Correlation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and features of metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients in the preoperative assessment for bariatric surgery / Correlação da doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica e síndrome metabólica em pacientes obesos mórbidos em preparo pré-operatório para cirurgia bariátrica

ABSTRACT Background: Obesity is an epidemic and chronic disease that can bring other comorbidities to the patient. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is present in up to 90% of these patients and can progress to hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma. The relationship of this liver disease and obesity is already well known; however, it is possible that some parameters of the comorbidities are more related than others in the pathophysiology of the disease. Aim: Was analyzed the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the comorbidities of metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients. Methods: Was involved ultrasonography and laboratory assessment of obese patients before bariatric surgery. NAFLD was assessed using the same sonography parameters for all patients. Based on the results, the patients were divided into groups with and without NAFLD. Comparisons between them involved clinical and laboratory variables such as fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein, albumin and ferritin. Patients who reported alcohol abuse (defined as the consumption of >14 drinks per week) or who had hepatitis were excluded. Results: Eighty-two patients (74 women and 8 men) were studied, of whom 53 (64.6%) had NAFLD and 29 (35.4%) did not. The levels of glycated hemoglobin (p=0.05) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.01) were significantly altered in patients with NAFLD. However, weight, body mass index and excess weight did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.835, p=0.488 and p=0.727, respectively). Conclusions: Altered LDL cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels were related to the presence of NAFLD.

RESUMO Racional: A obesidade é doença epidêmica e crônica que pode trazer outras comorbidades ao paciente. A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica está presente em até 90% desses pacientes e pode evoluir para hepatite e hepatocarcinoma. A relação desta hepatopatia e a obesidade já é bem conhecida; porém, é possível que alguns parâmetros das comorbidades estejam mais relacionados do que outros na fisiopatogenia da doença. Objetivo: Correlacionar a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) com as comorbidades da síndrome metabólica em pacientes obesos mórbidos em pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: Avaliação ultrassonográfica e laboratorial de pacientes obesos em pré-operatório para cirurgia bariátrica. Durante o preparo para a operação em todos os pacientes foi avaliada DHGNA através de ultrassonografia. De acordo com o resultado, os pacientes foram separados em dois grupos: sem DHGNA e com DHGNA. Para análise entre os grupos, avaliaram-se as seguintes variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais: insulina, HOMA-IR, hemoglobina glicada, colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos, transaminase pirúvica, transaminase glutâmico oxalacética, gama glutamil transferase, proteína C reativa, albumina, ferritina. Os pacientes que relataram uso de bebida alcoólica ou que apresentaram hepatite foram excluídos do estudo. Resultados: Avaliou-se um total de 82 pacientes (74 mulheres e 8 homens), sendo 53 (64.6%) com DHGNA e 29 (35.4%) sem. Os níveis de hemoglobina glicada (p=0.05) e de LDL (p=0.01) mostraram-se mais relacionados no grupo de pacientes com DHGNA. Conclusão: A hemoglobina glicada e o LDL tiveram relação com a presença de DHGA.

The Correlation Between Obesity-Related Diseases and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women in the Pre-operative Evaluation for Bariatric Surgery Assessed by Transient Hepatic Elastography.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common, severe disease in obese patients. However, NAFLD is usually underestimated by ultrasonography. Liver biopsy is not routinely done in bariatric surgery or during the follow-up. This study therefore examined the correlation between metabolic syndrome and NAFLD in morbidly obese patients based on an assessment using transient hepatic elastography (THE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study involved 50 female patients in the pre-operative phase for bariatric surgery. Before surgery, we collected clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric variables. THE measurements were obtained using a FibroScan® device (Echosens, Paris, France), and steatosis was quantified using Controlled Attenuation Parameter software (CAP). Statistical analyses were done using linear correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The mean of THE and CAP values were 7.56 ± 4.78 kPa and 279.94 ± 45.69 dB/m, respectively, and there was a significant linear correlation between the two measurements (r = 0.651; p < 0.001). The numbers of metabolic syndrome parameters did not influence the THE (p = 0.436) or CAP (p = 0.422) values. HbA1c and HOMA-IR showed a strong linear correlation with CAP (r = 0.643, p = 0.013 and r = 0.668, p = 0.009, respectively) and a tendency to some linear correlation with THE (r = 0.500, p = 0.05 and r = 0.500, p = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese women submitted to FibroScan® presented a high prevalence of severe steatosis and advanced fibrosis in our sample. Insulin resistance parameters were correlated with steatosis, but less with fibrosis.

CORRELATION OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND FEATURES OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS IN THE PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY.

Background: Obesity is an epidemic and chronic disease that can bring other comorbidities to the patient. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is present in up to 90% of these patients and can progress to hepatitis and hepatocarcinoma. The relationship of this liver disease and obesity is already well known; however, it is possible that some parameters of the comorbidities are more related than others in the pathophysiology of the disease. Aim: Was analyzed the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the comorbidities of metabolic syndrome in morbidly obese patients. Methods: Was involved ultrasonography and laboratory assessment of obese patients before bariatric surgery. NAFLD was assessed using the same sonography parameters for all patients. Based on the results, the patients were divided into groups with and without NAFLD. Comparisons between them involved clinical and laboratory variables such as fasting blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (homeostasis model assessment - insulin resistance), glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, C-reactive protein, albumin and ferritin. Patients who reported alcohol abuse (defined as the consumption of >14 drinks per week) or who had hepatitis were excluded. Results: Eighty-two patients (74 women and 8 men) were studied, of whom 53 (64.6%) had NAFLD and 29 (35.4%) did not. The levels of glycated hemoglobin (p=0.05) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.01) were significantly altered in patients with NAFLD. However, weight, body mass index and excess weight did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.835, p=0.488 and p=0.727, respectively). Conclusions: Altered LDL cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels were related to the presence of NAFLD.

Racional: A obesidade é doença epidêmica e crônica que pode trazer outras comorbidades ao paciente. A doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica está presente em até 90% desses pacientes e pode evoluir para hepatite e hepatocarcinoma. A relação desta hepatopatia e a obesidade já é bem conhecida; porém, é possível que alguns parâmetros das comorbidades estejam mais relacionados do que outros na fisiopatogenia da doença. Objetivo: Correlacionar a doença hepática gordurosa não alcoólica (DHGNA) com as comorbidades da síndrome metabólica em pacientes obesos mórbidos em pré-operatório de cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: Avaliação ultrassonográfica e laboratorial de pacientes obesos em pré-operatório para cirurgia bariátrica. Durante o preparo para a operação em todos os pacientes foi avaliada DHGNA através de ultrassonografia. De acordo com o resultado, os pacientes foram separados em dois grupos: sem DHGNA e com DHGNA. Para análise entre os grupos, avaliaram-se as seguintes variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais: insulina, HOMA-IR, hemoglobina glicada, colesterol total e frações, triglicerídeos, transaminase pirúvica, transaminase glutâmico oxalacética, gama glutamil transferase, proteína C reativa, albumina, ferritina. Os pacientes que relataram uso de bebida alcoólica ou que apresentaram hepatite foram excluídos do estudo. Resultados: Avaliou-se um total de 82 pacientes (74 mulheres e 8 homens), sendo 53 (64.6%) com DHGNA e 29 (35.4%) sem. Os níveis de hemoglobina glicada (p=0.05) e de LDL (p=0.01) mostraram-se mais relacionados no grupo de pacientes com DHGNA. Conclusão: A hemoglobina glicada e o LDL tiveram relação com a presença de DHGA.

Early Endocrine and Metabolic Changes After Bariatric Surgery in Grade III Morbidly Obese Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: We compared the early endocrine and metabolic changes associated with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB) in grade III obese patients. METHODS: Fifty morbidly obese patients were randomized into two groups on the basis of their position in the queue-group A comprised SG and group B was GB. Comparison between the two groups was based on clinical and laboratory variables such as fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, albumin, and ferritin. Patients were assessed after 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days and additional laboratory tests were done on the 90(th) day. RESULTS: The following mean values were recorded for groups A and B, respectively: Age (years), 36.4 and 31.1; weight (kg), 123.2 and 128.3; and body mass index (BMI; kg/m(2)), 45.6 and 47.3. In the first postoperative week, group B showed a greater weight loss (P=0.047) that was not observed after 14, 30, 60, and 90 days (P>0.05). Group A had an average excess weight loss of 31.09 kg compared to 32.69 kg in group B (P=0.222). Glycemic control was better in group B (P=0.023), whereas the control of systemic arterial pressure was better in group A (P=0.026). There were no significant differences in early lipid control and micronutrient deficiencies between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SG and GB were equally effective in promoting weight loss after 90 days. However, whereas SG was associated with better early remission rates for hypertension, GB was more effective in fasting blood glucose control but not in HOMA-IR and HbA1c levels. There was no difference in the protein or vitamin deficiencies of the two groups.

Evaluation of liver regeneration by modulation with ischemic preconditioning after ischemia and reperfusion and partial hepatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate liver regeneration modulated by ischemic preconditioning after ischemia, reperfusion and partial hepatectomy. METHODS: We used 24 Wistar rats of 12 weeks of age, which were randomly assigned into four groups: control (SHAM), hepatectomy (HEP), ischemia and reperfusion (IRG) and Ischemic Preconditioning (SRG). Analyses were made on liver enzymes ALT and AST, assessment of regeneration through the initial and final weight of the liver and the proliferation of hepatocytes by immunohistochemical analysis with Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). RESULTS: In all groups there was liver regeneration, with no statistically significant difference between them. There were significant differences in ALT and AST between groups HEP and SHAM, PRE and GIR, GIR and SHAM and PRE and SHAM (p <0.05). There were also significant differences in the PCNA labeling of the SHAM group as compared to other groups (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The ischemic preconditioning decreased liver injury, but did not influence the regeneration up to 48 hours.

Avaliação da regeneração hepática com modulação pelo pré-condicionamento isquêmico após isquemia e reperfusão e hepatectomia parcial / Evaluation of liver regeneration by modulation with ischemic preconditioning after ischemia and reperfusion and partial hepatectomy

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a regeneração hepática com modulação pelo pré-condicionamento isquêmico após isquemia, reperfusão e hepatectomia parcial. MÉTODOS: Foram usadas 24 ratas Wistar, de 12 semanas de idade, distribuídas randomicamente em quatro grupos: Grupo Controle (SHAM), Grupo Hepatectomia (HEP), Grupo Isquemia e Reperfusão (GIR) e Grupo Pré-condicionamento Isquêmico (PRE). Foi feita a análise das enzimas hepáticas ALT e AST, avaliação da regeneração através dos pesos inicial e final do fígado e da proliferação dos hepatócitos pela análise imunoistoquímica com o Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). RESULTADOS: Em todos os grupos ocorreu regeneração do fígado, não havendo significância estatística entre eles. Houve diferenças significativas em relação a ALT e AST entre os grupos HEP-SHAM, GIR-PRE, GIR-SHAM E PRE-SHAM (p< 0,05). Também houve diferença significativa em relação à marcação de PCNA do grupo SHAM quando comparado aos demais grupos (p< 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O pré-condicionamento isquêmico diminuiu a lesão hepática, mas não influenciou na regeneração até 48 horas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate liver regeneration modulated by ischemic preconditioning after ischemia, reperfusion and partial hepatectomy. METHODS: We used 24 Wistar rats of 12 weeks of age, which were randomly assigned into four groups: control (SHAM), hepatectomy (HEP), ischemia and reperfusion (IRG) and Ischemic Preconditioning (SRG). Analyses were made on liver enzymes ALT and AST, assessment of regeneration through the initial and final weight of the liver and the proliferation of hepatocytes by immunohistochemical analysis with Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). RESULTS: In all groups there was liver regeneration, with no statistically significant difference between them. There were significant differences in ALT and AST between groups HEP and SHAM, PRE and GIR, GIR and SHAM and PRE and SHAM (p <0.05). There were also significant differences in the PCNA labeling of the SHAM group as compared to other groups (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The ischemic preconditioning decreased liver injury, but did not influence the regeneration up to 48 hours.

Activated lymphocytes and high liver expression of IFN-γ are associated with fulminant hepatic failure in patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To study immunological mechanisms of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) derived from extensive liver lesions, 14 patients with FHF induced by different aetiologies were investigated by observance of both lymphocyte phenotyping and cytokine levels. METHODS: Five patients bearing benign acute hepatitis B (AHB) and seven healthy liver donors (HC) were used as controls. Samples of liver and blood from both FHF patients and HC were obtained during transplantation procedures. Plasma levels of IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, RANTES and MIP-1α were quantified using a multiplex immunoassay. Cell characterization was carried out by flow cytometry. IFN-γ staining was performed on liver sections using immunofluorescence methods. RESULTS: An increase of peripheral frequency of natural killer (NK) cells expressing early activation markers (CD69, HLA-DR and CD38) and adhesion molecule CD44 was observed in FHF patients. Elevated frequency of T lymphocytes CD4(+) and CD8(+) expressing CD38 and adhesion molecules CD29 and CD44 was also observed in FHF. Additionally, an increase of natural killer T cells (NKT) was detected in FHF patients. High plasma cytokine levels were not statistically different between FHF and AHB patients. In comparison to HC, a strong liver expression of IFN-γ was detected in FHF patients. The increased frequency of CD4(+) CD44(+) and IL-8 cytokine was found in patients with poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the involvement of NK and NKT cells as well as T lymphocytes CD4(+) and CD8(+) in the inflammatory process inducing FHF, confirmed by the high hepatic expression of IFN-γ.

A influência do tempo de referencia no tratamento das lesões iatrogênicas da via biliar / The influence of time referral in the treatment of iatrogenic lesions of biliary tract

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o prognóstico dos pacientes com lesão iatrogênica da via biliar (LIVB) em relação ao tempo de referencia (TR) para a unidade de transplante hepático (TH). MÉTODOS: Foram revisados 51 prontuários de pacientes que sofreram algum tipo de LIVB durante a colecistectomia e que foram encaminhados para a unidade de TH no Hospital Geral de Bonsucesso (HGB). As lesões foram agrupadas de acordo com a classificação de Bismuth. Além da colecistectomia (momento da lesão), também avaliamos o TR e o desfecho. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 51 pacientes estudados encontramos 17 homens e 34 mulheres com uma média de idade de 42,7 anos. Vinte e dois pacientes (43,1%) tinham uma lesão do tipo II; 13 (25,5 %) do tipo III; 10 (19,6 %) do tipo I, 5 (9,8 %) do tipo IV; e apenas um (2 %) do tipo V. Quarenta pacientes foram operados, sendo que três não retornaram para revisão médica e portanto, 37 foram avaliados em relação ao desfecho. Dentre esses, 25 pacientes (67,6 %) tiveram resultados excelentes ou bons com TR médio de 11,5 meses (intervalo: 2-48 meses) e 47,2 meses (intervalo: 3-180 meses) respectivamente. Os 12 pacientes (32,4 %) com resultados ruins tiveram um TR médio de 65,9 meses (intervalo: 3-264 meses), que foi significativamente maior do que o grupo com resultados excelentes ou bons (p=0,004). Sete pacientes foram listadas para fila de TH, porém apenas dois foram realizados. O TR desses sete pacientes foi significativamente mais elevado (p=0,04) do que o daqueles pacientes não listados. Sete pacientes morreram, dos quais seis foram causados por complicações hepáticas. CONCLUSÃO: O TR influenciou significativamente no prognóstico dos pacientes da nossa amostra.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) regarding time of referral (RT) to the unit of liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We reviewed 51 charts of patients who had suffered some kind of IBDI during cholecystectomy and who were referred to the Bonsucesso General Hospital (HGB) LT unit. Lesions were grouped according to the Bismuth classification. Besides cholecystectomy (time of injury), we also evaluated the RT and outcome. RESULTS: Among the 51 patients studied, there were 17 men and 34 women, with a mean age of 42.7 years. Twenty-two patients (43.1%) had a type II lesion, 13 (25.5%) type III, 10 (19.6%) type I, 5 (9.8%) type IV and only 1 (2%) type V. Forty patients were operated, and three did not return for medical review, therefore, 37 were evaluated in relation to outcome. Among these, 25 patients (67.6%) had excellent or good results with average RT of 11.5 months (range: 2-48 months) and 47.2 months (range: 3-180 months) respectively. The 12 patients (32.4%) with poor results had a mean RT of 65.9 months (range: 3 264 months), which was significantly higher than the group with excellent or good results (p=0.004). Seven patients were listed for LT, but only two were transplanted. The RT of these seven patients was significantly higher (p=0.04) than those patients not listed. Seven patients died, six of which were due to liver complications. CONCLUSION: RT significantly influenced the prognosis of patients in our sample.

Is there any difference between right hepatectomy and left lateral sectionectomy for living donors? as much you cut, as much you hurt?

BACKGROUND: The worldwide rising demand for cadaveric donors in liver transplantation is an important incentive for the development of alternative transplantation options, such as living donors. A precise evaluation of surgical complications is, therefore, considered to be an important issue in this setting. AIM: Present a retrospective analysis of 126 living donors hepatectomies undertaken at our centre. METHODS: From December 2002 to August 2009, 126 living donors were submitted to hepatectomy. Donors' complications were stratified according to Clavien's scoring system to compare the morbidity of right hepatectomy (RH) (Group 1) and left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) (Group 2). RESULTS: Thirty-nine complications were observed in 35 patients. Sixty LLS, 3 left (LH) and 63 RH were performed. The complications were classified as: Clavien grade 1-11 (28.2%), grade 2-12 (30.7%), grade 3A-13 (33.3%), grade 3B-2 (5.1%) and grade 4A-1 (2.5%). When Group 1 (63 patients) and Group 2 (60 patients) were compared, there was no significant difference between the number of complications: 20 (31%) and 14 (23%), respectively (P > 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was a safe procedure, regardless of the type of liver resection undertaken. We found no difference in morbidity between RH and LLS, which suggests that complications may occur despite the amount of liver retrieved.

Right ventricular ejection fraction during orthotopic liver transplantation: does anesthetic technique make a difference?

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) under 2 different anesthetic regimens: propofol vs isoflurane anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the hemodynamic data of 25 (n = 25) patients who underwent OLT during the last year (2008). All patients were monitored with a modified pulmonary artery catheter, which continuously measured the RVEF. Anesthetic technique consisted of either isoflurane or total intravenous anesthesia with propofol. Surgical technique was similar between groups. RESULTS: Ten (n = 10) patients comprised the isoflurane group (I), whereas 15 (n = 15) patients received propofol anesthesia (P). The RVEF was not significantly different between groups (I vs P, baseline: 41% ± 9% vs 40% ± 6%; anhepatic phase: 36% ± 8% vs 35% ± 6%; postreperfusion: 41% ± 6% vs 41% ± 8%; P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: The choice between propofol and isoflurane seems to have minimal influence on the RVEF during OLT, which followed similar trends regardless of the anesthetic technique.

Perioperative coagulation profile in living liver donors as assessed by rotational thromboelastometry.

Transient postoperative coagulation abnormalities frequently occur in living liver donors, particularly after right liver resection. Usually, this coagulopathy is diagnosed by alterations in conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) such as the international normalized ratio (INR) of the prothrombin time. However, recent studies using other methods of coagulation monitoring have suggested that postoperative hypercoagulability may also occur in living donors. The rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) system is a coagulation monitor based on the viscoelastic properties of blood. The use of ROTEM for perioperative coagulation monitoring in the setting of living liver donors has not been reported. We evaluated the perioperative coagulation profile as assessed by ROTEM in 16 consecutive donors who underwent either right or left liver resection at our institution. ROTEM analysis and CCTs were performed at the baseline (before skin incision) and on postoperative days 1 and 3. According to the CCTs, hypocoagulability was revealed in all but 1 (left liver) donor. The INR was highest on postoperative day 1 [median = 1.67 (interquartile range = 1.37-1.8)]. In contrast, all donors had a normal coagulation profile as assessed by the ROTEM system throughout the study period. In conclusion, this study showed the disagreement between the CCTs and the ROTEM system, as no significant coagulation abnormalities could be revealed with the latter method during the study period. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of the ROTEM system as a perioperative coagulation monitor in this setting and ultimately its influence on the outcome of living donors.

The influence of time referral in the treatment of iatrogenic lesions of biliary tract.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis of patients with iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) regarding time of referral (RT) to the unit of liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We reviewed 51 charts of patients who had suffered some kind of IBDI during cholecystectomy and who were referred to the Bonsucesso General Hospital (HGB) LT unit. Lesions were grouped according to the Bismuth classification. Besides cholecystectomy (time of injury), we also evaluated the RT and outcome. RESULTS: Among the 51 patients studied, there were 17 men and 34 women, with a mean age of 42.7 years. Twenty-two patients (43.1%) had a type II lesion, 13 (25.5%) type III, 10 (19.6%) type I, 5 (9.8%) type IV and only 1 (2%) type V. Forty patients were operated, and three did not return for medical review, therefore, 37 were evaluated in relation to outcome. Among these, 25 patients (67.6%) had excellent or good results with average RT of 11.5 months (range: 2-48 months) and 47.2 months (range: 3-180 months) respectively. The 12 patients (32.4%) with poor results had a mean RT of 65.9 months (range: 3 264 months), which was significantly higher than the group with excellent or good results (p=0.004). Seven patients were listed for LT, but only two were transplanted. The RT of these seven patients was significantly higher (p=0.04) than those patients not listed. Seven patients died, six of which were due to liver complications. CONCLUSION: RT significantly influenced the prognosis of patients in our sample.

Hepatic artery reconstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation under 10 kg, without microscope use.

Arterial reconstructions are pivotal, particularly in pediatric LDLT. We describe microsurgical reconstruction technique with 6x loupes and the clinical course of the first 23 less than 10 kg recipients in an initial LDLT program at a developing country. From March 2002 to October 2008, 286 liver transplantation were performed in 279 patients at our unit. There were 73 children and 206 adults. Among the children, 23 weighing less than 10 kg were recipients from living donors. Arterial reconstructions were with end-to-end interrupted suture using a 6x magnification loupe, according to the untied suture technique. All patients were prospectively followed by color Doppler ultrasound protocol. In our initial experience there were no arterial complications. With mean 24 months of follow-up, 19 patients (82%) are alive with good graft function. Hepatic artery in LDLT can be safely reconstructed with microsurgical techniques without microscope using, with 6x loupe magnification, and can achieve good results in patients under 10 kg.

Fulminant hepatitis failure in adults and children from a Public Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is characterized by massive hepatocellular injury, whose physiopathology is still unclear. Hepatitis B (HBV) is probably the most common viral cause of FHF, while hepatitis A (HAV) virus seem occurs less frequently. However, the host and viral factors that determine the outcome of these infections are poorly understood. In the present study, viral load and genotyping determining regions of HAV and HBV genomes were sequenced. Eight FHF patients and one patient with severe acute hepatitis (SAH) were included. Liver and blood samples were collected during liver transplantation or necropsy procedures. HAV-RNA and HBV-DNA were extracted from serum, biopsy and paraffin liver. Nucleotide sequencing of HAV-RNA was performed from VP1/2A and HBV-DNA from PreS/S region. The amplified samples were quantified by Real-Time PCR. The cases of HAV infection were due to subgenotype IA. The cases of HBV infection were due to genotype A2 and D4. The case of HAV/HBV coinfection was infected by genotype IA and D3. Hepatitis A and B infection were associated with genotypes most prevalent in Brazil. In hepatitis A infection the mean of period evolution was 13 days. In hepatitis B, FHF patients infected by genotype D have a shorter period of evolution than FHF patients infected by genotype A (mean 15 v. 53 days). There was no association with genotype-determining region with the severity of hepatitis, however nucleotide differences and high viral load could be observed among FHF.

Eosinophils involved in fulminant hepatic failure are associated with high interleukin-6 expression and absence of interleukin-5 in liver and peripheral blood.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although eosinophils are considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of various parasitic, allergic and autoimmune digestive diseases, their role in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is unknown. Our contribution was to identify and quantify eosinophils and cytokine levels [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-5 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha] in liver parenchyma and peripheral blood from FHF patients at pre- and post-transplantation steps. METHODS: Histochemical methods were used to identify/quantify eosinophils in liver samples. Liver and plasma cytokine levels were quantified using immunofluorescence methods. RESULTS: Fulminant hepatic failure patients showed a high number of intrahepatic eosinophils concomitant with an increased expression of IL-6, besides the IL-6-positive eosinophils associated with the lack of IL-5. Also, an increased number of eosinophils and soluble IL-6 and MIP-1alpha with a low expression of IL-5 in peripheral blood at the pretransplantation step was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The increased number of intrahepatic eosinophils, besides the high production of IL-6, may be involved in liver dysfunction. In addition, the low presence of IL-5 in liver and peripheral blood may represent a particular pattern of eosinophil behaviour in human liver failure, which may also involve MIP-1alpha. Further ex vivo studies are necessary to evaluate the specific role of eosinophils in FHF.

Protamine sulphate for treatment of severe post-reperfusion coagulopathy in pediatric liver transplantation.

In this case report, we describe a child with biliary atresia who underwent a living LDLT and developed severe coagulopathy after reperfusion of the graft. The ROTEM analysis strongly suggested the presence of either a heparin effect or severe deficiency of coagulation factors. The former diagnosis was supported by a subsequent in-vitro HEPTEM. A small dose of protamine sulphate was then administered, which promptly restored hemostasis. The remainder of the procedure was uneventful.

Fulminant hepatitis failure in adults and children from a Public Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is characterized by massive hepatocellular injury, whose physiopathology is still unclear. Hepatitis B (HBV) is probably the most common viral cause of FHF, while hepatitis A (HAV) virus seem occurs less frequently. However, the host and viral factors that determine the outcome of these infections are poorly understood. In the present study, viral load and genotyping determining regions of HAV and HBV genomes were sequenced. Eight FHF patients and one patient with severe acute hepatitis (SAH) were included. Liver and blood samples were collected during liver transplantation or necropsy procedures. HAV-RNA and HBV-DNA were extracted from serum, biopsy and paraffin liver. Nucleotide sequencing of HAV-RNA was performed from VP1/2A and HBV-DNA from PreS/S region. The amplified samples were quantified by Real-Time PCR. The cases of HAV infection were due to subgenotype IA. The cases of HBV infection were due to genotype A2 and D4. The case of HAV/HBV coinfection was infected by genotype IA and D3. Hepatitis A and B infection were associated with genotypes most prevalent in Brazil. In hepatitis A infection the mean of period evolution was 13 days. In hepatitis B, FHF patients infected by genotype D have a shorter period of evolution than FHF patients infected by genotype A (mean 15 v. 53 days). There was no association with genotype-determining region with the severity of hepatitis, however nucleotide differences and high viral load could be observed among FHF.

Selection of donors for living donor liver transplantation in a single center of a developing country: lessons learned from the first 100 cases.

The selection of donors for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is one of the most important features in this kind of surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our initial experience in the donor evaluation process. From December 2001 to January 2005, 104 donors were evaluated for 70 recipients (65 potential donors were evaluated for 39 adult recipients, and 39 donors for 31 pediatric recipients). Only 30 donors were able to donate: 13 for the adult group, and 17 for the pediatric one. In general, the utilization rate of potential donors was 28.8% (30/104). For the adult patients, 65 potential donors were seen to perform 13 LDLT, which represents a utilization rate of potential donors of 20%. For the pediatric patients, this rate was 43.6%. The exclusion criteria were clinical in 22 cases (21%), anatomical in 13 cases (13%), psychosocial in nine cases (9%), and others in 12 (12%). Death of recipients led to exclusion 18 of donors (17%). Thirty-three percent of adults and 55% of pediatric recipients who had at least one potential donor to start the evaluation process were able to identify a living donor. In conclusion, the first limit for LDLT is the rigorous donor evaluation.