1
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Hartleif S, Hodson J, Lloyd C, Cousin VL, Czubkowski P, D'Antiga L, Debray D, Demetris A, Di Giorgio A, Evans HM, Fischler B, Gonzales E, Gouw ASH, Hübscher SG, Jacquemin E, Lacaille F, Malenicka S, McLin VA, Markiewicz-Kijewska M, Mazariegos GV, Rajanayagam JK, Scheenstra R, Singer S, Smets F, Sokal E, Squires JE, Sturm E, Verkade H, Kelly DA. Long-term Outcome of Asymptomatic Patients With Graft Fibrosis in Protocol Biopsies After Pediatric Liver Transplantation. Transplantation 2023; 107:2394-2405. [PMID: 37143195 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The histological prevalence of allograft fibrosis in asymptomatic children after liver transplantation (LT) is well documented. However, long-term graft and patient survival remain unclear. This retrospective multicenter study aims to determine the prevalence of allograft fibrosis and analyze the long-term outcome for patients transplanted in childhood. METHODS We reviewed clinical data of children who had undergone 10-y protocol liver biopsies. We excluded patients with autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hepatitis B or C, and retransplantation. In total, 494 patients transplanted in childhood across 12 international transplant centers were included. We evaluated the development of fibrosis by comparing the results with biopsies obtained 5 and 15 y post-LT. Histological findings were correlated with graft and patient survival up to 20 y post-LT. RESULTS In the 10-y biopsies, periportal or pericentral fibrosis was observed in 253 patients (51%), 87 (18%) had bridging fibrosis, 30 (6%) had cirrhosis, and 124 (25%) had no fibrosis. The prevalence and stage of graft fibrosis significantly progressed from 5 to 10 y. At 10 y, the severity of fibrosis correlated significantly with inflammation. Patients with graft cirrhosis in the 10-y biopsy were more likely to die or require retransplantation subsequently ( P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS At 10 y post-LT, most patients transplanted in childhood developed fibrosis, based on the protocol liver biopsies. Although mild-to-moderate graft fibrosis did not largely affect patient or graft survival up to 20 y post-LT, this progressive fibrosis finding has substantial implications for developing cirrhosis and portal hypertension in adult care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Hartleif
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - James Hodson
- Department of Health Informatics, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carla Lloyd
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir L Cousin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Centre, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Czubkowski
- Department of Liver Disorders and Transplantation, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lorenzo D'Antiga
- Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, ASST Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Dominique Debray
- Pediatric Liver Unit, National Reference Centre for Rare Pediatric Liver Diseases (Biliary Atresia and Genetic Cholestasis), FILFOIE, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anthony Demetris
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Angelo Di Giorgio
- Pediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Transplantation, ASST Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Helen M Evans
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Starship Child Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Björn Fischler
- Pediatric Digestive Diseases, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emmanuel Gonzales
- Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique Pédiatriques, Centre de référence de l'atrésie des voies biliaires et des cholestases génétiques, FSMR FILFOIE, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Annette S H Gouw
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan G Hübscher
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Jacquemin
- Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique Pédiatriques, Centre de référence de l'atrésie des voies biliaires et des cholestases génétiques, FSMR FILFOIE, Hôpital Bicêtre, AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Florence Lacaille
- Pediatric Liver Unit, National Reference Centre for Rare Pediatric Liver Diseases (Biliary Atresia and Genetic Cholestasis), FILFOIE, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Silvia Malenicka
- Pediatric Digestive Diseases, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valerie A McLin
- Swiss Pediatric Liver Centre, Division of Pediatric Specialties, Department of Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospitals Geneva and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - George V Mazariegos
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jeremy K Rajanayagam
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - René Scheenstra
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan Singer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Françoise Smets
- UClouvain, Clinical and Experimental Research Institute and Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Service de Gastroentérologie Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Sokal
- UClouvain, Clinical and Experimental Research Institute and Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Service de Gastroentérologie Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Brussels, Belgium
| | - James E Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ekkehard Sturm
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Henkjan Verkade
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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2
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Wischlen E, Boillot O, Rivet C, Lachaux A, Bouvier R, Hervieu V, Scoazec JY, Collardeau-Frachon S, Dumortier J, Laverdure N. Are protocol graft biopsies after pediatric liver transplantation useful? Experience in a single center over 20 years. Clin Transplant 2023; 37:e14898. [PMID: 36585804 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of protocol liver biopsies (PLB) in the follow-up of pediatric liver transplant recipients remains questionable. This single-center retrospective study aimed to evaluate their clinical impact on the long-term management of pediatric liver transplant recipients. METHODS We described histopathological lesions and clinical consequences for patient management of PLB performed 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years after pediatric liver transplantation (LT). RESULTS A total of 351 PLB performed on 133 patients between 1992 and 2021 were reviewed. PLB found signs of rejection in 21.7% of cases (76/351), and moderate to severe fibrosis in 26.5% of cases (93/351). Overall, 264 PLB (75.2%) did not cause any changes to patient care. Immunosuppression was enhanced after 63 PLB, including 23 cases of occult rejection. The 1-year PLB triggered significantly more changes, while biopsies at 15, 20, and 25 years produced the lowest rates of subsequent modifications. PLB had a significantly higher probability of inducing therapeutic changes if the patient had abnormal biological or imaging results (odds ratio [OR] 2.82 and 2.06), or a recent history of rejection or bacterial infection (OR 2.22 and 2.03). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that, although it often does not prompt any treatment changes, PLB could be performed because of its ability to detect silent rejection requiring an increase in immunosuppression. PLB could be carried out 1, 5, and 10 years after LT and then every 10 years in patients with normal biological and imaging results and no recent complications, while other patients could be kept on a 5-year protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Wischlen
- Department of Pediatric Hepatogastroenterology and Nutrition, Femme-Mère-Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Boillot
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Christine Rivet
- Department of Pediatric Hepatogastroenterology and Nutrition, Femme-Mère-Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alain Lachaux
- Department of Pediatric Hepatogastroenterology and Nutrition, Femme-Mère-Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Raymonde Bouvier
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Valérie Hervieu
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Department of Pathology, Villejuif and Université Paris Saclay, France
| | - Sophie Collardeau-Frachon
- University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,Department of Pathology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Noémie Laverdure
- Department of Pediatric Hepatogastroenterology and Nutrition, Femme-Mère-Enfant Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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3
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Hübscher SG, Feng S, Gouw ASH, Haga H, Kang HJ, Kelly DA, Komuta M, Lesniak A, Popp BA, Verkade HJ, Yu E, Demetris AJ. Standardizing the histological assessment of late posttransplantation biopsies from pediatric liver allograft recipients. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:1475-1489. [PMID: 35429359 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Excellent short-term survival after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) has shifted attention toward the optimization of long-term outcomes. Despite considerable progress in imaging and other noninvasive modalities, liver biopsies continue to be required to monitor allograft health and to titrate immunosuppression. However, a standardized approach to the detailed assessment of long-term graft histology is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to formulate a list of histopathological features relevant for the assessment of long-surviving liver allograft health and to develop an approach for assessing the presence and severity of these features in a standardized manner. Whole-slide digital images from 31 biopsies obtained ≥4 years after transplantation to determine eligibility for an immunosuppression withdrawal trial were selected to illustrate a range of typical histopathological findings seen in children with clinically stable grafts, including those associated with alloantibodies. Fifty histological features were independently assessed and, where appropriate, scored semiquantitatively by six pathologists to determine inter- and intraobserver reproducibility of the histopathological features using unweighted and weighted kappa statistics; the latter metric enabled distinction between minor and major disagreements in parameter severity scoring. Weighted interobserver kappa statistics showed a high level of agreement for various parameters of inflammation, interface activity, fibrosis, and microvascular injury. Intraobserver agreement for these features was even more substantial. The results of this study will help to standardize the assessment of biopsies from long-surviving liver allografts, aid the recognition of important histological features, and facilitate international comparisons and clinical trials aiming to improve outcomes for children undergoing LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan G Hübscher
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sandy Feng
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Annette S H Gouw
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hironori Haga
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hyo Jeong Kang
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's NHS Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mina Komuta
- Department of Pathology, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Andrew Lesniak
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Benjamin A Popp
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Pediatric Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eunsil Yu
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Anthony J Demetris
- Division of Liver and Transplantation Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Angelico R, Spada M, Liccardo D, Pedini D, Grimaldi C, Pietrobattista A, Basso MS, Della Corte C, Mosca A, Saffioti MC, Alaggio R, Maggiore G, Candusso M, Francalanci P. Allograft Fibrosis After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Evolution. Liver Transpl 2022; 28:280-293. [PMID: 34164907 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Allograft fibrosis (AF) after pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) is frequent, but its dynamics are unclear. Our aim was to assess the evolution and risk factors of AF after pLT. A retrospective single-center analysis of pLT patients with a follow-up of ≥5 years who underwent protocol liver biopsies at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years was performed. Fibrosis was assessed using the METAVIR and Ishak systems and the liver allograft fibrosis score (LAFs). Of 219 pLTs performed from 2008 to 2018, 80 (36.5%) pLTs were included, and 320 biopsies were reviewed. At 6 months after pLT, fibrosis was found in 54 (67.5%) patients by the METAVIR/Ishak systems and in 59 (73.8%) by the LAFs (P = 0.65). By 5 years, AF was detected in 67 (83.8%), 69 (86.3%), and 72 (90%) specimens using the METAVIR, Ishak, and LAFs systems, respectively (P = 0.54); mild (METAVIR, 51 [63.8%]; Ishak, 60 [75%]; LAFs, 65 [81.2%]) and moderate (METAVIR, 16 [20%]; Ishak, 9 [11.9%]; LAFs, 7 [8.8%]) stages were detected, but severe fibrosis was not found (P = 0.09). In the LAFs, fibrosis involved the portal (85%), sinusoidal (15%), and centrolobular (12%) areas. Of 18 patients with 10-year protocol biopsies, AF was present in 16 (90%), including 1 (5.5%) with severe fibrosis. In all systems, 36.3% of patients showed fibrosis progression from 2 years to 5 years after LT, but they remained stable at the 10-year biopsies without clinical implications. In multivariate analysis, only donor age >40 years was a risk factor for moderate AF at 5 years after LT (odds ratio, 8.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-42.1, P = 0.01). Cold ischemia time (CIT) >8 hours was associated with portal (P < 0.001)/sinusoidal fibrosis (P = 0.04), donor age >40 years was associated with sinusoidal (P = 0.01)/centrilobular (P = 0.04) fibrosis, and low tacrolimus trough level within 1 year after LT was associated with centrilobular fibrosis (P = 0.02). AF has a high incidence after pLT, occurring early after transplantation. In most cases, AF is mild or moderate and remains stable in the long run without clinical implications. Donor selection, short CIT, and immunosuppression adherence are crucial to reducing the risk of advanced AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Angelico
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Unit, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Spada
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Liccardo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Pedini
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Grimaldi
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pietrobattista
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Sole Basso
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Della Corte
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Saffioti
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Maggiore
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Manila Candusso
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital Istituto di Ricerca e di Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
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5
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Protocol liver biopsies in stable long-term pediatric liver transplant recipients: risk or benefit? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e223-e232. [PMID: 33405423 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follow-up after pediatric liver transplantation (LTX) is challenging and needs to be refined to extend graft survival as well as general functional health and patients´ quality of life. Strategies towards individual immunosuppressive therapy seem to play a key role. Our aim was to evaluate protocol liver biopsies (PLB) as a tool in personalized follow up after pediatric LTX. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our retrospective analysis evaluates 92 PLB in clinically asymptomatic pediatric patients after LTX between 2009 and 2019. Histological findings were characterized using the Desmet scoring system. In addition to PLB, other follow-up tools like laboratory parameters, ultrasound imaging and transient elastography were evaluated. Risk factors for development of fibrosis or inflammation were analyzed. RESULTS PLB revealed a high prevalence of graft fibrosis (67.4%) and graft inflammation (47.8%). Graft inflammation was significantly (P = 0.0353*) more frequent within the first 5 years after transplantation compared to later time points. Besides conventional ultrasound, the measurement of liver stiffness using transient elastography correlate with stage of fibrosis (r = 0.567, P = <0.0001***). Presence of donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies in blood correlates with grade of inflammation in PLB (r = 0.6040, P = 0.0018 **). None of the patients who underwent PLB suffered from intervention-related complications. Histopathological results had an impact on clinical decision making in one-third of all patients after PLB. CONCLUSION PLB are a safe and useful tool to detect silent immune-mediated allograft injuries in the context of normal liver parameters.
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6
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Liver Histopathology in Late Protocol Biopsies after Pediatric Liver Transplantation. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8080671. [PMID: 34438562 PMCID: PMC8392008 DOI: 10.3390/children8080671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation has become a routine treatment for children with end stage liver failure. Recently, the long term survival of pediatric patients after liver transplantation has improved, with a life expectancy much longer than that of adult recipients, but also with longer exposition of the graft to various injuries, including immunological, inflammatory and others. Biochemical tests, although important, do not always reflect graft injury. The aim of our study was to analyze the histopathology of the graft in late protocol biopsies and correlate it with the clinical and biochemical status of these patients. We analyzed 61 protocol liver biopsies taken from 61 patients. Biopsies were taken 9.03–17.09 years (mean 12.68, median 11.74 years) after transplantation. Liver specimens were examined particularly for the presence and stage of liver fibrosis, inflammation, steatosis, and acute or chronic cellular and humoral rejection. We did not find any abnormalities in 26 (42.6%) liver specimens. None of the patients had signs of cellular or antibody mediated rejection or chronic rejection. In 23 liver biopsies (37.7%), we found non-specific lymphoid infiltrates. Another problem was fibrosis (equal to or more than three on the Ishak scale)—we found it in 17 patients, including seven liver specimens (11.5%) with severe fibrosis (Ishak 5–6). Conclusions: Various pathomorphological abnormalities were found in more than half of patients with a median 11.74 years post-transplant follow-up. Most of them presented normal laboratory liver tests at the same time, suggesting a slow subclinical process leading to pathomorphological abnormalities. No single factor for the development of these abnormalities was found, but our study supports the need for protocol liver biopsies even in patients with normal/almost normal biochemical liver tests.
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7
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Leiskau C, Samuel S, Pfister ED, Junge N, Beneke J, Stupak J, Richter N, Vondran F, Schrem H, Baumann U. Low-dose steroids do make a difference: Independent risk factors for impaired linear growth after pediatric liver transplantation. Pediatr Transplant 2021; 25:e13989. [PMID: 33689189 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Growth failure persists after pediatric liver transplantation and impairs pediatric development and quality of life. Steroid dose minimization attempts to prevent growth impairment, yet long-term assessment in pediatric liver recipients is lacking. We identified risk factors for impaired linear growth after pediatric liver transplantation, with a special focus on low-dose steroid therapy. This is a single-center retrospective analysis of height development in pediatric liver recipients up to 5 years after transplantation. Risk factors for impaired linear growth (height Z-scores≤-2) at transplantation, after two (n = 347) and five years (n = 210) were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. At transplantation, growth retardation was found in 52.2%, predominantly younger children. Height Z-scores improved from -2.23 to -1.40 (SE 0.11; 95%CI 0.74-1.16; p < .001) two years and -1.19 (SE 0.07;0.08-0.34; p = .017) five years post-transplant. Multivariate analysis showed previous growth impairment (OR=1.484; 95%-CI=1.107-1.988; p = .004), graft loss (49.006;2.232-1076; p = .006), and prolonged cold ischemic time (1.034;1.007-1.061; p = .011) as main long-term risk factors; steroid use was a significant predictor of 2-year but not 5-year growth impairment. In univariate analysis, impaired growth after 2 and 5 years was associated with continuous low-dose (2.5 mg/m2 BSA) steroid therapy (OR=3.323;1.578-6.996; p < .001/OR=8.352;1.089-64.07; p = .006)and graft loss (OR=2.513;1.395-4.525; p = .003/OR=3.378;1.815-7.576; p < .001). Furthermore, indication and era of transplantation affected growth. Our results show significant catch-up growth after pediatric liver transplantation, yet growth failure strongly affects particularly young liver recipients. The main influenceable long-term risk factor is pre-existing growth failure, emphasizing the importance of early aggressive nutritional therapy. Moreover, low-dose steroid therapy might impair growth and should therefore be critically questioned in long-term immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Leiskau
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Core Facility Quality Management & Health Technology Assessment in Transplantation, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Saskia Samuel
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Core Facility Quality Management & Health Technology Assessment in Transplantation, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Military Hospital Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Doreen Pfister
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Norman Junge
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Beneke
- Core Facility Quality Management & Health Technology Assessment in Transplantation, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Stupak
- Core Facility Quality Management & Health Technology Assessment in Transplantation, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicolas Richter
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Florian Vondran
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Harald Schrem
- Core Facility Quality Management & Health Technology Assessment in Transplantation, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany.,Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Graz, Austria
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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8
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Evaluation of Graft Fibrosis, Inflammation and Donor-specific Antibodies at Protocol Liver Biopsies in Pediatric Liver Transplant Patients: a Single Center Experience. Transplantation 2021; 106:85-95. [PMID: 33496554 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of graft fibrosis and inflammation on the natural history of pediatric liver transplants (LT) is still debated. Our objectives were to evaluate the evolution of posttransplant fibrosis and inflammation over time at protocol liver biopsies (PLBs), risk factors for fibrosis, presence of donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) and/or their correlation with graft and recipient factors. METHODS A single-center, retrospective (2000-2019) cross-sectional study on pediatric LT recipients who had at least one PLB, followed by a longitudinal evaluation in those who had at least two PLBs, was conducted. Fibrosis was assessed by the Liver Allograft Fibrosis Semiquantitative score, inflammation by the Rejection Activity Index, DSAs by Luminex®. RESULTS A total of 134 PLBs from 94 patients were included. Fibrosis was detected in 87% (30% mild, 45% moderate, 12% severe), 80% in the portal tracts. There was an increase in fibrosis between the 1-3 and the 4-6 year group (p=0.01), then it was stable. Inflammation was observed in 44% (30% mild, 13% moderate, 1% severe), 90% in the portal tracts. Anti-HLA II (IgG) DSAs were detected in 14/40 (35%). Portal fibrosis was associated with portal inflammation in the 1-3 year group (p=0.04). Low immunosuppression levels were correlated with sinusoidal fibrosis (p=0.04) and DSA positivity (p-value=0.006). There was no statistically significant correlation between DSA positivity and the presence of graft fibrosis or inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This study corroborates the concept of an early evolution of silent graft fibrosis. Suboptimal immunosuppression may play a role in the development of fibrosis and DSAs.
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9
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Voutilainen SH, Kosola SK, Lohi J, Mutka A, Jahnukainen T, Pakarinen M, Jalanko H. Expression of 6 Biomarkers in Liver Grafts After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: Correlations with Histology, Biochemistry, and Outcome. Ann Transplant 2020; 25:e925980. [PMID: 33060556 PMCID: PMC7574360 DOI: 10.12659/aot.925980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Subclinical graft inflammation and fibrosis after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are common. Biomarkers are needed that precede and are associated with these changes and graft outcome. Material/Methods We evaluated immunohistochemical expression of 6 biomarkers [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, decorin, vimentin, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), and CD34] in biopsies taken intraoperatively at LT (baseline) (n=29) and at 11.3 years after LT (first follow-up) (n=51). Liver biochemistry and graft histology were assessed at the first follow-up and at final assessment (19.6 years after LT) (n=48). Second follow-up biopsies for histology were available from 24 patients. The immunostainings were correlated with liver histology, biochemistry, and outcome at these time-points. Results Baseline levels of the biomarkers were unrelated to presence of fibrosis at follow-up. Increased α-SMA, collagen I levels, decorin, and vimentin were associated with simultaneous fibrosis at the first follow-up (p=0.001–0.027). Increased SMA, collagen I, decorin, vimentin, PSGL-1, and CD34 expression at first follow-up were associated with simultaneous portal inflammation (p=0.001–0.025). α-SMA, decorin, and vimentin expression were increased in patients without fibrosis at the first follow-up but who developed fibrosis in second follow-up (p=0.014 p=0.024 and p=0.024). Significant fibrosis (F2) and markedly increased α-SMA, collagen I, decorin, and vimentin levels at first follow-up were associated with suboptimal liver status at the final assessment (p=0.002–0.042). Conclusions The expression of the biomarkers at LT was unrelated to later development of graft fibrosis. α-SMA, decorin, and vimentin were associated with later graft fibrosis and suboptimal liver status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja H Voutilainen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Silja K Kosola
- Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouko Lohi
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino Mutka
- Department of Pathology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Jahnukainen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Pakarinen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Jalanko
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Risk factors of silent allograft fibrosis 10 years post-pediatric liver transplantation. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1833. [PMID: 32019996 PMCID: PMC7000391 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58714-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study analyzed factors related to allograft fibrosis in clinically stable pediatric liver transplantation patients. Pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation from January 1997 to January 2008 and further underwent 10-year protocol biopsies were examined. Grades of inflammation and fibrosis were classified based on Banff criteria and the Liver Allograft Scoring (LAF) system, respectively. Risk factors for fibrosis were analyzed using logistic regression. Sixty-six patients with no clinical signs of chronic liver disease were included. Forty-one patients out of 66 (62.1%) had certain stage of allograft fibrosis. More than five events with aminotransferase >50 U/L was a risk factor for a LAF score 1–2 portal fibrosis (OR = 3.156, CI 1.059–9.410, P = 0.039). More than five events with aminotransferase >100 U/L was a risk factor for LAF score 2 portal fibrosis (OR = 13.978, CI 2.025–97.460, P = 0.007) and LAF score 1–2 sinusoidal fibrosis (OR = 4.897, CI 1.167–20.548, P = 0.030). Positive autoantibody (OR = 3.298, CI 1.039–10.473, P = 0.043) and gamma-glutamyl transferase 60 U/L (OR = 6.201, CI 1.096–35.097, P = 0.039) were related to sinusoidal fibrosis with LAF score of 1–2 and 2, respectively. Experience of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease was related to LAF score 1–2 portal fibrosis (OR = 7.371, CI 1.320–41,170, P = 0.023) and LAF score 1–2 centrolobular fibrosis (OR = 8.822, CI = 1.378–56.455, P = 0.022). Our results indicate that liver fibrosis is common in patients with no clinical signs of graft deterioration and repeated elevation of aminotransferases, positive autoantibodies, elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase and experience of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disease are suspicious signs for fibrosis.
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11
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Yamada N, Katano T, Hirata Y, Okada N, Sanada Y, Ihara Y, Urahashi T, Ushijima K, Karasawa T, Takahashi M, Mizuta K. Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer predicts the activation of hepatic stellate cells after liver transplantation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:418-424. [PMID: 30101431 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel fibrosis marker for various chronic liver diseases. We investigated the ability of M2BPGi to predict liver fibrosis in liver transplant (LT) recipients. METHODS A total of 116 liver biopsies were performed in 113 LT recipients. The serum level of M2BPGi was also measured on the same day. The median age at LT and liver biopsy was 1.1 and 11.8 years, respectively. Serum M2BPGi levels and liver fibrosis status using METAVIR fibrosis score were compared. Immunohistological evaluation by anti-α-smooth-muscle actin (αSMA) was performed, and the relationship between αSMA positive rate and serum M2BPGi levels was investigated. RESULTS The median M2BPGi level was 0.78 (range, 0.22-9.50), and 65, 29, 16, 5, and 1 patient(s) had METAVIR fibrosis scores of F0, F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively. In patients with F0 fibrosis, median M2BPGi level was 0.69 and was significantly lower than in patients with F1 (median 0.99, P < 0.01), F2 (median 1.00, P = 0.01), and F3 fibrosis (median 1.53, P < 0.01). Area-under-the-curve analysis of the ability of M2BPGi level to predict liver fibrosis grade were > F1: 0.716, > F2: 0.720, and > F3: 0.900. Three patients with acute cellular rejection showed high levels of M2BPGi, which decreased after the treatment. A positive correlation existed between M2BPGi levels and αSMA positive rate (r2 = 0.715, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer is a novel liver fibrosis marker in LT recipients and is also increased in patients with acute liver injuries, especially acute cellular rejection, even when fibrosis is absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Yamada
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.,Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takumi Katano
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yuta Hirata
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Noriki Okada
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Sanada
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ihara
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Taizen Urahashi
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ushijima
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tadayoshi Karasawa
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Takahashi
- Division of Inflammation Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koichi Mizuta
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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12
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Sheikh A, Chau KY, Evans HM. Histological findings in protocol biopsies following pediatric liver transplant: Low incidence of abnormalities at 5 years. Pediatr Transplant 2018; 22:e13212. [PMID: 29749699 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Histological abnormalities, including chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, and steatosis, are increasingly reported in liver biopsies of children after LT. These changes may be progressive and represent a form of rejection. Liver biochemistry is often initially normal. Our LT program began in 2002, utilizing tacrolimus and low-dose steroids for the first year post-LT. Patients undergo a protocol biopsy at 1 year post-LT prior to stopping steroids, then at 5 years and every 5 years thereafter. Target tacrolimus levels are 5-8 μg/L and 3-5 μg/L after 3 and 12 months, respectively. Between 2002 and 2009, 51 LT were performed; 50 (98%) and 49 (96%) patients survived for 1 and 5 years, respectively. A total of 43 patients (median age at LT 2.3 years) underwent a protocol biopsy at 1 year (16 male; median time post-LT 12.5 months), and 44 (20 male; median time post-LT 5.1 years) at 5 years. By 5 years, 3 had transferred to adult services; 1 was re-transplanted for graft failure and 1 moved overseas. Biopsies were reviewed by 2 pathologists. Most patients (31/44) were on tacrolimus monotherapy at 5 years. At 1 and 5 years, 29 of 43 (67.5%) and 31 of 44 (71%) biopsies were normal, respectively. Two of 44 had chronic allograft hepatitis at 5 years. Two of 43 and 1 of 44 had isolated fibrosis, 3 of 43 and 3 of 44 steatosis, and 3 of 43 and 4 of 44 acute rejection at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Other findings included predominantly biliary changes (6/43 & 3/44 at 1 and 5 years, respectively). Tacrolimus levels at 5 years were slightly higher than anticipated (median trough level 5.8 μg/L). With an immunosuppressive regimen of tacrolimus and low-dose steroids for 1 year followed by tacrolimus monotherapy thereafter, the majority of PLB were normal and no progressive changes were observed at 5 years. Compared to other LT programs, we have lower rates of chronic allograft hepatitis, steatosis, and fibrosis at 5 years. However, the tacrolimus levels at 5 years were higher than planned and this may have played a role. Further evaluation is also required to determine the potential long-term adverse effects of corticosteroid use on linear growth and bone mineral density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Sheikh
- Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Starship Child Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kai Y Chau
- Anatomical Pathology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Helen M Evans
- Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Starship Child Health, Auckland, New Zealand
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13
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Fitzpatrick E, Deheragoda M, Dhawan A. Allograft steatosis in the midst of the epidemic of obesity: Are children in the honeymoon period? Liver Transpl 2017; 23:878-879. [PMID: 28524463 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emer Fitzpatrick
- Paediatric Liver Centre, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maesha Deheragoda
- Paediatric Liver Centre, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver Centre, Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Perito ER, Vase T, Ramachandran R, Phelps A, Jen KY, Lustig RH, Feldstein VA, Rosenthal P. Hepatic steatosis after pediatric liver transplant. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:957-967. [PMID: 28426902 PMCID: PMC5604881 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic steatosis develops after liver transplantation (LT) in 30% of adults, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in nontransplanted children. However, posttransplant steatosis has been minimally studied in pediatric LT recipients. We explored the prevalence, persistence, and association with chronic liver damage of hepatic steatosis in these children. In this single-center study of pediatric patients transplanted 1988-2015 (n = 318), 31% of those with any posttransplant biopsy (n = 271) had ≥ 1 biopsy with steatosis. Median time from transplant to first biopsy with steatosis was 0.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 0.3-6.5 months) and to last biopsy with steatosis was 5.5 months (IQR, 1.0-24.5 months); 85% of patients with steatosis also had for-cause biopsies without steatosis. All available for-cause biopsies were re-evaluated (n = 104). Of 9 biopsies that could be interpreted as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/borderline NASH, with steatosis plus inflammation or ballooning, 8 also had features of cholestasis or rejection. Among 70 patients with surveillance biopsies 3.6-20.0 years after transplant, only 1 overweight adolescent had a biopsy with NAFLD (grade 1 steatosis, mild inflammation, no ballooning or fibrosis)-despite a 30% prevalence of overweight/obesity in the cohort and 27% with steatosis on previous for-cause biopsy. Steatosis on preceding for-cause biopsy was not associated with portal (P = 0.49) or perivenular fibrosis (P = 0.85) on surveillance biopsy. Hepatic steatosis commonly develops early after transplant in children and adolescents, but it rarely persists. Biopsies that did have steatosis with NASH characteristics were all for-cause, mostly in patients with NAFLD risk factors and/or confounding causes of liver damage. Prospective studies that follow children into adulthood will be needed to evaluate if and when hepatic steatosis presents a longterm risk for pediatric LT recipients. Liver Transplantation 23 957-967 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Perito
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pediatrics
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
| | - Tabitha Vase
- University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine
| | | | - Andrew Phelps
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging
| | - Kuang-Yu Jen
- University of California Davis, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | - Robert H. Lustig
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pediatrics
| | - Vickie A. Feldstein
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging
| | - Philip Rosenthal
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pediatrics
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Surgery
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15
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Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in liver transplants is a field in its infancy compared with its allograft cohorts of the kidney and lung. Acute AMR is diagnosed based on specific clinical and histopathologic criteria: serum donor specific antibodies, C4d staining, histopathologic findings on liver biopsy, and exclusion of other entities. In contrast, the histologic features of chronic AMR are not as specific and it is a more challenging diagnosis to make. Treatments of acute and chronic AMR include some combination of steroids, immune-modulating agents, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, and proteasome inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lee
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, VC14-238, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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16
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Voutilainen SH, Kosola SK, Tervahartiala TI, Sorsa TA, Jalanko HJ, Pakarinen MP. Liver and serum expression of matrix metalloproteinases in asymptomatic pediatric liver transplant recipients. Transpl Int 2016; 30:124-133. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Silja H. Voutilainen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery; Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group; Children's Hospital; Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Silja K. Kosola
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery; Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group; Children's Hospital; Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Taina I. Tervahartiala
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases; Institute of Dentistry; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Timo A. Sorsa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases; Institute of Dentistry; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Hannu J. Jalanko
- Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation; Children's Hospital; Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Mikko P. Pakarinen
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery; Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group; Children's Hospital; Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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17
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Kelly D, Verkade HJ, Rajanayagam J, McKiernan P, Mazariegos G, Hübscher S. Late graft hepatitis and fibrosis in pediatric liver allograft recipients: Current concepts and future developments. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:1593-1602. [PMID: 27543906 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) in children now has a 20-year survival of >80%, but the longterm outcome of these grafts remains uncertain. Serial protocol liver biopsies after transplantation from several pediatric centres have demonstrated the gradual development of unexplained graft inflammation ("idiopathic" posttransplant hepatitis; IPTH) and graft fibrosis in biopsies obtained >12 months post-LT in children with good graft function and (near) normal liver biochemistry. Although the clinical significance of these findings is uncertain, there is evidence to suggest that IPTH may be a form of rejection or chronic antibody-mediated rejection as it is associated with the presence of auto/alloantibodies; de novo Class II donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA); previous episodes of rejection, and may improve or be prevented with increased immunosuppression. Currently, the only method of diagnosing either hepatitis or fibrosis has been by serial protocol biopsies as neither serum markers of fibrosis nor noninvasive methods to detect fibrosis such as transient elastography (TE) are sufficiently validated in children. This review will focus on the diagnosis and management of idiopathic posttransplant hepatitis and graft fibrosis, discuss current methods for detecting graft injury, and potential mechanisms for their development. Liver Transplantation 22 1593-1602 2016 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Henkjan J Verkade
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital/University Medical Center, Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick McKiernan
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - George Mazariegos
- Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Stefan Hübscher
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Cellular Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham, National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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18
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Demetris AJ, Bellamy C, Hübscher SG, O'Leary J, Randhawa PS, Feng S, Neil D, Colvin RB, McCaughan G, Fung JJ, Del Bello A, Reinholt FP, Haga H, Adeyi O, Czaja AJ, Schiano T, Fiel MI, Smith ML, Sebagh M, Tanigawa RY, Yilmaz F, Alexander G, Baiocchi L, Balasubramanian M, Batal I, Bhan AK, Bucuvalas J, Cerski CTS, Charlotte F, de Vera ME, ElMonayeri M, Fontes P, Furth EE, Gouw ASH, Hafezi-Bakhtiari S, Hart J, Honsova E, Ismail W, Itoh T, Jhala NC, Khettry U, Klintmalm GB, Knechtle S, Koshiba T, Kozlowski T, Lassman CR, Lerut J, Levitsky J, Licini L, Liotta R, Mazariegos G, Minervini MI, Misdraji J, Mohanakumar T, Mölne J, Nasser I, Neuberger J, O'Neil M, Pappo O, Petrovic L, Ruiz P, Sağol Ö, Sanchez Fueyo A, Sasatomi E, Shaked A, Shiller M, Shimizu T, Sis B, Sonzogni A, Stevenson HL, Thung SN, Tisone G, Tsamandas AC, Wernerson A, Wu T, Zeevi A, Zen Y. 2016 Comprehensive Update of the Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology: Introduction of Antibody-Mediated Rejection. Am J Transplant 2016; 16:2816-2835. [PMID: 27273869 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology reviewed and discussed literature evidence regarding antibody-mediated liver allograft rejection at the 11th (Paris, France, June 5-10, 2011), 12th (Comandatuba, Brazil, August 19-23, 2013), and 13th (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, October 5-10, 2015) meetings of the Banff Conference on Allograft Pathology. Discussion continued online. The primary goal was to introduce guidelines and consensus criteria for the diagnosis of liver allograft antibody-mediated rejection and provide a comprehensive update of all Banff Schema recommendations. Included are new recommendations for complement component 4d tissue staining and interpretation, staging liver allograft fibrosis, and findings related to immunosuppression minimization. In an effort to create a single reference document, previous unchanged criteria are also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Demetris
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - C Bellamy
- The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | - J O'Leary
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - P S Randhawa
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - S Feng
- University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - D Neil
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R B Colvin
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - G McCaughan
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - F P Reinholt
- Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - H Haga
- Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - O Adeyi
- University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A J Czaja
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - T Schiano
- Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - M I Fiel
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - M L Smith
- Mayo Clinic Health System, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - M Sebagh
- AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Paris, France
| | - R Y Tanigawa
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F Yilmaz
- University of Ege, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - L Baiocchi
- Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - I Batal
- Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - A K Bhan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - J Bucuvalas
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - C T S Cerski
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - M ElMonayeri
- Ain Shams University, Wady El-Neel Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - P Fontes
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - E E Furth
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - A S H Gouw
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - J Hart
- University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, IL
| | - E Honsova
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - W Ismail
- Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - T Itoh
- Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - U Khettry
- Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, MA
| | | | - S Knechtle
- Duke University Health System, Durham, NC
| | - T Koshiba
- Soma Central Hospital, Soma, Fukushima, Japan
| | - T Kozlowski
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - C R Lassman
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - J Lerut
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Levitsky
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - L Licini
- Pope John XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - R Liotta
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - G Mazariegos
- Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - M I Minervini
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - J Misdraji
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - T Mohanakumar
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Norton Thoracic Institute, Phoenix, AZ
| | - J Mölne
- University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - I Nasser
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - J Neuberger
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - M O'Neil
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - O Pappo
- Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - L Petrovic
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - P Ruiz
- University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Ö Sağol
- School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - E Sasatomi
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - A Shaked
- University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA
| | - M Shiller
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - T Shimizu
- Toda Chuo General Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - B Sis
- University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - A Sonzogni
- Pope John XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - S N Thung
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - G Tisone
- University of Rome-Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - A Wernerson
- Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - A Zeevi
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Y Zen
- Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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19
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Kivelä JM, Kosola S, Peräsaari J, Mäkisalo H, Jalanko H, Holmberg C, Pakarinen MP, Lauronen J. Donor-specific antibodies after pediatric liver transplantation: a cross-sectional study of 50 patients. Transpl Int 2016; 29:494-505. [PMID: 26806435 DOI: 10.1111/tri.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The role of donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSAs) after pediatric liver transplantation (LT) is inadequately established. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the prevalence of DSAs and their association with liver histology and biochemical variables after pediatric LT. Serum samples were drawn for HLA antibody analyses from 50 patients (76% of 66 eligible patients) operated on at age <18 years between 1987 and 2007 with a median of 10.0 (interquartile range 4.0-16.4) years after deceased donor LT. Mixed and single-antigen beads with Luminex were used for HLA antibody screening and detection. A mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) value of 1000 was used for positive cutoff. Twenty-six patients (52%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 39% to 65%) had DSAs. In 22 (85%) patients, DSAs were against class II HLA antigens with a mean (standard deviation) MFI of 13,481 (4727). The unadjusted prevalence ratio for portal inflammation in DSA-positive compared to DSA-negative patients (n = 47; 9/24 vs. 1/23) was 8.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 50.9). Laboratory values at the time of study were comparable between DSA-positive and DSA-negative patients. In conclusion, approximately half of patients studied had DSAs after pediatric LT. Portal inflammation was associated with DSA positivity although the wide confidence interval around the ratio estimate warrants cautious interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper M Kivelä
- Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Silja Kosola
- Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Heikki Mäkisalo
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery Clinic, Department of Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Jalanko
- Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christer Holmberg
- Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko P Pakarinen
- Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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Kosola S, Lampela H, Makisalo H, Lohi J, Arola J, Jalanko H, Pakarinen M. Metabolic syndrome after pediatric liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2014; 20:1185-92. [PMID: 24923737 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Half of adult liver transplantation (LT) recipients develop metabolic syndrome, but the prevalence after childhood LT remains unknown. We conducted a national cross-sectional study of all living patients who had undergone LT between 1987 and 2007 at an age less than 18 years. We gathered information on blood pressure, body composition, serum lipids, glucose metabolism, and histological liver fat content. The diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome of the American Heart Association and the International Diabetes Federation were used. After a median post-LT follow-up time of 12 years, half of all patients had no components of metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 20%, and the prevalence of hypertension was 24%. Serum triglycerides were high in 9%, and high-density lipoprotein levels were low in 23%. Fasting glucose levels were impaired in 14%, but none had diabetes. Altogether, 9 patients (14%) had metabolic syndrome. Moderate liver steatosis found in protocol liver biopsy samples was associated with the accumulation of metabolic syndrome features (P = 0.01). No significant associations were found between immunosuppressive medications and metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome after childhood LT is similar to the prevalence in the general population of the same age. Guidelines for the general population, therefore, seem valid for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome after pediatric LT as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja Kosola
- Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Tsuneyama K, Nishida T, Baba H, Taira S, Fujimoto M, Nomoto K, Hayashi S, Miwa S, Nakajima T, Sutoh M, Oda E, Hokao R, Imura J. Neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment causes obesity, diabetes, and macrovesicular steatohepatitis with liver nodules in DIAR mice. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:1736-43. [PMID: 24730643 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). Monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated ICR mice is a useful model of MS and NASH, but it shows the different patterns of steatosis from human NASH. Because inbred aged DIAR (ddY, Institute for Animal Reproduction) mice spontaneously show the similar pattern of steatosis as NASH, we analyzed their liver pathology after administering MSG. METHODS MSG-treated DIAR mice (DIAR-MSG) and untreated DIAR mice (DIAR-controls) were sacrificed and assessed histopathologically at 29, 32, 40, 48, and 54 weeks of age. The NASH activity score, body mass index, blood glucose level, and oral glucose tolerance test were also assessed. RESULTS The body mass index and blood glucose levels of DIAR-MSG were significantly higher than controls. The oral glucose tolerance test revealed a type 2 diabetes pattern in DIAR-MSG. The livers of DIAR-MSG mice showed macrovesicular steatosis, lobular inflammation with neutrophils, and ballooning degeneration after 29 weeks. At 54 weeks, mild fibrosis was observed in 5/6 DIAR-MSG and 2/5 DIAR-control mice. In imaging mass spectrometry analysis, cholesterol as well as triglyceride accumulated in the liver of DIAR-MSG mice. Atypical liver nodules were also observed after 32 weeks in DIAR-MSG, some with cellular and structural atypia mimicking human hepatocellular carcinoma. The NASH activity score of DIAR-MSG after 29 weeks was higher than that of control mice, suggesting the development of NASH. CONCLUSIONS DIAR-MSG had NASH-like liver pathology and liver nodules typically associated with MS symptoms. DIAR-MSG provides a valuable animal model to analyze NASH pathogenesis and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Tsuneyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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22
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Kivelä JM, Kosola S, Kalajoki-Helmiö T, Mäkisalo H, Jalanko H, Holmberg C, Pakarinen MP, Lauronen J. Late hepatic artery thrombosis after pediatric liver transplantation: a cross-sectional study of 34 patients. Liver Transpl 2014; 20:591-600. [PMID: 24535829 DOI: 10.1002/lt.23852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation (LT) increases patient morbidity and mortality. Early HAT is considered to occur within the first month after LT, whereas late HAT occurs after the first month. Few studies have addressed late HAT after LT, especially in pediatric patients. Between 1987 and 2007, 99 patients (age < 18 years) underwent deceased donor LT. Thirty-four of 66 eligible patients (52%) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to protocol. On the basis of MRI findings, the patients were grouped as those who experienced late HAT and those who did not. Additionally, potential risk factors for late HAT were analyzed retrospectively. P values were adjusted for multiplicity. The median age at LT was 1.7 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 1.0-9.6 years], and the median follow-up time at MRI was 9.5 years (IQR = 4.0-16.4 years). Late HAT was diagnosed in 15 of the 34 patients [44%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 29%-61%] undergoing MRI and in 3 of these patients with angiography preceding MRI. Ultrasonography revealed late HAT in 6 of these 15 patients with a sensitivity of 40% (95% CI = 20%-64%). The donor/recipient weight ratio remained significantly higher for the patients with late HAT versus the patients without late HAT after P values were adjusted (5.4 versus 1.9, P = 0.03). No marked differences were observed in laboratory or liver histology parameters between the groups. In conclusion, late HAT is common after pediatric LT. The donor/recipient weight ratio was higher for patients with late HAT, and this was attributable to the lower weight of the recipients. No salient features of late HAT were observed with respect to laboratory or histological parameters, at least in terms of our study's cross-sectional period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper M Kivelä
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Finland; National Graduate School of Clinical Investigation, Finland
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