Laparoscopic and open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis: multicentre propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Child-Pugh A cirrhosis has been demonstrated as beneficial. However, the role of laparoscopy in Child-Pugh B cirrhosis is undetermined. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare open and laparoscopic resection for HCC with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis. METHODS: Data on liver resections were gathered from 17 centres. A 1 : 1 propensity score matching was performed according to 17 predefined variables. RESULTS: Of 382 available liver resections, 100 laparoscopic and 100 open resections were matched and analysed. The 90-day postoperative mortality rate was similar in open and laparoscopic groups (4.0 versus 2.0 per cent respectively; P = 0.687). Laparoscopy was associated with lower blood loss (median 110 ml versus 400 ml in the open group; P = 0.004), less morbidity (38.0 versus 51.0 per cent respectively; P = 0.041) and fewer major complications (7.0 versus 21.0 per cent; P = 0.010), and ascites was lower on postoperative days 1, 3 and 5. For laparoscopic resections, patients with portal hypertension developed more complications than those without (26 versus 12 per cent respectively; P = 0.002), and patients with a Child-Pugh B9 score had higher morbidity rates than those with B8 and B7 (7 of 8, 10 of 16 and 21 of 76 respectively; P < 0.001). Median hospital stay was 7.5 (range 2-243) days for laparoscopic liver resection and 18 (3-104) days for the open approach (P = 0.058). The 5-year overall survival rate was 47 per cent for open and 65 per cent for laparoscopic resection (P = 0.142). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 32 and 37 per cent respectively (P = 0.742). CONCLUSION: Patients without preoperative portal hypertension and Child-Pugh B7 cirrhosis may benefit most from laparoscopic liver surgery.

Infrarenal versus supraceliac aorto-hepatic arterial revascularisation in adult liver transplantation: multicentre retrospective study.

When the standard arterial reconstruction is not feasible during liver transplantation (LT), aorto-hepatic arterial reconstruction (AHAR) can be the only solution to save the graft. AHAR can be performed on the infrarenal (IR) or supraceliac (SC) tract of the aorta, but the possible effect on outcome of selecting SC versus IR reconstruction is still unclear. One hundred and twenty consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation with AHAR in six European centres between January 2003 and December 2018 were retrospectively analysed to ascertain whether the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) was influenced by the type of AHAR (IR-AHAR vs. SC-AHAR). In 56/120 (46.6%) cases, an IR anastomosis was performed, always using an interposition arterial conduit. In the other 64/120 (53.4%) cases, an SC anastomosis was performed; an arterial conduit was used in 45/64 (70.3%) cases. Incidence of early (≤ 30 days) HAT was in 6.2% (4/64) in the SC-AHAR and 10.7% (6/56) IR-AHAR group (p = 0.512) whilst incidence of late HAT was significantly lower in the SC-AHAR group (4.7% (3/64) vs 19.6% (11/56) - p = 0.024). IR-AHAR was the only independent risk factor for HAT (exp[B] = 3.915; 95% CI 1.400-10.951; p = 0.009). When AHAR is necessary at liver transplantation, the use of the supraceliac aorta significantly reduces the incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis and should therefore be recommended whenever possible.

Multicentre analysis of the learning curve for laparoscopic liver resection of the posterosuperior segments.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic liver resection demands expertise and a long learning curve. Resection of the posterosuperior segments is challenging, and there are no data on the learning curve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the learning curve for laparoscopic resection of the posterosuperior segments. METHODS: A cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis of the difficulty score for resection was undertaken using patient data from four specialized centres. Risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis of duration of operation, blood loss and conversions was performed, adjusting for the difficulty score of the procedures. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the completion of the learning curve. RESULTS: According to the CUSUM analysis of 464 patients, the learning curve showed an initial decrease in the difficulty score followed by an increase and, finally, stabilization. More patients with cirrhosis or previous surgery were operated in the latest phase of the learning curve. A smaller number of wedge resections and a larger number of anatomical resections were performed progressively. Dissection using a Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator and the Pringle manoeuvre were used more frequently with time. Risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis showed a progressive decrease in operating time. Blood loss initially increased slightly, then stabilized and finally decreased over time. A similar trend was found for conversions. The learning curve was estimated to be 40 procedures for wedge and 65 for anatomical resections. CONCLUSION: The learning curve for laparoscopic liver resection of the posterosuperior segments consists of a stepwise process, during which accurate patient selection is key.

ANTECEDENTES: La resección hepática laparoscópica exige experiencia y una larga curva de aprendizaje. La resección de los segmentos posterosuperiores (PS) es un reto, y no hay datos acerca de la curva de aprendizaje (learning curve, LC). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la LC de la resección laparoscópica de los segmentos PS. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis CUSUM de la puntuación de dificultad (difficulty score, DS) de la resección en pacientes de 4 centros especializados. La técnica CUSUM se ajustó al riesgo (risk-adjusted CUSUM, RA-CUSUM) para el tiempo operatorio, la pérdida de sangre y las conversiones a cirugía abierta ajustando según la DS de los procedimientos. Se utilizó una curva ROC para identificar el momento en el que se consideró que la LC había sido completada. RESULTADOS: De acuerdo con el análisis CUSUM de los 464 pacientes incluidos, se observó una DS baja al inicio, que posteriormente se fue incrementando hasta llegar a una estabilización. En la última fase de la LC se operaron más pacientes con cirrosis o cirugía previa. De forma progresiva se fueron reduciendo el número de resecciones hepáticas en cuña y aumentando el de resecciones anatómicas. A lo largo del tiempo se introdujo el CUSA y la maniobra de Pringle con mayor frecuencia. El RA-CUSUM mostró una reducción progresiva del tiempo operatorio. La pérdida de sangre inicialmente aumentó ligeramente, luego se estabilizó y finalmente disminuyó con el tiempo. Una tendencia similar se observó para las conversiones. La LC se estimó en 40 casos para las resecciones en cuña y en 65 casos para las resecciones anatómicas. CONCLUSIÓN: La LC de la resección hepática laparoscópica de los segmentos PS es un proceso paso a paso durante el cual la selección del paciente es clave.

Outcome after laparoscopic and open resections of posterosuperior segments of the liver.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection of posterosuperior (PS) segments of the liver is hindered by limited visualization and curvilinear resection planes. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after open and laparoscopic liver resections of PS segments. METHODS: Patients who underwent minor open liver resection (OLR) and laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) between 2006 and 2014 were identified from the institutional databases of seven tertiary referral European hepatobiliary surgical units. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to match groups for known confounders. Perioperative outcomes including complications were assessed using the Dindo-Clavien classification, and the comprehensive complication index was calculated. Survival was analysed with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Some 170 patients underwent OLR and 148 had LLR. After propensity score-matched analysis, 86 patients remained in both groups. Overall postoperative complication rates were significantly higher after OLR compared with LLR: 28 versus 14 per cent respectively (P = 0·039). The mean(s.d.) comprehensive complication index was higher in the OLR group, although the difference was not statistically significant (26·7(16·6) versus 18·3(8·0) in the LLR group; P = 0·108). The mean(s.d.) duration of required analgesia and the median (range) duration of postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LLR group: 3·0(1·1) days versus 1·6(0·8) days in the OLR group (P < 0·001), and 6 (3-44) versus 4 (1-11) days (P < 0·001), respectively. The 3-year recurrence-free survival rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (37 per cent for OLR versus 30 per cent for LLR; P = 0·534) and those with colorectal liver metastases (36 versus 36 per cent respectively; P = 0·440) were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: LLR of tumours in PS segments is feasible in selected patients. LLR is associated with fewer complications and does not compromise survival compared with OLR.

Liver transplantation in neurological Wilson's Disease: is there indication? A case report.

Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by copper overload. In this disease, inadequate hepatic excretion leads to copper accumulation in the liver, brain, kidney, and cornea. Severe neurological symptoms can develop in patients with WD, often in the absence of relevant liver damage: it is unclear whether liver transplantation (LT) could reverse neurological symptoms, and at present LT is not recommended in this setting. We report a case of regression of neurological symptoms in a patient affected by WD with prevalent neurological involvement. A 19-year-old man with disabling neuropsychiatric symptoms from WD that included frontal ataxia, akinesia, dystonia, tremors, and behavioral disorders in the presence of preserved liver function (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score=7; Child-Turcotte-Pugh score=A5) underwent LT in November 2009. At the time of LT, encephalic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated diffuse neurodegenerative alterations involving subtentorial and supratentorial structures; bilateral Kayser-Fleischer ring was present. Four years after LT, laboratory tests show normalized copper metabolism and excellent liver function test results. Encephalic MRI shows a substantial improvement of already-known signal alterations at nuclei thalamus and putamen, mesencephalon, and pons. Kayser-Fleischer ring disappeared from the right eye, but a little remnant is still visible in the left eye. At neurological examination, all of the previous symptoms and signs are no longer present and behavioral disorders are no longer present; psychosocial functions are completely restored. The present case provides some evidence that LT may be a valid therapeutic option for WD patients with marked neurological impairment, particularly in those no longer responsive to chelation therapy.

Long-term maintenance of sustained virological response in liver transplant recipients treated for recurrent hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: The recurrence of hepatitis C viral infection is common after liver transplant, and achieving a sustained virological response to antiviral treatment is desirable for reducing the risk of graft loss and improving patients' survival. AIM: To investigate the long-term maintenance of sustained virological response in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C recurrence. METHODS: 436 Liver transplant recipients (74.1% genotype 1) who underwent combined antiviral therapy for hepatitis C recurrence were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The overall sustained virological response rate was 40% (173/436 patients), and the mean follow-up after liver transplantation was 11±3.5 years (range, 5-24). Patients with a sustained virological response demonstrated a 5-year survival rate of 97% and a 10-year survival rate of 93%; all but 6 (3%) patients remained hepatitis C virus RNA-negative during follow-up. Genotype non-1 (p=0.007), treatment duration >80% of the scheduled period (p=0.027), and early virological response (p=0.002), were associated with the maintenance of sustained virological response as indicated by univariate analysis. Early virological response was the only independent predictor of sustained virological response maintenance (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Sustained virological response achieved after combined antiviral treatment is maintained in liver transplant patients with recurrent hepatitis C and is associated with an excellent 5-year survival.

Laparoscopic liver resection compared to open approach in patients with colorectal liver metastases improves further resectability: Oncological outcomes of a case-control matched-pairs analysis.

AIMS: Liver resection is considered the standard treatment of colorectal metastases (CRLM). However, to date, no long term oncological results and data regarding repeat hepatectomy after laparoscopic approach are known. The aim of this study is to analyze single center long-term surgical and oncological outcomes after liver resection for CRLM. METHODS: A total of 57 open resections (OR) were matched with 57 laparoscopic resections (LR) for CRLM. Matching was based mainly on number of metastases, tumor size, segmental position of lesions, type of hepatectomy and type of resection. RESULTS: Morbidity rate was significantly less in the LR group (p = 0.002); the length of hospital stay was 6.5 ± 5 days for the LR group and 9.2 ± 4 days for the OR group (p = 0.005). After a median follow up of 53.7 months for the OR group and 40.9 months for the LR group, the 5-y overall survival rate was 65% and 60% respectively (p = 0.36) and the 5-y disease free survival rate was 38% and 29% respectively (p = 0.24). More patients in the LR group received a third hepatectomy for CRLM relapse than in the OR group (80% vs. 14.3% respectively; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic resection for CRLM offers advantages in terms of reduced blood loss, morbidity rate and hospital stay. It provides comparable long-term oncological outcomes but can improve further resectability in patients with recurrent disease.

Multiple ways to manage portal thrombosis during liver transplantation: surgical techniques and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a well-recognized complication of chronic liver disease with a prevalence ranging from 1% to 16%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 447 consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation (OLT) between October 2000 and December 2011 comparing 51 recipients with PVT (study group) with 399 without PVT (control group). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of pre-existent PVT on the surgical procedure, to identify specific preventable perioperative complications, and based on our studies and other works, to determine whether this group of patients are acceptable candidates for OLT. RESULTS: Among the 51 patients with PVT, 44 showed partial and 7 complete thrombosis. In 47 cases, we performed a thromboendovenectomy. There were six anastomoses at the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and one, with a venous graft interposition. In four complete thrombosis recipients we performed an extra-anatomic by pass between the main trunk of the SMV and the donor portal vein. Compared with the control group, regarding preoperative characteristics, PVT patients were older at the time of transplantation (P = .001) and had a higher use of TIPS (P = .02). The operative characteristics showed a longer warm ischemia time in the PVT group (46.9 ± 22.5 vs 39.3 ± 15 min; P = .004). There were significant differences in postoperative evaluations, nor in the complication rates. Overall survivals at 10 years were similar: 61.7% versus 65.3%; (P = .9). CONCLUSION: Although PVT was associated with greater operative complexity, it had no influence on postoperative complications or overall survival.

University of Modena experience in HIV-positive patients undergoing liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Highly effective antiretroviral therapy in the last decade has increased the survival rates of HIV-positive patients, yielding a greater number of HIV patients suffering from liver-related disease. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) associated or not with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2003 to September 2010, 23 patients underwent cadaveric donor LT for ESLD at our institution. Inclusion criteria followed the Italian Protocol for LT in HIV-positive patients. Immunosuppressive regimens were based on cyclosporine or tacrolimus, eventually switched to Rapamycin. RESULTS: The median CD4 T-cell count was 275/mmc (range=119-924). All patients were affected by ESLD, which was associated with HCC in 14 cases. Ten patients were within the Milan criteria and four patients exceeded them but were within the San Francisco criteria. Conversion from calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to rapamycin occurred in ten cases. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence occurred in 13/21 HCV-positive patients. Acute cellular rejection occurred in eight patients with one developing chronic cellular rejection. Overall patient and graft survivals at 80 months were 50% and 45% respectively. DISCUSSION: LT in HIV-positive patients is a feasible procedure, even if in our experience was burdened by a greater incidence of complications including HCV recurrence and infection compared with HIV-negative patients.

Combined liver-kidney transplantation in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been a major global health problem for almost 3 decades, with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in 1996 and effective prophylaxis and management of opportunistic infections, mortality from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has decreased markedly. In developed countries, this condition is now being treated as a chronic condition. As a result, rates of morbidity and mortality from other medical conditions leading to end-stage liver, kidney, and heart disease are steadily increasing in individuals with HIV. Because the definitive treatment for end-stage organ failure is transplantation, the demand for it has increased among HIV-infected patients. For these reasons, many transplant centers have eliminated HIV infection as a contraindication to transplantation, as a result of better patient management and demand.

Pulmonary hypertension as a predictor of postoperative complications and mortality after liver transplantation.

Most transplant centers consider severe pulmonary hypertension (PHT) to be an absolute contraindication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We retrospectively examined the outcome of 24 patients with PHT (group 1) who underwent OLT compared with 24 matched patients (group 2) without PHT, who also underwent OLT. Based on right cardiac catheterization measurements made after the induction of anesthesia for OLT, PHT was defined as mild or moderate-to-severe if the mean pulmonary arterial pressure exceeded 25 or 35 mm Hg, respectively. The incidence of PHT was 9.8% (24/244); 21/24 PHT patients showed mild and 3/24 moderate PHT. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not show a significant difference between the two groups. The incidence of pulmonary infections was significantly greater in group 1 (P < .05). The duration of ventilation and intensive care unit stay was similar in the two groups. Echocardiography detected only the three moderate cases of PHT and not the twenty-one cases of mild PHT. Our analysis suggested that mild PHT was common and did not affect patient outcomes after OLT; moderate or severe PHT was uncommon. The two patients with moderate PHT survived OLT and did not succum to PHT during long-term follow-up.

Predictive factors of lack of response to antiviral therapy among in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

The current therapy for hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation OLT is based on interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) in monotherapy or combination. The rate of sustained virological response (SVR) varies between 10% and 45%. We have retrospectively analyzed factors that could predict SVR after antiviral therapy. We analyzed 42 patients who completed a cycle of therapy with natural or pegylated IFN plus RBV. There were 15 (35.7%) patients who obtained an SVR. The following factors were significantly associated with a lack of SVR: donor age >or=50 years (P = .046); donor body mass index (BMI) > 27 (P = .016); genotype 1 versus 2 to 3 (P = 0.010), aspartate transferase (AST) before therapy >or= 140 U/L (P = .046), alanine transferase before therapy >or= 280 U/L (P = .055), use of natural IFN versus pegylated IFN (P = .016). The only factors remaining after multivariate analysis were: donor BMI, AST before therapy and genotype. Our data confirmed that genotype 1 was associated with poorer outcomes; other additional parameters can influence the response to antiviral therapy.

Novel genetic mutation in apolipoprotein E2 homozygosis and its implication in organ donation: a case report.

Disorders in lipoprotein metabolism do not contraindicate liver procurement and transplantation (LT). In this circumstance, LT provides an intriguing opportunity to assess the in vivo contribution of the liver to the synthesis and degradation of genetically polymorphic plasma proteins. Apolipoprotein (APO) E exists with several common phenotypic differences due to gene polymorphism. Some authors have shown that the APOE phenotype of the recipient was virtually completely converted to that of the donor, providing evidence that >90% of plasma APOE arises from the liver. Homozygosis for APOE2 (E2-E2) is related to an increased incidence of type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP). Recently, some authors have identified 4 new APOE mutations that are strongly linked to a unique entity of renal lipidosis called lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG). At present, 65 cases of LPG have been reported worldwide, although most patients have been discovered in Japan and other East Asian countries. We have herein reported a case of LT in a patient with advanced hepatocarcinoma who received a liver from a caucasian donor affected by type III HLP due to homozygous E2-E2. The LPG was due to a novel genetic mutation in APOE. After the LT, the recipient, developed de novo severe lipid abnormalities despite good graft function. To our knowledge this is the first report of an LT using a graft from a non Asian donor with homozygous E2-E2 with the presence of a novel APOE mutation.

Liver transplantation due to iatrogenic injuries: two case reports.

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an acceptable procedure that has proven benefits in the treatment of patients who have complications from portal hypertension due to liver cirrhosis. In the literature few reports have described complications after TIPS placement. Initial surgery and local hemostasis have been needed to manage abdominal bleeding: if this treatment is insufficient, it may be necessary to perform a liver transplantation. This report describes the role of liver transplantation to manage dangerous complications in 2 patients after TIPS placement, when surgical procedures and hemostasis were unable to stop the bleeding.

Early withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors and everolimus monotherapy in de novo liver transplant recipients preserves renal function.

We designed a randomized trial to assess whether the early withdrawal of cyclosporine (CsA) followed by the initiation of everolimus (Evr) monotherapy in de novo liver transplantation (LT) patients would result in superior renal function compared to a CsA-based immunosuppression protocol. All patients were treated with CsA for the first 10 days and then randomized to receive Evr in combination with CsA up to day 30, then either continued on Evr monotherapy (Evr group) or maintained on CsA with/without mycophenolate mofetil (CsA group) in case of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Seventy-eight patients were randomized (Evr n = 52; CsA n = 26). The 1-year freedom from efficacy failure in Evr group was 75% versus 69.2% in CsA group, p = 0.36. There was no statistically significant difference in patient survival between the two groups. Mean modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) was significantly better in the Evr group at 12 months (87.7 ± 26.1 vs. 59.9 ± 12.6 mL/min; p < 0.001). The incidence of CKD stage ≥ 3 (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min) was higher in the CsA group at 1 year (52.2% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.005). The results indicate that early withdrawal of CsA followed by Evr monotherapy in de novo LT patients is associated with an improvement in renal function, with a similar incidence of rejection and major complications.

Liver transplantation in patients aged 65 and over: a case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The average age of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is consistently increasing. The aim of this case-control study is to evaluate survival and outcome of patients ≥65 yr compared to younger patients undergoing LT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 10/00 to 4/08 we performed 330 primary LT, 31 (9.4%) of these were in patients aged 65-70. Following a case-control approach, we compared these patients with 31 patients aged between 41 and 64 yr and matched according to sex, LT indication, viral status, cadaveric/living donor, LT timing, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in demographic and surgical donor characteristics. The mean MELD score was under 18 in both groups. Post-LT complications occurred with a similar incidence in the two groups. one-, three-, and five-yr survival was 83.9%, 80.6%, and 80.6%, respectively, for the elderly group, and 80.6%, 73.8%, and 73.8%, respectively, for the young group (p = 0.61). DISCUSSION: Patients aged between 65 and 70 with low MELD score who undergo LT have the same short- and middle-term survival expectancy, morbidity, and outcome quality as younger patients with the same indication and same pre-LT pathology severity, whatever they might be. Thus, chronological age alone should not deter LT workup in patients >65 and <70.

[Is there an age limit for radical surgery in case of tumors infiltrating the duodenum?]. / Per le neoplasie infiltranti il duodeno esiste un limite di età per una chirurgia radicale?

AIM: Radical resection is the only potential cure for pancreatic malignancies and a useful treatment for other benign diseases, such as pancreatitis. Over the last two decades, medical and surgical improvements have drastically changed the postoperative outcome of elderly patients undergoing pancreatic resection, and appropriate treatment for elderly potential candidates for pancreatic resection has become an important issue. METHODS: A hundred and five consecutive patients undergoing radical pancreatic resection between 2003 and 2007 at the Surgery Unit of the University of Modena, Italy, were considered and divided into two groups according to their age, i.e., over 75-year olds (group 1, 25 patients) and under 75-year-olds (group 2, 80 patients). The two groups were compared as regards to demographic features, American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, comorbidities, previous major surgery, surgical procedure, postoperative mortality, and morbidity. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning postoperative mortality, and the duration of hospital stay and days in the postoperative Intensive Care Unit were also similar. Complications such as pancreatic fistulas, wound infections, and pneumonia were more frequent in the older group, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In the light of these findings and as reported for other series, old age is probably not directly related with any increase in the rate of postoperative complications, but comorbidities (which are naturally related to the patients' previous life) may have a key role in the postoperative course.

Liver transplantation utilizing grafts from donors with genitourinary cancer detected prior to liver implantation.

Expansion of the donor pool has led to reconsideration of selection criteria to obtain the largest number of grafts without compromising recipient outcomes. This reconsideration concerns the utilization of donors with malignancies. Herein we have analyzed the outcomes, survivals, and risks of cancer transmission among patients who received a liver transplant from a donor with a genitourinary malignancy. Six of 363 patients (1.5%) who underwent transplantation at our center received an organ from a donor with a genitourinary cancer which was detected prior to the surgical harvest. Donors affected by low-grade renal cell carcinoma (Fuhrman grade 1 or 2) or low-grade intraprostatic prostate carcinoma (Gleason score

Immunosuppressive switch to sirolimus in renal dysfunction after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Nephrotoxicity is a serious adverse effect after liver transplantation often related to calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) with a incidence of 18.1% at 5 years. Sirolimus (SRL) is a new immunosuppressive drug that was introduced into solid organ transplant management in 1999. Herein we have performed a retrospective review of patients who developed renal insufficiency owing to CNI therapy after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients were switched to SRL monotherapy because of nephrotoxicity as evidenced by serum creatinine levels (SCr) > 1.8 mg/dL and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) < 45 mL/min/1.73 m(2). The dosage was adjusted to achieve trough levels between 8 and 10 ng/mL. RESULTS: The patients were followed for a mean of 52 months (range 2-88 months) after OLT. Mean follow-up after the switch was 27.5 months (range, 2-71.2 months). Immunosuppression was switched after a mean of 35.2 months (range, 0.2-43.4 months). Renal function was significantly improved, as shown by the improved SCr, urea, and eGFR after the switch. CONCLUSIONS: CNIs may be associated with significant nephrotoxicity and chronic kidney damage. Patients who develop renal dysfunction after OLT may be successfully treated by an early switch from CNIs to SRL, stopping the progression toward chronic renal damage and preserving allograft survival.