Liver transplantation for acute liver failure due to antitubercular drugs - a single-center experience

OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis are at risk of developing acute liver failure due to the hepatotoxicity of antitubercular drugs. We aimed to describe our experience with liver transplantation from deceased donors in this situation. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing transplantation for acute liver failure due to antitubercular drugs in our prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: Of 81 patients undergoing transplantation for acute liver failure, 8 cases were attributed to antitubercular drugs during the period of 2006-2016. Regarding the time of tuberculosis treatment until the onset of jaundice, patients were on antitubercular drugs for a mean of 64.7 days (21-155 days). The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of patients ranged from 32 to 47 (median 38), and seven patients underwent transplantation under vasopressors. The 1-year survival was 50%. Three patients died during the week following transplantation due to septic shock (including a patient with acute liver failure due to hepatic/disseminated tuberculosis), and the remaining patient died 2 months after transplantation due to pulmonary infection. There were 2 cases of mild rejection and 1 case of moderate rejection. Of the surviving patients, all were considered cured of tuberculosis after alternative drugs were given. CONCLUSION: Patients arrived very sick and displayed poor survival after deceased donor transplantation.

Simplified technique for auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation using a whole graft / Técnica simplificada para transplante auxiliar ortotópico de fígado utilizando um enxerto inteiro

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure is associated with a high mortality rate and the main purposes of treatment are to prevent cerebral edema and infections, which often are responsible for patient death. The orthotopic liver transplantation is the gold standard treatment and improves the 1-year survival. AIM: To describe an alternative technique to auxiliary liver transplant on acute liver failure. METHOD: Was performed whole auxiliary liver transplantation as an alternative technique for a partial auxiliary liver transplantation using a whole liver graft from a child removing the native right liver performed a right hepatectomy. The patient met the O´Grady´s criteria and the rational to indicate an auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation was the acute classification without hemodynamic instability or renal failure in a patient with deterioration in consciousness. RESULTS: The procedure improved liver function and decreased intracranial hypertension in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: This technique can overcome some postoperative complications that are associated with partial grafts. As far as is known, this is the first case of auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation in Brazil. .

RACIONAL: A insuficiência hepática aguda está associada à alta taxa de mortalidade e os principais efeitos do tratamento são para evitar o edema cerebral e as infecções, que muitas vezes são responsáveis pela morte do paciente. O transplante hepático é o tratamento padrão-ouro e melhora a sobrevida de um ano. OBJETIVO: Descrever uma técnica alternativa para transplante de fígado auxiliar na insuficiência hepática aguda. MÉTODO: Transplante de fígado auxiliar devido à insuficiência hepática fulminante pela infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B. O paciente preencheu os critérios O´Grady e o racional para indicar o transplante de fígado auxiliar foi a hepatite aguda sem instabilidade hemodinâmica ou insuficiência renal em um paciente com deterioração da consciência. Foi realizado o transplante auxiliar de fígado com enxerto inteiro com uma técnica alternativa para transplante auxiliar parcial de fígado. RESULTADOS: O procedimento demonstrou melhora da função hepática e diminuição da hipertensão intracraniana no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Esta técnica é viável e pode superar algumas complicações pós-operatórias que estão associadas com enxertos parciais. Tanto quanto sabemos, este é o primeiro caso de transplante de fígado auxiliar descrito no Brasil. .

Perfil biológico y social de la población trasplantada en el hospital Garrahan por hepatitis fulminante y su relación con la evolución postrasplante / Biological and social profile of patients who underwent liver transplantation because of acute liver failure at the Garrahan Hospital

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil biológico y social del paciente pediátrico con trasplante hepático por insuficiencia hepática aguda (IHA) y la evolución postrasplante. Material y Método: trabajo retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional, se revisaron la base de datos de 142 pacientes trasplantados por IHA desde 1992 al 2008. Se describieron los datos demográficos y sociales, indicaciones de trasplante, tipo de injerto utilizado, compatibilidad del grupo ABO, evolución pos trasplante (resultados primarios), complicaciones del trasplante y sobrevida. Resultados: El 51% de los casos de IHA fue asociado a la hepatitis infecciosa por virus A (HAV) y el 41% correspondió a las IHA indeterminadas. El 85% de la población trasplantada (120 casos) recibió un donante de tipo cadavérico (DC) y la compatibilidad de grupo ABO fue del 85%. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron: biliares 33 casos, infecciones bacterianas 20 casos y vasculares 13 casos. El rechazo agudo estuvo presente en 72 casos mientras que el rechazo crónico se diagnosticó en 7 casos. La sobrevida de la IHA al año del postrasplante fue del 80% y a los 5 y 10 años fue del 77%. La conciencia de enfermedad reflejada en el cumplimiento de las consignas médicos sociales estuvo presente en un 86,25%. El 70% de los padres de los niños trasplantados eran biológicos y el 52% de la población provino del área centro (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, y Santa Fe). La cobertura estuvo a cargo del estado en el 45% de la muestra (AU)

The aim of this study was to describe the social and biological profile of pediatric patients who undergo liver transplantation because of acute liver failure (ALF) and post-transplant outcome. Material and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, and observational study was conducted. The database of 142 patients who underwent liver transplantation because of ALF between 1992 and 2008 was reviewed. Demographic and social features, indication for transplantation, type of graft used, ABO group compatibility, post-transplant outcome (primary results), complications of the transplantation and survival were evaluated. Results: ALF was associated with infectious hepatitis A (HAV) in 51% of the cases and with indeterminate ALF in 41%. Overall, 85% of the transplanted patients (120 cases) received a deceased donor (DD) organ and ABO group compatibility was 85%. Most common complications were: biliary in 33 cases, bacterial infections in 20 cases, and vascular in 13 cases. Acute rejection was observed in 72 cases while chronic rejection was diagnosed in seven cases. Oneyear post-transplant survival after ALF was 80%, while 5- and 10-year survival was 77%. Disease awareness expressed in compliance with medical and social indications was observed in 86%. Seventy percent of the parents of transplanted children were there biological parents and 52% of the population came from the central area of the country (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Entre Ríos, y Santa Fe). Forty-five percent of the sample had public health care coverage (AU)

An experience of liver transplantation in Latin America: a medical center in Colombia / Experiencia de trasplante hepático en Latinoamérica: en un centro médico en Colombia

Objectives: Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for acute and chronic liver failure, for selected cases of tumors, and for conditions resulting from errors in metabolism. This paper reports the experience of a medical center in Latin America. Methods: Were conducted 305 orthotopic liver transplantations on 284 patients between 2004 and 2010. Of these patients, 241 were adults undergoing their first transplantation. Results: The average age of patients was 52 years old, and 62% of the individuals were male. The most common indication was alcoholic cirrhosis. The rate of patient survival after 1 and 5 years was 82 and 72% respectively. The rate of liver graft survival after 1 and 5 years was 78 and 68% respectively. The main cause of death was sepsis. Complications in the hepatic artery were documented for 5% of the patients. Additionally, 14.5% of the patients had complications in the biliary tract. Infections were found in 41% of the individuals. Acute rejection was observed in 30% of the subjects, and chronic rejection in 3%. Conclusion: In conclusion, liver transplantation at our medical center in Colombia offers good mid-term results, with a complication rate similar to that reported by other centers around the world.

Objetivos: El trasplante hepático es el tratamiento de elección para la falla hepática aguda y crónica, casos seleccionados de tumores y enfermedades por errores en el metabolismo. En este documento se reporta la experiencia de un centro en Latinoamérica. Métodos: Entre el 2004 y el 2010 se realizaron 305 trasplantes ortotópicos de hígado en 284 pacientes. De ellos, 241 corresponde a primer trasplante en adultos. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 52 años y el 62% eran hombres. La principal indicación fue cirrosis por alcohol. La supervivencia de los pacientes a 1 y 5 años fue de 82 y 72% respectivamente y del injerto hepático a 1 y 5 años fue de 78 y 68% respectivamente. La principal causa de muerte fue sepsis. Se documentaron complicaciones en la arteria hepática en el 5% y complicaciones en la vía biliar en el 14.5%. Se encontraron infecciones en el 41% de los pacientes. Rechazo agudo se presento en el 30% y rechazo crónico en el 3%. Conclusión: El trasplante hepático en nuestro centro en Colombia ofrece buenos resultados a mediano plazo, con una tasa de complicaciones similar a lo reportado en otros centros del mundo.

Manejo de la hepatitis B aguda grave y fulminante / Management of acute fulminant hepatitis B

Fulminant hepatitis B virus infection occurs in less than 1percent of acutely infected patients. Acute hepatitis Baccounts for 2-42 percent of the total of fulminant hepatitis cases depending on the geographic area. This infection is associated with 65-93 percent of mortality, without liver transplantation. Its pathogenesis is related to a severe immune response to infected hepatocytes, causing massive cytolysis and liver failure. During the last 3 decades its prognosis has improved due to better medical support in intensive care units, the use of liver transplantation and an improvement in the prevention and management of its complications. More recently the use of liver support devices (MARS, Prometheus, and BAL) has been considered in this situation as a bridge to liver transplantation. Recurrent hepatitis B virus reinfection of the graft was a major issue in the past, but currently with the use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) and oral antiviral therapy, the prognosis has improved, leading to excellent graft and patient outcomes after liver transplantation. There is controversial data on the use of oral antiviral therapy among fulminant hepatitis patients. While some authors have shown beneficial effects, other communications have failed to demonstrate any benefits. Nevertheless, many experts currently recommend the use of oral antiviral therapy in this setting due to their relative safety and potential benefits. This paper reviews the current view on management issues in reference to the patient with fulminant hepatic failure due to acute hepatitis B.

La hepatitis fulminante por virus de hepatitis B ocurre en menos del 1 por ciento de los casos de hepatitis B aguda. Del total de hepatitis fulminantes, entre el 2-42 por ciento son causadas por hepatitis B aguda, dependiendo del lugar geográfico donde se estudia. Se asocia a elevada mortalidad, entre 65-93 por ciento, sin el uso de trasplante hepático. Su patogenia se relaciona a una significativa respuesta inmune a hepatocitos infectados, determinando citolisis masiva y falla hepática. En las últimas 3 décadas el pronóstico de esta patología ha mejorado gracias al soporte médico en unidades de tratamiento intensivo, a la implementación del trasplante hepático, y a la mejoría en la prevención y manejo de sus complicaciones. Más recientemente se ha usado dispositivos de soporte hepático (MARS, Prometheus, BAL), como un puente al trasplante hepático. La reinfección del injerto con hepatitis B era una consideración importante en el pasado, pero con el uso de gamaglobulina específica para hepatitis B y el tratamiento antiviral oral, su pronóstico ha mejorado, determinando un excelente pronóstico del injerto y del paciente a largo plazo post trasplante hepático. Existen datos controversiales referentes al uso de antivirales orales durante una hepatitis fulminante, pues algunos autores muestran beneficios en esta condición, pero otros no han demostrado un beneficio real. Sin embargo, muchos expertos actualmente recomiendan su uso en este escenario, pues son seguros y pueden tener un potencial beneficio. Este artículo revisa el manejo actual del paciente con hepatitis fulminante por hepatitis B aguda.

A new experimental model for acute hepatic failure in rats / Novo modelo experimental em ratos para insuficiência hepática aguda

PURPOSE: To develop a reliable surgical model of acute hepatic failure and hyperammonemia in rats that avoids porto-systemic shunt and bile duct ligation, applicable to hepatic encephalopathy research. METHODS: The pedicles of right lateral and caudate lobes were exposed and clamped. One hour later, the animal was reopened, clamps were released and anterior subtotal hepatectomy (resection of median and left lateral lobes) was performed, comprising 75 percent of liver removal. Four hours after hepatectomy, blood samples and liver tissues were collected from ALF and control groups. RESULTS: Differences between ALF and control groups were significant for ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin, sodium, potassium, alkaline phosphatasis, gamma-glutamyltransferase and most important, ammonia. Histologically, significant differences were noticed between groups. CONCLUSION: The model is useful for the study of specific aspects of ALF and the development of new therapeutic approaches.

OBJETIVO: Desenvolver um modelo cirúrgico de IHA e hiperamonemia em ratos, que evita o shunt porto-sistêmico e a ligadura do ducto biliar, que seja aplicável à pesquisa de encefalopatia hepática. MÉTODOS: Após anestesia geral e laparotomia mediana, os pedículos dos lobos laterais direito e caudado foram isolados e clampeados. Após 1 hora, o animal foi reaberto, os clampes retirados e foi realizada hepatectomia anterior subtotal (ressecção dos lobos médio e lateral esquerdo), compreendendo a remoção de 75 por cento do parênquima. Quatro horas após a hepatectomia, amostras de sangue e tecido hepático foram coletadas nos grupos IHA e controle. RESULTADOS: Diferenças entre os grupos IHA e controle foram significativas para ALT, AST, bilirrubina total e direta, sódio, potássio, fosfatase alcalina, gama glutamiltransferase e principalmente amônia. Histologicamente, diferenças significativas foram observadas entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: O modelo é útil para o estudo de aspectos específicos da IHA e o desenvolvimento de novas abordagens terapêuticas.

EBV-induced fulminant hepatic failure treated with liver transplantation

Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of fulminant hepatitis. Infectious mononucleosis caused by primary infection of EBV is a self-limiting lymphoproliferative disease, and shows concomitant clinical features such as pyrexia, cervical lymphadenopathy, liver dysfunction and hepatosplenomegaly. Even though approximately more than 90 percent of all humans are infected with EBV it rarely causes hepatitis and even if it does it is usually benign and it rarely causes hepatic failure in which the outcome has a high mortality rate. We report a case of fulminant hepatic failure in an immunocompetent 3.5 years old girl caused by primary EBV infection that was treated by orthotropic liver transplantation. This observation emphasizes that EBV must be known as a possible cause of fulminant hepatitis and that liver transplantation is probably the unique therapeutic option to avoid a usually fatal course

Fenómeno de acomodación inmunológica: Trasplante hepático ABO incompatible. Caso clínico / Accomodation process: ABO-incompatible liver transplantation. Report of one case

We report a 33 year-old female with a diagnosis of halothane-induce fulminant hepatic failure who was subjected to a liver transplant with an ABO-incompatible graft. The patient received a therapeutic protocol that included total plasma exchange, splenectomy and quadruple immunosuppression. After 5 years, the patient remains asymptomatic and with normal liver enzymes, while she has been treated with low dose of immunosuppressive drugs. This case demonstrates an example of how the immunological process of accomodation opens the possibility of using ABO-incompatible organs as a definitive grafts.

Falla hepática fulminante en niños / Acute liver failure in children: experience of a liver transplant center

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) in childhood is defined as biochemical evidence of liver injury, absence of known chronic liver disease and coagulopathy not corrected by vitamin K administration, with INR greater than 1.5 if the patient has encephalopathy or greater than 2.0 if the patient does not have encephalopathy. Objective: Report the experience of a single liver transplant center (LT) in the treatment of 8 children with ALF and review the literature. Method: Retrospective review of clinical charts of patients with ALF. Results: The median age was 8 years-old (range 0-11), three females. Five patients underwent LT. Two patients died, one of them LT. The etiologies were 4 undetermined, 1 autoimmune, 1 Wilson Disease, 1 Parvo virus and 1 chronic graft rejection. All grafts were from cadaver donor, 3 of them reduced. Two out of five patients with encephalopathy grade III-IV died. The one year survival rate was 75 percent. Conclusions: Children with ALF should be treated in experienced centers with facilities for liver transplant. Transplantation should be offered only if the underlying disease is treatable by liver replacement and if transplant prognosis is better than that of the underlying disease.

Falla hepática fulminante (FHF) en la infancia se define como evidencia bioquímica de daño hepático, sin antecedentes conocidos de enfermedad hepática crónica, coagulopatía no corregida por la administración de vitamina K e INR superior a 1,5 si el paciente tiene encefalopatía o superior a 2 si no tiene encefalopatía. Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia de un centro de trasplante hepático (TH) en el tratamiento de 8 niños con FHF y revisar la literatura. Pacientes y Método: Revisión retrospectiva de la historia clínica de pacientes con FHF. Resultados: La edad media fue de 8 años, rango 0-11, tres sexo femenino. Cinco pacientes fueron sometidos a TH. Dos pacientes fallecieron, uno de ellos con TH. La etiología fue indeterminada en 4 pacientes, 1 autoinmune, 1 enfermedad de Wilson, 1 parvovirus y 1 rechazo crónico del injerto. Todos los injertos fueron de donante cadáver, 3 de ellos reducidos. Dos de cinco pacientes con encefalopatía grado III-IV fallecieron. La tasa de sobrevida al año fue de 75 por ciento. Conclusión: El manejo de la FHF debe realizarse en un centro con capacidad de realizar TH, aunque no todos los pacientes requerirán finalmente esta terapia. El TH debiera ser ofrecido sólo si la enfermedad subyacente es tratable con reemplazo hepático y si el pronóstico del TH es mejor que el de la enfermedad misma.

Liver transplantation for acute liver failure: a 5 years experience / Transplante hepático na hepatite fulminante: uma experiência de 5 anos

BACKGROUND: Fulminant hepatic failure carries a high morbidity and mortality. Liver transplantation has markedly improved the prognosis of patients with fulminant hepatic failure. AIM: To evaluate the outcome of 20 patients with acute liver failure and indication for liver transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective review of 20 patients with acute liver failure and indication for liver transplantation was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: group A with 12 patients who underwent liver transplantation and group B with 8 patients who did not receive liver transplantation. Both groups were analyzed according to age, sex, ABO blood type, etiology of acute liver failure, time on list until transplantation or death, and survival rates. Group A patients were additionally analyzed according to preoperative INR, AST, and ALT peak values and MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) scores; intraoperative red blood cells and plasma transfusion and cold ischemia time; postoperative lenght of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and needed for dialysis. RESULTS: Group A: there were four men and eight women with an average age of 24.6 years. The average liver waiting time period was 3.4 days and MELD score 36. Seven patients are alive with good hepatic function at a medium follow-up of 26.2 months. The actuarial survival rate was 65.2 percent at 1 year. Group B: There were two men and six women with an average age of 30.9 years. The mean waiting time on list until death was 7.4 days. All patients died while waiting for a liver donor. CONCLUSION: Despite the improvements in intensive care management, most patients with acute liver failure and indication for liver transplantation ca not survive long without transplant. Liver transplantation is potentially the only curative modality and has markedly improved the prognosis of those patients.

RACIONAL: OBJETIVO: Avaliar a evolução de 20 pacientes com insuficiência hepática aguda e indicação de transplante hepático. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo retrospectivo de 20 pacientes com insuficiência hepática aguda e indicação de transplante hepático. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo A com 12 pacientes que foram submetidos a transplante hepático e grupo B com oito pacientes não submetidos a transplante hepático. Ambos os grupos foram analisados de acordo com idade, sexo, tipagem sangüínea, etiologia da insuficiência hepática aguda, tempo em lista até o transplante ou até o óbito e sobrevida. Os pacientes do grupo A foram ainda analisados de acordo com o escore MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease), valores de pico pré-operatório de INR, AST e ALT, necessidade de transfusão de concentrado de hemácias e plasma fresco congelado durante o transplante, tempo de isquemia fria, tempo de permanência hospitalar e em unidade de terapia intensiva e necessidade de diálise no pós-transplante imediato. RESULTADOS: Grupo A: o tempo médio de espera em lista até o transplante foi de 3,4 dias e o MELD médio, de 36. Sete pacientes continuam vivos com boa função hepática em um tempo médio de seguimento de 26,2 meses. A sobrevida atuarial em 1 ano foi de 65,2 por cento. Grupo B: foram estudados dois homens e seis mulheres com média de idade de 30,9 anos. O tempo médio de espera em lista até o óbito foi de 7,4 dias. Todos os pacientes foram a óbito esperando por um doador. CONCLUSÃO: Mesmo com todos os avanços nos cuidados de terapia intensiva, a maioria dos pacientes com insuficiência hepática aguda e indicação de transplante hepático não sobrevivem por muito tempo sem o transplante. O transplante hepático é potencialmente a única terapêutica curativa atualmente disponível e melhorou consideravelmente o prognóstico desses pacientes.

Intraparenchymal intracranial pressure monitoring in patients with acute liver failure / Monitoreo intraparenquimatoso de presión intracraneana en pacientes con falla hepática aguda

BACKGROUND: Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common cause of death in acute liver failure (ALF) and is determinant for decision-making regarding the timing of liver transplantation. The recommended type ICP monitoring device is controversial in ALF patients. Epidural devices had less risk of hemorrhagic complications, but they are less reliable than intraparenchymal ones. METHOD: Twenty-three patients with ALF were treated, and 19 of them received a liver transplant. Seventeen patients had ICP monitoring because of grade III-IV encephalopathy. All patients received fresh plasma (2-3 units) before and during placing the intraparenchymal device. RESULTS: Eleven cases (64.7 percent) had elevated ICP, and 6 patients (35.2 percent) had normal values. One patient (5.9 percent) had an asymptomatic small intraparenchymal haemorrhage <1cm³ in CTscan, which did not prevent the liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: In our experience, intraparenchymal ICP monitoring in patients with ALF seems to be an accurate method with a low risk of complications.

ANTECEDENTES: La presión intracraneana elevada (PIC) es una causa frecuente de muerte en la falla hepática aguda (FHA) y es determinante para la toma de decisiones respecto del momento del transplante hepático. El tipo de dispositivo para el monitoreo de OIC es controversial em los pacientes em FHA. Los dispositivos epidurales tienen menos riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas, pero son menos confiables que los intraparenquimatosos. MÉTODO: Veintitrés pacientes con FHA fueron tratados, y 19 de ellos recibieron un transplante hepático. diecisiete pacientes tuvieron monitoreo de PIC debido a encefalopatía grado III-IV. Todos los pacientes recibieron plasma fresco (2-3 unidades) antes y durante la colocación de la fibra intraparenquimatosa. RESULTADOS: Once casos (64.7 por ciento) tuvieron PIC elevada, y 6 pacientes (35.2 por ciento) tuvieron valores normales. Un paciente (5.9 por ciento) tuvo una pequeña hemorragia intraparenquimatosa asintomática <1cm³ en TAC, la cual no impidió el transplante hepático. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestra experiencia, el monitoreo intraparenquimatoso de presión intracraneana en pacientes con FHA parece ser un método preciso y con bajo riesgo de complicaciones.

Trasplante hepático en Chile: Aspectos generales, indicaciones y contraindicaciones (Documento de consenso) / General considerations, indications and contraindications for liver transplantation in Chile: A multicenter consensus development document

Liver transplantation is an excellent therapeutic option for terminal liver disease. During the last decades the results of liver transplantation have improved significantly with a patient survival rate of nearly 90 percent at one year and 80 percent at 5 years of follow-up. The main indications for liver transplantation include: end-stage liver disease associated to cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and hepatic tumors (mainly hepatocarcinoma). The absolute contraindications for a transplant are less frequent than in the past, and include: severe co-morbidity (cardiac or pulmonary), sepsis, advanced HIV disease and extra-hepatic malignancy. This document presents a Consensus of the main groups performing liver transplantation in Chile, about its indications and contraindications. It also reviews general aspects of liver transplantation, including the selection and referral of liver transplant candidates, allocation of organs and the evaluation of severity of liver disease.

Hypertonic saline solution increases cerebral perfusion pressure during clinical orthotopic liver transplantation for fulminant hepatic failure: preliminary results

Neste estudo testamos a hipótese de que os efeitos benéficos decorrentes da administração da solução salina hipertônica (NaCl 7,5%, 4 mL/kg) sobre a hemodinâmica sistêmica e cerebral na hipertensão intracraniana e no choque hemorrágico, possam atenuar a diminuição da pressão de perfusão cerebral que freqüentemente acompanha o transplante do fígado para hepatite fulminante.MÉTODO: Foram estudados 10 pacientes com hepatite fulminante em encefalopatia grau IV e monitorização de pressão intracraniana submetidos ao transplante do fígado. A hemodinâmica sistêmica e cerebral de 3 pacientes que receberam solução salina hipertônica durante a fase anepática (Grupo SSH) foi analisada comparando com os dados obtidos de 7 pacientes transplantados anteriormente nas mesmas condições (Grupo Controle). Os valores de pressão intracraniana máxima e a correspondente pressão arterial média foram coletados em quatro tempos: (T1) nos últimos 10 min da fase de disseccão, (T2) nos primeiros 10 minutos da fase anepática, (T3) no final da fase anepática e (T4) nos primeiros 5 min da reperfusão.RESULTADO: Imediatamente após a infusão da solução salina hipertônica a pressão intracraniana diminuiu 50,4%. Nos primeiros 5 min da reperfusão a pressão intracraniana no Grupo SSH se manteve estável e todos os pacientes apresentavam pressão intracraniana menor que 20 mmHg enquanto no Grupo Controle a pressão intracraniana aumentou 46,5% (p<0,001). O Grupo SSH apresentou maior estabilidade hemodinâmica, nos primeiros 5 min da reperfusão hepática, a pressão arterial média no Grupo SSH aumentou 21,1% e no Grupo Controle diminuiu 11,1% (p<0,001). Nos primeiros 5 min da reperfusão a pressão de perfusão cerebral no Grupo SSH aumentou 28,3% e no Grupo Controle diminuiu 28,5% (p< 0,001). A natremia no final da fase anepáica e após 3 horas da reperfusão foi significativamente maior no Grupo SSH (153.00 ± 2.66 and 149.00 ± 1.73 mEq/L) que no Grupo Controle (143.71 ± 3.30 and 142.43 ± 1.72 mEq/L), p=0.003 e p< 0.001 respectivamente.CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados sugerem que a solução salina hipertônica pode ser utilizada com sucesso como medida neuroprotetora no transplante de fígado para hepatite fulminante, promovendo diminuição efetiva da pressão intracraniana e estabilidade cardiocirculatória, proporcionando aumento sustentado da PPC durante a cirurgia.

The effect of laser on remanescent liver tissue after 90 percent hepatectomy in rats / Efeito do laser no tecido hepático após hepatectomia a 90 por cento em ratos

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of laser beam on remanescent liver after partial hepatectomy 90 percent. METHODS: Wistar rats, (N= 42), were divided into six groups with seven specimens each. The partial hepatectomy (HP) was performed in all animals through exeresis of approximately 90 percent of the liver parenchyma. The animals from groups HP and Laser application, HPL24, HPL48 and HPL72 undertook laser irradiation carried out through application (dose of 22.5 J/cm²) in five different sites in the remanescent liver. The rats were then sacrificed 24, 48 and 72hours after HP procedure, for the liver regeneration analysis,using the Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA),and for dosage of serum aminotransferases. RESULTS: Were demonstrated an increase of the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase for the group of 24 hours and a decrease for the group of 72 hours exposed to laser. The index of marked cells had a considerable more improvement for the group of 72 hours exposed in laser compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: Laser did not cause hepatic injuries additional to the partial hepatectomy and perhaps led to a benefit by stimulating the proliferative activity.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da luz laser em remanescentes hepáticos após hepatectomia a 90 por cento. MÉTODOS: Aplicou-se luz laser com comprimento de onda de 660 nm e potência de 30 mw, por 30 segundos, na dose de 22,5 J/cm² em cada um deles, repetidos em cinco pontos do fígado remanescente, após realizada a hepatectomia a 90 por cento. Os animais foram sacrificados para análise do fígado, contagem de hepatócitos em proliferação (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen -PCNA), e coleta de sangue para dosagem serica das aminotransferases, após 24, 48 e 72 horas. RESULTADO: O índice de células marcadas teve significativo aumento no grupo de 72 horas irradiados com laser. CONCLUSÃO: A análise dos resultados demonstrou que o laser não causou lesões hepáticas adicionais à hepatectomia parcial e estimulou a atividade proliferativa hepatocelular.

Concomitant involvement of the small intestine and the distal esophagus in an infant with massive necrotizing enterocolitis

A enterite necrosante é uma doença típica do período neo-natal que pode acometer o intestino delgado, colo e/ou estômago. Até o presente, a necrose maciça do intestino delgado com o acometimento concomitante do esôfago nunca foi relatada. É apresentado o caso de um lactente com 6 meses de idade com enterite necrosante e acometimento de todo intestino delgado, ceco e terço inferior do esôfago. Após setenta dias de tratamento, o trânsito intestinal foi re-estabelecido por anastomose entre o primeiro centímetro do jejuno e o colo ascendente. Finalmente, o trânsito esofagiano foi refeito pela transposição gástrica total e anastomose esôfago-gástrica cervical. O paciente foi mantido em nutrição parenteral durante 19 meses e ao fim deste período desenvolveu falência hepática aguda, tendo sido submetido a transplante duplo de fígado e intestino delgado. Dois meses após, faleceu em decorrência de complicações neurológicas, provavelmente relacionadas à infecção ou ao tratamento imunossupressor.

Liver transplantation from living related donors: review of world experience and its implications for India.

Living related liver transplantation (LRLT) was made possible because of a better understanding of the anatomy of the liver and advances made in hepatic surgical techniques. It was developed to reduce the waiting period for pediatric recipients. In countries like Japan, which do not have brain stem death legislation, LRLT is the only modality available for treating end stage liver disease. The world experience has shown that LRLT has been successfully performed in a variety of conditions leading to acute and chronic liver failure not only in children, but in young adults as well. The initial results of LRLT appear to be better than liver transplantation from cadaveric organs in terms of graft survival and function. Donor safety has been of prime concern. LRLT has tremendous potential in India with or without the brain stem death legislation. Liver transplantation has not been performed in India although the need and expertise for it exists.