Anti-viral therapy for prevention of perinatal HBV transmission: extending therapy beyond birth does not protect against post-partum flare

BACKGROUND

Antepartum anti-viral therapy (AVT) is often administered to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Little is known about the effect of AVT on post-partum flare rates and severity.

AIM

To examine whether extending AVT beyond birth influences the post-partum course.

METHODS

One hundred and one pregnancies in 91 women with HBV DNA levels ≥log 7 IU/mL were included. AVT (initially lamivudine, later tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) was commenced from 32 weeks gestation and stopped soon after birth and at 12 weeks post-partum. Outcomes according to post-partum treatment duration were examined: Group 1 = AVT ≤4 weeks (n = 44), Group 2 = AVT >4 weeks (n = 43), Group 3 = no AVT (n = 14).

RESULTS

The majority of women were HBeAg+ (97%), median age 29 years, baseline HBV DNA log 8.0 IU/mL and follow-up 48 weeks post-partum. Post-partum treatment duration was 2 weeks for Group 1 and 12 weeks for Group 2, P < 0.01. Flare rates were not significantly different: Group 1 = 22/44 (50%), Group 2 = 17/43 (40%) and Group 3 = 4/14 (29%), P = 0.32. Onset of flare was similar at 8/10/9 weeks post-partum for Groups 1/2/3 respectively, P = 0.34. The majority of flares spontaneously resolved. HBeAg seroconversion (n = 1/5/1 in Groups 1/2/3, P = 0.27) was not associated with treatment duration or the occurrence of a post-partum flare.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-partum flares are common and usually arise early after delivery. They are often mild in severity and most spontaneously resolve. Extending anti-viral therapy does not protect against post-partum flares or affect HBeAg seroconversion rates.

Managing hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer: recent advances

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a major cause of human mortality worldwide. The majority of people with CHB are infected early in life, and 20-40% of men and 15% of women with chronic infection will develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Antiviral therapy is recommended for patients with CHB who have cirrhosis or active disease with the aims of reducing disease progression to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, thereby preventing death. Evidence that treatment with interferon or with early nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy reduces HCC has been somewhat conflicting, however evidence is emerging to support a significant role in HCC prevention of the more effective antivirals, entecavir and tenofovir. Older patients, those with cirrhosis, and those undergoing curative treatments for HCC derive the greatest medium-term benefit in terms of HCC reduction, but HCC can still occur and long-term surveillance is recommended.

Terlipressin therapy for moderate-to-severe hyponatraemia in patients with liver failure

BACKGROUND

Hyponatraemia in liver failure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Improving serum sodium in liver failure has been observed in patients receiving terlipressin.

METHODS

We assessed the response of hyponatraemia in patients with liver failure to terlipressin using comparative retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients received terlipressin for hyponatraemia after failed conservative management (median age 52 years (27-67), model for end-stage liver disease score 28 (16-38)). The median therapy was 7 days (1-27), with an average total dose of 25 mg (4-90) and a mean follow up of 51 days (5-1248). These patients were compared with 11 hyponatraemic patients managed conservatively during the same period with comparable age, baseline serum sodium and follow up. After 1 week of terlipressin therapy, serum sodium increased from a median of 120 (115-128) to 129 mmol/L (121-144) (P < 0.001), and at the end of terlipressin therapy, the serum sodium had increased significantly to 131 mmol/L (120-148) (P < 0.001). In comparison, in the conservatively managed group, the serum sodium did not increase significantly from the baseline of 123 (117-127) mmol/L. Adverse events occurred in 26% of patients receiving terlipressin, which predominantly pulmonary oedema. Importantly, more hyponatraemic patients treated with terlipressin (48%) were alive compared with the conservative group (18%), despite the latter having a significantly lower baseline median MELD score of 21 (16-30) (P = 0.008). Moreover, the transplant-free survival was higher in the terlipressin (30%) compared with the conservative group (0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Terlipressin is effective in treating hyponatraemia in liver failure. Importantly, terlipressin use results in better transplant-free survival but also more adverse events.

Pentoxifylline-induced drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in a patient with caffeine intolerance

BACKGROUND

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction characterised by rash, eosinophilia and systemic involvement.

MAIN OBSERVATIONS

We report a case of DRESS induced by pentoxifylline used for the treatment of severe alcoholic hepatitis, in a patient with longstanding caffeine intolerance. A history of intolerance to caffeine and other methylxanthines is listed as a contraindication to the use of pentoxifylline, yet this precaution is not mentioned in alcoholic hepatitis treatment guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescribers should always seek a history of intolerance to caffeine and related compounds prior to use of pentoxifylline, as severe life threatening reactions can occur.

Tenofovir-associated Fanconi syndrome in patients with chronic hepatitis B monoinfection

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is increasingly used in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Although associated with renal toxicity in HIV-infected patients, renal dysfunction has been reported rarely in the monoinfected CHB population. To date, TDF-associated Fanconi syndrome has not been reported. Here, we present two cases of TDF-associated Fanconi syndrome with rapid resolution after its cessation. We then discuss risk factors for TDF nephrotoxicity and its implications for screening for renal disease in those patients with CHB monoinfection on TDF, and the use of TDF in at-risk populations.

Amanita phalloides poisoning and treatment with silibinin in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales

OBJECTIVES

To report the frequency and clinical outcomes of Amanita phalloides poisoning in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, and the treatments used (including silibinin).

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS

Retrospective case series of patients admitted to public hospitals in Canberra and Sydney for suspected A. phalloides poisoning between 1999 and 2012 (identified from hospital records and calls to the New South Wales Poisons Information Centre).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Frequency of poisoning and the clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Twelve patients presented with a history suggesting A. phalloides poisoning, 10 with probable poisoning and two with possible poisoning. Eight of those with probable poisoning developed significant hepatotoxicity and four died. Silibinin was administered to nine of those with probable poisoning (the other presented before 2005). Maintaining silibinin supply became a challenge during two clusters of poisoning. Eight of the patients with probable poisoning were not long-term residents of the ACT, and six were immigrants from Asia.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate due to A. phalloides poisoning in this case series was high despite treatment according to current standards, including use of silibinin, and the frequency of hepatotoxicity was more than double that for the previous decade. Ongoing public health campaigns are required.

Combination of lamivudine and adefovir without hepatitis B immune globulin is safe and effective prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus recurrence in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver transplant candidates

Without effective prophylaxis, liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease is frequently complicated by severe and rapidly progressive HBV recurrence. Combination prophylaxis with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and lamivudine (LAM) reduces long-term recurrence rates below 10%; however, HBIG is costly and inconvenient to administer. We, therefore, conducted a multicenter, prospective study of outcomes with an HBIG-sparing regimen of LAM plus adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) initiated at the time of listing for liver transplantation and continued after transplantation. Twenty-six patients were recruited into this study at the time of listing for transplantation, and 20 subsequently underwent transplantation. Twelve of the 26 patients had LAM exposure before the study baseline, but none had LAM resistance. The median HBV viral load before the institution of antiviral therapy was approximately 4.0 log(10) IU/mL (range=2.3-7.5 log(10) IU/mL). To the 20 patients who underwent transplantation, 800 IU of intramuscular HBIG was given immediately after transplantation and daily for 7 days only (total HBIG dose=6400 IU). All transplant patients remained alive without HBV recurrence (they were negative for hepatitis B surface antigen, and HBV DNA was undetectable) after a median follow-up of 57 months after transplantation (range=27-83 months). The median serum creatinine level in these patients rose from 81 to 119 μmol/L over the course of the study. No patient required dose reduction or cessation. After the completion of this prospective study, the regimen was modified so that no perioperative HBIG was administered if the pretransplant serum HBV DNA level was suppressed below 3 log(10) IU/mL. Another 28 patients with HBV-related liver disease underwent transplantation (18 without HBIG). All remained alive and well without HBV recurrence after a median follow-up of 22 months after transplantation (range=10-58 months). In conclusion, a combination of LAM and ADV initiated at the time of wait listing provides safe and effective protection against recurrent HBV infection without the high costs and inconvenience associated with long-term HBIG therapy.

Liver resection and transplantation offer similar 5-year survival for Child-Pugh-Turcotte A HCC-patients with a single nodule up to 5 cm: a multicenter, exploratory analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The current guideline of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends liver resection for Child-Pugh-Turcotte A patients with a single hepatocellular carcinoma, total serum bilirubin ≤ 1 mg/dL and absence of significant portal hypertension. This subset of patients would have a long-term survival comparable to transplantation. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the survival rates in patients with a single nodule ≤ 5 cm following resection.

METHODS

Medical records of 105 Child-Pugh-Turcotte A patients who underwent liver resection between 1997 and 2009 were analyzed in 3 countries.

RESULTS

One, 3-, and 5-year survival rate was 97%, 83%, and 66%, respectively, and no variable that can be assessed prior to liver resection predicted survival probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver resection offers 5-year survival similar to transplantation for Child-Pugh-Turcotte A patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and a single nodule up to 5 cm, independently of any patient baseline characteristics.

Analysis of human liver disease using a cluster of differentiation (CD) antibody microarray

BACKGROUND

A CD antibody microarray has been previously developed allowing semi-quantitative identification of greater than 80 CD antigens on circulating leucocytes from peripheral blood samples. This assay, which uses a live cell-capture technique, enables an extensive leucocyte immunophenotype determination in a single analysis and to date this has been used successfully to characterise diseases including human leukaemias and HIV infection.

AIMS

To determine CD antigen expression profiles for patients with various liver diseases and to look for preserved disease-specific signatures.

METHODS

Three liver disease groups including hepatitis C (HCV) (n = 35), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (n = 21) and alcohol-related liver disease (n = 14) were compared with a normal group (n = 23). Hierarchal Clustering (HCL) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the data revealed distinct binding patterns for patients with and without cirrhosis.

RESULTS

Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension compared with those without cirrhosis had significantly reduced expression of several markers of T-cell function including CD45, CD8, CD28 and TCR α/β. Disease prediction algorithms based on the expression data were able to discriminate cirrhotics from non-cirrhotics with 71% overall success, which improved to 77% when only patients with HCV were considered.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate disease-specific consensus patterns of expression of CD antigens for patients with chronic liver disease, suggesting that the CD antibody array is a promising tool in the analysis of human liver disease, and with further refinement may have future research and clinical utility.

Grade of deceased donor liver macrovesicular steatosis impacts graft and recipient outcomes more than the Donor Risk Index

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Donor liver steatosis can impact on liver allograft outcomes. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively report on the impact of type and grade of donor steatosis, as well as donor and recipient factors, including the reported Donor Risk Index (DRI), on liver allograft outcomes.

METHODS

A review of unit data for all adult liver transplant procedures from 2001 to 2007, as well as donor offers. Donor liver biopsies were regraded for steatosis by an experienced histopathologist.

RESULTS

Steatosis was detected in 184/255 (72%) of biopsies, of which 114 (62%) had microvesicular steatosis (MiS; 68 mild, 22 moderate, 24 severe) and 70 (38%) macrovesicular steatosis (MaS; 59 mild, 7 moderate, 4 severe). The majority (66/70, 94%) of biopsies with MaS also contained MiS. Allograft steatosis was associated with increasing donor body mass index (P = 0.000), plus donor male sex (P < 0.05). Primary non function (P = 0.002), early renal failure (P = 0.040), and requirement for retransplantation (P = 0.012) were associated only with severe MaS. Early biliary complications were associated with moderate MaS (P = 0.039). Only severe MaS was significantly associated with inferior allograft survival at 3 months (relative risk = 12.09 [8.75-19.05], P = 0.000) and 1 year (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

MiS is a common finding and frequently coexists with MaS on liver allograft biopsy, while isolated MaS is uncommon. Only the presence of moderate to severe MaS is associated with inferior early allograft outcomes. The impact of severe MaS on allograft survival appears greater than other donor factors, including the calculated DRI.

Feasibility of conducting a randomized control trial for liver cancer screening: is a randomized controlled trial for liver cancer screening feasible or still needed?

Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is commonly practiced and recommended in published guidelines, but evidence for its efficacy has been controversial. We tested the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of HCC surveillance in patients with cirrhosis and followed up those offered screening to detect clinical outcomes. Participation was offered to patients with cirrhosis attending liver clinics at three university hospitals. Following discussion, patients received a decision aid (DA) that outlined the risks and benefits of surveillance. The proposed screening program comprised ultrasonography 6-monthly and serum alpha-fetoprotein every 3 months. We envisaged five groups of patients: those who agreed to randomization, those choosing nonrandomized screening, those wanting continuation of usual care, those who were undecided, and those refusing participation. Among 205 patients, 204 (99.5%) declined randomization. Of these, 181 (88%) elected for a nonrandomized screening program, 10% chose usual care (which typically included ad hoc screening), and two were undecided. Among 176 patients fluent in English communication skills, 160 (91%) preferred nonrandomized screening compared with 22/29 (76%) patients needing an interpreter (P < 0.026). Of 173 patients in nonrandomized screening followed up for a mean 13.5 ± 6.04 months, three developed HCC, two died from nonliver-related causes, and one underwent liver transplantation for liver failure. Eighteen of 21 patients in "usual care" received ad hoc screening. A simultaneous survey on the quality of the DA showed that the majority of participants believed that the information provided was unbiased.

CONCLUSION

Although an RCT is theoretically ideal for determining the efficacy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of HCC screening, informed patients prefer surveillance. A randomized study of HCC screening is not feasible when informed consent is imparted.

Increasing liver transplantation waiting list mortality: a report from the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Sydney

BACKGROUND

We aimed to describe the demand for liver transplantation (LTx) and patient outcomes on the waiting list at the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit, Sydney over the last 20 years.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis with the data divided into three eras: 1985-1993, 1994-2000 and 2001-2008.

RESULTS

The number of patients accepted for LTx increased from 320 to 372 and 548 (P < 0.001) with the number of LTx being performed increasing from 262 to 312 and 452 respectively (P < 0.001). The median adult recipient age increased from 45 to 48 and 52 years (P < 0.001) while it decreased in children from 4 to 2 and 1 years respectively (P = 0.001). In parallel, the deceased donor offers decreased from 1003 to 720 and 717 (P < 0.001). Methods to improve access to donor livers have been used with the use of split livers, extended criteria and non-heart beating donors, resulting in increased acceptance of deceased donor offers by 65% and 115% in the second and third eras when compared with the first era (P < 0.001). However, the adult median waiting time has increased from 23 to 41 and 120 days respectively (P < 0.001). This was associated with increased adult mortality on the waiting list from 23 to 40 and 122 respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the increasing proportion of donor offers being used, the waiting list mortality is increasing. A solution to this problem is an increase in organ donation to keep pace with the escalating demand for LTx.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate rescue therapy following failure of both lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil in chronic hepatitis B

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in adults with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who had previously failed lamivudine (LAM) and had significant viral replication (HBV DNA >10⁵ copies/ml if HBeAg positive, > 10⁴ copies/ml if HBeAg negative) despite at least 24 weeks of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV).

DESIGN

A prospective open-label study of TDF 300 mg daily. Patients receiving combination ADV/LAM prior to baseline were switched to TDF/LAM.

SETTING

Multiple tertiary referral centres.

METHODS

Sixty patients were enrolled. The median age was 48.5 years (range 21e80), 46 (77%) were male and 40 (67%) were HBeAg positive. Thirty-eight patients (63%) were switched from ADV to TDF, the remainder from ADV/LAM to TDF/LAM. At baseline, substitutions conferring resistance to LAM or ADV were present in 20 patients (33%) and 17 patients (28%), respectively. The median baseline viral load was 5.33 log₁₀ IU/ml (range 2.81-8.04). Patients initially treated with TDF monotherapy with persistent viral replication at or after 24 weeks were switched to TDF/LAM. The main outcome measures were change in HBV viral load from baseline and percentage of patients achieving an undetectable viral load (<15 IU/ml).

RESULTS

Results are reported at 96 weeks of treatment. One patient discontinued TDF at 10 days due to rash. The time-weighted change in viral load from baseline to week 12 was -2.19 log10 IU/ml overall. The median change in HBV DNA from baseline to weeks 12, 24, 48 and 96 was -2.86, -3.23, -3.75 and -4.03 log₁₀ IU/ml, respectively. At 48 and 96 weeks, 27/59 (46%) and 38/59 (64%) patients achieved a HBV DNA <15 IU/ml. The response was independent of baseline LAM therapy or mutations conferring ADV resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

In heavily pretreated patients with a high rate of genotypic resistance, TDF retains significant activity against HBV although this appears diminished in comparison with studies of naïve patients.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate rescue therapy following failure of both lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil in chronic hepatitis B

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in adults with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who had previously failed lamivudine (LAM) and had significant viral replication (HBV DNA >10⁵ copies/ml if HBeAg positive, > 10⁴ copies/ml if HBeAg negative) despite at least 24 weeks of treatment with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV).

DESIGN

A prospective open-label study of TDF 300 mg daily. Patients receiving combination ADV/LAM prior to baseline were switched to TDF/LAM.

SETTING

Multiple tertiary referral centres.

METHODS

Sixty patients were enrolled. The median age was 48.5 years (range 21e80), 46 (77%) were male and 40 (67%) were HBeAg positive. Thirty-eight patients (63%) were switched from ADV to TDF, the remainder from ADV/LAM to TDF/LAM. At baseline, substitutions conferring resistance to LAM or ADV were present in 20 patients (33%) and 17 patients (28%), respectively. The median baseline viral load was 5.33 log₁₀ IU/ml (range 2.81-8.04). Patients initially treated with TDF monotherapy with persistent viral replication at or after 24 weeks were switched to TDF/LAM. The main outcome measures were change in HBV viral load from baseline and percentage of patients achieving an undetectable viral load (<15 IU/ml).

RESULTS

Results are reported at 96 weeks of treatment. One patient discontinued TDF at 10 days due to rash. The time-weighted change in viral load from baseline to week 12 was -2.19 log10 IU/ml overall. The median change in HBV DNA from baseline to weeks 12, 24, 48 and 96 was -2.86, -3.23, -3.75 and -4.03 log₁₀ IU/ml, respectively. At 48 and 96 weeks, 27/59 (46%) and 38/59 (64%) patients achieved a HBV DNA <15 IU/ml. The response was independent of baseline LAM therapy or mutations conferring ADV resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

In heavily pretreated patients with a high rate of genotypic resistance, TDF retains significant activity against HBV although this appears diminished in comparison with studies of naïve patients.

Isolated liver transplantation in children with cystic fibrosis--an Australian experience

CF liver disease is an uncommon indication for pediatric LT. Determining optimal timing and type (isolated liver versus multi-organ) of transplantation for those with severe liver disease can be challenging and involves consideration of the extent of liver disease (PHT, synthetic dysfunction) and extrahepatic factors such as pulmonary function. We present the experience of isolated LT for CF at our center. Eight children received one allograft each (3.9% of all grafts). One- and four-yr survivals are both 75%. The two deaths occurred within the first two months after LT, and in both cases, invasive fungal infections were implicated, one following treatment for acute severe rejection. All had significant PHT, and six had synthetic dysfunction. All had roux-en Y biliary anastomoses and none developed long-term biliary complications. Seven had pulmonary colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and six with fungus at time of transplantation. Mean pre-LT FEV1 was 80% (range 59-116%) predicted, and lung function post-LT was stable. Isolated LT in children with CF is successful in those with relatively preserved pulmonary function, which does not appear to deteriorate as a consequence. Roux-en Y biliary anastomosis and antifungal prophylaxis should be a part of management of these patients.

Locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: which patients are most likely to gain a survival advantage?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Locoregional therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are considered to confer a survival advantage, however, the patient group that should be targeted is not clearly defined. This study aimed to determine the impact on survival of locoregional therapies compared with supportive care, within prognostic categories as stratified by the Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) scoring system.

METHODS

A prospective database was used to identify those patients who were treated with either locoregional therapy (n = 128) or supportive care (n = 92). Survival analysis was performed for groups matched by CLIP score at presentation. Comparison of important prognostic factors was undertaken and univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess determinants of survival.

RESULTS

Use of locoregional therapies was only associated with a survival benefit in patients with a CLIP score of 1 or 2. In this group, the median survival in patients who received locoregional therapies was 25.0 months (95% confidence interval 22.7-27.4) compared with 8.9 months (95% confidence interval 7.3-10.5) for supportive care (P = 0.001). For patients with CLIP scores of 3 or greater, no survival benefit of locoregional therapies was observed. Multivariate analysis revealed locoregional intervention, CLIP score, tumor symptoms, alpha-fetoprotein level, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase level as independent prognostic indicators.

CONCLUSION

Locoregional therapies should be targeted specifically to patients with non-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma as assessed by validated scoring systems. Use of these therapies in patients with advanced disease does not appear to be associated with a survival benefit and may expose patients to unnecessary harm.

A prospective randomised, open-labeled, trial comparing sirolimus-containing versus mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppression in patients undergoing liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

The potential anti-cancer effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are being intensively studied. To date, however, few randomised clinical trials (RCT) have been performed to demonstrate anti-neoplastic effects in the pure oncology setting, and at present, no oncology endpoint-directed RCT has been reported in the high-malignancy risk population of immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Interestingly, since mTOR inhibitors have both immunosuppressive and anti-cancer effects, they have the potential to simultaneously protect against immunologic graft loss and tumour development. Therefore, we designed a prospective RCT to determine if the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus can improve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-free patient survival in liver transplant (LT) recipients with a pre-transplant diagnosis of HCC.

Methods/Design

The study is an open-labelled, randomised, RCT comparing sirolimus-containing versus mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppression in patients undergoing LT for HCC. Patients with a histologically confirmed HCC diagnosis are randomised into 2 groups within 4-6 weeks after LT; one arm is maintained on a centre-specific mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppressive protocol and the second arm is maintained on a centre-specific mTOR-inhibitor-free immunosuppressive protocol for the first 4-6 weeks, at which time sirolimus is initiated. A 2^1/2 -year recruitment phase is planned with a 5-year follow-up, testing HCC-free survival as the primary endpoint. Our hypothesis is that sirolimus use in the second arm of the study will improve HCC-free survival. The study is a non-commercial investigator-initiated trial (IIT) sponsored by the University Hospital Regensburg and is endorsed by the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association; 13 countries within Europe, Canada and Australia are participating.

Discussion

If our hypothesis is correct that mTOR inhibition can reduce HCC tumour growth while simultaneously providing immunosuppression to protect the liver allograft from rejection, patients should experience less post-transplant problems with HCC recurrence, and therefore could expect a longer and better quality of life. A positive outcome will likely change the standard of posttransplant immunosuppressive care for LT patients with HCC.

Trial Register

Trial registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT00355862

(EudraCT Number: 2005-005362-36)

Minimal but significant improvement in survival for non-hepatitis C-related adult liver transplant patients beyond the one-year posttransplant mark

Although 1-year survival rates following liver transplantation over the last 20 years may have improved, there is doubt about improvement in long-term survival. We examined survival with and without initial 12-month mortality in adult liver transplant recipients over a 20-year period. Patient and allograft survival for 3 different time periods was compared: 1986-1994 (group 1, n = 547), 1995-2000 (group 2, n = 735), and 2000-2005 (group 3, n = 749). After this, all deaths in the first 12 months of each group were removed. Patient and allograft survival was then once again compared across the 3 groups. There was significant improvement in both patient and allograft survival across the 20-year period (P < 0.001). Overall patient and allograft survival improved in non-hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients but not in HCV patients. A similar comparison with deaths in the first year removed, however, showed no difference in patient survival (P = 0.07) and only a marginal improvement in allograft survival (P = 0.048) between the 3 time periods. When patients were divided into HCV-positive and HCV-negative groups with deaths in the first year removed, there was, however, improved patient and allograft survival in the HCV-negative group but not in the HCV-positive group. The causes of death between 1 and 5 years were then compared. There were 48 deaths in period 1, 63 in period 2, and 43 in period 3 (P = not significant). There were more deaths due to cardio/cerebrovascular disease and hepatitis B virus recurrence in the first time period, but there were more deaths due to recurrent HCV and de novo malignancy in later time periods. In conclusion, although overall survival following liver transplantation in adults seems to be improving over time, the long-term results are not, particularly in HCV patients.

Donor and recipient selection leads to good patient and graft outcomes for right lobe split transplantation versus whole graft liver transplantation in adult recipients

The outcomes of right lobe split (RLS) liver transplantation are variable in adult recipients. This report is an analysis of outcomes of our initial 5-year experience with the right lobe trisegment split graft. A retrospective analysis was performed of the recipient and graft outcomes from July 2002 to March 2007 of all adult recipients of RLS grafts versus recipients of whole grafts (WGs). All data were analyzed with Stata version 8 (Stata Corp., Texas). There were 43 (19.1%) RLS recipients and 182 (80.9%) WG recipients. The median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 13 (7-23) in the RLS group and 18 (6-50) in the WG group (P < 0.001). Hepatocellular carcinoma and primary sclerosing cholangitis were more common in the RLS group (P < 0.05), whereas alcoholic cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C were more common in the WG group. The median donor age was lower in the RLS group at 39 (13-61) years versus the WG group at 47 (12-79) years (P < 0.001). Primary nonfunction occurred in 1.6% of the WG patients only. Biliary complications occurred in 28% of the RLS patients versus 28% of the WG patients. Vascular complications occurred in 18% of the RLS patients versus 14% of the WG patients. The retransplantation rate was similar at 2.3% in the RLS group versus 4.9% in the WG group (P = not significant). Overall 3-year recipient survival was 92.7% in the RLS group versus 82.7% in the WG group (P = 0.284). Graft survival was 88.4% in the RLS group at 3 years versus 78.5% in the WG group (P = 0.304). In conclusion, good outcomes can be achieved with RLS liver transplantation in adult recipients without a detrimental effect on recipient or graft survival.

Early high peak hepatitis C viral load levels independently predict hepatitis C-related liver failure post-liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to examine the importance of the serum hepatitis C viral load within the first year post-liver transplant in determining posttransplant survival. A retrospective analysis of 118 consecutive hepatitis C virus-positive liver transplant recipients who received an allograft from January 1997 to September 2005 was undertaken with a median duration of follow-up of 32.4 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the effects of recipient, donor, surgical, and viral factors on posttransplant outcomes. A total of 620 viral load estimations were undertaken in the first 12 months following transplantation. Patient and graft survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 87.8%, 79.9%, and 70.1% and 87.0%, 79.2%, and 68.2%, respectively. According to multivariate analysis, a peak viral load > or = 10(7) IU/mL (P = 0.004; hazard ratio, 8.68; 95% confidence interval, 2.04-37.02) and exposure to antirejection therapy (P = 0.05; hazard ratio, 2.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.38) were both independent predictors of diminished patient and graft survival and hepatitis C-related allograft failure. The only other independent predictor of hepatitis C virus-related outcome after transplant was azathioprine use, which was associated with improved outcomes (P = 0.04; hazard ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.91). A peak viral load in the first year after transplant of >10(8), 10(7) to 10(8), and <10(7) IU/mL was associated with a mean survival of 11.8, 70.6, and 89.1 months respectively (P < or = 0.03). The results emphasize the importance of high viral loads in the early posttransplant period as an independent predictor of recipient outcomes.