GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF LIVING DONOR LIVER TRANSPLANTATION.

BACKGROUND: Receptors of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have higher rate of postoperative biliary and vascular complications that may reduce posttransplant quality of life (QOL) due to the need of invasive and repetitive treatments. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to assess the various aspects of QOL of receptors undergoing LDLT after 10 years of transplantation and to identify potential factors that might be associated with impaired QOL. METHODS: Data of all patients with more than 10 years of LDLT were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were interviewed through a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS: From a total of 440 LT performed in 17 years (from September 1991 through December 2008), 78 patients underwent LDLT, of which 27 were alive and 25 answered completely the questionnaire. There were 17 (68%) men and 8 (32%) women, with a mean age of 38.6±18.5 years at the time of transplantation and mean follow up time of 15.1±1.9 years. The average MELD was 16.4±4.9 and the main indication for LT was hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus (32%). When compared to the general po-pulation, LDLT patients had lower mental health score (66.4 vs 74.5, P=0.0093) and higher vitality score (87.8 vs 71.9, P<0.001), functional aspects (94.6 vs 75.5, P=0.002), social aspects (93 vs 83.9, P=0.005), physical aspects (92 vs 77.5, P=0.006), and emotional aspects (97.33 vs 81.7, P<0.001). General health status (73.28 vs 70.2, P=0.074) and pain (78.72 vs 76.7, P=0.672) scores were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the various aspects LDLT recipients' QOF are similar to those of the general population more than a decade after the transplant, except for the mental health domain which is lower.

Boa qualidade de vida após mais de uma década de transplante hepático inter-vivos / Good quality of life after more than a decade of living donor liver transplantation

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Receptors of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have higher rate of postoperative biliary and vascular complications that may reduce posttransplant quality of life (QOL) due to the need of invasive and repetitive treatments. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to assess the various aspects of QOL of receptors undergoing LDLT after 10 years of transplantation and to identify potential factors that might be associated with impaired QOL. METHODS: Data of all patients with more than 10 years of LDLT were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were interviewed through a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS: From a total of 440 LT performed in 17 years (from September 1991 through December 2008), 78 patients underwent LDLT, of which 27 were alive and 25 answered completely the questionnaire. There were 17 (68%) men and 8 (32%) women, with a mean age of 38.6±18.5 years at the time of transplantation and mean follow up time of 15.1±1.9 years. The average MELD was 16.4±4.9 and the main indication for LT was hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus (32%). When compared to the general po­pulation, LDLT patients had lower mental health score (66.4 vs 74.5, P=0.0093) and higher vitality score (87.8 vs 71.9, P<0.001), functional aspects (94.6 vs 75.5, P=0.002), social aspects (93 vs 83.9, P=0.005), physical aspects (92 vs 77.5, P=0.006), and emotional aspects (97.33 vs 81.7, P<0.001). General health status (73.28 vs 70.2, P=0.074) and pain (78.72 vs 76.7, P=0.672) scores were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the various aspects LDLT recipients' QOF are similar to those of the general population more than a decade after the transplant, except for the mental health domain which is lower.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Receptores de transplante hepático inter-vivo (THIV) apresentam elevada taxa de complicações biliares e vasculares pós-operatórias que podem reduzir a qualidade de vida (QV) devido à necessidade de tratamentos invasivos e repetitivos. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os vários aspectos da qualidade de vida dos pacientes submetidos a THIV após 10 anos de transplante e identificar possíveis fatores que possam estar associados à diminuição da QV. MÉTODOS: Os dados de todos os pacientes com mais de 10 anos de THIV foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram entrevistados por meio de um questionário de qualidade de vida (SF-36). RESULTADOS: Do total de 440 transplantes hepáticos realizados em 17 anos (setembro de 1991 a dezembro de 2008), 78 pacientes foram submetidos a THIV, dos quais 27 estavam vivos e 25 responderam completamente ao questionário. Destes, 17 (68%) homens e 8 (32%) mulheres, com idade média de 38,6±18,5 anos no momento do transplante e tempo médio de acompanhamento de 15,1±1,9 anos. O MELD médio foi de 16,4±4,9 e a principal indicação para o transplante hepático foi cirrose hepática causada pelo vírus da hepatite B, 32%. Quando comparado com a população geral, os pacientes submetidos a THIV apresentaram menor escore de saúde mental (66,4 vs 74,5; P=0,0093) e escores mais altos de vitalidade (87,8 vs 71,9; P<0,001), aspectos funcionais (94,6 vs 75,5; P=0,002), aspectos sociais (93 vs 83,9; P=0,005), aspectos físicos (92 vs 77,5; P=0,006), e aspectos emocionais (97,33 vs 81,7; P<0,001). Os escores do estado geral de saúde (73,28 vs 70,2; P=0,074) e de dor (78,72 vs 76,7; P=0,672) eram similares nos dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que os vários aspectos da QV dos receptores de transplante hepático inter-vivo são semelhantes aos da população geral mais de uma década após o transplante, exceto o domínio da saúde mental que é menor.

Quantitative analysis of the renal aging in rats. Stereological study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the renal function and the renal histological alterations through the stereology and morphometrics in rats submitted to the natural process of aging. METHODS: Seventy two Wistar rats, divided in six groups. Each group was sacrificed in a different age: 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. It was performed right nephrectomy, stereological and morphometric analysis of the renal tissue (renal volume and weight, density of volume (Vv[glom]) and numerical density (Nv[glom]) of the renal glomeruli and average glomerular volume (Vol[glom])) and also it was evaluated the renal function for the dosage of serum creatinine and urea. RESULTS: There was significant decrease of the renal function in the oldest rats. The renal volume presented gradual increase during the development of the rats with the biggest values registered in the group of animals at 12 months of age and significant progressive decrease in older animals. Vv[glom] presented statistically significant gradual reduction between the groups and the Nv[glom] also decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The renal function proved to be inferior in senile rats when compared to the young rats. The morphometric and stereological analysis evidenced renal atrophy, gradual reduction of the volume density and numerical density of the renal glomeruli associated to the aging process.

[Cost comparison of cadaveric liver transplantation with living-donor transplantation]. / Comparação entre o custo do transplante hepático cadavérico e o intervivos.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost of cadaveric liver transplantation with adult-adult right hepatic lobe living-donor transplantation. METHOD: Total cost of 25 cadaveric liver transplantations and 22 adult-adult right hepatic lobe living-donor transplantations was considered from the day of hospital admission until the day of discharge. Professional fees and expenses due to post-transplant complications and donor follow-up were not included. RESULTS: There was no difference in hospital stay between recipients of cadaveric transplantation (13.2+/- 4.1 days) and those of living-donor transplantation (15.4+/- 4.5 days). Costs of living-donor organ acquisition (USD 4,975.08+/- 565.34) were higher than those of cadaveric organ donation (USD 3,081.73+/- 305.57) (p<0.001). Implantation costs were similar for cadaveric and living-donor transplantation. Operating room and material costs were higher for living-donor transplantation and medications, exams and blood components costs were higher for cadaveric transplantation. The most expensive component of both cadaveric and living-donor liver transplantation was the cost of medications. Total cost was higher for living-donor transplantation (USD 22,986.60+/- 1,477.09) than for cadaveric transplantation (USD 21,582.90+/- 1,818.11) (p= 0.0022). CONCLUSIONS: Total cost of living-donor liver transplantation is higher than that of cadaveric transplantation.

Comparação entre o custo do transplante hepático cadavérico e o intervivos / Cost comparison of cadaveric liver transplantation with living-donor transplantation

OBJETIVO: Comparar o custo do transplante hepático cadavérico com o transplante intervivos em adultos. MÉTODOS: O custo total de 25 transplantes hepáticos cadavéricos e 22 transplantes intervivos de adultos foi considerado do dia da internação hospitalar até o dia da alta hospitalar. Os custos das complicações pós-transplante e de seguimento do doador não foram incluídos. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença na duração da internação hospitalar entre os receptores de transplante cadavérico (13,2± 4,1 dias) e os de transplante intervivos (15,4± 4,5 dias). O custo com a retirada do fígado para o transplante intervivos (US$ 4.975,08± 565,34) foi mais elevado do que para o transplante cadavérico (US$ 3.081,73± 305,57) (p<0,001). O custo de implantação do fígado foi similar para os dois tipos de transplante. O custo do uso do centro cirúrgico e de materiais foi maior para o transplante intervivos e o de medicações, exames complementares e derivados de sangue foi maior para o transplante cadavérico. O item mais caro no transplante hepático, tanto no cadavérico como no intervivos, foi o custo com medicamentos. O custo total foi maior no transplante intervivos (US$ 22.986,60± 1.477,09) do que no transplante cadavérico (US$ 21.582,90± 1.818,11) (p=0,0022). CONCLUSÕES: O custo do transplante hepático intervivos é mais elevado do que o cadavérico em adultos.

Anatomia arterial hepática: estudo em 150 transplantes hepáticos / Hepatic artery anatomy in 150 liver transplantations

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo tem por objetivo avaliar a anatomia arterial hepática em doadores e receptores de 150 transplantes hepáticos. MÉTODOS: 246 pacientes foram analisados, 129 doadores e 117 receptores de fígado. RESULTADOS: A anatomia arterial hepática era normal em 189 (76,82 por cento) pacientes. Alterações anatômicas foram encontradas nos demais 57 (23,18 por cento), sendo as principais: artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior, artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda, artéria hepática direita ramo da artéria mesentérica superior associada à artéria hepática esquerda ramo da artéria gástrica esquerda e artéria hepática comum ramo da artéria mesentérica superior. Algumas anomalias raras foram visualizadas. CONCLUSÕES: Os achados deste estudo demonstram a variabilidade da anatomia do sistema arterial hepático e alertam para a necessidade de cautela nas dissecções cirúrgicas, principalmente nas captações de enxerto dos transplantes de fígado, para se evitar comprometimento do suprimento sangüíneo hepático.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hepatic arterial anatomy in donors and recipients of 150 liver transplantations. METHODS: 246 patients were analyzed, 129 donors and 117 liver receptors. RESULTS: Normal arterial anatomy of the liver was seen in 189 (76,82 percent) patients. Anatomic anomalies were observed in the other 57 (23,18 percent); the most frequent were: right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery, left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery, right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery associated with left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery and , common hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. Some rare anomalies were also seen. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show a high anatomic variability of the hepatic arterial system. The surgeon must be careful during liver dissection both of donors and receptors in order to avoid inadvertent damage to the anomalous arteries to the liver.

Complicações vasculares pós-transplante hepático / Vascular complications after liver transplantation

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo é apresentar as complicações vasculares arteriais e venosas observadas em um serviço de transplante hepático universitário brasileiro. Métodos: Os prontuários de todos os pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático no período de setembro de 1991 a janeiro de 2000 foram analisados para determinar as complicações vasculares e correlacioná-las a dados clínicos e do procedimento cirúrgico. Resultados:Foram realizados 169 transplantes, sendo quatro inter vivos e nove retransplantes. Um total de 24 complicações vasculares (14,3%) foi identificado em 22 pacientes (13,0%). A complicação vascular mais comum foi atrombose da artéria hepática (15 casos), seguido da trombose da veia porta (quatro casos). Complicações da veia cava inferior infra ou supra-hepática foram incomuns, ocorrendo em um total de três casos (1,8%). As complicações vasculares foram mais freqüentes nas crianças (26,06%) do que em adultos (13,14%) (p<0,05). Dos pacientes com trombose da artéria hepática, um foi submetido à angioplastia, um a trombectomia, oito a retransplante e cinco evoluíram para o óbito enquanto aguardavam retransplante. Dos quatro casos de trombose da veia porta, dois foram a óbito, um foi submetido à colocação percutânea de prótese e um a tratamento conservador. Os pacientescom estenose da veia porta e da veia cava inferior infra e supra-hepática foram submetidos a tratamento conservador, com boa evolução clínica. Conclusões: que as complicações vasculares são freqüentes após o transplante hepático, principalmente em crianças, e são associadas à elevada morbidade, mortalidade e retransplante.

Background: The authors present the vascular complications observed in an academic Brazilian hepatic transplantation division. Methods: Hospital charts of all patients who were submitted to a liver transplantation between of September 1991 and January 2000, were evaluated to determine vascular complications and to correlated them to clinical data and surgical procedures. Results: Of a total of 169 tranplantations performed, four were from living related donors and 9 retransplantations. Twenty-four vascular complications (14,3%) were identified in 22 patients (13,0%), the most common being hepatic artery thrombosis (15 cases) and portal vein thrombosis (4 cases). Complications of the infra and suprahepatic vena cava were observed in three cases (1,8%). Vascular complications were more common in children (26,06%) than in adults (13,14%) (p<0,05). From the patients with hepatic artery thrombosis, one was submitted to an angioplasty, one to a thrombectomy, while eight underwent retransplantation and five died waiting for retransplantation. Of the patients with portal vein thrombosis, two died, one submitted to an endovascular stent placement, and one to conservative treatment. Patients with stenosis of the portal vein and of the infra and suprahepatic inferior vena cava received a conservative treatment, with good clinical recovery. Conclusion: Vascular complications are frequent after liver transplantation, mainly withchildren. They are associated with an elevated rate of morbidity, mortality and retransplantation.