Early-Onset Pneumonia After Liver Transplant: Microbial Causes, Risk Factors, and Outcomes, Mansoura University, Egypt, Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Pneumonia has a negative effect on the outcome of liver transplant. Our aim was to analyze early-onset pneumonia that developed within the first month after transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective single-center study included 56 adult living-donor liver transplant recipients; those who developed early-onset pneumonia based on clinical and radiologic criteria were investigated as to causative pathogens and then followed up and compared with other recipients without pneumonia to illustrate risk factors, outcomes, and related mortality of posttransplant pneumonia. RESULTS: Twelve patients (21.4%) developed early-onset pneumonia with mortality rate of 75% (9 of 12). Sixteen pathogens were isolated; extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae were the most common (31.2%) followed by carbapenem-producing Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (18.8%). Fungi were isolated in 3 cases that were also coinfected with bacteria. Diabetes mellitus (P = .042), liberal postoperative fluid therapy (P = .028), prolonged posttransplant intensive care unit stay (P = .01), atelectasis grade ≥ 2 (P ≤ .001), and calcineurin inhibitor-induced neurotoxicity (P = .04) were risk factors for early posttransplant pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonia is the leading cause of early mortality after liver transplant. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is major issue associated with a high rate of treatment failure.

Low cost biological lung volume reduction therapy for advanced emphysema.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), using biological agents, is one of the new alternatives to lung volume reduction surgery. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate efficacy and safety of biological BLVR using low cost agents including autologous blood and fibrin glue. METHODS: Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: group A (seven patients) in which autologous blood was used and group B (eight patients) in which fibrin glue was used. The agents were injected through a triple lumen balloon catheter via fiberoptic bronchoscope. Changes in high resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) volumetry, pulmonary function tests, symptoms, and exercise capacity were evaluated at 12 weeks postprocedure as well as for complications. RESULTS: In group A, at 12 weeks postprocedure, there was significant improvement in the mean value of HRCT volumetry and residual volume/total lung capacity (% predicted) (P-value: <0.001 and 0.038, respectively). In group B, there was significant improvement in the mean value of HRCT volumetry and (residual volume/total lung capacity % predicted) (P-value: 0.005 and 0.004, respectively). All patients tolerated the procedure with no mortality. CONCLUSION: BLVR using autologous blood and locally prepared fibrin glue is a promising method for therapy of advanced emphysema in term of efficacy, safety as well as cost effectiveness.