Utility of Oral Anticoagulants as Prophylaxis of Recurrent Portal Thrombosis after Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a relatively common finding in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Although the recommendation to prevent its recurrence is anticoagulation for a duration of 3 to 6 months, this is controversial. AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of oral anticoagulants (OAC) as prophylaxis for recurrent PVT after liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 215 liver transplant patients who underwent surgery in our center from January 2012 to August 2017. We selected all patients diagnosed with PVT either pre-transplantation (using Doppler echography or Angio-CT) or during transplant surgery. All patients with PVT were initially anticoagulated with low-molecular-weight heparin in the postoperative period; at discharge they received OAC for a duration of six months. Control Doppler ultrasound was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months post-transplantation. RESULTS: PVT was identified in 37 out of 215 patients (17.2%). PVT was diagnosed with a pre-transplant vascular study in 17 out of 37 cases (45.9%). All patients were anticoagulated with OAC (warfarin) for at least 6 months. There were no cases of recurrent thrombosis and no complications associated with anticoagulant treatment throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of portal thrombosis in liver transplant patients in our study was fairly high, at 17.2%. PVT was identified in nearly 50% of patients using high-quality vascular studies prior to transplant surgery. Anticoagulation with OAC for 6 months was effective in preventing a recurrence of thrombosis and there were no associated complications.

Metabolic Syndrome After Liver Transplantation: Five-Year Prevalence and Risk Factors.

Survival after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has increased over the last decades, focusing on the metabolic complications that contribute to patient morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), its components, and its associated factors in patients who underwent OLT in a hospital in Spain. From November 2001 to January 2014, we performed 415 transplantations in 386 patients. We analyzed 204 patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year (77.6% were male and the mean age was 54.2+/-9.5 years). The most frequent etiology was alcohol (41%), followed by hepatitis C virus (29.1%). The indication was decompensated cirrhosis in 51.8% and hepatocellular carcinoma in 34%. According to modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel-III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria, 5 years post-transplantation MS was diagnosed in 38.2% of patients. Significant independent predictors of post-transplantation MS on logistic regression analysis were as follows: pretransplantation obesity (odds ratio [OR], 3.09; P = .056), 1-year post-transplantation obesity (OR, 3.95; P = .009), pretransplantation diabetes (OR, 4.63; P = .001), 1-year post-transplantation diabetes (OR, 3.01; P = .015), 1-year post-transplantation hypertension (OR, 1.85; P = .176), and hypertriglyceridemia at the first year after transplantation (OR, 2.32; P = .063). In our center the prevalence of MS at 5 years after OLT is slightly lower than published. The most important risk factors were obesity and diabetes (both pretransplantation and the first year post-transplantation).

Severe anemia, gastric ulcer, pneumonitis and cholangitis in a liver transplant patient: multiple organic dysfunction and one etiology: a case report.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral pathogen that negatively affects the outcome of liver transplantation. CMV causes febrile illness often accompanied by bone marrow suppression, and in some cases it invades tissues, including the transplanted allograft. In addition, CMV has been significantly associated with an increased predisposition to allograft rejection, accelerated hepatitis C recurrence, and other opportunistic infections, as well as reduced overall patient and allograft survivals. We carried out a study on a Spanish adult liver transplant recipient who rapidly presented anemia and was diagnosed as having Coomb negative (nonimmune) hemolytic anemia, gastric ulcer, pneumonitis, and cholangitis associated with a CMV infection.

Incidence of hepatic artery variations in liver transplantation: does it really influence short- and long-term results?

BACKGROUND: Some variations of hepatic artery, which show 30% incidence, must be taken into account to avoid damage to the liver transplant during harvesting, we analyzed the incidence of variations and their influence on postoperative results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 325 liver transplantation between 2001 and December 2011. RESULTS: Variations in the hepatic artery were detected in 91 transplantations (32%) including 29 donors (8.9%), 57 recipients (17.5%), and 5 both (1.5%). The main variation among donors was a right hepatic artery originating from the mesenteric artery (38.2%), and a left hepatic artery from the left gastric artery (35.3%). Recipients showed the same distribution: RHA-UMA (right hepatic artery from upper mesenteric artery) (38.7%) and LHA-LGA (left hepatic artery from left gastric artery) (12.9%). 48.5% of donor hepatic variations did not need bench reconstruction, but all RHA-UMA required it mainly due to the donor gastroduodenal artery (7; 58%) We did not observe significant difference in cold or warm ischemia time, surgical time, red blood cell requirement, postoperative mortality, or overall survival when there was or was not an arterial anomaly. But arterial complications were more frequent in cases where there were recipient anomalies or both versus without anomalies or with donor anomalies (20%, 7,8%, 0%, 5,6%; P = .06). Donor RHA-UMA was associated with worse overall survival (69, 2%; P = .07) and longer cold ischemia time and red blood requirement. Bench reconstruction held to longer cold ischemia time and blood cell requirements (P = .01) and shorter overall survival (82.4%). RHA-UMA was associated (P = .08) with worse actuarial survival and a needed for bench reconstruction (P = .01). CONCLUSION: One must be careful during liver harvest to detect hepatic artery variations to avoid damage. Hepatic artery anomalies do not influence liver transplant results except for the presence of an RHA from the UMA with a need for bench reconstruction.

Transplantation for acute liver failure: report of results in the region of Castilla y Leon (Spain) after 10 years of activity.

Acute liver failure is an uncommon disease but its overall mortality rate is still high without liver transplantation, which is the treatment of choice for patients achieving certain criteria. We have reported herein the experience and retrospectively analyzed results of liver transplantation for acute liver failure since the beginning of activity of our group, which is the only one in the region of "Castilla y Leon" (Spain). In 10 years, 14 patients underwent emergency transplantation among an overall series of 325 subjects. The patients were generally young men and women; the average wait list time was 2.14 days. The most common etiology was toxic exposure (no cases were related to acetaminophen overdose), followed by viral infection (all because of acute hepatitis B). Our posttransplant outcomes were: perioperative mortality, 0%; posttransplant in-hospital mortality, 14%; and 1-y, 3-y, and 5-year survival rates of 77.1%, 64.3%, and 64.3% respectively. Retransplantation rate was 7%. A major morbidity occurred in four patients: one primary dysfunction, one hyperacute rejection due to ABO blood group-incompatibility requiring retransplantation, two arterial complications, and two biliary leakages. Our outcomes of emergency transplantation were similar to those reported by both the European and Spanish Liver Transplantation Registries, despite the small number of patients.

Eight years experience with liver transplantation in Rio Hortega hospital.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate our transplant series in light of the parameters outlined in the quality criteria established by the Spanish Hepatic Transplant Society (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático [SETH]). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 240 hepatic transplantations performed in 223 patients from November 2001 to December 2009. RESULTS: Among the series, 57% were in Child class C, 50% had cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma, and 32% had this neoplasm. The most common cause for the illness was alcohol, followed by a virus, namely hepatitis C virus in 76% of cases. The average waiting list time was 45.14 days. The total graft ischemia averaged 460 minutes (range, 265-937). The 4.1% (n = 10), incidence of an urgent retransplantation was mainly due to primary graft failure or arterial thrombosis. During the perioperative period the mortality rate was 2.5% (n = 6) and the 1-month mortality rate was 6.6% (n = 16). The raw survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years after the operation are 85%, 78%, and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our perioperative as well as the long-term results fall within the quality standards established by SETH.

Incidence, management, and results of vascular complications after liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular complications show an 8%-15% incidence after liver transplantation and represent an important cause of mortality. An aggressive policy is necessary for an early diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2009, we performed 240 liver transplantations in 232 patients. We employed Doppler ultrasonography on days 1 and 4 as well as before hospital discharge and always try a radiological approach. RESULTS: The incidence of vascular complications was 7.2% (n = 18) including arterial (n = 12, 4.8%) of early thrombosis (n = 4), late thrombosis (n = 4), and stenosis (n = 4) or portal (n = 3; 1.2%) of thrombosis (n = 2) or stenosis (n = 1); or caval complications (n = 3, 1.2%). Radiologic therapy was effective in 1 patient with arterial stenosis, in the 3 patients with portal complications, and in 2 patients with caval complications. All patients with early thrombosis and 2/4 with late thrombosis required retransplantation. Surgical treatment was effective in 1 patient with late thrombosis, 3 with stenosis, and 2 with caval complications. The overall mortality rate was 16.6%; 2 patients with arterial complications and 1 with a caval complications. CONCLUSION: Vascular complications, mainly artery complications, represent serious problem after liver transplantation, which often requires retransplantation. With an aggressive policy of diagnosis and treatment, we can decrease the mortality rate from these adverse events.

Short- and long-term overall results of liver retransplantation: "Doce de Octubre" hospital experience.

INTRODUCTION: The liver retransplantation rate in Spain is about 6%. The main causes are primary nonfunction, vascular complications, chronic rejection, and recurrent liver disease. The results of this procedure are worse than those of first transplantations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated our experience with 54 retransplantations performed between January 1992 and December 2006, which were 5.6% of the 960 orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) during this period. RESULTS: In this study, 34.7% of the retransplantations were performed between 4 and 30 days after the first transplantation; another 34.7% were within 1 year. Also, 48.9% of the retransplantations were performed in urgent situations. The main causes for retransplantation during the first month were primary hepatic failure (n = 14) and vascular complications (n = 4). After the first month the main causes were chronic rejection (n = 9), recurrence of hepatic disease (n = 3), and biliary complications (n = 4). Postoperative mortality was 23.9% and morbidity was 76.3%. However, 21.2% of the patients needed a third transplant. The overall rate of patient survival was 60.4% (n = 32) and of graft survival was 56.6% (n = 30). The 5-year actuarial graft survival rate was 65.4% with a mean survival time of 89.84 +/- 8.72 months; the 5-year patient survival rate was 64% with a mean survival time of 114.7 +/- 12.53 months. Worse survival was observed in chronic rejection and in retransplantations performed between 31 and 360 days. CONCLUSIONS: Liver retransplantation presents greater surgical complexity than the first transplantation, but is a good option for patients with failure of the first graft with a 5-year patient and graft survival rate greater than 65%.

Disseminated nocardiosis: a rare infectious complication following non-heart-beating donor liver transplantation.

Nocardiosis is an infrequent disease that affects patients who display a cellular immunodeficiency, such as transplant recipients on immunosuppressive treatment, but uncommonly associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Disseminated Nocardiosis affecting the central nervous system (CNS), abdomen, skin, and lungs has been described in bone marrow, lung, and kidney transplant recipients. However, to our knowledge, no cases involving all of these structures have been reported in liver transplant recipients. Herein, we have reported a case of CNS, pulmonary, and cutaneous nocardiosis in a liver transplant recipient who experienced hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and received the organ from a non-heart-beating donor. At posttransplantation month 7 the patient was admitted to the emergency department with poor general health status, fever, edema, and subcutaneous nodules in the legs. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple nodules disseminated through both lungs, abdomen, brain, and subcutaneous tissue. A needle biopsy was performed into one of the subcutaneous nodules. Cultures of the material tested positive for Nocardia farcinica. Thus, we started treatment with intravenous sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP), shifting after 1 month to oral therapy. Radiological examination performed after 2 weeks of treatment showed a 70% reduction in subcutaneous, pulmonary, and cerebral lesions. After 6 months of SMZ-TMP treatment, the patient remained free of the symptoms with involution of the subcutaneous nodules and significant radiological improvement. Among opportunistic infections appearing in liver transplant recipients, Nocardia species should have special consideration according to the success of early treatment and the bad prognosis in cases of delayed diagnosis.

Starting a new program of split liver transplantation after a low learning curve: a reality in centers with large experience in liver surgery and whole liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Split liver transplantation (SLT) is nowadays, considered an adequate surgical solution to expand the grafts from the existing pool of cadaveric donors. METHODOLOGY: A total of 897 liver transplantations were performed between 1986 and 2002; 20 were SLTs (2.3%). A 30% were children. RESULTS: Mean follow up of 15.15 months +/- 13.85. Median age was 42.27 +/- 25.65 yrs. Median recipient weight was 52.29 +/- 20.87 Kg. Mean donor weight was 76.1 +/- 13.11. The majority was "in situ" SLT (65%). There was no primary graft dysfunction. Two patients developed biliary complications (none in situ SLT). Early HAT occurred in 2 patients and delayed HAT in one. Four patients were retransplanted but none were performed because of primary graft dysfunction. Five patients died in the hospital. Fifteen patients (75%) survived the postoperative period and 3 patients died during follow-up. Mean patient survival time was 42 months (95% CI: 31-52). Actuarial patient survival was 93.3%, 84.4%, 84.4% at 6 months, 1 year and 3 years. Mean graft survival was 36 months (95% CI: 25-48). Actuarial graft survival was 87%, 72%, 72% at 6, 12, 36 months. Univariate analysis of risk factors for graft loss showed that the type of splitting technique (p=0.019), and the UNOS (1 and 2a) status of the recipient (p=0.001) were significantly associated with graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of large volume full cadaveric liver transplantation, split liver can provide adequate results (even after a short learning curve) mainly in elective cases and with the in situ technique.

A novel allele, HLA-G*010114, with a non-coding DNA base change in exon 2.

The non-classical human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I locus, HLA-G, shows a low protein polymorphism and a more varied DNA (eight proteins and 28 alleles). HLA-G DNA polymorphism accounts mainly for changes at third codon bases of the protein coding exons; this does not imply amino acid change in most cases. This relatively high HLA-G DNA polymorphism in comparison with their protein polymorphism suggests that evolutionary forces are acting upon HLA-G for invariance. This may be related to the immunotolerogenic function postulated for HLA-G.

Tumor recurrence after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: recurrence pathway and prognostic factors.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation (OLT) has been advocated as a good management option for patients with carcinoma hepatocellular (HCC). More recurrences are extrahepatic due to many pathological factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1986 to December 2003, we performed 95. OLTs for HCC including 73% men of mean age of 54.7 years and 25.3% not filling Mazzaferro's criteria. RESULTS: The recurrence incidence was 15.8% (n = 15), including only extrahepatic lesions in 11 (mainly lung recurrence, seven) and hepatic plus extrahepatic in four. Main late mortality was due to tumor recurrence (n = 12, 33.3%). No differences were observed among sex, preoperative chemoembolization, age, Child, Okuda, etiology, or satellite nodules. A greater incidence of tumor recurrence was observed with a preoperative biopsy (45.5% vs 5.9%, P = .0001); and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 200 ng/mL (37.5% vs 13.3%, P = .08); known HCC (25.5% vs 3.1%, P = .008); vascular invasion (42.1% vs 10.3%, P = .001); > 5 cm single nodule (50% vs 13%, P = .004); more than three nodules (50% vs 13.9%, P = .01); moderately to poorly differentiated tumors (37.5% vs 12.7%, P = .01); pTNM IV (50% vs 8.7%, P = .0001); and not meeting Milan criteria (40.9% vs 9.2%, P = .001). These are the same factors for extrahepatic recurrence. For hepatic recurrence the prognostic factors were: vascular invasion (15.8% vs 1.5%, P = .008), more than three nodules (25% vs 2.5%, P = .004), moderately to poorly differentiated tumors (18.8% vs 1.4%, P = .003), pTNM IV (16.7% vs 1.4%, P = .006), and not meeting Milan criteria (13.6% vs 1.5%, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence incidence with Milan criteria was less than 10%, mainly extrahepatic (lung). Prognostic factors for tumor recurrence were pathological features, namely vascular invasion, more than three nodules, size larger than 5 cm, moderately to poorly differentiated tumors, pTNM IV stage. The use of preoperative chemoembolization did not decrease the recurrence rate. A preoperative biopsy increased the incidence of extrahepatic recurrence.

Second case of neurocysticercosis in a patient with liver transplantation (first case in Spain): a case report.

BACKGROUND: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a disorder caused by the Taenia solium larva. It is the most common parasitosis of the central nervous system (CNS). Its distribution is universal, but it is endemic in many developing countries and in the third world. In Spain most patients come from countries where the condition is endemic. However, sporadic cases occur among the population of rural regions. NCC in transplant recipients is uncommon. One renal transplant recipient developed NCC but responded to treatment with praziquantel. Recently, it has been reported to complicate a liver transplantation. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 49-year-old Ecuatorian man who received a cadaveric donor liver graft in June 2001 due to acute liver failure induced by toadstool and was under treatment with FK506. In January 2006, the patient presented with a generalized onset of a tonic-clonic seizure for 1 minute without sphincter incontinence, headache, fever, or previous brain trauma. Neurological evaluation did not show evidence of organic brain dysfunction. The neuroimaging findings (brain) computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging were compatible with NCC: many cystic lesions intra- and extraparenchymatous with a scolex visible in three of them. Serology for cysticercosis in plasma was initially indeterminate but positive afterward. The patient was treated with anticonvulsivants (valproic acid) and albendazole. Systemic steroids were added in order to reduce the edema produced upon death of the cyst. Treatment lasted 3 weeks and it was completed without complications or neurological symptoms. Liver function was not affected. One year later the patient remained asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: NCC is a condition that must be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with CNS involvement and cystic lesions on neuroimaging investigations in transplant recipients, especially patients originating from or traveling to endemic areas. First-line therapy for active cysts includes antiparasitic drugs (albendazole or praziquantel) as well as steroids and anticonvulsivants. In our patient, this therapy was effective.

A novel HLA-G allele (HLA-G*0108) with an alpha-3 domain amino acid change.

HLA-G non classical class I locus shows a comparatively low polymorphism. It encodes for tolerogenic HLA molecules that may be important in autoimmunity and transplant (and foetal) rejection control. HLA-G molecules give negative signals to Natural Killer and T lymphocytes. In the present paper, a new allele, HLA-G*08, is described, which may be useful for monitoring transplants and for HLA and disease studies.

Short- and long-term outcomes after living donor liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Living donor liver transplantation was first described as a way to alleviate the organ shortage. Extensive studies of both the prospective donor and the recipient are necessary to ensure successful outcome. In this paper we describe our results in 28 living donor liver transplantations from the perspective of the donor and the recipient. METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal, observational, comparative study was conducted from April 1995 to October 2004, including 28 living donor liver transplantations. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up time of 25.6 +/- 20.58 months, all donors are alive, showing normal liver function tests. All of them have been reincorporated into their normal lives. At the end of the study and after a mean follow-up time of 21.2 +/- 14.3 months, 86.3% of the adult recipients are alive. Actuarial recipient survivals at 6, 12, and 36 months were 86.36%. Actuarial mean survival time was 44 months (95% CI, 37 to 51). At the end of the study, 77.3% of the grafts are functioning. Actuarial graft survivals at 6, 12, and 36 months were 77.27%. Actuarial mean graft survival time was 32 months (95% CI, 25 to 39). The main complications were hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 2) and small for-size syndrome (n = 2). At a mean follow-up of 20.33 +/- 7.74 months, all pediatric recipients are alive. Actuarial recipient survivals at 12 and 36 months were 100% and actuarial graft survivals were 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Living donor liver transplantation may increase the liver graft pool, and therefore reduce waiting list mortality. Nevertheless caution must be deserved to avoid surgical morbidity and mortality in with the donor the recipient.

Hepatic vein reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Living donor liver transplantation has emerged as a response to the cadaveric graft shortage, especially for adult recipients. Both right and left liver grafts are widely used, although some technical problems remain unresolved. Herein we describe our technique for reconstruction of the venous outflow in living donor liver transplantation. METHODS: From April 1986 to September 2004, 1012 liver transplantations were performed including 30 living donor liver transplantations between April 1995 and September 2004. We have selected the first 28 cases to ensure a mean follow-up of 21.07 +/- 13.11 months. We transplanted 18 right lobe grafts, 7 left lobe grafts, and 3 left lateral segment grafts. A surgical technique is described herein. RESULTS: No venous outflow obstruction developed among living donor liver transplantation recipients. CONCLUSION: We recommend reconstruction of the hepatic veins in living donor liver transplantation including joining together the three hepatic veins in the recipient to avoid venous outflow obstruction.

Liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: our experience from 1986.

UNLABELLED: Currently liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for early hepatocellular carcinoma and end-stage liver disease. We analyzed our experience to identify factors that could be used to select patients who will benefit from liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1986 to December 2001, 71 (8.7%) of 816 LT performed in our institution, were for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In 25 patients the tumor was observed incidental by (35.2%). All patients had liver cirrhosis, most due to hepatitis C related (35) or alcoholic (14) diseases. Before liver transplantation, chemoembolization was performed in 18 patients (25.4%). RESULTS: Bilateral involvement was present in seven patients. Eight patients showed macroscopic vascular invasion, and eight others showed satellite nodules. Most patients were stage TNM II (29) and IVa (16). Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival were 79.3%, 61%, and 50.3% with recurrence-free survivals of 74.6%, 57.5%, and 49%, respectively. With a mean follow-up of 42 months, 12 patients (19%) developed recurrence and 29 patients died (only 11 due to recurrence). Stage TNM IVa, macroscopic vascular invasion, and the presence of satellite nodules significantly affected overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates and histologic differentiation and bilateral involvement only recurrence-free survival. Patients with solitary tumors less than 5 cm or no more than three nodules smaller than 3 cm showed better recurrence-free survival and lower recurrence rates. DISCUSSION: In our experience, liver transplantation proffers good recurrence-free survival and low recurrence rates among patients with limited tumor extension. The most important prognostic factor was macroscopic vascular invasion.

Idiopathic segmental infarction of the greater omentum as a cause of acute abdomen report of two cases and review of the literature.

The segmental infarction of the greater omentum is a rare cause of acute abdomen. Its etiology is uncertain although several predisposing factors have been underlined such as congenital venous anomalies, sudden change of position and substantial meal. The clinical picture simulates an appendicitis or cholecystitis, thus being difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis. However, ultrasonography or computed tomography scan can help us make this diagnosis and then we alternatively perform a conservative treatment, laparoscopic approach or resection by laparotomy. We present two cases, preoperatively diagnosed by ultrasonography and computed tomography scan that were treated by laparotomy resection. We also review the published cases in the medical literature.