Lung Transplantation as the First Choice in Emphysema

Introduction

The indication for single or double lung transplantation in patients diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema is a topic of current debate. Our aim was to analyze the differences in the incidence of perioperative complications, survival, and quality of life between single and double lung transplantations.

Materials and Methods

From 1999 to 2008, 223 subjects underwent transplantation in our department, of whom 62 (28%) had a previous diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema. A retrospective study was performed to establish possible differences between group 1 (single lung) and group 2 (double lung) transplants analyzing overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier method and differences between groups using the log-rank test. Pearson chi-square test was used to compare the frequency of postoperative complications, bronchiolitis obliterans BOS acute rejection episodes, and infections.

Results

We included 62 patients who underwent transplantation for emphysema. Cumulative 5-year survival rate, excluding preoperative mortality, was 54% overall, 59% for group 1, and 56% for group 2. No significant differences were observed between the groups (P = .47). The frequency of BOS was 34% in group 1 and 42% in group 2 (P = .52). At least 1 acute rejection episode occurred in 52% of group 1 patients and 51% of group 2 patients (P = .98). Bacterial infections were experienced by 50% of group 1 patients and 54% of group 2 patients (P = .72). Fungal infections affected 10% of group 1 patients and 15% of group 2 patients (P = .71). Intraoperative complications were recorded in 27.6% of group 1 patients versus 54% of group 2 patients, a difference that was statistically significant (P = .032).

Conclusions

The study results supported the decision of our group to consider single lung transplantation the treatment of choice in emphysema, which may be complemented with volume reduction surgery in the native lung or subsequent transplantation of the contralateral lung.     

Everolimus in Lung Transplantation in Chile

Everolimus has shown good results in kidney and heart transplantation, achieving low rates of rejection, of infections, and of tumors compared with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI). Some publications have shown beneficial effects in bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). We have presented herein the initial experience with everolimus among lung allograft recipients in Chile.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated, charts of lung-transplanted patients who used everolimus (Certican) based on 2 years' follow-up, evaluating the indication for therapy; blood levels, rejection episodes, lung and kidney function, and side effects.

Results

Eight of 55 lung transplantation patients were switched to everolimus, targeting a (mean drug level of 4.2 ng/dL), in combination with low-dose tacrolimus (mean levels 5.5 ng/dL) and steroids. The Reasons for conversion were: CNI nephropathy (n = 3), BOS (n = 4), and lymphoma (n = 1). In patients with renal dysfunction, serum creatinine had risen from 1.1 to 1.8 mg/dl, but at 3 months after everolimus conversion, they had returned to baseline values, maintaining that level for at least 2 years' follow-up. Patients with BOS had decreased their ventricular ejection fraction (VEF₁) by 50%. Using everolimus, they maintained that VEF₁ with little improvement. The patient with lymphoma died 11 months after conversion. No patient experienced a rejection episode, and they suffered from fewer infections than the other lung allograft recipients. There were no adverse events related to everolimus, but one patient discontinued the drug after 1 year owing to intolerance.

Conclusion

Everolimus was effective to reverse CNI renal dysfunction in lung transplantation patients, possibly retarding the progression of BOS, without side effects over a 2-year follow-up.     

Malformative uropathies and kidney transplantation

Introduction

Malformative uropathies are a frequent cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Medical management of urinary tract infections and advances in surgical reconstruction procedures resulted in good outcomes of kidney transplantation among these patients. The aim of this article was to describe the epidemiological profiles and outcomes of patients who underwent transplantation for ESRD related to malformative uropathies.

Patients and Methods

Among 493 kidney recipients at our center from 1986 to 2009, 47 had malformative uropathies as the cause of ESRD. We retrospectively studied the incidence of acute rejection episodes, acute tubular necrosis, as well as patient and graft survivals, comparing these results to those observed in patients without malformative uropathies using chi-square tests for qualitative parameters and nonpaired Student t tests for continuous variables. Log-rank tests were used for comparisons of survival curves.

Results

The 47 patients, representing 9.53% of our kidney transplant recipients, included 27 men and 20 women (sex ratio = 1.35) with an overall mean age of 27.6 ± 9.1 years (range, 10-49). The common etiology was vesico-ureteral reflux (78.7%). Hemodialysis was the main RRT modality (68%) with a median duration of 41 months. Also, 82.9% of patients received transplants from living donors. Acute tubular necrosis occurred in 4 of these (8.5%) versus 22.06% of the other patients (P = .03). Acute rejection episodes were observed in 13 of these patients (27.6%) versus 23.1% of the other patients (P = not significant [NS]). After a cumulative follow-up period of 3744 months (median, 41.8 months), 5 patients had died (1.6 death/y/100 patients) and 5 had lost their allografts and returned to dialysis (1.6 case/y/100 patients). Graft survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 97.8%, 93.2%, and 79.9%, which were comparable with 95.9%, 87.6%, and 78.9% among the other patients, respectively (P = NS). Patient survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 100%, 88.5%, and 82.6% versus 96%, 87.6%, and 79.6%, respectively (P = NS).

Conclusion

Kidney transplantation in patients with malformative uropathies is increasingly frequent. The incidence of acute rejection episodes as well as patient and graft survivals were comparable with those of subjects without malformative uropathies.     

Early Sirolimus Therapy in Renal Transplant Recipients at High Risk: Is It Justified?

Background

We studied early sirolimus (SRL) therapy in renal transplant recipients at high risk after administration of antithymocyte globulin or interleukin-2 receptor blockade induction.

Patients and Methods

In 45 patients, SRL therapy was started within 1 month after transplantation. The primary indications for conversion of treatment from calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs)-mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)-steroid to SRL-MMF-steroid were biopsy-proved rejection (after treatment), CNI toxicity, CNI elimination, and acute tubular necrosis. Pediatric, geriatric, and other patients with medical comorbidities were not excluded.

Results

Post-SRL rejection episodes were reported in 22.2% of recipients including 15.6% who were resistant to steroid therapy. Mean (SD) follow-up after SRL therapy was 59.9 (8.1) months. Proteinuria greater than 2 g/d (P = .001), leukopenia (P < .001), hyperlipidemia (P < .001), and transaminases values (P = .02) increased significantly after SRL therapy. Graft survival was 88.8%, and patient survival was 93.3%. There was significant improvement in serum creatinine concentration and estimated creatinine clearance by the end of the study (P < .001). A high incidence of adverse effects and infections was noted post-SRL therapy, and the drug was discontinued in 31% of patients because of multiple adverse effects. At multivariate analysis, age, hypertension, nutritional status, bone marrow suppression, hyperlipidemia, and graft dysfunction were identified as risk factors for worse graft and patient outcome.

Conclusion

Early treatment with combined SRL-MMF-steroid may be effective as a CNI-free immunosuppression regimen in patients at high risk; however, there is a high rate of adverse effects during long-term follow-up.     

Effects of ischemia and reperfusion injury on long-term graft function

Background

The clinical manifestation of ischemia/reperfusion injury in renal transplantation is delayed graft function (DGF), which is associated with an increase in acute rejection episodes (ARE), costs, and difficulties in immunosuppressive management. We sought to evaluated the DGF impact after renal transplant.

Methods

We evaluated a group of 628 patients undergoing deceased donor renal transplantation between 2002 and 2005 at 3 Brazilians institutions to define the main DGF characteristics.

Results

DGF incidence was 56.8%, being associated with elderly donors (P = .02), longer time on dialysis (P = .001), and greater cold ischemia time (CIT; P = .001). Upon multivariate analysis, time on dialysis >5 years increased DGF risk by 42% (P = .02) and CIT >24 hours increased it by 57% (P = .008). In contrast, DGF was associated with an higher incidence of ARE: 27.7% in DGF versus 18.4% in IGF patients (P = .047). The ARE risk was 46% higher among individuals with DGF (P = .02), 44% among patients >45 years old (P < .001), 50% among those with >5 years of dialysis time (P = .02), and 47% lower among the who were prescribed mycophenolate instead of azathioprine (P < .001). Patients with DGF showed worse 1-year graft function (54.6 ± 20.3 vs 59.6 ± 19.4 mL/min; P = .004), particularly those with ARE (55.5 ± 19.3 vs 60.7 ± 20.4; P = .009). One-year graft survival was 88.5% among DGF versus 94.0% among non-DGF patients.

Conclusion

The high incidence of DGF was mainly associated with a prolonged CIT. There was a relationship between DGF and ARE, as well as with a negative influence on long-term graft function.     

Blockade of inducible costimulator pathway to prevent acute rejection in rat liver transplantation

Background

The role of inducible costimulator (ICOS) in transplantation immunity remains unclear.

Methods

A Lewis-to-Brown-Norway (BN) rat liver transplant model was used to explore the effect of ICOS blockade by small interference RNA. Recipient survival rate, number of CD25/ICOS-positive cells, ICOS mRNA and protein levels, and interferon-γ and tumor-necrosis factor-α levels were determined.

Results

Recipient survival was significantly prolonged in rats treated with RNA interference. On day 7 after transplantation, there was a diminished frequency of CD25/ICOS-positive cells and an increased frequency of apoptotic T cells. Furthermore, we found that ICOS blockade could inhibit mRNA and protein expression of ICOS, decrease plasma levels of interferon-γ and tumor-necrosis factor-α, suppress cell infiltration into grafts, and promote tolerance in the interference group.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that RNA interference is a potent tool to down-modulate ICOS expression and protect allografts from acute rejection.     

Tacrolimus Versus Cyclosporine for Adult Lung Transplant Recipients: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Tacrolimus and cyclosporine are the 2 major immunosuppressants for lung transplantation. Several studies have compared these 2 drugs, but the outcomes were not consistent. The aim of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to compare the beneficial and harmful effects of tacrolimus and cyclosporine as the primary immunosuppressant for lung transplant recipients.

Methods

We conducted searches of electronic databases and manual bibliographies. We performed a meta-analysis of all RCTs comparing tacrolimus with cyclosporine as primary immunosuppression for lung transplant recipients. Extracted, pooled data for mortality, acute rejection, withdrawals, and adverse events were analyzed using Mantel-Haenszel tests with a random effects model.

Results

Three RCTs including 297 patients were assessed in this study. Mortality at 1 year or more was comparable between lung recipients treated with tacrolimus and cyclosporine (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-2.10; P = .88). Tacrolimus-treated patients experienced fewer incidences of acute rejection (MD = −0.14; 95% CI, −0.28 to −0.01; P = .04). Pooled analysis showed a trend toward a lower risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) among tacrolimus-treated patients, although it did not reach significances (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.25-1.12; P = .10). Fewer patients stopped tacrolimus than cyclosporine (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.48; P = .003). The rate of new-onset diabetes was higher among the tacrolimus group (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.17-11.62; P = .03). The incidence of hypertension and renal dysfunction were comparable in these 2 groups (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.03-1.70; P = .15; and OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.70-3.96; P = .25, respectively). There was a trend toward lower risk of malignancy in tacrolimus-treated patients, although it did not reach significance either (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.03-1.13; P = .07). The incidence of infection was comparable in these 2 groups (MD = −0.29, 95% CI, −0.68 to 0.11; P = .16).

Conclusion

Using tacrolimus as primary immunosuppressant for lung transplant recipient resulted in comparable survival and reduction in acute rejection episodes when compared with cyclosporine.     

Long-term survival after aggressive resection of pulmonary metastases among children and adolescents with osteosarcoma

Purpose

Although survival without resection of pulmonary metastases from osteosarcoma is unlikely, not all surgeons agree on an aggressive surgical approach. We have taken an approach to attempt surgical resection if at all feasible regardless of number of metastases and disease-free interval (DFI). This study presents information on long-term follow-up after this aggressive approach to resection.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective cohort study of osteosarcoma patients younger than 21 years with pulmonary metastases, limited to the contemporary chemotherapeutic period (1980-2000), was conducted.

Results

In 137 patients, synchronous (23.4%) or metachronous (76.6%) pulmonary nodules were identified. The median follow-up was 2.0 years (5 days to 20.1 years) for all patients. Overall survival among patients who had pulmonary nodules was 40.2% and 22.6% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Ninety-nine patients underwent attempted pulmonary metastasectomy (mean survival, 33.6 months; 95% confidence interval, 25.1-42.1) and 38 patients did not (mean survival, 10.1 months; 95% confidence interval, 6.5-13.6; P < .001, t test). Characteristics that were associated with an increased likelihood of 5-year overall survival after pulmonary resection were primary tumor necrosis greater than 98% after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (P < .05) and DFI before developing lung metastases more than 1 year (P < .001). No statistically significant difference in overall survival or disease-free survival was found based on the number of pulmonary metastases resected. Characteristics including primary tumor size, site, or extension; chemotherapy; early vs late metastases; unilateral vs bilateral metastases; and resection margins did not significantly affect survival.

Conclusions

Most patient and tumor characteristics commonly used by surgeons to determine utility of resection of pulmonary metastases among patients with osteosarcoma are not associated with outcome. Biology of the particular tumor (response to preoperative chemotherapy, measured by tumor necrosis percentage, and DFI), as opposed to tumor burden, appears to influence survival more significantly. We would advocate considering repeat pulmonary resection for patients with recurrent metastases from osteosarcoma.     

Does lymphocyte cross-matching predict acute rejection and graft survival in liver transplantation?

Introduction

The role of lymphocyte cross-matches (LCM) remains controversial in the liver transplant field. The aim of this study was to correlate the risk for acute rejection episodes and graft survival in liver transplantation with pretransplant LCM results.

Patients and Methods

We enrolled 184 adult liver transplantation patients, excluding pediatric and second grafts. The 129 living donor and 55 deceased donor liver transplantations were divided into 2 groups: LCM (+); (n = 20) and LCM (−); (n = 164).

Results

There were no differences in the demographic features, such as gender and recipient age, original disease, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, donor type, number of human leukocyte antigen mismatches, and cold ischemia times. There were no hyperacute rejection episodes in the LCM (+) group. Also, posttransplant complications such as acute rejection episode, biliary complication, or hepatic artery thrombosis were not different. Acute rejection episodes occurred in 5.0% of the LCM (+) group and 15.2% of the LCM (−) group (P = .317). Bile duct complications after transplantation arose in 20.0% of the LCM (+) group and in 32.9% of the LCM (−) group (P = .312). The 2 groups showed no difference in graft survival rate analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method according to LCM results.

Conclusion

Pretransplant LCM results were not associated with overall graft survival or acute rejection episodes in this study.     

Endomyocardial biopsy in heart transplantation: schedule or event?

Background

Endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard to identify rejection after heart transplantation. Due to its invasiveness, discomfort, and difficult vascular access, some patients are not willing to accept routine scheduled biopsies years after heart transplantation. The purpose of this study was to identify whether there was a difference in outcomes among the scheduled versus event biopsy groups.

Methods

We studied 411 patients who underwent heart transplantation from 1987 to 2011, reviewing biopsy results and pathology reports. There were 363 patients who followed the scheduled biopsy protocol, and 48 patients who were assigned to the event biopsy group. We extracted data on biopsy results, rejection episodes, rejection types, and survival time.

Results

The 2481 reviewed biopsies over 24 years, showed most rejection episodes (86.4%) to occur within 2 years after heart transplantation. The rejection incidence was low (2.1%) at 3 years after transplantation. The major reason for an event biopsy was poor vascular access, such as tiny central vein or congenital disease without a suitable central vein. Event biopsy group patients were younger than schedule biopsy patients (19.7 years old vs 47.6 years old; P < .05). The 10-year survival rates were 64% among the event versus 53% among the scheduled biopsy group (P = .029). The 10-year rates of freedom from rejection were similar.

Conclusions

The rejection rate was low after 3 years; episodes occurred within 2 years. Although the long-term survival in the event group was better, they had a younger man age. The rejection and freedom from rejection rates were similar. As the rejection rate was low at 3 years after transplantation, we suggest that the event principle could be applied for biopsy at 3 years after heart transplantation.     

Results of “Twinning Procedure” in Lung Transplantation: Experience in a Single Center

Introduction

The major limiting factor for lung transplantation (LT), both worldwide and in Spain, is the number of suitable lung donors. This, together with the increased demand for LT, led us to propose the performance of 2 single lung transplantations simultaneously using the same donor (the “twinning procedure”).

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the outcome of patients who underwent transplantation with this procedure, assessing differences between the first and the second transplant.

Patients and Methods

From November 2001 to August 2008, 46 single lung transplantations (SLTs) were performed with 23 donors.

Results

The mean ischemia time was 258 minutes (median, 265) for the first transplantation and 312 minutes (median, 320) for the second transplantation. Primary graft dysfunction occurred in 5 patients (24%) in the first group and 9 in the second group (39%; P = .27). The median intubation time was 8 hours for the first and 6.5 hours for the second group. The mean hospital stay was 39 and 31 days, respectively. Postoperative mortality was 2 (8.7%) and 3 (13%) patient, respectively (P = .99). There was no significant difference in the incidence of acute rejection episodes, infections, or chronic rejections. Five-year survival rates were 67.9% for the first and 61.5% for the second (Kaplan-Meier).

Conclusions

The performance of 2 SLTs using the same donor and in the same hospital was feasible with adequate planning, permitting better use of donors and reducing waiting list time and mortality. Our results showed no increased risk for recipients of the second transplant in the early postoperative and long-term periods.     

Combined heart and kidney transplantation provides an excellent survival and decreases risk of cardiac cellular rejection and coronary allograft vasculopathy

Background

We analyzed the results of combined heart-kidney transplantation (CHKTx) over a 10-year period.

Methods

Between September 1996 and May 2007 at Mayo Clinic, 12 patients (age 52 ± 12.2 years) underwent CHKTx as a simultaneous procedure in 10 recipients and as a staged procedure in two recipients with unstable hemodynamics after heart transplantation.

Results

There was no operative mortality. Patient survival rates for the CHKTx recipients at 1 and 3 months and 6 years were 91%, 83%, and 83% and did not differ from isolated heart transplantation (IHTx) recipients (97%, 95%, and 79%, P = 0.61). The freedom from cardiac allograft rejection (≥grade 2) at 3 months was 73% for CHKTx and had not changed during further follow-up; for IHTx, freedom from rejection at 3 months and 1 and 6 years was 61%, 56%, and 42% (P = .08). Heart and renal allograft survival was 100% with and left ventricular ejection fraction 66% ± 8.4% and glomerular filtration rate 61 ± 25 at last follow-up. There were no signs of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in the CHKTx recipients.

Conclusion

CHKTx yields favorable long-term outcome, with a low incidence of cardiac rejection and vasculopathy. Simultaneous CHKTx appears feasible, if hemodynamics is satisfactory. This approach expands the selection criteria for transplantation in patients with coexisting end-stage cardiac and renal disease.     

Immediate postoperative inflammatory response predicts long-term outcome in lung-transplant recipients

OBJECTIVES Although lung transplantation is an accepted therapy for end-stage disease, recipient outcomes continue to be hindered by early primary graft dysfunction (PGD) as well as late rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). We have previously shown that the pro-inflammatory cytokine response following transplantation correlates with the severity of PGD. We hypothesized that lung-transplant recipients with an increased inflammatory response immediately following surgery would also have a greater incidence of unfavorable long-term outcomes including rejection, BOS and ultimately death. METHODS A retrospective study of lung-transplant recipients (n?=?19) for whom serial blood sampling of cytokines was performed for 24?h following transplantation between March 2002 and June 2003 at a single institution. Long-term follow-up was examined for rejection, BOS and survival. RESULTS Thirteen single and six bilateral lung recipients were examined. Eleven (58%) developed BOS and eight (42%) did not. Subgroup analysis revealed an association between elevated IL-6 concentrations 4?h after reperfusion of the allograft and development of BOS (P?=?0.068). The correlation between IL-6 and survival time was found to be significant (corr?=?-0.46, P?=?0.047), indicating that higher IL-6 response had shorter survival following transplantation. CONCLUSIONS An elevation in interleukin (IL)-6 concentration immediately following lung transplantation is associated with a trend towards development of bronchiolitis obliterans, rejection and significantly decreased survival time. Further studies are warranted to confirm the correlation between the immediate inflammatory response, PGD and BOS. Identification of patients at risk for BOS based on the cytokine response after surgery may allow for early intervention.     

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric cardiac transplantation

Background

We reviewed a single institution experience with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the perioperative management of cardiac transplantation.

Methods

Of all pediatric cardiac transplant candidates (1984-2003), patients requiring ECMO pretransplantation/posttransplantation were identified, with particular attention to use of ECMO as a bridge to transplantation. Parameters reviewed included proportionate survival, incidence of pre-ECMO cardiac arrest, ECMO duration, and United Network for Organ Sharing list time.

Results

Three hundred patients were listed for transplantation. Twenty-nine required ECMO: 18 pretransplant, 3 pretransplant and posttransplant, 6 posttransplant, and 2 for delayed acute rejection. There were 21 bridge-to-transplant candidates, of which 10 eventually transplanted with 60% survival; 11 not transplanted had no survivors (P = .004). Thirteen of 21 had cardiac arrest pre-ECMO with 1 (8%) survivor; 8 of 21 had no arrest with 5 (63%) survivors (P = .014). Mean ECMO duration and United Network for Organ Sharing list times between transplanted and not transplanted were not significant. Nine received ECMO posttransplantation for cardiopulmonary support; 5 (56%) of 9 survived. Two patients supported with ECMO for rejection-related cardiovascular collapse survived.

Conclusion

ECMO can bridge children to cardiac transplantation. Survival is significantly impaired in bridge-to-transplant candidates stratified by pre-ECMO cardiac arrest. ECMO can also help transition from cardiopulmonary bypass after transplantation and provide effective support during acute rejection.     

Chylothorax after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

Purpose

Chylothorax after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair contributes significantly to morbidity. Our aim was to identify factors contributing to chylothorax and effective treatment strategies.

Methods

We reviewed 171 patients with CDH from 1997 to 2008 and analyzed hernia characteristics, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use, operative details, and treatment approaches for chylothorax.

Results

Ten (7%) patients developed chylothorax; all were left sided. Using univariate analysis, prenatal diagnosis, ECMO use, and patch repair were associated with development of chylothorax. Logistic regression analysis showed that patch repair was the only variable predictive of chylothorax (P = .028; confidence interval, 0.032-0.823). Although survival was not affected, patients with chylothorax had a significant increase in ventilator days and length of stay (t = 3.57; P = .000; t = 2.74; P = .007). All received thoracostomy and total parenteral nutrition. Six patients received octreotide, 5 of whom required pleurectomy because of failed medical management; the remaining patient died of overwhelming sepsis.

Conclusions

The incidence of chylothorax at our institution was relatively low. Patch repair was associated with the formation of chylothorax. Morbidity was substantial, but survival was not significantly affected. Total parenteral nutrition and thoracostomy were appropriate initial treatments. Octreotide was not an effective adjunct. Refractory cases were successfully treated with pleurectomy.     

Traitement chirurgical mini-invasif des fractures de la jonction thoracolombaire en flexion distraction (type B Magerl) : à propos de trois cas

Background and purpose

Chance fractures are quite rare injuries that require surgical treatment in cases of spinal instability. Development of percutaneous and minimally invasive procedures can alter the management of such lesions, resulting in fewer related soft tissue lesions and morbidities.

Methods

We present our experience with three patients who underwent percutaneous posterior osteosynthesis associated with a minimally invasive anterior graft for discal lesion. The first two cases presented fracture through the disc and osteosynthesis was done on a single mobile level. In the third case with a bony Chance fracture, we performed a short-segment fixation one level above and below the fractured vertebra.

Results

In all three cases, operative blood loss was minimal and clinical outcomes were favorable, with tolerable postoperative pain. Fusion and consolidation were visible for all the patients without loss of correction or implant failure.

Conclusion

Percutaneous osteosynthesis and minimally invasive surgery can be an advantageous alternative for the management of Chance fractures. They allow early mobilization of the patient with less soft tissue trauma and morbidities associated with open procedures.     

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Patients With Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Lung Transplantation

Background

Lung transplantation (LT) is only therapeutic option for patients affected by chronic respiratory failure. Chronic rejection, also known as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), is still the main cause of death and the most important factor that influences post-transplantation quality of life. Currently available therapies have not been proven to result in significant benefit in the prevention or treatment of BOS. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) seems to reduce the rate of lung function decline in transplant recipients with progressive BOS.

Antithymocyte globulin induction therapy in heart transplantation: prospective randomized study of high vs standard dosage

Background

In cardiac transplantation, high-dose antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction therapy as short-term rejection prophylaxis has not been used.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative use of single high-dose ATG induction therapy after heart transplantation.

Patients and Methods

Fourteen patients received single high-dose ATG therapy plus shortened standard therapy (group1), and 16 patients received ATG standard therapy (group2).

Results

No perioperative deaths were reported. During follow-up, 3 deaths were recorded. Five- year patient survival was 92.8% in groupl vs 85.7% in group2 (P = .34). The mean (SD) number of acute rejection episodes per patient was 2.5 (2.2) in the high-dose ATG group vs 2.7 (2.5) in the standard therapy group (P = .83), with 5-year freedom from acute rejection of 45.5% in group 1 vs 35.6% in group 2 (P = .85). Infections were observed in 6 patients in group1 and in 8 patients in group2 (P = .69). Malignant disease was diagnosed in 1 patient in the high-dose group and 3 patients in the standard therapy group (P = .35). Chronic allograft vasculopathy was recognized in 4 patients (28%) in group1 and 8 (50%) in group2 (P = .05). Five-year actuarial freedom from allograft vasculopathy was 69.2% in the high-dose ATG group vs 50.0%% in the standard therapy group (P = .35).

Conclusions

High-dose ATG for prevention of rejection episodes is safe and efficacious, with a lower rate of early and late complications, in particular, graft vasculopathy.     

Impact of Tumor Characteristic on the Outcome of Liver Transplantation in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a well-established treatment for cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who meet the Milan criteria. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of survival among 65 patients with HCC in cirrhotic livers who underwent liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods

From January 2001 to December 2008, we performed 655 OLT in 615 patients. HCC was diagnosed in 58 patients before OLT and in 65 by histological examination of the explanted livers; 74% of the patients met Milan criteria by histological examination.

Results

The median follow-up was 27 months (range = 1-96). We analyzed patient age and gender, etiology of liver disease, Child score at transplantation, rejection episodes, tumor number/size, vascular invasion, and differentiation grade. There was no significant difference in survival among patients grouped according to the Model for End-stage Liver Disease staging system for HCC. The 5-year survival of patients with low differentiated (G3) HCC was significantly worse than that of those with moderately differentiated (G2) or well-differentiated (G1) HCC: 50%, 81%, and 86% respectively, (P < .01). Patients with microvascular invasion displayed a worse 5-year survival than those without vascular invasion (42% vs 80%; P < .01).

Conclusions

The analysis indicated that the histological grade of the tumors and evidences of microscopic vascular invasion were the most useful predictive factors for overall survival among patients with cirrhosis after liver transplantation for HCC.