Reversal of Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease by Switching From a Combination Lipid Emulsion Containing Fish Oil to Fish Oil Monotherapy.

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a serious complication of parenteral nutrition (PN). Studies have shown that the amount and content of intravenous lipid emulsions (LEs) used is closely related to the development of IFALD. We report 2 cases of IFALD reversed by switching from a combination lipid emulsion containing fish oil to fish oil monotherapy (Omegaven; Fresenius Kabi Austria Gmbh, Graz, Austria). Patients initially received PN containing SMOFlipid 20% (SMOF; Fresenius Kabi Austria Gmbh, Graz, Austria), 2.0-3.0 g/kg/d, over 24 hours. When IFALD developed, LE was switched from SMOF to Omegaven starting at 1.0 g/kg/d over 12 hours. Case 1 was an 11-month-old girl with a diagnosis of extensive Hirschsprung disease up to the proximal jejunum. She developed direct bilirubinemia at 3 months, and the patient's LE was switched to Omegaven. A decrease in direct bilirubin was observed after 60 days on Omegaven, and IFALD was completely resolved after 90 days. Case 2 was a 1-month-old boy with a history of gastroschisis diagnosed with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome. He could not tolerate any oral feeds and was kept on full PN. He had elevated direct bilirubin and developed IFALD since 5 weeks. Omegaven treatment was initiated at 5 months. Direct bilirubin rose to 8 mg/dL during the first month on Omegaven. Then a gradual decrease in direct bilirubin was observed, and after 5 months on Omegaven, IFALD was completely resolved. In conclusion, 2 infants with advanced IFALD showed reversal of cholestasis by switching from SMOF to Omegaven monotherapy.

Thoracoscopic Approach for Repair of Diaphragmatic Hernia Occurring After Pediatric Liver Transplant.

Diaphragmatic hernias (DH) occurring after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are rare. However, such complications have been previously reported in the literature and treatment has always been surgical repair via laparotomy. We report our experience of minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach for repair of DH occurring after LT in pediatric recipients.From April 2010 to December 2014, 7 cases of DH were identified in pediatric LT recipient in Samsung Medical Center. Thoracoscopic repair was attempted in 3 patients. Patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed.Case 1 was a 12-month-old boy, having received deceased donor LT for biliary atresia (BA) 5 months ago. He presented with dyspnea and left-sided DH was detected. Thoracoscopic repair was successfully done and the boy was discharged at postoperative day 7. Case 2 was a 13-month-old boy, having received deceased donor LT for BA 2 months ago. He presented with vomiting and right-sided DH was detected. Thoracoscopic repair was done along with primary repair of herniated small bowel that was perforated while attempting reduction into the peritoneal cavity. The boy recovered from the surgery without complications and was discharged on the 10th postoperative day. Case 3 was a 43-month-old girl, having received deceased donor LT for Alagille syndrome 28 months ago. She was diagnosed with right-sided DH during steroid pulse therapy for acute rejection. Thoracoscopic repair was attempted but a segment of necrotic bowel was noticed along with bile colored pleural effusion and severe adhesion in the thoracic cavity. She received DH repair with small bowel resection and anastomosis via laparotomy.Thoracoscopic repair was attempted in 3 cases of DH occurring after LT in pediatric recipients. With experience and expertise in pediatric minimally invasive surgery, thoracoscopic approach is feasible in this rare population of patients.