Living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia – An Indian experience

LT has played a significant role in improving the outcome of children with BA. We review our five‐yr experience of LDLT for children with BA. Records of all children who underwent LDLT in our institution over a five‐yr period (August 2010–June 2015) were reviewed and those with a primary diagnosis of BA were selected for our study. Data were extracted from a prospectively maintained database. Additional data were collected by review of case notes and imaging studies. Analysis was carried out using standard statistical means. One hundred and thirty‐two children underwent LDLT at our center over the study period, of which 58 children (31 females) had a primary diagnosis of BA. Thirty‐three (56.9%) children had undergone a prior KPE and 25 (43.1%) had a primary LT. Thirty‐four children had at least one post‐op complication, of which 13 had minor complications (Clavien grades I and II) and 21 had major complications (Clavien grade >II). Thirty‐day survival was 96.6% and one‐yr survival was 91.4%. Univariate analysis of variables comparing children who did and did not have a KPE prior to LT showed that age at LT, weight at LT, PELD, and GRWR were significantly different. LDLT provides excellent outcomes in children with BA. Primary LDLT and LT after KPE provide equivalent results, although the former is technically more challenging as the child is younger.     

Revisited impact of recipient age on the outcome of living donor liver transplantation for biliary atresia in the recent "transplantation era" in Japan

Abstract:  To re-evaluate the impact of recipient age on the outcome of LDLT for BA in an era in which LDLT is the established treatment for BA in Japan. Thirty-one patients with BA who underwent LDLT were divided into four groups regarding the age at LDLT: infants <1 yr old (group A; n = 14); young children 1 to 6 yr old (group B; n = 8); school children 6 to 15 yr old (group B; n = 5); and adults ≥15 yr old (group D; n = 4). Pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors were compared among the four groups. There was no significant difference in number of the previous laparotomy among the groups. Cholestasis was the dominant indication in group A. PELD score in group B was lower than that in the other groups, and blood loss in group B was significantly less than in groups A and D. Ratio of the graft weight to the recipient's body weight (GRWR) in group A was significantly higher than in other groups. Duration of operation in group D was lower than in groups A and B, but there was no significant difference in the length of postoperative hospital stay and graft survival. Although the case volume was not big, the age of the recipient did not have any significant impact on the outcome of LDLT in our series.     

Evaluation of catch-up growth after liver transplantation in children with biliary atresia

Orthotopic liver transplantation (Tx) has improved survival in infants with extrahepatic biliary atresia (BA) when portoenteroanastomosis fails. Symptoms leading to Tx include liver failure, poor quality of life and growth failure. The objective of the study was to determine catch-up growth in children with BA. Medical records and growth data of 36 patients (24 girls) who received a Tx due to BA were analyzed. Thirty-two patients completed 3 yr and 15 patients 7 yr of follow-up after Tx. At Tx, the median age was 2.7 yr (range 0.7-12.6) and mean height Z score (+/-s.d.) was -1.56 (+/-1.3). Patients were divided in two groups according to age at Tx: group I (n = 10), younger than 1.0 yr, and group II (n = 26) older than 1.0 yr. Median age (range) at Tx in group I was 0.8 yr (0.7-1.0) and in group II it was 3.35 yr (1.25-12.6). Thirteen patients (nine in group I) were receptors of living related donors. We evaluated linear growth, liver and renal function, immunosuppressive regimen and allograft rejection episodes. We did not find any significant differences in allograft or renal function, immunosuppressive therapy and number of acute rejection episodes or height Z score at Tx, second and third year post-Tx between both groups. The mean height Z score at Tx in group I was -1.61 and in group II -1.54; at the second year, group I -0.66 and group II -1.08; at the third year, group I -0.17 and group II -0.85; and at the seventh year (total group) -0.3. However, the height gain at the third year was better in group I than in group II (p < 0.01, t-test). Height Z score at the third year improved more than 1 SDS in seven out of eight patients in group I and in only nine out of 24 in group II (odds ratio 11.6). We also found a correlation between height gain at the third year and age at Tx (r-0.65) and between height gain at the third year and height Z score at Tx (r-0.54) (Pearson, p < 0.05). Children with BA who are transplanted before 12 months of age presented better catch-up growth without change survival and morbidity. Orthotopic liver Tx improves survival and also enables height gain in these children.     

Early occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in biliary atresia treated by liver transplantation

A case of liver transplantation for HCC complicating BA in an eight-month old infant is reported. HCC in BA is extremely rare. Screening of AFP and ultrasonographic examination should be performed regularly in patients with secondary biliary cirrhosis for early detection of HCC.     

Apparently increased trough levels of tacrolimus caused by acute infantile diarrhea in two infants with biliary atresia after liver transplantation

Two infants with biliary atresia who exhibited three-fold increased trough levels of tacrolimus and required reduced doses during episodes of acute infantile diarrhea within 5 months of liver transplantation are described. The cause of the increase was not explained simply by hemoconcentration as a result of significant loss of extracellular fluid during these episodes. It does highlight an important issue: that of the continuing need to carefully monitor the trough levels of tacrolimus in such infants.     

胆道闭锁Kasai术后相关预后因素分析和对策

目的 探讨影响胆道闭锁(biliary atresia,BA) Kasai术后预后的相关因素,了解我省BA的治疗现状.方法 回顾性分析2009年1月至2015年12月间,在山西省儿童医院行腹腔镜探查、胆道造影确诊胆道闭锁后行Kasai术且随访资料完整的91例患儿.采用Kaplan-Meier法计算各亚组患儿自体肝存活率.各亚组之间自体肝存活率的比较应用Log-rank检验,多因素分析采用COX回归模型.结果 全组患儿6个月、1年、2年的自体肝存活率分别为76.9％(70/91)、48.3％(44/91)、36.3％(33/91).按手术日龄将患儿分为:＜60 d(34例)、60～90(含60)d(47例)、90～120(含90)d(8例)和≥120 d(2例)组,各组2年累计自体肝存活率分别为55.8％(19/34)、44.7％(21/47)、12.5％(1/8)和0(P=0.047).男、女童2年累计自体肝存活率分别为36.4％(16/44)和46.8％(22/47),差异无统计学意义(P=0.313).有胆管炎发作组(67例)与无胆管炎发作组(24例)的2年累计自体肝存活率分别为31.3％(21/67)和62.5％(15/24)(P=0.011);黄疸消退明显组(61例)和黄疸消退不明显组(30例)的2年累计自体肝存活率分别为50.8％(31/61)和23.3％ (7/30) (P=0.012);肝功能恢复良好组(53例)和肝功能恢复较差组(38例)2年累计自体肝存活率分别为56.6％(30/53)和21.1％(8/38)(P=0.01);Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型、Ⅲ型闭锁的2年累计自体肝存活率分别为77.8％(7/9)、66.7％(4/6)和31.6％(24/76)(P=0.023),差异均有统计学意义.结论 手术日龄、有无胆管炎发作、黄疸消退情况、肝功能恢复情况及胆道闭锁分型为影响Kasai手术预后的影响因素,其中手术日龄、黄疸消退和肝功能恢复情况是影响生存的独立预后因素.提高民众对胆道闭锁的认知水平,加强术后随访评估,对提高胆道闭锁生存率有重要意义.     

Living-related liver transplantation in children--a single center evaluation of the outcome of donor candidates and recipients

Abstract:  The aim was to study the outcome of donor candidate investigations for living-related donor liver transplantation from adult to child. The charts of 25 donor candidates were reviewed. All 22 recipients, of whom 18 had BA, were already listed for DD organ transplantation. Eleven donor candidates were accepted. Seven of them successfully donated the left lateral liver segment. At follow-up, all donors and recipients were well from the surgery. However, one donor developed Crohn's disease. In the four remaining cases the recipient deteriorated before transplantation was possible or other surgical approaches were utilized. For three candidates the investigations were never finalized, due to either clinical deterioration of the recipient or the availability of a DD organ. Eleven donor candidates were rejected. Four of them (three being parents of BA patients) had liver abnormalities. Another three were rejected for cardiopulmonary disorders and the remaining four for other reasons. We conclude that only seven out of 25 (28%) candidates donated a liver segment. The fact that parents of BA patients have potential liver pathology may be of importance for the understanding of the etiology of the disease and have possible implications for the choice of donors.     

胆道闭锁Kasai手术效果影响因素的研究进展

胆道闭锁(biliary atresia,BA)是肝内外胆管进行性纤维化引起肝内外胆管硬化和闭锁的一种常见疾病,Kasai手术(肝门空肠吻合术)改善了患儿预后.手术时肝脏的病理状态,包括肝脏纤维化程度、胆管板畸形、肝门部纤维斑块、胆道闭锁类型都对Kasai术后的效果有影响.单纯用年龄评价手术预后有欠妥当.建立胆道闭锁治疗中心以提高外科医师实施Kasai手术的经验有助于改善手术预后,而胆道闭锁脾脏畸形综合征、早产儿、CMV感染对预后有不利影响.激素、熊去氧胆酸及抗生素的预防性使用其有效性目前尚有争议.     

Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

The results of duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in six pediatric patients who received a living donor liver transplant aged from 2 months to 11 yr old are reported. The graft was either entire or a part of the left lateral segments. The orifice of the bile duct of the graft was anastomosed to the recipients' hepatic duct in an end-to-end fashion by interrupted suture using 6-0 absorbable material. A transanastomotic external stent tube (4 Fr) was passed through the stump of the recipients' cystic duct. Mean time for reconstruction was 24 min. All the recipients survived the operation and reinitiated oral intake on postoperative day 3. There were no early biliary complications. One 5-yr-old boy suffered from an anastomotic stenosis 9 months after transplantation. He underwent re-anastomosis by Roux-en Y (R-Y) procedure and recovered uneventfully. Duct-to-duct anastomosis in pediatric living donor liver transplantation has benefits while the complication rate is comparable to R-Y reconstruction.     

Pediatric split liver transplantation after Fontan procedure in left isomerism combined with biliary atresia: A case report

LI is a subset of the heterotaxy syndrome and a rare birth defect that involves the heart and other organs. It can be combined with extracardiac abnormalities, especially BA. CHD can be associated with LI in up to 15% of cases, although it is rare in BA. Pediatric LT for a child with ESLD due to BA combined with LI and CHD is a challenging issue for a transplant surgeon. Herein, we report a successful split LT on a three‐yr‐old boy with LI who survived after a Fontan procedure due to single ventricle, but who suffered from HPS associated with BA.     

Preoperative imaging evaluation of the hepatic vasculature in biliary atresia patients undergoing LDLT: Comparison of MDCT and MRI

Abstract: LT is the definitive treatment option in the management of end‐stage liver disease. Preoperative vascular evaluation plays an important role for a safe and successful operation in LDLT. The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness and accuracy of CTA and MRA in evaluating vascular anomalies in BA patients undergoing LDLT. Images of CTA and MRA for preoperative vascular evaluation in 57 BA patients undergoing LDLT were reviewed with the operative and pathologic findings. All underwent preoperative CTA and MRA. Pathologic PV (n = 20), interruption of the retro‐hepatic vena cava (n = 1), aberrant right HA from the SMA (n = 2) were confirmed during the transplant operation. The success rate of CTA and MRA in identifying vascular anomalies was 96% and 82%, respectively (p = 0.01). The IQR scores were 3.25 ± 0.53 for CTA and 2.91 ± 0.70 for MRA (p = 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CTA were 85%, 97% and 93%, respectively; and for MRA, were 65%, 95% and 84%, respectively. CTA is superior than MRA in the preoperative evaluation of the vascular anatomy in pediatric BA LDLT candidates.     

Graft fibrosis in patients with biliary atresia after pediatric living-related liver transplantation

Although an LDLT can successfully treat biliary atresia (BA), some patients develop liver fibrosis or inflammation. To study the incidence and risk factors associated with these complications, we performed serial protocol biopsies. Twenty-four patients with BA who received a pediatric LDLT underwent protocol biopsies. All patients received standard tacrolimus-based immunosuppression and steroids. The last available biopsies were assessed. The mean age at the time of transplant was 4.8yr and the follow-up period ranged from 1.2 to 12.3yr. The GRWR ranged from 0.8% to 4.5%. The mean time from transplantation to the latest biopsy was 4.7yr. No complications occurred with the biopsy protocol. The last available biopsies for 13 (54%) and 4 (17%) patients indicated grade 1 and grade 2 portal fibrosis, respectively, and 14 patients (54%) had inflammation. No ductopenia was detected. A younger age at LDLT was significantly correlated with graft fibrosis (p=0.036). These results indicate that biopsy-proven fibrosis can be detected in patients with BA after LDLT, even in the context of normal liver function blood tests. Therefore, a serial biopsy is a safe and effective follow-up procedure for pediatric LDLT.     

Different polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles in patients with biliary atresia after successful Kasai operation and liver transplantation

Background  Although Kasai operation eliminates jaundice in patients with biliary atresia, inflammation at Glisson’s area persists and fibrosis advances slowly to liver cirrhosis. Profiles of polyunsaturated fatty acids, on which metabolic products have an immunoregulative effect, were investigated in this study. Methods  Blood samples were obtained from patients including 21 jaundice-free patients with biliary atresia after Kasai operation (native liver group) and 18 patients in whom Kasai operation failed and liver transplantation was performed (transplantation group). All of these patients are without any complications for more than 6 months. Blood samples from 18 patients with inguinal hernia were assigned as normal controls (control group). Profiles of fatty acids in whole serum lipids were measured using gas chromatography. The n-3/n-6 ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids was compared among the three groups. Results  The n-3/n-6 ratio was 0.114 in the native liver group, which was significantly lower than 0.145 in the transplantation group (P = 0.009) and 0.158 in the control group (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the transplantation and control groups (P = 0.83). Results  The n-3/n-6 ratio was abnormal after Kasai operation despite normal liver function. This seems to be one factor of persisting inflammation in Glisson’s area.     

胆道闭锁Kasai术后早期并发症的分析

目的 分析胆道闭锁Kasai术后早期并发症与激素抗生素治疗方案、生存预后的关系.方法 回顾性分析1994年8月至2008年8月Ⅲ型胆道闭锁Kasai术后281例临床资料.根据治疗方案分为一般治疗A组和术后大剂量激素和抗生素治疗B组.随访术后2年生存,分析早期并发症与手术日龄、术前胆红素、术后激素抗生素治疗方案、生存预后之间的关系.结果 术后共93例(33.1%)发生早期并发症,急性胆管炎最常见.无并发症与并发症相比,术前总胆红素及手术日龄无差异;危险因素分析,急性胆管炎、上消化道出血分别与术前胆红素及手术日龄无明显相关.B组并发症较A组明显降低(25.7%比63.6%,P＜0.01),其中反流性胆管炎较A组明显降低(23.9%比56.4%,P＜0.01),但术后早期消化道出血无统计学差异.2年随访率92.5%,术后2年以上存活率51.2%,早期并发症2年生存率较无早期并发症明显降低(34.4%比59.6%,P＜0.01).急性胆管炎2年生存率亦明显降低(32.9%比59.2%,P＜0.01).B组2年生存率高于A组(54.0%比40.0%,P=0.043＜0.05).结论 胆道闭锁Kasai术后早期急性胆管炎是影响术后生存的危险因素;术后大剂量应用激素和抗生素疗法明显降低早期急性胆管炎发生率,提高术后2年生存率.

Abstract：

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between early complications of Kasai operation and high-dose steroids and antibiotics and to demonstrate the prognosis of biliary atresia(BA). Methods 281 patients diagnosed with biliary atresia(BA) type Ⅲ,admitted from Aug. 1994 to Aug 2008 were retrospectively reviewed and followed up for two years. The patients were divided into two groups. Patients in Group A were controls while patients in Group B were treated with high-dose steroids and antibiotics. We evaluated the relation between early complications and age at operation (days), baseline bilirubin, different treatments and 2 year survival. Results 93 patients had early complications,and cholangitis is the most common, There is no statistics difference of complications in age at operation and baseline bilirubin. The complication rate was 63. 6% in group A, and 25. 7% in group B(P＜0. 01). The cholangitis rate was 56. 4% in group A and 23. 9% in group B (P＜0. 01). Two groups showed no significant difference in digestive tract bleeding. The visit frequency rate was 92. 5%, while 2 year survival rate was 51. 2%. Patients with early complications or cholangitis have a 34. 4% or 32. 9% 2 year survival rate, while those without have a 59. 6% or 59. 2%(P＜ 0. 01). Patients with high-dose treatment in group B have a better 2 year survival rate (54. 0% vs 40. 0% ,P＜0. 05). Conclusions Early cholangitis was the risk factor of outcome after Kasai operation. These data implied that the use of high-dose steroids and antibiotics can lower the occurrence of cholangitis and elevate 2 year survival rate.     

Living-related liver transplantation for biliary atresia associated with polysplenia syndrome

This report describes a 1-yr-old boy with biliary atresia (BA) and polysplenia syndrome (PS) who underwent successful living-related liver transplantation (LTx). At the time of initial hepatic portoenterostomy, he was noticed to have a preduodenal portal vein (PV), non-rotation of the intestine, and polysplenia. Because he did not achieve good bile excretion, he underwent a living-related LTx (using a left lateral segment from his mother) at the age of 14 months. Evaluation of the vascular anatomy was made by angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and Doppler ultrasound. The PV was stenotic from the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and splenic vein (SpV) to the hepatic hilum. The retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) was deficient cranially to the renal vein and was connected to the azygous vein. The supra-hepatic IVC was detected below the diaphragm and was connected to three hepatic veins. The common hepatic artery (HA) originated from the superior mesenteric artery. At LTx, the PV was dissected to the level of confluence of the SMV and the SpV, from which the venous graft was interposed using the donor's ovarian vein. Three hepatic veins were plastied into one orifice, which was anastomosed to the graft's hepatic vein under the diaphragm. The graft vascularity and function has been good for 1 yr after LTx. In the present case, sufficient pre-LTx evaluation of vascular anomalies seemed to help performance of the successful LTx.     

肝移植治疗胆道闭锁:附16例报告

目的 探讨肝移植治疗胆道闭锁的疗效.方法 对16例胆道闭锁的患儿实施肝移植手术,其中7例为劈离式肝移植,9例为活体部分肝移植.术后所有患儿均给予抗排斥、抗感染、抗凝及营养支持等治疗,密切监测移植肝血流及肝功能变化,观察术后并发症及预后.结果 16例胆道闭锁患儿全部手术存活,术后早期主要并发症为感染,以细菌感染为主,感染部位主要为腹腔及肺部.死亡2例,1例术后9 d死于感染性休克,1例术后1年死于严重EB病毒感染、溶血性黄疸;其余14例患儿随访1 ～ 4.5年(至2010年12月),检测肝功能良好.结论 肝移植是治疗胆道闭锁安全有效的方法.     

钙黏蛋白-11在胆道闭锁患儿肝组织中的表达及意义

目的分析钙黏蛋白-11(cadherin-11,CDH11)在胆道闭锁(biliary atresia,BA)患儿肝组织内的表达及意义。方法选取2014年11月至2016年12月就诊的BA和胆总管囊肿(CC)患儿作为研究对象。分析患儿肝脏CDH11与肝纤维化标志基因和血清肝功能指标的相关性。结果 BA组50例,女25例、男25例,中位年龄59.5(46.8～71.8)天;CC组8例,女5例、男3例,中位年龄70.0(49.0～125.3)天。BA组患儿肝脏中CDH11 mRNA表达水平显著高于CC组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。BA肝内CDH11 mRNA表达水平与转化生长因子β1(TGFB1)、转化生长因子β2(TGFB2)、角蛋白19(KRT19)、肌动蛋白α2(ACTA2)、Ⅰ型胶原α1链(COL1A1)和Ⅳ型胶原α1链(COL4A1) mRNA表达水平呈显著正相关(r=0.36～0.73,P均<0.01)。与轻度肝纤维化BA患儿相比,CDH11表达水平在重度肝纤维化BA患儿肝内显著升高(P<0.01)。BA肝内CDH11 mRNA表达水平与血清γ-谷氨酰...     

Successful living donor liver transplant in a child with Abernethy malformation with biliary atresia,ventricular septal defect and intrapulmonary shunting

Abstract: Congenital portosystemic shunts are the anomalies in which the mesenteric venous drainage bypasses the liver and drains directly into the systemic circulation. This is a report of a rare case of LDLT in a four‐yr old male child suffering with biliary atresia (post‐failed Kasai procedure) associated with (i) a large congenital CEPSh from the spleno‐mesentric confluence to the LHV, (ii) intrapulmonary shunts, (iii) perimembranous VSD. The left lobe graft was procured from the mother of the child. Recipient IVC and the shunt vessel were preserved during the hepatectomy, and the caval and shunt clamping were remarkably short while performing the HV and portal anastomosis. Post‐operative course was uneventful; intrapulmonary shunts regressed within three months after transplantation and currently after 18 months following transplant child is doing well with normal liver functions. CEPSh has been extensively discussed and all the published cases of liver transplantation for CEPSh were reviewed.