SCYL1 deficiency: A rare entity with challenging neurological manifestations after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) with undetermined etiology is associated with higher liver transplantation and lower spontaneous recovery (transplant-free) rates. The diagnostic odyssey in PALF cases hinders appropriate management and follow-up after liver transplantation. Advances in whole exome sequencing analysis have already been successful at identifying new genetic causes of PALF. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 17-year-old girl who underwent liver transplantation at the age of 7 months due to acute liver failure and presented later with abnormal neurological manifestations, that is, gait disturbances, dysarthria, and mental retardation that led us to the diagnosis of SCYL1 deficiency. CONCLUSION: PALF cases should be screened for possible underlying genetic disorders. Genetic studies and reanalysis of whole-genome sequencing data may help identify new cases and clarify the genotype-phenotype correlation. SCYL1 deficiency should be suspected in PALF patients who develop neurological involvement after LT. Early diagnosis is vital for proper management of ALF crises in SCYL1 deficiency patients. Despite the reported favorable outcomes of ALF crises in SCYL1 deficiency, liver transplantation decision should be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Perioperative management in pediatric domino liver transplantation for metabolic disorders: A narrative review.

Domino liver transplantation and domino-auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation are emerging techniques that can expand the liver donor pool and provide hope for children with liver disease. The innovative technique of domino liver transplantation has emerged as a pioneering strategy, capitalizing on structurally preserved livers from donors exhibiting single enzymatic defects within a morphologically normal context, effectively broadening the donor pool. Concurrently, the increasingly prevalent domino-auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation method assumes a critical role in bolstering available donor resources. These advanced transplantation methods present a unique opportunity for pediatric patients who, despite having structurally and functionally intact livers and lacking early signs of portal hypertension or extrahepatic involvement, do not attain priority on conventional transplant lists. Utilizing optimal clinical conditions enhances posttransplant outcomes, benefiting patients who would otherwise endure extended waiting periods for traditional transplantation. The perioperative management of children undergoing these procedures is complex and requires careful consideration of some factors, including clinical and metabolic conditions of the specific metabolic disorder, and the need for tailored perioperative management planning. Furthermore, the prudent consideration of de novo disease development in the recipient assumes paramount significance when selecting suitable donors for domino liver transplantation, as it profoundly influences prognosis, mortality, and morbidity. This narrative review of domino liver transplantation will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, perioperative management, and prognostic expectations, focusing on perioperative anesthetic considerations for children undergoing domino liver transplantation.

Long-term results of kidney transplantation in patients with familial mediterranean fever.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term kidney transplantation (KT) results in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF)-related amyloidosis are not well studied. This study reviewed the long-term survival outcomes of FMF patients who underwent KT. METHODS: We compared the outcomes of 31 patients who underwent (KT) for biopsy-proven amyloidosis secondary to FMF with 31 control patients (five with diabetes mellitus and 26 with nondiabetic kidney disease) undergoing KT between 1994 and 2021 at Baskent University Hospital. All data were recorded retrospectively from patients' files. RESULTS: THE MEDIAN AGE (QUARTILE DEVIATION: QD) at the time of KT in the FMF and control group were 31 (6.7) and 33 (11), respectively. The median follow-up period (QD) after KT was 108 (57) months in the FMF and 132 (72) months in the control group. In the FMF group, graft and patient survivals were 71% and 84% at 5 years and 45% and 48% at 10 years, respectively. In the control group, graft and patient survivals were 79% and 100% at 5 years and 63% and 71% at 10 years, respectively. Patient survival in the FMF group at 5 years was significantly lower than in the control group (p = .045). There was no statistically significant difference between the FMF and control groups in terms of graft and patient survival, and serum creatinine levels at 10 years. All patients were given triple immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. Three patients received anakinra and one received canakinumab in addition to colchicine treatment. One FMF patient also underwent heart transplantation due to AA amyloidosis. Of the FMF patients, 11 died during follow-up. CONCLUSION: We have found that the long-term outcome of KT in patients with FMF amyloidosis is numerically worse but not statistically different from the control group. However, short- and long-term complications still need to be resolved.

Can we identify "at-risk" children and adolescents for poor transplant outcomes in the psychosocial evaluation before solid organ transplantation? The reliability and validity study of Pediatric Transplant Rating Instrument (P-TRI) in Turkish pediatric renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to translate the Pediatric Transplant Rating Instrument (P-TRI) to conduct a validity and reliability study on Turkish children and define a cutoff value of this scale. METHOD: A total of 151 pediatric kidney transplant patients were included in the study. The files of the patients were reviewed by two clinicians, and the scale was filled for inter-rater reliability. One of the clinicians filled the scale again after one month for intra-rater reliability. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine values were used for predictive validity. A GFR below <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and creatinine up to 3.0 mg/dl was defined as risk factors. RESULTS: Correlation of P-TRI with GFR (r = .252, p = .003) and creatinine (r = -.249, p = .002) was performed, and the internal consistency of the scale items as measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.825. When the test was performed again, the intra-class correlation coefficient was found as .922 for intra-rater reliability and as .798 for inter-rater reliability. For both creatinine and GFR, the best cutoff point for the total score was found to be 66.5. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received P-TRI above 66.5 could be at risk in the post-transplant period. Identification of these patients before transplantation and following these young people more closely will aid in the prevention of serious consequences. The reliability and validity scores are satisfactory for use in transplantation clinics for psychosocial evaluation and compliance in Turkish pediatric renal transplantation patients.

Long-term effect of eplerenone treatment in children with chronic allograft nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Literature supports the protective role of mineralocorticoid antagonist (MRA) against the renal injury induced by aldosterone in kidney transplant recipients. However, there is limited data available regarding the safety and efficacy of MRAs in pediatric renal transplant patients. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of long-term eplerenone administration in children with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). METHODS: Twenty-six renal transplant children with biopsy-proven CAN, an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR ) > 40 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and with a significant proteinuria were included. Selected patients were randomly divided into two groups as follows; Group 1 (n = 10) patients received 25 mg/day eplerenone and Group 2 (n = 16) patients did not receive eplerenone for 36 months. Patients were examined in the renal transplant outpatient clinic biweekly for the first month and once a month thereafter. The primary outcome of the patients was compared. RESULTS: Mean eGFR stayed stable in group 1 patients, but significantly decreased in group 2 at 36 months (57.53 ± 7.53 vs. 44.94 ± 8.04 mL/min per 1.73 m2 , p = .001). Similarly, spot protein-creatinine ratio was significantly lower in group 1 compared to group 2 patients at 36 months (1.02 ± 7.53 vs. 3.61 ± 0.53, p < .001). Eplerenone associated hyperkalemia was not observed in group 1 patients (4.6 ± 0.2 vs. 4.56 ± 0.3, p = .713). CONCLUSION: The long-term eplerenone administration blunted the chronic allograft nephropathy by maintaining a stable eGFR levels and decreasing urine protein-creatinine ratio. Eplerenone associated hyperkalemia was not observed in our study.

Doppler ultrasonography blood flow changes of the hepatic artery in liver transplants complicated with cholangitis.

PURPOSE: Cholangitis after liver transplantation may lead to bile duct necrosis. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent graft loss. We aimed to investigate cholangitis related hepatic arterial Doppler ultrasonography findings in liver transplants. METHODS: Patients complicated with biopsy proven cholangitis in grafts were prospectively evaluated. Vascular complications were excluded. Doppler ultrasonography parameters including hepatic arterial diameter, resistive index, volume flow, and portal vein maximum velocity were measured twice: first during cholangitis and after full recovery. Data of two groups were compared using paired samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The mean hepatic arterial volume flow, resistive index, and diameter of 33 patients complicated with cholangitis was observed to decrease after recovery from 0.356 to 0.273 L/min (p = 0.007), from 0.64 to 0.60 (p < 0.001) and from 4.9 to 4.4 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. Portal vein maximum velocity alteration was not statistically significant (p = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound follow-ups after liver transplantation can give us the clue of cholangitis initiation through some altering hepatic arterial Doppler parameters. Even though these are nonspecific findings that can also be observed in vascular complications, baseline Doppler data should be saved for future comparison and considered to prevent biliary associated graft loss.

Effect of meal intake for evaluating hepatic artery by Doppler ultrasonography in liver transplants: Does fasting matter for screening hepatic artery due to hemodynamic changes in splanchnic circulation?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess the utility of fasting on Doppler ultrasonography findings of hepatic artery in liver transplants. METHODS: Liver transplant patients without vascular abnormalities were prospectively evaluated between December 2017 and January 2020. Doppler sonography was used to describe hemodynamic changes in response to a standard meal. The diameter, peak systolic velocity, blood flow, resistive index (RI) of the main hepatic artery and portal vein peak velocity were measured. RESULTS: The mean hepatic arterial diameter of 44 patients was higher in the fasting group (4.5 mm) than in the postprandial group (3.3 mm) (p < .05). The mean hepatic arterial blood flow decreased (from .276 to .127 L/min) and hepatic arterial RI increased (from .66 to .71) following meal ingestion (p < .05). Hepatic arterial velocity was significantly lower and portal venous velocity was higher after oral intake. CONCLUSION: Meal ingestion has an important effect on hepatic artery Doppler features in liver transplants. Therefore, Doppler ultrasound evaluation should be considered after appropriate fasting due to postprandial responses of liver transplant.

Evaluation of extensively drug-resistant gram-negative bacteremia among solid-organ transplant recipients: a multicenter study

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution, sources, clinical features, and mortality rates of bacteremia due to evaluation of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) gram negative among solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of SOT recipients with bacteremia due to XDR gram-negative pathogens in 11 centers between 2016 and 2018 was conducted. Patients' records were evaluated. Results: Of 171 bacteremia that occurred in 164 SOT recipients, 93 (56.7%) were liver, 46 (28%) kidney, 14 (8.5%) heart, and 11 (6.7%) lung recipients. Bacteremia episodes were recorded in the first year in 63.7% of the patients (n = 109), early-onset bacteremia was recorded in 45% (n = 77) of the episodes. In multivariate analysis, catheter-associated bacteremia was an independent risk factor for 7-day mortality (p = 0.037), and early-onset bacteremia was found as an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Difficult-to-treat infections due to XDR bacteria in SOT recipients shadow the success of transplantation. Central venous catheters seem to be the main risk factor. Judicious use of medical devices is of pivotal importance.

Changes in ocular biometric parameters after renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the changes in postoperative ocular biometric parameters in end-stage renal disease patients who underwent renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 33 eyes of 33 patients. The ocular biometric measurements which were evaluated were axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal keratometry (K1 and K2), degree of astigmatism, lens thickness (LT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Refractive prediction error (RE) was calculated before and after renal transplantation using the same diopter (D) for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and evaluated for potential cataract surgery. RESULTS: The study included 15 male (45%) and 18 female (55%) patients. Mean patient age was 31.55 ± 8.24 (range: 18-49 years). In the comparison of preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements, there was a statistically significant difference in AL, LT, ACD, and CCT (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between K1, K2, and astigmatism measurements (p = 0.72; p = 0.35; p = 0.62, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in RE (p = 0.61-Holladay 2). CONCLUSION: While renal transplantation surgery does not lead to significant changes in astigmatism, predicted refractive error, corneal keratometry, or intraocular pressure, it causes significant decrease in axial length, lens thickness, and central corneal thickness and significant increase in anterior chamber depth. However, these changes do not result in significant changes in IOL power calculation in planned cataract surgery.

The curative treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia: Liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by premature mortal cardiovascular complications. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment option. In this study, the long-term clinical follow-up data of 8 patients who underwent LT with a diagnosis of FH in our center are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 638 LT were performed between December 1985 and June 2019 at Baskent University, of which 8 patients underwent LT with a diagnosis of FH and were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Of the 8 patients, 4 underwent deceased donor and 4 living donor transplantation. Five patients had preoperative cardiovascular disease and consequent interventional operations. There was significant reduction in postoperative LDL-C and TC levels starting from the first week, and stabilizing at the first month and first year. The median survival time of patients was 5 years (2-12 years). All patients are still alive. None of the complications of patients with preoperative cardiovascular complications had progressed. CONCLUSION: Liver transplantation is the preferred curative treatment for the pathophysiology of FH. In our study, LDL-C levels were brought under control with LT performed on patients with FH. Median 5-year follow-up of patients showed that the progression of cardiac complications was abated.

Incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of food allergy in children who underwent liver transplant: 16-year experience.

Food allergies often develop after liver transplant, especially in young children. However, data are scarce on clinical characteristics and patient outcomes. When we evaluated our pediatric liver transplant patients over a 16-year period, food allergy incidence was 8% (19/236 patients). All patients with food allergies were <18 months old, with incidence in this age group of 19.2% (19/99). Two patients had a single food and 17 had multiple food allergies. Five patients showed only non-IgE-mediated food allergies. Eggs, milk, nuts, and wheat were the most common allergens. Presenting symptoms included diarrhea, flushing, angioedema attacks, wheezing/chronic cough, and vomiting. Seven patients had EBV, and two patients had CMV infections at time of food allergy diagnosis. Twelve patients had eosinophilia. Seven patients (36.8%) were able to regain tolerance to all food allergens. However, one patient with single nut allergy and three with multiple food allergies were still on allergen-eliminated diets. Eight patients with multiple food allergies gained tolerance to some of the food allergens. In conclusion, food allergies in our patients were mainly against multiple foods and IgE mediated. Infections like EBV and CMV may play a role in food allergies after liver transplant, especially in pretransplant-naive patients.

Possible impact of immunosuppressive therapy regimens on histopathologic outcomes of abnormal uterine bleeding in solid-organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of histopathologic outcomes of solid-organ transplantation in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) receiving immunosuppressive therapies. METHODS: This is a retrospective study including a single-center experience. Data were extracted from hospital records, and solid-organ transplant recipients who were diagnosed with AUB were included. RESULTS: Fifty-five of these patients were renal transplant recipients (79.7%), and 14 were liver transplant recipients (20.3%). Histopathologic examination showed various histopathologic patterns of endometrium in patients with AUB consisting of normal histopathologic findings of endometrium in 31 patients (48.4%); 29 hormonal imbalance during proliferative and secretory phases of menstrual cycle and two atrophic endometrium. Endometrial hyperplasia without atypia was observed in 11 patients (17.2%). Polyp was seen in 22 patients (34.4%); 21 endometrial polyp and one endocervical polyp. There were significant differences in terms of histopathologic findings among the three groups of patients according to different immunosuppressive regimens (P = .029). There was no endometrial hyperplasia in women receiving sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens. Moreover, there was no endometrial hyperplasia in the liver transplant recipient group. CONCLUSIONS: Sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens may be administered to patients who have risk factors for endometrial precancerous lesions, such as endometrial hyperplasia. However, additional well-designed, large-scale studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Corchorus olitorius and Urtica pilulifera extracts alleviate copper induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity in tomato.

Copper cause oxidative damage in plant cells, and plant extracts are the sources of free radical scavengers. We tested the hypothesis that whether Corchorus olitorius (jute) and Urtica pilulifera (Roman nettle) seed extract treatments of germinated seeds affect copper induced oxidative and genotoxic damage or antioxidant response in tomato. Seedlings were exposed to toxic copper concentration (30 ppm) for 7 days. In one experimental group (treatment 1), extract (100 µg mL-1) was added to media. In the other group (treatment 2), tomato seeds were pre-soaked by the extract (100 µg mL-1) prior to germination and copper application. Malondialdehyde and endogenous H2O2 levels in the groups treated with extract and copper were significantly lower than that of the untreated groups. Pre-soaking seeds with the nettle extract solution significantly enhanced catalase activity under unstressed condition. Jute treatment also enhanced catalase activity under copper stress. Ascorbate peroxidase activity remained at unstressed level in copper treated groups. Extract treatments significantly decreased copper induced DNA damage in root nuclei. Jute seed extract contained salicylic acid and quercetin which can be correlated with the evoked effects. We demonstrated protective effect of plant extract treatments against copper stress of tomato seedlings prior to germination or during seedling development.

The predictive value of resistive index obtained by Doppler ultrasonography early after renal transplantation on long-term allograft function.

DUSG is a useful diagnostic tool for the follow-up of renal transplant recipients. The measurement of intrarenal arterial RI by DUSG has been proven to predict short-term AF. The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of DUSG performed during the early after RTx on long-term AF. Seventy patients were enrolled into study. DUSG was performed at third and seventh days after RTx. Patients were divided into two groups according to rate of recovery of graft function as patients with normal graft function and abnormal graft function. Although the RI values were correlated with the AF early after transplantation, they were not correlated with long-term AF. However, the rate of recovery of graft function at early period after RTx was correlated with creatinine level at first year and with glomerular filtration rate at first year and last visit. Although the RI has no predictive value for long-term AF, the rate of recovery of graft function at early post-transplantation period has predictive value for long-term AF; patients with higher RI values early after RTx should be followed carefully for the development of chronic allograft injury.

Effect of Topical Platelet-Rich Plasma on Burn Healing After Partial-Thickness Burn Injury.

BACKGROUND To investigate the effects of platelet-rich plasma on tissue maturation and burn healing in an experimental partial-thickness burn injury model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Group 1 (platelet-rich plasma group) was exposed to burn injury and topical platelet-rich plasma was applied. Group 2 (control group) was exposed to burn injury only. Group 3 (blood donor group) was used as blood donors for platelet-rich plasma. The rats were killed on the seventh day after burn injury. Tissue hydroxyproline levels were measured and histopathologic changes were examined. RESULTS Hydroxyproline levels were significantly higher in the platelet-rich plasma group than in the control group (P=.03). Histopathologically, there was significantly less inflammatory cell infiltration (P=.005) and there were no statistically significant differences between groups in fibroblast development, collagen production, vessel proliferations, or epithelization. CONCLUSIONS Platelet-rich plasma seems to partially improve burn healing in this experimental burn injury model. As an initial conclusion, it appears that platelet-rich plasma can be used in humans, although further studies should be performed with this type of treatment.

A Comparative Study of Conservative versus Surgical Treatment Protocols for 77 Patients with Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features and demographic data of patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) and to compare the results of conservative versus surgical treatment protocols. The demographic data, clinical findings, microbiological and pathologic features, scanning and treatment methods, recurrence, and recovery rates of 77 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of treatment received. Core biopsies were used to diagnose 37 patients: 26 using incisional biopsies and 14 using excisional biopsies. Of the patient population with IGM, 31 were treated with surgical excision, one with a simple mastectomy, and one with a subcutaneous mastectomy combined with a breast implant, whereas 44 were treated with steroids. The recovery rates of the 44 patients who were treated conservatively were 6 (1-15) months while for the 33 patients who were treated surgically, it was 1 (1-5) month (p = 0.001). Nine patients from the conservative treatment group experienced a recurrence while there were no recurrences in the surgically treated group (p = 0.009). Among all patients, the recurrence rate was 11.7% (9/77) while the average follow-up period was 16.57 ± 18.57 months. As a comparative study between conservative treatment protocols and surgical ones for patients with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM), this study is the largest to date. A wide surgical excision is the preferred approach for treating patients with IGM because of the low recurrence rate.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphism influences renal allograft outcome.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic lesions within the graft are considered to be a major cause of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA). We evaluated the factors that influence the development of IF/TA and three- and five-yr graft survival including nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor gene polymorphism. METHODS: Seventy-one male and 35 female patients (age: 34.9 ± 11.2 yr) who underwent living-related renal transplantation were included. Angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptor gene polymorphisms and eNOS intron 4 gene polymorphism were analyzed. The pre- and post-transplant laboratory data, patient characteristics, acute rejection episodes, and presence of IF/TA were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients with the bb allele of eNOS gene had a lower prevalence of post-transplant third year (12.6% and 38.5%, p = 0.005) and fifth year IF/TA (46.6% and 82.3%, p = 0.02) and a lower incidence of five-yr graft failure (35.4% and 55.6%, p < 0.005). The eNOS gene polymorphism was independent and was the most prominent factor associated with third and fifth year IF/TA (p = 0.01, RR: 29.72, and p = 0.03, RR: 4.1, respectively). No significant relationship existed when angiotensin II gene polymorphisms were considered. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that recipient eNOS gene polymorphism can predict IF/TA, and the presence of the bb allele is associated with better graft outcome.

Donation after Brain Death and Circulatory Death in Turkey: Current Status.

Tissue and organ transplantation is the best treatment option for end-stage organ failure. However, organ shortage still remains to be the greatest challenge facing the field of organ transplantation. Millions of people die and are buried with healthy organs, which could save the lives of many patients who continue to wait on transplant lists. Countries must aim to work towards a system of matching organs as much as possible with the deceased donation to meet the growing demand for organs. This action will not only result in the reduction of organ trafficking activities but shall also make an enormous difference to those patients awaiting transplants where living organ donors are not an option. Donation after circulator death (DCD) has gained much attention over the last decade as one of the accepted practices in order to expand the donor pool. DCD donation takes place after declaration of death using cardio-respiratory criteria in contrast to donation after brain death (DBD) where neurological criteria are used. Although DCD remains a focus of interest and contributes to donor numbers in many countries, it also poses many challenges medically, ethically and legally.

Relationship Between the Decision-Making Balance Regarding Organ Donation and Level of Empathy.

OBJECTIVES: In Turkey, the rate of organ donations has not reached the desired level. Although the vital importance of organ transplantation is known, the low participation in organ donation is an issue that needs to be examined meticulously. Organ donation decisions can be affected by demographic factors, such as family, personality traits, and religion and by psychological factors, such as attitude, intention, and sacrifice. For this reason, it is important to find the reasons that prevent people from being a donor and to develop intervention methods for them. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the balance of decision-making regarding organ donation and the level of empathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 638 adults (mean age of 25.32 ± 9.95 years; n = 468 female participants and n = 170 male participants) voluntarily participated in the study. We used the Organ Donation Decisional Balance Survey to measure basic information on participants' personal valuations on the importance of positive and negative aspects of donor decisions. We used the Empathy Quotient scale to determine the empathy level of participants. We determined the relationship between variables using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: Organ donation balance had positive correlations with measures of cognitive empathy subscale (r = 0.115; P < .01), emotional reactivity subscale (r = 0.117; P < .01), and social skills subscale (r = 0.084; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We found a positive relationship between empathy and the individual decision-making balance on donation; therefore, empathy development and altruism may affect organ donation decisions.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Children With Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency is common in pediatric chronic liver disease despite oral replacement. We evaluated vitamin D deficiency before and after liver transplant and the relationship between posttransplant and pretransplant vitamin D deficiency and graft rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pediatric recipients with chronic liver disease (N =138) were divided into 4 groups: cholestatic liver diseases, cirrhosis, metabolic disorders, and acute liver failure. Pretransplant and posttransplant vitamin D levels, liver function tests, Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores, rejection activity index scores by graft liver biopsy, and posttransplant patient survival were recorded. RESULTS: There were 62 (45%) female and 76 (55%) male participants (mean transplant age, 6.1 ± 5.6 years). Pretransplant mean available vitamin D of 90 patients was 25.2 ± 20.9 ng/mL, with 36 (40%) within reference range. Posttransplant level for 109 patients was 27.3 ± 18 ng/mL, with 64 (58.7%) within reference range. Pretransplant and posttransplant levels were available for 61 patients, and mean pretransplant levels were lower than posttransplant levels (23.7 ± 19.3 vs 28.3 ± 16.9 ng/mL; P = .01). Patients with cholestatic liver disease had lower pretransplant vitamin D levels (P = .04), which disappeared after transplant. Pretransplant vitamin D levels were positively correlated with serum albumin levels (r = 0.20) in all patients and negatively correlated with total/direct bilirubin (r = 0.29 and r = -0.30) in those with liver diseases and cirrhosis. No correlations were found between pretransplant vitamin D levels and Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores, rejection activity index scores, and posttransplant mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in pediatric chronic liver disease before and after transplant, especially for cholestatic liver diseases. However, no association between vitamin D levels and liver graft rejection or patient survival was noted. We recommend close monitoring and individualized vitamin D supplementation before and after liver transplant.