Vascular complications after orthotopic liver transplantation after neoadjuvant therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Liver transplantation after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with localized, node-negative, unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) or CCA arising in the setting of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). However, concern has arisen regarding the potential for vascular complications due to high-dose neoadjuvant therapy before transplantation. We reviewed our experience with specific aims to determine the incidences of arterial, portal, and hepatic venous complications in patients transplanted for CCA compared with patients who undergo transplantation for other indications, and to describe patient outcome as a result of these vascular complications. We reviewed data for all patients who underwent liver transplantation for CCA between January 1993 and April 2006 and compared the incidences of vascular complications to whole organ and living donor recipient control groups. Sixty-eight patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy and subsequent liver transplantation. Arterial complications arose in 21%; portal venous complications arose in 22%; and overall, 40% developed vascular complications. Late hepatic artery complications occurred more often in living donor recipients transplanted for CCA compared with the living donor control group (P=0.047). Late portal vein complications occurred more often in both whole organ and living donor recipients transplanted for CCA compared with the control groups (P=0.01 and P=0.009). Hepatic venous complications were rare. Patient and graft survival were not different between CCA and control patients. Liver transplantation with neoadjuvant therapy is associated with far higher rates of late arterial and portal venous complications, but these complications do not adversely affect patient and graft survival.     

早期肝门部胆管癌放疗联合肝胰十二指肠整块切除和原位肝移植后患者长期无瘤存活情况报告

得长期无瘤生存.所有的患者均耐受了这种大范围手术并获得较好的生活质量.该发现支持对并发有PSC的早期肝门部胆管癌患者行OLT-Whipple手术切除整个胆道系统.     

Mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation

An analysis was made of the causes of death in 22 of 50 patients receiving consecutive orthotopic liver transplants. A close look at the fatal course of these patients revealed three major patterns: surgical complications (27%), pathology of the hepatic artery anastomosis (23%), and cholestasis (32%). Technical factors were the major reasons for excessive peroperative blood loss, and not the coagulopathy accompanying the liver disease. The etiology of hepatic artery thrombosis is not known. It leads to irreversible damage of the graft, causing death due to acute hepatic failure or to cholangitis and sepsis. The only way to treat patients with this complication is retransplantation. Several factors can induce cholestasis. Retrospectively, it appears that this was mostly due to inappropriate immunosuppression, often a result of the difficult differential diagnosis between rejection and viral infection. Recognition of these three basic patterns should enable us to anticipate their subsequent complications. This may lead to a reduction in morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation.     

Impact of cytomegalovirus infection on long-term survival after orthotopic liver transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common and serious opportunistic infections in solid organ transplant patients. In different series the incidence of CMV infection ranges from 25% to 85%. An indirect effect of infection includes reduced long-term patient and allograft survival. Our objective was to determine the relationship between CMV infection and patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1999 to December 2001, 163 orthotopic liver transplantations were performed in 154 patients. The inclusion criteria for this analysis were the absence of retransplantation and survival of more than 6 months. One hundred fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria. CMV infection was detected by positive antigenemia. RESULTS: CMV infection occurred in 65.8% of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation. Their 5-year survival was 85%, with no difference observed between patients with or without infection (P = .8). CONCLUSION: CMV infection did not interfere with patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation.     

Alcohol recidivism impairs long-term patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of alcohol recidivism after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and its influence on the allograft and patient survival, as well as the development of comorbidities and de novo cancers. The study was performed on 54 subjects previously analyzed and transplanted in our center for ALD, whose follow-up was prolonged to a mean of 99.2 (SD 31.7) months (range, 14-155). Medical records were reviewed, and data on alcohol consumption, therapeutic compliance, graft evolution, rejection, infections, comorbidities, rates of de novo malignancies and other clinical events, and survival were collected. Comparisons between groups were performed by the Fisher's exact test, and survival was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Survival curves were compared using the Mantel-Cox statistic. The risk of death resulting from alcohol recidivism was analyzed with a Cox proportional hazards model. Fourteen patients who underwent transplantation for ALD (25.9%) returned to alcohol use between 5.0 and 86.9 months after OLT (median, 47.5). There was no significant association between the presence or absence of alcohol recidivism and the occurrence of graft rejection, infections, associated comorbidities after OLT, or compliance. The 5- and 10-year survival rates for patients with alcohol recidivism were 92.9% and 45.1%, respectively, compared with 92.4% and 85.5%, respectively, for patients without alcohol recidivism. These figures show significantly lower survival rates in recidivistic patients after 10 years (P < 0.01, Mantel-Cox). The fact that patients who resumed alcohol consumption have a worse 10-year survival rate might be attributed to a higher frequency of deaths, primarily from cancer and cardiovascular events.     

Prognostic factors for long-term actual patient survival after orthotopic liver transplantation in children

BACKGROUND: Orthotopic liver transplantation has become the treatment of choice for children with end-stage liver disease. Although results have improved the last decades, still a considerable number of children die after transplantation. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term actual survival and to identify prognostic factors for such survival rates. METHODS: A consecutive series of 66 children receiving transplants who had or could have had a follow-up of at least 5 years was retrospectively analyzed. Actual survival and prognostic factors in relation to patient, donor, and operation related variables were assessed after multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Actual 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival was 86%, 79%, and 73%, respectively. A high Child-Pugh (C-P) score or C-P class C, high donor age, high blood loss index, and retransplantation were predictive factors for actual patient survival. A high blood loss index was correlated with biliary atresia, low recipient age and weight, and with previous upper abdominal operations. The duration of stay of the donor at the intensive care unit (ICU) was a predictive factor for retransplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Children with diseases eligible for liver transplantation should be seen early in the course of their disease in a transplantation center. All possible measures should be taken during the transplantation procedure to keep the blood loss at a minimum. Children with biliary atresia deserve special attention in this respect. The choice of donors has implications for survival.     

Organ survival after primary dysfunction of liver grafts in clinical orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract In a retrospective analysis of 632 orthototopic liver transplant procedures performed between 1982 and 1997, the incidence of primary dysfunction (PDF) of the liver and its influence on organ survival were studied. Graft function during the first 3 postoperative days was categorized into four groups: (1) good (GOT max < 1000 U/l, spontaneous PT > 50 %, bile production > 100 ml/day); (2) fair (GOT 1000‐2500 U/l, clotting factor support < 2 days, bile < 100 ml/day); (3) poor (GOT > 2500 U/l, clotting factor support > 2 days, bile < 20 ml/day); (4) primary non‐function (PNF; retransplantation required within 7 days). The aim of this study was to evaluate graft survival comparing organs with PDF (poor function) and PNF vs organs with initial good or fair function. After a median follow‐ up of 45 months, initially good and fair function of liver grafts resulted in a significantly better long‐term graft survival compared with grafts with initially poor function or primary non‐function (if re‐transplanted) (P < 0.01). The Cox model revealed primary function as a highly significant factor in the prediction of long‐term graft survival (P < 0.0001). We conclude that these results confirm the hypothesis that primary graft function is of major importance for the long‐term survival of liver transplants. Patients with a poor primary function have the worst survival prognosis, which leads to the interpretation that these patients may be candidates for early retransplantation.     

The association of pre-operative anaemia with survival after orthotopic liver transplantation

Anaemia is common in patients with end-stage liver disease. Pre-operative anaemia is associated with greater mortality after major surgery. We analysed the association of pre-operative anaemia (World Health Organization classification) with survival and complications after orthotopic liver transplantation using Cox and logistic regression models. We included patients undergoing their first orthotopic liver transplantation between 2004 and 2016. Out of 599 included patients, 455 (76%) were anaemic before transplantation. Pre-operative anaemia was not associated with the survival of 485/599 (81%) patients to 1 year after liver transplantation, OR (95%CI) 1.04 (0.64–1.68), p = 0.88. Pre-operative anaemia was associated with higher rates of intra-operative blood transfusions and acute postoperative kidney injury on multivariable analysis, OR (95%CI) 1.70 (0.82–2.59) and 1.72 (1.11–2.67), respectively, p < 0.001 for both. Postoperative renal replacement therapy was associated with pre-operative anaemia on univariate analysis, OR (95%CI) 1.87 (1.11–3.15), p = 0.018.     

肝移植术后的肺部并发症

肝移植术后肺部并发症的发生率非常高,包括肺不张、胸腔积液、肺水肿、肺部感染和急性呼吸衰竭等,严重影响病人的预后.引起肝移植术后肺部并发症的因素很多,主要包括手术操作、感染、循环容量超负荷、输血相关的急性肺损伤、缺血/再灌注、呼吸机相关性肺损伤、肝肺综合征和门肺高压症等因素,以此为依据,现提出了具体的防治措施,包括完善的术前准备、防止容量超负荷、合理输血和血制品,调节凝血功能,注意预防输血相关的急性肺损伤(transtnsion related acutte lung injury,TRALL)、合理应用抑肽酶、减轻缺血/再灌注损伤(ischemia-reperfusion injury,L/R)和全身炎症反应、防治肺动脉高压、合理的呼吸机通气管理等,希望有助于肝移植术后肺部并发症的防治,促进肝移植病人预后.     

Venous complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

We report venous complications, including portal vein and hepatic vein stenoses, that required interventional radiological treatment in three pediatric and two adult living related liver transplant recipients. Between April 2001 and April 2005, 81 liver transplantations were performed at our hospital. Sixty-two grafts were from living donors. During follow-up, three portal vein stenoses were identified in three pediatric recipients, and two hepatic vein stenoses in two adult patients. In the children, two had received left lateral segment grafts, and one had received a right lobe graft from two mothers and one father, respectively. The etiologies of liver failure were Alagille syndrome, biliary atresia, and fulminant Wilson's disease. Portal vein stenoses were identified at 8, 11, and 12 months after transplantation; all three patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal venous angioplasty with a success rate of 100%. The mean follow-up was 102 days; no recurrence has occurred. In contrast, hepatic venous stenoses were diagnosed in two adult recipients. One of them was a 24-year-old woman with autoimmune hepatitis and the other a 43-year-old man with cryptogenic cirrhosis. Hepatic vein stenoses were diagnosed at 3 and 4 months after transplantation. Both hepatic vein stenoses were dilated with balloon angioplasties via the transjugular route. Venous complications identified by Doppler ultrasonography were confirmed by computerized tomographic angiography. Angioplasty represents an effective and safe alternative to reconstructive surgery in the treatment of venous complications after liver transplantation.     

Early complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

The cost and impact of early post-transplant complications continue to be high. Diagnosis and management involves a high index of suspicion, rapid diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, and elimination of technical problems. Preoperative assessment of the donor and recipient medical condition and meticulous attention to detail during the technical performance of OLTx are the mainstays in achieving a good outcome.     

Tacrolimus-associated mutism after orthotopic liver transplantation

BACKGROUND: Mutism/speech apraxia has been well documented as a toxic effect of cyclosporine after liver transplantation but has been reported only rarely with tacrolimus. Brain imaging with magnetic resonance or computed tomography has failed to demonstrate abnormalities in affected patients. METHODS: We present the first example of an acute onset of loss of speech associated with a sudden elevation of serum tacrolimus level after successful orthotopic liver transplantation. We also describe the positron emission tomography (PET) scan of this patient's brain. RESULTS: PET scan imaging of the brain was abnormal, demonstrating decreased metabolism in the posterior temporo-parieto-occipital regions. Statistical probability mapping revealed additional areas of hypometabolism in the cingulate gyrus. CONCLUSIONS: PET scan revealed abnormalities of the brain in a patient with tacrolimus-induced mutism. The cingulate gyrus may play a role in the mutism/speech apraxia syndrome seen with cyclosporine/tacrolimus neurotoxicity.     

Venous complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

Complications involving the portal vein or the vena cava, are rare after orthotopic liver transplantation. We report on the incidence and treatment of venous complications following 1000 orthotopic liver transplantations in 911 patients. Twenty-six of the adult patients (2.7%) suffered from portal complications after transplantation, whereas complications of the vena cava were observed in only 17 patients (1.8%). Technical problems or recurrence of the underlying disease (e.g. Budd-Chiari syndrome) accounted for the majority of complications of the vena cava, whereas alteration of the vessel wall or splenectomy during transplantation could be identified as important risk factors for portal vein complications. In patients undergoing modification of the standard end-to-end veno-venous anastomosis of the portal vein due to pathological changes of the vessel wall, complications occurred in 8.3%, whereas only 2.4% of patients who received a standard anastomosis of the portal vein experienced complications of the portal vein. Furthermore, splenectomy during transplantation was also associated with an increased incidence of portal vein complications (10.5 vs. 2.2% in patients without splenectomy). Treatment was dependent on the signs and symptoms of the patients, and varied considerably between patients with portal vein complications and patients suffering from complications of the vena cava. Complications of the vena cava led to retransplantation in about one-third of the patients, whereas in patients with occlusion of the portal vein, retransplantation was necessary in only 15%, and more than half of the patients suffering from portal vein complications did not require any treatment at all. Usually, treatment of patients with portal vein complications only became necessary when additional complications such as arterial occlusion or bile duct injuries occurred.     

Laparoscopic surgery after orthotopic liver transplantation

Laparoscopic surgery is currently a widely accepted approach to several surgical fields because of its advantages in terms of postoperative pain reduction and easy patient recovery. This approach may be useful even in solid-organ transplantation surgery as a diagnostic or treatment procedure in some surgical complications. From July 1991 to December 1998, we performed 142 liver transplantations on 129 patients. During the postoperative period, many complications occurred. Here we report two cases of intestinal occlusion caused by adhesions and three cases of lymphocele, all approached with laparoscopic surgery. In all cases but one, we were able to complete the surgery by laparoscopic means; in one of the two occlusions, the procedure was switched to laparotomy because of a choledochojejunal anastomosis lesion. The three cases of lymphocele must be considered in a particular manner because such cases, to our knowledge, have never been described in the literature. They always presented with a late-onset right pleural effusion and were located in the retrohepatic, retrogastric, and left paracaval areas, close to the esophageal hiatus. In conclusion, we believe a laparoscopic approach is a useful strategy to solve some surgical complications in patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation; however, the use of laparoscopic surgery in this field is strictly connected to the surgeon's experience and versatility.     

原位肝移植术后并发曲霉菌感染的诊断和治疗

目的 探讨原位肝移植术后并发曲霉菌感染的诊断和治疗措施. 方法对2000年1月至2006年12月中山大学附属第一医院施行的776例同种原位肝移植患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,总结原位肝移植术后发生曲霉菌感染的诊治经过.结果 本组患者发生曲霉菌感染13例,感染发生率为1.68%(13/776);其中肺部感染7例,肝脏感染2例,颅内感染1例,多器官感染3例.两性霉素B脂质体是治疗肝移植术后曲霉菌感染的主要药物,对早期病例疗效满意.因曲霉菌感染死亡7例,病死率为53.8%(7/13).结论 防治肝移植术后曲霉菌感染的关键是做好早期诊断,及时治疗.抗真菌治疗应该清除病灶、调整免疫抑制剂及选用敏感抗真菌药物;抗真菌药物的使用应该早期、足量、全程用药.