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Introduction/Objective Post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy is a novel entity first noted in patients recovering from critical COVID-19 infection. Since its initial description in May 2021, all cases reported to date have been in patients with a history of critical COVID-19, defined as requiring ICU admission, the development of respiratory or circulatory failure requiring intubation or ECMO, or vasopressor support. Here we report three cases of post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy arising in patients who recovered from non-severe COVID-19. Methods/Case Report Six cases of COVID-19-related cholangiopathy were identified by retrospective review, three of which involved patients who verifiably did not develop critical COVID-19. Histology slides for each case were reviewed and all showed features of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Patient 1 is a 41yo female who developed COVID-19 after liver transplant (LT). Despite administration of monoclonal antibodies, she required re-transplantation 6 weeks later. Explant histology showed bile infarcts, severe hepatocytic and canalicular cholestasis, ductular reaction, organizing portal vein thrombi, and necrotic bile ducts accompanied by bile lakes. Patient 2 is a 47yo male with alcoholic cirrhosis who was diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of LT workup, and underwent LT 90 days later. In addition to alcohol-related cirrhosis, explant histology showed dilated bile ducts with periductal fibrosis, as well as severe ductular reaction with proliferating ductules containing thick, inspissated bile. Patient 3 is a 54yo male with history of LT for PSC who developed mild COVID-19 five years after LT. Allograft function subsequently worsened and biopsy 6 months later showed bile duct damage and loss of ~35% of bile ducts;repeat biopsy 14 months after his COVID diagnosis showed periportal fibrosis with edema, ductular reaction, marked hepatocellular and canalicular cholestasis, and ductopenia with loss of 60% bile ducts. Average time between COVID-19 diagnosis and onset of COVID-related cholangiopathy was 3 months (range: 6 weeks-6 months). These patients were also all immunocompromised with two due to prior LT and one being cirrhotic. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA. Conclusion Although previously reported only in patients with severe COVID-19, the cases described represent the first evidence that cholangiopathy, manifested by sclerosing cholangitis, can arise even in patients who were not critically ill, although this may require an immunocompromised state to develop.
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Introduction: Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic which has been increasingly used in the post-operative state for pain control. Hepatotoxicity is a rare complication, and few cases are reported in patients with chronic liver disease. We present a case of acute liver injury from bupivacaine use in a healthy patient without prior history of liver disease. Case Description/Methods: A 68-year-old female with a past medical history of primary hypertension and recent nontraumatic complete tear of the right rotator cuff, presents to the hospital with fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. She recently underwent an arthroscopy of the right shoulder with repair of the rotator cuff two weeks prior. Her surgery was uncomplicated, and patient was started on bupivacaine ONQ pump infusion at 5 ml/hr for three days for post-operative pain. Further history reveals patient is non-alcoholic without prior liver disease, including cirrhosis. Review of systems is concerning for associated generalized abdominal discomfort. Physical exam demonstrated jaundice with scleral icterus with mild periumbilical tenderness to palpation without hepatosplenomegaly or ascites. Labs demonstrated elevated total bilirubin of 10.2 mg/dL with Alkaline phosphatase, ALT, and AST being 924 U/L, 429 U/L, and 279 U/L, respectively. Imaging studies including CT abdomen and pelvis with contrast, abdominal ultrasound, MRCP, and portal vein doppler were negative. Additional work up for underlying liver disease including acetaminophen and ethanol levels, SARS-CoV2, Hepatitis panel, EBV antigen, and urine toxicology were negative. It was determined patient had bupivacaine induced hepatotoxicity. Patient's health improved with conservative management and she was discharged with instructions for close monitoring of her LFTs. Discussion(s): Bupivacaine is an amino-amide anesthetic which binds to the intracellular portion of voltage-gated sodium channels and prevents depolarization of pain signals. It is metabolized by the liver and thus reports of hepatotoxicity, although rare, occur in patients with underlying liver pathology. Our patient became symptomatic with acute rise in LFTs. An extensive workup for other etiologies of acute liver toxicity was negative. Rapid vascular uptake of the drug is the most common reason for bupivacaine toxicity;and this remains a possibility for the mechanism of toxicity in our patient. A prior case report of bupivacaine hepatotoxicity demonstrated a cholestatic pattern, which is consistent with our findings.
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Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a predominantly respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It creates a hypercoagulable milieu, manifesting at varied extrapulmonary sites as pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, and mesenteric ischemia. The pathophysiology behind this hypercoagulability is still not entirely understood, although a heightened systemic inflammatory response to the virus is deemed responsible. We herein report a case of a 36-year-old healthy male who presented with an acute abdomen and was found to have extensive mesenteric and portal venous thrombosis with bowel gangrene. The patient underwent emergency exploration with ileal resection and end-ileostomy. The hypercoagulability panel was negative, but a postoperative chest radiograph revealed suspicious ground-glass opacities. Given the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, we considered testing for SARSCoV-2. A positive test for SARS-CoV-2 led us to attribute the thrombotic event to COVID-19. With anticoagulation and supportive therapy, the patient went on to make a steady recovery. A non-specific clinical manifestation of COVID-19 necessitates considering mesenteric venous thrombosis as a differential diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen.Copyright © 2023 Author.
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A 60-year-old woman with Hepatitis C infection, cirrhosis, recurrent hepatic hydrothorax, and hepatocellular carcinoma was hospitalized with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). After her initial discharge, she was re-admitted three weeks later with decompensated liver disease. Imaging revealed extensive thrombosis in the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, splenic vein and bilateral brachial veins. Given the acute onset and extent of the thrombosis, the patient received therapeutic anticoagulation despite elevated prothrombin time/ international normalized ratio, thrombocytopenia and low fibrinogen. Cirrhotic patients with COVID-19 maybe at high risk of thrombosis, which can present with significant hepatic decompensation.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s)
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Background: Contraceptives are an important component of women's reproductive health care, as they not only reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, but also improve reproductive function. However, oral contraceptives are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. This risk is increased by infection with the COVID-19 virus that predisposes patients to both venous and arterial thrombosis as a result of excessive inflammation, platelet activation, aggravated endothelial dysfunction, and congestive events. If these patients have hereditary thrombophilia, the risk of venous thromboembolism becomes fatal. Case report: The paper describes a clinical case of a patient with total portal vein thrombosis, who have been taking oral contraceptives for a long time and recovering from the novel coronavirus infection. Studying the blood coagulation system and folate cycle genes, by using PCR, has revealed a gene mutation in the plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpine). The authors demonstrate the data of spiral computed tomography of the abdominal organs, as well as changes in laboratory parameters. Conclusion(s): A balanced approach is required when prescribing combined oral contraceptives during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in women with prothrombotic mutations.Copyright © A group of authors, 2023.
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Introduction: The mRNA-based vaccine was released as a COVID-19 prophylactic;however, its efficacy in organ transplant recipients is unknown. This study aimed to clarify this in liver transplant recipients. Methods: Herein, liver transplant recipients from two hospitals who received vaccines were included. Immunoglobulin-G antibodies against the spike and nucleocapsid proteins were measured chronologically after the second, third, and fourth vaccine doses. Results: Antibody levels in 125 liver transplant recipients and 20 healthy volunteers were analyzed. The median age at transplant was 35 (interquartile range 1, 53) years, and the period between transplant and the first dose was 15.2 ± 7.7 years. After the second and third doses, 89.1% and 100% of recipients displayed a positive humoral response, respectively. Anti-spike antibodies after the second dose were significantly reduced at 3 and 6 months, compared to that at 1 month (26.0 [5.4, 59.5], 14.7 [6.5, 31.4] vs. 59.7 [18.3, 164.0] AU/mL, respectively, p < 0.0001). However, a booster vaccine significantly elevated anti-spike antibodies in LT recipients (p < 0.0001) as well as in healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the decay rate was comparable between the transplant recipients and controls (2.1 [0.8, 4.5] vs. 2.7 [1.1, 4.1] AU/mL/day, p = 0.9359). Only 4.0% of vaccinated transplant recipients were positive for anti-nucleocapsid antibodies. Conclusion: Liver transplant recipients can acquire immunity similar to that of healthy people through vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The antibody decay rate is the same, and booster vaccinations should be administered similarly to that in healthy individuals. © 2023 The Authors. Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery.
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Background: Contraceptives are an important component of women's reproductive health care, as they not only reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, but also improve reproductive function. However, oral contraceptives are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. This risk is increased by infection with the COVID-19 virus that predisposes patients to both venous and arterial thrombosis as a result of excessive inflammation, platelet activation, aggravated endothelial dysfunction, and congestive events. If these patients have hereditary thrombophilia, the risk of venous thromboembolism becomes fatal. Case report: The paper describes a clinical case of a patient with total portal vein thrombosis, who have been taking oral contraceptives for a long time and recovering from the novel coronavirus infection. Studying the blood coagulation system and folate cycle genes, by using PCR, has revealed a gene mutation in the plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpine). The authors demonstrate the data of spiral computed tomography of the abdominal organs, as well as changes in laboratory parameters. Conclusion(s): A balanced approach is required when prescribing combined oral contraceptives during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in women with prothrombotic mutations.Copyright © A group of authors, 2023.
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Background: Contraceptives are an important component of women's reproductive health care, as they not only reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, but also improve reproductive function. However, oral contraceptives are known to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. This risk is increased by infection with the COVID-19 virus that predisposes patients to both venous and arterial thrombosis as a result of excessive inflammation, platelet activation, aggravated endothelial dysfunction, and congestive events. If these patients have hereditary thrombophilia, the risk of venous thromboembolism becomes fatal. Case report: The paper describes a clinical case of a patient with total portal vein thrombosis, who have been taking oral contraceptives for a long time and recovering from the novel coronavirus infection. Studying the blood coagulation system and folate cycle genes, by using PCR, has revealed a gene mutation in the plasminogen activator inhibitor (serpine). The authors demonstrate the data of spiral computed tomography of the abdominal organs, as well as changes in laboratory parameters. Conclusion(s): A balanced approach is required when prescribing combined oral contraceptives during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in women with prothrombotic mutations.Copyright © A group of authors, 2023.
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Resumen Objetivo: describir un caso de trasplante hepático en un paciente con resultado positivo en la prueba del coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) con éxito en el postrasplante temprano, pero que desarrolló complicaciones asociadas a la inmunosupresión y trombosis portal sin una trombofilia identificada en un centro de alta complejidad de un país latinoamericano. Descripción del caso: paciente de 48 años con diagnóstico de cirrosis hepática secundaria a esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH) complicada por varios episodios de ascitis portal hipertensiva y encefalopatía hepática, ingresada para trasplante hepático ortóptico. En los exámenes iniciales tuvo una prueba positiva para SARS-CoV-2 y era asintomático respiratorio. El trasplante se realizó con éxito luego de la autorización del comité de infección. Después del primer mes posoperatorio presentó diarrea, ascitis y daño renal agudo. Los niveles de tacrolimus en el reingreso fueron superiores a 10 ng/mL y hubo una mejoría clínica significativa con la suspensión del fármaco. Finalmente, el paciente requirió retrasplante por trombosis de la vena porta y de las venas suprahepáticas, aunque no se identificó la etiología. Conclusión: se describe uno de los primeros informes de trasplante de hígado en un paciente con recuperación reciente de COVID-19 y pruebas persistentemente positivas. En el postrasplante temprano hubo una buena respuesta; sin embargo, luego del primer mes presentó complicaciones relacionadas con la inmunosupresión. Este caso también plantea la posible asociación entre el SARS-CoV-2 y el desarrollo de trombosis en la circulación portal hepática.
Abstract Objective: To describe a case of liver transplantation in a patient with a positive result in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test with success in the early post-transplantation, but who developed complications associated with immunosuppression and portal vein thrombosis without thrombophilia identified at a tertiary referral center in a Latin American country. Case: A 48-year-old patient diagnosed with liver cirrhosis secondary to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) complicated by several episodes of portal hypertension ascites and hepatic encephalopathy was admitted for orthoptic liver transplantation. On initial examinations, he had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 and was asymptomatic in the respiratory tract. The transplant was carried out successfully after the authorization of the infection committee. After the first postoperative month, he presented with diarrhea, ascites, and acute kidney injury. Tacrolimus levels at readmission were more significant than 10 ng/mL, and there was a significant clinical improvement with drug discontinuation. Finally, the patient required re-transplantation due to thrombosis of the portal vein and suprahepatic veins, although the etiology was not identified. Conclusion: One of the first reports of liver transplantation in a patient with recent recovery from COVID-19 and persistently positive tests is described. In the early post-transplant, there was a good response; however, after the first month, he had complications related to immunosuppression. This case also posits the possible association between SARS-CoV-2 and the development of thrombosis in the hepatic portal circulation.
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COVID-19 infection has been associated, particularly in severely ill patients requiring hospitalization, with a hypercoagulable state. The case presented herein was a 66-year-old man with SARS-CoV-2 infection who did not have any respiratory symptoms. He presented with the following clinical manifestations: portal vein and hepatic artery thrombosis, liver infarction, and a superimposed abscess of the liver. In this case, early detection and the administration of anticoagulants and antibiotics led to a significant improvement within weeks of the diagnosis. We encourage physicians to be aware of COVID-19-associated hypercoagulable state and its potential complications, regardless of the acuity of the presentation or the absence of respiratory symptoms.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Hepatic Infarction , Liver Abscess , Male , Humans , Aged , COVID-19/complications , SARS-CoV-2 , Liver Abscess/etiologyABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 vaccination may cause splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), which is potentially fatal. The present study aims to pool the incidence and outcomes of SVT patients with COVID-19 or having received COVID-19 vaccines. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched. Based on the data from cohort studies, meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the incidence of SVT in COVID-19 patients or people having received COVID-19 vaccines. Pooled proportions were calculated. Based on the individual data from case reports, logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with death in SVT patients. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated. Among 654 papers initially identified, 135 were included. Based on 12 cohort studies, the pooled incidence of SVT in COVID-19 patients was 0.6%. Data were insufficient to estimate the incidence of SVT after COVID-19 vaccination. Based on 123 case reports, the mortality was 14% (9/64) in SVT patients with COVID-19 and 25% (15/59) in those who received COVID-19 vaccines. Univariate analyses demonstrated that age (OR = 1.061; p = 0.017), diabetes mellitus (OR = 14.00; p = 0.002), anticoagulation (OR = 0.098; p = 0.004), and bowel resection (OR = 16.00; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with death in SVT patients with COVID-19; and anticoagulation (OR = 0.025; p = 0.003) and intravenous immunoglobulin (OR = 0.175; p = 0.046) were significantly associated with death in SVT patients who received COVID-19 vaccines. Multivariate analyses did not identify any independent factor for death in both patients. SVT in COVID-19 patients and in subjects who received COVID-19 vaccines carries a high mortality, but may be improved by anticoagulation. PROSPERO Identifier CRD42022315254.
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Background: Several studies have been published on a rare side effect of severe venous thrombosis at unusual sites and thrombocytopenia after vaccination against SARS-CoV- 2, referred to as vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). Aim(s): To identify new cases of acute splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) or Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) who presented following SARS-CoV- 2 vaccination in the Vascular Liver Disease Group (VALDIG) network, and to evaluate the incidence of VITT. Method(s): We conducted a prospective international cohort study between May 1st, 2021 and January 10th, 2022, on consecutive patients with acute SVT or BCS who presented within 6 weeks following any type or dose of SARS-CoV- 2 vaccination. Anonymous data were collected including baseline characteristics, risk factors, treatment and survival. Cases were identified as definite VITT, probable VITT or possible VITT or unlikely VITT as defined by Pavord et al (NEJM 2021). Result(s): 25 patients with acute (N = 24) or recurrent (N = 1) SVT or BCS were collected from 14 centers in 4 countries (after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 N = 11, BNT162b2 N = 9, Ad26.COV2.S N = 1, mRNA-1273 N = 1). Median time after vaccination to symptoms was 10 days (2-40). Median age was 52.5 years (21-66), 52% were female. Three patients (12%) fulfilled criteria for definite VITT, 6 (24%) for probable VITT, 2 (8%) for possible VITT, 14 (56%) for unlikely VITT. Thrombosis was located in the portal vein (N = 20), hepatic vein(s) (N = 9), mesenteric vein (N = 18) or splenic vein (N = 9). Concomitant extra-abdominal thrombosis was seen in 5 patients (20%). Patients were treated with LMWH (60%), DOACs (24%) or VKA (40%). Six (2/3 with definite VITT) received IVIG. Thrombophilia was found in 5 patients and 3 had a myeloproliferative neoplasm. Conclusion(s): 25 cases of acute SVT or BCS following SARS-CoV- 2 vaccination were identified. Although definite VITT was rare (12%), no underlying disorder was identified in the majority of patients, contrary to 'typical' cases of SVT and BCS.
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The two cases we present are the first to demonstrate novel manifestations of COVID-19 related interaction between the liver and the immune system in pediatric patients. Written informed consent was obtained from the parent/guardian to publish this report in accordance with the journal's patient consent policy.
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COVID-19 has significantly affected public health, social life, and economies worldwide. The only effective way to combat the pandemic is through vaccines. Although the vaccines have been in use for some time, safety concerns have still been raised. The most typical adverse effects of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine are localized reactions near the injection site, followed by general physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and fever. Additionally, some people may experience VITT (vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia), a rare side effect after vaccination. We present the case of a 60-year-old female patient that developed VITT-like symptoms with spleno-portal thrombosis and intestinal ischemia two weeks after the administration of the Ad26.COV2-S vaccine. Surgical treatment consisted of extensive bowel resection with end jejunostomy and feeding ileostomy. Two weeks after the first operation, a duodenal-ileal anastomosis was performed. The patient was discharged five weeks after the onset of the symptoms. Although some rare adverse effects are associated with the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the risk of hospitalization from these harmful effects is lower than the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19. Therefore, recognizing VITT is significant for ensuring the early treatment of clots and proper follow-up.
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Several studies have proven that COVID-19 is linked to a higher incidence of different thrombotic events. Thrombosis of the portal vein can result in portal hypertension and can extend to the mesenteric vein resulting in intestinal ischemia. A search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for relevant studies revealed an association between PVT and COVID-19. This review is structured according to PRISMA guidelines. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine case studies/series and four cohort/cross-sectional studies were included. Age at diagnosis was lower when compared to PVT due to cirrhosis. In cohort/cross-sectional studies, males comprised 54.83% of subjects, whereas in case reports/series, males comprised 62.1%. Obesity, asthma, hypertension, and diabetes were the most common comorbidities identified. The majority of the thrombotic events occurred within two weeks. The treatment aimed to prevent thrombus progression and improve recanalization. According to the evidence, early intervention prevents the poor prognosis of intestinal ischemia and its propagation.
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IntroductionAcute extensive non-malignant non-cirrhotic portomesenteric thrombosis can lead to bowel infarction and frequently does not resolve with anticoagulation. In 2019 we published our first case series of a stepwise thrombolysis protocol involving the use of low dose tissue plasminogen activator (L-tPa) followed, if indicated, by Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis (CDT) and Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPSS). We present an updated series, aiming to explore the recanalization rates, symptom resolution and any adverse events for patients who received this protocol.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients who received the stepwise regimen at Royal Free Hospital between December 2019 & March 2022.ResultsA total of 35 patients were included with a mean age of 47 (SD=14) years;63% were males. Thrombophilia was identified in 13 (37%) cases and 14 (40%) had other local or systemic causes for thrombosis (1 had COVID-19;3 received ChAdOx1 vaccination). Three patients had underlying chronic liver disease. All patients had ongoing abdominal pain despite anticoagulation. Occlusive portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was found in 30 (86%) patients with 18 (51%) having thrombosis of all three vessels (PVT + splenic vein + superior mesenteric vein). While all patients received L-tPa within a median of 15 (IQR =18) days of symptoms, CDT was applied in 17 (49%) patients and TIPSS was inserted in 15 (43%). CDT was delivered through EKOS™ endovascular system in 11/17 (65%). A degree of recanalization was observed in 24 (69%). TIPSS was patent at discharge in 14/15 (93%).The majority 28 (80%) were maintained on warfarin and 11 had concomitant anti-platelet therapy. Fifteen patients had imaging follow-up available [median duration of 9 (IQR = 11) months]. Recanalization was maintained in 9/15 (60%) and TIPSS remained patent in 6/9 (67%). At a median follow up of 6.5 (IQR = 9) months, complete symptom resolution was achieved in 30/34 (88%).Nine patients underwent bowel resection within a median duration of 11 (IQR= 10.5) days from presentation;mean length of bowel resected was 67 cm (SD = 50). One patient was discharged on parenteral nutrition and had a stoma. One patient died during the initial admission (related to bowel ischemia) and 1 had intracranial haemorrhage. Minor bleeding was recorded in 8 patients.ConclusionOur protocol resulted in good recanalization and patency rates with the majority achieving symptom resolution. While some patients required surgical intervention, bowel continuity was maintained and only one patient had a stoma.
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Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) is an effective treatment for decompression of portal hypertension and is most commonly indicated in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) or portal vein thrombosis (PVT). It is a technically challenging intervention. CLD patients are often frail with comorbidities conferring increased procedural risk. We tell the story of one year of procedures at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH), one of the major centres for TIPSS in Europe.A retrospective electronic casenote review was carried out for all patients who underwent TIPSS procedure at the RFH between April 2021 and April 2022. The outcomes of interest were success rate, complications and survival including those who went on to transplantation. A successful procedure was defined as a correctly placed stent with no procedural complications and symptom resolution. Eighty-four (84) patients underwent TIPSS during the 12-month period. Of these, 3 were abandoned: 2 because portal hypertension was absent on direct measurement and 1 due to anatomical infeasibility. Of the 81 completed, the most common indication was diuretic-intolerant ascites (n=32), followed by variceal bleeding (n=27), PVT (n=14), and other indications (n=8). The clinical success rates post-TIPSS for each indication are as follows. For diuretic intolerant ascites, 53.1% (17/32) of patients no longer require large volume paracentesis (LVP), 28.1% (9/21) require LVP at a reduced frequency, 6.3% (2/32) have been transplanted and 1 patient continues to have LVP at the same rate. For variceal bleeding, 85.2% (23/27) of patients have had no further episodes of bleeding. For PVT, 85.7% (12/14) of TIPSS remain patent with no patient requiring surgical intervention. No procedural complications were reported. Overall survival post-TIPSS is 87.7% (71/81) with procedure-related mortality accounting for no deaths. 8 patients who received TIPSS went on to be listed for liver transplant, of those 3 successfully received a graft, 4 remain listed and 1 has died while listed.A high number of TIPSS procedures were performed. The majority were successful with favourable clinical outcomes. Major challenges faced by the service during this time included staff shortages, bed capacity, transfer logistics and the wider impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This service depends on the collective expertise and close working of multiple specialties including hepatology, interventional radiology, intensive care and anaesthetics along with logistical and operational support. In an environment where all of these healthcare professionals work together to support the provision of TIPSS, patients can benefit from positive outcomes.
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Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on access to routine healthcare in both hospitalized and out-patient settings. This impact was also noted in various aspects of pre and post-transplant care of liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of our study was to analyze the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on mortality in patients with recent LT. Method(s): We retrospectively analyzed 30-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality data from the UNOS database in adult LT recipients from 3 distinct groups;Pre-COVID (March 11- September 10, 2019: LT and immediate follow-up care before pandemic), Para-COVID (September 11- March10, 2020: LT before pandemic and follow-up care during pandemic), and COVID (March 11- September 10, 2020: LT and follow-up care during pandemic). Result(s): 12,598 LTs were performed during the study period. During COVID period, there was increase in LT for alcoholic liver disease, average MELD score was higher, LT for hepatitis C decreased, use of thymoglobulin induction decreased and waiting time was shorter. During the 30-day period, overall mortality between 3 groups remained same. In the COVID group, mortality from graft failure was higher (7.4 vs 17.9%, p=0.07), rate of infection was lower (14% vs 4.2%, p=0.039), and incidence of graft rejection prior to discharge was higher. During the 6-month follow-up, overall mortality, mortality from malignancy and COVID, and graft failure increased significantly in the COVID group. During the 1-year follow-up period, mortality was highest in COVID group over para-COVID group and lowest in the pre-COVID group. In the COVID group, increased mortality was from graft failure and COVID. Overall mortality in the study cohort directly from COVID was 7.8%, which was highest in the COVID group. Multivariable cox regression for one year mortality showed that risk factors for mortality were COVID period [Hazard Ratio (95%CI) 1.22 (1.02-1.46), p=0.027], older age of recipient, diabetes, portal vein thrombosis, ventilation at the time of transplant, hemodialysis at the time of transplant, re-transplant, and prolonged cold ischemic time. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 significantly impacted LT short term outcomes with increased mortality seen from COVID directly as well as indirectly. During COVID, cautious and lower use of immuno-suppression was likely associated with higher rates of rejection and lower rates of infection. Disruptions in routine post-transplant follow-up likely contributed to increased death from graft failure, malignancy, and poor control of chronic medical conditions like diabetes. (Figure Presented).
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Purpose: We report the first two pediatric liver transplants utilizing allografts from COVID+ donors, infected at time of organ procurement, demonstrating a pivotal step toward donor pool maximization amid a viral pandemic with poorly understood transmissibility in the pediatric patient. Method(s): This is a prospective and retrospective review of two pediatric liver transplants and their donors who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at time of procurement. Data was obtained through the electronic medical record system and UNet DonorNet platform. Result(s): The first donor is a 3-year-old male succumbing to head trauma. 1 of 5 nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR tests demonstrated COVID-19 positivity while 1 of 3 bronchoalveolar lavage RT-PCR tests indicated SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preceding procurement in the second donor, a 16-month-old male with unknown etiology of cardiorespiratory arrest, 2 nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR tests and 1 bronchoalveolar lavage RT-PCR test failed to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection. Diagnosis was not made until the Medical Examiner's office repeated a nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR and archive plasma RT-PCR which were both positive for SARS-CoV-2. The two 2-yearold pediatric liver recipients underwent transplantation in November 2021. Continued follow-up demonstrates successful transplant void of viral transmission or hepatic artery thrombosis as liver chemistries have anticipatorily normalized with excellent graft function. One recipient experienced early portal vein thrombosis treated by interventional radiology with discharge on postoperative day 20. Conclusion(s): This report is the first to describe successful pediatric liver transplants from COVID+ donors. This data reinforces case reports in the adult transplant population of successful use of COVID + donor organs and further supports the judicious use of COVID+ donors for extrapulmonary pediatric organ transplant. The concern for donor-derived transmission must now be weighed against the realized benefit of successful, life-saving transplantation for end stage liver disease in the pediatric patient. (Figure Presented).
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SESSION TITLE: Critical Renal and Endocrine Disorders Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by an abnormal beta-globin chain of hemoglobin (Hb) that leads to malformed sickled cells with a multitude of downstream microvascular occlusions and anemia. While splenic infarction is by far the most common gastrointestinal (GI) manifestation, vaso-occlusion may occur in the liver, leading to an acute hepatic crisis. Acute hepatic sequestration of sickled erythrocytes is an exceedingly rare manifestation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old man with homozygous sickle cell disease complicated by End-Stage renal disease was admitted with generalized malaise, right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. He was febrile with a temperature of 38.1°C, hypotensive with a blood pressure of 93/61 mmHg and tachycardic with a heart rate of 120 bpm. He was lethargic and uncomfortable with diffuse abdominal tenderness without guarding. Due to concern for septic shock, blood cultures, COVID PCR and influenza were obtained, and the patient was rapidly transferred to the intensive care unit for closer monitoring. Empiric vancomycin and cefepime were started promptly. The initial hemoglobin level was 6.1mg/dL with a leukocytosis of 31.2 K/CUMM and absolute neutrophil count of 21.8 K/CUMM;total hyperbilirubinemia of 17.45 mg/dL, direct hyperbilirubinemia of 11.46mg/dL and elevated INR at 1.66. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast showed a known 4 cm cystic lesion of the right hepatic lobe and atrophic kidneys. Duplex flow of the abdomen and pelvis showed no portal vein thrombosis and patent flow in the portal vein and artery. Over the course of several hours, the patient's hemoglobin dropped to 3.8mg/dL with a steep rise in LDH and total bilirubin to 632 U/L and 27.04 mg/dL, respectively consistent with hepatic sequestration crisis. Patient was transfused with two units of packed red blood cells, fluid hydration and initiation of erythrocyte exchange transfusion. Prior to receiving exchange transfusion, the patient experienced rapid clinical deterioration with subsequent pulseless electrical activity. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved transiently however patient's family at this point opted for palliative measures and the patient passed away shortly thereafter. DISCUSSION: Complications of SCD manifest in multiple organ systems. One of the few acute manifestations, hepatic sequestration crisis, is often unfamiliar to many clinicians and left unrecognized, results in poor clinical outcomes. It is rarely encountered and treatment options with blood and, more importantly, exchange transfusion remains often underutilized. CONCLUSIONS: Acute hepatic sequestration crisis is an often-unrecognized manifestation of SCD in which delay in diagnosis and prompt treatment with exchange and blood transfusions may impart a significant risk of mortality in an already prone patient population. Reference #1: Shah R, Taborda C, Chawla S. Acute and chronic hepatobiliary manifestations of sickle cell disease: a review World J Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology 2017;8(3): 108-116 Reference #2: Norris W. Acute hepatic sequestration in sickle cell disease. J of the National Medical Association 2004;96: 1235-1239 Reference #3: Praharaj D, Anand A. Sickle Hepatopathy J of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology 2021;11: 82-96 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Karim Dirani No relevant relationships by Georgiana Marusca No relevant relationships by Aryan Shiari