Complex Reconstruction of Right-Lobe Grafts on the Bench: Portal Vein, Anterior Sector Hepatic Veins, Inferior Hepatic Veins and Multiple Bile Ducts.

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) employing right-lobe (RL) grafts has become indispensable amid limited deceased donor graft availability. RL grafts, while smaller, offer outcomes comparable with deceased donor grafts, prompting a surge in global RL LDLT. However, bench surgery in LDLT requires meticulous preparation to minimize warm ischaemia time and ensure optimal inflow and outflow reconstruction. This review combines an analysis of existing literature with a discussion of our technique, emphasizing the intricacies of RL graft bench reconstruction.

Effect of Immunosuppressive Regimens on Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease Following Liver Transplantation.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease has been linked to negative outcomes in patients with end-stage liver disease following liver transplantation. However, the influence of immunosuppressive regimens on it has not been explored. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the preoperative and postoperative data from patients with end-stage liver disease. The study compared three different groups: tacrolimus-based group, sirolimus-based group, and combined tacrolimus- and sirolimus-based regimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Results: A total of 171 patients participated in the study, consisting of 127 males and 44 females, with a mean age of 49.6 years. The prevalence of posttransplant metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was 29.23%. Among the three groups, there were 111 liver transplant recipients in the tacrolimus-based group, 28 in the sirolimus-based group, and 32 in the combination group. A statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (P < 0.05), whereas the other preoperative and postoperative parameters showed no significant differences. Multivariate analysis revealed that a low-calorie diet (95% confidence intervals: 0.15-0.90, P = 0.021) and a combination of tacrolimus- and sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen (95% confidence intervals: 1.01-2.77, P = 0.046) were associated with lower risk of posttransplant metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Conclusions: Our study indicates that implementing a low-calorie diet and utilizing a combination of tacrolimus- and sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen can effectively lower the risk of posttransplant metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease following liver transplantation.

Longitudinal Evolution of the Brain Microstructure in Cirrhotic Patients on Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although improvement of cognitive function after liver transplantation has been demonstrated in several neuropsychological studies, there is limited research on longitudinal changes in the cirrhotic patients' brain structure before and after transplantation. PURPOSE: To investigate longitudinal changes of brain microstructure in cirrhotic patients using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: A total of 153 cirrhosis patients, comprising 60 hepatic encephalopathy (HE) patients (16 females/44 males) and 93 no-HE patients (35 females/58 males), along with 93 healthy controls (HCs) (53 females/40 males) were enrolled. Subsequently, 58 recipients completed 1-month postoperative follow-up, 29 patients completed 1-, 3-months, and 17 patients completed 1-, 3-, 6-month follow-up. SEQUENCE: Spin-echo single-shot echo-planar sequence using a 3.0 T scanner. ASSESSMENT: Diffusion kurtosis estimator software was used to estimate the DKI parameter maps by a MR imaging physicist (Y.-Y.C. with 12 years of experience). STATISTICAL TESTS: The diffusion metrics (eg, radial kurtosis [RK], mean kurtosis, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity) of the patients before transplantation were compared with those of the HCs using voxel-wise analysis of variance (ANOVA), along with t tests for post hoc analysis. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to the longitudinal data. We imposed a cluster level Family Wise Error (FWE) correction rate of PFWE = 0.05 with voxel-wise cutoff of P = 0.001 together with a cluster-size cutoff of N ≥ 56, and generated smoothness estimates from the preprocessed data using the mixed-model autocorrelation function. RESULTS: The RK metrics of the patients decreased significantly in the anterior cingulate cortex (HE/no-HE < HC, ANOVA-F = 21.91). After transplantation, the RK of the pallidum showed a continuous upward trend (time effect T = 11.26); whereas the RK of the right postcentral gyrus showed a continuous downward trend (time effect T = -9.56). In addition, the RK in superior longitudinal fasciculus showed new-onset decrease after transplantation. DATA CONCLUSION: Longitudinal changes in DKI metrics reveal the course of brain microstructural changes before and after transplantation in cirrhotic patients, potentially associated with cognitive alterations after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Awake prone positioning in an infant following living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Prone position has been proven to improve ventilation and oxygenation in infants. Currently, there are few reports of early prone position ventilation after pediatric liver transplantation. Here, we present our experience with prone position in an infant following living donor liver transplantation, in an attempt to improve oxygenation. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-month-old boy, 7.5 kg, experienced two failed extubations that presented with Type II respiratory failure due to dyspnea, potentially caused by consolidation and airway secretions. To prevent the third failure of extubation, prone position ventilation was implemented after the third extubation on the 11th postoperative day. Oxygenation increased after each prone position session with no signs of transplant liver ischemia or other adverse outcomes. Following two days of continuous prone position, airway secretions decreased, and the infant was discharged from the ICU. The third extubation procedure was successful. CONCLUSIONS: Prone position ventilation may be effective in this infant without adverse events, indicating that early prone position is not absolutely contraindicated after pediatric liver transplantation. Therefore, more reasonable prone position strategies should be sought in infants undergoing liver transplantation.

Loss of biochemical response at any time worsens outcomes in UDCA-treated patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

Background & Aims: Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy is associated with good prognosis in people living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Biochemical response is typically assessed early in disease and it is not known what proportion of patients lose previously attained biochemical response, nor whether this impacts long-term liver transplant (LT)-free survival. Methods: We identified all UDCA-treated patients with PBC from the Canadian Network for Autoimmune Liver disease with biochemical measurements at 1 year, and evaluated their liver biochemistry over time. Inadequate biochemical response was defined as serum alkaline phosphatase ≥1.67x the upper limit of normal or abnormal serum total bilirubin at 1 year of UDCA therapy and all time points thereafter. Multistate Markov models were used to estimate transition rates between biochemical response states and from each state to LT or death. Results were validated in an external cohort (GLOBAL PBC registry). Results: A total of 823 patients from eight centers were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 53 years, 91% were female, 33% had inadequate biochemical response to UDCA at 1 year (n = 269). Patients who retained initial adequate response had lower rates of LT or death compared to patients who subsequently lost response (relative rate 0.102, 95% CI 0.047-0.223). Patients who regained adequate response had lower rates than patients who did not (0.016, 95% CI 0.001-0.568), and patients who lost response once more (0.010, 95% CI 0.001-0.340). Patients who regained adequate response for a third time also had lower rates than patients who did not (0.151, 95% CI 0.040-0.566). Analyses in the GLOBAL PBC registry (n = 2,237) validated these results. Conclusion: Loss of biochemical response at any time is associated with heightened risks of LT or death in people living with PBC. Achievement of biochemical response is an important goal throughout follow-up, regardless of biochemical response profile early in therapy. Impact and implications: Early biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid is associated with good prognosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Our work demonstrates that patients with PBC transition between biochemical response states over time, and that these transitions correspond with changes in risk of liver transplantation or death. Clinicians should re-evaluate risk and optimize treatment decisions for patients with PBC throughout follow-up, regardless of early biochemical response to therapy.

Beaver Tail Liver: A Morphological Study of Variation in the Left Lobe of the Liver.

The liver, the largest gland in a wedge-shape, is situated in the right hypochondrium, and exhibits variation in its lobes. Knowledge of variations in the lobes of the liver is crucial for accurate radiological diagnosis and successful abdominal surgeries. The elongation of the left lobe of the liver has gained significant attention in segmentectomy and liver transplant surgeries. During October and November 2023, cross-sectional observational research was done on 53 human cadaveric liver specimens obtained from different medical colleges in Gujarat, India. The livers were meticulously examined to determine the prevalence of Beaver tail liver and measurements such as length, breadth, and thickness were recorded and statistically analyzed. The study revealed that out of the 53 livers examined, 29 (54.72%) were classified as normal, while 19 (35.85%) fell into Netter's type 2 to 7 based on Netter's classification. Interestingly, 5 (09.43%) livers exhibited an elongated left lobe, referred to as a "sliver liver," which did not fit into any of the Netter's types. The beaver tail liver was found to be longer and broader compared to normal liver of the same size and weight (p<0.001). This study highlights the wide range of variations that can be observed in the lobes of the liver. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for radiologists, anatomists, and surgeons, aiding them in accurate diagnoses and surgical procedures, thus minimizing the risk of misdiagnosis.

Perioperative Complications After Pediatric Liver Transplantation-A Retrospective Analysis of 421 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Due to the low incidence of pediatric liver transplantations, short- and long-term data regarding their outcome, details on early postoperative complications and their risk factors are under-represented in the literature. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1645 LTx performed at Hannover Medical School between January 2005 and December 2021. Of these, 421 transplantations were performed in 405 pediatric recipients. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were performed to identify independent risk factors for the onset of selected perioperative complications requiring intervention within the first 30 days following transplantation and their influence on graft and patient survival. RESULTS: Pleural effusions represent the most common postoperative complication observed in 49.4% (n = 208) of cases, followed by vascular complications in 22.6% (n = 95) and biliary complications in 20.0% (n = 84) of cases. Donor age (OR: 1.019; p = 0.010) and recipient age between 3 and 12 years (OR: 1.849; p = 0.008) were identified as independent risk factors for the onset of pleural effusions. Retransplantations within the first year after LTx were necessary in 11.4% of all cases (n = 48). Twenty (4.8%) patients died within the first year after LTx. CONCLUSION: Pleural effusions requiring postoperative intervention were observed in approximately half of the pediatric recipients. Therefore, the preemptive intraoperative placement of a chest drain under sterile conditions and general anesthesia should be considered. Our data further indicate that a two-stage procedure for biliary reconstruction may be the preferred procedure in patients at risk of early bile duct complications and retransplantation within the first year.

Current status of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation.

Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLK) is a feasible option for patients with end-stage liver disease and concomitant renal dysfunction or end-stage renal disease. SLK has gained significant attention primarily due to multiple alterations in the allocation criteria over the past two decades. This review aims to summarize the most recent updates and outcomes of the SLK allocation policy, comparing SLK outcomes with those of liver transplantation alone and exploring the implications of donation after cardiac death in SLK procedures.

Leflunomide induced fatal dress syndrome need liver transplantation.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe, potentially life-threatening, drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction that involves hematological abnormalities (atypical lymphocytosis, eosinophilia), lymphadenopathy, skin eruption, and internal organ involvement (lung, liver, kidney). The 36-year-old female patient was followed by bloody diarrhea, diffuse skin rashes and hepatitis. She was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, and Leflunomide 20 mg was added to the treatment six weeks ago. Upon developing hepatic encephalopathy and deepening the fulminant liver failure during the follow-up, a living donor liver from her son was transplanted on the 4th day of hospitalization. The patient had deceased on the second day after liver transplantation due to multiple organ failures. In the literature, mortality in DRESS syndrome is mostly secondary to hepatic failure. Liver transplantation cannot be effective due to systemic involvement and recurrence in the transplanted liver.

Early outcome of machine perfusion vs static cold storage of liver graft: A systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The use of marginal grafts is very challenging and is associated with post-reperfusion syndrome and early allograft dysfunction. The outcomes of machine perfusion for the preservation of marginal grafts have been compared with that of static cold storage, with studies reporting a reduced risk of ischemic cholangiopathy and graft loss. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes of machine perfusion of liver grafts to static cold storage (SCS) of liver grafts during liver transplantation. Two independent researchers thoroughly searched for literature in the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies (CENTRAL), clinical trial registry, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Scopus (ELSEVIER) databases (last search: November 2023). The search terms used were: "dynamic perfusion," "normothermic perfusion," "hypothermic perfusion," "liver transplantation," "static cold storage," "NMP," "HOPE," "extended criteria grafts," "marginal grafts," "RCTs," "randomized controlled trials," "warm ischemia," and "cold ischemia." Eight RCTs published between 2019 and 2023 were included in the data synthesis and meta-analysis. The primary outcome considered was the overall incidence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) between the two methods of graft perfusion after liver transplantation. The secondary outcome considered was the rate of retransplantation. Our meta-analysis revealed that SCS is associated with more EAD when compared with machine perfusion, with a p-value of <0.00001. We also found that the rate of retransplantation is higher among patients who received a liver preserved by SCS, with a p-value of 0.02. The use of machine perfusion in the preservation of liver grafts showed a significant reduction in early allograft dysfunction and retransplantation.

Beyond graft function impairment after liver transplantation: the prolonged cold ischemia time impact on recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation-a single-center retrospective study.

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the malignant tumors responsible for high mortality and recurrence rates. Although liver transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment option for HCC, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a contributor to HCC recurrence after LT. Moreover, prolonged cold ischemia time (CIT) is a risk factor for IRI during LT, and there is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the impact of CIT on HCC recurrence after LT. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 420 patients who underwent LT for HCC between February 2015 and November 2020 at The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. The duration of CIT was defined as the time from clamping of the donor aorta until portal reperfusion. Results: A total of 133 patients (31.7%) experienced tumor recurrence after LT, and CIT > 568 min was the independent risk factor for HCC recurrence (OR, 2.406; 95% CI [1.371-4.220]; p = 0.002). Multivariate Cox's regression analysis revealed that the recipients' gender, exceeding Milan criteria, poor differentiation, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml in CIT > 568 min group were independent risk factors for disease-free survival. The peak 7-day postoperative alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (p < 0.001), the peak 7-day postoperative aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (p < 0.001), the peak 7-day postoperative peak total bilirubin (TBIL) level (p = 0.012), and the incidence of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) (p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the CIT > 568 min group compared to the CIT ≤ 568 min group. Moreover, the amount of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) infusion during the operation increased (p = 0.02), and the time of mechanical ventilation postoperative was longer (p = 0.045). Conclusion: An effective strategy to improve the prognosis is to reduce CIT; this strategy lowers the recurrence of HCC in patients undergoing LT, especially those within the Milan criteria.

Patient sex and use of tranexamic acid in liver transplantation.

Background: Differences in medical treatment between women and men are common and involve out-of-hospital emergency care, the intensity of pain treatment, and the use of antifibrinolytic treatment in emergency trauma patients. If woman and man receive different antifibrinolytic treatment in highly-standardized major transplant surgery is unknown. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients who underwent liver transplantation at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany between 2004 and 2017. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine if sex is associated with the administration of TXA during liver transplantation. Secondary endpoints included venous thrombotic complications, graft failure, mortality, myocardial infarction, hepatic artery thrombosis, and stroke within the first 30 days after liver transplant as well as length of hospital stay and length of intensive care unit stay. Results: Out of 779 patients who underwent liver transplantation, 262 patients received TXA. Female sex was not associated with intraoperative administration of TXA [adjusted OR: 0.929 (95% CI 0.654; 1.320), p = 0.681]. The secondary endpoints graft failure (13.2% vs. 8.4%, women vs. men, p = 0.039), pulmonary embolism (3.4% vs. 0.9%, women vs. men, p = 0.012), stroke (1.7% vs. 0.4%, women vs. men, p = 0.049), and deep vein thrombosis (0.8% vs. 0%, women vs. men, p = 0.031) within 30 days after liver transplantation were more frequent in women. Mortality, myocardial infarction, and other secondary endpoints did not differ between groups. However, in women, the use of TXA was associated with a lower rate in thromboembolic complications. Conclusion: Our data indicate that different from other scenarios with massive bleeding complications the administration of TXA during liver transplantation is not associated with sex. However, sex is associated with the risk for complications, and in woman TXA might have a preventive effect on the rate of thromboembolic complications. Reasons underlying the observed sex bias rate remain uncertain.

Optimization of surgical evaluation algorithms for living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an established and endorsed alternative for deceased donor liver transplantation with better recipient outcomes. Nevertheless, while extensive evaluation of potential donors is crucial, evaluation algorithms differ between transplant centres and guidelines. METHODS: We included 317 individuals evaluated for LDLT between 07/2007-07/2022 in a retrospective analysis. The evaluation process was analysed to identify the key reasons for declining 77 potential donors. Additionally, 146 donors that underwent LDLT were analysed regarding risk factors for complications. RESULTS: The main reasons for donor refusal were liver volumetry (40.3 %) and metabolic factors including obesity or steatotic liver disease (20.8 %). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) identified 63.6 % of all declined donors; CECT combined with assessment of medical history, physical examination, blood testing and ultrasonography, identified 87.0 % of declined potential donors. Associated with this selection, complication rates in donors were low (≥II in 17.1 %; none with ≥IVb). Notably, higher age was a risk factor for developing a complication ≥II after hemi-hepatectomy (p = 0.0373). CONCLUSIONS: We propose a progressive 4-step evaluation algorithm that begins with a very basic assessment combined with up-front CECT. This early phase of testing is expected to identify nearly 90 % of ineligible donors, thereby conserving critical resources, time and money, as well as minimising burden for potential donors. FUNDING: J.M.W. received funding by grant We-4675/6-1 from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) in Bonn, Germany.

Current management of hepatobiliary malignancies between centers with or without a liver transplant program: A multi-society national survey.

BACKGROUND: Availability of liver transplantation (LT) as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver malignancies may determine heterogeneity of therapeutic strategies across different centers. AIMS: To investigate the practice between hepato-biliary centers without (HB centers) and with a LT program (LT centers), we launched a 38-item web-based national survey, with directors of centers as a target. METHODS: The survey, including 4 clinical vignettes, collected data on their approach to HCC and transplant oncology. RESULTS: After duplicates removal, 75 respondents were considered. Respondents from LT centers (n = 22, 29.3 %) were more in favor of LT in the case of HCC outside Milan criteria (90.9 % vs. 67.9 %, p = 0.037), recurrent HCC (95.5 % vs. 50.9 %, p = 0.002) and other malignancies such as cholangiocarcinoma or neuroendocrine tumors. No significant difference was observed concerning the proportion of centers favorable to LT for unresectable colorectal liver metastases (100 % vs. 88.7 %, p = 0.100). CONCLUSION: This national survey showed how management of HCC and awareness of transplant oncology may differ between HB and LT centers. Effective networking between HB and LT centers is crucial to provide optimal treatment and access to LT.

Hepatic artery stenosis after pediatric liver transplantation: The potential role of conservative management.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the outcomes and effectiveness of various treatment strategies in patients with hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT). METHODS: This is a single center observational cohort study between January 1st, 2004 and August 1st, 2023, including pLT recipients aged <18 years. The primary outcome was graft and patient survival. The secondary outcomes included incidence of biliary complications, technical success of surgery or endovascular therapy (EVT), and changes in liver function. The cut-off for early and late HAS was 14 days after pLT. RESULTS: Among a total of 327 pLT patients, 4 % (n = 13) developed HAS (n = 3 early; n = 10 late). Treatments included surgical revascularization for one early HAS, conservative management with anticoagulation for one early and four late HAS, and EVT for one early and six late HAS. Over a median follow-up of 28.2 months after the diagnosis of HAS, graft survival was 100 % and 83 % in early and late HAS groups, and patient survival reached 100 % in both groups. One graft loss occurred in the conservative group. Conversely, graft survival in the EVT group was 100 %. CONCLUSION: The long-term outcomes of HAS after pLT are excellent. Both EVT and conservative management exhibited high graft survival rates for late HAS, with EVT achieving high technical success.

Fatal Hyperacute Liver Failure due to Varicella Zoster Virus Immediately After Living-Donor Liver Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Although acute hepatitis caused by varicella zoster virus mostly develops in immunocompromised patients, hyperacute liver failure is very rare. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports on liver transplant patients. METHODS: We report the first case of fatal hyperacute liver failure due to varicella zoster virus immediately after living-donor liver transplantation without cutaneous lesions and review the literature. RESULT: The present case exhibited rapid development and progression of acute liver failure from postoperative days 11-13, despite being seropositive for varicella zoster virus but unvaccinated and on immunosuppression before transplantation. Especially in solid organ transplantation, only six cases of severe acute liver failure that included hepatic encephalopathy and/or impaired consciousness and sudden extremely high (> 4000 U/L) serum aspartate aminotransferase levels have been reported in heart, lung, and kidney transplant patients. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of hyperacute liver failure due to varicella zoster virus is challenging because the disease progresses rapidly and skin lesions are absent.

Incidence and risk factors of de novo hepatitis E virus infection after receiving liver transplantation.

Organ transplant recipients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection bears high risk to develop chronic hepatitis, which is generally associated with immunosuppressive therapies. This study aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of de novo HEV infection in patients after receiving transplantation. We performed a large retrospective study to investigate the prevalence of anti-HEV at baseline, incidence of de novo HEV infection after transplantation, and the risk factors of HEV infection among patients with liver transplant in China. A total of 407 liver transplant recipients were examined for the presence of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G, IgM antibodies, and HEV RNA in serum. Basal indexes in individuals with evidence of post-transplant HEV infection were compared with those without evidence of that, and risk factors associated with HEV infection were assessed. The prevalence of anti-HEV at pretransplant in liver transplant recipients was 25.8% (105/407). Serum-negative conversion occurred in 34 (32.38%) of 105 liver transplant patients. Sixty-five out of 302 patients had de novo HEV infection after transplantation, with a cumulative incidence of 42.74% during follow-up. After transplantation, HEV infection was associated with liver failure (p = 0.012), hypoproteinemia (p = 0.030) and higher level of r-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.022) before transplantation. Graft rejection (OR = 0.075; p = 0.045) was negatively associated with serum-negative conversion in patients who had positive anti-HEV antibody before transplantation. The incidence of de novo HEV infection after transplantation were higher in China. Liver failure, hypoproteinemia, and GGT elevation may be associated with HEV infection after liver transplantation. This study suggests that prevention and control of HEV infection after liver transplantation should be paid attention in patients bearing these risk factors.

Plasma exchange does not improve overall survival in patients with acute liver failure in a real world cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Therapeutic plasma exchange (PEX) has emerged as a potential treatment option for patients with acute liver failure (ALF). The effect of PEX on survival outcomes outside of clinical trials is not yet well established. In this study we aimed to evaluate the real-world use and outcomes of PEX for the treatment of ALF. METHODS: This multicentre retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with ALF admitted to all 7 tertiary liver transplant centres in the United Kingdom (UK) between June 2013 and December 2021. Changes in clinical variables following PEX treatment was assessed and overall survival and transplant free survival (TFS) to hospital discharge of patients receiving PEX were compared to those receiving standard medical therapy (SMT). Propensity score matching was performed to control for intergroup covariates and selection bias. RESULTS: We included 378 patients with ALF (median (IQR) age 36 (28-48), 64% (n=242) female) of which 120 received PEX. There was a significant improvement in most clinical variables following PEX, including median dose of noradrenaline (reduction from 0.35 µg/kg/min (0.19 - 0.70 µg/kg/min) to 0.16 µg/kg/min (0.08 - 0.49) (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between PEX and SMT groups in overall survival (51.4 % v 62.6 % respectively, p = 0.12) or TFS (42.6 % v 53.1 %, p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: PEX is now frequently used in the management of ALF patients in the UK. It is associated with significant improvement in haemodynamic parameters but there is no survival benefit.

Epidemiology of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Including Increasing Burden in Young Adults and Females Especially Since Covid-19 Pandemic.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) was already on the rise globally when the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 further accelerated this trend. ALD has emerged as the leading cause for liver transplantation in the United States. The pandemic has not only intensified the prevalence of ALD but has also highlighted significant disparities in its impact, particularly, among young adults and women. This review aims to dissect the complex landscape of ALD, focusing on gender, race, and emerging risk factors in the context of the current global health crisis.

Liver Transplantation in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: Current Status and Future Landscape.

Alcohol-associated liver disease is a well-validated indication for liver transplantation and recent data have refined the patterns of alcohol consumption and their impact on the pre-LT and post-LT periods. The selection process is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates liver and addiction parameters. The present review analyzes the drivers of outcome and alcohol relapse and focuses on the changing paradigm in terms of access to the waiting list.