Tenofovir/entecavir monotherapy after hepatitis B immunoglobulin withdrawal is safe and effective in the prevention of hepatitis B in liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and a nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). However, use of lifelong HBIG has significant limitations. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) after withdrawal of HBIG in patients who had been under HBIG-regimen prophylaxis post LT. METHODS: Patients at low risk of recurrence were eligible for HBIG discontinuation (fulminant HBV hepatitis, co-infection with hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis B e antigen-negative cirrhotic patients with HBV DNA levels <300 copies/mL). All patients had received HBIG, with or without NA, for at least 12 months after LT. After HBIG discontinuation, they continued with ETV or TDF monotherapy. Patients were followed up with HBV serum markers and evaluation of renal function. RESULTS: Between September 2011 and June 2014, 58 liver transplant recipients were converted to TDF (31, 53%) or ETV (27, 47%). Mean follow-up after conversion was 28 ± 5 months (range 13-36 months). Five patients (8.6%) developed detectable hepatitis B surface antigen at 7, 9, 13, 15, and 22 months after HBIG discontinuation. However, in every case seroconversion was transitory, serum HBV DNA was undetectable, with no clinical manifestations of HBV recurrence. No adverse effects were observed or dose reductions required associated with ETV or TDF. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance therapy with newer NAs, after discontinuation of HBIG prophylaxis, was safe and effective, with a low rate of serological recurrence and no evident clinical, biochemical, or virological consequences.

Influence of antiviral therapy in the long-term outcome of recurrent hepatitis C virus infection following liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Severity of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in liver transplant recipients (LTR) is variable and the influence of different factors, including the administration of antiviral therapy in the long-term outcome is controversial. METHODS: We analyzed the outcome of a cohort of HCV-infected LTR who were transplanted in our institution. Patients were divided into 2 groups (severe and non-severe HCV disease) depending on the presence of a fibrosis score of F ≥ 2 in the Scheuer index and/or fibrosing cholestasic hepatitis (FCH) in a graft biopsy. Risk factors were studied using logistic regression analysis. Survival of patients was estimated using Kaplan-Meier plots. A total of 146 patients were followed for a mean of 58 months. RESULTS: Fifty-six (34%) patients developed severe HCV disease and showed shorter survival (P < 0.024). Donor age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.06) and pre-transplant viral load (VL) >10(6) UI/mL (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.42-10.61) were the only factors associated with severe HCV infection. Over-immunosuppression (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.41) was specifically associated with the development of FCH. Overall, patient survival in recipients who received a full course of anti-HCV therapy was higher than in patients who did not complete antiviral therapy (P = 0.004) or received no treatment (P = 0.007). Patients with non-severe HCV infection have a higher probability of receiving a full course of antiviral therapy (P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, donor age, pre-transplant VL, and over-immunosuppression were associated with the long-term development of severe HCV recurrence in liver grafts. Administration of a full course of antiviral therapy was associated with better survival.

Outcome of HCV/HIV-coinfected liver transplant recipients: a prospective and multicenter cohort study.

Eighty-four HCV/HIV-coinfected and 252-matched HCV-monoinfected liver transplant recipients were included in a prospective multicenter study. Thirty-six (43%) HCV/HIV-coinfected and 75 (30%) HCV-monoinfected patients died, with a survival rate at 5 years of 54% (95% CI, 42-64) and 71% (95% CI, 66 to 77; p = 0.008), respectively. When both groups were considered together, HIV infection was an independent predictor of mortality (HR, 2.202; 95% CI, 1.420-3.413 [p < 0.001]). Multivariate analysis of only the HCV/HIV-coinfected recipients, revealed HCV genotype 1 (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.32-6.76), donor risk index (HR, 9.48; 95% CI, 2.75-32.73) and negative plasma HCV RNA (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.62) to be associated with mortality. When this analysis was restricted to pretransplant variables, we identified three independent factors (HCV genotype 1, pretransplant MELD score and centers with <1 liver transplantation/year in HIV-infected patients) that allowed us to identify a subset of 60 (71%) patients with a similar 5-year prognosis (69%[95% CI, 54-80]) to that of HCV-monoinfected recipients. In conclusion, 5-year survival in HCV/HIV-coinfected liver recipients was lower than in HCV-monoinfected recipients, although an important subset with a favorable prognosis was identified in the former.

Liver retransplantation in HIV-infected patients: a prospective cohort study.

Information regarding liver retransplantation in HIV-infected patients is scant. Data from 14 HIV-infected patients retransplanted between 2002 and 2011 in Spain (6% retransplantation rate) were analyzed and compared with those from 157 matched HIV-negative retransplanted patients. In HIV-infected patients, early (≤30 days) retransplantation was more frequently indicated (57% vs. 29%; p = 0.057), and retransplantation for HCV recurrence was less frequently indicated (7% vs. 37%; p = 0.036). Survival probability after retransplantation in HIV-positive patients was lower than in HIV-negative patients, 42% versus 64% at 3 years, although not significantly (p = 0.160). Among HIV-infected patients, those with undetectable HCV RNA at retransplantation and those with late (>30 days) retransplantation showed better 3-year survival probability (80% and 67%, respectively), similar to that in their respective HIV-negative counterparts (72% and 70%). In HIV-infected and HIV-negative patients, 3-year survival probability in those with positive HCV RNA at retransplantation was 22% versus 65% (p = 0.008); in those with early retransplantation, 3-year survival probability was 25% versus 56% (p = 0.282). HIV infection was controlled with antiretroviral therapy after retransplantation. In conclusion, HIV-infected patients taken as a whole have unsatisfactory survival after liver retransplantation, although patients with undetectable HCV RNA at retransplantation or undergoing late retransplantation show a more favorable outcome.

Mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy in patients who underwent liver transplantation for hepatitis C cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) monotherapy has recently been proposed for liver transplant recipients with adverse events (nephrotoxicity, hypertension) related to calcineurin inhibitors. We analyzed the influence of MMF on the clinical course of recurrent hepatitis C. METHODS: Among 1038 patients who underwent liver transplantation (OLT) from April 1986 to October 2006, we analyzed 48 adult recipients (4.6%) whose diagnosis was hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis and who were converted from calcineurin inhibitors to MMF monotherapy. RESULTS: The 36 men and 12 women, had a mean age at OLT of 52.9 +/- 7.2 years; the time elapsed from OLT to the onset of MMF monotherapy was 72.5 +/- 47.6 months (range = 11-210). The mean follow-up after monotherapy was 19 +/- 16.1 months (range = 2-67). Indications for conversion were: chronic renal dysfunction with HCV in 45 patients; HCV recurrence in two; and hypertension plus HCV recurrence in one subject. When the indication was renal dysfunction (excluding three patients who underwent hemodialysis), the mean creatinine values decreased significantly from baseline to 6 months of monotherapy from 1.63 +/- 0.61 mg/dL to 1.51 +/- 0.78 mg/dL (P < .03). The creatinine clearance only improved significantly from the baseline value of 56.6 +/- 16.8 mL/min to the value at 3 months of monotherapy-63.6 +/- 18.4 mL/min (P < .001). At the last outpatient visit, creatinine and creatinine clearances had not changed significantly. The mean diastolic blood pressure did improve significantly at the end of the study. The mean glucose levels decreased but not significantly at the last outpatient visit. Liver function tests did not change significantly after conversion to MMF monotherapy. The acute rejection rate was 8.3%, and adverse events related to MMF monotherapy were present in 9 patients (18.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from calcineurin inhibitors to MMF monotherapy in patients who underwent OLT for HCV transiently improved renal function and hypertension. The acute rejection rate was low, and adverse events were usually well tolerated.

Influence of dialysis modality on complications and patient and graft survival after pancreas-kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated whether hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis prior to pancreas-kidney transplantation was a risk factor for the development of surgical complications, recipient mortality, or graft loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1995 to December 2006, 90 patients with type 1 diabetes underwent pancreas transplantation. Dialysis before transplantation was provides to 81 patients. We compared outcomes of recipients classified as two groups: (A) hemodialysis (n = 49, 60.5%) versus (B) peritoneal dialysis (n = 32, 39.5%) groups. RESULTS: Donor and recipient characteristics were similar in both groups. Enteric drainage was more frequently used in the hemodialysis group and bladder drainage in the peritoneal dialysis group (P < .05). The rate of intra-abdominal infections was similar in both groups: 10 patients (20.4%) in the hemodialysis group and 9 patients (28.1%) in the peritoneal dialysis group (P = NS). The incidence of enteric or bladder leakage was slightly higher in the peritoneal dialysis group (5 cases, 15.6% vs 4 cases, 8.2% in the hemodialysis group; P = NS). The rate of reoperations was also slightly higher in the peritoneal dialysis group B (15 cases, 46.9% vs 14 cases, 28.6% in the hemodialysis group; P = .07). Pancreas transplantectomy was significantly greater in the peritoneal dialysis (9 cases; 28.1%) than the hemodialysis group (5 cases; 10.2%; P < .05). The actuarial 3-year patient survival was 95.9% in the hemodialysis group and 93.4% in the peritoneal dialysis group (P = NS); actuarial 3-year pancreas graft survival was 79.3% in the hemodialysis group and 68.3% in the peritoneal dialysis group (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: We noted an insignificantly greater rate of reoperations but significantly higher incidence of pancreas transplantectomy in the peritoneal dialysis group; however, patient and pancreas graft survivals were similar in both study groups.

Starting a new program of split liver transplantation after a low learning curve: a reality in centers with large experience in liver surgery and whole liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Split liver transplantation (SLT) is nowadays, considered an adequate surgical solution to expand the grafts from the existing pool of cadaveric donors. METHODOLOGY: A total of 897 liver transplantations were performed between 1986 and 2002; 20 were SLTs (2.3%). A 30% were children. RESULTS: Mean follow up of 15.15 months +/- 13.85. Median age was 42.27 +/- 25.65 yrs. Median recipient weight was 52.29 +/- 20.87 Kg. Mean donor weight was 76.1 +/- 13.11. The majority was "in situ" SLT (65%). There was no primary graft dysfunction. Two patients developed biliary complications (none in situ SLT). Early HAT occurred in 2 patients and delayed HAT in one. Four patients were retransplanted but none were performed because of primary graft dysfunction. Five patients died in the hospital. Fifteen patients (75%) survived the postoperative period and 3 patients died during follow-up. Mean patient survival time was 42 months (95% CI: 31-52). Actuarial patient survival was 93.3%, 84.4%, 84.4% at 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. Mean graft survival was 36 months (95% CI: 25-48). Actuarial graft survival was 87%, 72%, 72% at 6, 12, 36 months. Univariate analysis of risk factors for graft loss showed that the type of splitting technique (p=0.019), and the UNOS (1 and 2a) status of the recipient (p=0.001) were significantly associated with graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of large volume full cadaveric liver transplantation, split liver can provide adequate results (even after a short learning curve) mainly in elective cases and with the in situ technique.

Pancreas preservation with the University of Wisconsin versus Celsior solutions.

INTRODUCTION: The use of Celsior solution for organ preservation has not been thoroughly studied in pancreas transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare University of Wisconsin and Celsior solutions for preservation of pancreas grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1995 to December 2005, 72 patients with type 1 diabetes underwent pancreas transplantation. There were 42 men and 30 women, with a mean age at transplantation of 38.1 +/- 7.5 years (range: 27 to 55 years), and a mean duration of diabetes of 22.5 +/- 6.6 years. Recipients were classified into two groups according to the preservation solution: (A) Celsior (n = 28, 38.9%) and (B) Wisconsin (n = 44, 61.1%). RESULTS: The donor and recipient characteristics were similar in both groups. There were five cases of venous thrombosis in the Wisconsin group and two in the Celsior group (P = NS). The venous drainage technique in the former group was portocaval in 19 patients and portoiliac in 25; in the Celsior group, portocaval in 23 patients and portoiliac in five (P = .001). Enteric drainage was used in 19 patients from the Celsior group and 17 patients from the Wisconsin group (P = .01). Actuarial 2-year graft survival was 74.6% in the Wisconsin group and 77.4% in the Celsior group (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in venous thrombosis between the two groups. The lower rate of venous thrombosis with the portocaval technique was related to the type of venous drainage rather than the type of preservation solution. Celsior solution may be considered as good as Wisconsin solution for pancreas transplantation.

Five-year follow-up of a trial comparing Tacrolimus and cyclosporine microemulsion in liver transplantation.

We evaluate 5-year results of a prospective randomized trial that compared cyclosporine microemulsion (CsA-me) and Tacrolimus (Tac) for primary immunosuppression. One hundred one adult patients undergoing liver transplantation were randomized to receive Tac (n = 50) or CsA-me (n = 51). The most frequent indication for the procedure was cirrhosis due to virus C followed by alcoholism. Survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 86%, 75%, and 72%, respectively; there was no significant difference between CsA-me versus Tac arms. Acute rejection occurred in 30 cases (30%), independent of the type of primary immunosuppression. Serious adverse events were reported significantly more among patients under CsA-me (48 episodes) than under Tac (32 episodes). Nineteen patients were switched to the other calcineurin inhibitor. The switch was much more frequent from CsA-me to Tac (n = 15; 29.4%), mainly because of lack of efficacy (n = 10; 19.6%). There were no cases of chronic rejections in the Tac arm. Four patients were switched from Tac to CsA-me for side effects; only 1 remains alive, after treatment was changed from CsA-me to an antimetabolite. There were no statistical differences in renal dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, neurologic disorders, new-onset malignancies, or infections. There were no differences in survival or rejection among the intention-to-treat groups. Serious adverse events, total patients with switch of calcineurin inhibitor, as well as switches due to lack of efficacy, were statistically more frequent under CsA-me. Tacrolimus seems to be a more appropriate drug to be used for primary immunosuppression in liver transplantation.

Comparative analysis of the results of orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with and without portal vein thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT), which had been considered an absolute contraindication to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), is currently considered a risk factor that increases morbi-mortality. The objective of this study was to compare OLT outcomes in patients with vs without PVT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1986 and December 2003, a sample of 83 patients with PVT was compared with another sample of 83 patients without PVT among 962 OLT performed in our department. RESULTS: Both groups were homogeneous in terms of epidemiological variables, surgical technique, immunosuppression, and donor-related variables. There were no differences with respect to graft function during the first week following surgery. Surgical time and anhepatic phase duration was longer in the PVT group, albeit the differences were not significant. PVT patients also required more transfusions; a strong statistical association was observed with respect to blood (P = .12) and plasma (P = .11) transfusions and statistically significant differences regarding platelet transfusions (P = .02). Time on mechanical ventilation and the length of stay in the ICU were longer but not significant among PVT patients. The only statistically significant difference was the incidence of portal rethrombosis (P = .02). With respect to mean and global patient and graft actuarial survivals after 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, we have observed no significant intergroup differences, although both patient (P = .48; NS) and graft (P = .96, NS) survivals were lower among PVT cases. CONCLUSIONS: PVT should not only cease to be considered a contraindication for OLT, but there were no significant differences between the outcomes despite this finding.

Incidence and risk factors of development of lung tumors after liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Lung tumors have been related to tobacco and alcohol. The incidence increases after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) especially when it is performed because of alcoholic cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the incidence and risk factors for de novo lung tumors among 701 patients who underwent OLT between April 1986 and July 2004, after exclusion of pediatric recipients and adults who died within 2 months after OLT. RESULTS: The incidence of de novo lung tumors was 15 patients (2.1%), including 12 (4.3%) who underwent OLT for alcoholic cirrhosis and 3 (0.7%) for nonalcoholic diseases. There were 14 men and 1 woman of mean age at OLT of 50.8 +/- 9.6 years. Mean time from OLT to lung tumor was 83 +/- 43 months (range, 10-184 months). Thirteen patients (86.6%) were heavy smokers before OLT and 8 (61.5%) continued after OLT; 12 patients (80%) were heavy drinkers before OLT. Ten patients were immunosuppressed with CyA and 5 with tacrolimus. Acute rejection episodes before tumor diagnosis occurred in 6 patients (40%). Two patients underwent thoracotomy, but only one was resected. The remaining 13 patients were unresectable because of locally advanced tumor or metastatic disease. Two unresectable patients received palliative chemotherapy. All patients died with a mean survival from tumor diagnosis, of 5.3 months (range, 3 days to 33 months). CONCLUSION: A significantly higher incidence of lung tumors was observed among patients who underwent OLT for alcoholic cirrhosis, usually diagnosed in advanced stages of poor prognosis and low survival.

Incidence of pancreas graft thrombosis in portoiliac and portocaval venous anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Pancreas graft thromboses represent more than 70% of all technical failures; multiple risk factors have been implicated. We analyzed the thrombosis rates using portoiliac versus portocaval vein anastomoses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The series includes 53 patients who underwent pancreas transplantation: 49 simultaneous pancreas-kidney and 4 pancreas after kidney. There were 27 men and 26 women, of mean age of 37.2 +/- 7.0 years. We compared two groups of recipients that were classified according to venous anastomosis: (A) portoiliac (n = 30), and (B) portocaval (n = 23). RESULTS: The recipients did not show significant differences in age, gender, or duration of diabetes mellitus, but body mass index was significantly higher among the portocaval group. A bladder-drained pancreas technique was more frequently performed in the portoiliac group (93% of patients) versus an enteric-drained pancreas in the portocaval group (81%; P < .001). Heparinization was performed in 12 recipients: 11 (36.6%) in the portoiliac group and 1 (4.3%) in the portocaval group (P < .01). Vascular graft thrombosis (venous in six and arterial in one) developed in seven patients (13.2%) all in the portoiliac group (23%) (P < .02). Two-year patient survival was 93% in the portoiliac group and 94% in portocaval group (P = NS). Two-year graft survival was 66.6% in the portoiliac group and 85.9% in portocaval group (P = .07). CONCLUSION: There was no graft thrombosis among patients with a portocaval vein anastomosis.

Modulation of hepatocyte growth factor plasma levels in relation to the dose of exogenous heparin administered: an experimental study in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Partial liver transplantation has been consolidated to be a valid treatment option. We sought to understand the factors that modulate and may be harnessed to accelerate hepatocyte regeneration. We sought to determine the impact of heparin on m-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plasma concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen rats were assigned to four groups of four animals each: group A, without heparin; group B, 600 IU/kg; group C, 1000 IU/kg, group D, 1400 IU/kg. Blood samples (0.5 mL) were obtained from each rat at baseline and at 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes. After the samples were centrifuged to separate supernates from the cell phase they were stored at -20 degrees C in the m-HGF reagent and subsequently tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were analyzed using SPSS 11.5 statistical software. RESULTS: Among the 16 rats, one died at 110 minutes, just prior to the last extraction. The remaining rats were sacrificed. Mean weight was: 466 +/- 64.24 g with no intergroup differences (P = .149). The comparative results (using Student t test) were: baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 30 minutes: P < .05; baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 60 minutes: P < .05; baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 120 minutes: P = .10 (NS); baseline A(1-4) versus A(1-4) 240 minutes: P = .15 (NS). No significant differences were found among group B: baseline C(1-4) versus C(1-4) 30 minutes and 60 minutes: NS; baseline C(1-4) versus C(1-4) 120 minutes: P < .001; baseline C(1-4) versus C(1-4) 240 minutes: P < .10 (NS). Finally, the results in group D were: baseline D(1-4) versus D(1-4) 30 minutes: NS; baseline D(1-4) versus D(1-4) 60 minutes and 120 minutes: P < .05; baseline D(1-4) versus D(1-4) 240 minutes: P < .0005. When we compared group A to C and D, we detected differences (albeit not when compared to B) with P values = .01. Peak values were obtained at 120 and 240 minutes (225.21 pg/mL and 221.78 pg/mL) among groups C and D. CONCLUSION: Heparin has a positive effect to increase serum HGF concentrations among rats. The effect was dependent on the administered dose and the time elapsed.

Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation for adult recipients with irreversible end-stage renal disease.

HYPOTHESIS: Combined liver-kidney transplantation is safe (low morbidity and acceptable mortality) and effective in patients with end-stage liver disease. Although refinements in surgical technique have resulted in better patient and allograft outcomes, the negative impact of renal insufficiency on survival in patients undergoing liver transplantation has been widely reported, although some aspects are controversial. DESIGN: Analysis of the clinical characteristics and outcome in the management of patients undergoing combined liver-kidney transplantation. The end points were operative mortality, morbidity, and long-term survival. SETTING: University Hospital 12 de Octubre. PATIENTS: Between May 1986 and December 2001, 820 liver transplantations were performed. There were 16 cases (1.96%) of combined liver-kidney transplantations, which represent the sample of this study. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD follow-up of 42.2 +/- 29 months: 6 patients died (37.5% mortality rate). There were 4 (25%) hospital deaths within 6 months following surgery and 2 after 6 months (4 sepsis, 1 refractory heart failure, and 1 recurrent hepatitis C virus disease). Univariate analysis related to mortality included age, sex, etiology, preoperative creatinine level, United Network for Organ Sharing status, Child-Pugh score, type of hepatectomy (piggyback), intraoperative blood product administration, and the presence of postoperative complications. The only 2 significant factors were the presence of postoperative complications (P = .01) and the United Network for Organ Sharing status (P = .02). Crude survival rate was 62.5%. Actuarial survival rates were 80%, 71%, and 60% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Because end-stage renal disease is not a formal contraindication for liver transplantation, a combined liver-kidney transplantation for adults with end-stage renal disease can be done safely and effectively.

Preliminary experience with living donor liver transplantation in adults and children.

INTRODUCTION: Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is becoming a widespread technique with good results. Its use may sharply decrease waiting list mortality. However, donor safety is of primary concern. The aim of this work was the preliminary evaluation of the LDLT program initiated in our institution in 1995. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 875 liver transplants (LT) performed from 1986 12 are LDLT in nine adults (50.0+/-10.0 years) and three children (1.9+/-1.1 years). All donors were relatives: son/daughter (six), brother (three), and father/mother (three). RESULTS: Donor right lobe graft weight was 758.3+/-137.4 g; left liver 525.3+/-97.1 g; and left lobe 293.3+/-30.5 g, with a graft weight/recipient weight ratio of 0.91+/-0.21 (0.64-1.36) in adults. Complications in five donors (42%) included biliary fistula in the first three cases, two pleural effusions and one intra-abdominal collection. Mean hospital stay was 16.9+/-15.2 days (median 12). Recipient indications for adults were: four HCV cirrhosis (+ alcoholic in one), one HBV cirrhosis, one cryptogenic, one alcoholic, one PBC, and one retransplant due to cholangiopathy. In children, the etiologies were two biliary atresia and one liver fibrosis. The first case was the only mortality (8.3%). Two patients were retransplanted (16.6%) due to arterial thrombosis (AT) and graft dysfunction. Actuarial survival at 1 year was 91.7%+/-8.0% for patients and 83.3%+/-10.8% for grafts. Complications in the recipients included AT (two), Acinetobacter sepsis, jaundice and upper digestive hemorrhage (due to a "small-for-size" graft), biliary fistula after T-tube removal, volvulus around the T tube, and intra-abdominal collection. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that good results can be achieved with LDLT. Standardization of the technique will allow refinement of the operation and decrease waiting list mortality. However, donor safety remains a fearful threat.

Results in split liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: The shortage in cadaveric grafts has prompted the development of alternative surgical techniques to expand the donor pool. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of split liver transplantation using an observational, retrospective, and longitudinal study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1986 and October 2002 we performed 875 liver transplants. From April 1991 to date, we performed 18 split liver transplantations in patients of mean age 42.27+/-25.65 years; five children and 13 adults; and 83.3% women. Urgent transplants accounted for 38.9%. Mean patient weight was 52.29+/-20.87 kg. Ex situ splitting was performed in 33%. The mean cold ischemia time was 460+/-265.69 minutes with a mean warm time of 64.33+/-11.78 minutes. Mean consumption of packed blood was 5.59+/-4.87 units; of frozen fresh plasma, 11.56+/-7.42 units; and of platelets 4.89+/-4.99 units. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 10.83+/-12.51 months, 55.56% of the recipients are alive. Actuarial patient and graft survival rates at 1 year are 55.6% and 44.12%, respectively. Actuarial patient and graft survival rates at 1 year, excluding operative mortality were 77% and 68%, respectively. Actuarial patient and graft survival rates at 1 year, comparing urgent and elective transplantations are: 14.29 and 14%, respectively, for urgent cases and 90.91 and 90% for elective ones. Operative mortality was 16.6% while mortality during follow-up was 26.6%. The late complications included arterial thrombosis (n=2): of whom the first needed liver retransplantation 4 months after split liver transplantation; chronic rejection (n=2), recurrence of hepatitis (n=1). CONCLUSIONS: Split liver transplantation is a useful way to expand the graft pool and shows better results in elective liver transplantation.

Changes in the incidence and severity of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation over 1990-1999.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Changes in immunosuppression and other factors may have changed the severity of recurrent hepatitis C during recent years. This study sought to establish the changes in incidence and severity of recurrent hepatitis C, and its association with the changes in acute rejection and induction immunosuppressive therapy between 1990 and 1999. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 213 liver transplants in HCV-infected recipients, 129 grafts were selected for this study: all grafts with severe recurrent hepatitis C (fibrosis 3-4 in Scheuer's score or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis), and those grafts without severe recurrence with at least 2 years of follow up. Grafts were divided in 5 groups depending on the year of transplantation to compare recurrent hepatitis C-related variables, AR incidence and induction immunosuppression. RESULTS: Hepatitis-free survival decreased in recent years (p=0.015). The incidence of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis was higher among 1996-1997 and the 1998-1999 periods (p=0.019). Survival free of severe hepatitis at 1 year follow up was 95% in 1990-1991 and 80% in 1998-1999; however, in the long-term the survival was similar between groups (p=0.933). HCV-related graft survival at 5 years was 93.5% in the 1990-95 period and 82.5% in 1996-99 (p=0.068). Neither AR nor any regimen of induction immunosuppression was associated with changes in the occurrence of recurrent hepatitis C related survival. CONCLUSIONS: Severity of recurrent hepatitis C and HCV-related graft loss after liver transplantation were higher in the second half of the 1990s; however, there was no association with AR or induction immunosuppression.

Kaposi's visceral sarcoma in liver transplant recipients.

We report three cases of Kaposi's sarcoma after orthotopic liver transplantation performed for cirrhosis related to hepatitis C virus (one case), ethanol (one case), or both (one case). All patients displayed disease within the first year after liver transplantation, and only in one case was the diagnosis obtained before the patient died. All three patients were on tacrolimus-steroid therapy, and in one case mycophenolate mofetil was added to treat acute persistent rejection.

Upper aerodigestive tract and lung tumors after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of upper aerodigestive (UAD) and lung de novo tumors after ortothopic liver transplantation (OLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 1986 and June 2002, we performed 851 OLT in 753 patients. We excluded pediatric, partial, and hepatorenal transplants and recipients who died within 2 months after OLT. Thus, we analyzed the incidence and outcome of these tumors in 605 patients after OLT. RESULTS: We found 21 (3.5%) tumors in 20 (3.3%) recipients: 14 were UAD tumors (three in floor of the mouth, two in tonsil, one in tongue, one in pharynx, three in larynx, and four in esophagus) and seven were lung tumors. Nineteen patients were men and one was a woman, with a mean age at transplantation of 47.7+/-8.6 years. Mean time from OLT to tumor diagnosis was 61.7+/-35.1 years. As risk factors, 70% were heavy smokers, 75% were heavy drinkers, and 70% developed acute rejection. The incidence of these tumors was significantly higher in transplanted patients for alcoholic cirrhosis compared to the nonalcoholic cirrhosis (8.1% vs 0.8%; P<.0001). After surgical excision in 65% of patients, 1-, 2-, and 3-year patient survival were 47.6%, 37.0%, and 19.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a significantly higher incidence of these tumors in male heavy drinkers and/or smokers who underwent OLT for alcoholic cirrhosis; in spite of aggressive surgical treatment, the prognosis is poor.

Liver transplantation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the results of liver transplantation after installing Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) and compare them with those of a control group in a comparative, longitudinal, retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1986 and October 2002, we performed 875 liver transplantations. Between January 1996 and October 2002, 26 transplantations were performed on TIPS carriers. This group was compared with a control cohort of 50 randomly selected patients who underwent transplantation in this period (non-TIPS carriers). Both groups were homogeneous with no significant differences between age, sex United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) score, Child stage, or etiology. RESULTS: Actuarial survival rates at 1 and 3 years: TIPS group 96.15% and 89.29% versus control cohort 87.8% and 81%, respectively. In 73.9%, the TIPS was clearly effective; in 88.9%, a postoperative Doppler revealed normal flow. There were no statistically significant differences compared with time on the waiting list for transplant, duration of the operation, ischemia times, intraoperative consumption of hemoderivates, vascular or nonvascular postoperative complications, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, hospital stay, or retransplantation rate. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, TIPS insertion does not affect either the intraoperative or postoperative evolution and is not associated with an increased time on the liver transplant waiting list.