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Purpose@#Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT) with an incidence rate of 5% to 46%. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for IH development after LT in the era of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors use. @*Methods@#Data on patients who underwent LT between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups (IH group and non-IH group) according to the postoperative occurrence of IH. @*Results@#We analyzed data from 878 patients during the study period, with 28 patients (3.2%) developing IH. According to multivariate analysis, body mass index exceeding 25 kg/m² and the use of mTOR inhibitors within the first month after LT were the sole significant factors for both IH occurrence and the subsequent need for repair operations. Notably, a history of wound complications, a Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and the timing of LT—whether conducted during regular hours or at night—did not emerge as significant risk factors for IH after LT. @*Conclusion@#Our study reveals a higher incidence of IH among obese patients following LT, often requiring surgical repair, particularly in cases involving mTOR inhibitor usage within the initial month after LT. Consequently, it is crucial to exercise increased vigilance, especially in obese patients, and exercise caution when considering early mTOR inhibitor administration after LT.
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Background@#Due to impaired cell-mediated immunity, solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients are at increased risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, the clinical course of NTM-PD in SOT patients and the impact of SOT on the prognosis of NTM-PD remain unclear. @*Methods@#We analyzed patients who developed NTM-PD after receiving SOT between January 2001 and December 2020, at a tertiary referral hospital in South Korea. Baseline characteristics, clinical course, and prognosis were evaluated. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to assess the impact of SOT on long-term survival in patients with NTM-PD. @*Results@#Among 4,685 SOT recipients over 20 years, 12 patients (median age, 64 years;interquartile range [IQR], 59–67 years; men, 66.7%) developed NTM-PD. Seven (58.3%) and five (41.7%) patients underwent kidney and liver transplantation, respectively, before the diagnosis of NTM-PD. The incidence of NTM-PD was 35.6 cases per 100,000 person-years among kidney transplant recipients and 28.7 cases per 100,000 person-years among liver transplant recipients. The median time between transplantation and the diagnosis of NTMPD was 3.3 (IQR, 1.5–10.8) years. The most common mycobacterial species was Mycobacterium avium (50.0%). Antibiotic treatment was initiated in five (41.7%) patients, and two patients (40.0%) achieved microbiological cure. Two patients died during a median follow-up of 4.2 (IQR, 2.3–8.8) years and NTM-PD was assumed to be the cause of death in one patient. When matched to patients without a history of SOT, patients with a history of SOT did not show worse survival (P value for log-rank test = 0.62). @*Conclusion@#The clinical course of NTM-PD in SOT recipients was comparable to that of patients without SOT, and SOT did not increase the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with NTM-PD.
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Purpose@#Liver grafts from donors with HBV infection contributed to expanding the donor pool under the hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral agents (nucleos(t)ide analogues) in the HBV-endemic area. We report long-term outcomes of liver transplantations (LTs) using grafts from donors with active or chronic HBV infection. @*Methods@#Overall, 2,260 LTs performed in 3 major hospitals in Seoul from January 2000 to April 2019 were assessed for inclusion. Twenty-six grafts (1.2%) were obtained from HBsAg (+), HBeAb (+), or HBcAb (+) donors, and recipient outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Donor and recipient demographics and transplantation outcomes were analyzed. @*Results@#Sixteen deceased donor LTs were performed using active HBsAg (+) grafts. Ten other LTs were sourced from 10 living donors. There was no significant difference in survival in patients who received deceased donor LTs compared with that in those who underwent LT with non–hepatitis virus-infected grafts. Fourteen patients who were followed up for >5 years were stable, and no difference in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence rate was observed 5 years after transplantation between transplants from donors with and those without HBV. @*Conclusion@#Considering long-term outcomes, liver grafts from donors with active HBV replication can be safely used for LT.
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Purpose@#Total necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) achieved via locoregional treatment (LRT) is considered to indicate a lack of tumor viability. Nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence of recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) in patients with such a status. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of patients diagnosed with totally necrotic nodules upon explant hepatectomy after LT. @*Methods@#We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with totally necrotic nodules after LT for HCC. A total of 165 patients with HCC who underwent living- or deceased-donor LT from 2000 to 2020 in our hospital were included. @*Results@#A total of 5 patients (3.0%) exhibited HCC recurrence during a median follow-up of 84 months (range, 4–243 months) after LT. The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates of these patients were 92.8% and 92.2%, respectively. Four patients in the HCC-recurrence group (80.0%) died even after further treatment, including transarterial chemoembolization, surgery, and systemic treatment. Both univariate and multivariate analyses of clinicopathological factors identified a maximum diameter of the totally necrotic nodules of >5 cm as the only factor associated with tumor recurrence following LT (P = 0.005 and P = 0.009, respectively). @*Conclusion@#Total necrosis of HCC via LRT yielded excellent survival outcomes for patients undergoing LT. Nevertheless, patients with large tumors should be considered at high risk of recurrence after LT, suggesting the need for their active surveillance during the follow-up period.
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Purpose@#An increasing number of older patients now undergo liver transplantation (LT). Although the overall outcomes in older patients are not different from those of younger patients, there is no tool to predict LT prognosis in older patients.We hypothesized that a modified Charlson comorbidity index (mCCI) and 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) can predict outcomes in older patients after LT. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 155 patients (aged >65 years) who underwent LT at Seoul National University Hospital. The recipients were subcategorized into 2 groups based on the mCCI score and mFI-5: the low (0–1) and high (2–5) mCCI groups, and low (≤0.4) and high (>0.4) mFI-5 groups. The independent effect of each variable on post-LT survival was determined using the mCCI subgroup, age at transplantation, sex, Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, and mFI-5 subgroup. @*Results@#The high-mCCI group (41 patients) showed significantly lower 1- and 3-month and 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival than the low-mCCI group. Using the Cox regression model, the mCCI, sex, and MELD score remained significant. The mFI-5 was not a significant factor to predict patients’ survival. @*Conclusion@#The mCCI and MELD scores could be used to predict post-LT survival in older patients.
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Purpose@#The tablet form of tacrolimus is more convenient for drug ingestion than the capsule form. We examined the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus tablets and a satisfaction survey after formula conversion in liver transplant (LT) recipients. @*Methods@#This study was an open-label, prospective clinical trial for tacrolimus formula 1:1 conversion from capsule to tablet in 41 adult LT recipients with tacrolimus maintenance therapy of more than 1 month. The primary endpoint was incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) within 24 weeks. Surveys 1 week before and 4 weeks after formula conversion were conducted for total daily dose of medication, number, scale of discomfort and satisfaction. @*Results@#The overall incidence of BPAR was 0% and there was no graft loss or patient death. The incidence of adverse effects was 34.1% (n = 14) after formula conversion. The most common severe adverse effect was abnormal liver function test (n = 5): biliary complications (n = 4) and alcoholic recidivism (n = 1). Total daily dose and number of tacrolimus doses were significantly lower after formula conversion (P < 0.05) without changes in trough level. According to survey analysis, there was no significant difference in discomfort and satisfaction scales from capsule to tablet conversion (P < 0.05). @*Conclusion@#The present study suggests that the new tablet formula can be a useful treatment option to maintain a consistent level of tacrolimus with a lower total daily dose and number in adult LT recipients.
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Purpose@#Analyses on pure laparoscopy in donor hepatectomies, including the middle hepatic vein (MHV), are still scarce. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of donor right hepatectomy, including the MHV, when performed laparoscopically with conventional open surgery. @*Methods@#Data from living donors who underwent donor right hepatectomy between January 2012 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The intraoperative and postoperative complication rates of the pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) with MHV inclusion (PLDRHM) group were compared with the conventional open donor right hepatectomy with MHV inclusion (CDRHM) group and the PLDRH without MHV inclusion [PLDRHM(–)] group. @*Results@#Compared to the CDRHM group, the PLDRHM group had a longer bench time (P < 0.001) and higher Δ%,calculated as [(preoperative value – postoperative value)/preoperative value] × 100, of AST (P < 0.001), ALT (P < 0.001), and total bilirubin (P = 0.023), but shorter hospital stay (P = 0.004) and a lower rate of complications (P = 0.005). Compared to the PLDRHM(–) group, the PLDRHM group had fewer male donors (P < 0.001) and a lower body mass index (P < 0.001), estimated total liver volume (P < 0.001), and real graft weight (P < 0.001). Results of laboratory changes, hospital stays, and complication rates were similar between the 2 groups. @*Conclusion@#PLDRH with the inclusion of the MHV in selected donors and recipients is feasible and safe when performed by surgeons experienced in laparoscopic surgery, with favorable complication rates compared to CDRHM and PLDRHM(–).
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Purpose@#The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) according to tumor size using a large, nationwide cancer registry-based cohort and propensity score matching. @*Methods@#From 2008 to 2015, a total of 12,139 patients were diagnosed with liver cancer and registered in the Korean Primary Liver Cancer Registry. Patients without distant metastasis who underwent hepatectomy as a primary treatment were selected. We performed 1:1 propensity score matching between the small (<5 cm), large (≥5 cm and <10 cm), and huge (≥10 cm) groups. @*Results@#Overall, 265 patients in the small and large groups were compared, and 64 patients each in the large and huge groups were compared. The overall and progression-free survival rates were significantly lower in the large group than in the small group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Overall survival tended to be poorer in the huge group than in the large group (P = 0.051). The progression-free survival rate was significantly lower in the huge group than in the large group (P = 0.002). @*Conclusion@#Although primary liver resection can be considered even in patients with huge HCC, greater caution with careful screening for recurrence is needed.
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Purpose@#Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has various characteristics according to anatomical, histologic classifications, and its prognoses are different. This study aimed to compare oncologic outcomes according to tumor location (second bile duct confluence) and evaluate the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy. @*Methods@#Clinical data of 318 patients who underwent curative resection for ICC was reviewed. Central type ICC (C-ICC) and peripheral type ICC (P-ICC) were defined when the tumor invades the intrahepatic secondary biliary confluence and when located more peripherally, respectively. @*Results@#A larger tumor size, higher rate of elevated CA 19-9 level, vascular invasion, R1 resection, advanced T stage, and lymph node metastasis were found in C-ICC. C-ICC had poorer overall survival (median, 33 months vs. 58 months; P = 0.001), and the difference was more prominent in the early stage. C-ICC had a higher recurrence rate (68.7% vs. 55.1%, P = 0.014); otherwise, there was no difference in the recurrence patterns. There were no survival benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy in the entire cohort, but there were benefits in advanced stages (T3–4, N1 stage), especially in C-ICC. @*Conclusion@#C-ICC has more aggressive tumor characteristics and poor survival compared to P-ICC. Adjuvant chemotherapy seems to have survival benefits in the advanced stages, especially in the central type.
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Purpose@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in acute cellular rejection (ACR) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). @*Methods@#All consecutive patients who underwent ABO-compatible (ABOc) LDLT from September 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. NLR was calculated on 3 occasions; (1) 4 weeks prior to liver transplantation (LT), (2) the day of LT, and (3) the day before liver biopsy. @*Results@#Among 66 patients who underwent ABOc LDLT, ACR was identified in 15 patients (22.7%) on protocol liver biopsy performed routinely on the postoperative day 7. There was no significant difference in NLR at 4 weeks prior to LT and the day of LT between no-ACR and ACR group (2.98 ± 1.92 vs. 2.54 ± 1.15, P = 0.433; 17.9 ± 8.31 vs. 20.5 ± 13.4, P = 0.393). However, NLR was significantly lower in ACR group compared to non-ACR group just prior to liver biopsy (5.82 ± 3.42 vs. 18.4 ± 17.2, P = 0.035). NLR tends to decrease 3.5 days before the onset of ACR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for optimal cut-off value of NLR was 6.49, with sensitivity and specificity of 80.4% and 73.3% respectively. @*Conclusion@#NLR has a potential as a noninvasive predictor of early ACR in ABOc LDLT.
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Background@#Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, is an immunosuppressant used in post-transplantation maintenance therapy. The drug has a narrow therapeutic range and requires periodic therapeutic drug monitoring. Although many studies have reported the effects of intrapatient variability of tacrolimus on survival, rejection, and complications in renal transplant recipients, very few studies have reported these effects in liver transplant recipients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intrapatient variability of tacrolimus on clinical outcomes after liver transplantation. @*Methods@#Intrapatient variability was calculated using individual, averaged tacrolimus concentrations. Patients were divided into two groups according to their median variability value:high-variability and low-variability groups. The rate of deviation from the therapeutic range, incidence of acute rejection, posttransplant diabetes, incidence of infection, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after transplantation were compared between the groups. @*Results@#Of the total patients (n=82), the high-variability group (n=41) exhibited significantly greater deviation from the therapeutic range (65.92% vs. 56.84%; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in acute rejection or posttransplantation diabetes incidence or eGFR; however, the number of infection in the first 6 months was significantly lower in the low-variability group (0.4 vs. 0.9 times; p=0.039). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of infection significantly increased as intrapatient variability increased (p=0.015). @*Conclusion@#High intrapatient variability in tacrolimus concentrations was strongly associated with an increased frequency of deviation from the suggested therapeutic range and an increased number of infection.
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Background@#Prevention of osteoporosis and bone fracture is one of the important issues for liver transplant recipients because a long history of liver disease and lifelong use of immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids, may cause these diseases. In this study, we aimed to analyze liver recipient bone status, 10-year fracture risk, and medication history. @*Methods@#The electronic medical records of adult patients aged >40 years who received liver transplantation at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2009 and June 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. On the basis of their bone mineral density and fracture history, their fracture risks were analyzed using the Korean fracture risk assessment tool. @*Results@#A total of 57 liver transplant recipients were treated with corticosteroids during a mean of 8.8 months after transplantation. 30 patients (52.6%) showed bone metabolism dysfunction such as osteopenia or osteoporosis. The 10-year femoral fracture risk was 2.1%, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry monitoring was performed, including right before liver transplantation every 27.5±19.2 months. The mean femoral bone mineral density decreased by −7.2%±7.3%. Four patients (7.0%) had a fracture after liver transplantation. Osteoporotic fracture occurred in 3 patients with osteoporosis (25.0%). Among the osteopenia patients with moderate fracture risk who were not treated with bisphosphonate, 1 patient (12.5%) had a history of bone fracture after liver transplantation. @*Conclusions@#Considering the deterioration of bone density and moderate fracture risk, medication for osteoporosis should be prescribed to liver transplant recipients with regular monitoring of bone density after transplantation.
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Background@#Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor, is an immunosuppressant used in post-transplantation maintenance therapy. The drug has a narrow therapeutic range and requires periodic therapeutic drug monitoring. Although many studies have reported the effects of intrapatient variability of tacrolimus on survival, rejection, and complications in renal transplant recipients, very few studies have reported these effects in liver transplant recipients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intrapatient variability of tacrolimus on clinical outcomes after liver transplantation. @*Methods@#Intrapatient variability was calculated using individual, averaged tacrolimus concentrations. Patients were divided into two groups according to their median variability value:high-variability and low-variability groups. The rate of deviation from the therapeutic range, incidence of acute rejection, posttransplant diabetes, incidence of infection, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after transplantation were compared between the groups. @*Results@#Of the total patients (n=82), the high-variability group (n=41) exhibited significantly greater deviation from the therapeutic range (65.92% vs. 56.84%; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in acute rejection or posttransplantation diabetes incidence or eGFR; however, the number of infection in the first 6 months was significantly lower in the low-variability group (0.4 vs. 0.9 times; p=0.039). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of infection significantly increased as intrapatient variability increased (p=0.015). @*Conclusion@#High intrapatient variability in tacrolimus concentrations was strongly associated with an increased frequency of deviation from the suggested therapeutic range and an increased number of infection.
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Background@#Prevention of osteoporosis and bone fracture is one of the important issues for liver transplant recipients because a long history of liver disease and lifelong use of immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids, may cause these diseases. In this study, we aimed to analyze liver recipient bone status, 10-year fracture risk, and medication history. @*Methods@#The electronic medical records of adult patients aged >40 years who received liver transplantation at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2009 and June 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. On the basis of their bone mineral density and fracture history, their fracture risks were analyzed using the Korean fracture risk assessment tool. @*Results@#A total of 57 liver transplant recipients were treated with corticosteroids during a mean of 8.8 months after transplantation. 30 patients (52.6%) showed bone metabolism dysfunction such as osteopenia or osteoporosis. The 10-year femoral fracture risk was 2.1%, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry monitoring was performed, including right before liver transplantation every 27.5±19.2 months. The mean femoral bone mineral density decreased by −7.2%±7.3%. Four patients (7.0%) had a fracture after liver transplantation. Osteoporotic fracture occurred in 3 patients with osteoporosis (25.0%). Among the osteopenia patients with moderate fracture risk who were not treated with bisphosphonate, 1 patient (12.5%) had a history of bone fracture after liver transplantation. @*Conclusions@#Considering the deterioration of bone density and moderate fracture risk, medication for osteoporosis should be prescribed to liver transplant recipients with regular monitoring of bone density after transplantation.
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PURPOSE: To evaluate superiority of a night float (NF) system in comparison to a traditional night on-call (NO) system for surgical residents at a single institution in terms of efficacy, safety, and satisfaction. METHODS: A NF system was implemented from March to September 2017 and big data analysis from electronic medical records was performed for all patients admitted for surgery or contacted from the emergency room (ER). Parameters including vital signs, mortality, and morbidity rates, as well as promptness of response to ER calls, were compared against a comparable period (March to September 2016) during which a NO system was in effect. A survey was also performed for physicians and nurses who had experienced both systems. RESULTS: A total of 150,000 clinical data were analyzed. Under the NO and NF systems, a total of 3,900 and 3,726 patients were admitted for surgery. Mortality rates were similar but postoperative bleeding was significantly higher in the NO system (0.5% vs. 0.2%, P = 0.031). From the 1,462 and 1,354 patients under the NO and NF systems respectively, that required surgical consultation from the ER, the time to response was significantly shorter in the NF system (54.5 ± 70.7 minutes vs. 66.8 ± 83.8 minutes, P < 0.001). Both physicians (90.4%) and nurses (91.4%) agreed that the NF system was more beneficial. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a NF system using big data analysis in Korea, and potential benefits of this new system were observed in both ward and ER patient management.
Subject(s)
Humans , Electronic Health Records , Emergency Service, Hospital , Hemorrhage , Internship and Residency , Korea , Medical Staff , Mortality , Statistics as Topic , Vital SignsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) has been widely performed for solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) involving the body or tail of the pancreas. However, it has not been established whether spleen preservation in LDP is oncologically safe for the treatment of SPN with malignant potential. In this study, we compared the short- and long-term outcomes between patients with SPN who underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) vs laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 46 patients with SPN who underwent LDP between January 2005 and November 2016. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to spleen preservation: the LSPDP group (n=32) and the LDPS group (n=14). Clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in pathologic variables, including tumor size, tumor location, node status, angiolymphatic invasion, or perineural invasion between groups. Median operating time was significantly longer in the LSPDP group vs the LDPS group (243 vs 172 minutes; p=0.006). Estimated intraoperative blood loss was also significantly greater in the LSPDP group (310 vs 167 ml; p=0.063). There were no significant differences in incidence of postoperative complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo class IIIa) or pancreatic fistula between groups. After a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 3S153 months), there was no recurrence or disease-specific mortality in either group. CONCLUSION: The results show that LSPDP is an oncologically safe procedure for SPN involving the body or tail of the pancreas.
Subject(s)
Humans , Follow-Up Studies , Incidence , Medical Records , Mortality , Pancreas , Pancreatectomy , Pancreatic Fistula , Postoperative Complications , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Spleen , Splenectomy , TailABSTRACT
Since multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a standard treatment for gallbladder (GB) disease, a single incision laparoscopic surgical technique has been tried to decrease the surgical site pain and achieve a better cosmetic out come in selected patients. The development of devices dedicated for single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is expanding the indication of this single incision laparoscopic technique to more complicated GB diseases. Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is one of the complex uncommon gallstone diseases in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Because the laparoscopic procedure has become a routine treatment for cholecystectomy, several studies have reported their experience with the laparoscopic technique for the treatment of MS with a comparable outcome in Csendes type I or II. Because the indication for SILC cholecystectomy is expanded to more complicated GB conditions, and the desire of patients for a less painful, better cosmetic surgical outcome has increased, our medical center used this single incision laparoscopic surgical technique for MS Csendes types I and II patients. Here, we report 2 successful cases of SILC for patients with MS types I and II without significant morbidity.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cholecystectomy , Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic , Cholecystitis , Gallbladder , Gallstones , Mirizzi SyndromeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: With improvements in the survival of liver transplantation (LT) recipients, the focus is shifting to patient quality of life (QOL), and employment is an important factor in aiding the social reintegration of LT patients. This study aims to evaluate the current employment status of liver graft recipients and various factors that may hinder reemployment. METHODS: Fifty patients above age 18 who underwent either living or deceased donor LT at a single center from March 2009 to July 2016 were interviewed during their visit to the outpatient clinic. The internally developed questionnaire consisted of 10 items. The Karnofsky Performance Scale and EQ-5D were used to evaluate patient function and QOL. RESULTS: A total of 25 (50%) patients returned to work after transplantation (the working group), and 21 (84%) patients in the working group returned to work within the first year after transplantation. In the non-working group (n=25), 17 (68%) answered that their health was the reason for unemployment. Fatigue and weakness were the most frequent symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The data shows that as many as 50% of total patients returned to work after receiving LT. Fatigue and weakness were the most common complaints of the unemployed group, and resolving the causes of these symptoms may help to increase the employment rate.
Subject(s)
Humans , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Employment , Fatigue , Liver Transplantation , Liver , Quality of Life , Tissue Donors , Transplants , UnemploymentABSTRACT
Primary combined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare entity, and so is hypercalcemia due to ectopic parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by tumor. A 44-year-old man with hepatitis B virus associated chronic liver disease presented with a hepatic mass. Hemihepatectomy discovered the mass as combined HCC and poorly differentiated cholangiocarcinoma. During adjuvant chemoradiation therapy, he presented with nausea, and multiple systemic metastases were found. Laboratory tests revealed hypercalcemia with markedly elevated PTH and neuron specific enolase. Parathyroid scan showed normal uptake in parathyroid glands, suggestive of ectopic PTH secretion. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry of neuroendocrine marker was performed on the primary lesion, and confirmed the neuroendocrine differentiation in non-HCC component. The patient died 71 days after surgery. This report may suggest the possibility of ectopic PTH secretion by neuroendocrine carcinoma of hepatic origin causing hypercalcemia. Caution for neuroendocrine differentiation should be exercised when diagnosing poorly differentiated HCC.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine , Cholangiocarcinoma , Hepatitis B virus , Hypercalcemia , Immunohistochemistry , Liver , Liver Diseases , Nausea , Neoplasm Metastasis , Parathyroid Glands , Parathyroid Hormone , Phosphopyruvate HydrataseABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) 2 is a glutathione conjugate in the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes. Early graft damage after liver transplantation (LT) can result in alteration of MRP2 expression. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the pattern of MRP2 alteration and graft outcome. METHODS: Forty-one paraffin-embedded liver graft tissues obtained by protocol biopsy within 2 months after LT; these were stained using monoclonal antibodies of MRP2. We selected 15 live donor biopsy samples as a control, that showed homogenous canalicular staining for MRP2. The pattern of canalicular MRP2 staining of graft was classified into 3 types: homogenous (type C0), focal (type C1), and no (type C2,) staining of the canaliculi. RESULTS: In total, 17.1% graft tissues were type C0, 36.6% were type C1, and 46.3% were type C2. The median operation time was longer in patients with type C2 (562.6 minutes) than in patients with type C0 (393.8 minutes) (P = 0.038). The rates of posttransplant complications were higher in patients with type C2 (100%) than in patients with type C0 (42.9%) and C1 (73.3%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MRP2 expression pattern was altered in 82.9% after LT. The pattern of MRP2 alteration was associated with longer operation time and higher rates of post-LT complications.