Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation in acute liver failure due to hepatitis B

Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation is an alternative therapeutic modality in acute liver failure, wherein the capacity of native liver to regenerate is preserved. A case of acute liver failure due to hepatitis B in an 18-year-old male patient treated with an auxiliary left lateral segment graft is described. There was no recurrence of hepatitis B in the auxiliary graft and the patient cleared the virus after 9 months whilst receiving lamivudine. Immunosuppression was withdrawn at 14 months, and the auxiliary graft atrophied secondary to hepatic arterial conduit thrombosis, possibly precipitated by immunosuppression withdrawal. The native liver regenerated completely, and the patient is well and off immunosuppressive and antiviral therapy 3 years after transplantation. Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation is an attractive treatment option in acute liver failure due to hepatitis B infection and allows a life free of long-term immunosuppression.     

A comparison of the costs and effects of liver transplantation for acute and for chronic liver failure

Little is known about costs and cost-effectiveness of liver transplantation (LTx) for acute liver failure compared to costs and cost-effectiveness of LTx for chronic liver failure. In this study, costs of acute and of chronic LTx patients were determined in a retrospective study. Files of 100 consecutive patients who underwent LTx in 1993–1997 were studied. Costs up to 1 year after LTx were Euro 107,675 (chronic liver failure) and Euro 90,792 (acute liver failure). The difference was mainly caused by higher hospitalisation costs and higher personnel costs for chronic liver failure. Medication costs for acute liver failure were higher, due to a high administration rate of expensive anti-HBs immunoglobulin therapy in patients with viral hepatitis B. LTx for chronic liver failure is more costly and seems to be more cost-effective than LTx for acute liver failure, since 1-year survival is higher in patients who underwent transplantation for chronic liver failure. Received: 25 October 1999 Revised: 29 September 2000 Accepted: 18 December 2000     

A staged approach for a lung–liver transplant patient using ex vivo reconditioned lungs first followed by an urgent liver transplantation

Combined lung–liver transplantation is a logistically challenging procedure hampered by shortage of organ donors. We describe the case of a young patient with end‐stage lung disease due to of cystic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis who needed combined lung–liver transplantation. The long waiting for this caused an interesting clinical dilemma. We decided to change our policy in this situation by listing him only for the lung transplantation and to apply for a high urgent liver transplantation if the liver failed after the lung transplantation. This strategy enabled us to use lungs treated with ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) from an unsuitable donor after circulatory death. After conditioning for 4 h via EVLP, the pO₂ was 59.7 kPa. The lungs were transplanted successfully. He developed an acute‐on‐chronic liver failure for which he received a successful liver transplantation 19 days after the lung transplantation.     

Successful orthotopic liver transplantation after trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated fulminant liver failure

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. Although many of its adverse effects are well recognized, TMP-SMZ related hepatotoxicity is considered rare and is usually characterized by cholestasis or mixed hepatocellular-holestatic reactions. In this study, we describe the case of a previously healthy young man with acute fulminant liver failure caused by TMP-SMZ. The patient presented with complaints of 'flu-like' symptoms with myalgia and fever after taking TMP-SMZ for 7 d for otitis externa. The patient subsequently developed fever, worsening jaundice, and a rash on his neck and chest. Liver enzymes peaked on day 3 with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 11,549, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 23,289, alkaline phosphatase 245, and total bilirubin 10.3 mg/dL, with a conjugated bilirubin of 8.3 mg/dL, prothrombin time (PT) 60.5 s, partial normalized ratio (PTT) 49 s, and international normalized ratio (INR) 7.5. Of note, acetaminophen level on admission was undetectable. Serology for hepatitis A, B, C, cytomegalovirus, HIV, toxoplasmosis, and blood cultures were all negative. The patient developed hepatic encephalopathy with hallucination on day 4. Laboratory tests revealed a serum ammonia level of 190 U, serum creatinine kinase (CK) 10,466 (42 on admission), serum creatinine 8.2 mg/dL (1.2 on admission), and significant metabolic acidosis. Renal ultrasound was unremarkable. The patient was started on hemodialysis for acute renal failure. Meanwhile, liver transplantation assessment was also initiated. On day 8 post-admission (15 d after taking TMP-SMZ), the patient received a successful orthotopic liver transplant.     

Coup de chaleur d'exercice avec hépatite fulminante : intérêt du système MARS® ?

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a life-threatening condition caused by an extreme elevation in core body temperature. Acute liver failure has been reported during EHS justifying liver transplantation in some cases. The Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) could be indicated in such situations. We report a case of a 58-year old patient who suffered acute liver failure occurring after EHS. The patient was referred for liver transplantation and benefited of MARS therapy. After three sessions of MARS, liver function improved progressively and the transplantation was not necessary. The patient completely recovered.     

原发性肝癌切除术后复发的肝移植治疗

目的总结原发性肝癌切除术后复发行肝移植治疗的经验。方法2002年8月至2004年11月上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院对4例肝癌切除术后复发病例（其中1例合并急性肝功能衰竭）行同种异体肝移植治疗。结果3例移植术后已分别无瘤存活17个月、12个月和27个月至今。1例术后第3天死于多器官功能衰竭。结论对原发性肝癌切除术后复发病例的肝移植治疗，小肝癌切除后复发肿瘤仍符合Milan标准者有着良好的预后；个别合并门静脉癌栓者预后较好；合并急性肝功能衰竭者应相当谨慎。     

Liver transplantation for metastatic colon adenocarcinoma: report of a case with 10 years of follow-up without recurrence

Because of dismal mid-term and long-term results, secondary liver cancer is considered an absolute contra-indication to cadaveric liver transplantation, with the relative exception of metastases of symptomatic neuro-endocrine cancers. The authors present in this report the case of a patient who has been enjoying 10 years of cancer-free survival after liver transplantation as rescue therapy for acute liver failure after liver resection for isolated hepatic metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma. This case shows that in some highly selected cases, liver transplantation may be curative in patients with liver metastases of colon carcinoma.     

Living donor liver transplantation as a means of rescuing post-embolization hepatic failure in a patient with idiopathic intrahepatic arteriovenous malformation in the liver

Interventional radiology used to be a first-line treatment for cardiac failure caused by idiopathic hepatic arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Here, we report a 64-year-old male patient treated by living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) following failed hepatic artery embolization for idiopathic hepatic AVM. Hepatic artery reconstruction in LDLT was very difficult in this case due to the adverse effects of the pre-transplant intervention. In the treatment of widespread AVM in the liver, arterial embolization should be avoided and primary liver transplantation should be considered.     

原位肝移植治疗终末期肝病9例初步报告

１９９３年９月至１９９６年７月分别为９例终末期肝病病人施行了原位肝移植术。其中４例为原发性肝脏恶性肿瘤，５例为良性终末期肝病。移植术式除１例背肽式肝移植和１例减体积肝移植外，其余７例均为原位全肝移植，并为１例多囊肝，多囊肾，合并肝，肾功能损害闰人施行了肝，肾联合移植术。     

Simplified technique for auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation using a whole graft

Background

Acute liver failure is associated with a high mortality rate and the main purposes of treatment are to prevent cerebral edema and infections, which often are responsible for patient death. The orthotopic liver transplantation is the gold standard treatment and improves the 1-year survival.

Aim

To describe an alternative technique to auxiliary liver transplant on acute liver failure.

Method

Was performed whole auxiliary liver transplantation as an alternative technique for a partial auxiliary liver transplantation using a whole liver graft from a child removing the native right liver performed a right hepatectomy. The patient met the O´Grady´s criteria and the rational to indicate an auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation was the acute classification without hemodynamic instability or renal failure in a patient with deterioration in consciousness.

Results

The procedure improved liver function and decreased intracranial hypertension in the postoperative period.

Conclusion

This technique can overcome some postoperative complications that are associated with partial grafts. As far as is known, this is the first case of auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation in Brazil.     

A case of intravascular lymphoma diagnosed in an explanted liver after liver transplantation

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare form of B‐cell lymphoma. We encountered a rare case of IVL diagnosed in an explanted liver. A 49‐year‐old man visited a clinic with high fever. Because of elevated liver function, he was diagnosed with acute liver failure. Deceased donor liver transplantation (LT) was performed 16 days after admission. The post‐transplantation course was uneventful until IVL was reported in the explanted liver on postoperative day (POD) 21. Rituximab was administered on POD 27, and rituximab–cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, prednisone (R‐CHOP) treatment administered on POD 38. The R‐CHOP treatment was repeated for eight cycles, and the patient remains free of recurrence 1 year post‐transplantation. Although systemic lymphoma is a contraindication to transplantation, our experience indicates that IVL can be successfully treated by the administration of prompt chemotherapy after LT for fulminant hepatitis.     

再次背驮式肝移植并肾移植治疗肝移植术后慢性排斥并肾功能不全(附一例报告)

目的 探讨用原位背驮式肝移植并肾移植术治疗先天性多囊病肝移植术后慢性排斥并肾功能不全。方法 供肝取自同血型脑死亡供体;顺利切除原病肝,行原位再次背驮式新肝植入及右髂窝肾移植。结果 再次背驮式肝移植并肾移植手术成功,供肝,供肾功能良好,术后１８ｄ死于曲霉菌性腹膜炎所致的多器官功能衰竭。结论 背驮式技术适用于再次肝移植;肝移植术后慢性排斥反应并肾功能不全是联合肝肾移植的适应证。     

Budd-Chiari syndrome: portacaval shunt and subsequent liver transplantation

The Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is caused by hepatic venous outflow obstruction, which often leads to death as a result of portal hypertension and liver failure. Therapeutic approaches vary widely from conventional medical therapy to liver transplantation. If and when a patient suffering with BCS needs surgery remains a matter of contention. However, it is well accepted that portacaval shunt surgery and orthotopic liver transplantation represent efficient surgical treatments of this condition. We report on a patient with an eventful course after BCS was diagnosed. After portacaval shunt surgery the patient had acute liver failure and had a successful orthotopic liver transplantation.     

Portal vein thrombosis after intraportal hepatocytes transplantation in a liver transplant recipient

Hepatocytes transplantation is viewed as a possible alternative or as a bridge therapy to liver transplantation for patients affected by acute or chronic liver disorders. Very few data regarding complications of hepatocytes transplantation is available from the literature. Herein we report for the first time a case of portal vein thrombosis after intraportal hepatocytes transplantation in a liver transplant recipient. A patient affected by acute graft dysfunction, not eligible for retransplantation, underwent intraportal infusion of 2 billion viable cryopreserved ABO identical human allogenic hepatocytes over a period of 5 h. Hepatocytes were transplanted at a concentration of 14 million/ml for a total infused volume of 280 ml. Doppler portal vein ultrasound and intraportal pressure were monitored during cell infusion. The procedure was complicated, 8 h after termination, by the development of portal vein thrombosis with liver failure and death of the patient. Autopsy showed occlusive thrombosis of the intrahepatic portal vein branches; cells or large aggregates of epithelial elements (polyclonal CEA positive), suggestive for transplanted hepatocytes, were co-localized inside the thrombus.     

Liver Transplantatation- an Overview

Liver transplantation is a therapeutic option of choice for acute and chronic end-stage liver disease. Indications, contraindications, and surgical procedures for the liver transplantation have become well established. In most part of the world, the main source of liver for transplantation remains the donation after brain death (DBD), but in view of increasing death on the waiting list due to shortage of brain dead organs other options such as split liver transplantation, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), and donation after cardiac death (DCD) have been used. In the pretransplantation era, liver failure was nearly universally fatal, with mortality from fulminant hepatic failure of 80–90 %, and 1-year mortality in decompensated cirrhosis of more than 50 %. In contrast, liver transplantation patient survival is presently more than 85 % at 1 year and more than 70 % at 5 years, emphasizing the clinical benefit of liver transplantation for either acute or chronic liver failure.     

Simultaneous Orthotopic Liver and Kidney Transplant with Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Operative Timing

In the case of coexisting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and liver/renal failure, the controversial issue is the timing of the AAA repair and the transplantation of the affected organs. The question is whether to repair the AAA first and perform the double transplantation at a later time, or to perform all three procedures in the same operative session. This patient was affected by hepatic/renal failure and had also developed AAA. We describe the operative strategies utilized to perform the cadaver donor and recipient operations in this setting. In our patient, a combined liver/kidney transplantation with simultaneous aneurysm repair using arterial allografts was successfully performed. In a patient affected by end-stage liver, kidney, and aneurysmatic disease, a simultaneous liver/kidney transplant and AAA repair may represent the safest and most efficient treatment solution.     

Reversal of portal flow after acute rejection in living-donor liver transplantation

Portal hepatofugal flow is rare after liver transplantation. We experienced a case in which hepatofugal portal flow was observed in acute rejection. A 6-year-old boy with glycogen storage disease type Ia underwent living-donor liver transplantation. On postoperative day 7, portal venous peak velocity was markedly decreased without portal thrombosis and obstruction of the hepatic vein, and hepatic arterial peak velocity increased reciprocally. Based on a diagnosis of acute rejection, made on postoperative day 8, we initiated steroid pulse therapy. Despite the employment of this therapy, continuous hepatofugal portal flow was observed in the entire liver on postoperative day 8. On day 12, as the liver disorder progressed, the Doppler waveform in the portal vein changed from continuous to pulsatile hepatofugal flow. The patient died of liver failure on day 14. The histological findings of a biopsy specimen on day 9 showed centrilobular necrosis, while total hepatocellular necrosis was seen at autopsy. Hepatofugal flow after liver transplantation is considered to be an ominous sign caused by several factors, and its appearance indicates a fatal condition. Received: December 22, 2000 / Accepted: September 26, 2001     

Case report: Fatal hepatic failure after aortic valve replacement and sevoflurane exposure

PURPOSE: To report a case of lethal hepatotoxicity possibly caused by sevoflurane. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 76-yr-old woman with a history of four previous minor surgical procedures developed acute liver failure after general anesthesia with sevoflurane, sufentanil and propofol for aortic valve replacement. After an uneventful procedure the patient was extubated 4.5 hr after surgery. On the second postoperative day, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased. On the third postoperative day liver failure occurred, ALT peaked at 10504 UxL(-1) and AST at 15516 UxL(-1), and coagulopathy with an international normalized ratio of 4.6 developed. Liver transplantation was considered but rejected as a therapeutic option. The patient died three days after the operation in multiple organ failure triggered by hepatic failure. Other possible causes for liver failure were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane hepatitis as a cause for liver failure may be implicated in this patient undergoing valve surgery. Unlike other halogenated anesthetic drugs, sevoflurane is not metabolized to hepatotoxic trifluoroacetyl proteins. However, compound A may react with proteins and may be transformed into antigenic material. We suggest that all halogenated anesthetics may be implicated with acute liver injury.     

Liver transplantation for acute liver failure in a SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patient

Current guidelines recommend deferring liver transplantation (LT) in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection until clinical improvement occurs and two PCR tests collected at least 24 hours apart are negative. We report a case of an 18-year-old, previously healthy African-American woman diagnosed with COVID-19, who presents with acute liver failure (ALF) requiring urgent LT in the context of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity. The patient was thought to have acute Wilsonian crisis on the basis of hemolytic anemia, alkaline phosphatase:bilirubin ratio <4, AST:ALT ratio >2.2, elevated serum copper, and low uric acid, although an unusual presentation of COVID-19 causing ALF could not be excluded. After meeting criteria for status 1a listing, the patient underwent successful LT, despite ongoing SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity. Remdesivir was given immediately posttransplant, and mycophenolate mofetil was withheld initially and the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test eventually became negative. Three months following transplantation, the patient has made a near-complete recovery. This case highlights that COVID-19 with SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity may not be an absolute contraindication for transplantation in ALF. Criteria for patient selection and timing of LT amid the COVID-19 pandemic need to be validated in future studies.     

Complete hepatic ischemia due to torsion of a large accessory liver lobe: first case to require transplantation

Anatomical abnormalities of the liver are extremely rare. Although the majority of cases with an accessory liver are not detected, it can give rise to various clinical symptoms like recurrent abdominal pain and impaired liver function. Here we present the first case of orthotopic liver transplantation in a patient with hepatic ischemia caused by complete vascular occlusion due to a twisted accessory liver lobe. Although rare, an accessory liver lobe may cause serious and life-threatening problems and should therefore be kept in mind in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain.