Portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation: report of two cases and literature review / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience of portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of two recipients with portal vein aneurysm after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis were summarized based on literature review. Results Both two cases were diagnosed with intrahepatic portal vein aneurysm complicated with portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension after liver transplantation. Case 1 was given with targeted conservative treatment and he refused to undergo liver retransplantation. Physical condition was worsened after discharge, and the patient eventually died from liver graft failure, kidney failure, lung infection, and septic shock. Case 2 received high-dose glucocorticoid pulse therapy, whereas liver function was not improved, and the patient was recovered successfully after secondary liver transplantation. Conclusions Long-term complication of portal vein aneurysm (especially intrahepatic type) after liver transplantation probably indicates poor prognosis. Correct understanding, intimate follow-up and active treatment should be conducted. Liver retransplantation may be a potential treatment regimen.

Effect of body mass index of recipients on early prognosis after lung transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on early prognosis of the recipients after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 307 lung transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. According to preoperative BMI, all recipients were divided into the low (BMI <18.5 kg/m2, n=114), normal (18.5 kg/m2≤BMI <24 kg/m2, n=145) and high (BMI≥24.0 kg/m2, n=48) BMI groups, respectively. Baseline data including age, sex, blood type, BMI, preoperative complications, preoperative pulmonary hypertension, and intraoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) of all recipients were compared among three groups. The survival rate of all recipients was estimated by Kaplan-Meier curve and the survival curve was delineated. The differences of survival rate were analyzed by log-rank test. The 30-, 90- and 180-d mortality risk of all recipients after lung transplantation in different BMI groups was compared by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results There were significant differences in age and sex of recipients among three groups (both P<0.05). There was a significant difference regarding the 180-d survival rate after lung transplantation among different BMI groups (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the 90-d mortality risk after lung transplantation in the high BMI group was 2.295 times higher than that in the normal BMI group [hazard ratio (HR) 2.295, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.064-4.947, P=0.034]. In the high BMI group, the 180-d mortality risk after lung transplantation was 2.783 times higher compared with that in the normal BMI group (HR 2.783, 95%CI 1.333-5.810, P=0.006), and the 180-d mortality risk in the low BMI group was 2.181 times higher than that in the normal BMI group (HR 2.181, 95%CI 1.124-4.232, P=0.021). Conclusions Compared with the recipients with normal BMI, their counterparts with high and low preoperative BMI have higher mortality risk early after lung transplantation. Adjusting preoperative BMI to normal range contributes to improving early prognosis of lung transplant recipients.

Association between SYNTAX II Score and late saphenous vein graft failure in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a well-established treatment modality for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Syntax II Score has been established as novel scoring system with better prediction of postprocedural outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score for predicting late saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: The records of 1,875 consecutive patients who underwent isolated CABG with at least one SVG were investigated. Those who underwent coronary angiography and SVGs angiography at least 1 year after the CABG were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of SVG failure. For each group, predictors of late SVG failure and subsequent clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: According to this study, the presence of hypertension, higher rates of repeat revascularization, and higher SYNTAX II Scores were found to be independent predictors of late SVG failure. In addition, the prognostic value of SYNTAX II Score was found to be significantly higher than anatomical SYNTAX Score in terms of predicting late SVG failure and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event. CONCLUSIONS: There was a strong association between SYNTAX II Score and late SVG failure in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Functional role and underlying mechanisms of neuropilin-1 in proliferation and migration of rat vascular smooth muscle cells / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the role and potential mechanisms of neuropilin-1 (NRP1) in the pathogenesis of vein graft failure. Methods    The rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were transfected with NRP1-shRNA adenovirus and negative control adenovirus respectively. Cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, Transwell and Western blot were used to investigate the effects of inhibition of NRP1 on VSMCs proliferation viability, apoptosis, migration capacity and its downstream signaling pathway protein expression. Results    The proliferation and migration of rat VSMCs could be inhibited after down-regulation of NRP1, and the increase of apoptosis was also observed. Moreover, inhibition of NRP1 significantly reduced Akt and NF-κB phosphorylation in rat VSMCs, but had little effect on activation of ERK1/2. Conclusion    NRP1 may promote vein graft hyperplastic remodeling by regulating the proliferation and migration of VSMCs through PI3K/Akt and NF-κB pathways, but further animal study is required.

The efficiency study on different scoring models in predicting delayed graft function after renal transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze the prediction efficiency of scoring models at home and abroad on delayed graft function (DGF) after renal transplantation in China. Methods The clinical data of 112 donors and 220 recipients undergoing renal transplantation were prospectively analyzed. The DGF predicted by KDRI model, Jeldres model, and model of our center was compared with actual DGF incidence of renal transplant recipients. The prediction efficiency of each model was analyzed. The predictive accuracy was compared by the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results The DGF incidence of 220 renal transplant recipients was 14.1% (31/220). DGF prediction using KDRI model showed that 41 cases were high risk donors, the AUC was 0.57, the sensitivity was 0.37, the specificity was 0.66, and the positive predictive value was 22%. DGF prediction using Jedres model showed that 22 cases were high risk recipients, the AUC was 0.56, the sensitivity was 0.13, the specificity was 0.92 and the positive predictive value was 20%. DGF prediction using the model of our center showed that 25 cases were high risk donors, the AUC was 0.80, the sensitivity was 0.53, the specificity was 0.84, the positive predictive value was 40%. Conclusions Compared with the KDRI and Jedres models, the prediction model of our center has higher AUC and sensitivity with a better prediction efficiency on DGF. Therefore, it is a suitable evaluation system of donors from donation after citizen's death in Chinese.

A Clinical Study of Factors Influencing Graft Success after Repeat Penetrating Keratoplasty and their Management

Introduction: Corneal disease ranks 5th among the causes ofblindness and it forms 7.1% of total blindness and is a seriouspublic health problem resulting in medical and economicburden to the nation. A study was carried out to evaluateregrafts with emphasis on factors which caused failure oforiginal graft and factors influencing graft success after repeatPK.Material and methods: The prospective study consisted ofcases of graft failure attending Eye Bank Clinic at CommandHospital, Kolkata, from Jan 2017 to Dec 2018. Intervalbetween primary graft and repeat PK was minimum of 06months. All the surgeries were performed by a single surgeon.Results: Out of 164 PK, 28 regraft (17.07%) were performed.The regrafting were carried out on cases of graft failure dueto endothelial failure (39.3%), allograft rejection (17.8%),recurrence of disease (14.2%), secondary glaucoma (10.7%),ocular surface disorder and dry eye (10.7%), Pseudomonasinfection (3.6%) and unknown (3.6%). In 13 cases simplerepeat keratoplasty and in rest 15 cases combined procedureswere done. 17 cases (60.7%) had clear regrafts and in 11cases the regraft became opaque during follow up period of06 months to 2 years (average 12.6 months). Pseudophakicbullous keratopathy had greater rate of clear regrafts (71.4%).09 out of 11 cases of failure had one of the preoperative factorslike raised IOP, anterior synechiae, corneal vascularizationand younger recipient age group. Vascularization of recipientbed was associated with greater rate of graft failure (60%).Conclusions: Better visual outcome and graft survival inregraft can be achieved by understanding the underlyingpathology and formulating a preoperative plan.

Analysis of the management and clinical effect of accessory renal artery in the living-related donor renal, transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the management and clinical effect of accessory renal artery in living-related donor renal transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 277 donors and recipients undergoing living-related donor renal transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. According to the results of preoperative CT angiography (CTA), the donor kidney was selected and the accessory renal artery of the renal graft was treated intraoperatively. Intraoperative status of the donors, and intraoperative management, postoperative complications, clinical prognosis of the recipients were summarized. Results Among 277 cases of renal transplantation, accessory renal arteries were detected in 83 donors by preoperative CTA examination with an accuracy rate of 95%. Fifty-eight donor kidneys with accessory renal arteries were obtained. Twenty-five donor kidneys with accessory renal arteries were reconstructed and anastomized by vascular repairing. Among them, 1 patient presented with anastomotic thrombosis during abdominal closure, whereas the other 24 cases were successfully anastomized with excellent blood flow. No complications, such as hemorrhage, renal graft embolism, ureteral necrosis and urinary fistula, occurred after renal transplantation. The 1-year survival rates of the recipients and renal grafts were 94% and 91%. The clinical efficacy did not significantly differ between the recipients with single renal artery and their counterparts with accessory renal artery (P > 0.05). Conclusions It can be obtained good clinical efficacy of renal transplantation by selecting a suitable donor kidney and reconstructing and anastomizing the accessory renal artery of the renal graft through vascular repair.

Effect of Institutional Kidney Transplantation Case-Volume on Post-Transplant Graft Failure: a Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: The impact of institutional case volume to graft failure rate after adult kidney transplantation is relatively unclear compared to other solid organ transplantations. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 13,872 adult kidney transplantations in Korea was performed. Institutions were divided into low- ( 60 cases/year) volume centers depending on the annual case volume. One-year graft failure rate was defined as the proportion of patients who required dialysis or re-transplantation at one year after transplantation. Postoperative in-hospital mortality and long-term graft survival were also measured. RESULTS: After adjustment, one year graft failure was higher in low-volume centers significantly (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–1.78; P < 0.001) and medium-volume centers (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.57–2.23; P < 0.001) compared to high-volume centers. Low-volume centers had significantly higher mortality (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.15–2.66; P = 0.01) than that of high-volume centers after adjustment. Long-term graft survival of up to 9 years was superior in high-volume centers compared to low- and medium-volume centers (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Higher-case volume centers were associated with lower one-year graft failure rate, lower in-hospital mortality, and higher long-term graft survival after kidney transplantation.

Effects of preexisting donor-specific HLA antibodies for graft failure in un-manipulated haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the effects of donor-specific HLA antibodies(DSA) for graft failure in un-manipulated haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(haplo-HSCT) and the feasible treatment for DSA.@*Methods@#HLA antibodies were examined using the Luminex-based single Ag assay for 92 patients who were going on haplo-SCT and the correlations of graft failure and DSA among the patients who had finished SCT were analyzed.@*Results@#Of the total 92 patients who were going on haplo-HSCT, sixteen (17.4%) patients were HLA Ab-positive, including six (6.5%) patients with antibodies corresponding to donor HLA Ags (DSA-positive). Among the patients who had finished the haplo-HSCT with conventional myeloablative conditioning regimen, the engraftment rate was significantly higher in DSA (-) patients than that in DSA (+) patients [92.3% (24/26) vs 25.0%(1/4), χ2=8.433, P=0.004] and DSA was the only factor relevant with graft failure in multiple-factor analysis [OR=12.0(95% CI 1.39-103.5), P=0.024]. Strategies to decrease antibody levels were taken for 4 patients, two were their first transplantations, and the other two patients were their second haplo-HSCT. Three of the four patients were HLA-I-DSA positive and had gained donor engraftment by means of donor platelet transfusions to decreased the level of DSA, the fourth patient with both HLA-I and HLA-II DSA also gained engraftment with the treatments of TBI, rituximab and donor platelet transfusion.@*Conclusion@#DSA is one of the key factors of graft failure in haplo-HSCT. Donors should be selected on the basis of an evaluation of HLA antibodies before transplantation. If haplo-HSCT from donors with DSA must be performed, then recipients should be treated for DSA to improve the chances of successful engraftment.

Preliminary analysis on graft failure after non-T-cell depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 实用医学杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical features of graft failure (GF)after non-T-cell depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT), and to investigate the causes and treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out on 174 patientswho accepted the non-T-cell depleted Haplo-HCT from Jan 2012 to Dec 2013. The patients′ donor specific anti human leukocyte antigen antibodies (DSA) from the peripheral blood serum were detected and those DSA positive patients were treated by immunoglobulin or plasma exchange before transplatation. Results A total of three patients with acute myeloid leukemia got GF, the incidence rate was 1.72%. The patient with primary GF was given a secondHaplo-HCT, but did not get implanted with leukemia remission and three lineages persistently low , he was died of pulmonary infection eight monthes after the second transplant. One of the secondary GF patients was given peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMNCs) mobilized by granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) from the donor, and got full donor chimerism on day 16 after infusion. The disease-free survival has been for 18 months. The other case was found that DSA was positive, the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) value was 15000, then Rituximab and PBMNCs mobilized by G-CSF were administrated successively. On day 14 after infusion the partient got full donor chimerism , and MFI turned negative. The patient has been disease-free survival for 41 months. Conclusion Graft failure is a rare but fatal complication after non-T-cell depletedHaplo-HCT, Rituximab followed by PBMNCs are effective measures for DSA related GF, as were worthy of further study.

Inferior vena cava stenosis-induced sinusoidal obstructive syndrome after living donor liver transplantation

The sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS) is a complication that usually follows hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is also known as veno-occlusive disease, which is a rare complication of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Herein, we reported a 34 year-old female patient presenting SOS after LDLT. Its underlying cause was presumed to be associated with liver abscess and subsequent inferior vena cava stenosis. SOS led to graft failure, thus requiring retransplantation with a deceased donor liver graft. The underlying causes of SOS are complex pathologic entity with multifactorial etiology. It is likely that its multifactorial etiology includes a decrease of hepatic venous outflow that is caused by graft liver infection and inferior vena cava stenosis.

Increase in Anti-Gal IgM Level is Associated With Early Graft Failure in Intraportal Porcine Islet Xenotransplantation

BACKGROUND: Anti-Gal is a major antibody induced in non-human primates (NHPs) after xenotransplantation. To understand the mechanism of graft rejection, we investigated the association between anti-Gal responses and graft failure in NHP recipients of porcine islet transplantation (PITx). METHODS: Intraportal PITx was performed in 35 diabetic NHPs, and graft function was monitored. Early graft failure (EGF) was defined as loss of graft function within a month after PITx. Seven, 19, nine NHPs received immunosuppression (IS) without CD40 pathway blockade (Group I), with anti-CD154 (Group II), and with anti-CD40 (Group III), respectively. The anti-Gal levels on day 0 and day 7 of PITx were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The frequency of EGF was significantly lower in Group II (26.3%) than in Group I (100%, P=0.0012) and Group III (77.8%, P=0.0166). While levels of anti-Gal IgG in Group I and anti-Gal IgM in Group III increased on day 7 compared with day 0 (P=0.0156 and 0.0273), there was no increase in either on day 7 in Group II. The ratio of anti-Gal IgM or IgG level on day 7 to that on day 0 (Ratio7/0) was significantly higher in recipients with EGF than without EGF (P=0.0009 and 0.0027). ROC curve analysis of anti-Gal IgM Ratio7/0 revealed an area under the curve of 0.789 (P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: IS with anti-CD154 suppressed anti-Gal responses and prevented EGF in PITx. Anti-Gal IgM Ratio7/0, being associated with EGF, is a predictive marker for EGF.

Dendritic cell vaccine treatment of advanced de novo colorectal cancer in renal transplant patients.

Objective: The clinical outcome, especial the immunologic responses to cancer and graft, of dendritic cell (DC) vaccine in the treatment of advanced de novo colorectal cancer (CRC) in renal transplant patients was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: 7 patients were received 1 cycle tumor lysate pulsed autologous DC vaccine. The positive cell-mediated cytotoxicity responses to DC vaccine against CRC cell in two out of 7 patients were seen by delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) test. The positive cell-mediated cytotoxicity responses to DC vaccine against normal kidney cell in all 7 patients were not seen by DTH tests and no notable change of renal function during and after vaccination. Conclusions: DC vaccine has emerged as a promising new strategy in the treatment of advanced de novo CRC in renal transplant patients and DC vaccines have become an attractive therapeutic option, developing immune responses specific against CRC cell, achieving clinical efficacy without graft failure.

Retrasplante hepático: experiencia de 6 años del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe / Liver retransplantation: 6 years of experience of the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe

Objetivos: El retrasplante hepático es la única opción terapéutica para el fracaso del injerto hepático, corresponde al 5% a 23% de todos los trasplantes y está relacionado con menor sobrevida, con aumento de las complicaciones y costos. Los objetivos son evaluar la incidencia, describir las complicaciones y la sobrevida de los pacientes de retrasplante hepático de un centro en Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de pacientes retrasplantados en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe entre el 2004 y el 2010. Resultados: Se realizaron 305 trasplantes ortotópicos de hígado en adultos y niños. El retrasplante hepático se realizó en 21 pacientes adultos (7,7%). La principal indicación fue trombosis de la arteria hepática. La supervivencia de pacientes a 1 año fue de 81%, y a 5 años fue 76%. La supervivencia del injerto hepático fue a 1 y 5 años del 76% y 72%, respectivamente. Se encontraron complicaciones vasculares en 4 pacientes (19%) y complicaciones biliares en el 19%. Se documentaron infecciones en 11 pacientes (52%). La principal causa de muerte fue la disfunción primaria del injerto hepático. Conclusión: El retrasplante hepático es un procedimiento complejo que requiere gran destreza técnica y la apropiada selección de los pacientes, con resultados, a mediano plazo en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe en Medellín, que son similares a lo reportado en la literatura mundial.

Objectives: Liver retransplantation is the only therapeutic option for liver graft failure which occurs in 5% to 23 % of all transplants. Graft failure is associated with poorer survival rates and increased complications and costs. The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence of liver retransplantation and describe complications and survival of liver retransplantation patients at a center in Colombia. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients retransplanted at the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe between 2004 and 2010. Results: Three hundred five adults and children underwent orthotopic liver transplants between 2004 and 2010. Liver retransplantation was performed on 21 adult patients (7.7 %). The main indication was thrombosis of the hepatic artery. Patient survival at 1 year was 81 %, and at 5 years it was 76 %. Liver graft survival was at one year was 76 % and at five years was 72%. Vascular complications were found in 4 patients (19%), and biliary complications were found in 4 patients (19%). Infections were documented in 11 patients (52 %). The main cause of death was primary liver graft dysfunction. Conclusion: Liver retransplantation is a complex procedure requiring great technical skill and appropriate patient selection. Medium term results in the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe in Medellin are similar to those reported in the literature.

Complications and management in Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty: Analysis of consecutive 430 cases.

Purpose: To analyze the complications and their managements in Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in consecutive 430 cases by single surgeon in a tertiary eye hospital. Materials and Methods: 430 eyes of 366 patients with endothelial dysfunctions scheduled for DSEK, were analyzed retrospectively. In all cases donor dissection was performed manually, and ‘Taco’ insertion and unfolding technique was used. Intra-operative and postoperative complications with their managements and outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Periodic endothelial cell density was analyzed for each patient till the last visit. Follow-up period was between 3 to 60 months (mean 18.7 months). Results: 13 (3.0%) eyes had operative complications during donor dissection and 16 (3.7%) had during recipient procedure. In 7 (1.6%) eyes, donor lenticule was replaced with a new one during the surgery. In early postoperative period, 21 (4.9%) eyes had donor dislocation and 12 (2.8%) eyes had air-induced pupillary block; and they were managed immediately. 2 cases had primary graft failure and in 1 case had postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis requiring evisceration. In late postoperative period, 48 (11.3%) eyes had secondary glaucoma and 14 (3.3%) eyes had late secondary graft failure. Endothelial rejection occurred in 5 (1.2%) cases. Mean endothelial cell loss was 19.7% after 3 months and 54.2% after 5 years. Total graft failure in this series was 31 (7.2%) and in 17 cases re-DSEK was performed successfully. Conclusions: Both operative and postoperative complications do occur in DSEK. Most of these complications can be managed by medical or appropriate surgical means. Some of the complications can be avoided and reduced with experience.

The Efficacy of Low-Dose Systemic Cyclosporine for Graft Failure after Penetrating Keratoplasty in High-Risk Group

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of low-dose systemic cyclosporine A (CsA) in preventing graft failure after high-risk penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 36 eyes of 25 patients who underwent PKP were evaluated. At 24 months postoperatively, the failure rate in the CsA group (n = 19) was compared to the control group (n = 17). For subgroup analysis, the failure rate in the CsA group (n = 9) and control group (n = 9) was compared in patients who underwent a repeat PKP. The patients' side-effect profile was also collected. RESULTS: The median follow-up in the CsA group was 32.8 months and 28.9 months in the control group. Graft failure occurred in 31.6% CsA patients and in 68.4% control patients (p = 0.311). In patients with repeat PKP, the failure rate in the CsA group was significantly lower than the control group (22.2% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.018). In one case (5.26%), CsA was discontinued due to gastroinstestinal discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose CsA was not beneficial compared to conventional therapy in high-risk PKP patients. However, in the repeat PKP subgroup, the incidence of graft failure was lower with low-dose CsA than with conventional therapy. Although further study is necessary, adding low-dose CsA might be beneficial for repeat PKP patients.

Trombose de veia porta no transplante hepático / Portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose de veia porta foi considerada contraindicação ao transplante de fígado no passado em razão da elevada morbi-mortalidade. Diversos avanços permitiram melhora dos resultados. OBJETIVO: Revisão dos avanços e das estratégias cirúrgicas utilizadas para realização do transplante de fígado na vigência de trombose de veia porta. MÉTODO: Revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Scielo, Lilacs cruzando os descritores: portal vein thrombosis, liver transplantation, vascular complications, jump graft, graft failure, multivisceral transplant. Foram estudados a epidemiologia, fatores de risco, classificação, diagnóstico, estratégias cirúrgicas e resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A trombose de veia porta deixou de ser contraindicação para o transplante hepático. O cirurgião dispõe atualmente de uma série de estratégias para realização do transplante, variando conforme o grau da trombose. Apesar de implicar em maior morbidade e taxas de re-trombose, os resultados do transplante na presença de trombose portal são semelhantes aos observados nas séries habituais.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis was considered a contraindication for liver transplantation in the past because of the high morbidity and mortality rates. Many advances made the results better. AIM: Review the advances and surgical strategies for liver transplantation in presence of portal vein thrombosis. METHOD: Survey of publications in Medline, Scielo and Lilacs databases. Headings crossed: portal vein thrombosis, liver transplantation, vascular complications, jump graft, graft failure, multivisceral transplant. Data analyzed were epidemiology, risk factors, classification, diagnosis, surgical strategies and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Portal vein thrombosis is not a contraindication for liver transplantation anymore. There are many strategies to perform the liver transplantation in this condition, depending on portal vein thrombosis grade. Regardless higher morbidity and re-trhombosis rates, the outcomes of liver transplantation in portal vein thrombosis are similar to series without portal vein thrombosis.

Risk Factors of Graft Failure in Post-Keratoplasty Ocular Hypertension

PURPOSE: To assess the risk factors proceeding to graft failure in post-keratoplasty ocular hypertension patients. METHODS: In 35 eyes diagnosed with post-keratoplasty ocular hypertension (graft failure: 13 eyes; graft survival: 22 eyes), relationships between graft status at the observation time and pre-keratoplasty diagnosis, lens status, history of graft failure, donor size, difference between donor and recipient graft size, donor corneal endothelial cell count, post-keratoplasty intraocular pressure (after 1 week and maintenance intraocular pressure after surgery), and number of antiglaucomatic agents were investigated. The relative risks of each factor to induce graft failure were also evaluated. RESULTS: Previous graft failure history, pre-existing pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and aphakia/pseudophakia showed statistically significant high probabilities of proceeding to graft failure (p < 0.05). In particular, the intraocular pressure 1 week after the graft was statistically higher (p < 0.05) in the graft failure group (24.31 +/- 8.82 mm Hg) than in the graft survival group (16.81 +/- 6.69 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS: Strict management of intraocular pressure in the early phase of penetrating keratoplasty could contribute to reducing graft failure in post-keratoplasty ocular hypertension patients.

Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

As the number of primary reconstructions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) increase, so do the number of revision ACL reconstructions due to failure. Revision ACL reconstruction has several challenges compared to primary ACL reconstruction. Literature review regarding revision ACL reconstruction was performed to discuss the cause of the failure, results of revision, and to assist the decision-making process and approaches to the patients. Usually good functional stability could be obtained after revision ACL reconstruction, but increased incidence of meniscal and cartilage lesions played a role in patient dissatisfaction. To solve issues such as tunnel widening, malposition, and inserted hardware after primary ACL reconstruction, various surgical technique issues were reviewed.