Poor performance of anti-mitochondrial antibodies for the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis in female Colombian patients: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a serious disease that causes significant morbidity. PBC is confirmed with liver biopsy but autoantibodies are frequently used as proxies for diagnosis. The performance of autoantibodies for the diagnosis of PBC seems to vary widely across populations. AIM: To assess the diagnostic performance of several autoantibodies for the diagnosis of PBC in Latin American individuals. METHODS: We studied 85 female adult Colombians, 43 cases with biopsy-confirmed PBC and 42 controls in whom a liver biopsy ruled out PBC. Plasma anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMAs) and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs), as well as total immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG were determined using immunofluorescence or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all study participants within 1 year of the biopsy. For all variables, values analyzed were those closest to the date of the biopsy. Patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis were excluded. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 58.7 years for cases and 56.9 years for controls, and the body mass index was lower among cases. Most cases received ursodeoxycholic acid, while most controls received vitamin E. Sjögren syndrome and Hashimoto's thyroiditis were the most frequent autoimmune comorbidities of PBC. The prevalence of AMA positivity among PBC cases was unexpectedly low. The sensitivity and specificity values were respectively 44.2% and 76.2% for AMA, 74.4% and 38.1% for ANA, 14.0% and 73.8% for ASMA, 26.7% and 80.0% for IgG, and 57.1% and 85.7% for IgM. The combination of positive AMA plus positive IgM had 91% positive predictive value for PBC. Among AMA-negative cases, the most prevalent antibodies were ANA (87.5%). In all, 62% of AMA-positive and 84.6% of IgM-positive individuals had fibrosis in their biopsy. CONCLUSION: AMA positivity was very low among female Latin American patients with PBC. The performance of all antibodies was quite limited. These results highlight the urgent need for better PBC biomarkers.

Latin American Association for the study of the liver (ALEH) practice guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently represents an epidemic worldwide. NAFLD is the most frequently diagnosed chronic liver disease, affecting 20-30% of the general population. Furthermore, its prevalence is predicted to increase exponentially in the next decades, concomitantly with the global epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD is a clinical syndrome that encompasses a wide spectrum of associated diseases and hepatic complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, this disease is believed to become the main indication for liver transplantation in the near future. Since NAFLD management represents a growing challenge for primary care physicians, the Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado (ALEH) has decided to organize this Practice Guidance for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, written by Latin-American specialists in different clinical areas, and destined to general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, gastroenterologists, and hepatologists. The main purpose of this document is to improve patient care and awareness of NAFLD. The information provided in this guidance may also be useful in assisting stakeholders in the decision-making process related to NAFLD. Since new evidence is constantly emerging on different aspects of the disease, updates to this guideline will be required in future.

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in a cohort of adult patients with a liver transplant from a reference hospital in Bogotá, Colombia / Trastornos linfoproliferativos en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con trasplante hepático atendidos en un hospital de referencia en Bogotá, Colombia.

Introduction: The post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are characterized by an uncontrolled pathological lymphoid proliferation as a consequence of transplant immunosuppression therapy. Objective: To characterize the clinical and pathological characteristics of PTLD in a cohort of adult patients with liver transplant during a 15 year period at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study by searching for the PTLD cases diagnosed during the study period in the databases of the Liver Transplantation Unit and the Pathology Department. We collected the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological information and performed the corresponding statistics analyses. Results: During the research period, 572 patients were transplanted; the incidence of PTDL was 2.44%; 79% of them were man and the average age at the time of diagnosis was 62.5 years; 71% of the cases were diagnosed during the first year after the transplant and the same percentage EBV-seropositive patients. The most frequent pathological phenotype was monomorphic and the majority of tumors was detected in the hepatic hilum. The one-year survival was 50%. Conclusion: The high proportion of early cases and the high frequency of Epstein-Barr virus seropositivity both in donors and receptors drewour attention. More studies are necessary to have a better understanding of this condition in Colombia. This is the first PTLD clinical and pathological analysis in liver-transplant patients from Colombia to date.

Introducción. Los trastornos linfoproliferativos después de un trasplante se caracterizan por la proliferación descontrolada de linfocitos como consecuencia del tratamiento inmunosupresor posterior a este. Objetivo. Caracterizar clínica y patológicamente los casos de trastornos linfoproliferativos después de trasplante (Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders, PTLD) en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con trasplante de hígado atendidos a lo largo de 15 años en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional retrospectivo a partir de la revisión de las bases de datos de la Unidad de Trasplante Hepático y del Departamento de Patología del Hospital en busca de los casos de PTLD diagnosticados durante el periodo de estudio. Se recolectó la información epidemiológica, clínica y patológica, y se adelantaron los análisis estadísticos. Resultados. Durante el periodo de estudio, hubo 572 pacientes con trasplante de hígado, la incidencia de trastornos linfoproliferativos fue de 2,44 %, el 79 % en hombres, y la edad promedio en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 62,5 años. El 71 % de los casos se presentó durante los primeros 12 meses después del trasplante y el mismo porcentaje fue seropositivo para el virus de Epstein-Barr (EBV). El fenotipo patológico más frecuente fue el monomorfo y la mayoría de los tumores se detectaron en el hilio hepático. La supervivencia al año fue del 50 %. Conclusiones. Llamó la atención el alto porcentaje de casos de presentación temprana, así como la gran frecuencia de seropositividad para el EBV tanto en los donantes como en los receptores. Deben adelantarse estudios más detallados para una mejor comprensión de esta enfermedad en el país. Este es el primer análisis clínico y patológico de PTLD en pacientes con trasplante de hígado adelantado en Colombia hasta la fecha.

Trastornos linfoproliferativos en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con trasplante hepático atendidos en un hospital de referencia en Bogotá, Colombia / Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders in a cohort of adult patients with a liver transplant from a reference hospital in Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción. Los trastornos linfoproliferativos después de un trasplante se caracterizan por la proliferación descontrolada de linfocitos como consecuencia del tratamiento inmunosupresor posterior a este. Objetivo. Caracterizar clínica y patológicamente los casos de trastornos linfoproliferativos después de trasplante (Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders, PTLD) en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con trasplante de hígado atendidos a lo largo de 15 años en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional retrospectivo a partir de la revisión de las bases de datos de la Unidad de Trasplante Hepático y del Departamento de Patología del Hospital en busca de los casos de PTLD diagnosticados durante el periodo de estudio. Se recolectó la información epidemiológica, clínica y patológica, y se adelantaron los análisis estadísticos. Resultados. Durante el periodo de estudio, hubo 572 pacientes con trasplante de hígado, la incidencia de trastornos linfoproliferativos fue de 2,44 %, el 79 % en hombres, y la edad promedio en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 62,5 años. El 71 % de los casos se presentó durante los primeros 12 meses después del trasplante y el mismo porcentaje fue seropositivo para el virus de Epstein-Barr (EBV). El fenotipo patológico más frecuente fue el monomorfo y la mayoría de los tumores se detectaron en el hilio hepático. La supervivencia al año fue del 50 %. Conclusiones. Llamó la atención el alto porcentaje de casos de presentación temprana, así como la gran frecuencia de seropositividad para el EBV tanto en los donantes como en los receptores. Deben adelantarse estudios más detallados para una mejor comprensión de esta enfermedad en el país. Este es el primer análisis clínico y patológico de PTLD en pacientes con trasplante de hígado adelantado en Colombia hasta la fecha.

Introduction: The post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are characterized by an uncontrolled pathological lymphoid proliferation as a consequence of transplant immunosuppression therapy. Objective: To characterize the clinical and pathological characteristics of PTLD in a cohort of adult patients with liver transplant during a 15 year period at the Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study by searching for the PTLD cases diagnosed during the study period in the databases of the Liver Transplantation Unit and the Pathology Department. We collected the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological information and performed the corresponding statistics analyses. Results: During the research period, 572 patients were transplanted; the incidence of PTDL was 2.44%; 79% of them were man and the average age at the time of diagnosis was 62.5 years; 71% of the cases were diagnosed during the first year after the transplant and the same percentage EBV-seropositive patients. The most frequent pathological phenotype was monomorphic and the majority of tumors was detected in the hepatic hilum. The one-year survival was 50%. Conclusion: The high proportion of early cases and the high frequency of Epstein-Barr virus seropositivity both in donors and receptors drewour attention. More studies are necessary to have a better understanding of this condition in Colombia. This is the first PTLD clinical and pathological analysis in liver-transplant patients from Colombia to date.

Implicaciones hepáticas en la pandemia por COVID-19 / Liver implications during the COVID-19 Pandemic

La infección generada por el coronavirus, denominado SARS-CoV-2, llamada coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), surgió en China a finales de diciembre de 2019. Actualmente ha sido categorizada como una pandemia por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Se han documentado alteraciones de pruebas hepáticas, sin embargo, los estudios se han enfocado en los efectos cardíacos, pulmonares y renales de esta infección. La alteración de pruebas hepáticas en el contexto de COVID-19 puede ser consecuencia de hepatitis viral, toxicidad farmacológica, inflamación o choque. También se considera como un marcador de pronóstico y gravedad de la enfermedad. El impacto de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con enfer-medad hepática preexistente o receptores de trasplante hepático no es claro, y se plantean distintas hipótesis sobre mayor o menor riesgo de enfermedad grave y de descompensación de la enfermedad de base.(AU)

The infection generated by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, named Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged late December of 2019 in China. It is currently categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. Studies have focused on cardiac, pulmonary, and renal effects of this infection, but liver test abnormalities have also been documented. This alteration may be a consequence of viral hepatitis, phar-macological toxicity, inflammation, or shock. It is also considered a marker of prognosis and severity of the disease. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with pre-existing liver disease or liver transplant recipients is unclear, and different hypotheses exist regarding the higher or lower risk of severe disease and decompensation of the underlying disease.

Colestasis en el adulto: enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico. Revisión de tema / Diagnostic and therapeutic approach for cholestasis in the adult

Resumen La colestasis es uno de los motivos de consulta más frecuentes en hepatología. Se genera por una alteración en la síntesis, la secreción o el flujo de la bilis, a través del tracto biliar. Esta se define por una elevación de enzimas como la fosfatasa alcalina (Alkaline Phosphatase, ALP) y la gamma-glutamil transferasa, y en estadios tardíos con la hiperbilirrubinemia, al igual que con otras manifestaciones clínicas, tales como el prurito y la ictericia. El enfoque diagnóstico implica establecer el origen de dicha elevación, determinando si es intrahepática o extrahepática. Si es intrahepática, se debe esclarecer si proviene de los hepatocitos o de la vía biliar de pequeño y de gran calibre. El tratamiento dependerá de la etiología, por lo cual es importante un diagnóstico preciso. En esta revisión se presenta la fisiopatología y un enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico.

Abstract Cholestasis is one of the most frequent reasons for hepatology consultation. It is generated by altered synthesis, secretion or flow of bile through the biliary tract and is defined by elevated levels of enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. In late stages, hyperbilirubinemia and clinical manifestations such as pruritus and jaundice develop. The diagnostic approach involves establishment of the reasons for elevated enzyme levels and determination of whether it is intrahepatic or extrahepatic. If it is intrahepatic, the source must be determined (hepatocytes, small bile ducts, or large caliber bile ducts). Treatment depends on the etiology, so accurate diagnosis is important. This review presents the pathophysiology and a diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Colombian experience in the treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antiviral agents

There are few published real-world studies on hepatitis C in Latin America. This paper describes a cohort of Colombian subjects treated with direct-acting antiviral agents. A total of 195 patients from 5 hepatology centers in 4 Colombian cities were retrospectively studied. For each patient, serum biomarkers were obtained, and Child-Pugh, MELD, cirrhosis and fibrosis stage were calculated. Additionally, viral load was quantified at initiation, end of treatment and at 12 weeks of completion. Adverse effects were recorded. Patients with liver transplant were compared with non-transplanted patients in terms of serum biomarkers. The patients had received 9 different regimes. The most prevalent viral genotype was 1b (81.5%). Overall, 186 patients (95.4%) attained sustained virologic response. When comparing transplanted vs. non-transplanted patients, those in the non-transplanted group were more likely to have cirrhosis (52.6% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.0004). Pre-treatment viral load was higher in the transplant group (1 743 575 IQR = 1 038 062-4 252 719 vs. 345 769 IQR = 125 806-842 239; p < 0.0001) as well as ALT and AST levels (82.5 IQR 43.5-115.5 vs. 37.0 IQR = 24.7-73.3; p = 0.0009 and 70 IQR = 41-140 vs. 37 IQR = 24-68; p = 0.004 respectively). Adverse events were reported by 28.7% of the patients; asthenia (5.6%) was the most prevalent. Our results are comparable with those from other countries in terms of therapy and biomarkers. However, our cohort reported less adverse events. Further research is needed in the region.

Existen pocas publicaciones de evidencias del mundo real sobre hepatitis C en América Latina. En este estudio presentamos una cohorte colombiana de pacientes tratados con agentes antivirales de acción directa. Fueron analizados retrospectivamente 195 pacientes seleccionados en 5 centros de hepatología en 4 ciudades de Colombia. Dos tercios fueron mujeres y la mitad tenía ≥ 62 años. De cada uno se cuantificaron biomarcadores séricos, escala de Child-Pugh, MELD y grado de cirrosis y fibrosis. Se cuantificó carga viral al inicio, al final y a las 12 semanas después de completado el tratamiento. Se comparó la frecuencia de efectos adversos de medicamentos en trasplantados vs. no trasplantados. Los pacientes recibieron 9 esquemas de tratamiento diferentes. El genotipo más prevalente fue 1b (81.5%). La respuesta viral sostenida fue alcanzada por 186 pacientes (95.4%). El grupo no trasplantado tenía mayor frecuencia de cirrosis (52.6% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.0004). En los trasplantados, la carga viral pre-tratamiento era mayor (1 743 575 IQR = 1 038 062-4 252 719 vs. 345 769 IQR = 125 806-842 239; p = < 0.0001) igual que la ALT y la AST (82.5 IQR 43.5-115.5 vs. 37.0 IQR = 24.7-73.3; p = 0.0009 and 70 IQR = 41-140 vs. 37 IQR = 24-68; p = 0.004 respectivamente). El 28.7% refirió efectos adversos, siendo el más prevalente la astenia (5.6%). Nuestros resultados fueron comparables a los de estudios publicados en términos de terapia y biomarcadores pero nuestra cohorte presentó menos efectos adversos. Se requiere más investigación en la región.

Colombian experience in the treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antiviral agents.

There are few published real-world studies on hepatitis C in Latin America. This paper describes a cohort of Colombian subjects treated with direct-acting antiviral agents. A total of 195 patients from 5 hepatology centers in 4 Colombian cities were retrospectively studied. For each patient, serum biomarkers were obtained, and Child-Pugh, MELD, cirrhosis and fibrosis stage were calculated. Additionally, viral load was quantified at initiation, end of treatment and at 12 weeks of completion. Adverse effects were recorded. Patients with liver transplant were compared with non-transplanted patients in terms of serum biomarkers. The patients had received 9 different regimes. The most prevalent viral genotype was 1b (81.5%). Overall, 186 patients (95.4%) attained sustained virologic response. When comparing transplanted vs. non-transplanted patients, those in the non-transplanted group were more likely to have cirrhosis (52.6% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.0004). Pre-treatment viral load was higher in the transplant group (1 743 575 IQR = 1 038 062-4 252 719 vs. 345 769 IQR = 125 806-842 239; p < 0.0001) as well as ALT and AST levels (82.5 IQR 43.5-115.5 vs. 37.0 IQR = 24.7-73.3; p = 0.0009 and 70 IQR = 41-140 vs. 37 IQR = 24-68; p = 0.004 respectively). Adverse events were reported by 28.7% of the patients; asthenia (5.6%) was the most prevalent. Our results are comparable with those from other countries in terms of therapy and biomarkers. However, our cohort reported less adverse events. Further research is needed in the region.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in South America: Evaluation of risk factors, demographics and therapy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most studies addressing the epidemiology of HCC originate from developed countries. This study reports the preliminary findings of a multinational approach to characterize HCC in South America. METHODS: We evaluated 1336 HCC patients seen at 14 centres in six South American countries using a retrospective study design with participating centres completing a template chart of patient characteristics. The diagnosis of HCC was made radiographically or histologically for all cases according to institutional standards. Methodology of surveillance for each centre was following AASLD or EASL recommendations. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of individuals were male with a median age of 64 years at time of diagnosis. The most common risk factor for HCC was hepatitis C infection (HCV, 48%), followed by alcoholic cirrhosis (22%), Hepatitis B infection (HBV, 14%) and NAFLD (9%). We found that among individuals with HBV-related HCC, 38% were diagnosed before age 50. The most commonly provided therapy was transarterial chemoembolization (35% of HCCs) with few individuals being considered for liver transplant (<20%). Only 47% of HCCs were diagnosed during surveillance, and there was no difference in age of diagnosis between those diagnosed incidentally vs by surveillance. Nonetheless, being diagnosed during surveillance was associated with improved overall survival (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents the largest cohort to date reporting characteristics and outcomes of HCC across South America. We found an important number of HCCs diagnosed outside of surveillance programmes, with associated increased mortality in those patients.

Incidencia de enfermedad renal crónica y factores de riesgo para su desarrollo en pacientes postrasplante hepático en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá 2004-2008 / Incidence of chronic kidney disease and risk factors for patients who underwent liver transplantation at Fundación Santa Fe University Hospital from 2004 to 2008

Antecedentes: La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) se desarrolla frecuentemente después de someter a pacientes a trasplante de órganos sólidos como hepático, cardíaco, pulmonar, intestino delgado, y se asocia con un aumento en la morbimortalidad, costos y deterioro de la calidad de vida del paciente. El desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica es una complicación común en pacientes postrasplante hepático. Es definida como una tasa de filtración glomerular entre 60 y 29 ml/min/1,73 m² de área de superficie corporal en el postoperatorio. Múltiples factores contribuyen al riesgo de desarrollar ERC en este grupo de pacientes. Entre los más importantes se encuentran la función renal previa al trasplante, medida por la fórmula MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), injuria renal aguda durante el perioperatorio, inmunosupresores como los inhibidores de calcineurina. Durante los primeros seis meses del trasplante es cuando ocurre el deterioro mas rápido de la función renal y en meses posteriores esta declina lentamente. Es importante determinar nuestra incidencia de falla renal crónica, el grado de severidad de esta según la clasificación y los factores de riesgo en pacientes de trasplante hepático. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la incidencia de enfermedad renal crónica y los factores de riesgo para su desarrollo en pacientes postrasplante hepático en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá en el periodo comprendido entre enero del 2004 y noviembre de 2008. Materiales y métodos: Es un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. La población, fueron los pacientes llevados a trasplante hepático en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá entre enero 1 del 2004 y noviembre 11 del 2008, que tuvieran previo al trasplante una función renal normal, calculada por MDRD, excluyendo insuficiencia renal previa al trasplante y aquellos que requirieron trasplante combinado hígado-riñón. Resultados: De 79 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, 27 (34,2% IC 95% 23,9-45,7) presentaron falla renal al sexto mes de seguimiento con un MDRD de estadio 2. De los 27 pacientes que desarrollaron falla renal crónica postrasplante a los seis meses de seguimiento, 6 (22,2%) tenían diagnóstico de cirrosis por NASH; 5 (18,5%) tenían diagnóstico de hepatitis C. Los 27 pacientes que desarrollaron falla renal crónica al sexto mes de seguimiento, tenían un MDRD pretrasplante en promedio de 89,4 ml/min/m²/SC. La falla renal crónica postrasplante es una complicación que viene en ascenso y que se asocia a factores de riesgo pretrasplante y postrasplante, como son hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C e inmunosupresión. Conclusiones: Podemos decir que existe una tendencia a que los pacientes con diagnóstico pretrasplante de cirrosis por NASH y hepatitis C desarrollen más falla renal crónica. La inmunosupresión en el postrasplante inmediato influye en el desarrollo de falla renal crónica; en nuestro trabajo se observa como ciclosporina A, en un gran porcentaje presente en los pacientes que desarrollaron falla renal crónica. Se necesitarán nuevos estudios para determinar asociación entre estos factores de riesgo y el desarrollo de falla renal crónica.

Background: Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) frequently develops in patients who undergo transplantation of solid organs such as livers, hearts, lungs, and small intestines. CRF increases morbidity and mortality rates, increases costs and results in deterioration in the quality of patients' lives. The development of CRF is a common complication in post-liver transplant patients. It is defined as a glomerular filtration rate between 29 and 60 ml/min/1.73 m² of body surface area during post-surgical procedures. Multiple factors contribute to the risk of developing CRF in this group of patients. The most important among these factors are renal function prior to transplantation as measured by MDRD formula (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease), acute perioperative renal failure, and immune-suppressors such as calcineurin inhibitors. During the first six months after transplantation renal function deteriorates rapidly, but declines slowly thereafter. It is important to determine our incidence of chronic renal failure, the degree of severity according to the classification and the risk factors in patients who underwent liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of chronic renal disease and the risk factors affecting post-liver transplant patients in the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota University Hospital from January 2004 to November 2008. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive and retrospective study of a population of patients who had undergone liver transplantation in the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogota University Hospital between January 1, 2004 and November 11, 2008. These patients presented normal renal functions as measured by the MDRD formula. We excluded patients with previous renal insufficiency and combined liver-kidney transplantation patients. Results: 79 patients were included in the study. 27 (34.2% CI 95% 23.9 - 45.7) had developed Stage 2 MDRD renal failure by the 6th month of surveillance. 6 of the 27 patients (22.2%) presented cirrhosis resulting from NASH. 5 of the 27 (18.5%) presented hepatitis C. The 27 patients who developed chronic renal failure by the 6th month of surveillance presented an average MDRD score of 89.4 ml/min/m²/SC prior to transplantation. Chronic renal failure following transplantation is an increasingly common complication, associated with risk factors prior to and following transplantation. These factors include arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C and immunosuppression. Conclusions: Patients with pre-transplantation diagnoses of cirrhosis resulting from NASH or of hepatitis have a tendency to develop chronic renal failure. Immunosuppression immediately after transplantation influences the development of chronic renal failure. In our study we observed high percentages of cyclosporine A in patients who developed chronic renal failure. New studies are needed to determine the association between these risk factors and the development of chronic renal failure.

Hemocromatosis hereditaria / Hereditay hemochromatosis

La hemocromatosis hereditaria es un desorden del metabolismo del hierro. Es común en poblaciones con ascendentes europeos. Sin embargo, frecuentemente es subdiagnosticada en parte al confundirse con variantes de la cirrosis alcohólica o con otras enfermedades como la artritis.Es un trastorno autosómico recesivo que produce sobrecarga de hierro asociado con la mutación del gen HFE el cual está localizado en el cromosoma 6. En muchos casos la mutación resulta de una sustitución de una tirosina por una cisteína en la posición 282 de la proteína HFE (C282Y). Ésta ha sido originalmente descrita en poblaciones con antecesores célticos (o vikingos) del norte de Europa desde hace más de 2000 años. La mutación homocigota: C282Y/C282Y es ahora encontrada aproximadamente en 5 de cada 1.000 personas descendientes de europeos, con una prevalencia diez veces mayor a la fibrosis quística genética. La mutación de HFE permite una absorción exagerada de hierro desde la luz intestinal generando así su acumulación; éste se deposita anormalmente en múltiples órganos y tejidos (miocardio, hígado, articulaciones, hipófisis, páncreas, etc.), y dependiendo del sitio donde se localiza va a producir los síntomas relacionados, por ejemplo cirrosis (hígado), panhipopituitarismo o artritis. El desarrollo de herramientas diagnósticas, como el estudio genético, ha proporcionado la prevención de la morbilidad y disminuir así la mortalidad relacionada con esta entidad, sobre todo en portadores sanos.El tratamiento consiste en movilizar los depósitos de hierro y continúa siendo por medio de la realización de flebotomías periódicas, ya que la medicación (quelantes) es poco tolerada, más costosa y no superior a lo logrado con las flebotomías. Se recomienda la abstinencia absoluta del alcohol y evitar el consumo de suplementos con hierro, y controles periódicos de pruebas bioquímicas para así detectar precozmente la enfermedad y evitar sus complicaciones (ej. cirrosis, hepatocarcinoma).