A Case of Donor-Transmitted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Liver Transplantation: An Unwelcome Guest.

Cancer transmission with organ donation has been previously reported with a variety of malignancies and organ transplants. The risk of transmission through organ transplantation from donors with a history of previously treated malignancies has been addressed by guidelines from transplant societies. Herein, we report a case of a patient who developed lung cancer confined to the liver after liver transplantation with no known history of malignancy in the donor. The suspicion of donor origin arose after positron emission tomography-computerized tomography scan showed metastatic lung cancer only involving the transplanted liver without a primary focus. Genetic analysis of the malignant cells confirmed donor origin of the cancer.

Hepatitis E virus serum antibodies and RNA prevalence in patients evaluated for heart and kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in solid organ transplant recipients is rare, but can cause severe hepatic and extrahepatic complications. We sought to identify the pretransplant prevalence of HEV infection in heart and kidney candidates and any associated risk factors for infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Stored frozen serum from patients undergoing evaluation for transplant was tested for HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and HEV RNA. All patients were seen at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona, with 333 patients evaluated for heart (n = 132) or kidney (n = 201) transplant. HEV IgG antibodies (anti-HEV IgG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and HEV RNA by a noncommercial nucleic acid amplification assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 11.4% (15/132) for heart transplant candidates and 8.5% (17/201) for kidney transplant candidates, with an overall seroprevalence of 9.6% (32/333). None of the patients tested positive for HEV RNA in the serum. On multivariable analysis, age older than 60 years was associated with HEV infection (adjusted odds ratio, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.54-7.24; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that there was no evidence of acute HEV infection in this pretransplant population and that older age seems to be associated with positive anti-HEV IgG.

Relationship between sarcopenia, six-minute walk distance and health-related quality of life in liver transplant candidates.

Sarcopenia, or loss of skeletal muscle mass, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in liver transplant (LT) candidates. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as assessed by short form 36 scores (SF-36) also impact clinical outcomes in these patients. This study explored the relationship between the sarcopenia, 6MWD, and HRQOL in LT candidates. Sarcopenia was evaluated based on skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) quantified from abdominal computed tomography. Patients were followed until death, removal from the wait list or the end of the study period. Two hundred and thirteen patients listed for LT were included. The mean SMI, 6MWD and mean gait speed were 54.3 ± 9.7, 370.5 m and 1 m/s, respectively. Sarcopenia was noted in 22.2% of LT candidates. There was no correlation between sarcopenia, 6MWD, and SF-36 scores. The 6MWD, but not sarcopenia, was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio = 2.1 [0.9-4.7]). In summary, sarcopenia did not emerge as a significant predictor of waitlist mortality and also failed to correlate with either functional capacity or HRQOL in LT candidates. In patients with ESLD awaiting LT, 6MWD appears to be a more useful prognostic indicator than the presence of sarcopenia.

Magnetic resonance elastography can discriminate normal vs. abnormal liver biopsy in candidates for live liver donation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define liver shear stiffness by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) that distinguishes normal from abnormal liver biopsy, especially when steatosis ≥20%, among potential live liver donors. METHODS: Baseline clinical, laboratory, imaging, MRE, and liver biopsy results were recorded. Using MRE, hepatic shear stiffness in kilopascals (kPa) was measured and compared to liver biopsy. Comparison between groups was done using χ(2) or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon test for continuous variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to assess diagnostic accuracy. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: 38 healthy adults were included. Liver biopsy was normal in 27 and abnormal in 11. ROC curve for MRE defined optimal cutoff at 2.6 kPa (sensitivity 0.72, specificity 0.85, AUC 0.81) to distinguish these 2 groups. Hepatic steatosis ≥20% on biopsy is a contraindication for liver donation in our center. We evaluated the ability of MRE to distinguish this degree of steatosis: 8 persons had steatosis ≥20% and were excluded from donation. ROC curve for MRE defined optimal cutoff at 2.82 kPa (sensitivity 0.88, specificity 1, AUC 0.98) to identify this group. CONCLUSIONS: Liver stiffness measured by MRE, even in the absence of liver fibrosis, can be useful in differentiating normal from abnormal liver histology, and most importantly in patients under evaluation for live liver donation, can very accurately distinguish those with complicated hepatic steatosis ≥20%, our cutoff for donation. In the future, MRE might provide supplementary information to make liver biopsy unnecessary in the donor evaluation process.

Vitamin D deficiency, parathyroid hormone levels, and bone disease among patients with end-stage liver disease and normal serum creatinine awaiting liver transplantation.

UNLABELLED: Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The primary aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and bone disease in patients with ESLD awaiting LT. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 190 patients at our center. Serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and bone mineral analysis (BMA) were recorded. Standard World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to diagnose osteopenia/osteoporosis. Only patients with normal serum creatinine were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 190 patients were excluded from the final analysis (missing serum total 25-OH D levels in three patients and elevated serum creatinine, 29 patients). 105 of 158 (66.4%) evaluable patients had 25-OH D levels <25 ng/mL. Patients included in the analysis (n = 158) were divided according to serum total 25-OH D levels: 0-10 ng/mL (n = 23), 11-20 ng/mL (n = 64), and >20 ng/mL (n = 71). There were no significant differences in mean serum PTH and corrected calcium levels among the three subgroups. Only three patients had elevated serum PTH. Patients with total 25-OH D ≤ 10 ng/mL had higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores vs. those with 25-OH D > 20 ng/mL (13.3 ± 3, range 8-21, vs. 11.9 ± 3.4, range 6-29, p = 0.004). Irrespective of vitamin D status, bone disease was present in 64.6% of patients. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels and bone disease are common among patients with ESLD awaiting LT. Despite a high prevalence of low serum total 25-OH D, our cohort maintained normal corrected calcium levels and did not develop secondary hyperparathyroidism. We propose that free serum 25-OH D and vitamin D-binding protein may be necessary to accurately establish the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency in the setting of ESLD. Additional studies are needed to further define mechanisms of bone disease in patients with ESLD.

Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, followed by liver transplantation, for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma at 12 US centers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Excellent single-center outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and liver transplantation for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma caused the United Network of Organ Sharing to offer a standardized model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) exception for this disease. We analyzed data from multiple centers to determine the effectiveness of this treatment and the appropriateness of the MELD exception. METHODS: We collected and analyzed data from 12 large-volume transplant centers in the United States. These centers met the inclusion criteria of treating 3 or more patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma using neoadjuvant therapy, followed by liver transplantation, from 1993 to 2010 (n = 287 total patients). Center-specific protocols and medical charts were reviewed on-site. RESULTS: The patients completed external radiation (99%), brachytherapy (75%), radiosensitizing therapy (98%), and/or maintenance chemotherapy (65%). Seventy-one patients dropped out before liver transplantation (rate, 11.5% in 3 months). Intent-to-treat survival rates were 68% and 53%, 2 and 5 years after therapy, respectively; post-transplant, recurrence-free survival rates were 78% and 65%, respectively. Patients outside the United Network of Organ Sharing criteria (those with tumor mass >3 cm, transperitoneal tumor biopsy, or metastatic disease) or with a prior malignancy had significantly shorter survival times (P < .001). There were no differences in outcomes among patients based on differences in surgical staging or brachytherapy. Although most patients came from 1 center (n = 193), the other 11 centers had similar survival times after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma who were treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed up by liver transplantation at 12 US centers had a 65% rate of recurrence-free survival after 5 years, showing this therapy to be highly effective. An 11.5% drop-out rate after 3.5 months of therapy indicates the appropriateness of the MELD exception. Rigorous selection is important for the continued success of this treatment.

Endoscopic treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures after living donor liver transplantation: outcomes after maximal stent therapy.

BACKGROUND: Living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has emerged as a viable strategy in an era of organ shortage. However, biliary strictures are a common complication of LDLT, and these strictures frequently require surgical revision after unsuccessful endoscopic therapy. The optimal endoscopic treatment for anastomotic biliary strictures (ABSs) after LDLT is undefined. OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of an aggressive endoscopic approach to ABSs after LDLT that uses endoscopic dilation followed by maximal stent placement. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: A tertiary-care academic medical center. PATIENTS: Forty-one patients with a diagnosis of ABS. INTERVENTIONS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with balloon dilation and maximal stenting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Stricture resolution, stricture recurrence, and complication rates. RESULTS: Of 110 LDLTs completed, a biliary stricture developed after transplantation in 41 (37.3%), which included 38 patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up time is 74.2 (2.5-120.8) months. Among them, 23 (60.5%) were male, and 20 (52.6%) had bile leakage associated with ABSs. The median time (IQR) to the development of an ABS after LDLT was 2.1 (1.2-4.1) months. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography was attempted as initial therapy in all patients: 32 were managed entirely by endoscopic therapy, and 6 required initial percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) to cross the biliary stricture, with endoscopic therapy performed thereafter. A median (IQR) of 4.0 (3.0-5.3) endoscopic interventions and 7.0 (4.0-10.3) stents were required to resolve the stricture. The time from the first intervention to stricture resolution was 5.3 (range 3.8-8.9) months. Biochemical markers including aspartate transaminase (76 vs 39 U/L, P = .001), alanine transaminase (127.5 vs 45.5 U/L, P < .001), alkaline phosphatase (590 vs 260 IU/L, P < .001), and total bilirubin (2.57 vs 1.73 mg/dL, P = .017) significantly improved after intervention. Recurrent stricture was observed after initial treatment in 8 (21%) patients. All recurrences were successfully re-treated endoscopically. All patients have been managed without surgical revision or retransplantation, resulting in 100% success by an intention-to-treat analysis. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study, small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, aggressive endoscopy-based treatment with maximal stent placement strategy allows 100% resolution of all duct-to-duct ABSs after LDLT without the need for surgical intervention or retransplantation.

Portal vein thrombosis in patients with end stage liver disease awaiting liver transplantation: outcome of anticoagulation.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) increases with the severity of liver disease. Development of PVT is often accompanied by increased rate of morbidity and mortality and may affect patient candidacy for liver transplant. There is limited data regarding the role of anticoagulation therapy in patients with PVT and liver cirrhosis. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of hypercoagulable disorders in patients with liver cirrhosis and PVT, and to describe the outcome of anticoagulation in patients with liver cirrhosis and PVT. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with liver cirrhosis awaiting liver transplant who were diagnosed with PVT between January 2005 and November 2011. RESULTS: During the study period, 537 patients were evaluated for liver transplant. Sixty-nine (13 %) patients were diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis. Chronic hepatitis C was the cause of liver disease in 24/69 (35 %) patients, and hepatocellular carcinoma was present in 39 % of patients. In 22 patients screened for hypercoagulable disorders, hypercoagulable disorder was diagnosed in one patient (5 %). Twenty-eight (28/69) patients were treated during the study period with warfarin: PVT resolved in 11/28 (39 %), no change in 5/28 (18 %), and 12/28 (43 %) patients showed partial resolution of thrombus. Eight patients received liver transplant while on anticoagulation, and operative notes confirmed patency of PV in all eight patients. CONCLUSIONS: PVT is frequently seen in patients with end stage liver disease with prevalence of 13 %. Hypercoagulable disorder was detected in 5 % of the patients screened. Careful use of anticoagulation is safe and effective in patients with PVT.

Safety attitudes culture remain stable in a transplant center: evidence from the coronavirus pandemic.

Background: We sought to understand how safety culture may evolve during disruption, by using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, to identify vulnerabilities in the system that could impact patient outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of transplant personnel at a high-volume transplant center was conducted using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ). Survey responses were scaled and evaluated pre- and post-COVID-19 (2019 and 2021). Results: Two-hundred and thirty-eight responses were collected (134 pre-pandemic and 104 post-pandemic). Represented organ groups included: kidney (N = 89;38%), heart (N = 18;8%), liver (N = 54;23%), multiple (N = 66;28%), and other (N = 10;4%). Responders primarily included nurses (N = 75;34%), administration (N = 50;23%), and physicians (N = 24;11%). Workers had high safety, job satisfaction, stress recognition, and working conditions satisfaction (score >75) both before and after the pandemic with overlapping responses across both timepoints. Stress recognition, safety, and working conditions improved post-COVID-19, but teamwork, job satisfaction, and perceptions of management were somewhat negatively impacted (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the serious health care disruptions induced by the pandemic, high domain ratings were notable and largely maintained in a high-volume transplant center. The SAQ is a valuable tool for healthcare units and can be used in longitudinal assessments of transplant culture of safety as a component of quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.

A randomized, multicenter study comparing steroid-free immunosuppression and standard immunosuppression for liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C.

This randomized, prospective, multicenter trial compared the safety and efficacy of steroid-free immunosuppression (IS) to the safety and efficacy of 2 standard IS regimens in patients undergoing transplantation for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The outcome measures were acute cellular rejection (ACR), severe HCV recurrence, and survival. The patients were randomized (1:1:2) to tacrolimus (TAC) and corticosteroids (arm 1; n = 77), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), TAC, and corticosteroids (arm 2; n = 72), or MMF, TAC, and daclizumab induction with no corticosteroids (arm 3; n = 146). In all, 295 HCV RNA-positive subjects were enrolled. At 2 years, there were no differences in ACR, HCV recurrence (biochemical evidence), patient survival, or graft survival rates. The side effects of IS did not differ, although there was a trend toward less diabetes in the steroid-free group. Liver biopsy samples revealed no significant differences in the proportions of patients in arms 1, 2, and 3 with advanced HCV recurrence (ie, an inflammation grade ≥ 3 and/or a fibrosis stage ≥ 2) in years 1 (48.2%, 50.4%, and 43.0%, respectively) and 2 (69.5%, 75.9%, and 68.1%, respectively). Although we have found that steroid-free IS is safe and effective for liver transplant recipients with chronic HCV, steroid sparing has no clear advantage in comparison with traditional IS.

Six-minute walk distance predicts mortality in liver transplant candidates.

The 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) is a simple test measuring global physical function. It is commonly used to predict mortality in patients with cardiac and pulmonary diseases, but it is also useful in assessing the functional status of patients with a variety of other medical conditions. We sought to determine (1) the characteristics of the 6MWD in patients listed for liver transplantation (LT), (2) the existence of a relationship between the 6MWD and the quality of life, and (3) the relationship between the 6MWD and survival in LT candidates. The 6MWD was prospectively measured in all patients listed for LT. The 6MWD was determined when the listed Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was ≥ 15. Patients were followed until LT, death, removal from the wait list, or the end of the study period. Quality of life was assessed with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). In 121 patients, the mean 6MWD was 369 ± 122 m; it was not related to age, height, weight, body mass index, albumin level, or etiology of liver disease and showed a moderate correlation with the physical component score (PCS) on the SF-36 (r = 0.4) and a moderate inverse correlation with the native MELD score (r = -0.61). In an unadjusted analysis, a high native MELD score, a low 6MWD, and a low PCS were associated with mortality, with only the 6MWD retaining significance after adjustment for covariates. Each 100-m increase in the 6MWD was significantly associated with increased survival (hazard ratio = 0.48, P = 0.0001), with 6MWD < 250 m being associated with an increased risk of death (P = 0.0001). In conclusion, the 6MWD is significantly reduced in patients awaiting LT and is inversely correlated with the native MELD score. A pretransplant 6MWD < 250 m is a risk for death on the wait list.

Increased prevalence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate in chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence and severity of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHODS: Medical record review of 831 consecutive CHC patients seen in our clinic between July 2000 and August 2003; eGFR was estimated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (aMDRD) equation. The stage of kidney disease was determined based on eGFR expressed in milliliters per minute per 1.73 m(2): stage 1 (signs of kidney damage but normal or elevated (eGFR >or= 90), stage 2 (eGFR 60-89), stage 3 (30-59), stage 4 (eGFR 15-29), stage 5 (eGFR < 15 or dialysis-dependent). RESULTS: A total of 522 patients had available data with using the aMDRD equation, 51% had abnormal eGFR (stage 1, 4.6%; stage 2, 36.4%; stage 3 or 4, 6.1%; stage 5, 3.8%). Of 190 patients with stage 2 kidney disease, 189 patients (99.5%) had normal serum creatinine and only one patient (0.5%) had elevated creatinine concentrations (>1.4 mg/dl). Of the 32 patients with stage 3 or 4 disease, 20 (62.5%) had a normal serum creatinine concentration. Of 349 patients without diseases known to cause renal insufficiency, 38% had stage 2-4 renal disease. In a subset of these patients, 95/522 (18%) the measured creatinine clearance showed good correlation with their aMDRD (R = 0.47, (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In CHC patients, a normal serum creatinine concentration does not assure normal kidney function. Estimation of eGFR with the aMDRD equation is a more accurate method of identifying patients with chronic kidney disease and reduced eGFR. Therefore, CHC patients should be screened more rigorously for chronic kidney disease because of the high prevalence of reduced eGFR. Lastly, in all CHC patients, the aMDRD eGFR should be used in each encounter with these patients when assessing their renal function irrespective of their serum creatinine.

Natural history of post-liver transplantation hepatitis C: A review of factors that may influence its course.

Our aim was to assess long-term survival in patients transplanted for HCV-related end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and evaluate potentially modifiable predictors of survival. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult liver transplants (LT) at our institution for HCV-related ESLD since the program's inception. Pertinent demographic, clinical, and biochemical information was retrieved from electronic medical records and histological data from 990 per-protocol liver biopsies were collected. Three hundred eighty LT were performed at our institution during the study period, 206 patients were transplanted for HCV-related ESLD; 6 died within 30 days of transplantation and were not included. The remaining 200 recipients (DDLT 168 LDLT 32) constituted the evaluable population. The demographics were as follows: 150 males, median age 53 years; median donor age 39 years; hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 26%. Overall 1-, 5-, and 7-year survival: 95%, 81%, and 79%; median survival 43 months, mortality 15%. Significant HCV recurrence (HAI >or=6 and/or fibrosis >or=2) was present in 49%, "early recurrence" (within 1 year of LT) in 30.5% and biopsy-proven acute rejection was present in 27%. Factors with a significant negative impact on patient survival included: fibrosis stage >or=2 at 12-month biopsy, advanced donor age, history of HCC and early acute rejection. Survival was similar regardless of the donor type (DDLT vs. LDLT). Early and aggressive HCV recurrence has a very heavy toll on patient survival. Prompt recognition and treatment of "rapid fibrosers" may impart benefit. As has been described before, avoidance of rejection and selection of young donors for HCV-positive recipients will also improve survival in this population. On the basis of our findings, LDLT is a good option for HCV-positive recipients.

Living donor liver transplantation in polycystic liver disease.

In the current Model for End-Stage Liver Disease system, patients with polycystic liver disease (PCLD) who have a poor quality of life secondary to their massive hepatomegaly are no longer competitive for a deceased donor liver transplant if their liver function is well preserved. Traditionally, a caval resection has been advocated in these patients because of the difficulty of the hepatectomy with hepatomegaly, which makes living donation impossible. This series looks at 3 patients who underwent a caval sparing hepatectomy and subsequent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for PCLD. Graft and patient survival was 100%, and there were few complications in either donors or recipients. LDLT is an ideal option for patients with PCLD and preserved liver function but poor quality of life.

Prospective Analysis of Metabolic Parameters in the Detection of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome in Liver Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of metabolic complications, including new-onset diabetes mellitus after transplantation (NODAT) and post-transplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS), both of which are associated with decreased patient survival. We prospectively monitored traditional and novel metabolic parameters in nondiabetic liver transplantation (LT) candidates to determine their role in detecting these conditions. METHODS: Nondiabetic adults undergoing initial LT were prospectively identified. NODAT and PTMS were defined according to WHO and ATP III criteria. Metabolic measures were collected at pre-LT, 4, and 12 months post-LT. RESULTS: Of 49 subjects enrolled, 24.5% were found to be diabetic pre-LT by 2-hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) despite fasting glucose below the diabetic range. Two patients developed NODAT post-LT. A single patient was found to have MS at baseline, while PTMS developed in 26% and 31.3% of patients at 4 and 12 months. Novel metabolic markers did not detect these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Screening OGTT detected pre-LT diabetes in patients with normal fasting glucose. Serial measurement of metabolic parameters allowed earlier detection of PTMS. Novel metabolic parameters did not correspond to post-LT outcomes, but provided a baseline for future study. More frequent and intensive metabolic monitoring appears reasonable, but larger studies are needed to clarify its efficacy.

Treatment of recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation with combination of pegylated interferon alpha2b and ribavirin: an open-label series.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is universal. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RIB) in the treatment of post-OLT HCV recurrence. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with recurrent HCV after OLT were screened and began treatment. Nineteen patients have completed therapy. PEG-IFN was started at a dose of 0.5 microg/kg per week and titrated toward a maximum dose of 1.5 microg/kg per week. RIB was started at a dose of 400 mg per day and titrated toward a maximum of 1000 mg per day, as tolerated. Therapy continued for 1 year after HCV replication was undetectable by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and was discontinued if there was no virologic clearance at 48 weeks. RESULTS: Twelve patients (63%) completed the combination regimen. Therapy was discontinued in seven (37%) patients. Seven patients (37%) had undetectable viral load at the end of treatment. Of those, five patients (26%) had sustained viral response 6 months after discontinuation of therapy. Five patients (26%) had no virologic response. Necro-inflammatory score declined from 5.22 to 2.89 (P=0.05) in nonresponders versus 6.8 to 2.6 (P<0.01) in responders. Fibrosis stage did not change in either group. Genotype 1-infected patients had a lower likelihood of attaining end of treatment or sustained viral response (P<0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Post-OLT HCV recurrence can be safely treated with PEG-IFN and RIB. Bone marrow toxicity, depression, and rejection are limiting factors that require aggressive management. There was short-term histologic benefit to the use of this regimen, even in those patients without viral clearance.

A randomized, prospective, double-blinded evaluation of selective bowel decontamination in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infection is a frequent, morbid, and mortal complication of liver transplantation. Selective bowel decontamination (SBD) has been reported to reduce the rate of bacterial infection after liver transplantation in uncontrolled trials, but benefits of this intervention have been less clear in controlled studies. METHODS: Eighty candidates for liver transplantation were randomly assigned in a double-blinded fashion to an SBD regimen consisting of gentamicin 80 mg+polymyxin E 100 mg+nystatin 2 million units (37 patients) or to nystatin alone (43 patients). Both treatments were administered orally in 10 ml (increasing to 20 ml, according to predefined criteria), four times daily, through day 21 after transplantation. Anal fecal swab cultures were performed on days 0, 4, 7, and 21. Rates of infection, death, and charges for medical care were assessed from day 0 through day 60. RESULTS: More than 85% of patients in both treatment groups began study treatment more than 3 days before transplantation. Rates of infection (32.4 vs. 27.9%), death (5.4 vs. 4.7%), or charges for medical care (median $194,000 vs. $163,000) were not reduced in patients assigned to SBD. On days 0, 4, 7, and 21, growth of aerobic gram-negative flora in fecal cultures of patients assigned to SBD was significantly less than that of patients taking nystatin alone; growth of aerobic gram-positive flora, anaerobes, and yeast was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Routine use of SBD in patients undergoing liver transplantation is not associated with significant benefit.

Successful coil embolization of circumflex iliac artery pseudoaneurysms following paracentesis.

Abdominal paracentesis complicated by perforation of a penetrating arterial branch is an extremely rare complication. We report 2 patients who presented with abdominal wall pseudoaneurysms following abdominal paracentesis for the evaluation and treatment of their hepatic dysfunction. We subsequently review the treatment modalities and interventions performed in each case.