When the living and the deceased cannot agree on organ donation: a survey of US organ procurement organizations (OPOs).

The legal concept of first person authorization (FPA) is based on the principle that a decision by a person with decision-making capacity should be respected even after he or she dies. Although the transplant community largely supports this concept, its implementation has not been universal. We conducted a web-based survey of all 58 Organ Procurement Organization (OPO)executive directors in the United States to assess OPOs' procurement policies and practices in the context of family objections. All 58 respondents(100%) responded to our survey. All OPOs except one have an online donor registration website. Most OPOs(89%) (51 of 57 respondents) estimated that the frequency of family objecting to organ donation in cases of registered donors was <10%. No OPOs reported the frequency to be higher than 25%. Only 50% (27 of 54) of the OPOs have a written policy on handling family objections. Approximately 80% of the OPOs reported honoring FPA. However, in the past 5 years, 20 OPOs (35%) have not yet participated in organ procurement from a registered deceased donor over family objection. Further research to identify the barriers and possible solutions to implementing FPA is warranted.

A comparison of alemtuzumab with basiliximab induction in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Alemtuzumab is a humanized, rat monoclonal antibody directed against the CD52 antigen. After binding, alemtuzumab causes profound and durable depletion and has been successfully used as immune induction therapy for organ transplantation. This was a single center, retrospective review of patients who underwent simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation at the University of Wisconsin using alemtuzumab induction therapy compared with historical controls that received induction with basiliximab. There were no differences in donor or recipient demographics, rates of patient survival, renal or pancreas allograft survival, renal allograft delayed graft function, EBV infection, BKV infection, PTLD or sepsis. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in the alemtuzumab-treated group. Given the significantly higher incidence of CMV infections, we have since altered our induction protocol to consist of a single 30 mg dose of alemtuzumab instead of two doses. The long-term effects of this change remain to be seen. Due to the results seen in this study, the low initial cost of the drug and the absence of any severe, short-term side effects, alemtuzumab has been selected as the induction drug of choice at our center for patients undergoing SPK.

Kidney function after solitary pancreas transplantation.

Preserving kidney function in patients after solitary pancreas transplantation (SPTx) is an important consideration, yet various factors may negatively impact long-term function of the native kidneys or kidney allograft. To determine changes in kidney function over time in a series of patients receiving SPTx, we conducted a retrospective analysis and tracked changes in serum creatinine (SCr) and calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from baseline to 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years after SPTx in a series of pancreas after kidney transplants PAK; (n = 61) and pancreas transplants alone PTA; (n = 27) performed at our institution. The mean follow-up for the PAK and PTA groups was 3.4 and 2.7 years, respectively. In this series, 8% of patients after SPTx developed significant kidney failure, defined by either initiation of dialysis or receiving a kidney transplant (PAK-6, PTA-1). Twenty seven percent of SPTx patients with a baseline GFR < 60 suffered either an elevated SCr > 2.2, dialysis, or kidney transplant, whereas no patients with a baseline GFR > 60 developed significant kidney dysfunction. In the PAK group, the GFR did not show significant deterioration over time. In contrast to relatively stable kidney function in PAK patients, PTA patients experienced overall significantly greater rates of decline over time. GFR in PTA patients decreased from 78 +/- 19 (40 to 114) mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline to 65 +/- 20 at 1 year (P = .006), while SCr increased from 1.03 +/- 0.25 mg/dL to 1.28 +/- 0.43 over the same time period (P = .012). These data show that kidney function may deteriorate after SPTx and proper patient selection may reduce the frequency of this complication.

Fluoroscopically guided vs modified traditional placement of tunneled hemodialysis catheters: clinical outcomes and cost analysis.

Tunneled cuffed internal jugular vein catheters are widely used to provide short to medium-term vascular access for hemodialysis. The NKF-K/DOQI guidelines state that fluoroscopy is mandatory for insertion of all cuffed dialysis catheters. The KDOQI recommendation makes it difficult for Nephrologists to perform this procedure without access to fluoroscopy. This results in unnecessary waiting times and the inappropriate use of acute, non-tunneled catheters. The purpose of this study is: 1) to compare the outcomes of fluoroscopically guided vs modified traditional catheter placement technique, and 2) to perform a cost analysis of the two techniques. We performed a retrospective investigation of 202 tunneled hemodialysis catheters performed at our tertiary care hospital. Procedural data were obtained from the University of Wisconsin Department of Medicine, Nephrology Section Interventional Nephrology procedural database. Patient demographics, laboratory tests were obtained from the University of Wisconsin Hospital electronic medical record (EMR). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of blind vs fluoro-guided placement on clinical outcomes, corrected for side of procedure, age, gender, previous history of catheter placement, diabetes mellitus (DM), and pre-procedural coagulation parameters. Baseline characteristics of 'blind' vs fluoro-guided groups differed with respect to side of procedure and DM (91.0% vs 79.6%, p = 0.02 and 43.30% vs 58.40%, p = 0.02, respectively). Non-fluoroscopic placement of catheters was associated with a decreased odds ratio of immediate success (OR = 0.1298, CI = 0.02 - 0.71). No difference in major or minor bleeding complications was discovered between the blind vs fluoro-guided group. Cost analysis revealed that performing the non-fluoroscopic technique as the preferred initial procedure would represent a substantial reduction in total bills submitted to third-party payers, including Medicare.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney and pancreas transplantation.

The best available method currently for achieving steady normoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is replacing the pancreas, e.g. whole pancreas transplantation. Pancreatic transplantation, as either simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) or solitary pancreas transplantation alone (PTA), has moved beyond simple metabolic or quality-of-life goals. It is now an effective treatment to reverse or minimize metabolic abnormalities and complications of type 1 DM as well as potentially extend the life span of those afflicted by type 1 DM and its many co-morbid complications. Candidates for SPK and PTA transplantation need to meet various criteria even to undergo the transplant procedure and receive a pancreatic allograft that is deemed suitable. SPK and PTA recipients, though free from insulin use, still may encounter common post-transplant medical complications, e.g. cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, as well as complications unique to SPK and PTA transplantation. The advantages of PTA and SPK transplantation are frankly now more obvious as improvements in surgical technique and new immunosuppression have made an increasing number of PTA and SPK transplants viable and functional long-term. The idea of pancreas transplantation can be touted as a therapeutic advance for type 1 DM. It can improve survival and limit many diabetic-related complications, while improving quality of life, especially in those individuals also afflicted with diabetic-related kidney disease.

Living-unrelated renal transplantation at the University of Wisconsin.

Since 1984, we have performed 243 living-unrelated renal transplants at the University of Wisconsin. Rejection occurred in 47% of the patients. Graft loss occurred in 59 patients and 39 patients died. Graft survival in LURD transplants at 10 years is 54% and 43% at 15 years. Patient survival is 68% at 10 years and 54% at 15 years. These long-term results demonstrate that LURD is equivalent to haploidentical renal transplantation and superior to cadaveric transplantation. Husband-to-wife donation demonstrated improved graft survival when compared with wife-to-husband and nonspousal donation. Living-unrelated renal transplantation has been utilized successfully at the University of Wisconsin and may help to alleviate the donor shortage.

Liver transplantation from controlled non-heart-beating donors.

BACKGROUND: The use of organs from non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs) has been proposed as one way to increase the donor pool. However, few centers have transplanted livers from NHBDs. We report here the results of 19 liver transplants from controlled NHBDs. METHODS: From January 1993 through August 1999, 364 liver transplantations were performed from heart-beating donors (HBDs) and 19 liver transplantations were performed from NHBDs. Donor and recipient characteristics, posttransplant complications, and patient and allograft survival were compared. RESULTS: No differences in hepatic artery, portal vein, or biliary complications were noted between the groups. However, the rate of primary nonfunction was higher in recipients of livers from NHBDs (10.5% vs. 1.3%; P = .04). No difference in patient survival was seen between recipients of NHBDs or HBDs (72.6% vs. 84.8%; P =.36); however, allograft survival was lower in recipients who received livers from NHBDs (53.8% vs. 80.9%; P =.007). CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation from controlled NHBDs results in similar patient survival and post-transplant complications. However, primary nonfunction was higher and allograft survival was less in recipients of livers from NHBDs. The results of liver transplantation from controlled NHBDs are encouraging and should continue to be cautiously pursued as one way to help alleviate the current shortage of donor livers.

Long-term results of liver transplantation in older patients 60 years of age and older.

BACKGROUND: Advances in perioperative care and immunosuppression have enabled clinicians to broaden the indications for organ transplantation. Advanced age is no longer considered a contraindication to transplantation at most centers. Although short-term studies of elderly liver transplant recipients have demonstrated that the incidence of complications and overall patient survival are similar to those of younger adults, transplant center-specific, long-term data are not available. METHODS: From August of 1984 to September of 1997, 91 patients 60 years of age or older received primary liver transplants at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This group of patients was compared with a group of younger adults (n=387) ranging in age from 18 to 59 years who received primary liver transplants during the same period. The most common indications for transplantation in both groups were Laennec's cirrhosis, hepatitis C, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and cryptogenic cirrhosis. There was no difference in the preoperative severity of illness between the groups. Results. The length of hospitalization was the same for both groups, and there were no significant differences in the incidence of rejection, infection (surgical or opportunistic), repeat operation, readmission, or repeat transplantation between the groups. The only significant difference identified between the groups was long-term survival. Five-year patient survival was 52% in the older group and 75% in the younger group (P<0.05). Ten-year patient survival was 35% in the older group and 60% in the younger group (P<0.05). The most common cause of late mortality in elderly liver recipients was malignancy (35.0%), whereas most of the young adult deaths were the result of infectious complications (24.2%). CONCLUSION: Although older recipients at this center did as well as younger recipients in the early years after liver transplantation, long-term survival results were not as encouraging.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation reduces excess mortality in type 1 diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic renal disease continues to be the most significant cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States. Renal transplantation improves diabetic ESRD patient survival; however, the diabetic state remains associated with poor patient survival. Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation can restore normoglycemia and thus may improve outcomes. METHODS: We assessed the impact of SPK on age-range-matched type 1 diabetic patients who underwent renal transplantation at a single center. The observed/expected life span and annual mortality rates (AMRs) were used as measures of survival. A Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to analyze the impact of potential variables on mortality in SPK recipients. RESULTS: SPK transplantation (N = 335) increased the observed/expected life span compared with diabetic cadaveric (DM-Cad, N = 147) and live-donor (DM-Live, N = 160) transplant recipients (P = 0.004) and significantly reduced the AMRs (SPK, 1. 5%; DM-Cad, 6.27%; DM-Live, 3.65%, P = 0.008, SPK vs. other DM). Moreover, the SPK observed/expected life span and AMR were not significantly different from that of age-range-matched nondiabetic transplant recipients (N = 492). The only variable that was significantly associated with patient survival was discharge serum creatinine (relative risk 1.16, P < or = 0.0154). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that SPK improves the ability for type 1 diabetic patients to live more of their expected life span. This suggests that glycemic control, even as a late intervention in a diabetic patient's lifetime, may beneficially affect survival.

Renin-angiotensin system gene expression in post-transplant hypertension predicts allograft function.

BACKGROUND: Registry analyses and single-center studies have demonstrated that hypertension significantly increases the risk for chronic graft loss. The graft itself may contribute to posttransplant hypertension, and intragraft vasoactive hormones therefore, may be dysregulated in posttransplant hypertension. METHODS: We used the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to assess the intragraft regulation of renin-angiotensin system transcripts in biopsy samples from 42 stable renal transplant patients with posttransplant hypertension. We also examined mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), select cytokines, and metalloproteinase transcripts in biopsy tissue. Polymerase chain reaction products were quantitated using high performance liquid chromatography and normalized to beta-actin mRNA expression. Serum creatinine, glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance and tubular atrophy on biopsy were concurrently assessed. RESULTS: Renin and select Thl cytokine mRNA expression correlated with blood pressure. Type 1 angiotensin II receptor mRNA expression significantly correlated with glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance (P = 0.034) and inversely correlated with Th1 cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-1 mRNA expression (P< or =0.013 for each). Type 1 angiotensin II receptor mRNA also approached a significant inverse correlation with TGF-beta mRNA expression (P = 0.09). Conversely, angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA expression directly correlated with Thl cytokine (P< or =0.008 for each) and TGF-beta mRNA expression (P = 0.006). Type 1 angiotensin II receptor mRNA expression also correlated with matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter region, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 mRNA expression. Notably, matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter region, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 inversely correlated with TGF-beta mRNA expression (P< or =0.0027 for each). Type 1 angiotensin II receptor mRNA expression at biopsy directly correlated with glomerular filtration rate at 2 year's follow-up. However, angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA expression at biopsy inversely correlated with glomerular filtration rate at 2 year's follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that allograft-level RAS gene expression may be predictive of future graft function in the setting of diastolic hypertension.

Using renal transplantation to evaluate a simple approach for predicting the impact of end-stage renal disease therapies on patient survival: observed/expected life span.

The effectiveness of therapy for a chronic disease can be assessed by evaluating the length of time that a patient survives after receiving treatment. We used a novel means for measuring the effectiveness of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD): the ratio of observed life span divided by expected life span. This ratio incorporated observed life span for patients from the time of ESRD and expected life span based on state-specific life-table analyses. A total of 3,782 individuals with ESRD were analyzed (average follow-up, 14.2 +/- 4.9 years); 3, 192 patients in that group received a kidney transplant at some point during their course of ESRD. For each patient, we determined a curve of observed/expected life span. Separate patient groups were analyzed to determine the median population observed/expected life span or the percentage of patients who reached 0.5 observed/expected life span. Younger transplant recipients (<21 years) had a median observed/expected life span of 67%, significantly greater than the median observed/expected life span for those aged 21 to 40 years (49%; P = 0.01) and 41 to 60 years (47%; P = 0.01). Surprisingly, 57% of the patients aged older than 60 years reached their median observed/expected life span (P = 0.02 versus <21 years; P = not significant against all others). A Cox proportional hazards model identified era of immunosuppression (hazards ratio, 0.32) and atherosclerotic vascular disease-related ESRD (hazards ratio, 2.07) as significant variables influencing patient survival and observed/expected life span. This simple ratio is easy to use and may be a helpful tool for assessing the survival benefits of risk-factor modifications and therapeutic advances in transplantation and ESRD care.

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation from controlled non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs).

From January 1993 through June 1999, 18 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants (SPKs) were performed from controlled non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs) and 339 SPKs were performed from heart-beating donors (HBDs). No difference in donor characteristics was noted except for warm ischemic time, which was 14.8 min (range 4-46 min) for NHBDs. Following transplantation, no difference in pancreatic function was noted; however, a higher rate of enteric conversions was seen in pancreas transplants from NHBDs (32% vs. 13%; p < 0.01). Hemodialysis for acute tubular necrosis (ATN) was higher in kidney transplants from NHBDs (22.2% vs. 4.1%; p = 0.009) as was discharge serum creatinine (1.7 mg/dl vs. 1.5 mg/dl; p < 0.05). Also, the number of patients remaining rejection free was lower for NHBDs and approached significance (33.3% vs. 50.1%; p = 0.07). However, no difference in patient survival (100% vs. 95.4%) or pancreatic (87.4% vs. 86.5%) and renal (86.3% vs. 86.3%) allograft survival was noted during the study period. Our results indicate that SPK transplantation from controlled NHBDs is a viable method for increasing the number of pancreas and kidney transplants available for transplantation.

Improved solitary pancreas transplant graft survival in the modern immunosuppressive era.

The results of solitary pancreas (SP) transplantation have traditionally lagged behind those of simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantation. This is one of the chief factors that has limited the wide-scale application of SP transplantation in nonuremic type I diabetic patients. The purpose of this study is to report our present experience with SP transplantation and compare it to a prior experience. Twenty-three SP transplants (14 PAK, 4 PTA, and 5 PASPK) performed since January 1997 were compared to 56 SP transplants (53 PAK, 1 PTA, and 2 PASPK) performed before 1994. Between 1993 and 1997, SP transplants were not performed because of high morbidity in the early experience. Early SP transplants were performed using bladder drainage of exocrine secretions, and enteric drainage without a Roux-en-Y was used in the recent series. In the early era, immunosuppressive therapy included cyclosporine (CsA), azathioprine (AZA), corticosteroids, and in half of the patients, ALG or OKT3. Recent SP transplants received tacrolimus (TAC). mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), corticosteroids, and induction with either anti-thymocyte globulin (n = 9), OKT3 (n = 1), daclizumab (n = 5), or basiliximab (n = 8). The 1-year Kaplan-Meier patient survival was 85% in the early era and 100% in the recent group of patients (p = 0.08). In the previous era, four patients suffered significant decrement in renal function, necessitating dialysis or kidney transplantation following pancreas transplantation. All patients transplanted since 1997 maintain near prepancreas transplant levels of renal function (mean pretransplant serum creatinine (Cr) 1.3 +/- 0.3 mg/dl vs, mean current Cr 1.4 +/- 0.4 mg/dl, p = NS]. The 1-year Kaplan-Meier graft survival (insulin independence) of recent SP transplants was 87%, whereas for prior SP transplants it was 19% (p = 0.0001). The rate of acute pancreas rejection was significantly different between the two groups. Of early SP transplants, 76% experienced at least one rejection episode within the first year. In contrast, 35% of recent SP transplants suffered acute rejection during the same time period (p = 0.04). Current experience with SP transplantation demonstrates improved graft survival and reduced rejection rates with the use of newer immunosuppressive agents.

Peripheral vascular disease and renal transplant artery stenosis: a reappraisal of transplant renovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant artery stenosis (RTAS) continues to be a problematic, but potentially correctable, cause of post-transplant hypertension and graft dysfunction. Older transplant recipients, prone to peripheral vascular disease (PVD), may have pseudoRTAS with PVD involving their iliac system. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 819 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between 1993 and 1997 to determine the contribution of pseudoRTAS to renal transplant renovascular disease. Univariate analyses were performed for donor and recipient variables, including age, weight, gender, race, renal disease, cholesterol and creatinine values, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and immunosuppressive medications. Significant variables were then analyzed by a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients (11.2%) underwent renal transplant arteriogram (Agram) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for suspected RTAS. RTAS or pseudoRTAS, defined as one or more hemodynamically significant lesions in the transplant artery or iliac system, was evident in 44 patients (5.4%). Variables significantly associated with RTAS by univariate analysis were weight at the time of transplant (p = 0.0258), male gender (p = 0.034), discharge serum creatinine > 2 mg/dL (p = 0.0041), and donor age (p = 0.0062). Variables significantly associated with pseudoRTAS by univariate analysis were weight at the time of transplant (p = 0.0285), recipient age (p = 0.0049), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM; p = 0.0042), panel reactive antibody (PRA) at transplant (p = 0.018), and body mass index (p = 0.04). Weight at transplant and donor age remained significantly associated with an increased risk for RTAS in a multivariate stepwise Cox proportional hazards model. IDDM, transplant PRA, weight at transplant, and donor age were significantly associated with an increased risk for pseudoRTAS in a multivariate stepwise Cox proportional hazards model. Importantly, both RTAS and pseudoRTAS were associated with poorer graft survival (p < 0.007 for each). CONCLUSIONS: Renal transplant renovascular disease encompasses pre-existing PVD acting as pseudoRTAS, as well as classical RTAS. Efforts to identify and correct renal transplant renovascular disease of either nature are important, given its negative impact on graft survival.

The impact of hypoalbuminemia in kidney-pancreas transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with poorer outcomes in renal transplantation. Diabetes can compound hypoalbuminemia's detrimental effects. Kidney-pancreas transplantation alters the diabetic milieu; yet, some patients continue to be hypoalbuminemic. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 232 patients who underwent simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation (SPK) between 1993 and 1997 to determine the incidence and clinical correlates of hypoalbuminemia in SPK recipients. Post-SPK hypoalbuminemia was defined as a serum albumin level < or =3.5 g/dl. Univariate analyses were performed to determine whether post-SPK hypoalbuminemia was associated with pre-SPK variables. The effect of albumin level and hypoalbuminemia on the risk of post-SPK events (cardiac events, cytomegalovirus [CMV] infection, rejection, readmission, kidney and pancreas graft failure, and death) was examined with a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 149 men and 83 women. Average follow-up was 2.0+/-1.3 years. Hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin level < or =3.5 g/dL) was most common early after SPK (3 months: 44% of evaluable patients were hypoalbuminemic; 12 months: 15.3%; 36 months: 8.3%). Acute rejection episodes and readmission were the most common adverse events after SPK transplantation. There were 24 episodes of renal allograft loss and only 5 cardiac events. Ten SPK recipients died during the study time period. SPK-related hypoalbuminemia was associated with an increased risk for CMV infection (risk ratio [RR] 2.5; P<0.02), renal graft failure (RR 2.41; P=0.05), pancreas graft failure (RR 3.66; P=0.01), and a trend toward an increased risk for death (RR 2.8; P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Post-SPK hypoalbuminemia resolves over time in many patients. Persistent post-SPK hypoalbuminemia is associated with an increased risk for CMV infection, graft loss, and a trend toward decreased survival. Efforts to improve nutrition, as it may affect hypoalbuminemia in SPK recipients, may be one strategy for improving SPK outcomes.

Pancreas transplantation at the University of Wisconsin.

Based on the University of Wisconsin experience with 653 cadaver pancreas transplant performed since 1985, we noted that: 1. The overall 5- and 10-year patient survival rates were 87% and 80%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year pancreas graft survival rates were 70% and 60%, respectively, and the 5- and 10-year kidney graft survival rates were 80% and 60%, respectively. 2. An immunosuppressive regimen including TAC and MMF in both solitary pancreas and SPK transplants was very effective in reducing the rate of acute rejection and improving graft survival. 3. Pancreas graft survival in recipients of solitary pancreas transplants was equivalent to that in SPK recipients in the TAC-MMF era. 4. Anti-IL2 receptor monoclonal antibodies were safe and effective in solitary pancreas and SPK transplants. 5. Excellent short-term graft survival can be achieved in solitary pancreas transplants using enteric drainage.

Liver transplantation as definitive therapy for complications after arterial embolization for hepatic manifestations of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Experience with hepatic artery embolization for the treatment of symptomatic hepatic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in Rendu-Osler-Weber disease is limited. We report 2 cases of hepatic AVMs that caused mesenteric angina-like symptoms that were treated with embolization. Both patients developed parenchymal and bile duct necrosis, intrahepatic bilomas, and refractory biliary sepsis, subsequently leading to liver failure. We hypothesize that the pathophysiological cause of biliary necrosis in this setting is similar to that which occurs in the setting of hepatic artery thrombosis of the liver allograft. Progressive liver failure in these patients was treated successfully by liver transplantation. Liver transplantation offers definitive therapy by removing the source of ongoing sepsis, restoring normal liver function, and eliminating the intrahepatic AV shunt.