Perioperative analysis of patients undergoing liver transplantation at the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic / Análise perioperatória dos pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático no Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp no contexto da pandemia de SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 began in 2020 and caused important changes in the number of transplants performed in hospitals and in the protocols for admitting candidates to perform the procedure. The Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation (ABTO) recommends not performing transplants from donors with active COVID-19 infection, positive test results or with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The hepatic repercussions related to COVID-19 are presented in some reports in the medical literature. Liver changes resulting from other corona viruses such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are well documented. The Hospital de Clínicas of the State University of Campinas is a tertiary center that performs solid organ transplants. Objectives: To carry out a perioperative, retrospective, descriptive analysis of liver transplants in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic carried out at the Hospital das Clínicas of the State University of Campinas from March 2020 to July 2021. Materials and Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal cohort study based on the review of medical records of patients undergoing liver transplantation in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic from March 2020 to July 2021 at the clinical hospital of the State University of Campinas. Results: Retrospective analysis was performed on 57 patients in the period. Only 1 patient needed to be excluded because he was under 18 years old. Of the 56 patients, 52 underwent RT-PCR laboratory testing and chest tomography (CT). Of these 52 patients, only 2 tested positive, one pre-transplant (TX) and one post-operatively (post-op). Regarding chest CT scans, none of them showed typical changes for COVID pre-TX, in the post-op 4 patients presented typical chest CT scans. The average age was 55.86 years. The mortality rate was 38% and no deaths were attributed to COVID 19. The average MELD-Na scale was 20.94. Conclusion: The present study carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp analyzed the clinical, laboratory and radiological association to better elucidate the variables determined by COVID-19 in its diagnosis and in-hospital management. It is concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had an impact on the routine of liver transplantation worldwide and on the service in which the study was carried out.

Introdução: A pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2 teve início no ano de 2020 e ocasionou mudanças importantes no número de transplantes realizados nos hospitais e nos protocolos de admissão de candidatos para realização do procedimento. A Associação Brasileira de Transplante de Orgãos (ABTO) recomendava não realizar transplante de doadores com infecção COVID-19 ativa, teste positivo ou com Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave. As repercussões hepáticas relacionadas a COVID-19 são apresentadas em alguns relatos presentes na literatura médica. Estão bem documentadas as alterações hepáticas decorrentes de outros coronavírus tais como SARS-CoV e MERS-CoV. O Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas é um centro terciário que realiza transplantes de órgãos sólidos. Objetivos: Realizar a análise retrospectiva descritiva perioperatória dos transplantes hepáticos no contexto da pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 realizados no hospital das clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas no período de Março de 2020 a Julho de 2021. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo de coorte longitudinal baseado na revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático no contexto da pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 no período de Março de 2020 a Julho de 2021 no hospital de clínicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Resultados: A análise retrospectiva foi realizada em 57 pacientes no período. Apenas 1 paciente precisou ser excluído por ter menos de 18 anos. Dos 56 pacientes, 52 realizaram coleta do exame laboratorial RT-PCR e tomografia (TC) de tórax. Desses 52 pacientes apenas 2 positivaram o exame, um pré transplante (TX) e um no pós-operatório (pós-op). Em relação às TC de tórax nenhuma apresentava alterações típicas para COVID pré TX, no pós-op 4 pacientes apresentaram TC típicas. A média de idade foi de 55,86 anos. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 38% e nenhum óbito foi atribuído ao COVID 19. A escala de MELDNa média foi de 20,94. Conclusão: O presente estudo realizado no Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp analisou a associação clínica, laboratorial e radiológica para melhor elucidar as variáveis determinadas pela COVID-19 no seu diagnóstico e manejo intra-hospitalar. Conclui-se que a pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 teve impacto na rotina de realização do transplante hepático mundialmente e no serviço no qual o estudo foi realizado.

Refinement of the Milan Criteria: Role of α-Fetoprotein In Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary neoplasm of the liver, mainly secondary to cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus. Liver transplant (LT) is considered the best treatment because, in addition to removing the tumor, it also removes the underlying cirrhotic liver. The Milan criteria for LT have limitations because they do not consider the biological characteristics of the tumor. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the association of α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels before LT performed for HCC with recurrence of this tumor, and, based on the results, a new predictive model that combines the AFP values at the list entry with the usual criteria of tumor size and number of nodules was validated. In present study, the Score AFP model, we were able to correlate a greater occurrence of relapse with scores of 3 and 4 (P = .0001), indicating the usefulness of using AFP as a predictor of recurrence.

Clinical impact of the Model for End Liver Disease (MELD) score on the presence of microvascular invasion and on the postoperative outcome in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: to correlate clinical and epidemiological data with the pathological analysis of liver explants from patients undergoing liver transplantation for hetapocarcinoma in the UNICAMP HC and to verify whether the MELD and MELD-Na scores are reliable factors to predict a worse post-transplant prognosis. METHODS: we studied liver transplants carried out between May 2010 and November 2017. After excluding 38 patients, we included 87, analyzing clinical and laboratory data for correlation with the outcome Microvascular Invasion (MVI). Subsequently, we computed the MELD and MELD-Na scores and performed a descriptive analysis of clinical and laboratory data and, finally, calculated ROC curves to assess the association between these laboratory parameters and mortality in these patients. RESULTS: most patients were male (78.30%), with an average age of 58.53 years. Most liver diseases were caused by HCV (53.26%). We found no predictors for MVI among the laboratory parameters. The ROC curves for death identified the MELD score as the cutoff point with the highest combined sensitivity (90.91%) and specificity (37.50%), with a value of 10 points, whereas in the MELD-Na the cutoff point was 7 points, with a sensitivity of 90.91% and a specificity of 33.33%, both scores being significant. CONCLUSIONS: there were no reliable predictors of MVI between clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological variables. The MELD-Na score is more sensitive than the MELD one for predicting mortality in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

Clinical impact of the Model for End Liver Disease (MELD) score on the presence of microvascular invasion and on the postoperative outcome in patients undergoing liver transplantation / Impacto clínico do Model For End Liver Disease (MELD) na presença de invasão microvascular e no desfecho pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático

ABSTRACT Objective: to correlate clinical and epidemiological data with the pathological analysis of liver explants from patients undergoing liver transplantation for hetapocarcinoma in the UNICAMP HC and to verify whether the MELD and MELD-Na scores are reliable factors to predict a worse post-transplant prognosis. Methods: we studied liver transplants carried out between May 2010 and November 2017. After excluding 38 patients, we included 87, analyzing clinical and laboratory data for correlation with the outcome Microvascular Invasion (MVI). Subsequently, we computed the MELD and MELD-Na scores and performed a descriptive analysis of clinical and laboratory data and, finally, calculated ROC curves to assess the association between these laboratory parameters and mortality in these patients. Results: most patients were male (78.30%), with an average age of 58.53 years. Most liver diseases were caused by HCV (53.26%). We found no predictors for MVI among the laboratory parameters. The ROC curves for death identified the MELD score as the cutoff point with the highest combined sensitivity (90.91%) and specificity (37.50%), with a value of 10 points, whereas in the MELD-Na the cutoff point was 7 points, with a sensitivity of 90.91% and a specificity of 33.33%, both scores being significant. Conclusions: there were no reliable predictors of MVI between clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological variables. The MELD-Na score is more sensitive than the MELD one for predicting mortality in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

RESUMO Objetivo: correlacionar dados clínicos e epidemiológicos com a análise patológica dos explantes hepáticos dos pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático por hetapocarcinoma no HC da UNICAMP e verificar se os scores MELD e MELD-Na apresentam diferenças estatísticas para predizer pior prognóstico pós-transplante. Métodos: considerando os transplantes hepáticos ocorridos entre maio/2010 e novembro/2017, após excluir 38, 87 pacientes foram incluídos, analisando-se dados clínicos e laboratoriais desses pacientes para verificar se há independência entre esses e desfecho Invasão Microvascular (IMV). Posteriormente, realizou-se o cálculo do MELD e MELD-Na, a análise descritiva dos dados clínicos e laboratoriais e, por fim, curvas ROC para avaliar a associação entre esses parâmetros laboratoriais e o desfecho óbito nestes pacientes. Resultados: a maior parte dos pacientes foi do sexo masculino (78,30%), com idade, em média, de 58,53 anos. A maior parte das hepatopatias foi causada pelo VHC (53,26%). Não foi encontrado preditores para o desfecho IMV entre os parâmetros laboratoriais. As curvas ROC para o desfecho óbito identificaram o score MELD como ponto de corte de maior sensibilidade (90,91%) e especificidade (37,50%) simultâneas com o valor de 10 pontos, ao passo que no MELD-Na o ponto de corte foi 7 pontos, com sensibilidade de 90,91% e especificidade de 33,33%, sendo ambas as escalas significativas. Conclusões: não foram encontrados preditores para IMV entre critérios clínicos, laboratoriais e epidemiológicos. O score MELD-Na é mais sensível que o MELD para predizer mortalidade nos pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático.

The value of morphofunctional magnetic resonance imaging with hepatospecific contrast agent in the characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic patient with hepatitis C.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C in the absence of cirrhosis is uncommon. We demonstrate the importance of morphofunctional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a hepatospecific contrast agent by describing an asymptomatic female patient with HCV, who presented with a nodule detected on ultrasound. She underwent inconclusive computed tomography, presenting no signs of chronic liver disease. MRI with hepatospecific contrast providing functional information combined with the superior tissue contrast inherent to this method stands out for its greater accuracy with the possibility of not resorting to invasive diagnostic methods. With increasing experience and the dissemination of this new diagnostic modality in the medical field, its use and other potential benefits of morphofunctional MRI with hepatospecific contrast agents may be established, benefiting patients with challenging focal liver lesions.

The value of morphofunctional magnetic resonance imaging with hepatospecific contrast agent in the characterization of hepatocellular carcinoma in a non-cirrhotic patient with hepatitis C

SUMMARY Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C in the absence of cirrhosis is uncommon. We demonstrate the importance of morphofunctional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a hepatospecific contrast agent by describing an asymptomatic female patient with HCV, who presented with a nodule detected on ultrasound. She underwent inconclusive computed tomography, presenting no signs of chronic liver disease. MRI with hepatospecific contrast providing functional information combined with the superior tissue contrast inherent to this method stands out for its greater accuracy with the possibility of not resorting to invasive diagnostic methods. With increasing experience and the dissemination of this new diagnostic modality in the medical field, its use and other potential benefits of morphofunctional MRI with hepatospecific contrast agents may be established, benefiting patients with challenging focal liver lesions.

RESUMO O surgimento de carcinoma hepatocelular em pacientes portadores de hepatite C na ausência de cirrose é de ocorrência pouco comum. Demonstramos a importância da ressonância magnética (RM) morfofuncional com contraste hepatoespecífico por meio da descrição de uma paciente do sexo feminino, assintomática, portadora do vírus da hepatite C (VHC), que se apresentou com nódulo detectado na ultrassonografia. Realizou tomografia computadorizada inconclusiva, sem sinais de hepatopatia crônica. A RM com contraste hepatoespecífico, ao proporcionar informações funcionais, somado ao superior contraste tecidual inerente ao método, destaca-se pela maior acurácia, com a possiblidade de não se recorrer a métodos diagnósticos invasivos. Com o acúmulo de experiência e divulgação dessa nova modalidade diagnóstica no meio médico, sua utilização e outros potenciais benefícios da RM morfofuncional com contraste hepatoespecífico podem vir a se estabelecer, beneficiando pacientes com lesões hepáticas focais desafiadoras.

Microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: is it predictable with quantitative computed tomography parameters? / Invasão microvascular no carcinoma hepatocelular: é possível predizer pelos parâmetros quantitativos da tomografia computadorizada?

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether quantitative computed tomography (CT) measurements can predict microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 200 cases of surgically proven HCCs in 125 consecutive patients evaluated between March 2010 and November 2017. We quantitatively measured regions of interest in lesions and adjacent areas of the liver on unenhanced CT scans, as well as in the arterial, portal venous, and equilibrium phases on contrast-enhanced CT scans. Enhancement profiles were analyzed and compared with histopathological references of MVI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used in order to evaluate CT parameters as potential predictors of MVI. Results: Of the 200 HCCs, 77 (38.5%) showed evidence of MVI on histopathological analysis. There was no statistical difference between HCCs with MVI and those without, in terms of the percentage attenuation ratio in the portal venous phase (114.7 vs. 115.8) and equilibrium phase (126.7 vs. 128.2), as well as in terms of the relative washout ratio, also in the portal venous and equilibrium phases (15.0 vs. 8.2 and 31.4 vs. 26.3, respectively). Conclusion: Quantitative dynamic CT parameters measured in the preoperative period do not appear to correlate with MVI in HCC.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar se parâmetros quantitativos da tomografia computadorizada (TC) podem predizer invasão microvascular (IMV) no carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados, retrospectivamente, 200 CHCs comprovados de 125 pacientes submetidos consecutivamente a transplante ou ressecção hepática entre março/2010 e novembro/2017. Foram realizadas medidas quantitativas da densidade das lesões e do parênquima hepático adjacente pré-contraste e nas fases arterial, portal e de equilíbrio das TCs. Parâmetros de impregnação foram comparados com a presença de IMV nos laudos anatomopatológicos. Regressões logísticas univariadas e multivariadas foram utilizadas para avaliar os parâmetros da TC como potenciais preditores de IMV. Resultados: Dos 200 CHCs, 77 (38,5%) tinham IMV no anatomopatológico. Não houve diferença estatística na razão de atenuação entre CHCs com IMV e os sem IMV na fase portal (114,7 para IMV positiva e 115,8 para IMV negativa) ou de equilíbrio (126,7 para IMV positiva e 128,2 para IMV negativa), nem na razão de washout relativa nas fases portal e de equilíbrio (15,0 para IMV positiva e 8,2 para IMV negativa na fase portal, e 31,4 para IMV positiva e 26,3 para IMV negativa na fase de equilíbrio). Conclusão: Não houve relação entre os parâmetros quantitativos da TC pré-operatória e IMV dos CHCs.

Using Lean tools to reduce patient waiting time.

Purpose This paper aims to address problems in patient flow and identify the reasons behind extensive wait time at a public liver transplant outpatient clinic in an education and research hospital through the use of Lean health-care theories. Design/methodology/approach This paper opted for the application of Lean thinking and action research strategy. Data were collected through personal observations, interviews with users and team brainstorming. A value stream map was developed, improvement possibilities were identified and non-value-added activities were attempted to be eliminated. Findings Significant problems were identified and improvements were implemented and measured. The major remedial measures were: change the scheduling pattern, create a flow chart and a Kanban visual guide for medical students. In addition, an institutional change in the medical appointment scheduling software collaborated in the reduction of time and in the patient's displacement. The waiting time was reduced by 4.5 h, and the per cent complete and accurate increased by 50 per cent. Practical implications The flow was redesigned, and a culture of continuous improvement was introduced. Visiting the place where work was being done, leaders identified and created more value to the process without significant costs. The Gemba Walk was a powerful tool, interacting with people and processes in a Kaizen spirit. Originality/value Public health services in developing countries are one of the most deprived social needs of good practice. It will be useful for those who need examples about how to apply Lean tools in health care.

Indicações e resultados da ressecção cirúrgica do hemangioma hepático: indications and results / Hepatic hemangioma surgical ressection – indications and results

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico em pacientes portadores de hemangioma hepático. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 20 pacientes portadores de hemangioma hepático cavernoso, operados entre fevereiro de 1991 e fevereiro de 2005. A idade dos pacientes variou de 16 a 72 anos (média de 42 anos) com predomínio do sexo feminino (80 por cento), sendo que 85 por cento deles eram sintomáticos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ultrassonografia abdominal (US) e à tomografia computadorizada contrastada (TC). Utilizou-se incisão abdominal subcostal bilateral associada à incisão mediana. RESULTADOS: Durante o período de seguimento clínico não se constataram recidiva de sintomas ou de hemangioma. A morbidade pós-operatória representada por infecção da ferida cirúrgica foi observada em um (5 por cento) paciente, insuficiência hepática leve em 40 por cento e moderada em 15 por cento que apresentaram evolução clínica satisfatória com o tratamento clínico instituido; em um (5 por cento) verificou-se a ocorrência de bilioma que necessitou drenagem por punção abdominal. A maioria dos pacientes retornou as atividades habituais até o 3º. mês de pós-operatório. Não ocorreram óbitos nesta série de pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A ressecção cirúrgica do hemangioma hepático, gigante ou sintomático, é opção de tratamento segura e eficaz, sendo que a extensão da ressecção varia de acordo com a localização e tamanho.

BACKGROUND: To present the results of the surgical treatment in patient bearers of hepatic hemangioma. METHODS: We studied 20 patients with liver cavernous hemangioma, operated between February 1991 and February 2005. The patients ages ranged from 16 to 72 years (average of 42 years) with a predominance of female (80 percent), with 85 percent of them were symptomatic. All patients were undergoing abdominal ultrasonography (U.S.) and computed tomography contrasting (CT). It was used abdominal incision bilateral subcostal associated with the median incision. RESULTS: During follow-up neither symptom recurrences occurred nor hepatic hemangiomas were detected. Post-operative morbidity included wound infection in one patient (5 percent), mild hepatic insufficiency in 40 percent and moderate hepatic insufficiency in 15 percent of patients. All recovered well and completely. Biliary leakage was diagnosed in one patient (5 percent) and external drainage was required. No mortality occurred in this series. Normal patient activities returned after the third post-operative month. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of hepatic hemangiomas can be safely performed, with the choice of liver resection depending on lesion location and tumor size.