When should a liver resection be performed in patients with liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumours? A systematic review with practice recommendations

Aim

To determine the benefits and risks of hepatic resection versus non-resectional liver-directed treatments in patients with potentially resectable neuroendocrine liver metastases.

Methods

A systematic review identified 1594 reports which alluded to a possible liver resection for neuroendocrine tumour metastases, of which 38 reports (all retrospective), comprising 3425 patients, were relevant.

Results

Thirty studies reported resection alone, and 16 studies reported overall survival (OS). Only two studies addressed quality-of-life (QoL) issues. Five-year overall survival was reported at 41–100%, whereas 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 5–54%. We identified no robust evidence that a liver resection was superior to any other liver-directed therapies in improving OS or PFS. There was no evidence to support the use of a R2 resection (debulking), with or without tumour ablation, to improve either OS or QoL. There was little evidence to guide sequencing of surgery for patients presenting in Stage IV with resectable disease, and none to support a resection of asymptomatic primary tumours in the presence of non-resectable liver metastases.

Conclusion

Low-level recommendations are offered to assist in the management of patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases, along with recommendations for future studies.     

Trans-peritoneal fine needle aspiration biopsy of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is associated with disease dissemination

Background

Hilar cholangiocarcinoma presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. While establishing a diagnosis is important for patients considering aggressive treatment, a transperitoneal fine needle aspiration (FNA) may lead to seeding of the tumour. The aim of the present study was to determine whether patients who have undergone transperitoneal FNA of the primary tumour have a higher incidence of metastases.

Patients and Methods

Outcomes of 191 patients enrolled in a neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by liver transplantation (LT) from 1 October 1992 to 1 January 2010 were analysed. The incidence of metastases was compared between those who did or did not undergo a transperitoneal FNA biopsy of the primary tumour.

Results

A total of 16 patients underwent FNA biopsy. There were six patients with biopsies positive for adenocarcinoma and 5/6 (83%) had peritoneal metastases at operative staging. Nine patients had biopsies, which did not demonstrate a tumour, and had no evidence of metastasis. One patient had an equivocal biopsy. Of those who did not undergo a transperitoneal biopsy, the incidence of peritoneal metastasis was 8% (14/175), P = 0.0097 vs. positive staging (83%) in those with a diagnostic transperitoneal FNA. Survival at 5 years for those who underwent LT was 74%.

Conclusion

Transperitoneal biopsy of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is associated with a higher rate of peritoneal metastases, and it should not be performed if a curative approach such as LT is available.     

Predictors of response to radio-embolization (TheraSphere®) treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastasis

Background

Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) frequently metastasize to the liver. NET liver metastasis has been shown to respond to Yttrium-90 microspheres therapy. The aims of the present study were to define factors that predict the response to radio-embolization in patients with NET liver metastases.

Methods

From January 2006 until March 2009, all patients with NET liver metastasis that received radio-embolization using TheraSphere® (glass microspheres) were reviewed. The response was determined by a change in the percentage of necrosis (ΔN%) after the first radio-embolization based on the modified RECIST criteria (mRECIST) criteria. The following confounding variables were measured: age, gender, size of the lesions, liver involvement, World Health Organization (WHO) classification, the presence of extra-hepatic metastasis, octereotide treatment and previous operative [surgery and (RFA)] and non-operative treatments (chemo-embolization and bland-embolization).

Results

In all, 25 patients were identified, with a median follow-up of 21.7 months. The median age was 64.6 years, 28% had extra-hepatic metastasis and 56% were WHO stage 2. Post-treatment, the mean ΔN% was 48.4%. Previous surgical therapy was a significant predictor of the response with a response rate of 66.7 ΔN% vs. 31.5 ΔN% (P = 0.02). Bilateral liver disease, a high percentage of liver involvement and large metastatic lesions were inversely related to the degree of tumour response although did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Radio-embolization increased the necrosis of NET liver metastasis mainly in patients with less bulky disease. This may imply that surgical therapy before radio-embolization would increase the response rates.     

Role of hepatic intra-arterial therapies in metastatic neuroendocrine tumours (NET): guidelines from the NET-Liver-Metastases Consensus Conference

Objectives

Liver metastasis from a neuroendocrine tumour (NET) represents a significant clinical entity. A multidisciplinary group of experts was convened to develop state-of-the-art recommendations for its management.

Methods

Peer-reviewed published reports on intra-arterial therapies for NET hepatic metastases were reviewed and the findings presented to a jury of peers. The therapies reviewed included transarterial embolization (TAE), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radioembolization (RE). Two systems were used to evaluate the level of evidence in each publication: (i) the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) system, and (ii) the GRADE system.

Results

Eighteen publications were reviewed. These comprised 11 reports on TAE or TACE and seven on RE. Four questions posed to the panel were answered and recommendations offered.

Conclusions

Studies of moderate quality support the use of TAE, TACE and RE in hepatic metastases of NETs. The quality and strength of the reports available do not allow any modality to be determined as superior in terms of imaging response, symptomatic response or impact on survival. Radioembolization may have advantages over TAE and TACE because it causes fewer side-effects and requires fewer treatments. Based on current European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) Consensus Guidelines, RE can be substituted for TAE or TACE in patients with either liver-only disease or those with limited extrahepatic metastases.     

Adjunctive radiofrequency ablation of metastatic neuroendocrine cancer to the liver complements surgical resection

Background:

Resection of liver metastases from neuroendocrine cancer (NEC) prolongs survival and provides durable symptom relief. Not all hepatic lesions are amenable to resection, particularly when there is multifocal involvement. In this study, it was hypothesized that ablation of concomitant non-resectable NEC liver metastases is safe and salvages patients who would not have been selected for cytoreductive surgery.

Methods:

Patients who underwent adjuvant ablation of NEC liver metastases between 1995 and 2008 were reviewed. NEC was classified by patient and tumour characteristics. Regression and Kaplan–Meier models were used to compare variables and generate survival curves.

Results:

Ninety-four patients underwent hepatic resection and intra-operative ablation of metastatic NEC. The median number of lesions ablated was 3, and median size was 1.4 cm. One abscess occurred at an ablation site. Local recurrence was detected in four patients (3.8%). Overall survival was 80% and 59% at 5 and 10 years. Age, gender, tumour type, grade, primary site and need for repeat ablation had no significant association with survival. The Ki67 proliferative index was a significant predictor of decreased survival. Symptom-free survival was 34% at 3 years and 16% at 5 years, independent of the tumour grade.

Conclusion:

Concurrent ablation of NEC metastases to the liver not amenable to resection is safe and increases the candidacy of patients for cytoreductive surgery. Ablation performed intra-operatively and repeated post-operatively as needed provides significant symptom control regardless of the tumour grade.     

Preoperative computed tomography measurements of pancreatic steatosis and visceral fat: prognostic markers for dissemination and lethality of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background

Increased visceral fat and pancreatic steatosis promote lymphatic metastases and decreased survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

Objectives

We aim to determine the utility of preoperative computed tomography (CT) measurements of pancreatic steatosis and visceral fat as prognostic indicators in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

High-resolution CT scans of 42 patients undergoing PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma were reviewed. Attenuation in CT of the pancreas, liver and spleen were measured in Hounsfield units and scored by two blinded investigators. Perirenal adipose tissue was measured in mm.

Results

Lymphatic metastases were present in 57% of patients. Age, gender, tumour size and margin status were similar in patients with and without nodal metastases. Node-positive patients had increased visceral but not subcutaneous fat pads compared with node-negative patients and decreased CT attenuation of the pancreatic body and tail and liver. Node-positive patients stratified by visceral adiposity (≥10 mm vs. <10 mm) demonstrated poorer survival (7 ± 1 months vs. 16 ± 2 months; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma, increased pancreatic steatosis and increased visceral fat stores are associated with lymphatic metastases. Furthermore, increased visceral fat is associated with abbreviated survival in patients with lymphatic metastases. Hence, increased visceral fat may be a causative factor of abbreviated survival and serves a prognostic role in patients with pancreatic malignancies.     

Long-term survival after surgical management of neuroendocrine hepatic metastases

Background:

Surgical cytoreduction and endocrine blockade are important options for care for neuroendocrine liver metastases. We investigated the long-term survival of patients surgically treated for hepatic neuroendocrine metastases.

Methods:

Patients (n= 172) undergoing operations for neuroendocrine liver metastases from any primary were identified from a prospective liver database. Recorded data and medical record review were used to analyse the type of procedure, length of hospital stay, peri-operative morbidity, tumour recurrence, progression,and survival.

Results:

The median age was 56.8 years (range 11.5–80.7 years). 48.3% of patients were female. Median overall survival was 9.6 years (range 89 days to 22 years). On multivariate analysis, lung/thymic primaries were associated with worse survival [hazard ratio (HR): 15.6, confidence interval (CI): 4.3–56.8, P= 0.002]. Severe post-operative complications were also associated with worse long-term survival (P < 0.001). A positive resection margin status (R1) was not associated with a worse overall survival probability (P∼ 0.8).

Discussion:

Early and aggressive surgical management of hepatic metastases from neuroendocrine tumours is associated with significant long-term survival rates. Radiofrequency ablation is a reasonable option if a lesion is unresectable. R1 resections, unlike many other cancers, are not associated with a worse overall survival.     

Tumour growth after portal vein embolization with pre-procedural chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases

Background

For resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases, pre-operative portal vein embolization (PVE) is used to increase the size of the future liver remnant (FLR) prior to advanced liver resection when indicated. PVE is speculated to cause tumour progression, but only a limited number of studies have analysed tumour growth after PVE in the context of pre-procedural chemotherapy, which was the aim of this retrospective study.

Methods

Patients treated with stabilizing chemotherapy and PVE before liver resection for CRC metastases were included. Tumour progression according to RECIST guidelines and a change in tumour volume was analysed on computed tomography (CT) scans prior to chemotherapy, before PVE and after PVE, respectively.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included, of whom 23 had bilobar disease. Of tumours in the embolized lobe, 3/34 showed progression after PVE as compared with 3/23 in the non-embolized lobe (P = 0.677). A decrease in tumour volume of 16% and 11% was noted in the embolized and non-embolized lobe, respectively (P = 0.368). Patients were off chemotherapy in a median of 16 days before PVE. There was a linear correlation between the growth of tumours and time between the end of chemotherapy and PVE (r = 0.25, P = 0.0005).

Conclusion

The rate of progression of CRC liver metastases after PVE and pre-procedural chemotherapy was lower in the present study as compared with previous reports. This applies to tumours in both the embolized and non-embolized lobes and is associated with keeping the time between the end of chemotherapy and PVE short.     

Hepatocellular carcinoma in a large Canadian urban centre: Stage at treatment and its potential determinants

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether there is a significant difference in tumour stage between patients initially found with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at a tertiary hepatobiliary centre and patients referred with tumours detected elsewhere; and to determine variables associated with referral in a palliative stage.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of 12,199 patients seen at a liver clinic over a 10.5-year period revealed 236 patients with HCC first detected internally (internal) and 163 who were referred with a known mass (referred). All patients were staged at the time of treatment using the Milan criteria for transplantation and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. Curative disease was defined as BCLC stages 0 and A. In the referred group, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine which of the following factors were significantly associated with presentation in a palliative stage: age, sex, ethnicity, cause of liver disease, presence of cirrhosis, location of residence and quintile of neighbourhood income.

RESULTS:

In comparing the internal versus referred patients, significant differences were found in the proportion of patients fulfilling Milan criteria (72% versus 36%), those with curative disease (75% versus 49%) and those with very early stage tumour (BCLC stage 0, 23% versus 7%); all differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). In patients referred for treatment of HCC from an outside institution, none of the variables tested were associated with presentation in a palliative stage.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with HCC referred to a liver treatment centre were more likely to be in palliative stages than those whose tumour was detected internally.     

T cell infiltrate and outcome following resection of intermediate-grade primary neuroendocrine tumours and liver metastases

Background:

Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been shown to predict survival in numerous malignancies. The importance of TILs in primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and NET liver metastases (NETLMs) has not been defined.

Methods:

We identified 87 patients with NETs and 39 with NETLMs who had undergone resection. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine TIL counts. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined using the log-rank test.

Results:

The median follow-up time was 62 months in NET patients and 48 months in NETLM patients. Vascular invasion and histologic grade were the only independent predictors of outcome for NETs and NETLMs, respectively. Analysis of intermediate-grade NETs indicated that a dense T cell (CD3+) infiltrate was associated with a median RFS of 128 months compared with 61 months for those with low levels of intratumoral T cells (P = 0.05, univariate analysis). Examination of NETLMs revealed that a low level of infiltrating regulatory T cells (Treg, FoxP3+) was a predictor of prolonged survival (P < 0.01, univariate analysis).

Conclusions:

A robust T cell infiltrate is associated with improved RFS following resection of intermediate-grade NETs, whereas the presence of more Treg correlated with shorter OS after treatment of NETLMs. Further study of the immune response to intermediate-grade NETs and NETLMs is warranted.     

The role of cetuximab as first-line treatment of colorectal liver metastases

Introduction

Recent advancements in the management of colorectal liver metastases have resulted in an improvement in survival. Novel biomarkers such as KRAS, and their mutations potentially predict the response of biological therapies such as cetuximab (Erbitux). This paper evaluates the use of cetuximab in the first-line management of colorectal liver metastases.

Methods

An electronic literature search was performed of publications within the past 6 years. The following key words, singly or in combination, were used: KRAS, cetuximab, metastatic colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastases. All randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included.

Results

Fifteen prospective studies reviewed the clinical application of cetuximab. Seven studies included sub-group analysis of KRAS mutational status, with only one study performed prospectively. Until the MRC COIN trial, the evidence consistently demonstrated cetuximab significantly improved progression-free survival, overall survival and surgical resection rates, especially in KRAS wild-type tumours. However, the MRC COIN trial found cetuximab had no additional benefit when combined with standard chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The literature does not support the routine use of cetuximab as the standard first-line treatment of colorectal liver metastases, rather highlighting the need for the optimization of treatment on an individual basis, especially depending on tumour KRAS status.     

What defines ‘cure’ after liver resection for colorectal metastases? Results after 10 years of follow-up

Background:

During the last two decades, resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) in selected patients has become the standard of care, with 5-year survival rates of 25–58%. Although a substantial number of actual 5-year survivors are reported after resection, 5-year survival rates may be inadequate to evaluate surgical outcomes because a significant number of patients experience a recurrence at some point.

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyse longterm results and prognostic factors in liver resection for CLM in patients with complete 10-year follow-up data.

Methods:

A total of 369 patients who underwent liver resection for CLM between 1985 and 1998 were identified from a bi-institutional database. Postoperative deaths and patients with extrahepatic disease were excluded. Clinicopathological prognostic factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

The sample included 309 consecutive patients with complete 10-year follow-up data. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 32% and 23%, respectively. Overall, 93% of recurrences occurred within the first 5 years of follow-up, but 11% of patients who were disease-free at 5 years developed later recurrence. Multivariate analysis demonstrated four independent negative prognostic factors for survival: more than three metastases; a positive surgical margin; tumour size >5 cm, and a clinical risk score >2.

Conclusions:

Five-year survival rates are not adequate to evaluate surgical outcomes of patients with CLM. Approximately one-third of actual 5-year survivors suffer cancer-related death, whereas patients who survive 10 years appear to be cured of disease.     

Hepatic resection for metastatic endometrioid carcinoma

Background:

The role of hepatic resection for gynaecological tumours is not well defined as evidence on the subject is lacking. This article describes a tertiary hepatopancreatobiliary unit''s experience with hepatic resection for liver metastases from endometrioid primaries.

Methods:

Five women in whom liver metastases developed at 11 months to 10 years post-primary resection are presented. These patients subsequently underwent hepatic resection with disease-free survival of 8–66 months post-resection.

Results:

Outcomes in this patient series support hepatic resection in the face of isolated liver metastasis.

Conclusions:

The authors advocate that patients with hepatic deposits should be referred to specialist hepatobiliary units with a view towards hepatic resection and a subsequent good outcome.     

Portal vein embolization stimulates tumour growth in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases

Objectives

Portal vein embolization (PVE) can facilitate the resection of previously unresectable colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastases. Bevacizumab is being used increasingly in the treatment of metastatic CRC, although data regarding its effect on post-embolization liver regeneration and tumour growth are conflicting. The objective of this observational study was to assess the impact of pre-embolization bevacizumab on liver hypertrophy and tumour growth.

Methods

Computed tomography scans before and 4 weeks after PVE were evaluated in patients who received perioperative chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. Scans were compared with scans obtained in a control group in which no PVE was administered. Future liver remnant (FLR), total liver volume (TLV) and total tumour volume (TTV) were measured. Bevacizumab was discontinued ≥ 4 weeks before PVE.

Results

A total of 109 patients and 11 control patients were included. Portal vein embolization induced a significant increase in TTV: the right lobe increased by 33.4% in PVE subjects but decreased by 34.8% in control subjects (P < 0.001), and the left lobe increased by 49.9% in PVE subjects and decreased by 33.2% in controls (P = 0.022). A total of 52.8% of the study group received bevacizumab and 47.2% did not. There was no statistical difference between the two chemotherapy groups in terms of tumour growth. Median FLR after PVE was similar in both groups (28.8% vs. 28.7%; P = 0.825).

Conclusions

Adequate liver regeneration was achieved in patients who underwent PVE. However, significant tumour progression was also observed post-embolization.     

Limiting factors for liver regeneration after a major hepatic resection for colorectal cancer metastases

Background

Chemotherapy before resection of colorectal metastases in the liver is extensively used and has been shown to induce histopathological changes in the liver parenchyma, although little is known about the effect of chemotherapy on liver regeneration. The aim of this study was to determine if pre-operative chemotherapy influences the regenerated liver volume after a major liver resection.

Patients and methods

This retrospective cohort study included 74 patients subjected to a major liver resection for colorectal metastases. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they had been treated with chemotherapy less than 3 months before surgery or not. Liver volumes were measured before and 1 year after resection.

Results

Pre-operative chemotherapy reduced volumetric liver regeneration (83 ± 2% versus 91 ± 2%; P = 0.007) as compared with patients without chemotherapy. There was a linear correlation between regenerated volume and time interval between the end of chemotherapy to resection (P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Pre-operative chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases negatively affects volume regeneration after a partial hepatectomy. The time interval between chemotherapy and surgery determines the impact of these affects.     

Pathological response grade of colorectal liver metastases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background:

The complete resection of liver metastases from colorectal cancer is the major determinant of longterm survival. The effectiveness of current chemotherapy regimens has made treatment algorithms more flexible and resulted in many different options. Recently, the pathological response to chemotherapy has emerged as another important prognostic marker. Different systems have been used to grade the pathological response in these patients.

Methods:

This study prospectively evaluates the prognostic value of the pathological response grade (PRG) in liver metastases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results:

Between 2002 and 2006, 50 patients were treated with a sandwich chemotherapy regimen and underwent liver resection. Complete resection was achieved in 45 patients (90%). A strong pathological response to chemotherapy (<10% viable tumour cells in all lesions) was seen in 17 patients (34%). It was associated with a statistically significant longer overall survival (P= 0.019) and was also identified on multivariate analysis as an independent predictor of survival (odds ratio = 243).

Conclusions:

This pilot study demonstrates the prognostic potential of the PRG, which could be used clinically to select patients for an aggressive multimodal adjuvant algorithm. Larger multicentre studies are required to validate this particular grading system. The keys to longterm survival are resectability and chemo-responsiveness.     

HIV and liver transplantation: The British Columbia experience, 2004 to 2013

BACKGROUND:

The demand for definitive management of end-stage organ disease in HIV-infected Canadians is growing. Until recently, despite international evidence of good clinical outcomes, HIV-infected Canadians with end-stage liver disease were ineligible for transplantation, except in British Columbia (BC), where the liver transplant program of BC Transplant has accepted these patients for referral, assessment, listing and provision of liver allograft. There is a need to evaluate the experience in BC to determine the issues surrounding liver transplantation in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS:

The present study was a chart review of 28 HIV-infected patients who were referred to BC Transplant for liver transplantation between 2004 and 2013. Data regarding HIV and liver disease status, initial transplant assessment and clinical outcomes were collected.

RESULTS:

Most patients were BC residents and were assessed by the multidisciplinary team at the BC clinic. The majority had undetectable HIV viral loads, were receiving antiretroviral treatments and were infected with hepatitis C virus (n=16). The most common comorbidities were anxiety and mood disorders (n=4), and hemophilia (n=4). Of the patients eligible for transplantation, four were transplanted for autoimmune hepatitis (5.67 years post-transplant), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (2.33 years), hepatitis C virus (2.25 years) and hepatitis B-delta virus coinfection (recent transplant). One patient died from acute renal failure while waiting for transplantation. Ten patients died during preassessment and 10 were unsuitable transplant candidates. The most common reason for unsuitability was stable disease not requiring transplantation (n=4).

CONCLUSIONS:

To date, interdisciplinary care and careful selection of patients have resulted in successful outcomes including the longest living HIV-infected post-liver transplant recipient in Canada.     

A health technology assessment of transient elastography in adult liver disease

BACKGROUND:

An estimated one in 10 Canadians have some form of liver disease. The reference standard for staging and monitoring liver fibrosis is percutaneous liver biopsy – an invasive procedure associated with risks and complications. Transient elastography (TE) represents a noninvasive, ultrasound-based alternative.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy of TE compared with liver biopsy for fibrosis staging in adults with five common types of liver disease: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cholestatic liver disease and complications post-liver transplantation.

METHODS:

A systematic review of published and grey literature from 2001 to June 2011 was conducted. Included were observational studies evaluating the accuracy of TE using liver biopsy as the comparator. An economic model was developed to estimate the cost per correct diagnosis gained with liver biopsy compared with TE. Identification of moderate fibrosis (stages 2 to 4) and cirrhosis (stage 4) were considered.

RESULTS:

Fifty-seven studies were included in the review. The diagnostic accuracy of TE for the five clinical subgroups had sensitivities ranging from 0.67 to 0.92 and specificities ranging from 0.72 to 0.95. Liver biopsy was associated with an additional $1,427 to $7,030 per correct diagnosis gained compared with TE. The model was sensitive to the sensitivity and specificity of TE and the prevalence of fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

TE is an accurate diagnostic method in patients with moderate fibrosis or cirrhosis. TE is less effective but less expensive than liver biopsy. Systemic implementation of TE should be considered for the noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis.     

Liver transplant outcomes in a Canadian First Nations population

BACKGROUND:

A higher incidence of autoimmune disorders may predispose First Nations (FN) individuals to higher rates and more severe episodes of rejection, graft loss and mortality following liver transplantation for advanced liver disease.

METHODS:

A retrospective review of patient outcomes in a single centre providing long-term follow-up care for FN and non-FN patients transplanted for advanced liver disease was conducted.

RESULTS:

A total of 20 FN and 129 non-FN charts were available for review. FN subjects were younger at transplantation (mean [± SD] age 32.4±4.1 years versus 46.3±1.4 years; P=0.00005), less often male (35% versus 58%; P=0.05), more commonly transplanted for autoimmune hepatitis (30% versus 4.7%; P=0.006), less often from urban residences (25% versus 74%; P=0.0001) and less compliant with medical care (20% versus 80%; P=0.007). After a mean follow-up period of 11.0±1.5 years and 8.4±0.5 years in FN and non-FN subjects, respectively, the incidence and severity of rejection, graft and patient survival were similar between cohorts.

CONCLUSION:

Although demographic profiles, nature of the underlying disease and compliance differed, the rates and severity of rejection, graft and patient survival were similar in FN and non-FN patients who underwent liver transplantation for advanced liver disease.