24.2% (CI 17.4-33.1; P = 0.0006], without significant HCC expansion. In conclusion, although the application of a stricter policy may optimize the selection process, this restrictive policy may lead to ethical concerns in organ allocation (NCT03775863).

Direct-Acting Antivirals and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: No Evidence of Higher Wait-List Progression or Posttransplant Recurrence.

The association between direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) wait-list progression or its recurrence following liver transplantation (LT) remains uncertain. We evaluated the impact of DAAs on HCC wait-list progression and post-LT recurrence. This Latin American multicenter retrospective cohort study included HCC patients listed for LT between 2012 and 2018. Patients were grouped according to etiology of liver disease: hepatitis C virus (HCV) negative, HCV+ never treated with DAAs, and HCV+ treated with DAAs either before or after transplantation. Multivariate competing risks models were conducted for both HCC wait-list progression adjusted by a propensity score matching (pre-LT DAA effect) and for post-LT HCC recurrence (pre- or post-LT DAA effect). From 994 included patients, 50.6% were HCV-, 32.9% were HCV+ never treated with DAAs, and 16.5% were HCV+ treated with DAAs either before (n = 66) or after LT (n = 98). Patients treated with DAAs before LT presented similar cumulative incidence of wait-list tumor progression when compared with those patients who were HCV+ without DAAs (26.2% versus 26.9%; P = 0.47) and a similar HCC-related dropout rate (12.1% [95% CI, 0.4%-8.1%] versus 12.9% [95% CI, 3.8%-27.2%]), adjusted for baseline tumor burden, alpha-fetoprotein values, HCC diagnosis after listing, bridging therapies, and by the probability of having received or not received DAAs through propensity score matching (subhazard ratio [SHR], 0.9; 95% CI, 0.6-1.6; P = 0.95). A lower incidence of posttransplant HCC recurrence among HCV+ patients who were treated with pre- or post-LT DAAs was observed (SHR, 0.7%; 95% CI, 0.2%-4.0%). However, this effect was confounded by the time to DAA initiation after LT. In conclusion, in this multicenter cohort, HCV treatment with DAAs did not appear to be associated with an increased wait-list tumor progression and HCC recurrence after LT.

Split liver transplantation: Report of right and left graft outcomes from a multicenter Argentinean group.

Grafts from split livers (SLs) constitute an accepted approach to expand the donor pool. Over the last 5 years, most Argentinean centers have shown significant interest in increasing the use of this technique. The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the outcomes of right-side grafts (RSGs) and left-side grafts (LSGs) from a multicenter study. The multicenter retrospective study included data from 111 recipients of SL grafts from between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013. Incidence of surgical complications, patient and graft survival, and factors that affected RSG and LSG survival were analyzed. Grafts types were 57 LSG and 54 RSG. Median follow-up times for LSG and RSG were 46 and 42 months, respectively. The 36-month patient and graft survivals for LSG were 83% and 79%, respectively, and for RSG were 78% and 69%, respectively. Retransplantation rates for LSG and RSG were 3.5% and 11%, respectively. Arterial complications were the most common cause of early retransplantation (less than 12 months). Cold ischemia time (CIT) longer than 10 hours and the use of high-risk donors (age ≥ 40 years or body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 or ≥ 5 days intensive care unit stay) were independent factors for diminished graft survival in RSG. None of the analyzed variables were associated with worse graft survival in LSG. Biliary complications were the most frequent complications in both groups (57% in LSG and 33% in RSG). Partial grafts obtained from liver splitting are an excellent option for patients in need of liver transplantation and have the potential to alleviate the organ shortage. Adequate donor selection and reducing CIT are crucial for optimizing results.

[Liver transplantation as treatment for acetaminophen poisoning]. / Trasplante hepático como tratamiento de intoxicación por paracetamol.

Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drug, which has experienced an increase in its consumption in recent years in our environment. There has also been an increase in the number of accidental and intentional overdoses that were treated by the health system. Its toxicity is dose-dependent and can cause fulminant liver failure, becoming one of the main reasons for liver transplantation in English-speaking countries. The case of a 28-year-old woman with a history of major depression and five previous suicide attempts, who deliberately ingested a significant amount of paracetamol tablets, is here presented. She developed fulminant liver failure and metabolic acidosis, for which she underwent an emergency liver transplant due to the severity of her condition, from which she evolved favorably. The decision to perform a liver transplant in serious cases like this and under a condition of severe psychiatric vulnerability is challenging and must be carefully considered. This particular case illustrates the importance of multidisciplinary care including psychiatric evaluation in patients with acetaminophen poisoning.

El paracetamol es una droga analgésica y antipirética comúnmente utilizada, que ha experimentado un aumento en su consumo en los últimos años en nuestro medio. También se ha observado un incremento en el número de sobredosis accidentales e intencionales que fueron atendidas por el sistema de salud. Su toxicidad es dosis dependiente y puede causar falla hepática fulminante, convirtiéndose en una de las principales razones de trasplante hepático en países angloparlantes. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 28 años con antecedentes de depresión mayor y cinco intentos de suicidio previos, quien ingirió deliberadamente una cantidad significativa de comprimidos de paracetamol. Desarrolló una falla hepática fulminante y acidosis metabólica, por lo que fue sometida a un trasplante hepático de emergencia debido a la gravedad de su condición evolucionando favorablemente. La decisión de realizar un trasplante hepático en casos graves como este y bajo una condición de vulnerabilidad psiquiátrica grave, es un desafío y debe considerarse cuidadosamente. Este caso en particular ilustra la importancia de la atención multidisciplinaria incluyendo la evaluación psiquiátrica en pacientes con intoxicación por paracetamol.

Laparoscopic repair of bile duct injuries: Feasibility and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injuries (BDI) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy occurs in approximately 0.6% of the cases, often being more severe and complex. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is considered the optimal therapeutic option, with success rates ranging from 75% to 98%. Several series have demonstrated the advancements of the laparoscopic approach for resolving this condition. The objective of this study is to describe our experience in the laparoscopic repair of BDI. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted, including patients who underwent laparoscopic repair after BDI. Demographic, clinical, surgical, and postoperative variables were analysed using descriptive statistical analyses. RESULTS: Eight patients with BDI underwent laparoscopic repair (out of 81 surgically repaired patients). Women comprised 75% of the sample. A complete laparoscopic repair was achieved in 75% (6) of cases. The mean age was 40.8 ± 16.61 years (range 19-65). Injuries at or above the confluence (Strasberg-Bismuth ≥ E3) occurred in 25% of cases (2). Primary repair was performed in two cases. Half of the cases underwent a Hepp-Couinaud laterolateral RYHJ, while three patients received a terminolateral RYHJ, and one underwent a bi-terminolateral RYH. The mean operative time was 260 min (range 120-360). Overall morbidity was 37.5% (3 cases): two minor complications (bile leak grade A and drainage-related bleeding) and one major complication (bile leak grade C). No mortality was recorded. The maximum follow-up period reached 26 months (range 6-26). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the feasibility of laparoscopic RYHJ in a selected group of patients, offering the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.

[Cost analysis of liver transplantation in a community hospital: association with the Model for End-stage Liver Disease, a prognostic index to prioritize the most severe patients]. / Análisis del coste del trasplante hepático en un hospital de la comunidad: su relación con el Model for End-stage Liver Disease, un índice pronóstico que prioriza al paciente más grave.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) on transplantation costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all patients who received a liver transplant for end-stage liver disease between 2006 and 2010. The study period encompassed the day of transplantation until hospital discharge. The patients were classified into two groups: those with a MELD score of 6-19 and those with a score of 20-40. RESULTS: The mean MELD score at transplantation was 19.2±7.0 (mean±SD). The mean cost per procedure in the study period was USD 33,461 per patient (range 21,795-104,629). The cost of transplantation was USD 30,493±8,825 in patients with a MELD score of 6-19 and was USD 36,506±15,833 in those with a score of 20-40; this difference was statistically significant (P=.04). In a stepwise logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor of high cost was having a MELD score of 20 (OR 11.8; CI 1.6-87). In the linear regression model, the most important predictor of cost was the length of hospital stay (r(2)=43%). DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that the MELD score directly affects transplantation costs. We suggest that reimbursement systems compensate the distinct financing bodies according to the severity of the underlying disease, evaluated with the MELD.

[Efficacy of the association of a single dose of hepatitis B hyperimmune gammaglobulin and entecavir in the prophylaxis of hepatitis B after liver transplantation: experience of a single center in Argentina]. / Eficacia de la asociación de una sola dosis de gamaglobulina hiperinmune anti-hepatitis B más entecavir en la profilaxis de la hepatitis B después del trasplante hepático: experiencia de un centro en la Argentina.

The present study reports the effectiveness of the association of a single dose of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) associated to entecavir in the prophylaxis of hepatitis B in patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Six patients that had been transplanted because of hepatitis B liver disease were retrospectively evaluated. Three of them developed non-oncological complications related to liver cirrhosis, two had hepatocellular carcinoma and another one had fulminant HBV hepatitis. The mean follow-up was 22 months (range: 7-52 months). The 6 patients received entecavir as prophylactic treatment before transplantation. The pretransplant viral load was undetectable in all patients. HBsAg seroconversion was observed in four of the six patients. Three patients died during follow-up, two because of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma, none of them had detectable HBV serum viral load. In a small series of patients we could demonstrate that a regimen with a single dose of gamma globulin entecavir is effective in the post-transplant management of patients with liver disease associated with HBV. Future studies will be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of specific gamma globulin-free regimens.

[Primary neuroendocrine tumor of the common bile duct] / Tumor neuroendocrino primario del conducto hepático común.

Primary neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the bile duct are extremely rare and represent only 0.2-2% of all gastrointestinal NETs. Within the biliary system, the main bile duct is the most affected site. A 28-year-old man with a 6-month history of intermittent jaundice, pruritus, and choluria. MRCP, PET-CT and endoscopic ultrasound were performed. A well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasia was diagnosed. Complete resection of the main bile duct was performed with lymphadenectomy of the hepatic pedicle with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, without complications. The patient had an adequate evolution and nowadays he's disease-free. Primary neuroendocrine tumors of the bile duct are extremely rare. They may present clinically and radiologically similar to perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, which makes preoperative diagnosis difficult. Radical resection is indicated. Usually, they are well differentiated tumors, being the Ki-67 labeling index a reliable prognostic marker.

Los tumores neuroendocrinos (TNE) primarios de la vía biliar son extremadamente raros y representan sólo el 0.2-2% de todos los TNE gastrointestinales. Dentro del sistema biliar, la vía biliar principal es el sitio más afectado. Hombre de 28 años con cuadro de 6 meses de evolución caracterizado por ictericia intermitente, prurito y coluria. Se realizó colangiopancreatoresonancia magnética nuclear, PET-TC y ultrasonido endoscópico que concluyeron neoplasia neuroendocrina bien diferenciada. Se realizó resección completa de la vía biliar principal con linfadenectomía del pedículo hepático con hepaticoyeyunoanastomosis en Y de Roux, sin complicaciones. El paciente cursó adecuada evolución y se encuentra libre de enfermedad. Los tumores neuroendocrinos primarios de la vía biliar son extremadamente raros, presentándose clínica y radiológicamente como lesiones similares al colangiocarcinoma perihiliar lo que dificulta el diagnóstico preoperatorio. Está indicado su tratamiento quirúrgico radical. Suelen ser bien diferenciados, siendo el antígeno Ki-67 un marcador pronóstico confiable.

Is it safe to use a liver graft from a Chagas disease-seropositive donor in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive recipient? A case report addressing a novel challenge in liver transplantation.

This is the first report presenting a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient with fulminant hepatic failure receiving a liver graft from a Chagas disease-seropositive deceased donor. We describe the history of a 38-year-old HIV-positive female patient who developed fulminant hepatic failure of an autoimmune etiology with rapid deterioration of her clinical status and secondary multiorgan failure and, therefore, needed emergency liver transplantation (LT) as a lifesaving procedure. Because of the scarcity of organs and the high mortality rate for emergency status patients on the LT waiting list, we decided to accept a Chagas disease-seropositive deceased donor liver graft for this immunocompromised Chagas disease-seronegative patient. The recipient had a rapid postoperative recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 9 without prophylactic treatment for Chagas disease. Fifteen months after LT, she was still alive and had never experienced seroconversion on periodic screening tests for Chagas detection. Although there is an inherent risk of acute Chagas disease developing in seronegative recipients, our report suggests that these infected organs can be safely used as a lifesaving strategy for HIV patients with a high need for LT.

[Cholecystocolonic fistula as a complication of advanced gallbladder cancer] / [Fístula colecistocolónica como complicación de cáncer de vesícula avanzado]

Cholecystocolonic fistula (CCF) is the second most common cholecystoenteric fistula, associated in most cases with stone disease. Symptoms are usually minimal or nonspecific, and preoperative diagnosis is uncommon. Although the incidence of FCC caused by gallbladder cancer comprises 1.7% of cases, it is necessary to suspect it in order to adopt the best therapeutic strategy.

La fístula colecistocolónica (FCC) es la segunda fístula colecistoentérica más común, asociada en la mayoría de los casos a enfermedad litiásica. Los síntomas suelen ser mínimos o inespecíficos, siendo infrecuente su diagnóstico preoperatorio. Si bien la incidencia de FCC causada por cáncer de vesícula biliar comprende el 1,7 % de los casos, es necesario sospecharla para adoptar la mejor estrategia terapéutica.

Experience using liver transplantation for the treatment of severe bile duct injuries over 20 years in Argentina: results from a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct injury (BDI) is a severe complication that may arise during the surgical treatment of benign disease and a few patients will develop end-stage liver disease (ESLD) requiring a liver transplant (LT). OBJECTIVE: Analyse the experience using LT as a definitive treatment of BDI in Argentina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A national survey regarding the experience of LT for BDI. RESULTS: Sixteen out 18 centres reported a total of 19 patients. The percentage of LT for BDI from the total number of LT per period was: 1990-94 = 3.1%, 1995-99 = 1.6%, 2000-04 = 0.7% and 2005-09 = 0.2% (P < 0.001). The mean age was 45.7 ± 10.3 years (range 26-62) and 10 patients were female. The BDI occurred during cholecystectomy in 16 and 7 had vascular injuries. One patient presented with acute liver failure and the others with chronic ESLD. The median time between BDI and LT was 71 months (range 0.2-157). The mean follow-up was 8.3 years (10 months to 16.4 years). Survival at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years was 73%, 68%, 68% and 45%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LT for the treatment of BDI declined over the review period. LT plays a role in selected cases in patients with acute liver failure and ESLD.

[Liver trasplantation for the treatment of non-resectable metastases of neuroendocrine tumors: first report in Argentina]. / Trasplante hepático como tratamiento de las metástasis de tumores neuroendócrinos: primer reporte en la Argentina.

Neuroendocrine tumors are uncommon cancers characterized by a slow grow rate. Unresectable liver metastases are the main cause of death in patients with these tumors. This is the first Argentine report of a liver transplantation as an indication for the treatment of unresectable liver metastases from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. We present a 48-year-old woman with diagnosis of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor with multiple bilobar unresectable liver metastases. A splenopancreatectomy was performed after a complete staging revealed absence of extrahepatic disease. Six months later, a follow-up performed with thoracoabdominal CT scan and octreo-scan was consistent with no tumor recurrence or extrahepatic disease. As the huge hepatomegaly caused a notorius deterioration in the patient's quality of life, we decided to include her in the waiting list for liver transplantation. Priority points were requested to the MELD (model for end stage liver disease) Exceptions Experts Committee with a positive response. Twelve months after the primary surgery, with a MELD score of 23 points, a deceased donor liver transplantation was performed without evidence at that moment of residual disease. Eighteen months after liver transplantation, the patient required the surgical repair of a stenosis in the biliary anastomosis. At the surgery peritoneal tumor recurrence was diagnosed. Now, 24 months after liver transplantation the patient has an excellent quality of life and a well functioning graft. We report this case of a liver transplantation as an indication for the treatment of liver metastases from a neuroendocrine tumor and we review the literature on this controversial issue.

Rescue policy for discarded liver grafts: a single-centre experience of transplanting livers 'that nobody wants'.

BACKGROUND: There is a worldwide need to expand the donor liver pool. We report a consecutive series of elective candidates for liver transplantation (LT) who received 'livers that nobody wants' (LNWs) in Argentina. METHODS: Between 2006 and 2009, outcomes for patients who received LNWs were analysed and compared with outcomes for a control group. To be defined as an LNW, an organ is required to fulfil two criteria. Firstly, each liver must be officially offered and refused more than 30 times; secondly, the liver must be refused by at least 50% of the LT programmes in our country before our programme can accept it. Principal endpoints were primary graft non-function (PNF), mortality, and graft and patient survival. RESULTS: We transplanted 26 LNWs that had been discarded by a median of 12 centres. A total of 2666 reasons for refusal had been registered. These included poor donor status (n= 1980), followed by LT centre (n= 398) or recipient (n= 288) conditions. Incidences of PNF (3.8% vs. 4.0%), in-hospital mortality (3.8% vs. 8.0%), 1-year patient (84% vs. 84%) and graft (84% vs. 80%) survival were equal in the LNW and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Transplantable livers are unnecessarily discarded by the transplant community. External and internal supervision of the activity of each LT programme is urgently needed to guarantee high standards of excellence.

Model for end-stage liver disease exceptions committee activity in Argentina: does it provide justice and equity among adult patients waiting for a liver transplant?

BACKGROUND: In 2005, the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD)-based allocation system was adopted to assess potential liver transplant (LT) recipients in Argentina. The aim of the present study was to revise the activity of the MELD Exception Experts Committee. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2009, 1623 patients were listed for LT. Regulation provides extra-MELD points for amyloidosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and T(2) hepatocellular carcinoma (T(2) HCC). Centres could also request priority for other situations. Using a prospective database, we identified patients in whom priority points were requested. Pathology reports of explanted livers were analysed for patients with T(2) HCC. RESULTS: From 234 out of 1623 (14.4%) requests, the overall approval rate was 60.2% including: 2 amyloidosis, 6 HPS, 111 T(2) HCC and 22 non-regulated situations. Of the 111 patients with T(2) HCC, 6 died (5.4%), 8 had tumour progression (7.2%), 94 were transplanted (84.2%) and 3 are still waiting. An explants correlation showed that presumed diagnosis of T(2) HCC was incorrect in 20/94 (22%) and was correct in only 41/94 (43%) cases being T(1) HCC in 9 and T(3) HCC in 23. CONCLUSIONS: MELD exceptions are frequently requested in Argentina. Unfortunately, most receiving priority points for T(2) HCC benefited by medical error or imaging limitations. An intense review process is urgently needed to maintain equity and justice in the allocation system.

[Liver transplantation during pregnancy in a patient with acute liver failure]. / Trasplante hepático durante el embarazo en una paciente con insuficiencia hepática aguda grave.

Liver transplantation is the best therapeutic approach in patients with acute liver failure. This clinical presentation during pregnancy is an unusual and dramatic event. We report the case of a 18 year-old woman with cryptogenic acute liver failure who underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation at 20 weeks of pregnancy. Both outcomes were analyzed. Fetal death was observed within 48 hours after liver transplant. After six months of follow-up, the patient is doing well. This case illustrates the challenge of treating acute liver failure during pregnancy and demonstrates that liver transplantation is a feasible therapeutic option for treatment of patient with this condition.

[Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in liver transplantation in Argentina. Other collateral damage]. / Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 sobre el trasplante hepático en la Argentina. Otro daño colateral.

The COVID-19 pandemic declared in March 2020, has generated worldwide concern due to its effect on the health of the population and the potential health collapse. The strategy of "flattening the curve" through social distancing made it possible to adapt the resources of the health system to patients with COVID-19, but results in other areas of health could not be predicted. The objective of this work was to analyze the consequences of the pandemic on liver transplantation in general and for hepatocarcinoma (HCC). The following studies were carried out: a) a retrospective analysis using data from the CRESI / INCUCAI to compare admission to the waiting list, mortality on the list, donation and liver transplantation from 03/20 to 08/15, 2019 and the same period in 2020, and b) a survey of the transplant centers with the highest transplant activity to assess the effect of the measures taken in different institutional and regional situations. The first analysis showed a 55% decrease in liver transplants, with a similar reduction in donation and admission to the liver waiting list; while HCC transplantation rose from 10% in 2019 to 22% in 2020. The second analysis showed that the occupancy rate of beds by COVID-19 patients / week was variable: from 0.4% to 42.0%. The number of surgeries, hepato-bilio-pancreatic, resection of HCC and liver transplantation, were reduced by 47%, 49%, 31% and 36% respectively. The reduction in transplant activity mainly affected centers with high occupancy due to COVID-19. The final long-term outcome will need to be assessed.

La pandemia COVID-19 declarada en marzo del 2020, ha generado preocupación mundial por su efecto en la salud de la población y el potencial colapso sanitario. La estrategia de "aplanar la curva" mediante el distanciamiento social permitió adaptar los recursos del sistema de salud a pacientes con COVID-19, pero no se pudo prever su repercusión en otras áreas de la salud. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las consecuencias de la pandemia sobre el trasplante hepático en general y por hepatocarcinoma (HCC). Fueron realizados los siguientes estudios: a) un análisis retrospectivo utilizando datos del CRESI/INCUCAI para comparar ingreso en lista de espera, mortalidad en lista, donación y trasplante hepático desde 20/03 a 15/08, 2019 e igual periodo de 2020, y b) una encuesta a los centros de trasplante de mayor actividad trasplantológica para valorar el efecto de las medidas tomadas en diferentes situaciones institucionales y regionales. El primer análisis evidenció una disminución del 55% de los trasplantes hepáticos, con una reducción similar en la donación y en el ingreso a lista de espera hepática; mientras que el trasplante por HCC ascendió de 10% en 2019 a 22% en 2020. El segundo análisis, mostró que la tasa de ocupación de camas por pacientes COVID-19/semana fue variable: de 0.4% al 42.0%. El número de cirugías, hepato-bilio-pancreática, resección de HCC y trasplante hepático, se redujeron en 47%, 49%, 31% y 36% respectivamente. La reducción de la actividad trasplantológica afectó mayormente los centros con alta ocupación por COVID-19. El impacto final a largo plazo deberá evaluarse.