Identificación de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en dos receptores de órgano sólido tres años después del trasplante / Identification of HIV infection in two solid organ recipients three years after transplantation

Resumen El examen de rutina de los donantes de órganos para detectar la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) ha hecho que la transmisión del virus mediante el trasplante de órganos sea poco común. Sin embargo, a pesar de las pruebas de detección de rutina, la transmisión del HIV continúa siendo un riesgo del trasplante de órganos ya que, a diferencia de los tejidos, los órganos sólidos no se pueden procesar, desinfectar, ni modificar para inactivar patógenos infecciosos. A continuación, se describe un caso de posible transmisión de HIV por trasplante de órganos de un donante previamente seronegativo a dos de sus receptores.

Abstract Routine screening of organ donors to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has detected the rare transmission of the virus through organ transplantation. However, despite routine screening, HIV transmission remains a risk in organ transplantation since, unlike tissues, solid organs cannot be processed, disinfected, or modified to inactivate infectious pathogens. A case of possible transmission of HIV by organ transplant is described below, from a previously seronegative donor to two recipients.

Complicaciones vasculares postrasplante hepático, una situación con alta morbimortalidad / Vascular complications after liver transplantation: A complication with high morbidity and mortality

Introducción. El trasplante hepático es el tratamiento indicado en aquellas enfermedades del hígado en las cuales ya se han agotado otras medidas terapéuticas, y es un procedimiento complejo. Las complicaciones postquirúrgicas se relacionan con alta morbimortalidad y pueden llevar a desenlaces fatales; las complicaciones vasculares son las de mayor mortalidad, por lo que es crucial la detección temprana y el tratamiento oportuno. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los pacientes que presentaron complicaciones vasculares posterior a trasplante hepático. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, con seguimiento a los pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático en la Fundación Cardiovascular, entre los años 2013 y 2023, que presentaron complicaciones vasculares. Se evaluó el tipo de complicación, los factores de riesgo y los desenlaces postquirúrgicos. Resultados. Se incluyeron en total 82 pacientes trasplantados, con un predominio del sexo masculino 59,8 % (n=49); la principal indicación del trasplante fue el alcoholismo (21,9 %). Veinte pacientes presentaron complicaciones vasculares; la más frecuente fue trombosis de arteria hepática, en el 45 % (n=9). En tres de estos casos se requirió nuevo trasplante. Conclusión. Las complicaciones vasculares empeoran la evolución clínica postoperatoria de los pacientes y están relacionadas con alta morbimortalidad, por lo cual es crucial la valoración multidisciplinaria, el diagnóstico oportuno y la intervención temprana para disminuir los desenlaces fatales.

Introduction. Liver transplant is the treatment indicated for those liver diseases in which other therapeutic measures have already been exhausted, and it is a complex procedure. Post-surgical complications are related to high morbidity and mortality and can lead to fatal outcomes. Vascular complications are the ones with the highest mortality, so early detection and timely treatment are crucial. The objective of this study was to characterize patients who presented vascular complications after liver transplantation. Methods. Descriptive, retrospective study, with follow-up of patients undergoing liver transplant at the Fundación Cardiovascular, between 2013 and 2023, who presented vascular complications. The type of complication, risk factors and postsurgical outcomes were evaluated. Results. A total of 82 transplant patients were included, with a predominance of males with 59.8% (n=49); the main indication for transplant was alcoholism (21.9%). Twenty patients presented vascular complications; the most frequent was hepatic artery thrombosis 45% (n=9). In three of these cases a new transplant was required. Conclusion. Vascular complications worsen the postoperative clinical course of patients and are associated with high morbidity and mortality, which is why multidisciplinary assessment, diagnosis and early intervention are crucial to reduce fatal outcomes.

Trasplante hepático como tratamiento de intoxicación por paracetamol / Liver transplantation as treatment for acetaminophen poisoning

Resumen El paracetamol es una droga analgésica y antipiré tica comúnmente utilizada, que ha experimentado un aumento en su consumo en los últimos años en nuestro medio. También se ha observado un incremento en el número de sobredosis accidentales e intencionales que fueron atendidas por el sistema de salud. Su toxicidad es dosis dependiente y puede causar falla hepática fulminante, convirtiéndose en una de las principales razones de trasplante hepático en países angloparlan tes. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 28 años con antecedentes de depresión mayor y cinco intentos de suicidio previos, quien ingirió deliberadamente una cantidad significativa de comprimidos de paracetamol. Desarrolló una falla hepática fulminante y acidosis metabólica, por lo que fue sometida a un trasplante hepático de emergencia debido a la gravedad de su condición evolucionando favorablemente. La decisión de realizar un trasplante hepático en casos graves como este y bajo una condición de vulnerabilidad psiquiátrica grave, es un desafío y debe considerarse cuidadosamente. Este caso en particular ilustra la im portancia de la atención multidisciplinaria incluyendo la evaluación psiquiátrica en pacientes con intoxicación por paracetamol.

Abstract Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drug, which has experienced an increase in its consumption in recent years in our environment. There has also been an increase in the number of accidental and intentional overdoses that were treated by the health system. Its toxicity is dose-dependent and can cause ful minant liver failure, becoming one of the main reasons for liver transplantation in English-speaking countries. The case of a 28-year-old woman with a history of major depression and five previous suicide attempts, who de liberately ingested a significant amount of paracetamol tablets, is here presented. She developed fulminant liver failure and metabolic acidosis, for which she underwent an emergency liver transplant due to the severity of her condition, from which she evolved favorably. The decision to perform a liver transplant in serious cases like this and under a condition of severe psychiatric vulnerability is challenging and must be carefully considered. This particular case illustrates the importance of multidisci plinary care including psychiatric evaluation in patients with acetaminophen poisoning.

Case report on failed Kasai-portoenterostomy for extrahepatic biliary atresia with neonatal cholestasis in one-month-old infant

Biliary atresia is a neonatal onset, obstructive cholangiopathy of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary system, leading to the build-up of bile in the liver. This case discusses a one-month-old infant who was previously diagnosed with jaundice, presenting the symptoms of yellowish eyes and skin, pale stools, and palpable liver. The infant and her mother抯 liver enzyme levels were found to be higher and her histopathology studies evidenced atretic gall bladder. The liver biopsy revealed mild periportal ductular reaction and diffuse hepatocanalicular cholestasis. She was diagnosed with neonatal cholestasis- extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA) and underwent Kasai-portoenterostomy. She was stable and discharged with gallstone dissolution agents, antibiotics, vitamin supplements, and a barbiturates-liver enzyme inducer. After six months, she presented hepatosplenomegaly with ascites and was found to have transaminitis. She was then diagnosed with EHBA- failed Kasai, probable cholangitis, and planned for living donor liver transplantation. Antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants were prescribed on discharge. The Doppler study of allograft was performed to check the blood flow after transplantation. Acute graft rejection was monitored on day 5 with liver transplant pack reports. One year later, the infant's condition had shown improvement, evidenced by enhanced food intake, absence of symptoms, and the return of liver function tests to normal levels.

Complicaciones post trasplante hepático en pacientes pediátricos en un hospital de tercer nivel, Lima-Perú,2016-2020 / Post liver transplantation complications in pediatric patients in a third level hospital, Lima-Peru, 2016-2020

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar las complicaciones durante el primer año post trasplante hepático en pacientes pediátricos del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño-San Borja (INSN-SB) durante el periodo 2016-2020. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes trasplantados hepáticos atendidos durante el seguimiento post trasplante en el INSN SB recolectándose características epidemiológicas, indicación de trasplante; puntaje PELD, score CHILD y complicaciones previas al trasplante, así como la frecuencia de las principales complicaciones presentadas durante el primer año post trasplante. Resultados: De los 16 pacientes evaluados, el 62,5% fueron menores de 1 año, siendo la mediana de peso 7,4 kg, el 50% presentó un score CHILD C, la mediana de PELD de 23. El principal motivo de trasplante fue atresia de vías biliares (62,5%). Las principales complicaciones previas al trasplante fueron la hipertensión portal (75%) y la desnutrición (68,8%). Todos los pacientes post trasplantados presentaron al menos una complicación infecciosa: bacteriana (53%), infección por CMV (75%) e infección por EBV (31%); en relación a las complicaciones vasculares, 25% presentaron trombosis de vena porta y un paciente (6%) presentó estenosis de arteria hepática; con respecto a las complicaciones biliares, el 12,5% presentaron fístula biliar, también el 12,5% presentaron dilatación de la vía biliar, mientras que el 6,25% presentó bilioma. Conclusiones: Dentro de las principales complicaciones del paciente post trasplantado hepático podemos destacar que todos los pacientes presentaron al menos una complicación infecciosa (100%), complicaciones vasculares el 31% y complicaciones biliares en el 31,25% de los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: determine the complications during the first year after liver transplantation in pediatric patients of the INSN-SB during the period 2016-2020. Materials and methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study. The medical records of liver transplant patients seen during post-transplant follow-up at the INSN-SB were reviewed, collecting epidemiological characteristics, transplant indication; PELD score, CHILD score and complications prior to the transplant, as well as the frequency of the main complications presented during the first year after the transplant. Results: Of the 16 patients evaluated, 62.5% were under 1 year of age, with a median weight of 7.4kg, 50% presented a CHILD C score, with a median PELD of 23, the main reason for transplantation was atresia of bile ducts (62.5%), the main complications prior to transplantation were portal hypertension (75%) and malnutrition (68.8%). All posttransplant patients presented at least one infectious complication: bacterial (53%), CMV infection (75%) and EBV infection (31%); Regarding vascular complications, 25% presented portal vein thrombosis and one patient (6%) presented hepatic artery stenosis; Regarding biliary complications, 12.5% presented biliary fistula, also 12.5% presented bile duct dilation, while 6.25% presented bilioma. Conclusions: Among the main complications of the postliver transplant patient, we can highlight that all patients presented at least one infectious complication (100%), vascular complications in 31% and biliary complications in 31.25% of patients.

Liver Transplants from Donors with Schistosomiasis: Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Patients at Clinics Hospital of São Paulo, Brazil / Transplantes Hepáticos de Doadores com Esquistossomose: Perfil Clínico e Epidemiológico de Pacientes do Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brasil

Organ transplantation is a surgical procedure that consists of awarding an organ. Considering that the transplantation of an organ or tissue is very competitive, due to the low rate of donors and as the function of the liver is preserved even in controlled schistosomatic fibrosis, it is possible to donate the organ even with the liver infected by verminosis. By analyzing the prevalence and evolution of liver donors with schistosomiasis in liver transplants performed at Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo - HCFMUSP. This is a descriptive study, consisting of a series of cases, with a retrospective and cross-sectional analysis. The study evaluated the medical records of patients being followed up at the Liver Transplant Outpatient Clinic, at HCFMUSP, from January 2002 to December 2020. The Department of Pathology at USP found 16 patients with records of schistosomiasis reports, of which only one was effective as a donor, since the other patients were excluded due to the state of law of the organ. An analysis showed that almost all donors were men with schistosomiasis with a mean age of 52.55 years. In this context, there was a prevalence of a case of a liver donor with the hepatointestinal form of schistosomiasis, later the organ was transplanted, and the recipient, presented a good evolution until this moment, having been analyzed clinically and laboratory. It is noteworthy that this is the first HCFMUSP study that evaluates liver donors with schistosomiasis mansoni and the evolution of the respective recipient. (AU)

O transplante de órgãos é um procedimento cirúrgico que consiste na reposição de um órgão. Haja vista que o transplante de um órgão ou tecido é muito concorrido, em decorrência da baixa taxa de doadores e como a função do fígado está preservada mesmo na fibrose esquistossomatica avançada é possível doador o órgão mesmo com o fígado infectado pela verminose. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a prevalência e evolução de doadores fígado, portadores de esquistossomose, nos transplantes hepáticos realizados no Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo - HCFMUSP. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, composto por uma série de casos, sendo a analise retrospectiva e de corte transversal. O estudo avaliou os prontuários de pacientes em seguimento no Ambulatório de Transplante hepático, do HCFMUSP, no período de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2020. O departamento de Patologia da USP constatou 16 pacientes com registros de laudos de esquistossomose, dos quais somente um foi efetivado como doador, uma vez que os outros pacientes foram excluídos em razão do estado de deterioração do órgão. A análise mostrou que quase a totalidade dos doadores eram homens com esquistossomose com idade média de 52,55 anos. Dentro desse contexto, houve a prevalência de um caso de um doador hepático portador da forma hepatointestinal de esquistossomose, posteriormente o órgão foi transplantado, e o receptor, apresentou uma boa evolução até este momento tendo sido analisado clinicamente e laboratorialmente. Vale ressaltar, que este é o primeiro estudo do HCFMUSP que avalia doadores de hepáticos portadores de esquistossomose mansoni e a evolução do respectivo receptor. (AU)

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.

Is Iron Overload Associated with Worse Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Undergoing Liver Transplantation?

ABSTRACT Background: Iron overload is frequent in patients with chronic liver disease, associated with shorter survival after liver transplantation in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis. Its effect on patients without hereditary hemochromatosis is unclear. The aim of the study was to study the clinical impact of iron overload in patients who underwent liver transplantation at an academic tertiary referral center. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all patients without hereditary hemochromatosis who underwent liver transplantation from 2015 to 2017 at an academic tertiary referral center in Mexico City. Explant liver biopsies were reprocessed to obtain the histochemical hepatic iron index, considering a score ≥ 0.15 as iron overload. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with and without iron overload. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, compared with the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of 105 patients included, 45% had iron overload. Viral and metabolic etiologies, alcohol consumption, and obesity were more frequent in patients with iron overload than in those without iron overload (43% vs. 21%, 32% vs. 22%, p = 0.011; 34% vs. 9%, p = 0.001; and 32% vs. 12%, p = 0.013, respectively). Eight patients died within 90 days after liver transplantation (one with iron overload). Complication rate was higher in patients with iron overload versus those without iron overload (223 vs. 93 events/100 person-months; median time to any complication of 2 vs. 3 days, p = 0.043), without differences in complication type. Fatality rate was lower in patients with iron overload versus those without iron overload (0.7 vs. 4.5 deaths/100 person-months, p = 0.055). Conclusion: Detecting iron overload might identify patients at risk of early complications after liver transplantation. Further studies are required to understand the role of iron overload in survival.

Aplicabilidad del índice de fragilidad hepática en pacientes cirróticos evaluados para trasplante / Applicability of the liver frailty index in cirrhotic patients evaluated for transplantation

Introducción. En las últimas décadas se han desarrollado diferentes scores y modelos para predecir el pronóstico en pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica avanzada. Los más reconocidos y utilizados son el sistema de estadificación de Child-Pugh (CP) y el score de MELD, pero estos carecen de herramientas para evaluar objetivamente otros factores pronósticos. Por este motivo, se ha incorporado el concepto de fragilidad a la hepatología clínica. El objetivo de este artículo es examinar la aplicabilidad del índice de fragilidad hepática (IFH) en pacientes con cirrosis evaluados para trasplante hepático en Uruguay. Metodología. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo en el Servicio de Enfermedades Hepáticas del Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas (HCFFAA) de enero de 2018 a diciembre de 2021. Resultados. Se evaluaron un total de 78 pacientes, excluyéndose 19 de estos, culminando con una muestra final de 59 pacientes. La edad media fue de 52 años, siendo el 66 % hombres. La principal etiología de la cirrosis fue la alcohólica, y la comorbilidad más frecuente fue el sobrepeso/obesidad (66 %). La media de IFH fue de 4,03 ± 0,45. El 90 % de los pacientes eran prefrágiles, el 10 % frágiles y ningún paciente fue clasificado como no frágil. El 76 % presentaba un estadio avanzado de la enfermedad al momento de la evaluación 42 % CP estadio B, 34 % CP C, 24 % CP A, con una media de MELD-Na de 17,8 ± 7,6. El 17 % tuvo complicaciones infecciosas. La mortalidad global (n=78) fue del 12 %, y la de los pacientes con IFH calculado fue del 22 %. Conclusiones. El cálculo del IFH es realizable en cirróticos como herramienta objetiva que brinda una mirada integral del paciente. A mayor severidad de la cirrosis, mayor es el IFH. Sin embargo, este índice no parece ser un predictor de la eventual realización del trasplante hepático, ni de muerte en lista de espera en nuestros pacientes.

Introduction. In recent decades, several scores and models have been proposed to predict prognosis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. The most recognized and used are the Child-Pugh (CP) and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, but they lack tools to objectively evaluate other prognostic factors. For this reason, the concept of fragility has been incorporated into clinical hepatology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the liver frailty index (LFI) in patients with cirrhosis evaluated for liver transplantation in Uruguay. Methodology. Observational, descriptive and retrospective study at the Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas (HCFFAA) Liver Disease Service from January 2018 to December 2021. Results. A total of 78 patients were evaluated, 19 were excluded, culminating in a final sample of 59 patients. The mean age was 52 years, with 66% being men. The main etiology of cirrhosis was alcoholic and the most frequent comorbidity was overweight/obesity (66%). The mean LFI was 4.03 ± 0.45. 90% of patients were pre-fragile, 10% were fragile, and no patient was classified as non-fragile. 76% had an advanced stage of the disease at the time of evaluation: 42% CP stage B, 34% CP C, 24% CP A, with a mean MELD-Na of 17.8 ± 7.6. 17% had infectious complications. Overall mortality (n=78) was 12%, and that of patients with calculated LFI was 22%. Conclusions. The LFI can be calculated in cirrhotic patients, and it is an objective tool that provides a comprehensive view of the patient. LFI depends on the severity of the cirrhosis. However, this index is not a predictor of liver transplantation or death on the waiting list in our patients.

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes con enfermedad hepática esteatósica asociada a disfunción metabólica previa al trasplante en un hospital de cuarto nivel / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients with steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction prior to transplantation in a fourth level hospital

Introducción. La enfermedad hepática esteatósica asociada a disfunción metabólica (MASLD) se ha convertido en la enfermedad hepática crónica más frecuente en los países occidentales, causando un aumento en los costos y en la ocupación hospitalaria. La caracterización integral previa al trasplante hepático en pacientes con MASLD es una gran interrogante, especialmente en nuestro medio. El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar la caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de pacientes trasplantados por cirrosis hepática (CH) descompensada o carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) asociado a MASLD. Metodología. Se desarrolló un estudio observacional retrospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal en el Servicio de Hepatología del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe en Medellín, Colombia. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 17 años, con diagnóstico de CH o de CHC asociado a MASLD que fueron trasplantados entre los años 2004 a 2017. Resultados. Se encontraron 84 pacientes que fueron trasplantados con esas características. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 59±10,5 con una mayor proporción significativa de hombres sobre mujeres, llegando casi al 70 %. Con relación a las comorbilidades, se encontró que el sobrepeso/obesidad, la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 fueron un hallazgo en el 44,1 %, 33,3 % y 33,3 %, respectivamente. Por otro lado, el 14,5 %, el 33,7 % y el 51,8 % presentaron un Child-Pugh A, B y C, respectivamente. La media del puntaje MELD fue de 18,9±6,26. Con respecto a las complicaciones de la cirrosis, el 77,4 % de los pacientes presentó ascitis, el 61,9 % encefalopatía hepática, el 36,9 % hemorragia del tracto digestivo superior y el 29,8 % peritonitis bacteriana espontánea. Conclusión. Los resultados expuestos mostraron nuestra experiencia en trasplante hepático en pacientes con CH y CHC asociado a MASLD. Se debe realizar una evaluación multidisciplinaria antes y después del trasplante en estos pacientes, haciendo especial énfasis en el manejo de la disfunción metabólica y sus componentes, entre los que se destacan la obesidad y la diabetes mellitus.

Introduction. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most frequent chronic liver disease in Western countries, causing increased costs and hospital occupancy. The comprehensive pre-transplant characterization in patients with MASLD is a major question, especially in our setting. The aim of the present study was to perform the clinical-epidemiological characterization of transplanted patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with MASLD. Methodology. A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the Hepatology Department of the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellin, Colombia. Patients over 17 years of age, with a diagnosis of LC or HCC associated with MASLD who were transplanted between 2004 and 2017 were included. Results. We found 84 patients who were transplanted with these characteristics. The mean age of the patients was 59±10.5 with a significantly higher proportion of men over women, reaching almost 70%. Regarding comorbidities, overweight/obesity, arterial hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus were found in 44.1%, 33.3%, and 33.3%, respectively. On the other hand, 14.5%, 33.7%, and 51.8% had Child-Pugh A, B, and C, respectively. The mean MELD score was 18.9±6.26. Regarding complications of cirrhosis, 77.4% of patients developed ascites, 61.9% hepatic encephalopathy, 36.9% upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage, and 29.8% spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Conclusion. The above results showed our experience of liver transplantation in patients with LC and HCC associated with MASLD. A multidisciplinary evaluation should be performed before and after transplantation in these patients, with special emphasis on the management of metabolic dysfunction and its components, including obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Research progress in perioperative management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation / 器官移植

Portal vein thrombosis is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis. The incidence of portal vein thrombosis is increased with the progression of diseases. The incidence and progression of portal vein thrombosis are associated with multiple factors. The indications of anticoagulant therapy remain to be investigated. At present, portal vein thrombosis is no longer considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation. Nevertheless, complicated portal vein thrombosis will increase perioperative risk of liver transplantation. How to restore the blood flow of portal vein system is a challenge for surgical decision-making in clinical practice. Rational preoperative typing, surgical planning and portal vein reconstruction are the keys to ensure favorable long-term prognosis of liver transplant recipients. In this article, epidemiological status, risk factors, typing and identification of portal vein thrombosis, preoperative and intraoperative management of portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation, and the impact of portal vein thrombosis on the outcomes of liver transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for perioperative management of portal vein thrombosis throughout liver transplantation.

Strategies for ABO-incompatible liver transplantation / 器官移植

With rapid development of organ transplantation, the issue of global organ shortage has become increasingly prominent. At present, liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. Nevertheless, the shortage of donors has been a key problem restricting the development of liver transplantation. China is a country with a larger number of hepatitis B, and the shortage of donor liver is particularly significant. Many critically ill patients often lose the best opportunity or even die because they cannot obtain a matched donor liver in time. As a strategy to expand the donor pool, ABO-incompatible (ABOi) liver transplantation offers new options for patients who are waiting for matched donors. However, ABOi liver transplantation is highly controversial due to higher risk of complications, such as severe infection, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), biliary complications, thrombotic microangiopathy, and acute kidney injury, etc. In this article, research progress in preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative strategies of ABOi liver transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application and research of ABOi liver transplantation.

Diagnosis and treatment of the portal vein complications for children undergoing spilt liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment strategy of the portal vein complications in children undergoing split liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 88 pediatric recipients who underwent split liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative anastomosis at the bifurcating site of the portal vein or donor iliac vein bypass anastomosis was performed depending on the internal diameter and development of the recipient's portal vein. A normalized portal venous blood stream monitoring was performed during the perioperative stage. After operation, heparin sodium was used to bridge warfarin for anticoagulation therapy. After portal vein stenosis or thrombosis was identified with enhanced CT or portography, managements including embolectomy, systemic anticoagulation, interventional thrombus removal, balloon dilatation and/or stenting were performed. Results Among the 88 recipients, a total of 10 children were diagnosed with portal vein complications, of which 4 cases were diagnosed with portal vein stenosis at 1 d, 2 months, 8 months, and 11 months after surgery, and 6 cases were diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis at intraoperative, 2 d, 3 d (n=2), 6 d, and 11 months after surgery, respectively. One patient with portal vein stenosis and one patient with portal vein thrombosis died perioperatively. The fatality related to portal vein complications was 2% (2/88). Of the remaining 8 patients, 1 underwent systemic anticoagulation, 2 underwent portal venous embolectomy, 1 underwent interventional balloon dilatation, and 4 underwent interventional balloon dilatation plus stenting. No portal venous related symptoms were detected during postoperative long term follow up, and the retested portal venous blood stream parameters were normal. Conclusions The normalized intra- and post-operative portal venous blood stream monitoring is a useful tool for the early detection of portal vein complications, the early utilization of useful managements such as intraoperative portal venous embolectomy, interventional balloon dilatation and stenting may effectively treat the portal vein complications, thus minimizing the portal vein complication related graft loss and recipient death.

Analysis of three-dimensional visualization imaging of severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation and clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze three-dimensional imaging characteristics and advantages for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation, and to evaluate clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation. Methods Clinical data of 10 patients who received portal vein stent implantation for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging characteristics of severe portal vein stenosis, and advantages of three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and interventional treatment efficacy for severe portal vein stenosis were analyzed. Results Among 10 patients, 3 cases were diagnosed with centripetal stenosis, tortuosity angulation-induced stenosis in 2 cases, compression-induced stenosis in 2 cases, long-segment stenosis and/or vascular occlusion in 3 cases. Three-dimensional reconstruction images possessed advantages in accurate identification of stenosis, identification of stenosis types and measurement of stenosis length. All patients were successfully implanted with portal vein stents. After stent implantation, the diameter of the minimum diameter of portal vein was increased [(6.2±0.9) mm vs. (2.6±1.7) mm, P<0.05], the flow velocity at anastomotic site was decreased [(57±19) cm/s vs. (128±27) cm/s, P<0.05], and the flow velocity at the portal vein adjacent to the liver was increased [(41±6) cm/s vs. (18±6) cm/s, P<0.05]. One patient suffered from intrahepatic hematoma caused by interventional puncture, which was mitigated after conservative observation and treatment. The remaining patients did not experience relevant complications. Conclusions Three-dimensional visualization technique may visually display the location, characteristics and severity of stenosis, which is beneficial for clinicians to make treatment decisions and assist interventional procedures. Timely implantation of portal vein stent may effectively reverse pathological process and improve portal vein blood flow.

Evolution and innovation of preservation fluid for donor liver / 器官移植

Organ preservation fluid could mitigate cold ischemia injury and maintain normal function of the grafts. At present, how to reduce a series of injury caused by cold ischemia of donor liver and improve the preservation quality of grafts are the hot and challenging spots in this field. Currently, preservation fluid in clinical practice has not achieved ideal preservation effect, especially for the protection of marginal donor organs. In the context of severe donor shortage, the key solution is still to explore the optimal preservation protocol for donor liver to prevent grafts from cold ischemia injury. In this article, the mechanism of donor liver injury during cold ischemia, the classification and evolution of donor liver preservation fluid were summarized, the development direction and challenges of donor liver preservation fluid were discussed, aiming to provide novel ideas and references for the research and development of donor liver preservation fluid.

Hepatitis E virus infection in liver transplant recipients / 器官移植

Hepatitis E virus infection is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis. In recent years, the incidence of hepatitis E has shown an increasing trend, which has gradually become an important cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Age, sex, intensity of immunosuppression and socio-economic factors are all risk factors for hepatitis E virus infection. Liver transplant recipients require long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs for anti rejection treatment, prone to hepatitis E virus infection and at the risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis due to immunosuppression status. Therefore, special attention should be paid to liver transplant recipients in clinical practice. Meantime, related risk factors should be identified to assist diagnosis and take stricter preventive measures. According to literature review, the etiological characteristics of hepatitis E virus and the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis E virus infection in liver transplant recipients were reviewed, aiming to properly monitor, treat and prevent hepatitis E virus infection in liver transplant recipients in clinical practice, improving the prognosis of liver transplant recipients.

Summary of basic research on liver transplantation in China of 2023 / 器官移植

Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, which can significantly improve clinical prognosis and quality of life of patients. However, multiple challenges, such as rejection, immune tolerance, shortage of donor liver, preservation of donor liver, ischemia-reperfusion injury and postoperative complications, <i>etc.</i>, limit the efficacy of liver transplantation in clinical practice. Research teams in China have made significant contributions to the basic research related to liver transplantation by making continuous efforts and combining the development of emerging technologies, interdisciplinary integration and other emerging fields. In this article, the frontier progress in the basic research of liver transplantation in 2023 was reviewed, highlighting the progress made by Chinese research teams in the basic research of liver transplantation, aiming to provide reference for promoting the integration of Chinese characteristics into the research of liver transplantation, accelerate the integration of Chinese liver transplantation research with international community, and promote further advancement of liver transplantation in China.

Highlights of clinical research on liver transplantation in China of 2023 / 器官移植

As a mature organ transplantation, liver transplantation has become the optimal treatment for end-stage liver disease, which can improve the quality of life of recipients. However, liver transplantation still faces multiple challenges, such as rejection, infection, biliary complications, delayed graft function, ischemia-reperfusion injury, recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation, kidney-related diseases after transplantation, and donor shortage, <i>etc.</i>, which remain to be improved and urgently resolved. With persistent attempts and experience accumulated by Chinese experts and scholars, these problems related to liver transplantation have been gradually resolved year by year. In 2023, liver transplantation teams in China have achieved a series of significant progresses in the field of clinical research. In this article, clinical frontiers and novel technological progresses in the field of liver transplantation in 2023 were reviewed, and the achievements of clinical liver transplantation in China in 2023 were summarized, aiming to provide novel ideas for promoting further development of liver transplantation in China.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of withdrawal of HBIG and/or nucleos(t)ide analogues in recipients undergoing hepatitis B immune reconstitution after liver transplantation / 器官移植

<b>Objective</b> To investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of withdrawal of hepatitis B immuneglobulin (HBIG) and/or nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis B-related diseases after successful vaccination. <b>Methods</b> Baseline data of 76 liver transplant recipients undergoing hepatitis B immune reconstitution after receiving hepatitis B vaccines were retrospectively analyzed. The vaccination and response, the follow-up results of respondents with HBIG and/or NAs withdrawal, and the reinfection of HBV after withdrawal of HBIG and/or NAs were analyzed. <b>Results</b> The time interval from liver transplantation to hepatitis B vaccination was 26 (20, 40) months. The time interval from vaccination to response was 15 (8,27) months. Initially, 76 recipients withdrew HBIG, and 36 recipients withdrew HBIG and NAs. During the follow-up, 12 of 76 recipients who withdrew HBIG resumed use of HBIG, and 16 of 36 recipients who withdrew HBIG and NAs resumed use of NAs. The withdrawal time of HBIG and NAs was 135 (98,150) and 133 (34,149) months, respectively. Sixteen respondents did not receive booster, and 36 respondents received boosters on a regular basis. The time interval between the first booster and HBIG withdrawal was 44 (11,87) months. No significant differences were observed in baseline data between the respondents with and without boosters (all <i>P</i>>0.05). During the follow-up, 9 recipients were lost to follow-up, 5 were re-infected with HBV, 3 died, and 1 recipient developed graft loss and underwent secondary liver transplantation. Among 5 recipients re-infected with HBV, 4 cases had virus mutation. Significant differences were found between re-infected and uninfected patients regarding withdrawal of NAs and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive before transplantation (both <i>P</i><0.05). <b>Conclusions</b> Long-term withdrawal of HBIG is feasible and safe for recipients with successful hepatitis B immune reconstitution after liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related diseases. Nevertheless, whether antiviral drugs can be simultaneously withdrawn remains to be validated.