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1.
Updates Surg ; 72(3): 659-669, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32594369

ABSTRACT

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.


Subject(s)
Anastomosis, Surgical/methods , Aorta, Abdominal/surgery , Hepatic Artery/surgery , Liver Transplantation/methods , Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods , Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Thrombosis/epidemiology , Thrombosis/prevention & control , Young Adult
2.
Prog Urol ; 30(10): 547-549, 2020 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32409238

ABSTRACT

We demonstrated that a complete left ureteral substitution with appendix is a feasible and safe technique. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a successful complete substitution of the left ureter with vermicular appendix in an adult patient reported in the literature.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma/surgery , Appendix/transplantation , Colectomy , Colonic Neoplasms/surgery , Ureter/surgery , Ureteral Neoplasms/surgery , Adenocarcinoma/pathology , Aged , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Humans , Male , Neoplasm Invasiveness , Ureteral Neoplasms/pathology
3.
Transplant Proc ; 51(9): 2917-2920, 2019 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31711577

ABSTRACT

The posology of tacrolimus (TAC) is usually guided by its therapeutic drug monitoring. Some patients reach target concentrations (CTs) quickly, others more slowly. In a retrospective study, 20 kidney transplant recipients were included (mean age, 50.7 ± 14.1 years; weight 64.0 ± 14.2 kg; patients clinically stable for over a year). We studied cytochrome CYP3A5 genotype, in particular CYP3A5 6986A>G, the most important polymorphism related to the metabolism of TAC (wild genotype CYP3A5 *1 genotype, and CYP3A5 *3 variants). One year after transplantation, the CTs were 5.0 to 8.0 ng/mL. The patients were divided into group A (TAC doses < 6.0 mg/d) and group B (TAC doses > 6.0 mg/d). All were tested for the CYP3A5 gene sequence to characterize their polymorphism. Patients with CYP3A5 *1/*1 and *1/*3 were extensive metabolizers, and those with CYP3A5 *3/*3 were poor metabolizers. In group A and group B, the average TAC doses at the time of therapeutic drug monitoring were 3.0 ± 1.4 ng/mL (0.05 ± 0.03 mg/kg) and 12.8 ± 3.7 ng/mL (0.2 ± 0.1 mg/kg), respectively (P < .001). Group A was the poor metabolizers genotype, while in group B, the extensive metabolizers genotype was present. Patients with the CYP3A5 *1/*1 or *1/*3 genotype required 1.5 to 2 times higher doses than patients *3/*3 to reach CT. This genetic test allows clinicians to know, before the kidney transplant, the patient's TAC metabolism pattern and then to optimize the drug exposure.


Subject(s)
Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A/genetics , Immunosuppressive Agents/metabolism , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Kidney Transplantation , Tacrolimus/metabolism , Tacrolimus/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Drug Monitoring , Female , Genotype , Graft Rejection/prevention & control , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Polymorphism, Genetic , Precision Medicine/methods , Retrospective Studies
4.
Transplant Proc ; 51(1): 132-135, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30661894

ABSTRACT

In this retrospective single-center study we evaluated the outcome after kidney transplant in recipients older than 65 years in terms of patient and graft survival and causes of death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1993 to 2016, 109 consecutive first single kidney transplants in recipients older than 65 years were included. Furthermore, 2 age groups have also been identified (group A, 65-70 years old vs group B, 71-76 years old). Donor and recipient characteristics were analyzed. Other parameters were cold and warm ischemia times, delayed graft function, biopsy-proven acute rejection, and causes of death. Induction immunosuppressive therapy was performed with basiliximab or thymoglobulin. Baseline triple immunosuppression included calcineurin inhibitor, antimetabolite, and steroids. The results of preimplantation biopsies, which were performed in all expanded criteria donors were analyzed and graded according to Karpinski 2009 classification. RESULTS: Overall mortality was 39.4%: 23.2% women and 76.8% men. Causes of death were infections in 42%, tumors in 23%, cardiovascular disease in 14%, cerebrovascular disease in 7%, and unknown in 14%. The most common cause of death in men was infections (52%), and the most common cause in women was tumors (55%). At 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, overall patient survival was 89%, 84%, 72%, and 45%, and overall graft survival was 100%, 97%, 89%, and 84%, respectively. Patient and graft survival were statistically different between group A vs group B (P = .006 and P = .02, respectively). At univariate analysis significant risk factors for increased mortality were age, delayed graft function, and cold ischemia time. At multivariate analysis, delayed graft function maintained statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney transplantation in patients older than 65 years is safe, feasible, and has good graft survival. Mortality is statistically significant in patients older than 71 years, despite a persistent low graft loss.


Subject(s)
Aged , Kidney Transplantation/mortality , Kidney Transplantation/methods , Treatment Outcome , Cold Ischemia , Delayed Graft Function/epidemiology , Delayed Graft Function/mortality , Female , Graft Rejection/epidemiology , Graft Rejection/mortality , Graft Survival , Humans , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Male , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Tissue Donors/supply & distribution
5.
Transplant Proc ; 50(10): 4000-4003, 2018 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30577303

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic artery thrombosis still represents a major complication after liver transplantation responsible for graft failure, possibly resulting in the need for retransplantation. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a patient undergoing liver transplant complicated by hepatic artery thrombosis, successfully treated with an endovascular approach using the Indigo System. This new system allows mechanical fragmentation and aspiration of the thrombus, with no injection of any thrombolytic agents, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding. Hepatic artery flow was immediately restored, with no complications for the patient and the graft. DISCUSSION: The Indigo System appears to be a safe, affordable, and manageable technique for endovascular management of late hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplant.


Subject(s)
Hepatic Artery/pathology , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Mechanical Thrombolysis/instrumentation , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Thrombosis/therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Thrombosis/etiology
6.
Case Rep Med ; 2017: 8909706, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29422916

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of foreign bodies (FBs) in the rectum has recently increased. FB removal by the transanal way or by colonoscopy is generally feasible and only in few cases surgery is strictly necessary. Due to FB dimensions or rectum and colon anatomy, sometimes it may represent a challenge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases of FB inserted in the rectum were treated in our institute. They underwent surgery using Endobag, a laparoscopic surgical device. The device was inserted through the anus in order to catch and remove the FB. RESULTS: Both the procedures were easily performed, without any complication. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Endobag seems to be a good and effective way to remove FB from rectum.

7.
Transplant Proc ; 48(2): 377-9, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27109959

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Portal hyperperfusion (PHP) is a hemodynamic condition which may develop after liver transplantation and cause refractory ascites (RA). The diagnosis is established by exclusion of other causes of increased sinusoidal pressure/resistance such as cellular rejection or toxicity and outflow obstruction. PHP as part of the pathogenesis of the splenic artery syndrome (SAS) can be treated with splenic artery embolization (SAE). METHODS: This is a retrospective study on a cohort of first-time whole-size liver transplant recipients diagnosed with RA due to PHP and treated by proximal SAE (pSAE) at the Liver Transplant Unit of the University Hospital of Udine between 2004 and 2014. RESULTS: For this study, 23 patients were identified (prevalence 8%) and treated. Preliminary clinical workup to diagnose SAS was based on exclusion of other possible causes of RA with graft biopsy, cavogram with hepatic venous pressure measurement, computed tomography scan, and angiography. The pSAE was performed 110 ± 61 days after transplantation, and no procedure-related complications occurred. pSAE resulted in a significant decrease of portal vein velocity (P = .01) and wedge hepatic venous pressure (P = .03). The diameter of the spleen showed a slightly significant reduction (P = .047); no modification of hepatic artery resistive index were encountered (P = .34). Moreover, pSAE determined the resolution of RA in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: pSAE is a safe and effective procedure to modulate the hepatic inflow and thus to treat RA secondary to SAS, with a low incidence of complications and a high rate of clinical response.


Subject(s)
Ascites/therapy , Embolization, Therapeutic/methods , Liver Circulation/physiology , Liver Transplantation , Portal Pressure , Portal System/physiopathology , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Splenic Artery , Vascular Diseases/therapy , Aged , Ascites/epidemiology , Ascites/etiology , Ascites/physiopathology , Blood Flow Velocity , Cohort Studies , Disease Management , Female , Hemodynamics , Hepatic Artery , Humans , Liver , Male , Middle Aged , Portal Vein , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/physiopathology , Retrospective Studies , Spleen , Syndrome , Vascular Diseases/complications , Vascular Diseases/epidemiology , Vascular Diseases/physiopathology
8.
G Chir ; 36(4): 153-7, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26712069

ABSTRACT

AIM: Idiopatic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common indication for splenectomy. The failure rate of surgery is about 8% and the failure rate after splenectomy is approximately 28% for all patients. When the presence of an accessory spleen is diagnosed, splenectomy is recommended. Laparoscopic approach is considered the first choice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: At our Department, between July and November 2011 two patients underwent laparoscopic accessory splenectomy for recurrence of ITP. Both patients had a previously laparoscopic splenectomy. Preoperative Magnetic Resonance (MR) was performed in both the cases revealing the presence of an accessory spleen. RESULTS: The operative time was 105 and 100 minutes respectively. No perioperative complications occured. Hospital stay was four days in both cases. The first patient had a disease free period of two months; the second one of one month. Both patients restarted immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The relapse of thrombocytopenia post-splenectomy can be associated with the presence of an accessory spleen. The laparoscopic accessory splenectomy should be considered the first choice approach. Surgical accessory splenectomy allows a transitory remission of the disease.


Subject(s)
Laparoscopy , Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/surgery , Spleen/abnormalities , Splenectomy , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Laparoscopy/methods , Postoperative Care , Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/diagnosis , Recurrence , Reoperation , Spleen/surgery , Splenectomy/methods , Treatment Outcome
9.
Transplant Proc ; 47(7): 2116-20, 2015 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26361657

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Progress in immunosuppressive therapy and perioperative techniques has improved the survivals of both grafts and patients. The patient, however, is exposed to the risks of aging and side effects of immunosuppression. De novo tumors are the 2nd cause of death in the organ transplant population. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the current accepted guidelines for the pre-transplantation study and the post-transplantation follow-up have been effective, in our kidney transplant population, regarding early detection and treatment, improving prognosis, and reducing mortality of some curable neoplastic diseases. METHODS: We considered de novo tumors in kidney transplant patients from 1995 to 2010 (n = 636) excluding hematologic and nonmelanoma skin tumors from our study. RESULTS: There were 64 de novo tumors in 59 patients out of 636 kidney transplant patients; 29.68% were urogenital cancer, 26.56% gastrointestinal cancer, 12.5% melanoma, 6.25% lung cancer, 6.25% biliopancreatic cancer, 4.68% visceral Kaposi sarcoma, 4.68% breast cancer, 4.68% thyroid cancer, 1 pleural mesothelioma, 1 meningioma, 1 merkeloma. Twenty patients died because of cancer. Ten patients had a late de novo tumor diagnosis, when the stage of tumor was advanced and not suitable for curative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the increased neoplastic risk, we consider it mandatory to carry out a meticulous screening and to implement pre-transplantation study concerning this increased neoplastic risk population to detect a subgroup of patients presenting the highest risk to improve their outcome.


Subject(s)
Immunosuppression Therapy/adverse effects , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Neoplasms/etiology , Risk Assessment/methods , Adult , Aged , Early Detection of Cancer/methods , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/mortality , Preoperative Care/methods , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies
11.
Transplant Proc ; 46(7): 2360-4, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25242788

ABSTRACT

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.


Subject(s)
Hepatolenticular Degeneration/surgery , Liver Transplantation , Ceruloplasmin/analysis , Copper/blood , Hepatolenticular Degeneration/complications , Hepatolenticular Degeneration/diagnosis , Humans , Kidney/pathology , Liver Function Tests , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Young Adult
12.
Transplant Proc ; 43(4): 1107-9, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21620064

ABSTRACT

Although sequential portal and arterial revascularization (SPAr) is the most common method of graft reperfusion at liver transplantation (OLT), contemporaneous portal and hepatic artery revascularization (CPAr) has been used to reduce arterial ischemia to the bile ducts. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare SPAr (group 1; n=19) versus CPAr (group 2; n=21) among 40 consecutive OLT from heart-beating donors. There were no differences in the demographics characteristics, Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores, indication for OLT and donor parameters between the groups. OLT was performed using the piggyback technique. The biliary anastomosis was performed in all cases by a duct-to-duct technique with a T-tube in 32% versus 29% of cases without a T tube (P=.83). In the CPAr group, the liver was reperfused simultaneously via the portal vein and hepatic artery. CPAr showed a longer warm ischemia (66 ± 8 vs 37 ± 7 minutes; P<.001), while SPAr had a longer arterial ischemia 103 ± 42 vs 66 ± 8 minutes (P=.0004). Recovery of graft function was similar. There was no primary nonfunction and delayed graft function occurred among 10% versus 9%. Liver function tests were similar between the two groups up to 90 days case of follow-up- One-year graft and patient survivals were, respectively, 89% and 95% versus 94% and 100% (P=.29). At a median follow-up of 13 ± 6 versus 14 ± 7 months, biliary complications included anastomotic stenoses in 15% versus 19% (P=.78) and intrahepatic non-anastomotic biliary strictures in 26% versus none (P=.01) for SPAr and CPAr, respectively. CPAr was safe and feasible, reducing the incidence of intrahepatic biliary strictures by decreasing the duration of arterial ischemia to the intrahepatic bile ducts.


Subject(s)
Hepatic Artery/surgery , Liver Circulation , Liver Transplantation , Portal Vein/surgery , Reperfusion/methods , Adult , Aged , Biliary Tract Diseases/etiology , Chi-Square Distribution , Cold Ischemia , Constriction, Pathologic , Delayed Graft Function/etiology , Delayed Graft Function/physiopathology , Female , Graft Survival , Hepatic Artery/physiopathology , Humans , Italy , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Portal Vein/physiopathology , Prospective Studies , Reperfusion/adverse effects , Reperfusion/mortality , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Survival Rate , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Warm Ischemia
13.
Transplant Proc ; 43(4): 1119-22, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21620067

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity is no longer a contraindication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) due to the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study was to compare OLT among HIV-positive and HIV-negative cohorts; the results were also stratified for hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection. Between 2004 and 2009, all HIV-infected patients undergoing OLT from heart-beating deceased donors (n=27) were compared with an HIV-negative cohort (n = 27). The pure HCV infection rate was similar between HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects (63% each). HIV-positive recipients were younger (P=.013). The CD4 count for HIV-positive subjects was 376 ± 156 at transplantation. The mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score at transplantation was 15 ± 7 in both groups (P=.92). No differences were observed for donor age (P=.72) or time on the waiting list (P=.56). The median follow-up was 26 (range, 1-64) and 27 months (range, 1-48) for HIV and non-HIV recipients, respectively (P=.85). The estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient and graft survival rates were 88%, 83%, and 83% versus 100%, 73%, and 73% (P=.95), and 92%, 87%, and 87% versus 95%, 88%, and 88% (P=.59) for HIV and non-HIV cases, respectively. HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were younger, namely 47 (range, 40-53) versus 52 years (range, 37-68; P=.003), and displayed lower MELD scores at transplantation compared with HCV-mono-infected patients 10 (range, 7-19) versus 17 (range, 8-30) (P=.008). For HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-mono-infected cases the estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year patients and graft survival rates were respectively 93%, 76%, and 76% versus 100%, 70%, and 60% (P=.99) and 93%, 84%, and 84% versus 100%, 70%, and 60% (P=.64), respectively. No difference was observed in the histological severity of HCV recurrence. In conclusion, under specific, well-determined conditions, OLT can be a safe, efficacious procedure in HIV patients.


Subject(s)
End Stage Liver Disease/surgery , HIV Infections/complications , Liver Transplantation , Adult , Aged , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , Case-Control Studies , Chi-Square Distribution , End Stage Liver Disease/diagnosis , End Stage Liver Disease/etiology , End Stage Liver Disease/mortality , Female , Graft Survival , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/mortality , Hepatitis C/complications , Humans , Italy , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/mortality , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Selection , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Survival Rate , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
14.
Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg ; 40(6): 817-22, 2010 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20869272

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of daptomycin and rifampin either alone or in combination in preventing prosthesis biofilm in a rat model of staphylococcal vascular graft infection. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, controlled animal study. MATERIALS: Graft infections were established in the back subcutaneous tissue of adult male Wistar rats by implantation of Dacron prostheses followed by topical inoculation with 2×10(7) colony forming units of Staphylococcus aureus, strain Smith diffuse. METHODS: The study included a control group, a contaminated group that did not receive any antibiotic prophylaxis and three contaminated groups that received intra-peritoneal daptomycin, rifampin-soaked graft and daptomycin plus rifampin-soaked graft, respectively. Each group included 15 animals. The infection burden was evaluated by using sonication and quantitative agar culture. Moreover, an in vitro antibiotic susceptibility assay for S. aureus biofilms was performed to elucidate the same activity. RESULTS: When tested alone, daptomycin and rifampin showed good efficacies. Their combination showed efficacies significantly higher than that of each single compound. The in vitro studies showed that minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for daptomycin were lower in presence of rifampin. Daptomycin prevented the emergence of rifampin resistance. CONCLUSION: Daptomycin is an important candidate for prevention of staphylococcal biofilm-related infection and rifampin could serve as an interesting anti-staphylococcal antibiotic enhancer.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage , Antibiotic Prophylaxis , Biofilms , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/adverse effects , Blood Vessel Prosthesis/adverse effects , Coated Materials, Biocompatible , Daptomycin/administration & dosage , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial , Prosthesis-Related Infections/prevention & control , Rifampin/administration & dosage , Staphylococcal Infections/prevention & control , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Animals , Blood Vessel Prosthesis/microbiology , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/instrumentation , Colony Count, Microbial , Disease Models, Animal , Drug Therapy, Combination , Male , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Polyethylene Terephthalates , Prospective Studies , Prosthesis Design , Prosthesis-Related Infections/microbiology , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology , Staphylococcus aureus/growth & development
15.
Transplant Proc ; 42(4): 1320-1, 2010 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20534291

ABSTRACT

Nonadherence to immunosuppressive regimens among solid organ transplantation to range has been estimated from 15% to 55%. This problem has been identified as a leading cause of preventable graft loss. Tacrolimus once daily Advagraf has been developed to provide a more convenient dosing regimen to improve adherence. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety of a 1:1 dose conversion from twice-daily tacrolimus (Prograf) to Advagraf in 36 stable liver transplant recipients. The tacrolimus whole blood trough level at T0 was 6.7 +/- 2.9 ng/mL with a daily dose of 3.7 +/- 1.8 mg. The mean tacrolimus blood trough levels at T1 (7 days) and T2 (14 days) were 5.8 +/- 2.5 and 5.8 +/- 1.8 ng/mL with mean daily doses of 3.9 +/- 1.9 and 4.1 +/- 1.8 mg, respectively. There was no significant difference between T0, T1, and T2, either for tacrolimus blood trough levels or for tacrolimus daily dosages. Liver and renal function tests remained stable; no episodes of acute rejection were encountered after the conversion. A switching policy using a dose ratio of 1:1 from twice-daily tacrolimus to once-daily prolonged-release tacrolimus was safely applied to stable liver transplant recipients.


Subject(s)
Delayed-Action Preparations/therapeutic use , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Liver Transplantation/immunology , Tacrolimus/therapeutic use , Delayed-Action Preparations/administration & dosage , Drug Administration Schedule , Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage , Immunosuppressive Agents/blood , Kidney Function Tests , Kinetics , Liver Function Tests , Liver Transplantation/physiology , Safety , Tacrolimus/administration & dosage , Tacrolimus/blood
16.
Dig Liver Dis ; 42(1): 55-60, 2010 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19497797

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of this study is to describe de novo post-liver transplant malignancies and compare their frequency with incidence rates from Italian cancer registries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred and seventeen patients subjected to liver transplantation, from 1991 to 2005, surviving for at least 30 days and without a previous diagnosis of cancer (including hepatocellular carcinoma), were evaluated for the development of de novo malignancies excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. RESULTS: During a total follow-up time of 2856 person-years, 43 de novo malignancies were diagnosed in 43 liver transplantation recipients (10.3%). The most common cancers were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (9 cases), cancer of the head and neck (8 cases), Kaposi's sarcoma (6 cases) and esophageal carcinoma (5 cases). The 1, 3, 5 and 10 years estimated survival rates were 69%, 57%, 53% and 42%. Patients with de novo cancers had a lower 10-year survival rate than patients without cancers (58% versus 76%, p=0.005). The risk of cancer after liver transplantation was nearly 3-fold higher than that of the general population of the same age and sex (95% CI: 1.9-3.6). De novo tumour sites or types with significantly elevated SIR included Kaposi's sarcoma (SIR=144), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR=13.8), esophagus (SIR=23.4), head and neck cancers (SIR=7) and cervix uteri (SIR=30.7). CONCLUSIONS: Tumours after liver transplantation are associated with lower long-term survival, confirming that cancer is a major cause of late mortality in liver transplantation.


Subject(s)
Liver Transplantation , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Incidence , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Registries , Risk , Survival Analysis
17.
Transplant Proc ; 41(4): 1293-4, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19460542

ABSTRACT

The indications for organ transplantation continue to broaden with advances in perioperative care and immunosuppression. The elderly have especially benefited from this progress; advanced age is no longer considered a contraindication to transplantation at most centers. Although numerous studies support the use of renal allografts in older patients, only a few centers have addressed this issue as it pertains to liver transplantation. Published studies have revealed that operative course, length of hospitalization, and incidence of perioperative complications among patients older than 60 years of age are comparable with their younger adult counterparts. In our study we analyzed the clinical experiences of two centers with primary cadaveric orthotopic liver transplantations comparing patients older than 63 with patients younger than 40 years of age, suggesting no difference in unadjusted survival with age stratification. Now age cannot be considered to be a contraindication to liver transplantation.


Subject(s)
Graft Survival , Liver Transplantation , Survival Rate , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male
18.
Transplant Proc ; 41(4): 1303-5, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19460546

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to describe de novo post-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) malignancies for comparison with incidence rates in Italian cancer registries. Three hundred thirteen OLT patients engrafted from 1991 to 2006 and surviving 12 months without a previous diagnosis of cancer were evaluated for the development of de novo malignancies excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers. During a total follow-up time of 1753 PYs, 40 (12.8%) de novo malignancies were diagnosed in 40 recipients. The most common cancers were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; 20%), cancer of the head and neck (17%), Kaposi sarcoma (KS; 17%), and esophageal tumors (12%). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year estimated survival rates were 70%, 56%, 48%, and 39%. Patients with de novo cancers showed a lower 10-years survival rate (P = .0047) than patients without (39% vs 75%). The risk of cancer after OLT was 3-fold higher than that of the general population of the same age and gender (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-4.3). De novo tumor sites or types with significantly elevated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) included KS (SIRs = 212), NHL (SIRs = 13.7), oesophagus (SIRs = 18.7), melanoma (SIRs = 10.1), and head and neck cancers (SIRs = 4.6). Tumors after OLT were associated with lower long-term survival, confirming that cancer is a major cause of late mortality.


Subject(s)
Liver Transplantation , Neoplasms/etiology , Humans , Survival Rate
19.
Transplant Proc ; 41(4): 1313-5, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19460549

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in organ preservation, immunosuppression, and surgical techniques, the biliary tree is still considered the Achilles' heel of liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the incidence of biliary complications and identify predisposing risk factors. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2007, 117 consecutive deceased donor liver transplantations were retrospectively analyzed for the development of biliary complications by review of medical records. Patients were divided into group 1 with biliary complications (n = 43) and group 2 without biliary complications (n = 74). RESULTS: The overall biliary complication rate was 36.8%; leakage 6% and stricture 30.8%. Univariate analysis indicated that significant predictors of biliary complications were the time interval between portal and arterial reperfusion (P = .037) and macrovacuolar steatosis of the graft >25% (P = .004). A stepwise logistic regression model demonstrated that >25% macrosteatosis of the graft was the only independent risk factor predicting biliary complications after liver transplantation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.21; CI 95% [1.79-15.15]; P = .002). No differences were noted in patient or graft survival between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of a liver with >25% steatosis was a risk factor for the development of a biliary complication.


Subject(s)
Biliary Tract/pathology , Fatty Liver/etiology , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors
20.
Transplant Proc ; 40(10): 3800-3, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19100495

ABSTRACT

Pseudo-aneurysms (PAs) of the hepatic artery are rare complications of liver transplantation, which are characterized by a high mortality rate. The majority occur within the first 2 months after orthotopic liver transplantation. They become clinically manifest with sudden hypotension, gastrointestinal bleeding, and abnormal liver function test results. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. Conventional treatment consists of surgical resection and vascular reconstruction, but a feasible treatment option involves an angiographic approach with the positioning of a stent or transarterial coil embolization followed by revascularization. We report a case of posttransplantation hepatic artery PA (HA-PA) with bleeding into the duodenum, diagnosed using abdominal computed tomography (CT). Arterial kinking prevented a covered stent graft from being inserted successfully using X-ray angiography, so the patient underwent emergency surgery in an attempt to exclude the PA and revascularize the organ via an aorto-hepatic bypass with an iliac vascular graft obtained from the donor. The surgical procedure failed due to progressive macroscopic dissection of the HA wall up to the bifurcation. The patient underwent retransplantation but died 25 days later due to multiple-organ failure. Histopathology of the first liver graft confirmed arterial graft dissection and pathological changes in the donor HA wall.


Subject(s)
Aneurysm, False/pathology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/surgery , Hepatic Artery/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic/surgery , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Liver Transplantation/pathology , Anastomosis, Surgical , Anemia/etiology , Duodenal Diseases/diagnosis , Fatal Outcome , Hepatic Veins/surgery , Humans , Liver Transplantation/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Vena Cava, Inferior/surgery
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