Impact of probe-induced abdominal compression on two-dimensional shear wave elastography measurement of split liver transplants in children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of probe-induced abdominal compression of split liver transplants (SLT) in children on 2D-shear wave elastography (SWE) values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 11 children (4.7 ±â€Š4.8 years) who had undergone SLT and SWE were evaluated retrospectively. Elastograms were obtained with probes placed in an epigastric, midline position on the abdominal wall, with no and slight compression, using convex and linear transducers. For each identically positioned probe and condition, 12 serial elastograms were obtained and the SLT diameter was measured. Liver stiffness and degree of SLT compression were compared. RESULTS: Slight probe pressure resulted in SLT compression, with a shorter distance between the cutis and the posterior margin of the liver transplant than in the measurement with no pressure (curved array, 5.0 ±â€Š1.1 vs. 5.9 ±â€Š1.3 cm, mean compression 15 %±â€Š8 %; linear array, 4.7 ±â€Š0.9 vs. 5.3 ±â€Š1.0 cm, mean compression 12 %±â€Š8 %; both p < 0.0001). The median liver stiffness was significantly greater with slight pressure than with no pressure (curved transducer, 13.38 ±â€Š3.0 vs. 7.02 ±â€Š1.7 kPa, p < 0.0001; linear transducer, 18.53 ±â€Š7.1 vs. 9.03 ±â€Š1.5 kPa, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Slight abdominal compression can significantly increase SWE values in children with left-lateral SLT. To obtain meaningful results and reduce operator dependency in free-hand examinations, probe pressure must be controlled carefully. KEY POINTS: · Probe-induced compression can increase elastography values in split liver transplants in children. · In free-hand examination, probe pressure must be controlled carefully. · Pressure loading can be determined indirectly by the anteroposterior transplant diameter. CITATION FORMAT: · Groth M, Fischer L, Herden U et al. Impact of probe-induced abdominal compression on two-dimensional shear wave elastography measurement of split liver transplants in children. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2023; 195: 905 - 912.

Protocol Biopsies in Pediatric Liver Transplantation Recipients Improve Graft Histology and Personalize Immunosuppression.

OBJECTIVES: Protocol liver biopsies (PLBs) are part of the follow-up program at many pediatric liver transplant centers, but the impact on clinical decision-making and allograft histology following adjustments of immunosuppression (IS) after PLB has not been thoroughly analyzed. METHODS: Following our previous single-center cohort study, we have now evaluated histological findings of 178 PLBs of 118 pediatric patients transplanted at our center between 1998 and 2017. In particular, we focused on the changes in allograft histology in the follow-up biopsy of a subgroup of 22 patients, in which the histologic findings led to an adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy. All biopsies of this sub-study group were reevaluated by an experienced pathologist. RESULTS: The overall frequency and severity of fibrosis increased over time after orthotopic liver transplantation. Patients with donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) had a higher prevalence of fibrosis than DSA-negative patients. Graft inflammation decreased significantly after intensifying IS, but renal function needs to be monitored. A significant increase in fibrosis was detected in children with reduced IS. CONCLUSION: The adjustment of IS following PLBs has a significant impact on allograft histology. Since chronic inflammatory changes may lead to graft failure, adjustment of IS seems to be of major importance for the long-term outcome.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Adjuvant Chemotherapy With Gemcitabine After Liver Transplantation for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma - A Multi-Center, Randomized, Controlled Trial (pro-duct001).

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is considered a therapeutic option for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) within defined criteria. It remains uncertain whether patients can safely receive adjuvant chemotherapy after LT. Methods: We performed a prospective, multi-center, randomized, non-blinded two-arm trial (pro-duct001). Patients after LT for unresectable PHC within defined criteria were randomized to adjuvant gemcitabine (LT-Gem group) and LT alone (LT alone group). The primary objective was to investigate if adjuvant chemotherapy is feasible in ≥ 85% of patients after LT. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients completing the 24 weeks course of adjuvant chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and disease-free (DFS), and complication rates. Results: Twelve patients underwent LT for PHC, of which six (50%) were eligible for randomization (LT-Gem: three patients, LT alone: three patients). Two out of three patients discontinued adjuvant chemotherapy after LT due to intolerance. The study was prematurely terminated due to slow enrollment. One patient with PHC had underlying primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Tumor-free margins could be achieved in all patients. In both the LT-Gem and the LT alone group, the cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and DFS rates were 100%, 100%, 67%, and 100%, 67% and 67%, respectively. Conclusions: This prospective, multi-center study was prematurely terminated due to slow enrollment and a statement on the defined endpoints cannot be made. Nevertheless, long-term survival data are consistent with available retrospective data and confirm defined criteria for LT. Since more evidence of LT per se in unresectable PHC is urgently needed, a prospective, non-randomized follow-up study (pro-duct002) has since been launched.

Impact of donor-specific antibodies on long-term graft survival with pediatric liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: In a previous paper, we reported a high prevalence of donor-specific antibody (DSA) in pediatric patients with chronic rejection and expressed the need for confirmation of these findings in a larger cohort. AIM: To clarify the importance of DSAs on long-term graft survival in a larger cohort of pediatric patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 123 pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients who participated in yearly follow-ups including Luminex testing for DSA at our center. The cohort was split into two groups according to the DSA status (DSA-positive n = 54, DSA-negative n = 69). Groups were compared with regard to liver function, biopsy findings, graft survival, need for re-LT and immunosuppressive medication. RESULTS: DSA-positive pediatric patients showed a higher prevalence of chronic rejection (P = 0.01), fibrosis (P < 0.001) and re-transplantation (P = 0.018) than DSA-negative patients. Class II DSAs particularly influenced graft survival. Alleles DQ2, DQ7, DQ8 and DQ9 might serve as indicators for the risk of chronic rejection and/or allograft fibrosis. Mean fluorescence intensity levels and DSA number did not impact graft survival. Previous episodes of chronic rejection might lead to DSA development. CONCLUSION: DSA prevalence significantly affected long-term liver allograft performance and liver allograft survival in our cohort of pediatric LT. Screening for class II DSAs in combination with assessment of protocol liver biopsies for chronic antibody-mediated rejection improved early identification of patients at risk of graft loss.

Presence of donor specific HLA class 2 antibodies (DSA class 2) is associated with development of graft fibrosis more than 10 years after liver transplantation-a retrospective single center study.

Here the impact of donor specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class 2 antibodies (DSA cl 2) on long term outcome after liver transplantation (LT) was investigated. Altogether 156 (44 pediatric and 112 adult) LT recipients were included in the study. Graft fibrosis was assessed by liver elastography and biopsy. DSA cl 2 were determined by Luminex technology. 46% of LT recipients were positive for DSA cl 2 after a median follow-up of 15 years. In the multivariate analysis DSA cl 2 were significantly associated with immunosuppressive monotherapy (OR 5.42; 95% CI: 1.02-28.90; p = .048). Compared to DSA cl 2 negative patients, positive recipients had significantly more graft fibrosis based on the liver stiffness (mean 9.4 ± 9.0 kPa vs. 6.5 ± 6.3 kPa; p < .002) and fibrosis stages determined by liver elastography (p = .016) and the performed liver biopsies (p = .002). Also, a significantly higher incidence of chronic rejections (11% vs. 2%; p = .045) and graft losses (6% vs. 0%; p = .043) were found. In the multivariate regression analysis DSA cl 2 were significantly associated with graft fibrosis (OR 4.57; 95% CI 1.59-13.10; p = .005). So, these data suggest that development of DSA cl 2 occurs more often with immunosuppressive monotherapy and may ultimately result in chronic rejection and graft fibrosis.

Excellent Outcome Following Liver Transplantation for Hepatoblastoma Using an Extensive En Bloc Hepatectomy Technique.

BACKGROUND: Hepatoblastoma is a rare malignancy but the most common primary hepatic malignancy in childhood. Pediatric liver transplantation (LT) offers the possibility to achieve a complete resection in otherwise unresectable tumors. Almost no data are available regarding specific surgical technique of LT in children with hepatoblastoma. METHODS: We analyzed all children with hepatoblastoma and LT between 2007 and 2012. Special regard was given to the surgical technique and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Overall 7 children were transplanted with the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma (5 male, 2 female). Thereof, 4 children (median age was 11 months, range, 6-31 months) underwent "primary" LT for hepatoblastoma Pretreatment Extent of Disease III to IV. A 4-year-old boy received "salvage" LT for recurrent hepatoblastoma 2.5 years after successful liver resection. Another 15-year-old boy was transplanted as a prophylactic treatment after repeated liver resection for hepatoblastoma due to the high recurrence risk. A 14-year-old boy underwent LT due to complications following liver resection for hepatoblastoma during infancy. In all children, extensive en bloc hepatectomy was performed together with resection of the adjoining retroperitoneal tissue and regional lymphadenectomy. Actually, all children are alive without tumor recurrence median 7.1 years after LT (range, 5.7-10.7 years). CONCLUSION: Our data show an excellent long-term outcome in selected children with hepatoblastoma undergoing standardized en bloc hepatectomy for "primary" and "rescue" LT with 100% overall and recurrence-free survival.

Accuracy of Pretransplant Imaging Diagnostic for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective German Multicenter Study.

Selection and prioritization of patients with HCC for LT are based on pretransplant imaging diagnostic, taking the risk of incorrect diagnosis. According to the German waitlist guidelines, imaging has to be reported to the allocation organization (Eurotransplant) and pathology reports have to be submitted thereafter. In order to assess current procedures we performed a retrospective multicenter analysis in all German transplant centers with focus on accuracy of imaging diagnostic and tumor classification. 1168 primary LT for HCC were conducted between 2007 and 2013 in Germany. Patients inside the Milan, UCSF, and up-to-seven criteria were misclassified with definitive histologic results in 18%, 15%, and 11%, respectively. Patients pretransplant outside the Milan, UCSF, and up-to-seven criteria were otherwise misclassified in 34%, 43%, and 41%. Recurrence-free survival correlated with classification by posttransplant histological report, but not pretransplant imaging diagnostic. Univariate analysis revealed tumor size, vascular invasion, and grading as significant parameters for outcome, while tumor grading was the only parameter persisting by multivariate testing. Conclusion. There was a relevant percentage (15-40%) of patients misclassified by imaging diagnosis at a time prior to LI-RADS and guidelines to improve imaging of HCC. Outcome analysis showed a good correlation to histological, in contrast poor correlation to imaging diagnosis, suggesting an adjustment of the LT selection and prioritization criteria.

Factors associated with long-term survival after liver transplantation: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: To identify predictive factors associated with long-term patient and graft survival (> 15 years) in liver transplant recipients. METHODS: Medical charts of all de novo adult liver transplant recipients (n = 140) who were transplanted in Hamburg between 1997 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. In total, 155 transplantations were identified in this time period (15 re-transplantations). Twenty-six orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients were early lost to follow-up due to moving to other places within 1 year after transplantation. All remaining 114 patients were included in the analysis. The following recipient factors were analysed: Age, sex, underlying liver disease, pre-OLT body mass index (BMI), and levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, creatinine and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), as well as warm and cold ischemia times. Furthermore, the following donor factors were assessed: Age, BMI, cold ischemia time and warm ischemia time. All surviving patients were followed until December 2014. We divided patients into groups according to their underlying diagnosis: (1) hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 5, 4%); (2) alcohol toxic liver disease (n = 25, 22.0%); (3) primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 6, 5%); (4) autoimmune liver diseases (n = 7, 6%); (5) hepatitis C virus cirrhosis (n = 15, 13%); (6) hepatitis B virus cirrhosis (n = 21, 19%); and (7) other (n = 35, 31%). The group "other" included rare diagnoses, such as acute liver failure, unknown liver failure, stenosis and thrombosis of the arteria hepatica, polycystic liver disease, Morbus Osler and Caroli disease. RESULTS: The majority of patients were male (n = 70, 61%). Age and BMI at the time point of transplantation ranged from 16 years to 69 years (median: 53 years) and from 15 kg/m2 to 33 kg/m2 (median: 24), respectively. Sixty-six OLT recipients (58%) experienced a follow-up of 15 years after transplantation. Recipient's age (P = 0.009) and BMI (P = 0.029) were identified as risk factors for death by χ2-test. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed BMI or age above the median as predictors of decreased long-term survival (P = 0.008 and P = 0.020). Hepatitis B as underlying disease showed a trend for improved long-term survival (P = 0.049, χ2-test, P = 0.055; Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log rank). Pre-transplant bilirubin, creatinine, ALT and gamma-GT levels were not associated with survival in these patients of the pre-era of the model of end stage liver disease. CONCLUSION: The recipients' age and BMI were predictors of long-term survival after OLT, as well as hepatitis B as underlying disease. In contrast, donors' age and BMI were not associated with decreased survival. These findings indicate that recipient factors especially have a high impact on long-term outcome after liver transplantation.

Early Initiation of Everolimus After Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Evidence relating to early everolimus use after liver transplantation remains limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-one adult patients undergoing liver transplantation at our center during 2007-2012 in whom everolimus therapy was initiated <3 months post-transplant were analyzed retrospectively. Everolimus was started on days 1-5 in 50 patients (group 1) and after day 5 in 41 patients (group 2). Most patients continued to receive low-dose cyclosporine (59.3%, target 50-80 ng/ml) or low-dose tacrolimus (25.3%; target 3-5 ng/ml). Mean follow-up was 4.6 years. RESULTS: One-, three- and five-year patient survival rates were 80.5%, 74.2%, and 70.5%, respectively, and did not differ between groups 1 and 2. Six patients (6.6%) developed biopsy-proven acute rejection after a median of 47 days (range 27-356 days). Everolimus was discontinued due to adverse events in 21 patients (23.1%). Incisional hernia repair occurred in 14.0% and 9.4% of patients in group 1 and 2, respectively. Renal function remained stable during follow-up, despite poor baseline function. CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus with very low-dose calcineurin inhibitor given immediately after liver transplantation appears safe and effective, achieving a low rejection rate with well-preserved renal function.

Long-term Clinical Relevance of De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies After Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Anti-HLA antibodies and especially donor-specific antibodies (DSA) play a significant role in graft survival after solid organ transplantation. Their impact on long-term survival in adult liver transplantation (LT) is controversial, but they may be a risk factor. The effects of DSA after pediatric LT are still unclear. METHODS: We performed a retrospective evaluation of DSA in sera from 43 children who had received transplants at our tertiary center. Twenty-four patients had good long-term clinical and laboratory graft function (group 1), whereas 19 LT recipients suffered from histologically confirmed and clinically relevant chronic allograft rejection (group 2); 16 of these have already undergone retransplantation due to graft dysfunction. Inclusion criteria were availability of sera before the first LT to identify preformed antibodies in case of DSA positivity after LT and long-term follow-up at our institution. Sera were analyzed for anti-HLA antibodies using Luminex single antigen beads, where a mean fluorescence intensity value of more than 1500 was considered positive. RESULTS: The prevalence of DSA was 33% for group 1 and 68% for group 2. Antibodies were predominantly HLA class II. Values of mean fluorescence intensity were comparable in both groups. Only one of the DSA+ ve patients from group 1 exhibited preformed antibodies. In conclusion, pediatric patients with chronic rejection revealed a higher rate of de novo DSA, especially of HLA-class II DSA. Further studies are necessary to confirm these data with a larger pediatric cohort.

Is There a Role for Liver Transplantation in Non-Colorectal Liver Metastases?

Due to the high blood flow, especially blood from the intestinal tract via the portal vein, the liver is a preferred organ for metastases. In case of advanced, irresectable liver metastases liver transplantation (LTX) remains an attractive option. However, due to high recurrence rates or a lack of data, up to date, metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are the only accepted indication for LTX in non-colorectal liver metastases. In this regard, LTX is only justified in patients in which complete tumor resection (R0 resection) of the NET is achievable. A literature review revealed no clear patient selection criteria but transplantation should definitively achieve an R0 resection with complete freedom of tumor. The available data regarding the outcome following LTX for NETs show a comparable short- and long-term outcome for patients transplanted for other malignancies, e.g. hepatocellular carcinoma, or also benign indications in the high MELD (model for end-stage liver disease) era. Thus, most data prove a better post-transplant outcome and a lower recurrence rate in patients with a good differentiation of the tumor, a low proliferation index (Ki67), and a portal drainage of the NET.

Outcome of liver re-transplantation in children--impact and special analysis of early re-transplantation.

In case of graft failure, re-LTX is the only life-saving option but it has been associated with inferior results. This study analyzes the outcome following pediatric re-LTX with a main focus on the timely relation between initial transplant and re-LTX. All pediatric LTX at our institution between 2000 and 2010 divided into patients with primary LTX and patients undergoing re-LTX early (≤30 days) or late (>30 days) after previous LTX were analyzed. Two hundred and ninety-eight primary LTX(79%), 33 early (9%), and 46 late (12%) re-LTX were performed. Patient/graft survival was significantly worse for children undergoing early re-LTX compared to primary LTX and late re-LTX (p = 0.024/0.001 and p = 0.015/0.03). One-/five-yr graft survival rates were 66%/49% for early re-LTX compared to 86%/76% for late re-LTX and 90%/74% for primary LTX. The inferior results in children undergoing early re-LTX were due to events occurring in the first six months with similar survival thereafter. No difference in outcome was evident after adjustment of the groups for high-urgency status. Outcome was excellent for primary LTX and late re-LTX, supporting late re-LTX in children. Early re-LTX takes an elevated risk of early graft loss and patient death; however, beyond the early postoperative period, the outcome was comparable.

Successful outcome of severe Amanita phalloides poisoning in children.

Amanita phalloides intoxication can lead to FHF with high mortality, especially in children. There is still ongoing discussion about the optimal treatment and decision criteria for emergency liver transplantation (LTx). Here, we summarize our experience with outcomes in five children. Five children with severe A. phalloides intoxication were treated at our tertiary center from 1995 to 2010 and studied retrospectively with respect to clinical and laboratory aspects that might help to decide between LTx or conservative therapy only. The findings are discussed with regard to recommended treatment and transplantation criteria for adults. All patients survived, of whom two of five received emergency LTx. Three patients survived with conservative treatment consisting of intravenous silibinin, NAC, detoxification measures, and intensive care. Indications for LTx in two children were progressive brain edema and cardiovascular failure. Children with FHF due to A. phalloides intoxication should be considered early for emergency LTx but should be monitored closely for the necessity of definite LTx. Early detoxification with active charcoal as well as silibinin and NAC seems to improve the outcome. Late recovery of liver function after day 4 post-ingestion is possible.

Transcapsular arterial neovascularization of liver transplants increases the risk of intraoperative bleeding during retransplantation.

Arterial neovascularization of liver grafts can be a source of significant blood loss during retransplantation. This study evaluated the effect of transcapsular arterial neovascularization on intraoperative blood loss during retransplantation and long-term follow-up. Eleven consecutive patients with transcapsular arterial neovascularization (seven male, four female; nine children, two adults; mean age 12.3 ± 16.3 years) and the same number of matched control patients were analysed. Blood loss was calculated based on transfusion requirements. The volume of transfused units of red blood cells per kilogram bodyweight until hepatectomy and during the entire procedure was significantly higher in patients with neovascularization than in control patients (0.32 ± 0.21 vs. 0.14 ± 0.11, and 0.94 ± 0.83 vs. 0.36 ± 0.38 respectively; P-values 0.027). Neovascularization was associated with extensive intra-abdominal adhesions and a longer operating time until hepatectomy (175.6 ± 52.1 min vs. 124.3 ± 34.9 min, P-value 0.015). Postoperative revisions were performed more frequently in patients with neovessels. Graft survival did not differ between groups. Assessment for transcapsular arterial neovascularization should be included in preoperative Doppler ultrasound protocols to identify patients at risk of a complicated intra- and postoperative course in case of retransplantation.

Morbidity rate of reoperation in thyroid surgery: a different point of view.

BACKGROUND: Goitre recurrence is a common problem following subtotal thyroid gland resection for multinodular goitre disease. The aim of the present study was to evaluate morbidity rate in relation to the side of initial and redo-surgery for recurrent disease. METHODS: A total of 1699 patients underwent consecutive thyroid gland surgery between 1997 and 2010 at our institution. One hundred and eighteen patients (6.9%) underwent redo-surgery for recurrent disease after subtotal resection. One hundred and nine patients with complete follow-up were included in the present study. RESULTS: Recurrent disease was found in 79 patients (72.5%) in the ipsilateral lobe and in 30 patients (27.5%) in the contralateral lobe. The incidence of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was significantly higher in patients undergoing redo-surgery on the ipsilateral lobe compared to patients undergoing initial operation (3.8% vs. 1.1%; p = 0.03), whereas no difference was found in patients with contralateral redo-surgery compared to patients undergoing initial operation (p = 1.0). Independent risk factors for contralateral recurrent disease were age at primary operation <37 years (OR 4.86; 95% CI 1.58-15.01) and time to recurrence <20 years (OR 6.53; 95% CI 2.23-19.01). CONCLUSION: Morbidity rate for recurrent disease after subtotal resection was significantly higher for ipsilateral redo-surgery compared to initial surgery, whereas redo-surgery can be performed safely on the contralateral lobe. Young age at primary operation and short time to recurrence are independent risk factors for contralateral recurrent disease.

Intrathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism: are they frequent enough to guide surgical strategy?

BACKGROUND: Ectopic parathyroid adenoma, including intrathyroid adenoma, is a common cause of failed parathyroid operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative strategy/outcome in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), with special regard to intrathyroid adenomas. METHOD: The authors performed an analysis of all patients receiving operative treatment for pHPT from 2003 through 2005. The operative strategy consisted of systematic perithyroid exploration followed by extended cervical exploration in cases where the adenoma was not found initially. In cases of persistent, high intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels, hemithyroidectomy was performed on the side with higher suspicion of intrathyroid adenoma or with more extended thyroid changes. RESULTS: During the study, 115 patients received surgical treatment for sporadic pHPT. A single parathyroid adenoma (normal parathyroid position) was found in 95 patients (82.6%), ectopic single adenoma was found in 7 patients (6.1%), and double adenomas were found in 10 (8.7%) patients. Operative failure occurred in 3 cases (2.6%). In all, 4 of 7 ectopic single adenomas were intrathyroidal and were removed by hemithyroidectomy according to the authors' standard protocol. CONCLUSION: The strategy of (a) cervical exploration, (b) extended cervical exploration, and (c) hemithyroidectomy was highly successful for removing undetectable intrathyroid parathyroid adenomas during primary intervention, thereby reducing the risks associated with reintervention.

Monitoring of nuclear factor of activated T-cell-regulated gene expression in de novo and long-term liver transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine a.

Pharmacodynamic drug monitoring might allow an improved use of immunosuppressive medication in transplant recipients. We assessed whether drug concentrations reflect the effect of cyclosporine (CsA) on expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells-regulated cytokines. CsA drug concentrations and expression of interleukin-2, interferon-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in stimulated blood lymphocytes were determined predose (C0) and 2 hours after (C2) CsA intake in 20 de novo (less than 3 months) and 20 long-term (3 months to 10 years) liver transplant patients. The residual cytokine expression at C2 relative to C0 was calculated. Mean CsA C0 and C2 concentrations were 236 and 776 µg/L in de novo and 100 and 573 µg/L in long-term liver transplant patients, respectively. Two hours after CsA intake, the residual cytokine expression for all cytokines was comparable in both groups (de novo patients mean 16%; long-term patients mean 17%). CsA C2 concentrations showed a significant (P < 0.01) correlation with the residual cytokine expression of interleukin-2, interferon-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in both de novo and long-term patients, whereas CsA C0 concentrations did not. The data suggest that CsA C2 concentrations, but not C0 concentrations, reflect the effect of CsA on downregulation of cytokine expression in both de novo and long-term liver transplant patients.

Liver transplantation in children using organs from young paediatric donors.

Nowadays, most paediatric liver transplant recipients receive a split or other technical variant graft from adult deceased or live donors, because of a lack of available age- and size matched paediatric donors. Few data are available, especially for liver grafts obtained from very young children (<6 years). We analysed all paediatric liver transplantations between 1989 and 2009. Recipients were divided into five groups (1-5) depending on donor age (<1, ≥1 to <6, ≥6 to <16, ≥16 to <45, ≥45 years). Overall, 413 paediatric liver transplantations from deceased donors were performed; 1- and 5-year graft survival rates were 75%, 80%, 78%, 81%, 74% and 75%, 64%, 70%, 67%, 46%, and 1- and 5-year patient survival rates were 88%, 91%, 90%, 89%, 78% and 88%, 84%, 84%, 83%, 63% for groups 1-5, respectively, without significant difference. Eight children received organs from donors younger than 1 year and 45 children received organs from donors between 1 and 6 years of age. Overall, vascular complications occurred in 13.2% of patients receiving organs from donors younger than 6 years. Analysis of our data revealed that the usage of liver grafts from donors younger than 6 years is a safe procedure. The outcome was comparable with grafts from older donors with excellent graft and patient survival, even for donors younger than 1 year.