Nephrological indications in combined liver-kidney transplantation

In isolated liver transplantation pretransplant renal failure is a major mortality risk, there are no guidelines at the moment to establish the indications for a combined liver-kidney transplantation (LKT). In irreversible chronic renal failure (CRF) not on dialysis, nephrological evaluation is required to assess the need for a simultaneous kidney transplantation. There are no experiences about the functional contribution of native kidneys post-LKT. Herein we have reported the case of two patients who underwent LKT in 2004 due to CRF, not yet on dialysis. At the moment of LKT, the first patient (polycystic kidney disease) had a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) = 29 mL/min, and the second recipient (vascular nephropathy and diabetes), a GFR = 33 mL/min. In both cases we did not observe delayed graft function. At discharge the serum creatinine was 1.1 and 1.0 mg/dL, respectively, which was maintained during follow-up. In both cases renal scintigraphy with Tc-99 DMSA was performed to evaluate the functional contributions of transplanted versus native kidneys. In the first case scintigraphy at 9 months after LKT demonstrated an 81% contribution from the transplanted kidney, 9% from the right and 10% from the left native kidneys. In the second case, at 3 months after LKT, the functional contributions were 76%, 10%, and 14%, respectively. The transplanted kidney nephron mass may avoid the need for hemodialysis in the early posttransplant period; in the midterm it may help to maintain residual renal function. As in other combined transplant programs (heart-kidney, kidney-pancreas) with irreversible CRF, a GFR < or = 30 to 35 mL/min may be an indication for LKT, but we need more experience.     

Renal function outcomes following liver transplantation and combined liver-kidney transplantation

Acute renal failure (ARF) is common immediately after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), whereas the incidences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease increase with time. Introduction of the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score-intended to prioritize patients with more-severe pretransplantation liver disease in general, and worse pretransplantation renal function in particular-for the allocation of liver grafts led to concerns about compromised patient and allograft survival and increased incidence of postoperative ARF and CKD. Nonetheless, it has been suggested that early OLT of candidates with baseline renal dysfunction improves post-transplantation renal outcomes. For OLT candidates with mild to moderate chronic renal impairment or recent-onset ARF, the decision of whether to perform OLT alone or combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) can be challenging because no single factor has been shown to be predictive of the degree of renal function recovery or CKD progression following successful OLT. In this article, we provide an overview of the literature on renal function outcomes following OLT and CLKT, share our perspectives on the potential predictors of renal dysfunction or nonrecovery of renal function after OLT, and present United Network for Organ Sharing data on patient and allograft outcomes in CLKT recipients in the pre-MELD and post-MELD eras. Mechanisms that might underlie immunological protection of kidney grafts by liver allografts are also discussed.     

肝肾联合移植的临床经验

目的 探讨肝肾联合移植的适应证、手术技术、治疗经验及并发症防治。方法2001年10月至2005年3月进行肝肾联合移植13例。男12例，女1例。年龄41—66岁，平均54岁。原发病：多囊肝、多囊肾并尿毒症3例，酒精性肝硬化合并尿毒症2例，乙型肝炎肝硬化合并尿毒症7例，肾移植术后14年丙型肝炎肝硬化导致肝衰竭伴移植肾功能不全尿毒症1例。肝移植采用经典非转流原位肝移植术式和背驮式肝移植术式，肾移植为常规术式。病肝切除时注意细致分离第三肝门、创面及时止血。以抗胸腺细胞球蛋白或白细胞介素-2受体单克隆抗体作为免疫诱导，术后服用他克莫司、吗替麦考酚酯及激素维持免疫抑制治疗。患者门诊随访，复查血、尿常规．肝肾功能，他克莫司血药浓度以及移植物B超等。随访时间12—53个月。结果13例手术均成功。术后发生急性排斥反应1例，继发性出血1例，心肌梗死1例（死亡），胸腔积液4例，肺部感染3例（1例死亡）。除死亡病例外，所有并发症经相应治疗后逆转治愈。11例存活者肝肾功能正常，其中存活4年5个月者1例，存活3年以上者2例，2年以上者6例，1年以上者2例。1例49岁患者术后18个月死于心肌梗死，1例52岁患者术后13个月死于肺部巨细胞病毒感染。结论 肝肾联合移植是肝肾功能衰竭的有效治疗手段。娴熟的手术技巧和并发症的及时诊治是肝肾联合移植成功的关键。     

肝肾联合移植36例的预后分析

目的 分析肝肾联合移植36例的治疗效果及存活情况.方法 回顾性分析20022011年单中心施行的36例肝肾联合移植的临床资料.受者的年龄为(47.4±13.1)岁,术前4例曾接受过肝移植,7例曾接受肾移植.统计术后并发症发生情况及受者和移植物的存活情况.结果 存活受者随访47.9个月(29.1～115.7个月).术后1、3和5年受者存活率分别为88.7％、85.4％和81.4％;1、3和5年移植肝存活率分别为79.8％、76.3％和72.3％;1、3和5年移植肾存活率分别为85.7％、82.4％和78.2％.3例受者因严重胆道并发症进行了再次肝移植,1例受者因移植肾功能丧失进行了再次肾移植.结论 肝肾联合移植是治疗终末期肝病伴肾功能衰竭的有效方法,受者和移植物可获得良好的预后.     

Results of combined and sequential liver-kidney transplantation

Experience with combined liver-kidney transplantation (L-KTx) has increased, but controversy regarding this procedure continues because the indications are not clearly defined yet. Between 1984 and 2000, 38 patients underwent simultaneous L-KTx and 9 patients underwent sequential transplantation, receiving either a liver before a kidney or a kidney before a liver. Main indications for a simultaneous procedure were polycystic liver-kidney disease with cirrhosis and coincidental renal failure. The main indications for sequential procedure were cirrhosis caused by viral infection for the liver and glomerulonephritis for the kidneys. Outcomes in these patients were evaluated retrospectively. Regarding simultaneous transplantation, 28 (73.7%) long-term survivors were followed up for 0.7 to 12.5 years. Currently, 24 (63.2%) patients are alive with good liver function. Fourteen patients died; 10 patients died in the early postoperative phase because of septic complications, and most of them were cirrhotic with a poor preoperative clinical status. Currently, 2 of the surviving patients (8%) have returned to dialysis, 4 (17%) have reduced renal function, and 18 (75%) have good renal function. Five liver and 2 kidney retransplantations were performed during the follow-up. In cases of sequential grafting, patients undergoing kidney transplantation in the presence of a previously transplanted stable liver did better than those who underwent liver transplantation after kidney transplantation. When liver transplantation was performed early and electively before substantial worsening, combined L-KTx is a safe procedure offering excellent long-term palliation. (Liver Transpl 2003;9:1067-1078.)     

大鼠肝、肾联合移植模型的建立

目的 建立大鼠肝，肾联合移植模型。方法 选用Wistar大鼠，以4℃乳酸钠林格注射液经门静脉和腹主动脉对供肝和供肾进行原位灌洗。移植时除肝上下腔静脉缝合外，其余血管重建均采用袖套式吻合，将供肾附带的一侧面腹主动脉修剪成椭圆状，方便操作，并满足对等口径吻合，供肾输尿管拖出种入膀胱。结果 共完成35次大鼠原位肝，肾联合移植手术。其中后20次手术成功率为90%，最长存活时间超过5个月。结论 该模型可运用于移植相关研究。     

大鼠原位肝、肾一期联合移植模型的建立

目的　建立一种简易可靠的大鼠肝、肾联合移植模型。方法　以SD大鼠作供、受者,以4 ℃乳酸林格液经门静脉和腹主动脉对供者的肝脏和左肾进行原位灌洗,肝下下腔静脉在右肾静脉以下切断。供肝肝上下腔静脉用显微外科技术缝合,双袖套法吻合肝下下腔静脉及门静脉;带瓣左肾动脉与受者的腹主动脉吻合,袖套管法吻合肾静脉;用支架管重建胆道和输尿管。结果　共完成54次大鼠肝、肾一期联合移植手术,其中预实验24 次,正式实验30 次,正式实验的手术成功率为76.7 %,移植肝及肾功能良好。结论　此模型可以用于移植相关研究。     

临床肝肾移植三例体会

目的　探讨肝肾序贯移植和同期联合移植的手术难点及围手术期处理要点。方法　对2例肾移植术后发生药物性肝损害的病例实施肝移植 ,并对 1例巨大多囊肝、多囊肾的病例实施肝肾联合移植。结果　 2例肾移植术后实施肝移植的病例 ,其中 1例因术后肾功能衰竭导致多器官功能衰竭死亡 ;另 1例术后肝、肾功能良好 ,现已存活 1年。肝肾联合移植病例术中采用肝后腔静脉直接阻断法 ,使重达 10kg的巨大病肝得以顺利切除 ,并采用腔静脉成型术完成改良背驮式肝移植。术后免疫方案采用人源化单克隆抗体达利珠单抗免疫诱导下的以FK5 0 6、霉酚酸酯 (MMF)和激素的三联用药 ,肝、肾功能恢复良好 ,现为术后 6个月。结论　序贯性肝肾移植在术前应该准确评估移植肾功能 ,如果移植肾功能不良 ,应果断选择实施肝肾联合移植。肝后下腔静脉直接阻断法在实施巨大病肝切除时具有较大优势。肝肾联合移植术中及术后建议采用达利珠单抗免疫诱导下的免疫三联用药。     

肝肾联合移植15例报道

目的探讨肝肾联合移植的适应证和疗效。方法对2001年2月至2003年12月施行肝肾联合移植术的15例患者进行了随访。15例中,乙型肝炎后肝硬化合并肝肾综合征8例、合并尿毒症2例、合并糖尿病肾病1例;多囊肝和多囊肾2例;Caroli病合并多囊肾1例;酒精性肝硬化合并尿毒症1例。对肝肾联合移植患者的手术方式,围手术期并发症,术后急、慢性排斥反应和乙型肝炎复发情况及随访结果进行了分析。结果15例肝肾联合移植术后移植物功能均恢复良好,6个月和1年生存率为100%。1例术前有严重营养不良者,术后给与48d的呼吸机支持后康复。术后创面出血和消化道出血各1例,经非手术治疗后治愈。胆道吻合口狭窄1例,用内镜下球囊扩张术治愈。1例术后2周发生急性移植肝排斥反应,给予激素冲击治疗后得到控制。1例术后30个月时因停用拉米夫定后乙型肝炎复发死于移植肝功能丧失。结论肝肾联合移植是终末期肝病合并慢性肾功能衰竭或肾功能损害的安全有效方法。对乙型肝炎患者术后尽早应用拉米夫定和乙型肝炎病毒免疫球蛋白预防肝炎复发。     

Comparison of renal allograft outcomes in combined liver-kidney transplantation versus subsequent kidney transplantation in liver transplant recipients: Analysis of UNOS Database

BACKGROUND: There may be an allograft-enhancing effect by the liver on the renal allograft in the setting of simultaneous combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) from the same donor. This study was performed to investigate whether an existing liver allograft could protect a kidney allograft from immunologic injury due to histoincompatibility in liver transplant recipients who received sequential kidney transplantation (KALT). METHODS: Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database covering January 1996 to December 2003, outcomes of 352 KALT were compared to 1,136 CLKT. Incidence of acute and chronic rejection and rejection-free renal graft survival was compared between two groups. RESULTS: Renal half-life of KALT allografts was shorter than CLKT group (6.6+/-0.9 vs. 11.7+/-1.3 years, P < 0.001). Incidence of chronic rejection in KALT group was higher than CLKT group (4.6 vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001). One and three-year rejection-free renal graft survival of KALT and CLKT groups were different (77% and 67% KALT vs. 85% and 78% CLKT, respectively; P < 0.001). Among human leukocyte antigen mismatched and sensitized patients, rejection-free renal graft survival of KALT group was inferior to the CLKT group (75% at 1 year and 61% 3 years vs. 86% at 1 year and 79% 3 years, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Liver allograft provided renal graft immunoprotection if both organs are transplanted simultaneously (immunogenetic identity), but not for kidneys transplanted subsequently.     

Significance of a T-lymphocytotoxic crossmatch in liver and combined liver-kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND: In contrast to kidney transplants a positive crossmatch is no contraindication for liver transplantation (OLT). In liver transplantation, antibody mediated rejections are rarely reported and a liver graft is suspected to have protective effects for kidney grafts when transplanted simultaneously. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a positive crossmatch on outcome after OLT and combined liver and kidney transplantation (CLKTx). METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the impact of a positive crossmatch on graft survival and rejection episodes after OLT (793pats) and CLKTx (18pats, 2.2%). Immunosuppression consisted of either Cyclosporine- or Tacrolimus-based regimens. RESULTS: A total of 50/811 (6%) of patients had a positive crossmatch, 45/793 (5.6%) with liver transplantation alone and 5/18 (28%) of patients with CLKTx. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 122.5 months (median 45.8 months). One- and 5-year graft survival rates of liver transplants alone with a positive crossmatch were 89.6% and 75.3%, respectively and were 88% and 77.5% in crossmatch negative recipients. Additionally, the incidence of acute and steroid-resistant rejection (44% and 15.5%) was not significantly increased in patients with a positive crossmatch when compared with patients with a negative crossmatch (38% and 19%). None of the patients with a positive crossmatch and CLKTx underwent a hyperacute-rejection episode after transplantation, and kidney graft survival 100%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a positive crossmatch is no contraindication for OLT and CLKTx. Furthermore, not having to wait for results of donor/recipient crossmatching can shorten cold ischemia time and may improve the clinical outcome.     

Sequential liver-kidney transplantation

The indications for sequential liver and kidney transplantation have not been well defined. Two categories of patients may benefit from this procedure: patients with primary renal disease associated with hepatic disorders (glomerulonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, metabolic diseases, and structural diseases) and patients who develop renal failure after liver transplantation. Chronic renal failure is a frequent long-term complication after liver transplantation. End-stage renal disease develops in 2% to 10% of cases by 10 years after transplantation. Kidney transplantation appears to be a better option than dialysis for the treatment of end-stage renal disease after liver transplantation. In contrast, survival rates, after kidney transplantation are significantly lower among liver transplant patients than primary-only kidney transplant recipients. Considering the donor shortage, kidney transplantation should be cautiously considered in liver transplantation patients. New immunosuppressive drugs and protocols are needed to reduce chronic renal failure after liver transplantation.     

Domino liver transplantation: indications, techniques, and outcomes

The long-term shortage of livers available for transplantation has spurred the development of many strategies to bolster the donor organ supply. One particularly innovative strategy is domino liver transplantation in which a select group of liver transplant recipients can donate their explanted native livers for use as liver grafts in other patients. Several hereditary metabolic diseases (such as familial amyloid polyneuropathy, maple syrup urine disease, and familial hypercholesterolemia) are caused by aberrant or deficient protein production in the liver, and these conditions can be cured with an orthotopic liver transplant. Although their native livers eventually caused severe systemic disease in these patients, these livers are otherwise structurally and functionally normal, and they have been used successfully in domino liver transplants for the past 15 years. This article will review the indications for donating or receiving a domino liver transplant, the surgical techniques necessary to perform these transplants, as well as the recently revealed long-term outcomes and risks of domino transplantation.     

Sirolimus rescue of renal failure in children after combined liver-kidney transplantation

Background: Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are the main immunosuppressive drugs in solid organ transplantation. However, their use is hampered by side effects like nephrotoxicity. We report an exceptional experience with three children treated with sirolimus after combined liver and kidney transplantation with prolonged renal failure and CNI-associated nephrotoxicity. Patients and results: Two girls experienced prolonged renal graft failure after combined liver-kidney transplantation for 11 and 12 weeks. Repeated biopsies did not show any rejection but did exhibit tubular damage and acute CNI-toxicity. A boy with hyperoxaluria after liver and (a third) renal transplantation experienced acute renal graft failure after an early steroid-resistant rejection. All children were switched to sirolimus-based immunosuppression and cessation of CNI therapy, which was followed by rapid improvement of renal function. Rejection of liver or kidney did not occur after CNI withdrawal. Sirolimus was commenced with 3 mg/m²/day in two doses and resulted in reasonable drug exposure. However, drug monitoring was required to adjust sirolimus dosage. Summary: Prolonged renal failure after transplantation with severe CNI toxicity may be salvaged successfully with sirolimus-based immunosuppression.     

肝肾联合移植的单中心经验总结

目的 分析单中心肝肾联合移植(SLKT)的治疗效果.方法 1999-2010年间共实施SLKT 21例,患者的原发疾病分别为多囊病11例,病毒性肝炎后肝硬化合并肝肾综合征5例,慢性肾炎肾功能衰竭合并肝硬化2例,肾移植术后移植肾功能丧失合并肝硬化2例,肝炎后肝硬化合并糖尿病肾病1例.统计患者的资料,与同期同中心"中国肝移植注册网站"收录的肝炎后肝硬化行肝移植的133例(LT组)和"中国肾移植科学登记系统"收录的尸体肾移植609例(KT组)进行对比,分析各组受者术前状态和预后的差异.结果 SLKT组术前终末期肝病模型(MELD)评分为21.3±5.5,血肌酐为(516.0±329.9)mmol/L;LT组术前MELD评分为20.6±9.9,血肌酐为(111.4±138.1)mmol/L,与SLKT组相比较,血肌酐的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).SLKT组中,3例分别于术后2周、半年和5年因感染而死亡,1例因多器官功能衰竭而死亡,1例于术后5年自行停药,因排斥反应而死亡.SLKT组术后1年内移植肾急性排斥反应的发生率为零,KT组为6 %(P＞0.05).术后SLKT组移植肾功能延迟恢复的发生率为9.5 %,KT组为17.3 %(P＞0.05).SLKT组术后1、3和5年的受者存活率分别为87.7 %、67.8 %和67.8 %,LT组分别为84.2 %、73.5 %和69.4 %(P＞0.05).结论 SLKT是终末期肝、肾疾病的有效、安全的治疗方法.

Abstract：

Objective To analyze the curative effect of simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation (SLKT) for patients with end-stage liver and kidney diseases and liver cirrhosis patients with hepatorenal syndrome.Methods All SLKTs (n=21) performed at our center from January 1999 to December 2010 were reviewed and SLKT outcomes were compared with those of kidney transplantation (KT) (n=609) and liver transplantation (LT) (n=133) performed during the same period.Results There were 3 deaths due to infection 2 weeks, 6 months and 5 years respectively after operation. One patient died due to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome 2 weeks after operation. One patient was dead 5 years after operation because of rejection. MELD level between SLKT and LT had no significant difference, but serum creatinine in SLKT group was significantly higher than in LT group (516.0±329.9 vs 111.4±138.1 mmol/L, P<0.01). The 1-year acute kidney rejection rate and rate of delayed graft function (DGF) of the kidney had no significant difference between SLKT group (0 vs 9.5 %) and KT group (6 % vs 17.3 %). There was no significant difference in one-, 3- and 5-year patient survival rate between SLKT group (87.7 %, 67.8 % and 67.8 %) and LT group (84.2 %, 73.5 % and 69.4 %).Conclusion SLKT is a safe and effective treatment for end-stage liver and kidney diseases.     

肝或肾移植术后受者再次行一期肝肾联合移植三例报告

目的 探讨肝或肾移植术后受者再次行一期肝肾联合移植的手术适应证、术后并发症及存活情况.方法 对2003年10月至2008年12月施行的3例肝或肾移植术后再次行一期肝肾联合移植的受者进行随访,并进行文献复习.对其围手术期死亡率、术后并发症及存活情况进行总结.结果 围手术期死亡率为33.3%(1/3).术后并发症:1例因腹腔出血术后第29天死于肺部感染、急性移植肾功能衰竭和多器官功能衰竭;3例患者均发生了肺部感染;无急性排斥反应发生.2例存活患者,从首次移植计算,已经分别存活56个月和228个月;从一期肝肾联合移植计算,已经分别存活40个月和48个月.结论 肝肾联合移植是治疗终末期肝肾疾病的有效方法.肝或肾移植术后受者再次行一期肝肾联合移植是可行的.     

Declining outcomes in simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation in the MELD era: ineffective usage of renal allografts

BACKGROUND: When the United Network for Organ Sharing changed its algorithm for liver allocation to the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) system in 2002, highest priority shifted to patients with renal insufficiency as a major component of their end-stage liver disease. An unintended consequence of the new system was a rapid increase in the number of simultaneous liver-kidney transplants (SLK) being performed yearly. METHODS: Adult recipients of deceased donor liver transplants (LT, n=19,137), kidney transplants (n=33,712), and SLK transplants (n=1,032) between 1987 and 2006 were evaluated based on United Network for Organ Sharing data. Recipients were stratified by donor subgroup, MELD score, pre- versus post-MELD era, and length of time on dialysis. Matched-control analyses were performed, and graft and patient survival were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. RESULTS: MELD era outcomes demonstrate a decline in patient survival after SLK. Using matched-control analysis, we are unable to demonstrate a benefit in the SLK cohort compared with LT, despite the fact that higher quality allografts are being used for SLK. Subgroup analysis of the SLK cohort did demonstrate an increase in overall 1-year patient and liver graft survival only in those patients on long-term dialysis (> or =3 months) compared with LT (84.5% vs. 70.8%, P=0.008; hazards ratio 0.57 [95% CI 0.34, 0.95], P=0.03). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that SLK may be overused in the MELD era and that current prioritization of kidney grafts to those liver failure patients results in wasting of limited resources.