Neonatal fulminant hepatitis B: structural and functional analysis of complete hepatitis B virus genomes from mother and infant

Transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from anti-hepatitis B e (anti-HBe)-positive carrier mothers to their infants may result in neonatal fulminant hepatitis B (FHB). We investigated whether HBV variants with a particular DNA sequence and functional phenotype, responsible for FHB, are selected during transmission. Full-length HBV genomes from a mother-infant pair were completely sequenced and transfected into human hepatoma cells. The dominant neonatal and maternal HBV populations were nearly identical (homology 99.8%) and showed a precore stop codon mutation, T-1762 and A-1764 substitutions in the core promoter region, and pre-S2 start codon mutations. Cells transfected with variants from mother and child, compared with wild-type virus, synthesized and released a similar number or fewer HBV DNA-containing particles. In conclusion, no particular HBV strain emerged during neonatal FHB. In this case, a de novo infection with variants showing a defect in HBe antigen and pre-S2 protein synthesis but not a high replication competence probably contributed to the fulminant disease course.

Preemptive liver transplantation in primary hyperoxaluria type 1: timing and preliminary results

Preemptive isolated liver transplantation (PLTX) can cure the metabolic defect in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) but there are no uniformally accepted recommendations concerning the timing of this transplantation procedure. We have performed PLTX successfully in 4 children (age 3-9 years) with PH1 with no mortality or morbidity due to the transplantation procedure. Plasma and urinary oxalate levels normalised rapidly and renal function remained stable including one patient with advanced chronic renal failure who showed a stable course for more than 24 months. Although treatment must be individualised in this severe metabolic disorder and PLTX has to be viewed as invasive procedure, we feel PLTX should be offered and discussed not too late in the treatment of PH1 to prevent or at least delay the progression to end stage renal disease and systemic oxalosis.

Mutations in the MDR3 gene cause progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Class III multidrug resistance (MDR) P-glycoproteins (P-gp), mdr2 in mice and MDR3 in man, mediate the translocation of phosphatidylcholine across the canalicular membrane of the hepatocyte. Mice with a disrupted mdr2 gene completely lack biliary phospholipid excretion and develop progressive liver disease, characterized histologically by portal inflammation, proliferation of the bile duct epithelium, and fibrosis. This disease phenotype is very similar to a subtype of progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, hallmarked by a high serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) activity. We report immunohistochemistry for MDR3 P-gp, reverse transcription-coupled PCR sequence analysis, and genomic DNA analysis of MDR3 from two progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis patients with high serum gamma-GT. Canalicular staining for MDR3 P-gp was negative in liver tissue of both patients. Reverse transcription-coupled PCR sequencing of the first patient's sequence demonstrated a homozygous 7-bp deletion, starting at codon 132, which results in a frameshift and introduces a stop codon 29 codons downstream. The second patient is homozygous for a nonsense mutation in codon 957 (C --> T) that introduces a stop codon (TGA). Our results demonstrate that mutations in the human MDR3 gene lead to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis with high serum gamma-GT. The histopathological picture in these patients is very similar to that in the corresponding mdr2(-/-) mouse, in which mdr2 P-gp deficiency induces complete absence of phospholipid in bile.

Disseminated islands of gastric mucosa in jejunum and ileum detected by technetium-99m-pertechnetate scintigraphy

Disseminated islands of gastric mucosa are very rare in the small intestine. The secretion of hydrochloric acid can lead to ulceration which results in gastrointestinal bleeding. It is often difficult to localize the focus in case of gastrointestinal blood loss especially in the small bowel. Technetium-99m-pertechnetate scintigraphy may be a helpful tool in detecting ectopic gastric mucosa. We report a case of a 21-mo-old boy with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. By using pertechnetate scintigraphy, extensive tracer accumulation in the jejunum and proximal ileum was detected. Histologically, multiple islands of ectopic gastric mucosa were found in about 50 excited mucosal and transmural biopsies. The unusual finding of disseminated accumulation of 99mTc-pertechnetate in the small intestine was the diagnostic clue for such a rare disease.

Recurrent septicemias with Enterococcus faecium

A 17-year-old male patient with extrahepatic biliary atresia underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation in September 1994. In blood cultures drawn in November and (6 weeks later) December 1994, from bile secretions in May 1995, stool in June 1995 an wound abscess in August 1995, ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was isolated. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated the clonal identity of the isolates. To our knowledge, repeated infections with the same E. faecium strain over a period of 9 months have not been described before. As multiple-resistant enterococci may colonize and reinfect liver transplant recipients for such a long time, preoperative antibiotic therapy should be administered cautiously in order not to select these organisms.

Transplantation of complete and split liver grafts for patients with fulminant hepatic failure

Fulminant hepatic failure is associated with considerable mortality under conservative management. The aim of this study was to assess applicability and outcome of liver transplantation using cadaveric and living donated grafts in patients with fulminant hepatic failure. 42 patients presenting with fulminant hepatic failure between 1988 and 1995 were retrospectively analyzed. 37 (88%) met the indication criteria for liver transplantation. 22 patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation, one patient auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation. Actual survival rate of these patients is 74% alter a mean follow-up of 23 (3-68) months. 38% (14/37) of the patients with an indication for transplantation did not receive a cadaveric graft due to scarcity of cadaveric organs (n = 9), medical contraindications (n = 3) or spontaneous recuperation (n = 2). Only 21% (3/14) of these patients survived. Due to unavailability of a cadaveric organ four patients, six months to 22 years of age, underwent living related liver transplantation as a last possible treatment option. Three of them died from cerebral herniation. It is concluded that transplantation of a cadaveric graft increased survival rate from 21% to 74% in patients with an indication for liver transplantation. Living related liver transplantation as an individual rescue therapy had no favourable outcome.

Liver transplantation in children with chronic end stage liver disease: factors influencing survival after transplantation

To identify pretransplant factors that are influencing survival after orthotopic liver transplantation a Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to 118 children with chronic terminal liver failure transplanted at Medical School Hannover during the period of 1978 to 1994. The response variable was survival, as covariates a total of 19 pretransplant variables were entered--i.e. age, diagnosis (biliary cirrhosis, metabolic cirrhosis, postnecrotic cirrhosis, cryptogenetic cirrhosis) sex, laparotomy prior to OLT, height, weight, standard deviation scores for height and weight, date of first OLT, serum alanine aminotransferase, asparagine aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, cholinesterase activity, glomerular filtration rate, and prothrombin time. Significant independent predictors of survival after OLT were bilirubin (P=0.0024), SDS for weight (P=0.034), and albumin (P=0.039). In a subsequent discriminant analysis cut off points for these variables could be identified--i.e., bilirubin >340 micromol/L, SDS for weight <-2.2 and albumin < 33 g/L. Patients with one or more of these risk factors were grouped as urgent indication group (n=76) and those with no risk factor as elective indication group (n=42). Comparing the posttransplantation survival in these groups there is a statistically significant difference at 1 year (57% vs. 90.5%) and 4 years (49% vs. 90.5%) after OLT (P=0.0001, log rank test). It is concluded that the risk of OLT is much higher if liver function is very poor. Optimal nutritional support prior to transplantation is mandatory to optimise the clinical status of the children and to improve the results of OLT.

The value of serial determination of MEGX and hyaluronic acid early after orthotopic liver transplantation

Post-transplant assessment of early graft function has become an essential part of monitoring, especially when deciding on retransplantation. If primary non-function is indicated, retransplantation is inevitable; early graft dysfunction may be related to subsequent complications. In a prospective study in 84 patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) we measured aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), bilirubin (BIL), prothrombin time, MEGX formation, hyaluronic acid (HA) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) concentrations during the first 2 postoperative weeks; graft outcome was followed over 4 months. The aim of this study was to determine whether graft survival could be predicted by such variables early after OLT. Compared with patients with stable graft function (n = 25), patients with post-transplant icteric cholestasis (n = 30) exhibited no difference in graft survival, despite a decrease in MEGX formation to a nadir median of 12 micrograms L-1 on day 10. Patients with rejection (n = 8) and septicaemia (n = 6) showed a marked decrease in MEGX values and an increase in HA and sIL-2R concentrations between postoperative days 3 and 7. Patients with primary non-function (PNF; n = 5) were characterized by strongly reduced MEGX formation (median 4 micrograms L) and increased HA values (median 2300 micrograms L-1) on day 3 after OLT. A total of 24/84 grafts were lost within 120 days. In a survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression, HA and MEGX values on day 1 were the only independent variables entering the model that showed an adequate prognostic sensitivity. At cut-off points of 22 micrograms L-1 (MEGX) and 730 micrograms L-1 (HA) the combined use of these parameters in a parallel approach yielded a sensitivity of 58% with a corresponding specificity of 95% for 120-day graft survival. These findings suggest that the inclusion of MEGX and HA in postoperative monitoring of OLT patients may be helpful in the early prediction of graft survival.

In situ splitting of cadaveric livers. The ultimate expansion of a limited donor pool

OBJECTIVE

The authors evaluate the safety, applicability, and effectiveness of a new technique for split-liver transplantation.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Split-liver transplantation offers an attractive way to increase the donor pool for cadaveric liver transplantation. The application of this concept has been hampered by inferior patient and graft survivals and higher complication rates. Without supportive data, the concern about increasing biliary leakage and poor initial graft function persisted. The authors focused on the causes of these complications by presenting a new technique to eliminate these problems.

METHODS

Liver splitting was performed in the heart-beating cadaveric organ donor, using the technique described for procurement of the left lateral lobe of a live donor. A detailed description of the technique is presented. A retrospective review of the first 14 transplantations resulting from 7 in situ splitting procedures was collected. The results were compared with 19 conventional split-liver transplants performed during the same period.

RESULTS

Six-month patient and graft survivals after in situ split-liver transplantation were 92.8% and 85.7%, respectively. Biliary complications were absent. Postoperative courses were mostly uneventful and characterized by lower peak transaminase levels compared with standard techniques. Early graft function of extrahepatic organs procured simultaneously was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ split-liver transplantation provides superior results, related mainly to reduction of cold ischemic damage of the grafts and avoidance of biliary complications. In situ split-liver transplantation renders graft reduction alone obsolete and opens a donor pool for adults to receive right lobes safely. It allows for long-distance sharing between pediatric and adult liver transplant units because the procedure abolishes ex situ benching and prolonged ischemia time and provides two anatomically perfect grafts with hemostasis accomplished.

Prognostic value of the monoethylglycinexylidide test in pediatric liver transplant candidates

The objective of this prospective study was to assess the prognostic value of dynamic and static liver function tests and clinical symptoms in pediatric patients with chronic end-stage liver disease in a serial examination including three evaluations at 3-month intervals. Of the 24 patients entering the study, six were given transplants within the observation period of 10 months. Of the remaining 18 patients who were considered in the final evaluation, five died before transplantation was possible. The variables included in the analysis were monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) formation from lidocaine, bilirubin, albumin, and creatinine serum concentrations, catalytic serum concentration of cholinesterase (CHE), prothrombin time (PT), factors II and V, serum amino acids, body weight, and presence of ascites. In nonsurvivors (n = 5), MEGX serum concentrations 30 min after intravenous administration of lidocaine (1 mg/kg body weight) were < 10 micrograms/L at the first examination. Statistically significant differences between nonsurvivors and survivors were observed for initial MEGX test results (p = 0.0089) and serum bilirubin concentrations (p = 0.009), as well as for the last available MEGX and bilirubin data from each patient (p = 0.017 and 0.016, respectively). At a diagnostic sensitivity of 100%, the corresponding diagnostic specificities for MEGX and bilirubin from the first examination were 77 and 62%, respectively. These data show that consistently low MEGX test results < 10 micrograms/L, obtained 30 min after intravenous administration of lidocaine (1 mg/kg body weight), are a prognostically unfavorable sign in pediatric transplant candidates.

Transplantation procedures in primary hyperoxaluria type 1

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH 1) is complicated by a high rate of early end-stage renal failure (ESRF). In ESRF combined liver kidney transplantation has emerged as treatment of choice for teenagers and adults. In chronic renal failure (CRF) and for small children the situation is less clear. We report on three isolated liver transplantations and show the data of young children from the European Registry for liver transplantation in PH 1. Patient #1 developed ESRF at 3 months of age. Deficiency of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase proved PH 1. Progressive bone disease developed and the boy received a living related liver graft (LRLTx) at age two. Due to recurrent cholangitis kidney transplantation (KTx) is currently not feasible. Plasma oxalate decreased after LRLTx indicating correction of the metabolic defect. Patient #2 was diagnosed at the age of 14 months. He had nephrocalcinosis and hyperglycolic hyperoxaluria. Two years later he developed ESRF. At 5 years of age isolated liver transplantation was performed as a first step of therapy. Due to prolonged warm ischemia time organ function was poor. A severe bleeding complicated the course. The child died four weeks after transplantation from untreatable CMV septicemia. Patient #3 was evaluated for failure to thrive at 6 months of age. Urinary oxalate/creatinine ratio was 705 mumol/mol and gave rise to the diagnosis of PH 1. Renal failure slowly progressed to a creatinine clearance of 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 at 8 years, when liver transplantation (LTx) was performed. Four months later, GFR has not changed. Liver function and urinary oxalate/creatinine ratio are normal. Slowly deteriorating chronic renal failure can be stabilized through isolated liver transplantation and thus the rapid need for KTx will at least be delayed. Even more important, normalization of the oxalate metabolism prevents extrarenal oxalate deposits during renal failure.

One year of experience with extended application and modified techniques of split liver transplantation

As organ donation rates decreased in Europe, the authors started a systematic approach of liver splitting in their center in 1994. During this 1-year experience, 73 cadaveric liver transplantations were performed in 66 patients. Sixteen of these transplantations were the result of split-liver transplantation (21.9% of grafts, 24.2% of patients). Patient and graft survival rates at 3 months were 81.2% and 75%, compared with 89.1% and 76.9 % for whole organs. Two modified techniques were developed, based on the technique of living related liver procurement, and applied in 10 cases. With these new techniques, patient and graft survival rates were 90% and 90%. This systematic approach allowed the total number of transplantations in our program to be maintained, despite the decrease in organ availability.

[Liver transplants from living donors]

In this article the authors discuss the advantages of Living Related Liver Transplantation (LRLT), criteria for the selection of donors and the standard operation technique. Among a total of 241 liver transplantation (LTx), 42 LRLT were performed at the University of Hamburg between October 1, 1991 and December 19, 1994. The body weight of recipients for LRLT ranged from 4,6 to 39 kg, with 64,2% having less than 10 kg. The volume of the donor left lateral liver lobe ranged from 100 cc to 350 cc. The average one year survival rate among electively operated patients-status 3-4 (UNOS 1995 classification) was 86.7%, two year survival rate 83.3%. The main advantages of LRLT are consired the following: 1. Absence of mortality on the waiting list, 2. Optimal timing of the transplantation (elective procedure, patient in a good condition), 3. Excellent organ (no primary non function), 4. A possible immunologic advantage, 5. Relief of the waiting list for cadaveric organs, 6. Psychological benefit for the family, 7. Cost effectiveness. Potential candidates for living donation with more than one cardiovascular risk factors were excluded. Social and psychological reasons leading to rejection of candidates were as follows: unstable family structure, expected professional or financial difficulties after living donation or withdrawal from consent. LRLT gives parents of a child with TLD a chance to avoid the risk of death on the waiting list or primary non function of the graft. LRLT has therefore established an important place in pediatric liver transplantation.

[Selection of live donors for segmental liver transplantation in children]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse selection criteria and complications in living related donors of liver segments with a view to introducing standardised guidelines for the selection of such donors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-two mothers and 31 fathers (median age 31 [19-50] years) were tested between October 1991 and July 1994 for their suitability as donors of a liver segment.

RESULTS

24 of the potential donors (33%) were found not to be suitable. Reasons for this were: poor immunological match of the donor liver as transplant (13), risk factors for thromboembolism (5), and psychological or socioeconomic factors (6). 35 live related donor liver segment transplantations were performed, 34 of the left lateral liver segment, and one of the left liver lobe. The average duration of the operation was 4.5 (3.0-6.0) hours. No foreign blood transfusions were needed. There was one death from pulmonary emboli, and various complications: cerebral seizure (1), gallbladder leak (1), incisional hernia (2) and duodenal ulcer (2).

CONCLUSION

Risk of thromboembolism as well as psychological and social factors are the most important exclusion criteria in the selection of donors for live liver segment transplantation.

Monitoring of ubiquinol-10, ubiquinone-10, carotenoids, and tocopherols in neonatal plasma microsamples using high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric electrochemical detection

A method for measuring the lipophilic antioxidants alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, ubiquinol-10, ubiquinone-10, beta-cryptoxanthin, and beta-carotene in 5 or 10 microliters neonatal plasma is presented. First lipid extraction together with the internal standards gamma-tocotrienol, ubiquinone-7, ubiquinol-9, ubiquinone-9, and ethyl beta-apo-8'-carotenoate was carried out. Then the components were separated on a RPC2/C18 column. Coulometric electrochemical detection was performed using the reduction-oxidation mode (-0.60 V; -0.15 V; +0.60 V). Detection limits for all components were between 21 and 60 fmol, corresponding to 0.004 and 0.012 mumol/liter plasma; the within-day precision (coefficient of variation) was between 3 and 14% for all measured substances. Reference values are given for healthy newborn children from the second to the sixth day of life. Using the presented HPLC technique it is possible to monitor the concentrations of lipophilic antioxidants in plasma of sick immature newborn children in order to study effects of oxidative stress.

Selection of the living liver donor

Living related liver transplantation offers several advantages in comparison to transplantation of cadaver organs. To achieve maximal donor safety evaluation, selection criteria and complications of the donor operation were retrospectively analyzed in living donors of segmental liver transplants. Seventy-three liver donor candidates were evaluated between October 1991 and June 1994. The median age of 42 mothers and 31 fathers was 31 years (range, 19-50 years). The median volume of the left lateral liver lobe comprised 230 ml (100-350 ml). Twenty-four of 73 (33%) donor candidates were not accepted for living donation. Rejection was due to unsuitability of the donor's liver as a graft (n = 13) or due to an increased risk for living donation (n = 11). Of 35 living donations performed so far, one was a full left hemihepatectomy and 34 were left lateral segmentectomies. The length of the donor operation was, on average, 4.3 hr. No heterologous blood was needed. Postoperative complications included death due to pulmonary embolism (n = 1), seizure due to a previously undiagnosed ependymoma (n = 1), bile duct injury (n = 1), incisional hernia necessitating late revision (n = 2), and duodenal ulcer (n = 2). Long-term follow-up revealed no persistent complications. Using our standardized protocol, 33% of young, presumably healthy donor candidates were rejected for living donation.

In situ splitting of the liver in the heart-beating cadaveric organ donor for transplantation in two recipients

SLT presents an interesting concept to alleviate the organ shortage for children with end-stage liver disease. The procedure has, however, not gained wide acceptance. This is not only related to the complexity of the procedure, but also to the poorer results and the complications reported on the right side graft. We report on a first case in which we applied a new concept for splitting. The liver was split in situ in the heart-beating cadaveric donor with the aim of reducing the problems with the right side graft. This procedure makes splitting of the liver possible without submitting the recipient of the right side to increased risk. Therefore, in situ splitting of the liver has the potential of making splitting of liver grafts the rule rather than the exception, thus increasing the organ pool for small children presently carrying a high risk of dying on the waiting list.