Clinical value of a single determination of intracellular ATP levels in stimulated CD4+ T lymphocytes in pediatric patients with stable liver transplantation.

In the follow-up of transplanted patients under immunosupression, the functional assessment of CD4+ T cells activation by measuring intracellular ATP levels in vitro, using the Immuknow test give information on how immune system is functioning. Therefore, it has been reported that low levels of ATP correlate with the risk of opportunistic infection. Although limited, comprehensive results in adult recipients as well as in pediatric transplanted patients have been reported. Forty stable liver pediatric transplanted patients (mean age: 11.0 years [SD 5.65]), within at least 1 year of transplant were selected for a scheduled review, and an unique determination of Immuknow was performed. Average ATP levels were 317 ng/mL (200-400 ng/mL) which were similar to the values observed in adult population. ATP values among patients with monotherapy Cyclosporin A (CSA) or tacrolimus (TAC) were significantly higher (P = .005) than in patients with double immunosupressive therapy using either CSA/TAC + Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). In CSA treatment, there are significant differences (P = .0003) between monotherapy and double therapy, but in the case of TAC we did not find differences (P > .1). A single determination of levels of ATP on CD4+ lymphocytes, can provide additional information that could be used as a complementary test to guide immunosuppressive therapy in paediatric liver transplant recipients.

In vitro evaluation of new possible cell engraftment enhancers for cell transplantation.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the best treatment to restore liver function in liver failure. The low availability of organs has focused interest on the use of cell transplantation to restore liver function. However, this technique is limited because cells can not bind to liver parenchyma and die soon after perfusion. Pretransplant treatment with engraftment enhancers (EE) to increase vascular permeability may increase cell attachment. Using an endothelial cell culture to measure the loss of intercellular endothelial adhesion as a screening test, we evaluated the capacity of 15 monoclonal antibodies against adhesion molecules expressed on endothelial cells to act as EE showing that 3 antibodies (anti-CD54, efalizumab, and abciximab) act as EE by producing disruptions in the cell layer.

Real-time PCR quantification of haematopoietic chimerism after transplantation: a comparison between TaqMan and hybridization probes technologies.

This study aimed to compare the sensitivity and accuracy of two methods of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qrt-PCR), in order to determine haematopoietic chimerism (CH): single nucleotide polymorphisms using TaqMan (TM) probes and insertion/deletion polymorphisms using Hybridization (Hyb) probes. A total of 106 samples from 20 patients who underwent allogenic stem cell transplantation (n = 14) or live-donor liver transplantation (n = 6) were studied. The mean level of chimerism was 8.37% for the TM method and 7.73% in the Hyb method, which was not significantly different (P = 0.69). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the two methods was r = 0.91 (P < 0.001). The estimation of the regression line, using the Passing and Balbock method was Intercept A -0.0381 [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.1265 to 0.0296) and Slope B: 1.04609(95% CI 0.9349-1.161). Bland-Altman data showed that the standard deviations, which differed between the two methods (%Hyb-%TM), were 0.98 and -1.28. The accuracy and sensitivity of qrt-PCR chimerism is independent of the method used if the optimization is adequate and satisfies the criteria for adequate study. Real-time PCR, independent of the method adopted, is a very good tool for study levels of CH.

Living donor liver transplantation: usefulness of hemostatic and prothrombotic screening in potential donors.

Bleeding and thrombosis are serious complications of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The aim of this paper was to describe the results of a screening for coagulation disorders, including for thrombophilic factors, in potential living liver graft donors and to evaluate thrombotic and bleeding events in donors and recipients, during and after the procedure. From January 2001 to January 2007, 41 LDLTs were performed at our institution. We performed systematic screening for bleeding or prothrombotic states among 188 potential donors, 38 (20.2%) of whom showed at least one abnormality. We rejected potential donors with factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation G20210A, and deficiencies in anticoagulant proteins (protein C, protein S, and antithrombin) or coagulation factors. Bleeding and thrombotic events in donors and recipients of the 41 LDLTs were evaluated during 7 days to 70 months follow-up. No major bleeding events were detected in the donors. Neither donor nor recipient experienced venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Among all recipients, six suffered hepatic artery thrombosis including five in the first month probably related to surgery. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are well-known complications of hepatic surgery; Prothrombotic abnormalities in the donor can be transmitted to the recipient, leading to increased risk of serious postoperative events. Although the cost-effectiveness is not definitely established, we recommend systematic screening for hemostatic and prothrombotic disorders to prevent more morbidity of a procedure that already has high risks of bleeding and thrombosis.

Urological complications after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the incidence of urological complications after simultaneous renal and pancreatic transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed urological complications following 107 simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantations performed at our institution between March 1995 and June 2008. The 46 women and 61 men were of mean age 37.8 years (range, 25-66). The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 23.0 years (range, 9-48) and the mean duration of dialysis was 19.9 months (range, 0-70). The exocrine pancreatic secretions were drained to bladder in 58 cases, or enterically in 49 patients. The mean length of follow-up was 51.7 months. RESULTS: The most frequent urological complication was urinary tract infection, reported in 63.8% of patients: 42 bladder-drained and 25 enteric-drained (P = .011). Hematuria occurred in 13 patients (12.5%): 12 bladder-drained and 1 enteric-drained (P = .002). Five bladder-drained patients developed bladder calculi. Among 58 bladder-drained patients, reflux pancreatitis occurred in 28 patients and urine leaks related to the pancreatic graft occurred in 7 patients. Conversion of exocrine secretions from bladder to enteric diversion was required in 6 patients. One- and 3-year patient survival rates were 92.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Moreover, 1 and 3-year kidney graft survival rates were 90.6% and 84.4%, and pancreas graft survival rates were 78.1 and 70.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation with bladder drainage is associated with a high frequency of urological complications. Appropriate treatment can resolve most complications. In our opinion, both enteric and bladder drainage seemed to be safe and effective alternatives to manage pancreatic exocrine secretions.

Compative study of bladder versus enteric drainage in pancreas transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: There is some controversy concerning the choice of best technique for drainage of exocrine secretions in pancreas transplantation. We compared patients with bladder drainage (BD) versus those with enteric drainage (ED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 1995 to September 2008, 118 patients (68 men and 50 women) of overall mean age of 37.8 +/- 7.8 years underwent pancreas transplantation. There were 109 simultaneous pancreas-kidney, and 9 pancreas after kidney procedures. Recipients were divided in a BD (n = 66 patients) and an ED group (n = 52). RESULTS: Donor characteristics were similar in both groups. Thirty-two patients (48.5%) of the BD group versus none in the ED group experienced urinary tract infections (UTI; P < .001), and 16 patients (24.2%) BD versus 15 (29.4%) ED developed intraabdominal infections (P = NS). The overall rate of relaparotomies was 33.9% (n = 40): 34.8% (n = 23) in the BD versus 32.7% (n = 17) in the ED group (P = NS). Thirty patients (25.4%) lost their pancreas grafts: 21 (31.8%) in the BD group versus 9 (17.3%) in the ED group (P = .055). The acute rejection rates were 12.7%; namely, 15.2% in the BD versus 9.8% in the ED (P = NS). Three-year patient and graft survivals were equivalent in both groups: 96.1% and 65.3% in the BD versus 89.0% and 74.0% in the ED group, respectively (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: ED is a good alternative to BD for drainage of pancreatic graft exocrine secretions because both techniques have the same patient and graft survival, but BD is associated with a significantly higher rate of UTI and urologic complications.

An in vitro model of cell transplantation for evaluation of cell engraftment enhancers.

The limited availability of organs for liver transplantation has focused interest on the use of cell transplants to restore hepatic function. Advances have been made in rodent models, but efficacy is limited in humans due to low engraftment efficiency. In rodents, pretransplantation treatment of the liver with engraftment enhancers (EE) shows that repopulation is feasible, although the toxicity of the substances impedes their application in humans. Evaluation of low-toxicity engraftment enhancers for human use requires testing in animal models, a time-consuming, expensive process that also raises ethical issues. To reduce animal use in the preliminary evaluation of a new EE, we designed an easily quantitated in vitro method that mimics an intraportal cell transplant. It is based on EE-mediated disruption of intercellular adhesion in confluent endothelial cell cultures.

A new strategy of delayed long-term prophylaxis could prevent cytomegalovirus disease in (D+/R-) solid organ transplant recipients.

Long-term prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus (CMV) started immediately after transplantation in (D+/R-) poses a higher risk of late-onset CMV disease. Delayed CMV prophylaxis could allow a transitory exposure of the immune system to CMV, which would let the immune system mount an adequate CMV-specific cytotoxic response in (D+/R-) patients and confer protection against CMV disease. We included all (D+/R-) solid organ transplant recipients (SOT) performed at our institution (January 3/October 6) who received CMV prophylaxis (mainly with oral valganciclovir) during 100 d. In the first period (until December 4), prophylaxis was initiated immediately after transplantation (conventional prophylaxis: CP). Since January 5, it was initiated after 14 d (delayed prophylaxis: DP). Incidence and severity of CMV disease was compared between both groups. A total of 44 SOT recipients were included (CP: 26 and DP: 18). CMV disease was diagnosed in eight patients (18%), seven of 26 (27%) in the CP group, and one of 18 (5.5%) in the DP group (p = 0.07). CMV colitis was reported in five of 26 patients in the CP group (19%), whereas there were no cases of visceral CMV disease in the DP group (p = 0.048). A 14-d delay in the beginning of long-term prophylaxis against CMV in (D+/R-) is safe and could prevent the onset of late-CMV disease.

Preemptive therapy is not adequate for prevention of cytomegalovirus disease in pancreas-kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the most common viral infection after pancreas-kidney transplantation (PKT). Comparative studies about CMV prophylaxis in PKT have not been developed. METHODS: We analyzed CMV disease in a cohort of 84 PKT recipients. All received intravenous ganciclovir during treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin and later one of the following options for pre-transplant CMV-seropositive recipients: (a) no prophylaxis (n=10 patients), (b) preemptive therapy (PT) (n=13), or (c) continuous prophylaxis (CP) for 12 weeks (n=29). Pre-transplant CMV-seronegative recipients received CP (n=21). RESULTS: Eleven patients were excluded because of organ explantation in the first 15 days. Incidence of CMV disease in seropositive recipients was 30% under no prophylaxis, 23% under PT, and 6.9% under CP. Incidence of CMV disease under CP was 33.3% in seronegative recipients. Six of 9 episodes of CMV disease under CP occurred after finishing prophylaxis. Under CP, the incidence of CMV disease was significantly higher in seronegative than in seropositive recipients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results of our study, for CMV-seropositive PKT recipients, CP is a better strategy than PT. For CMV-seronegative recipients, 3 months of CP is an inadequate strategy.

Primary extragastrointestinal stromal tumors in the omentum and mesentery: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to describe the clinical, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of primary extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) of the omentum and mesentery diagnosed in the Hospital 12 de Octubre, in Madrid, Spain, from 1993-2005. METHODOLOGY: The clinical data and histological and immunohistochemical findings of primary mesenchymal neoplasias were revised using the Department of Pathological Anatomy databases. RESULTS: Six EGISTs were identified. Three were primarily of the omentum and 3 mesenteric. They were found in 4 males and 2 females with an average age of 65.16 years. All were c-KIT positive, and the majority CD34 positive, while 3 were positive for muscle-specific actin. The 3 omentum cases had a mixed spindle/epithelioid pattern and low mitotic rate, while the 3 mesenteric cases had a spindle pattern, with a high mitotic rate in 2 cases, where hepatic metastasis appeared at 6 and 32 months respectively. The 3 omentum cases were alive at the time of writing, and free of disease at 16, 21 and 34 months of follow-up. EGISTs represent 11.9% of GIST cases diagnosed in the hospital over the period 2000-2005. CONCLUSIONS: In this study primary EGISTs of the omentum and mesentery showed clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics similar to those previously in the literature for GISTs of the digestive tract, which supports the hypothesis that these tumors originate from extragastrointestinal c-KIT positive cells. Mesenteric location appears to be associated with a poorer prognosis.

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.

Efficacy and safety of valgancyclovir as preemptive therapy for the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease in solid organ transplant recipients.

We prospectively followed 70 CMV-seropositive solid organ transplant recipients to evaluate the efficacy and safety of valganciclovir (VGCV) as preemptive therapy based on antigenemia test to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. From December 2003 to May 2004, 12 of 70 (17%) asymptomatic patients who showed an antigenemia value > or =25 positive cells per 2 x 10(5) polymorphonuclear (PMN) were treated with VGCV (900 mg twice a day adjusted to renal function) until resolution of CMV antigenemia, a minimum of 14 days. No patient developed CMV disease during follow-up. Only one who showed an asymptomatic relapse of the antigenemia test > or =25 positive cells was successfully treated with a repeated course of VGCV. Mean duration of VGCV therapy was 18 days (range, 14 to 28). Antigenemia was negative in 7 of 12 (58%) patients after 14 days and negative in all patients 4 weeks after the administration of VGCV. No significant side effects were associated with the use of VGCV therapy. Preemptive VGCV therapy is safe and effective in the prevention of CMV disease in seropositive solid organ transplant recipients.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.