Primary biliary cirrhosis. Histological evidence of disease recurrence after liver transplantation

Impact of human leukocyte antigen mismatching on outcomes of living donor liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis

Patient selection criteria of deceased donor liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are almost completely established. The aim of this study was to establish selection criteria for both patients and donors of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for PBC. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to examine patient and donor characteristics of our first 50 cases of LDLT for PBC to elucidate factors that significantly impacted patient survival or disease recurrence after LDLT in the univariate and/or multivariate analyses. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of persistent ascites before LDLT, a higher number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, -B, and -DR mismatches between donor and recipient, and donor age >or=50 years were factors significantly associated with early posttransplant death. Independent risk factors for PBC recurrence after LDLT were a lower number of HLA mismatches between donor and recipient, and a lower average trough level of tacrolimus within 1 year after LDLT. Specifically, the lower the number of HLA-A, -B, and -DR mismatches or the average trough level of tacrolimus within 1 year after LDLT, the higher the possibility of developing a recurrence of PBC. In conclusion, the absence of persistent ascites before LDLT, a lower number of HLA-A, -B, and -DR mismatches between donor and recipient, and a younger donor (<50 years) are preferred for gaining acceptable survival outcomes for the transplant. However, a lower number of HLA-A, -B, and -DR mismatches between donor and recipient may be a risk factor for PBC recurrence.

Recurrence of autoimmune liver disease after liver transplantation: a systematic review

Recurrence of autoimmune liver disease in allografts has long been a topic of debate. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine the reported incidence of recurrence after liver transplantation of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic databases were used to identify articles. The inclusion criteria used were articles on patients with at least 90 days of posttransplantation follow-up, histologic criteria for diagnosis of PBC and AIH recurrence, radiologic or histologic criteria or both for diagnosis of PSC recurrence, and exclusion of other causes of liver disease causing similar histologic findings. Incidence in individual studies was combined to calculate the overall recurrence. Risk factors were analyzed whenever crude data were available. Funnel plots were used to assess publication bias. Out of 90 articles identified, 43 met criteria for systematic review (PBC, 16; PSC, 14; AIH, 13). The calculated weighted recurrence rate was 18% for PBC, 11% for PSC, and 22% for AIH. No difference was found in PBC and AIH recurrence by type of primary immunosuppression. There were not enough data to assess this issue in PSC studies. There was evidence of publication bias among PSC and AIH studies but not among PBC studies. In conclusion, recurrence of autoimmune liver disease after liver transplantation appears to be a real concern. As these patients are followed long-term, recurrence of disease may become the primary cause of morbidity.

Progressive histological damage in liver allografts following pediatric liver transplantation

The long-term histological outcome after pediatric liver transplantation (OLT) is not yet fully understood. De novo autoimmune hepatitis, consisting of histological chronic hepatitis associated with autoantibody formation and allograft dysfunction, is increasingly recognized as an important complication of liver transplantation, particularly in the pediatric population. In this study, 158 asymptomatic children with 5-year graft survival underwent protocol liver biopsies (113, 135, and 64 at 1, 5, and 10 years after OLT, respectively). Histological changes we re correlated with dinical,biochemical, and serological findings. All patients received cydosporine A as primary immunosuppression with withdrawal of corticosteroids at 3 months post OLT. Normal or near-normal histology was reported in 77 of 113 (68%), 61 of 135 (45%), and 20 of 64 (31%) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The commonest histological abnormality was chronic hepatitis (CH), the incidence of which increased with time [25/113 (22%), 58/135 (43%), and 41/64 (64%) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively) (P < .0001)]. The incidence of fibrosis associatedwith CH increasedwith time [13/25 (52%), 47/58 (81%), and 37/41 (91%) at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively) (P < .0001)]. The severity of fibrosis associated with CH also increased with time, such that by 10 years 15% had progressed to cirrhosis. Aspartate aminotransfemse (AST) levels were slightly elevated in children with CH (median levels 52 IU/L, 63 IU/L, and 48 IU/L at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively), but this did not reach statistical significance compared with those with normal histology. On multivariate analysis, the only factor predictive of chronic hepatitis was autoantibody positivity (present in 13% and 10% of children with normal biopsies at 5 and 10 years, respectively, and 72% and 80% of those with CH at 5 and 10 years, respectively) (P < .0001). Four children with CH and autoantibodies, who also had raised immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and AST greater than 1.5 x normal fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for de novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Another two were found to be hepatitis C positive. No definite cause for CH could be identified in the other cases. In condusion, chronic hepatitis is a common finding in children after liver transplantation and is associated with a high risk of developing progressive fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis. Standard liver biochemical tests cannot be relied on either in the diagnosis or in the monitoring of progress of chronic allograft hepatitis. In contrast, the presence ofautoantibodies is strongly associated with the presence of CH. The cause of chronic hepatitis in transplanted allografts is uncertain but may be immune mediated, representing a hepatitic form of chronic rejection.

Diagnosis and management of allograft failure

The article focuses on diagnosis and management of allograft failure in four main categories: (1) ischemic-reperfusion injury (primary nonfunction), (2) technical complications (hepatic artery and portal vein thrombosis), (3) chronic rejection, and (4) recurrent disease. It also discusses the complex problems involved in retransplantation for allograft failure.

Long-term follow-up after recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation in 100 patients

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only effective curative therapy for end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Survival after OLT is excellent, although recent data have shown a recurrence rate of PBC of up to 32% after transplantation. The aim of this study is to investigate the course after disease recurrence, particularly with regard to liver function and survival in a long-term follow-up. Between April 1989 and April 2003, 1,553 liver transplantations were performed in 1,415 patients at the Charité, Virchow Clinic. Protocol liver biopsies were taken after one, three, five, seven, 10 and 13 yr. One hundred (7%) patients suffered from histologically proven PBC. Primary immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine (n = 54) or tacrolimus (Tac) (n = 46). Immediately after OLT, all patients received ursodeoxycholic acid. Corticosteroids were withdrawn three to six months after OLT. The median age of the 85 women and 15 men was 55 yr (range 25-66 yr). The median follow-up after liver transplantation was 118 months (range 16-187 months) and after recurrence 30 months (range 4-79 months). Actuarial patient survival after five, 10 and 15 yr was 87, 84 and 82% respectively. Ten patients (10%) died after a median survival time of 32 months. Two of these patients developed organ dysfunction owing to recurrence of PBC. Histological recurrence was found in 14 patients (14%) after a median time of 61 months (range 36-122 months). Patients with Tac immunosuppression developed PBC recurrence more often (p < 0.05) and also earlier (p < 0.05). Fifty-seven patients developed an acute rejection and two patients a chronic rejection episode. Liver function did not alter within the first five yr after histologically proven PBC recurrence. Multivariate analysis of the investigated patients showed that the recipient's age and Tac immunosuppression were significant risk factors for PBC recurrence. Long-term follow-up of up to 15 yr after liver transplantation, owing to PBC, in addition to maintenance of liver function, shows excellent organ and patient survival rates. Although protocol liver biopsies revealed histological recurrence in 14 (14%) patients, only two patients developed graft dysfunction. Tac-treated patients showed more frequently and also earlier histologically proven PBC recurrence; however, in our population we could not observe an impact on graft dysfunction and patient's survival.

Recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis: peritransplant factors and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment post-liver transplant

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) recurs after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in up to one-third of patients. These patients are typically asymptomatic, can be identified by abnormal liver biochemistries, and have evidence of histologic recurrence on liver biopsy. The effect of treatment on recurrence has not been determined. This pilot study evaluates the factors associated with recurrent PBC and describes our experience using ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in this patient population. Forty-eight patients with PBC were followed for at least 1 yr post-OLT, and 27 patients (56%) developed abnormal serum alkaline phosphatase. Seventeen patients (35%) had evidence of recurrent PBC by liver biopsy. Patients with recurrent PBC had a trend toward longer warm ischemia times and more episodes of acute cellular rejection in the first year posttransplant, but this was not significant in multivariate analysis. Donor or recipient age, donor and recipient cytomegalovirus status, and dose of immunosuppression did not correlate with recurrence of PBC. Those patients diagnosed with recurrent PBC were placed on ursodeoxycholic acid, 15 mg/kg daily, with improvement in serum alkaline phosphatase in the majority. In conclusion, recurrent PBC is not infrequent post-OLT, and ursodeoxycholic acid can be used with some benefit post-OLT. Treatment effects on long-term survival are not known.

Revealing the cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis by posttransplant liver biopsy

INTRODUCTION

Because of the tendency for preexisting diseases to recur following liver transplantation, studying the course of patients who were transplanted for their cryptogenic cirrhosis may reveal features of the original cause. We examined the clinicopathological posttransplant progression of patients transplanted due to cryptogenic cirrhosis with emphasis on the detection of posttransplant steatosis and steatohepatitis.

METHODS

The data on all patients transplanted for cryptogenic cirrhosis and their routine 1-year posttransplant liver biopsies were compared to a control group of a randomized sample of patients transplanted for other indications matched for length of follow-up. The posttransplant histological diagnosis was based on the latest available biopsy.

RESULTS

Among 1710 patients, 39 present with cryptogenic etiology survived at least 1 year after transplantation. The control group consisted of 78 patients. The mean ages of the two groups were 50.7 and 49.3 years and the mean follow-up periods 6.2 and 5.7 years, both of which were similar. There was a significantly greater prevalence of posttransplant steatosis and steatohepatitis among the cryptogenic group (37.5 vs 16.7%, P = .048). The difference in patients with at least moderate steatosis was more pronounced (18.8 vs 3.3%, P = .035). Half of these cases progressed to fibrosis and cirrhosis after 48 months.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a greater incidence of allograft steatosis and steatohepatitis among patients transplanted for cryptogenic cirrhosis compared with a control group. A significant proportion of these patients developed a picture resembling nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which progressed to fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Advances in liver transplantation. New strategies and current care expand access, enhance survival

Liver transplantation revolutionized the management of liver disease. Although the number of patients who could benefit from a transplant far exceeds the number of available cadaveric donors, new strategies, such as splitting cadaveric organs and using living donors, have expanded access to transplantation. Here, a team of transplant physicians highlights these new strategies, as well as the long-term management issues of special relevance to primary care physicians caring for transplant recipients.

Immunosuppression affects the rate of recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation

Identifying the risk factors associated with recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation may affect immunosuppression and increase understanding of the pathogenesis. Four hundred eighty-five patients with PBC were followed for a median of 79 months after transplantation; histological evidence of recurrence was found in 23%. On multivariate analysis, the only risk factor identified with recurrence was the type of calcineurin inhibitor used. The odds ratio for recurrence on tacrolimus was 2.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.84-4.10) compared with cyclosporine. For those receiving cyclosporine, the median time to recurrence was 123 months and for those on tacrolimus 62 months (P <.001). Reasons for this difference between the 2 calcineurin inhibitors are not clear.

Preventative therapy in primary biliary cirrhosis

Because the etiology of PBC is still unknown, therapies remain empirical. Moreover, no contributions on preventative therapy supported by evidence-based medicine have been published to date. However, there are at least two groups of subjects who might benefit from preventative therapy: (1) subjects with normal liver enzymes who are found AMA-positive during autoantibody screening and (2) subjects transplanted for PBC with no histologic or biochemical signs of disease recurrence. The key questions are whether any therapy should be proposed to these subjects, since the natural history of the disease is very long, and what kind of treatment should be prescribed. UDCA is a well-tolerated, definitely "physiologic" treatment, but it is expensive and two recent meta-analyses question its benefit on survival. Current theory considers PBC an autoimmune disease, with a genetic predisposition, possibly triggered by an infectious agent or xenobiotic. If this is so, gene therapies might be the most promising future preventative therapies. For the time being, however, the only practical preventative management is in regards to the complications of PBC, namely osteopenia and portal hypertension.

Intrahepatic cholestasis after liver transplantation

Cholestasis is a common sequela of liver transplantation. Although the majority of cases remain subclinical, severe cholestasis may be associated with irreversible liver damage, requiring retransplantation. Therefore, it is essential that clinicians be able to identify and treat the syndromes associated with cholestasis. In this review, we consider causes of intrahepatic cholestasis. These may be categorized by time of occurrence, namely, within 6 months of liver transplantation (early) and thereafter (late), although there may be an overlap in their causes. The causes of intrahepatic cholestasis include ischemia/reperfusion injury, bacterial infection, acute cellular rejection, cytomegalovirus infection, small-for-size graft, drugs for hepatotoxicity, intrahepatic biliary strictures, chronic rejection, hepatic artery thrombosis, ABO blood group incompatibility, and recurrent disease. The mechanisms of cholestasis in each category and the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome are discussed in detail.

The effect of immunosuppressive regimens on the recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation

Recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has been described in liver transplant recipients. Type of immunosuppression has been reported to influence the frequency of recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the occurrence and pattern of recurrent PBC in our liver transplant recipients and determine any association of immunosuppressive agents with its recurrence. Patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for PBC were identified from the University of Chicago Liver Transplant Database. Recurrent PBC was diagnosed based on specific pathological criteria. Of 46 patients who underwent OLT for PBC between 1984 and 2000, a total of 7 patients (15%) were diagnosed with recurrent PBC at a median of 78 months (range, 27 to 120 months) after OLT. Forty-three percent of patients were administered cyclosporine, whereas 57% were administered tacrolimus before disease recurrence. Rates of recurrence were not different between patients maintained on cyclosporine therapy (16%) compared with those maintained on tacrolimus therapy (18%; P = 1.0). There also was no difference in frequency of rejection episodes or duration of corticosteroid therapy between those who did and did not have recurrent PBC. In conclusion, recurrent PBC developed in a small number of patients 2 years or longer after OLT. In our population, there was no difference in recurrence rates between those administered cyclosporine or tacrolimus for immunosuppression.

Recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis

Liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment for end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). It appears now well accepted that the disease recurs in the allograft. The diagnosis of recurrent PBC is made on the basis of a consistent history and demonstrating the histologic features of PBC on liver biopsy and exclusion of other causes of bile duct damage.

Liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis: a long-term pathologic study

Although recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) after liver transplantation (LT) has been reported, the full spectrum of changes and progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis is not yet established. We performed a detailed retrospective clinicopathologic analysis of 43 patients who underwent LT for PBC. Eight patients (18.6%) had definite recurrent PBC with florid duct lesions, 5 patients (11.6%) had recurrence with features of autoimmune liver disease, not otherwise specified (AILD-NOS), 7 patients (16.3%) had plasmacytosis only, 4 patients (9.3%) had chronic rejection, 18 patients (41.9%) have no recurrence at present, and 1 patient (2.3%) had acquired hepatitis C. Although definite diagnoses of PBC and AILD-NOS recurrences (n = 13) were made 1 month to 14 years (median, 4 years) post-LT, all patients had plasmacytosis in their earlier biopsy specimens. Also, these patients showed similar pre-LT and post-LT clinical features, with progressive fibrosis in 4 of 8 and 2 of 5 patients, respectively. Four of 13 patients with definite recurrence and 14 of 18 patients with no recurrence were administered azathioprine (AZA) as part of their post-LT therapy (P =.01). Six of 13 and 16 of 18 patients currently are alive, with median follow-ups of 11 and 5 years, respectively. No significant differences were seen with donor-recipient group A, group B, group O blood type, sex, or HLA mismatches; native liver histological characteristics; or tacrolimus-based therapy. In conclusion, recurrent autoimmune liver disease was seen in 30% of patients after LT for PBC and had features of PBC and/or AILD-NOS. Progression seen in 46% of patients was associated with late graft failure. Patients with no recurrent disease had shorter follow-up periods and more frequent immunosuppression, including AZA; some may still develop recurrence with longer follow-up.

Cryptogenic cirrhosis: clinicopathologic findings at and after liver transplantation

The incidence of cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC) has decreased since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV), still the etiology in 5% of cases with cirrhosis remains unresolved. Our aims were to define the clinicopathologic features of CC at liver transplantation (LT), evaluate the post-LT course with outcome and define the possible pathogenetic mechanisms. 27/534 LT recipients (5%) over a period of 16.5 years were entered in the LT database as cases of CC. A detailed analysis of pre- and post-LT clinical and all liver pathology specimens was performed. Based on clinicopathologic findings, a more definite diagnosis was possible in 23 of 27 (85%): Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 9 (33%), autoimmune liver disease (AILD) in 6 (22%), alcoholic liver disease in 4, secondary biliary cirrhosis in 2 and 1 each of hepatitis C and portal venopathy. 4/27 cases remained unresolved. In the NASH group, native livers had focal steatosis, Mallory's hyalin, glycogenated hepatocytic nuclei, high-grade inflammation, and 3+ bile duct proliferation. Large cell dysplasia was more common in this group compared to other patients. Two patients had recurrence of NASH after LT. In AILD group native livers had little or no bile duct proliferation. Two patients had recurrence in AILD group. Of 27 patients 19 are alive (70%) with a follow-up of 407-3647 days. Based on the study results, the following conclusions were reached: (1) CC results from varying etiologies, which can be defined by a careful clinicopathologic analysis in a majority (85%) of cases; (2) Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (33%) and AILD (22%) are the common underlying causes of CC; and (3) Post-LT outcome for CC is disease dependent with, recurrent disease seen in both nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (22%) and autoimmune liver disease (33%).

Retransplantation for hepatic allograft failure: prognostic modeling and ethical considerations

Retransplantation already accounts for 10% of all liver transplants performed, and this percentage is likely to increase as patients live long enough to develop graft failure from recurrent disease. Overall, retransplantation is associated with significantly diminished survival and increased costs. This review summarizes the current causes of graft failure after primary liver transplant, prognostic models that can identify the subset of patients for retransplantation with outcomes comparable to primary transplantation, and ethical considerations in this setting, i.e., outcomes-based versus urgency-based approaches.

Recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis after transplantation

1. Recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) after transplantation is controversial, but most studies support disease recurrence within the graft. 2. Granulomatous destructive cholangitis should be present, and exclusion of acute and chronic rejection, graft-versus-host disease, biliary obstruction, viral hepatitis, and drug effects is mandatory before making a diagnosis of recurrent PBC. 3. Recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) after transplantation is difficult to diagnose because of the lack of a diagnostic gold standard. 4. Well-defined cholangiographic and histological criteria should be present, and exclusion of preservation injury, blood group type incompatibility between donor and recipient, chronic rejection, hepatic arterial occlusion, and viral infection is mandatory before making a diagnosis of recurrent PSC. 5. Most studies support recurrent autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) after transplantation based on clinical, biochemical, serological, and histological criteria. Exclusion of rejection, viral infection, drug effects, and biliary obstruction is mandatory before making a diagnosis of recurrent AIH. 6. Intermediate-term patient and graft survival are excellent for patients with recurrent autoimmune liver diseases within the transplanted liver, but additional studies are required to address the impact of disease recurrence on long-term patient and graft survival.

Primary biliary cirrhosis: clinical, pathologic, and helical CT findings in 53 patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare clinical, pathologic, and helical computed tomographic (CT) findings of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the medical records and CT scans of 53 patients who underwent evaluation, treatment, and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at their institution. All patients underwent helical multiphase CT (total, 98 abdominal CT scans; range, one to five scans per patient). Multiple epidemiologic, clinical, and morphologic criteria were evaluated. Advanced disease was defined as hepatic insufficiency leading to OLT within the subsequent 2 years. Clinical and morphologic features were evaluated and compared in the advanced and less advanced cases of PBC.

RESULTS

Common and characteristic findings included the following: 45 (85%) of the 53 patients were women with the onset of disease (diagnosis) in middle age (mean, 50.7 years; range, 26-71 years). The average time from diagnosis to OLT was 6.1 years (range, 1.5-20.0 years). CT findings in advanced PBC often resembled those seen in other forms of cirrhosis, with a small heterogeneously attenuating liver, varices, and splenomegaly. The liver in less advanced disease was usually enlarged or normal in size, with a smooth contour, little atrophy, and lacelike fibrosis and regenerative nodules in nearly one-third of the livers. Patients with less advanced disease frequently had varices (n = 33 [62%]) and ascites (n = 13 [24%]). Lymphadenopathy was seen in 47 (88%) patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma was found in four (8%) patients, two of whom also had chronic hepatitis C. During a follow-up period of 5-72 months (median, 46 months; mean, 42 months) after OLT, only two patients experienced recurrence of PBC.

CONCLUSION

PBC is an important cause of liver failure, with distinctive clinical and CT findings that may assist diagnosis and allow adequate treatment. CT can demonstrate varices and ascites before frank cirrhosis is evident and can help evaluate the progression of the disease.

Does tacrolimus offer virtual freedom from chronic rejection after primary liver transplantation? Risk and prognostic factors in 1,048 liver transplantations with a mean follow-up of 6 years

Tacrolimus has proven to be a potent immunosuppressive agent in liver transplantation (LT). Its introduction has led to significantly less frequent and severe acute rejection. Little is known about the rate of chronic rejection (CR) in primary LT using tacrolimus therapy. The aim of the present study is to examine the long-term incidence of CR, risk factors, prognostic factors, and outcome after CR. The present study evaluated the development of CR in 1,048 consecutive adult primary liver allograft recipients initiated and mostly maintained on tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy. They were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 77.3 +/- 14.7 months (range, 50.7 to 100.1 months). To assess the impact of primary diagnosis on the rate and outcome of CR, the population was divided into 3 groups. Group I included patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)- or hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced cirrhosis (n = 312); group II included patients diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), or autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 217); and group III included patients with all other diagnoses (n = 519). Overall, 32 of 1,048 patients (3.1%) developed CR. This represented 13 (4.1%), 12 (5.5%), and 7 patients (1.3%) in groups I, II, and III, respectively. The relative risk for developing CR was 3.2 times greater for group I and 4.3 times greater for group II compared with group III. This difference was statistically significant (P =.004). The incidence of acute rejection and total number of acute rejection episodes were significantly greater in patients who developed CR compared with those who did not (P <.0001). Similarly, the mean donor age for CR was significantly older than for patients without CR (43.0 v 36.2 years; P =.02). Thirteen of the 32 patients (40.6%) who developed CR retained their original grafts for a mean period of 54 +/- 25 months after diagnosis. Seven patients (21.9%) underwent re-LT, and 12 patients (38.3%) died. Serum bilirubin levels and the presence of arteriopathy, arterial loss, and duct loss on liver biopsy at the time of diagnosis of CR were significantly greater among the 3 groups of patients. In addition, patient and graft survival for group I were significantly worse compared with groups II and III. We conclude that CR occurred rarely among patients maintained long term on tacrolimus-based immunosuppressive therapy. When steroid use is controlled, the incidence of acute rejection, mean donor age, HBV- and/or HCV-induced cirrhosis, or a diagnosis of PBC, PSC, or AIH were found to be predictors of CR. Greater values for serum bilirubin level, duct loss, arteriopathy, arteriolar loss, and presence of HCV or HBV were found to be poor prognostic factors for the 3 groups; greater total serum bilirubin value (P =.05) was the only factor found to be significant between patients who had graft loss versus those who recovered.

Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation: diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and outcome

Approximately 20% to 30% of patients undergoing liver transplantation for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) develop features of recurrent disease. Diagnostic criteria for recurrent AIH are similar to those used in the nontransplanted liver and include, in varying combinations, biochemical, serological, and histological abnormalities and steroid dependency. However, these criteria are more difficult to apply in the liver allograft because of potential interactions between recurrent AIH and other complications of liver transplantation, particularly rejection, and the uncertain effects of long-term immunosuppression. In the absence of other reliable diagnostic markers, a number of studies have used the histological finding of chronic hepatitis as the main or sole criterion for diagnosing recurrent AIH. However, this also lacks diagnostic specificity because there are many other possible causes of chronic hepatitis in the liver allograft. In addition, approximately 20% to 40% of biopsies performed on patients as part of routine annual review have histological features of chronic hepatitis, for which no definite cause can be identified. Risk factors that have been associated with the development of recurrent AIH include suboptimal immunosuppression, HLA phenotype, disease type and severity in the native liver, and duration of follow up. In many cases in which recurrent AIH seems to be related to underimmunosuppression, biochemical and histological features rapidly resolve once adequate immunosuppression is restored. However, in other cases, recurrent AIH behaves more aggressively, with progression to cirrhosis and graft failure. Areas that require further study include developing uniform criteria for the diagnosis of recurrent AIH, identifying risk factors for severe recurrent disease, and determining optimal levels of immunosuppression that minimize the impact of disease recurrence without exposing patients to the risks of overimmunosuppression.

Liver transplantation of patients in end-stage cirrhosis

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in its widespread use for end-stage liver disease; 1- and 5-year survival rates of 70-90% and 60-80% respectively have been reported. Indications for assessment for liver transplantation are now evidence-based and early referral is recommended, correlating with improved patient survival. The management of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation is designed to prevent complications of liver disease and to avoid therapeutic misadventures. Following transplantation, rejection and infection dominate post-operative complications, and improvements in their prevention and treatment have also correlated with improved patient survival. The development and introduction into clinical practice of a variety of immunosuppressive agents has offered a bewildering array of therapeutic options but with a lack of evidence on which to select optimal immunosuppression. Similarly, difficulties remain in the treatment of some of the complications arising from liver transplantation such as recurrence of disease and complications of immunosuppression.

Treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis

Although primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is generally a progressive disease, the rate of progression varies greatly from one patient to another. The terminal phase is characterized by hyperbilirubinaemia (>100 micromol/l), a major decrease in the number of intrahepatic bile ducts, and extensive fibrosis or cirrhosis. It is now well established that orthotopic liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients entering the terminal phase of the disease.A variety of therapeutic agents have been proposed for treatment of patients with PBC. However, most have been found ineffective or too toxic to be widely used. In contrast, there is accumulating evidence from large therapeutic trials that long-term administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is safe and prolongs survival free of liver transplantation. Treatment with UDCA slows the histological progression and delays the onset of cirrhosis. In patients who have a sub-optimal response to UDCA therapy alone, the combination of colchicine or methotrexate with UDCA has minimal or no additional benefit, whereas that with corticosteroids is more promising but not yet demonstrated. Among causes of non-response to UDCA therapy, the most common is the PBC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. The benefit from the combination of corticosteroids and UDCA in this setting is obvious.Further studies are needed to define the patients who are most likely to respond to UDCA therapy and to assess the benefit of combined medical treatments.

Recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis

Transplantation has become the accepted form of therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease. The diagnosis of recurrent disease in the allograft has been a matter of controversy, partly because of the difficulties in making the diagnosis in the allograft situation. The conventional criteria for diagnosing PBC may be inappropriate and there are many causes of bile duct damage in the graft. That the PBC-specific autoantibodies [such as antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) and gp-210] persist after transplantation is universally found, and some have reported the aberrant distribution of E2 in the allograft that is typical of PBC in the native liver, whether or not there is histological evidence of PBC recurrence. Most studies now accept that histological features of PBC, such as granulomatous bile duct damage, ductopenia and biliary-type fibrosis, may be found in the allograft; the histological features of PBC are variable and do not mirror the liver tests. The rate of recurrence increases with time, so that by 10 years, recurrence may be found in 30-50% of biopsies. There are no clear factors which identify those at risk of recurrence, but the pattern and degree of immunosuppression may be implicated. Cirrhosis has only rarely been reported. In the medium term, recurrence of PBC has little clinical impact. Ursodeoxycholic acid is used in some centres but there is no clear evidence for benefit.

Disease recurrence following liver transplantation

Virtually all liver diseases that necessitate orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) can recur, and recurrent disease has the potential to become the most serious problem facing transplantation in the future. In addition, recurrence following transplantation provides a model to study pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases. While some interventions (e.g., HBIG) have been shown to alter the natural history of recurrent disease, most of these disease processes are not modified by our currently available therapies. In addition, the role of different immunosuppressive protocols on disease recurrence requires further definition. As a varying proportion of the first generation of liver transplant patients develop severe recurrence and graft failure, policies of organ allocation for retransplantation will be challenged.

Modern immunosuppression

The current treatment of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) includes prophylaxis at the time of transplant, decreasing or stopping immunosuppresion and initiation of antiviral therapy in patients with polymerase chain reaction or clinical evidence of PTLD, and judicial reintroduction of immunosuppression in patients who have cleared their PTLD and have begun to have rejection. The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, notable side effects, and toxicities of the immunosuppressive agents are described in this article. At the conclusion of each section the author's current practice with these agents and treatment strategies are described.

Evidence for a locally driven mucosal response and the presence of mitochondrial antigens in saliva in primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is often considered to be a dry gland disease caused by frequent involvement of salivary and lacrimal glands. Although high titers of antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) have long been recognized in PBC, little is known about the presence of mitochondrial autoantigens in mucosal compartments such as saliva. We investigated saliva and sera in PBC patients and controls for the presence of AMA and mitochondrial antigens. In PBC saliva, AMA were detected in 45 of 49 (92%), with specificity directed against pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2) alone in 22 of 49 (45%), against PDC-E2 and branched-chain 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex E2 (BCOADC-E2) in 4 of 49 (8%), to PDC-E2 and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex E2 (OGDC-E2) in 9 of 49 (18%), and to the 3 antigens together in 10 of 49 (20%). Isotyping of the saliva AMA showed that 80% of the patients had immunoglobulin A (IgA) against PDC-E2, 18% had IgM-specific PDC-E2, and 35% had IgG specific PDC-E2. Similar to serum and bile anti-PDC-E2 IgA antibodies, the saliva autoantibodies localized their reactivity to the inner lipoyl domain of PDC-E2. Furthermore, saliva from patients with PBC but not controls inhibited pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in vitro. In addition, and of particular interest, we detected a molecule with a molecular weight corresponding to PDC-E2 (74 kd) in PBC but not control saliva. These findings make several important points: first, there appears to be localized mucosal immunity in the secretory system of PBC; second, AMA are readily detected in PBC saliva; and third, PDC-E2 may be present in the saliva of PBC.

Intrahepatic cholestasis following liver transplantation

Intrahepatic cholestasis following liver transplantation commonly occurs after liver transplantation and may be caused by infections, drugs such as cyclosporine and sulfonamides, and acute or chronic rejection. Less common causes such as fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis or recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis or primary sclerosing cholangitis may also be encountered. Biliary strictures may also be present. Although some disorders may be managed medically, others often require repeat liver transplantation. Prompt recognition and specific treatment can improve the outcome for liver transplant recipients.

Development of autoimmune hepatitis following liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis

Two patients undergoing liver transplantation for classical end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are described, who went on to develop de novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in the transplanted liver. The presentation, in both instances, was with malaise and lethargy. Markedly elevated serum transaminases were found, together with a raised serum IgG and/or globulin fraction and histological features on liver biopsy typical of AIH. Both cases had had changes in their immunosuppressive therapy before the onset of AIH episodes, and both rapidly responded to reinstitution of steroid therapy. The finding, in each case, of a coincidental multiple HLA class I allele match between the recipient and their liver donor suggests that HLA class I-restricted mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AIH.

Biliary tract inflammatory disorders: primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are chronic progressive cholestatic diseases that frequently lead to biliary cirrhosis. The exact pathogenesis of these diseases remains elusive but is likely immunologically based. Complications range from fatigue and pruritus to end-stage liver disease. The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma is low for patients with PBC, whereas cholangiocarcinoma is common in PSC and carries an ominous prognosis. Although ursodeoxycholic acid is effective in slowing the progression of PBC, no effective medical therapy exists for PSC. Liver transplantation is the only option for patients with end-stage liver disease and yields excellent long-term survival in both groups.

Autoimmune liver diseases. Recurrence after liver transplantation

PBC and AIH recur after OLTx. The recurrence of PSC is less clear. Recurrence of these diseases seems to be of relatively little importance in the short term; however, longer follow-up is required to address the significance of recurrent disease. Immunosuppression in these patients may alter the natural history of these entities in the post-transplant setting.

Hepatitis after liver transplantation: the role of the known and unknown viruses

This study was designed to determine the cause of posttransplantation hepatitis in patients undergoing transplantation for liver disease of nonviral cause; the role of acquired hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis G virus (HGV) in posttransplantation hepatitis; and the course of posttransplantation hepatitis of unknown cause. Two hundred forty-three patients underwent transplantation for nonviral liver diseases (mean age, 48 years; 103 men, 140 women). Serological and virological assays for HBV and HCV were performed pretransplantation to exclude preexisting infection and posttransplantation to investigate the cause of posttransplantation hepatitis. Histology was graded on all available biopsy specimens; posttransplantation hepatitis was assessable in 150 patients. Posttransplantation hepatitis was present in 29% (44 of 150) of the patients after a median follow-up of 47 months (range, 1 to 101 months). Actuarial survival was significantly lower in patients with posttransplantation hepatitis compared with patients without (71% v 89% at 5-year follow-up; P = .03). HCV and HBV were identified posttransplantation in 14% and 9% of patients with hepatitis, respectively. After the exclusion of HCV and HBV infection, 22% (33 of 150) of the patients had posttransplantation hepatitis of unknown cause. HGV was present in 58% of these patients, but HGV was equally prevalent in patients without posttransplantation hepatitis. When patients with HBV and HCV were excluded, there was no difference in survival between patients with posttransplantation hepatitis compared with patients without (P = .08, log-rank test). Posttransplantation hepatitis was present in approximately 30% of the patients undergoing transplantation for nonviral diseases, with a median follow-up of 47 months. Known hepatitis viruses (HBV, HCV) were present in one fourth of the patients with posttransplantation hepatitis; 22% (33 of 150) of the patients had hepatitis of unknown cause, suggesting that other, as yet undiscovered, hepatitis viruses may exist.

Histological features predictive of recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) within liver allografts remains a controversial issue. The aims of this study were to evaluate this risk and to determine the presence, if any, of a predictive histological feature.

METHODS

We reviewed the most recent and the 1-year protocol liver biopsies of 69 patients who received transplants for PBC and of 53 control patients. Histological features consistent with PBC recurrence included nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis, mixed portal infiltrate, fibrosis, and ductopenia. A complete evaluation was undertaken in each patient with these histological features.

RESULTS

These histological features were present in six patients who received transplants for PBC (8.7% vs. 0% in the control group) and occurred between 1 and 8 years after transplant. In five of the six patients, anti-mitochondrial antibody-2 (anti-M2) antibodies remained at high titers. Cholestasis was present in four patients, and clinical symptoms in two patients. All six patients were negative for hepatitis C antibodies and hepatitis C RNA in their serum. None had bile duct obstruction. The presence of plasma cells in the portal infiltrate at 1 year after transplant was predictive of this risk of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The risk of PBC recurrence is real (8.7%). The presence of plasma cells in the portal infiltrate seems to be an early marker of recurrence of PBC in patients transplanted for this indication.

Chronic hepatitis in children after liver transplantation: role of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis G virus infections

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Chronic graft hepatitis occurs in 20-30% adults after liver transplantation but the prevalence and causes in children are not known. In adults, hepatitis C virus infection is prevalent prior to transplantation and recurrent infection is a frequent cause of graft dysfunction. The significance of the recently described hepatitis G virus infection remains unproven. The aim of this study was to examine the role of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis G virus infection in chronic graft hepatitis after paediatric liver transplantation.

METHODS

The prevalence of graft hepatitis and the role of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis G virus infections in 80 children after liver transplantation have been studied, with a median follow up of 4.4 years (range 0.4 to 10.7), and the persistence of hepatitis G infection in the presence of immunosuppression has been determined.

RESULTS

Chronic graft hepatitis was diagnosed in 19/80 (24%) children and was most frequently seen in children transplanted for cryptogenic cirrhosis (71%). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of chronic hepatitis in those transplanted before or after donor anti-HCV screening. Hepatitis C infection occurred in three children transplanted prior to donor screening but in only one was associated with chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis G infection was found in 22/79 (28%) transplant recipients but was not associated with graft hepatitis. In 17/21 children hepatitis G infection persisted for a median of 5.2 years after transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Chronic hepatitis occurred in 24% of children after liver transplantation, a similar prevalence to that in adults. Cryptogenic liver disease predisposed to graft hepatitis, but neither hepatitis C nor hepatitis G infection was associated. Hepatitis G virus caused a frequent and usually persistent infection after transplantation.

Recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis after liver transplantation

Given the usually prolonged natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and the relatively recent introduction of orthotopic liver transplantation, our understanding of recurrence of these autoimmune diseases after orthotopic liver transplantation has been slow to evolve. Present data suggest that after orthotopic liver transplantation, patients with primary biliary cirrhosis will have persistence of serum antimitochondrial antibodies, develop histologic lesions suggestive of recurrent primary biliary cirrhosis with a frequency in the 8% to 16% range at 2 to 5 years after orthotopic liver transplantation, but will demonstrate little if any symptomatic disease as a consequence. Although data are extremely limited, autoimmune cholangitis patients will have a similar post-transplant course (without antimitochondrial antibodies). Recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis remains the most controversial, however, these patients probably develop nonanastomotic intrahepatic and extrahepatic strictures more frequently than patients without primary sclerosing cholangitis, with a frequency in the 20% to 25% range at 3 to 5 years. With longer patient follow-up and additional studies, it is hoped that our understanding of recurrent autoimmune biliary diseases will grow considerably in the future.

Allograft rejection after liver transplantation for autoimmune liver diseases

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) may progress to liver failure, requiring liver transplantation as definitive therapy, and these immune-mediated disorders may predispose the patient to more frequent graft rejection. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of preexisting AILD on the incidence of allograft rejection after liver transplantation. Sixty-three patients who underwent liver transplantation between March 1988 and December 1994 for AILDs that included autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 33) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC; n = 30) were retrospectively compared with 47 patients who underwent liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis during the same time period. There was a lower incidence of acute allograft rejection in patients with AILD who received tacrolimus-based compared with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (50% v 85.5%; P = .02). However, patients with AILDs overall had a higher incidence of acute rejection than patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (81% v 46.8%; P < .001), regardless of the type of immunosuppression. In addition, steroid-resistant rejection occurred more frequently in patients with AILDs than in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (38.1% v 12.8%; P = .003). There was also a trend toward a higher incidence of chronic rejection in patients with AILDs compared with patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (11.1% v 2.1%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Patient and graft survivals at 1 and 3 years were similar between patients with AILDs and alcoholic liver disease. Compared with alcoholic cirrhosis, preexisting AILDs are associated with a higher incidence of acute allograft rejection and a trend toward more frequent chronic rejection.

The antinuclear autoantibodies Sp100 and gp210 persist after orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune liver disease which is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies directed against mitochondrial components which belong to the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex. Apart from antibodies against mitochondrial components, primary biliary cirrhosis patients often show antibodies against nuclear components, of which anti-Sp100 and anti-gp210 are considered to be disease specific. We investigated the incidence and course of antibodies against nuclear components in primary biliary cirrhosis patients before and after liver transplantation.

METHODS

Sera from 42 primary biliary cirrhosis patients were studied using indirect immunofluorescence to detect antibodies against mitochondrial components and antibodies against nuclear components, ELISA to detect anti-Sp100, and immunoblot analysis to detect anti-gp210 and antibodies against nuclear components subtypes.

RESULTS

Ninety-three percent of primary biliary cirrhosis patients in our study were antimitochondrial antibody positive. Forty-three percent of the patients were antinuclear antibody positive. Of these, 35% had antibodies against Sp100 and 36% were positive for anti-gp210. After transplantation, antimitochondrial antibody titers as well as antinuclear antibody titers decreased in all patients. Autoantibodies in low titer persisted for up to 13 years. The pattern of nuclear autoantigens recognized by patient sera was unchanged after liver transplantation. However, the antinuclear antibody pattern was very different between the individual patients. Anti-Sp100 and anti-gp210 were not detected in sera of patients with autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis C infection, inflammatory bowel disease, connective tissue diseases, or primary sclerosing cholangitis. The serum alkaline phosphatase level was not different in antinuclear antibody negative or positive patients before or after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the persistence of antibodies against mitochondrial components, and anti-Sp100 and anti-gp210 in primary biliary cirrhosis patients after liver transplantation is disease specific, but that this does not reflect recurrent disease activity in the graft.

Immune cholangitis: liver allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease

A pronounced similarity exists between liver allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the damage and eventual destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts. Although an immunologic reaction has an important role, precisely identifying the target antigens or reason for persistence of the immune response has been difficult. An important difference between GVHD and liver rejection is the development of obliterative arteriopathy only in rejection. The three main histopathologic features of acute rejection are a predominantly mononuclear but mixed portal inflammation, subendothelial inflammation of portal or terminal hepatic veins (or both), and bile duct inflammation and damage. In acute rejection, a controversial issue is determining when therapeutic intervention is needed. The recommended approach is to base treatment on a combination of histopathologic changes and liver injury or dysfunction. Chronic rejection, which usually does not occur before 2 months after transplantation, is characterized by two main histopathologic features: (1) damage and loss of small bile ducts and (2) obliterative arteriopathy. Acute GVHD begins within the first month after transplantation and most commonly involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and liver, whereas chronic GVHD usually develops more than 80 to 100 days after liver transplantation and affects 30 to 50% of long-term survivors. Recognition of the early, cellular stages of chronic GVHD is important in preventing irreversible damage.

Chronic liver allograft rejection: a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases interinstitutional study analyzing the reliability of current criteria and proposal of an expanded definition. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Liver Transplantation Database

A study was conducted to assess the inter and intrarater agreement for the histopathologic features and diagnosis of chronic rejection (CR) and several other important causes of late liver allograft dysfunction. On two occasions, five pathologists, experienced with liver transplantation, reviewed a set of 49 slides representing a range of diagnoses, without knowledge of the clinical history or liver injury test results. The readings were correlated with the original histopathologic diagnosis, liver injury tests, and clinicopathologic follow-up. Assessment of biopsy adequacy (kappa = 0.69) and portal tract counts (kappa = 0.79) showed good to excellent intrarater agreement, whereas interrater agreement for these variables was moderate to good, respectively (kappa = 0.44 and 0.65). Likewise, the intrarater agreement for the diagnosis of CR (kappa = 0.68), hepatitis (kappa = 0.77), and obstructive cholangiopathy (kappa = 0.55) showed good to excellent agreement, whereas the interrater agreement for these same diagnoses ranged from fair to good (kappa = 0.58, 0.46, and 0.25, respectively). In 18 specimens, there was a near unanimous diagnosis of CR across both readings. These biopsies were obtained at a median of 7.1 months (range, 42 days to 4.9 years) after transplantation, and the average number of portal tracts was 8.4 (range, 4-15). Interestingly, only 13 of these 18 specimens showed bile duct loss in >50% of the portal triads; the remaining cases showed atrophy/pyknosis of the biliary epithelium in a majority of small bile ducts. Clinicopathologic correlation showed that these 18 biopsies were obtained from 16 grafts from 15 patients, 14 of whom ultimately required retransplantation or died of or with CR, whereas two of the grafts/patients recovered. A high rate of sensitivity (92%) and a somewhat lower, but acceptable, rate of specificity (71% to 80%) was found for the diagnosis of CR. Chronic rejection and other causes of late liver allograft dysfunction can be diagnosed reliably by a group of pathologists experienced with liver transplantation, and the diagnosis of CR correlates with clinical course and liver function abnormalities. Expanded criteria for the diagnosis of CR are presented, and potential problem areas for practicing pathologists are discussed.

Persistence of autoantibodies against recombinant mitochondrial and nuclear pore proteins after orthotopic liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis

Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by high titer autoantibodies predominantly against mitochondrial antigens PDC-E2, BCOADC-E2 and OGDC-E2. Currently orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) is the major form of treatment for end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but it is still unclear whether the autoimmune response continues post-transplantation. In this study we took advantage of a well-defined collection of sera collected serially before and after liver transplantation. We assayed these sera for quantitative and isotype-specific titers of antibodies against a set of recombinant mitochondrial autoantigens. We also studied reactivity to gp210. Serum samples were taken before transplantation and at intervals of 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years after OLT. Before OLT 24/35 patients were AMA-positive, including seven out of the 35 to PDC-E2 alone, eight to both PDC-E2 and OGDC-E2, six to both PDC-E2 and BCOADC-E2, two to BCOADC-E2 alone and one to OGDC-E2. Following OLT, the frequency of sera that responded to PDC-E2 alone increased from seven to 12/35. Similarly, reactivity to BCOADC-E2 slightly increased from two to four out of 35. However, there was an overall decrease in sera that responded to more than one antigen. Neither Ig isotype nor subclass of the autoimmune response changed following OLT. Findings with gp210 were similar, in that reactivity to gp210 was found in nine out of 35 patients pre-OLT; following OLT the frequency decreased to seven out of 35 patients. Overall, the titers of AMAs decline slightly during the first year post-OLT, but are equivalent to pre-OLT values by 6 months. Moreover, the antibody subclass/ isotype remained unchanged. These data suggest that the removal of a diseased PBC liver has little, if any, impact on the serological characteristics of PBC. Moreover, it provides information regarding the natural history of PBC, particularly on the long latency time for disease development.

Case report: acanthosis nigricans in association with primary biliary cirrhosis: resolution after liver transplantation

A case is described of a 58 year old Caucasian male with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who first presented with acanthosis nigricans of both axillae, skin pigmentation, which was pronounced over the posterior surface of the neck, and generalized pruritus. Following orthotopic liver transplantation for progressive liver disease, the skin pigmentation, pruritus and acanthosis nigricans resolved. It is believed that this is the first reported case of acanthosis nigricans occurring in association with PBC, a phenomenon that resolved after liver transplantation.

Quality of life, major medical complications and hospital service utilization in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation

AIMS/METHODS

Major medical complications, hospital service utilization and quality of life were investigated in 26 out of 29 consecutive primary biliary cirrhosis transplanted patients who survived at least 2 years after the procedure (90% survival rate).

RESULTS

Before liver transplant, the most relevant clinical data were jaundice (96%), pruritus (92%), ascites (50%), gastrointestinal bleeding (19%), hepatic encephalopathy (12%) and bone pain (12%). During the first postoperative year, the most significant complications were bone pain (58%) and fractures (31%), arterial hypertension (50%), and mild/moderate renal failure (46%). The frequency of these complications remained similar during the second year, but there was a significant reduction in the incidence of bone fractures. Bone pain was the only postoperative complication which correlated with an increased number of unscheduled outpatient and emergency visits. Quality of life was measured cross-sectionally either at or after the second postoperative year. The Karnofsky index was 90 in 69% of the patients and 76% were able to perform usual daily activities. Self-assessed health perception was good or very good in almost all the patients. However, the Nottingham Health Profile showed that approximately 70% of the patients gave a positive response to some questions in areas of pain, sleep, emotional reactions and physical activities.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study confirm that patients with primary biliary cirrhosis have a high survival rate after liver transplantation and that bone pain and fractures are important postoperative complications. Good self-perceived health and return to daily activities evidenced in most PBC patients should be balanced with problems identified by more specific tools, which could have an impact on the health service utilization and quality of life.