Análise das condições bucais e microbiológicas salivar de pacientes infantis em programação para o transplante hepático e avaliação da qualidade de vida da saúde geral de seus doadores / Analysis of the oral conditions and salivary microbiology of pediatric patients in programming for liver transplantation and evaluation of the quality of life of their donors' general health

O transplante hepático (Tx) pediátrico é o tratamento definitivo e indicado para doenças hepáticas terminais. Nele, estão envolvidos dois cenários: o da criança receptora e do doador, que abrangem questões como a saúde geral e bucal, imunossupressão e qualidade de vida. A imunossupressão pode acarretar infecções oportunistas como os poliomavírus BK e JC que causam complicações clínicas no pós-transplante. Assim, esta pesquisa trata-se de um estudo longitudinal que se propôs avaliar três vertentes: i) as condições odontológicas das crianças no processo do transplante hepático; ii) avaliar a excreção oral e viremia dos poliomavírus BK e JC nas crianças antes e após o Tx; iii) avaliar o impacto da qualidade de vida (QV) dos doadores. Para analisar as vertentes relacionadas ao receptor, foram incluídas 84 crianças em programação para o transplante hepático no Hospital Municipal Infantil Menino Jesus em São Paulo, mas apenas 51 fizeram parte da amostra final. Foram utilizadas as categorias avaliativas do Bedside Oral Exam BOE para avaliar as condições bucais pré- e pós-transplante imediato. Juntamente com o exame clínico bucal, foram realizadas seis coletas, uma pré-transplante e cinco semanalmente no pós-transplante, de saliva e sangue para avaliar a presença dos poliomavírus. Em contrapartida, para avaliar a QV dos doadores, participaram desse estudo 25 adultos. Para essa avaliação foi utilizado o questionário SF-36 versão 2, que é autoaplicável e aborda oito domínios sobre a saúde física e emocional, sendo aplicado no pré-Tx (um dia anterior a cirurgia) e no pós-Tx (um mês após a cirurgia). As análises estatísticas utilizadas para cada objetivo foram: i) análise descritiva das condições bucais nos dois momentos e comparadas através do teste de Wilcoxon; ii) análise da variável dicotômica e o teste de McNemar para identificar a presença do BK e JC; iii) teste de Shapiro-Wilk, seguido pela comparação dos dados paramétricos pelo teste t pareado e dados não paramétricos pelo teste de Wilcoxon considerando significância estatística de p<0,05 para a avaliação da QV do doador. As análises foram realizadas através do software JAMOVI. Assim, os resultados encontrados para cada objetivo foram: i) no pré-transplante a característica mais frequente foi à alteração de cor nas mucosas (78.6% n=84) e no pós-transplante alteração nos lábios (27.4% n=51), na função deglutição (13.8% n=51) e na cor dos dentes (27.4% n=51); apesar disso as crianças apresentavam BOE escore 8, 9 ou 10 tanto no pré-transplante (92.8% n=84) como no pós-transplante (90.4% n=51); ii) em relação à excreção oral e viremia dos poliomavírus, apenas observamos a presença do BK na saliva em uma amostra (2%) na segunda e uma amostra (2%) na quinta semana pós-Tx; e no plasma em uma amostra (2%) na terceira e em uma amostra (2%) na quinta semana pós-Tx. O JC não foi detectado em nenhuma das amostras analisadas; iii) em relação à QV do doador, foi possível verificar uma diferença estatisticamente significativa nos domínios relacionados à capacidade funcional (média no pré-Tx= 85.4 e média no pós-Tx= 47.6; p<0.001), limitação por aspectos físicos (média no pré-Tx= 82.5 e média no pós-Tx= 52.5; p<0.001), dor (média no pré-Tx= 83.9 e média no pós-Tx= 60.5; p=0.002) e limitação por aspectos emocionais (média no pré-Tx= 82.5 e média no pós-Tx= 52.5; p<0.001). Conclui-se que as crianças possuíam uma boa condição bucal no pré e pós-transplante apesar de terem sido encontradas alterações na mucosa no pré-transplante e alterações em lábios e dentes no pós-transplante. A presença do poliomavírus BK é um evento raro em pacientes pediátricos no processo de transplante hepático. No que diz respeito ao impacto da QV nos doadores, houve uma piora no pós-transplante considerando os aspectos físicos e emocionais.

Descripción de polimorfismos genéticos en CYP3A5 y MDR-1 y su impacto en el rechazo agudo clínico de pacientes trasplantados de hígado del Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro / Description of genetic polymorphisms in CYP3A5 and MDR-1 and their impact on clinical acute rejection in liver transplant patients at Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro

Introducción. El tacrolimus es un medicamento inmunosupresor ampliamente usado en trasplante hepático, que presenta una gran variabilidad interindividual la cual se considera asociada a la frecuencia de polimorfismos de CYP3A5 y MDR-1. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia de los polimorfismos rs776746, rs2032582 y rs1045642 y su asociación con rechazo clínico y toxicidad farmacológica. Métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes inmunosuprimidos con tacrolimus a quienes se les realizó trasplante hepático en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro entre 2020 y 2022, con supervivencia mayor a un mes. Se evaluaron las variables clínicas, rechazo agudo y toxicidad farmacológica. Se secuenciaron los genes de estudio mediante PCR, comparando la expresión o no en cada uno de los pacientes. Resultados. Se identificaron 17 pacientes. El 43 % de los pacientes se clasificaron como CYP3A5*1/*1 y CYP3A5*1/*3, entre los cuales se encontró asociación con aumento en la tasa de rechazo agudo clínico, al comparar con los pacientes no expresivos (100 % vs. 44 %, p=0,05); no hubo diferencias en cuanto a la toxicidad farmacológica u otros desenlaces. Se encontró el polimorfismo rs2032582 en un 50 % y el rs1045642 en un 23,5 % de los pacientes, sin embargo, no se identificó asociación con rechazo u otros eventos clínicos. Conclusiones. Se encontró una asociación entre el genotipo CYP3A5*1/*1 y CYP3A5*1/*3 y la tasa de rechazo clínico. Sin embargo, se requiere una muestra más amplia para validar estos datos y plantear modelos de medicina personalizada.

Introduction. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug widely used in liver transplantation, which presents great interindividual variability which is considered associated with the frequency of CYP3A5 and MDR-1 polymorphisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the rs776746, rs2032582 and rs1045642 polymorphisms and their association with clinical rejection and drug toxicity. Methods. Immunosuppressed patients with tacrolimus who underwent a liver transplant at the Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro between 2020 and 2022 were included, with survival of more than one month. Clinical variables, acute rejection and pharmacological toxicity were evaluated. The study genes were sequenced by PCR, comparing their expression or not in each of the patients. Results. Seventeen patients were identified. 43% of the patients were classified as CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3, among which an association was found with increased rates of clinical acute rejection when compared with non-expressive patients (100% vs. 44%, p=0.05). There were no differences in drug toxicity or other outcomes. The rs2032582 polymorphism was found in 50% and rs1045642 in 23.5% of patients; however, no association with rejection or other clinical events was identified. Conclusions. An association was found between the CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype and the clinical rejection rate. However, a larger sample is required to validate these data and propose models of personalized medicine.

Estatística geral de doação e transplantes de orgãos - Goiás - 2023 (Janeiro a setembro) / General statistics on organ donation and transplants - Goiás - 2023 (January to September)

Estatística geral de doação e transplantes de orgãos - Goiás que tem como objetivo transcrever em números os resultados de todo o trabalho executado pela Gerência de Transplantes em Goiás

General statistics on organ donation and transplants - Goiás which aims to transcribe into numbers the results of all the work carried out by the Transplant Management in Goiás

Estatística geral de doação de orgãos - Goiás - 2023 (Janeiro a abril) / General organ donation statistics - Goiás - 2023 (January to April)

Esta Estatística Geral de Doação e Transplantes de Órgãos - Goiás tem como objetivo transcrever em números os resultados de todo o trabalho executado pela Gerência de Transplantes em Goiás de janeiro a abril de 2023

This General Statistics of Organ Donation and Transplantation - Goiás aims to transcribe in numbers the results of all the work carried out by the Transplant Management in Goiás from January to April 2023

Indicación de amigdalectomía en pacientes pediátricos por sospecha de trastorno linfoproliferativo postrasplante / Indication for tonsillectomy in pediatric patients with suspected post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Un sitio común de hiperplasia linfoidea en los trastornos linfoproliferativos postrasplante (TLPT) son las amígdalas palatinas. Sin embargo, la hipertrofia amigdalina es extremadamente común en niños, lo que dificulta la sospecha de estos trastornos. Se realizó un estudio de una serie de casos de pacientes trasplantados intervenidos de amigdalectomía por sospecha de TLPT en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad en Argentina desde enero de 2014 hasta diciembre de 2021. El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer las características clínicas de los pacientes trasplantados a los que se les indicó amigdalectomía con fin diagnóstico de TLPT.

A common site of lymphoid hyperplasia in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) is the palatine tonsils. However, tonsillar hypertrophy is extremely common in children, which hinders the suspicion of PTLD. A case series of transplanted patients undergoing tonsillectomy for suspected PTLD was conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2021. The objective of this study is to expose the clinical characteristics of transplanted patients who underwent a tonsillectomy to diagnose PTLD

Urgent liver retransplantation due to transmission of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by donor: the first report in the literature / Retransplante de fígado urgente devido à transmissão de colangiocarcinoma intra-hepático pelo doador: o primeiro relato da literatura

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation represents the best therapeutic modality in end-stage chronic liver disease, severe acute hepatitis, and selected cases of liver tumors. AIMS: To describe a double retransplant in a male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease and complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis, severe portal hypertension, and cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed in the transplanted liver. METHODS: A 48-year-old male patient diagnosed with Crohn's disease 25 years ago, complicated with primary sclerosing cholangitis and severe portal hypertension. He underwent a liver transplantation in 2018 due to secondary biliary cirrhosis. In 2021, a primary sclerosing cholangitis recurrence was diagnosed and a liver retransplantation was indicated. Recipient's hepatectomy was very difficult by reason of complex portal vein thrombosis requiring extensive thromboendovenectomy. Intraoperative ultrasound with liver doppler evaluation was performed. Two suspicious nodules were incidentally diagnosed in the donor's liver and immediately removed for anatomopathological evaluation. RESULTS: After pathological confirmation of carcinoma, probable cholangiocarcinoma, at frozen section, the patient was re-listed as national priority and a new liver transplantation was performed within 24 hours. The patient was discharged after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The screening for neoplasms in donated organs should be part of our strict daily diagnostic arsenal. Moreover, we argue that, for the benefit of an adequate diagnosis and the feasibility of a safer procedure, the adoption of imaging tests routine for the liver donor is essential, allowing a reduction of the costs and some potential risks of liver transplant procedure.

RESUMO RACIONAL: O transplante de fígado representa a melhor modalidade terapêutica na doença hepática crônica terminal, hepatite aguda grave e casos selecionados de tumores hepáticos. OBJETIVOS: Descrever um retransplante duplo em paciente do sexo masculino, diagnosticado com doença de Crohn e complicado com colangite esclerosante primária, hipertensão portal grave e colangiocarcinoma diagnosticado no fígado transplantado. MÉTODOS: Paciente do sexo masculino, 48 anos, diagnosticado com doença de Crohn há 25 anos e complicado com colangite esclerosante primária e hipertensão portal grave. Foi submetido a um transplante de fígado em 2018 devido a cirrose biliar secundária. Em 2021, foi diagnosticada recidiva de colangite esclerosante primária e indicado retransplante hepático. A hepatectomia do receptor foi de alta complexidade devido à trombose complexa da veia porta, exigindo extensa tromboendovenectomia. Foi realizada ultrassonografia intraoperatória com doppler hepático. Dois nódulos suspeitos foram diagnosticados incidentalmente no fígado do doador e imediatamente removidos para avaliação anatomopatológica. RESULTADOS: Após confirmação patológica de carcinoma, provável colangiocarcinoma, pela congelação, o paciente foi relistado como prioridade nacional, e novo transplante hepático foi realizado em 24 horas. O paciente teve alta após 2 semanas. CONCLUSÕES: O rastreamento de neoplasias em órgãos doados deve fazer parte de nosso estrito arsenal diagnóstico diário. Além disso, defendemos que, em benefício de um diagnóstico correto e da viabilidade de um procedimento mais seguro, a adoção de uma rotina de exames de imagem é essencial em doadores hepáticos, permitindo a redução dos custos e alguns riscos potenciais do procedimento de transplante hepático.

Liver transplant for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors: a single-center report / Transplante de fígado para tumores neuroendócrinos metastáticos: série de casos

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms of uncertain biological behavior. The liver is one of the most common sites of metastases, occurring in 50% of patients with metastatic disease. AIMS: To analyze a clinical series in liver transplant of patients with neuroendocrine tumors metastases. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study, based on the review of medical records of patients undergoing liver transplants due to neuroendocrine tumor metastases in a single center in northeast Brazil, over a period of 20 years (January 2001 to December 2021). RESULTS: During the analyzed period, 2,000 liver transplants were performed, of which 11 were indicated for liver metastases caused by neuroendocrine tumors. The mean age at diagnosis was 45.09±14.36 years (26-66 years) and 72.7% of cases were females. The most common primary tumor site was in the gastrointestinal tract in 64% of cases. Even after detailed investigation, three patients had no primary tumor site identified (27%). Overall survival after transplantation at one month was 90%, at one year was 70%, and five year, 45.4%. Disease-free survival rate was 72.7% at one year and 36.3% at five years. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation is a treatment modality with good overall survival and disease-free survival results in selected patients with unresectable liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors. However, a rigorous selection of patients is necessary to obtain better results and the ideal time for transplant indication is still a controversial topic in the literature.

RESUMO RACIONAL: Os tumores neuroendócrinos são neoplasias raras de comportamento biológico incerto. O fígado é um local comum de metástase, ocorrendo em 50% dos pacientes com doença metastática. OBJETIVOS: Analisar casuística de transplante hepático por metástases de tumores neuroendócrinos. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo retrospectivo com revisão de prontuários de pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático por metástases de tumores neuroendócrinos em um único centro no Nordeste do Brasil durante 20 anos (janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2021). RESULTADOS: Durante o período analisado, foram realizados 2.000 transplantes hepático, sendo 11 indicados por metástases hepáticas de tumores neuroendócrinos. A média de idade ao diagnóstico foi de 45,09±14,36 anos (26-66 anos) e 72,7% dos casos eram do sexo feminino. O local do tumor primário mais comum foi o trato gastrointestinal (64% dos casos). Após detalhada investigação, três pacientes não tiveram o local do tumor primário identificado (27%). A sobrevida global um mês e após um ano do transplante foi de 90 e 70%, respectivamente. A sobrevida após 5 anos foi de 45,4%. A taxa de sobrevida livre de doença foi de 72,7% no primeiro ano e 36,3% em cinco anos. CONCLUSÕES: O transplante hepático é uma modalidade de tratamento com bons resultados de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença, em pacientes selecionados com metástases hepáticas irressecáveis de tumores neuroendócrinos. No entanto, a seleção rigorosa dos pacientes é necessária para obter melhores resultados e o momento ideal para a indicação do transplante ainda é um tema controverso na literatura.

Validação do conteúdo de um instrumento para atendimento hemoterápico no transplante hepático: promovendo biovigilância em saúde / Content validation of an instrument for hemotherapy attention in liver transplants: promoting biomonitoring in health

RESUMO Objetivo desenvolver e validar o conteúdo de um instrumento para acompanhamento do atendimento hemoterápico ao paciente de transplante hepático. Métodos estudo metodológico realizado em duas etapas: 1) Revisão de escopo para identificar tópicos pertinentes à elaboração do instrumento; 2) Validação do conteúdo junto a cinco especialistas em duas rodadas, utilizando a técnica Delphi. Resultados a versão final do instrumento para atendimento hemoterápico ao paciente de transplante hepático consistiu-se em quatro dimensões: Identificação do Paciente; Pré-Operatório; Intraoperatório; e Pós-Operatório, totalizando 54 itens. Após a segunda rodada, todos os itens obtiveram índice de validação de conteúdo de 0,8 ou superior, resultando em um escore final de 0,97 para o instrumento. Conclusão o instrumento demonstrou evidências de validade de conteúdo, tornando-se uma ferramenta útil para o acompanhamento do atendimento hemoterápico a pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático. Contribuições para a prática a validação deste instrumento permitirá às equipes da agência transfusional e de transplantes obterem informações essenciais para orientar um atendimento hemoterápico eficiente e seguro durante todo o processo de transplante hepático.

ABSTRACT Objective to develop and validate the content of an instrument to monitor hemotherapy attention in liver transplant patients. Methods methodological study in two stages: 1) Scoping review to identify relevant topics for the elaboration of the instrument; 2) Content validation with five specialists in two rounds, using the Delphi technique. Results the final version of the instrument for hemotherapy care to liver transplant patients had four dimensions: Patient identification; Preoperative; Intraoperative; and Postoperative, to a total of 54 items. After the second round, all items had a content validation index of 0.8 or higher, and the instrument had a final score of 0.97. Conclusion the instrument showed evidence of content validity, meaning it is a useful tool to monitor hemotherapy care for liver transplant patients. Contributions to practice the validation of this instrument will provide teams of transfusion and transplant centers with essential information to guide safe and efficient hemotherapy attention during the entirety of the liver transplant process.

Assessment of the need for routine intraoperative cell salvage in liver transplantation

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the necessity of routine intraoperative cell salvage in liver transplantations. Methods: A total of 327 liver transplants performed between 2014 and 2016 was included in the analysis. Patient data, including pre-transplant examinations, intraoperative red blood cell transfusions, and procedural information, were collected. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 years old, with 67% (219) being male. The most prevalent ABO blood type was O, accounting for 48% (155) of cases. The leading causes of liver disease were hepatitis C (113 cases, 34.6%) and alcohol-related liver disease (97 cases, 29.7%). Out of the 327 liver transplants, allogeneic red blood cell transfusions were administered in 110 cases (34%) with a median of two units of red blood cells per case. Cell salvage was employed in 237 transplants (73%), and successful blood recovery was achieved in 221 cases (93%). Among the group that recovered more than 200 mL of blood, the median volume of recovered blood was 417 mL, with no transfusion of allogeneic blood required. A total of 90 transplants was performed without utilizing cell salvage, and, among these cases, 19 required blood transfusions, with a median of zero units transfused. Conclusions: This study suggests that routine cell salvage is unnecessary for all liver transplantations. The most suitable indication for its use is in patients presenting with portal vein thrombosis and abnormal creatinine levels.

Assessment of liver transplant benefit and a novel strategy for liver donor allocation in acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a type of complex clinical syndrome that is mainly characterized by acute deterioration of liver function based on chronic liver disease, hepatic and extrahepatic organ failures, and a high short-term mortality rate. The comprehensive medical treatment efficacy of ACLF is currently limited; thus, liver transplantation is the only viable potential treatment method. However, considering the severe liver donor shortage, economic and social costs, as well as the differences in disease severity and prognosis of different disease courses, it is particularly important to accurately assess the benefits of liver transplantation in patients with ACLF. Early identification and prediction, timing, prognosis, and survival benefits are discussed here by combining the latest research findings so as to optimize the liver transplantation treatment strategy for ACLF.

Management of liver transplantation perioperative period in acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a potentially reversible entity that occurs in patients with chronic liver disease accompanied with or without cirrhosis and is characterized by extrahepatic organ failure and high short-term mortality. Currently, the most effective treatment method for patients with ACLF is liver transplantation; therefore, admission timing and contraindications must be emphasized. The function of vital organs such as the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys should be actively supported and protected during the liver transplantation perioperative period in patients with ACLF. Focusing on the anesthesia management level during anesthesia selection, intraoperative monitoring, three-stage management, prevention and treatment of post-perfusion syndrome, monitoring and management of coagulation function, volume monitoring and management, and body temperature monitoring management for liver transplantation should strengthen anesthesia management. Additionally, standard postoperative intensive care treatment should be recommended, and grafts and other vital organ functions should be monitored throughout the perioperative period to promote early postoperative recovery in patients with ACLF.

Focusing on timing selection and whole-course management of liver transplantation treatment for patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a clinical syndrome of acute decompensation accompanied by organ failure that occurs on the basis of chronic liver disease and has a high short-term mortality rate. Currently, there are still differences in relation to the definition of ACLF; thus, baseline characteristics and dynamic changes are important bases for clinical decision-making in patients with liver transplantation and others. The basic strategies for treating ACLF currently include internal medicine treatment, artificial liver support systems, and liver transplantation. Multidisciplinary active collaborative management throughout the whole course is of great significance for further improving the survival rate in patients with ACLF.

Application of a novel artificial perfusate based on oxygen-carrying nanoparticles in normothermic machine perfusion for porcine liver preservation after cardiac death / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the efficacy of a novel artificial perfusate based on oxygen-carrying perfluoronaphthalene-albumin nanoparticles in normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) for preservation of porcine liver donation after cardiac death.@*METHODS@#Artificial perfusate with perfluoronaphthalene-albumin nanoparticles was prepared at 5% albumin (w/v) and its oxygen carrying capacity was calculated. The livers of 16 Landrace pigs were isolated after 1 h of warm ischemia, and then they were divided into 4 groups and preserved continuously for 24 h with different preservation methods: cold preservation with UW solution (SCS group), NMP preservation by whole blood (blood NMP group), NMP preservation by artificial perfusate without nanoparticles (non-nanoparticles NMP group) and NMP preservation by artificial perfusate containing nanoparticles (nanoparticles NMP group). Hemodynamics, tissue metabolism, biochemical indices of perfusate and bile were monitored every 4 h after the beginning of NMP. Liver tissue samples were collected for histological examination (HE and TUNEL staining) before preservation, 12 h and 24 h after preservation.@*RESULTS@#The oxygen carrying capacity of nanoparticles in 100 mL artificial perfusate was 6.94 μL/mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The hepatic artery and portal vein resistance of nanoparticles NMP group and blood NMP group remained stable during perfusion, and the vascular resistance of nanoparticles NMP group was lower than that of blood NMP group. The concentration of lactic acid in the perfusate decreased to the normal range within 8 h in both nanoparticles NMP group and blood NMP group. There were no significant differences in accumulated bile production, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in perfusate between nanoparticles NMP group and blood NMP group (all P>0.05). After 24 h perfusion, the histological Suzuki score in blood NMP group and nanoparticles NMP group was lower than that in SCS group and non-nanoparticles NMP group (all P<0.05), and the quantities of TUNEL staining positive cells in blood NMP group and non-nanoparticles NMP group was higher than those in nanoparticles NMP group and SCS group 12 h and 24 h after preservation (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Artificial perfusate based on oxygen-carrying nanoparticles can meet the oxygen supply requirements of porcine livers donation after cardiac death during NMP preservation, and it may has superiorities in improving tissue microcirculation and alleviating ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Fontan-associated liver disease current status and transplantation consideration / 中华肝脏病杂志

Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is one of the main complications after the Fontan procedure, manifesting mostly as liver fibrosis and even cirrhosis, with a high incidence rate and a lack of typical clinical symptoms that seriously affect patient prognosis. The specific cause is unknown, although it is considered to be associated with long-term elevated central venous pressure, impaired hepatic artery blood flow, and other relevant factors. The absence of association between laboratory tests, imaging data, and the severity of liver fibrosis makes clinical diagnosis and monitoring difficult. A liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis. The most important risk factor for FALD is time following the Fontan procedure; therefore, it is recommended to do a liver biopsy 10 years after the Fontan procedure and to be cautious for the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Combined heart-liver transplantation is a recommended choice with favorable outcomes for patients with Fontan circulatory failure and severe hepatic fibrosis.

Progress in perioperative management of ABO-incompatible pediatric liver transplantation / 中华外科杂志

ABO incompatible(ABO-I) liver grafts will affect the prognosis of liver transplantation. With the improvement of perioperative treatment,including plasma exchange,rituximab,splenectomy,etc.,the prognosis of ABO-I liver transplantation has been greatly improved. Because children's immune systems are not fully developed,the perioperative management of ABO-I pediatric liver transplantation is significantly different from that of adults. Reducing the perioperative anti-donor ABO antibody titer is the key to the perioperative management of ABO-I liver transplantation. This article summarizes literatures on the perioperative management of ABO-I pediatric liver transplantation, including the perioperative anti-rejection regimen in pediatric recipients of different ages, splenectomy, postoperative monitoring and postoperative complications, etc.

Utilizing ultra-small volume graft in auxiliary liver transplantation for portal hypertension / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the clinical effect of auxiliary liver transplantation with ultra-small volume graft in the treatment of portal hypertension. Methods: Twelve cases of portal hypertension treated by auxiliary liver transplantation with small volume graft at Liver Transplantation Center,Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University between December 2014 and March 2022 were studied retrospectively. There were 8 males and 4 females,aged 14 to 66 years. Model for end-stage liver disease scores were 1 to 15 points and Child scores were 6 to 11 points. The grafts was derived from living donors in 9 cases,from split cadaveric donors in 2 cases,from whole cadaveric liver of child in 1 case. The graft recipient body weight ratios of 3 cadaveric donor livers were 0.79% to 0.90%, and of 9 living donor livers were 0.31% to 0.55%.In these cases, ultra-small volume grafts were implanted. The survivals of patient and graft, complications, portal vein blood flow of residual liver and graft, abdominal drainage and biochemical indexes of liver function were observed. Results: All the grafts and patients survived. Complications included outflow tract torsion in 2 cases, acute rejection in 1 case, bile leakage in 1 case, and thyroid cancer at the later stage of follow-up in 1 case, all of which were cured. The torsion of outflow tract was attributed to the change of anastomotic angle after the growth of donor liver. After the improvement of anastomotic method, the complication did not recur in the later stage. There was no complication of portal hypertension. The measurement of ultrasonic portal vein blood flow velocity showed that the blood flow of residual liver decreased significantly in the early stage after operation, and maintained a very low blood flow velocity or occlusion in the long term after operation, and the blood flow of transplanted liver was stable. Conclusions: Auxiliary liver transplantation can implant ultra-small donor liver through compensation of residual liver. This method may promote the development of living donor left lobe donation and split liver transplantation. However, the auxiliary liver transplantation is complex, and it is difficult to control the complications. Therefore, this method is currently limited to centers that are skilled in living related liver transplantation and that have complete ability to monitor and deal with complications.

Impact of orthotopic liver transplantation on serum lipid level and growing development in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the impact of orthotopic liver transplantation on serum lipid and growing development in patients with homozygous (HoFH) or compound heterozygotes (cHeFH) familial hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Patients who were treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2019 to August 2021, entered the rare disease database and underwent liver transplantation, were included in this single center retrospective cohort study. The height for age Z score (HAZ) and length for age Z score (WAZ) at birth, at the time of transplantation and one year after transplantation were calculated respectively by collecting demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, echocardiography, lipid-lowering treatment, blood lipid level data and donor characteristics data of liver transplantation. The serum cholesterol level and growing development changes before and after liver transplantation were evaluated. Results: A total of five patients with HoFH or cHeFH, including two females, were included in this study. The median age was 10 years (6-22 years). The median follow up duration was 28 months (24-33 months). All HoFH or cHeFH patients in this study received the maximum daily dosage of the lipid-lowering drug combined with low salt and low-fat diet control treatment for at least 3 months before orthotopic liver transplantation. The average level of total cholesterol (TC) decreased by 27% compared with that before treatment, the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased by 21% after 3 months treatment. There was no intervention of lipid-lowering therapy after operation. One month after liver transplantation, the average levels of TC and LDL-C further decreased rapidly by 68% and 76% respectively. One year after liver transplantation, the level of LDL-C decreased from (17.1±1.6)mmol/L without any intervention before transplantation to (3.0±0.7)mmol/L, and remained stable thereafter. In addition, compared with no intervention before liver transplantation, the serum triglyceride (TG) level decreased after the maximum daily dosage of the lipid-lowering drug and low salt and low-fat diet control for 3 months ((1.88±0.27) mmol/L vs. (1.12±0.55)mmol/L, P=0.031), and the HDL-C level also decreased significantly ((1.95±0.49)mmol/L vs. (0.95±0.30)mmol/L, P=0.006) at the same time period. TG and HDL-C remained stable after liver transplantation during the 24-month follow-up period (P>0.05). One and two years after liver transplantation, there was no significant difference in height and weight, malnutrition and growth retardation between the patients in this cohort and Chinese children of the same age. Conclusion: Early liver transplantation is a feasible and effective treatment option for HoFH or cHeFH patients with extremely high serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.

Characteristics of Gram-positive cocci infection and the therapeutic effect after liver transplantation / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Gram-positive cocci is the main pathogen responsible for early infection after liver transplantation (LT), posing a huge threat to the prognosis of liver transplant recipients. This study aims to analyze the distribution and drug resistance of Gram-positive cocci, the risk factors for infections and efficacy of antibiotics within 2 months after LT, and to guide the prevention and treatment of these infections.@*METHODS@#In this study, data of pathogenic bacteria distribution, drug resistance and therapeutic efficacy were collected from 39 Gram-positive cocci infections among 256 patients who received liver transplantation from donation after citizens' death in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2019 to July 2022, and risk factors for Gram-positive cocci infection were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Enterococcus faecium was the dominant pathogenic bacteria (33/51, 64.7%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (11/51, 21.6%). The most common sites of infection were abdominal cavity/biliary tract (13/256, 5.1%) and urinary tract (10/256, 3.9%). Fifty (98%) of the 51 Gram-positive cocci infections occurred within 1 month after LT. The most sensitive drugs to Gram-positive cocci were teicoplanin, tigecycline, linezolid and vancomycin. Vancomycin was not used in all patients, considering its nephrotoxicity. Vancomycin was not administered to all patients in view of its nephrotoxicity.There was no significant difference between the efficacy of daptomycin and teicoplanin in the prevention of cocci infection (P>0.05). Univariate analysis indicated that preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score >25 (P=0.005), intraoperative red blood cell infusion ≥12 U (P=0.013) and exposure to more than 2 intravenous antibiotics post-LT (P=0.003) were related to Gram-positive cocci infections. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative MELD score >25 (OR=2.378, 95% CI 1.124 to 5.032, P=0.024) and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion ≥ 12 U (OR=2.757, 95% CI 1.227 to 6.195, P=0.014) were independent risk factors for Gram-positive cocci infections after LT. Postoperative Gram-positive cocci infections were reduced in LT recipients exposing to more than two intravenous antibiotics post-LT (OR=0.269, 95% CI 0.121 to 0.598, P=0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Gram-positive cocci infections occurring early after liver transplantation were dominated by Enterococcus faecalis infections at the abdominal/biliary tract and urinary tract. Teicoplanin, tigecycline and linezolid were anti-cocci sensitive drugs. Daptomycin and teicoplanin were equally effective in preventing cocci infections due to Gram-positive cocci. Patients with high preoperative MELD score and massive intraoperative red blood cell transfusion were more likely to suffer Gram-positive cocci infection after surgery. Postoperative Gram-positive cocci infections were reduced in recipients exposing to more than two intravenous antibiotics post-LT.

Experiencia de downstaging versus criterios de Milán para trasplante hepático por carcinoma hepatocelular en una cohorte prospectiva / Experience with downstaging versus Milan criteria for liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in a prospective cohort

Introducción. El acceso al trasplante hepático (TH) en pacientes con carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) se basa en la aplicación de criterios morfológicos rigurosos estipulados desde 1996, co-nocidos como criterios de Milán. Una de las estrategias descritas para expandir estos criterios se conoce como downstaging (reducción del estadiaje tumoral mediante terapias locorregionales). El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el comportamiento postrasplante de pacientes con CHC que ingresaron dentro de los parámetros de Milán, comparado con el de aquellos pacientes llevados a terapia de downstaging en un centro colombiano. Metodología. Se incluyeron pacientes adultos con cirrosis hepática (CH) y CHC que fueron llevados a TH en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, entre julio de 2012 a septiembre de 2021. Como desenlace principal se definió recurrencia y tiempo de recurrencia de la enfermedad tumoral, muerte por todas las causas y tiempo al fallecimiento. Se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de cada grupo. Se incluyeron scores pronósticos de recurrencia de la enfermedad tumoral. Resultados. Se trasplantaron 68 pacientes con CH y CHC, 50 (73,5 %) eran hombres y la edad promedio fue 59 años; 51 pacientes (75 %) cumplían con los criterios de Milán y 17 (25 %) fueron llevados a terapia de downstaging previo al TH. No hubo diferencias significativas en la supervivencia global y supervivencia libre de trasplante entre los dos grupos evaluados, p=0,479 y p=0,385, respectivamente. Tampoco hubo diferencia significativa en la recurrencia de la enfermedad tumoral entre ambos grupos (p=0,81). En total hubo 7 casos de recurrencia tumoral (10,2 %) y 11 casos de muerte (16,2 %). Conclusiones. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en recurrencia y mortalidad entre los pacientes que cumplían los criterios de Milán y los trasplantados luego de la terapia de downstaging, en un tiempo de se-guimiento de 53 meses hasta el último control posterior al trasplante hepático. Esta sería la primera evaluación prospectiva de un protocolo de downstaging para CHC en Colombia.

Introduction. Access to liver transplantation (LT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is based on the application of rigorous morphological criteria stipulated since 1996, known as the Milan criteria. One of the strategies described to expand these criteria is known as downstaging (tu-mor staging reduction through locoregional therapies). The objective of this study was to describe the post-transplant performance of patients with HCC who were admitted within the Milan parameters, compared with those of patients taken to downstaging therapy, in a Colombian center. Methodolo-gy. Adult patients with cirrhosis and HCC that received LT between July 2012 and September 2021 at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital were included. The main outcome was defined as recurrence and time to recurrence of the tumor disease, death from all causes, and time to death. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of each group were evaluated. Tumor disease recurrence prognostic scores were included. Results. Sixty-eight patients with cirrhosis and HCC received LT in the time frame, 50 (73.5%) were men and the mean age was 59 years. Fifty-one patients were trans-planted (75%) fulfilling Milan criteria, and 17 (25%) patients received downstaging therapies before LT. There were no significant differences in overall survival and transplant-free survival between the two groups, p=0.479 and p=0.385, respectively. There was also no significant difference in the recurrence of the tumor disease between both groups (p=0.81). In total there were 7 tumoral recurrences (10.2%) and 11 deaths (16.2%). Conclusions. There were no differences in recurrence and survival between patients transplanted fulfilling Milan criteria and those receiving downstaging therapies, following a mean time of 53 months after LT. This is the first prospective evaluation of the downstaging protocol in Colombia.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de los pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático por cirrosis alcohólica en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín entre 2004 y 2015 / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients undergoing liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2004 and 2015

Introducción. El alcohol ha sido asociado con más de 60 enfermedades diferentes y es el tercer factor de riesgo más común relacionado con muerte y discapacidad en el mundo. La enfermedad alcohólica hepática (EAH) es la causa más común de enfermedad hepática terminal (EHT) en los países occidentales. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la población adulta sometida a trasplante ortotópico hepático (TOH) indicado por EHT secundaria a EAH, en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe (HPTU) de Medellín entre 2004 y 2015. Metodología. Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de todos los pacientes trasplantados en el HPTU entre los años 2004 y 2015, sometidos a TOH indicado por EHT secundaria a EAH. Se registraron las características demográficas, comorbilidades médicas y psiquiátricas, complicaciones tempranas y tardías, recaída en el consumo de alcohol posterior al TOH, supervivencia y causa de la muerte. Resultados. Se encontraron 59 pacientes trasplantados por cirrosis de origen alcohólico. El 91,5 % fueron de sexo masculino, el 82,6 % (38/46) tuvo un período abstinencia previo al TOH mayor o igual a 6 meses, y solamente el 10,2 % (6/59) de los pacientes estuvieron vinculados a un programa de adicciones. Se encontró comorbilidad psiquiátrica en el 30 % (18/59) con predomino de depresión. Se identificó recaída pesada en el consumo de alcohol postrasplante en 6 pacientes, este subgrupo se caracterizó por una alta mortalidad (66 %), pobre adherencia a la terapia inmunosupresora y alta frecuencia de depresión (83 %). En general, la cohorte tuvo una supervivencia a 5 y 10 años de 60,8 % y 28,1 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Las características epidemiológicas de la población son compartidas con reportes previos en relación al predominio de sexo masculino y adultos en la sexta década de la vida. La recaída en el consumo pesado de alcohol no es la regla, sin embargo, se encuentra asociada con abandono del tratamiento inmunosupresor y muerte. En comparación con reportes de otros países, nuestras tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad a 5 años son superiores.

Introduction. Alcohol has been associated with more than 60 different diseases and is the third most common risk factor related to death and disability throughout the world. Alcoholic liver disease is the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in Western countries. The main objective of this study was to characterize adult patients with orthotopic liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2004 to 2015. Methodology. Observational retrospective study. We reviewed clinical records of all patients with orthotopic liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis at the HPTU between 2004 and 2015, and retrieved demographic data, comorbidities, complications, consumption relapse and survival. Results. We analyzed 59 patients, 91.5% were male, 82.6% had an abstinence period previous to liver transplant equal or greater to six months, 10.2% were part of an addiction program, and 30% had psychiatric morbidities, mainly depression. We identified 6 patients with heavy alcoholic relapse after transplantation, this subgroup was characterized by a high mortality (66%), poor adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and high rates of depression (83%). In general, this cohort had a 5- and 10-year survival of 60.8% and 20.1%, respectively. Conclusions. The epidemiological characteristics of the population are shared with previous reports regarding the predominance of males and adults in the sixth decade of life. Relapse into heavy alcohol consumption is not the rule, however, it is associated with discontinuation of immunosuppressive treatment and death. In comparison with other reports, we have higher complications and mortality rates at 5 five years.