Global lessons in graft type and pediatric liver allocation: A path toward improving outcomes and eliminating wait-list mortality

Tailoring allocation policies and improving access to paediatric liver transplantation over a 16-year period

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Mortality on the paediatric liver transplantation (pLT) waiting list (WL) is still an issue. We analysed the Italian pLT WL to evaluate the intention-to-treat (ITT) success rate and to identify factors influencing success.

METHODS

All children (<18 years) listed for pLT in Italy between 2002-2018 were included (Era 1 [2002-2007]: centre-based allocation; Era 2 [2008-2014]: national allocation; Era 3 [2015-2018]: national allocation+mandatory-split policy).

RESULTS

A total of 1,424 patients (median age: 2.0 [IQR 1.0-9.0] years; median weight: 12.0 kg [IQR 7-27]) were listed for pLT. Median WL time was 2 days (IQR 1-5) for Status 1 and 44 days (IQR 15-120) for non-Status 1 patients; 1,302 children (91.4%) were transplanted (67.3% with split grafts), while 50 children (3.5%) dropped off the WL (2.5% death, 1.0% clinical deterioration). Predictive factors for receiving LT included Status 1 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.66, p = 0.001), Status 1B (HR 1.96, p = 0.016), Status 2A (HR 2.15, p = 0.024) and each 1-point increase in PELD/MELD score. Children with recipient's weight >25 kg, blood group O or awaiting pLT combined with other organs had less chance of being transplanted. ITT patient survival rates were 90.5% at 1 year and 87.5% at 5 years, remaining stable across eras. Risk factors for ITT survival were re-transplantation (HR 5.83, p <0.001), Status 1 (HR 2.28, p = 0.006), Status 1B (HR 2.90, p = 0.014), Status 2A (HR 9.12, p <0.001), recipient weight <6 kg (HR 4.53, p <0.001) and low-volume activity (HR 4.38, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In Italy, continuous adaption of paediatric organ allocation policies via the introduction of national allocation, paediatric prioritisation rules and a mandatory-split policy have helped maximise the use of donors for paediatric candidates and to minimise WL mortality without compromising outcomes.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Globally, paediatric liver transplant candidates still suffer from high mortality. Over recent decades, the continuous adaption of organ allocation policies in Italy has led to excellent outcomes for children awaiting liver transplantation. The mortality rate of paediatric liver transplant candidates has been minimised to almost zero, mainly using grafts from deceased donors. Paediatric prioritisation rules, national organ exchange organisation and a mandatory-split liver policy have resulted in a unique allocation model for paediatric liver transplant candidates and represent a landmark for the paediatric transplant community.

Improving outcomes of in situ split liver transplantation in Italy over the last 25 years

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Split liver transplant(ation) (SLT) is still considered a challenging procedure that is by no means widely accepted. We aimed to present data on 25-year trends in SLT in Italy, and to investigate if, and to what extent, outcomes have improved nationwide during this time.

METHODS

The study included all consecutive SLTs performed from May 1993 to December 2019, divided into three consecutive periods: 1993-2005, 2006-2014, and 2015-2019, which match changes in national allocation policies. Primary outcomes were patient and graft survival, and the relative impact of each study period.

RESULTS

SLT accounted for 8.9% of all liver transplants performed in Italy. A total of 1,715 in situ split liver grafts were included in the analysis: 868 left lateral segments (LLSs) and 847 extended right grafts (ERGs). A significant improvement in patient and graft survival (p <0.001) was observed with ERGs over the three periods. Predictors of graft survival were cold ischaemia time (CIT) <6 h (p = 0.009), UNOS status 2b (p <0.001), UNOS status 3 (p = 0.009), and transplant centre volumes: 25-50 cases vs. <25 cases (p = 0.003). Patient survival was significantly higher with LLS grafts in period 2 vs. period 1 (p = 0.008). No significant improvement in graft survival was seen over the three periods, where predictors of graft survival were CIT <6 h (p = 0.007), CIT <6 h vs. ≥10 h (p = 0.019), UNOS status 2b (p = 0.038), and UNOS status 3 (p = 0.009). Retransplantation was a risk factor in split liver graft recipients, with significantly worse graft and patient survival for both types of graft (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis showed Italian SLT outcomes to have improved over the last 25 years. These results could help to dispel reservations regarding the use of this procedure.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Split liver transplant(ation) (SLT) is still considered a challenging procedure and is by no means widely accepted. This study included all consecutive in situ SLTs performed in Italy from May 1993 to December 2019. With more than 1,700 cases, it is one of the largest series, examining long-term national trends in in situ SLT since its introduction. The data presented indicate that the outcomes of SLT improved during this 25-year period. Improvements are probably due to better recipient selection, refinements in surgical technique, conservative graft-to-recipient matching, and the continuous, yet carefully managed, expansion of donor selection criteria under a strict mandatory split liver allocation policy. These results could help to dispel reservations regarding the use of this procedure.

Center use of technical variant grafts varies widely and impacts pediatric liver transplant waitlist and recipient outcomes in the United States

To assess the impact of technical variant grafts (TVGs) [including living donor (LD) and deceased donor split/partial grafts] on waitlist (WL) and transplant outcomes for pediatric liver transplant (LT) candidates, we performed a retrospective analysis of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data on first-time LT or liver-kidney pediatric candidates listed at centers that performed >10 LTs during the study period, 2004-2020. Center variance was plotted for LT volume, TVG usage, and survival. A composite center metric of TVG usage and WL mortality was developed to demonstrate the existing variation and potential for improvement. Sixty-four centers performed 7842 LTs; 657 children died on the WL. Proportions of WL mortality by center ranged from 0% to 31% and those of TVG usage from 0% to 76%. Higher TVG usage, from deceased donor or LD, independently or in combination, significantly correlated with lower WL mortality. In multivariable analyses, death from listing was significantly lower with increased center TVG usage (HR = 0.611, CI: 0.40-0.92) and LT volume (HR = 0.995, CI: 0.99-1.0). Recipients of LD transplants (HR = 0.637, CI: 0.51-0.79) had significantly increased survival from transplant compared with other graft types, and recipients of deceased donor TVGs (HR = 1.066, CI: 0.93-1.22) had statistically similar outcomes compared with whole graft recipients. Increased TVG utilization may decrease WL mortality in the US. Hence, policy and training to increase TVG usage, availability, and expertise are critical.

Can non-directed living liver donation help improve access to grafts and correct socioeconomic disparities in pediatric liver transplantation?

BACKGROUND

Each year, children die awaiting LT as the demand for grafts exceeds the available supply. Candidates with public health insurance are significantly less likely to undergo both deceased donor LT and D-LLD LT. ND-LLD is another option to gain access to a graft. The aim of this study was to evaluate if recipient insurance type is associated with likelihood of D-LLD versus ND-LLD LT.

METHODS

The SRTR/OPTN database was reviewed for pediatric LDLT performed between January 1, 2014 (Medicaid expansion era) and December 31, 2019 at centers that performed ≥1 ND-LLD LDLT during the study period. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess relationship between type of living donor (directed vs. non-directed) and recipient insurance.

RESULTS

Of 299 pediatric LDLT, 46 (15%) were from ND-LLD performed at 18 transplant centers. Fifty-nine percent of ND-LLD recipients had public insurance in comparison to 40% of D-LLD recipients (p = .02). Public insurance was associated with greater odds of ND-LLD in comparison to D-LLD upon multivariable logistic regression (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.23-4.58, p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

ND-LLD allows additional children to receive LTs and may help address some of the socioeconomic disparity in pediatric LDLT, but currently account for only a minority of LDLT and are only performed at a few institutions. Initiatives to improve access to both D-LLD and ND-LLD transplants are needed.

State of pediatric liver transplantation in the United States and achieving zero wait list mortality with ideal outcomes: A statement from the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplant Surgeon's Working Group

BACKGROUND

Liver transplant is a life-saving therapy that can restore quality life for several pediatric liver diseases. However, it is not available to all children who need one. Expertise in medical and surgical management is heterogeneous, and allocation policies are not optimally serving children. Technical variant grafts from both living and deceased donors are underutilized.

METHODS

Several national efforts in pediatric liver transplant to improve access to and outcomes from liver transplant for children have been instituted and include adjustments to allocation policies, UNOS-sponsored collaborative improvement projects, and the emergence of national learning networks to study ongoing challenges in the field the Surgical Working group of the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation (SNEPT) discusses key issues and proposes potential solutions to eliminate the persistent wait list mortality that pediatric patients face.

RESULTS

A discussion of the factors impacting pediatric patients' access to liver transplant is undertaken, along with a proposal of several measures to ensure equitable access to life-saving liver transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric liver transplant wait list mortality can and should be eliminated. Several measures, including collaborative efforts among centers, could be leveraged to acheive this goal.

Allocation to pediatric recipients around the world: An IPTA global survey of current pediatric solid organ transplantation deceased donation allocation practices

BACKGROUND

There has not been a comprehensive global survey of pediatric-deceased donor allocation practices across all organs since the advent of deceased donor transplantation at the end of the 20th century. As an international community that is responsible for transplanting children, we set out to survey the existing landscape of allocation. We aimed to summarize current practices and provide a snapshot overview of deceased donor allocation practices to children across the world.

METHODS

The International Registry in Organ Donation and Transplantation (IRODAT, www.irodat.org) was utilized to generate a list of all countries in the world, divided by continent, that performed transplantation. We reviewed the published literature, published allocation policy, individual website references and associated links to publicly available listed allocation policies. Following this, we utilized tools of communication, relationships, and international fellowship to confirm deceased donation pediatric centers and survey pediatric allocation practices for liver, kidney, heart, and lung across the world. We summarize pediatric allocation practices by organ when available using source documents, and personal communication when no source documents were available.

RESULTS

The majority of countries had either formal or informal policies directed toward minimizing organ distribution disparity among pediatric patients.

CONCLUSION

Children have long-term life to gain from organ donation yet continue to die while awaiting transplantation. We summarize global strategies that have been employed to provide meaningful and sustained benefit to children on the waitlist.

Deceased donor organ allocation in pediatric transplantation: A historical narrative

BACKGROUND

Since the earliest clinical successes in solid organ transplantation, the proper method of organ allocation for children has been a contentious subject. Over the past 30-35 years, the medical and social establishments of various countries have favored some degree of preference for children on the respective waiting lists. However, the specific policies to accomplish this have varied widely and changed frequently between organ type and country.

METHODS

Organ allocation policies over time were examined. This review traces the reasons behind and the measures/principles put in place to promote early deceased donor transplantation in children.

RESULTS

Preferred allocation in children has been approached in a variety of ways and with varying degrees of commitment in different solid organ transplant disciplines and national medical systems.

CONCLUSION

The success of policies to advantage children has varied significantly by both organ and medical system. Further work is needed to optimize allocation strategies for pediatric candidates.

Impact of donor age on short-term outcomes after pediatric split liver transplantation

Background

Donor shortage is an important limitation of liver transplantation (LT). Split liver transplantation (SLT) may increase the sources of donors and reduce the problem of organ shortage. However, there are no standard criteria of the selection of SLT donor, especially regarding the donor age.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children who received initial SLT between January 2015 and December 2021. Based on the age of donors, the patients were divided into groups A (1-10 years old; n = 26), B (10-45 years old; n = 87), and C (45-55 years old; n = 27). The short-term (<1 year after SLT) outcomes of the recipients were analyzed.

Results

A total of 140 patients received SLT from 122 donors. The 1-, 3- and 12-month patient survival rates in group A were 100.0%, and the graft survival rates were 92.3%. The 1-, 3- and 12-month survival rates of patient and graft in group B were 97.7%, 96.6%, and 95.0%, respectively, and in group C were 85.2%, 85.2%, and 81.1%, respectively. The patient survival rate was significantly lower in group C than in groups A and B (p = 0.0082). There was no significant difference in graft survival between the three groups (p = 0.0545).

Conclusions

Similar results were obtained for pediatric SLT with donors <10 years old and 10-45 years old. Pediatric SLT can be performed with older donors (45-55 years) after strict donor selection and selection of appropriate recipients.

Pediatric transplantation: An international perspective

The international practice of transplant in the pediatric population is heterogenous. Global trends in pediatric transplant activity are increasing, with diffusion of transplant activities into developing and emerging economies. There have been impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic which have in the earlier part of the pandemic caused a decrease in the number of transplants. While deceased donor programs are well established in advanced economies, emerging and developing countries rely heavily on live donor programs. Prioritization of organs for children exists in different forms throughout the world. Pediatric transplantation as a sub-specialty is young but growing around the world with a need to train surgeons and physicians in this discipline. Outreach efforts with multi-national and multi-institutional partnerships have enabled resource poor countries to establish new transplant programs for children. Further international collaboration, good quality data collection and audit, prospective research and ongoing mentorship and education are needed to further improve outcomes of all children receiving solid organ transplants.

Variability of Care and Access to Transplantation for Children with Biliary Atresia Who Need a Liver Replacement

Background & Aims: Biliary atresia (BA) is the commonest single etiology indication for liver replacement in children. As timely access to liver transplantation (LT) remains challenging for small BA children (with prolonged waiting time being associated with clinical deterioration leading to both preventable pre- and post-transplant morbidity and mortality), the care pathway of BA children in need of LT was analyzed—from diagnosis to LT—with particular attention to referral patterns, timing of referral, waiting list dynamics and need for medical assistance before LT. Methods: International multicentric retrospective study. Intent-to-transplant study analyzing BA children who had indication for LT early in life (aged < 3 years at the time of assessment), over the last 5 years (2016−2020). Clinical and laboratory data of 219 BA children were collected from 8 transplant centers (6 in Europe and 2 in USA). Results: 39 patients underwent primary transplants. Children who underwent Kasai in a specialist -but not transplant- center were older at time of referral and at transplant. At assessment for LT, the vast majority of children already were experiencing complication of cirrhosis, and the majority of children needed medical assistance (nutritional support, hospitalization, transfusion of albumin or blood) while waiting for transplantation. Severe worsening of the clinical condition led to the need for requesting a priority status (i.e., Peld Score exception or similar) for timely graft allocation for 76 children, overall (35%). Conclusions: As LT currently results in BA patient survival exceeding 95% in many expert LT centers, the paradigm for BA management optimization and survival have currently shifted to the pre-LT management. The creation of networks dedicated to the timely referral to a pediatric transplant center and possibly centralization of care should be considered, in combination with implementing all different graft type surgeries in specialist centers (including split and living donor LTs) to achieve timely LT in this vulnerable population.

Impact of length of donor ICU stay on outcome of patients after pediatric liver transplantation with whole and ex situ split liver grafts

BACKGROUND

Patients who have a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) are often excluded for organ donation because of supposed deleterious effects of a lengthy ICU stay. We aimed to determine the effects of a prolonged donor stay in the ICU on the outcome of liver transplantation (LT) in children.

METHODS

Retrospective review of 89 pediatric LT patients, age 0-18 years, period 2003-2018, including patients having undergone whole organ or in situ split LT. The patients were divided into two groups according to the donor length of stay in the ICU. A prolonged stay was defined as >5 days. Recipient, graft, and donor characteristics were compared; outcome parameters included recipient and graft survival rates and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Group short (donor ICU stay <5 days) included 75 patients, group long (donor ICU stay >5 days) 14 patients. Baseline characteristics between recipients did not differ. Donors in group long had significantly more infectious complications and a higher gamma glutamyl transferase (gGT) the day of organ recovery. Incidence of biliary complications post-LT was significantly higher in group long (p = .029). Patient and graft survival rates did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Donors with a prolonged stay in the ICU should still be considered for liver donation if they fulfill most other selection criteria. Recipients from donors having stayed in ICU >5 days may be at increased risk of biliary complications.

Indications and outcomes of liver transplantation for post-Kasai biliary atresia in young adults

Background

Some young adults have a long survival period with native liver after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) for biliary atresia (BA). However, a considerable proportion of these patients require liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to analyze the indications and outcomes of LT in young adults after a long survival period with native liver after KPE.

Methods

We selected seven patients who were 18 years or older at the time of LT out of 116 BA patients who underwent primary LT from 2008 to 2019 at Asan Medical Center.

Results

The mean ages at KPE and LT were 2.1±0.9 months and 22.0±5.1 years, respectively. Mean serum total bilirubin level and model for end-stage liver disease score at LT were 7.91±7.22 mg/dL and 15.3±6.0, respectively. The main reasons for LT were liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension-associated complications in five patients and intractable cholangitis in two patients. There were five cases of living donor LT and two cases of deceased donor LT. All the seven patients are currently alive during the mean follow-up period of 74.7±40.9 months. One patient suffered from outflow graft vein obstruction requiring endovascular stenting. Another patient showed core antibody-positivity-induced de novo hepatitis B virus infection, which was well managed with antiviral therapy.

Conclusions

Young adult patients with BA are a unique group of patients requiring specialist care regarding transition from pediatric to adult services. The outcomes of LT in young adult BA patients were excellent. Therefore, LT should be considered in patients showing serious BA-associated complications.

Adult Liver Disease Prognostic Modelling for Long-term Outcomes in Biliary Atresia: An Observational Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the utility of prognostic scoring systems for adolescents with biliary atresia (BA) surviving with native liver, for predicting the subsequent requirement for liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

Single-centre retrospective analysis of 397 BA patients who received Kasai Portoenterostomy (KP) 1980-1996 and survived with the native liver at 16 years. Laboratory and clinical variables at 16 years (timepoint 16 years) were used to calculate (i) LT allocation scores; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD/MELD-sodium (Na)], and UK End-Stage Liver Disease (UKELD); (ii) Mayo Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis risk score (MayoPSC) and (iii) a modified Paediatric End-Stage Liver Disease (PELD) score. Scores were compared between patients requiring LT after 16 years of age (LT > 16 years), and those who survived with native liver, at the latest follow-up. Additional subgroup analysis for patients with data available at 12 years (timepoint 12 years).

RESULTS

MELD (area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] 0.847) and UKELD (AUROC: 0.815) at 16 years of age predict the need for LT > 16 years. No advantage for MELD-Na over MELD was demonstrated. MELD >8.5 and UKELD >47 predicted LT > 16 years with 84% and 79% sensitivity and 73% and 73% specificity. PELD had a similar performance to MELD, but superiority to UKELD. MayoPSC revealed predictive accuracy for LT >16 years (AUROC 0.859), with a score of >0.87 predicting LT > 16 years with 85% sensitivity and 82% specificity. At timepoint 12 years, MELD and MayoPSC predicted LT >16 years. Change in MELD, PELD and MayoPSC between 12 and 16 years of age, was associated with LT >16 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Adult LT allocation scores may help monitor progress in adolescent BA, but the omission of relevant risk factors limits their utility for listing in this cohort. A BA-specific prognostic score would improve the management of adolescent BA.

Cost-Effectiveness of Primary Liver Transplantation Versus Hepatoportoenterostomy in the Management of Biliary Atresia in the United States

Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading indication to perform a pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Timely hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) attempts to interrupt the natural history and allow for enteric bile flow; however, most patients who are treated with HPE require LT by the age of 10 years. We determined the cost-effectiveness of foregoing HPE to perform primary LT (pLT) in children with BA compared with standard-of-care HPE management. A Markov model was developed to simulate BA treatment over 10 years. Costs were measured in 2018 US dollars and effectiveness in life-years (LYs). The primary outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between treatments. Model parameters were derived from the literature. In the base model, we assumed similar LT outcomes after HPE and pLT. Sensitivity analyses on all model parameters were performed, including a scenario in which pLT led to 100% patient and graft survival after LT. Children undergoing HPE accumulated $316,692 in costs and 8.17 LYs per patient. Children undergoing pLT accumulated $458,059 in costs and 8.24 LYs per patient, costing $1,869,164 per LY gained compared with HPE. With parameter variation over plausible ranges, only post-HPE and post-LT costs reduced the ICER below a typical threshold of $100,000 per LY gained. On probabilistic sensitivity analysis, 93% of iterations favored HPE at that threshold. With 100% patient and graft survival after pLT, pLT cost $283,478 per LY gained. HPE is more economically favorable than pLT for BA. pLT is unfavorable even with no graft or patient loss. The ability to predict those patients who may experience high costs after HPE or low costs after LT may help identify those patients for whom pLT could be considered.

Internal split liver transplants reduce the waiting list time for teenagers with a low calculated Model for End-stage Liver Disease score

BACKGROUND

Split liver transplantation allows for the simultaneous transplantation of two patients, typically a child and an adult, with a single organ. We report our experience with "internal splits" in which 10 pediatric patients from our institution were transplanted with five organs. We hypothesized that this would reduce the WL time for teenagers with a low calculated MELD score.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of those 10 patients was done. Their WL time was compared with local, regional, and national data. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The median age of the five primary recipients to whom the liver was first allocated was 2.3 years (0.7-7.4) (median weight 10.4 kg (8.4-17.7)). They received a segment 2-3 graft. Five "secondary" recipients (median age 17.4 years (16.6-18.9); median weight 66.2 kg (53.7-70.0)) were identified on our WL to receive the trisector graft. At transplant, their median calculated MELD score was 11 (8-20). Their mean WL time (241.6 ± 218.9 days) was significantly shorter than local (480.6 ± 833.6 days), regional (370.4 ± 563.4 days), and national patients (245.6 ± 465.4 days) with MELD ≤ 20 (P = .047). There was no significant difference between their WL time and that of patients with a MELD 8 ≤ x≤31 (equivalent to their median exception score, P = .63). Patient and graft survival was 100% for all 10 patients.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, simultaneous internal split liver transplantation allowed teenagers with a low calculated MELD score to be transplanted faster than patients with a similar score. Promoting the use of internal split liver transplantation could help reduce the pediatric waitlist mortality.

Improving the predictive ability of the pediatric end-stage liver disease score for young children awaiting liver transplant

The current pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score underestimates pediatric waitlist mortality. Children frequently require PELD exception points to achieve appropriate priority ranking. We developed a new PELD score using serum sodium, creatinine, and updated original PELD components to more accurately rank children and equalize children's mortality risk with the age-standardized mortality rate of adults. We included children aged younger than 12 years with chronic liver disease, listed for deceased donor livers January 1, 2005-December 31, 2017. Pediatric candidates (n = 5111) were followed from listing to the earliest of waitlist mortality (death or removal from the list due to being too sick to undergo transplant, n = 339) or 180 days. We incorporated linear splines for the current components of PELD and added sodium and creatinine to the equation. The updated PELD-Na-Cr had a cross-validated AUC ROC of 0.854, vs 0.799 for the original PELD. PELD-Na-Cr required 9.44 additional points to equalize children's mortality risk with the age-standardized mortality rate of adults. PELD-Na-Cr better ordered the sickest children and should better prioritize children relative to adults. As a result, PELD-Na-Cr could increase pediatric transplant rates and reduce pediatric liver transplant waitlist mortality.

A novel mobile phone application for infant stool color recognition: An easy and effective tool to identify acholic stools in newborns

OBJECTIVES

Early diagnosis of biliary atresia is essential to improve long-term outcomes. Newborn screening with an infant stool color card allows early recognition of biliary atresia patients. Our aim was to develop and validate a mobile phone application (PopòApp) able to identify acholic stools.

METHODS

An intuitive app was developed for iOS and Android smartphones. A learning machine process was used to generate an algorithm for stools color recognition based on the seven colors of the infant stool color card, which were considered as the gold standard. Consecutive images of stools were taken by the PopòApp, directly into the diapers of children aged ≤6 months. The PopòApp classified the photographs as "normal", "acholic" or "uncertain". To validate the PopòApp, four doctors independently classified all images, and only those for which all doctors agreed were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and accuracy of the PopòApp were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 165 images collected, 160 were included in the study. All acholic stools were recognized by the PopòApp. The PopòApp sensitivity was 100% (95% CI:93.9%-100%) with no false negatives, regardless of the brand of phone. The specificity was 99.0% (95% CI:94.6%-99.9%). The accurancy of the PopòApp was 99.4% (95% CI:96.6%-99.9%), with a positive predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI:89.8%-99.8%).

CONCLUSION

The current study proved, in a large cohort, that the PopòApp is an accurate and easy tool for recognition of acholic stools. The mobile App may represent an effective strategy for the early referral of children with acholic stools, and potentially could improve the outcomes of biliary atresia.

Livers From Pediatric Donation After Circulatory Death Donors Represent a Viable and Underutilized Source of Allograft

Despite increased numbers of donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors, pediatric DCD livers are underused. To investigate possible reasons for this discrepancy, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2 data sets from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for all deceased liver donors and for all recipients of DCD liver transplants from March 8, 1993, to June 30, 2018. Pediatric (0-12 years) and adolescent (13-17 years) DCD donors were compared with those aged 18-40 years. We found that pediatric DCD allografts are recovered at a significantly lower rate than from 18-to-40-year-old donors (27.3% versus 56.3%; P < 0.001). However, once recovered, these organs are transplanted at a similar rate to those from the 18-to-40-year-old donor cohort (74.7% versus 74.2%). Significantly more pediatric DCD livers (odds ratio [OR], 3.75; confidence interval [CI], 3.14-4.47) were not recovered compared with adult organs, which were most commonly not recovered due to organ quality (10.2% versus 7.1%; P < 0.001). The 10-year relative risks (RRs) for graft failure and patient death were similar between pediatric and adult DCD donors, with adolescent DCD livers demonstrating improved outcomes. DCD livers transplanted into pediatric donors were protective against graft failure (RR, 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.99) and patient death (RR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.69). In conclusion, despite lower rates of recovery, pediatric DCD livers represent a viable organ source for certain adults and children.

Impact of Acuity Circles on Outcomes for Pediatric Liver Transplant Candidates

BACKGROUND

In December 2018, United Network for Organ Sharing approved an allocation scheme based on recipients' geographic distance from a deceased donor (acuity circles [ACs]). Previous analyses suggested that ACs would reduce waitlist mortality overall, but their impact on pediatric subgroups was not considered.

METHODS

We applied Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data from 2011 to 2016 toward the Liver Simulated Allocation Model to compare outcomes by age and illness severity for the United Network for Organ Sharing-approved AC and the existing donor service area-/region-based allocation schemes. Means from each allocation scheme were compared using matched-pairs t tests.

RESULTS

During a 3-year period, AC allocation is projected to decrease waitlist deaths in infants (39 versus 55; P < 0.001), children (32 versus 50; P < 0.001), and teenagers (15 versus 25; P < 0.001). AC allocation would increase the number of transplants in infants (707 versus 560; P < 0.001), children (677 versus 547; P < 0.001), and teenagers (404 versus 248; P < 0.001). AC allocation led to decreased median pediatric end-stage liver disease/model for end-stage liver disease at transplant for infants (29 versus 30; P = 0.01), children (26 versus 29; P < 0.001), and teenagers (26 versus 31; P < 0.001). Additionally, AC allocation would lead to fewer transplants in status 1B in children (97 versus 103; P = 0.006) but not infants or teenagers. With AC allocation, 77% of pediatric donor organs would be allocated to pediatric candidates, compared to only 46% in donor service area-/region-based allocation (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AC allocation will likely address disparities for pediatric liver transplant candidates and recipients by increasing transplants and decreasing waitlist mortality. It is more consistent with federally mandated requirements for organ allocation.

Determinants of length of stay after pediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

We sought to identify factors that are associated with LOS following pediatric (<18 years) liver transplantation in order to provide personalized counseling and discharge planning for recipients and their families.

METHODS

We identified 2726 infants (≤24 months) and 3210 children (>24 months) who underwent pediatric liver-only transplantation from 2002-2017 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We used multilevel multivariable negative binomial regression to analyze associations between LOS and recipient and donor characteristics and calculated the MLOSR to quantify heterogeneity in LOS across centers.

RESULTS

In infants, the median LOS (IQR) was 19 (13-32) days. Hospitalization prior to transplant (ICU ratio:1.46 1.591.70 ; non-ICU ratio:1.08 1.161.23 ), public insurance (ratio:1.03 1.091.15 ), and a segmental graft (ratio:1.08 1.151.22 ) were associated with a longer LOS; thus, we would expect a 1.59-fold longer LOS in an infant admitted to the ICU compared to a non-hospitalized infant with similar characteristics. In children, the median LOS (IQR) was 13 (9-21) days. Hospitalization prior to transplant (ICU ratio:1.49 1.621.77 ; non-ICU ratio:1.34 1.441.56 ), public insurance (ratio:1.02 1.071.13 ), a segmental graft (ratio:1.20 1.271.35 ), a living donor graft (ratio:1.27 1.381.51 ), and obesity (ratio:1.03 1.101.17 ) were associated with a longer LOS. The MLOSR was 1.25 in infants and 1.26 in children, meaning if an infant received a transplant at another center with a longer LOS, we would expect a 1.25-fold difference in LOS driven by center practices alone.

CONCLUSIONS

While center-level practices account for substantial variation in LOS, consideration of donor and recipient factors can help clinicians provide more personalized counseling for families of pediatric liver transplant candidates.

Split liver transplantation is utilized infrequently and concentrated at few transplant centers in the United States

Split liver transplantation (SLT) is 1 strategy for maximizing the number of deceased donor liver transplants. Recent reports suggest that utilization of SLT in the United States remains low. We examined deceased donor offers that were ultimately split between 2010 and 2014. SLTs were categorized as "primary" and "secondary" transplants. We analyzed allocation patterns and used logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with secondary split discard. Four hundred eighteen livers were split: 54% from adult, 46% from pediatric donors. Of the 227 adult donor livers split, 61% met United Network for Organ Sharing "optimal" split criteria. A total of 770 recipients (418 primary and 352 secondary) were transplanted, indicating 16% discard. Ninety-two percent of the 418 primary recipients were children, and 47% were accepted on the first offer. Eighty-seven percent of the 352 secondary recipients were adults, and 7% were accepted on the first offer. Of the 352 pairs, 99% were transplanted in the same region, 36% at the same center. In logistic regression, shorter donor height was associated with secondary discard (odds ratio 0.97 per cm, 95% CI 0.94-1.00, P = .02). SLT volume by center was not predictive of secondary discard. Current policy proposals that incentivize SLT in the United States could increase the number of transplants to children and adults.

The ethical debate over child priority in post-mortem organ allocation: A scoping review and practical-ethical outlook

BACKGROUND

Organ allocation guidelines in many countries give children relative priority, but the normative justification of child priority is seldom articulated.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a scoping review of the recent international literature (2013-2019) to identify moral positions and normative frameworks to justify or criticize pediatric priority in all kind of organ allocation. We identified 11 relevant papers.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed a complex juxtaposition of pro and contra argumentations along three main normative lines: a) equal treatment of each individual, b) individual benefit, and c) social benefit and the public good. The general type of argument can be found independent of the organ allocated. For each of these three lines we identified and categorized two types of argumentations: those in favor and those critical of the priority rule. Additionally, we discuss a problematic issue that has not yet been mentioned in the literature, namely the effects of age thresholds related to child-priority rules in organ allocation. We illustrate this problem with an analysis of selected German data with allocated postmortal kidneys and livers. These data show non-normal distributions of organ transplantations and waiting times for patients between the ages of 16 and 19.

DISCUSSION

Our overview serves as a matrix to reconsider existing guideline policy. The review can assist policy makers or experts on organ allocation committees in increasing the transparency of child priority rules, in explaining their justifications, and in reforming existing guidelines.

Waiting list mortality for pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation in a Japanese living-donor-dominant program

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has become a major life-saving procedure for children with end-stage liver disease in Japan, whereas deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) has achieved only limited success. The annual number of pediatric liver transplantations is approximately 100-120, with a patient 20-year survival rate of 81.0%. In 2005, the liver transplantation program at the National Center for Child Health and Development in Tokyo, Japan, was initiated, with an overall number of 560 pediatric patients with end-stage liver disease to date. In July 2010, our center was qualified as a pediatric DDLT center; a total of 132 patients were listed for DDLT up until February 2019. The indications for DDLT included acute liver failure (n = 46, 34.8%), metabolic liver disease (n = 26, 19.7%), graft failure after LDLT (n = 17, 12.9%), biliary atresia (n = 16, 12.1%), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 10, 7.6%). Overall, 25.8% of the patients on the waiting list received a DDLT and 52.3% were transplanted from a living donor. The 5-year patient and graft survivals were 90.5% and 88.8%, respectively, with an overall waiting list mortality of 3.0%. LDLT provides a better survival compared with DDLT among the recipients on the DDLT waiting list. LDLT is nevertheless of great importance in Japan; however, it cannot save all pediatric recipients. As the mortality of children on the waiting list has not yet been reduced to zero, both LDLT and DDLT should be implemented in pediatric liver transplantation programs.

Monitoring intra-abdominal pressure after liver transplantation in children

IAH after LTX can impair perfusion and threaten graft viability. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of longitudinal IAP measurements as an IAH screening method in children after LTX. A cohort of 23 children with a mean age (range) 3.1 (3 months-14 years) who underwent LTX between May 2017 and February 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Longitudinal IAP measurements were compared to bedside Doppler US monitoring data. In total, 425 IAP measurements and 257 US examinations were performed. The mean ± SD (range) time expenditure for IAP measurement was 1.9 ± 0.4 (0.5-3.2) minutes. The mean post-operative IAP was 7.9 ± 3.6 (1-25) mm Hg. IAH (IAP ≥ 10 mm Hg) was noted in 102 (24%) of 257 measurements. Agitation had a significant impact on IAP (estimate: 9.3 mm Hg, CI: 6.72-11.97, P < .01). In patients with TAC, IAP was increased (6.7 ± 2.1 vs 8.7 ± 3.1 mm Hg, P = .02) while peak portal venous velocities decreased (38 ± 27 vs 26 ± 22 cm/s, P = .03) after patch reduction. An abdominal compartment syndrome with severely impaired vascular flow was noted in one patient. Episodes of elevated IAP were noted in a large proportion of patients, underscoring the need for IAP monitoring in pediatric liver transplant recipients. The safety and low time expenditure associated with IAP measurement could be included easily into standard nursing procedures for these patients.

Is there an ethical obligation to split every donor liver? Scarce resources, medical factors, and ethical reasoning

SLT has the potential to counter the worldwide shortage of donor organs. Although the preferred recipients of SLT are usually pediatric patients, a more stringent ethical argument than the fundamental prioritization of children is to demonstrate that SLT of deceased donor organs could increase access to this potentially lifesaving resource for all patients, including children. Several empirical studies show that SLT also makes it possible to achieve similar outcomes to WLT in adults if several factors are observed. In general, it can be regarded as ethically permissible to insist on splitting a donor liver if, in an individual case, SLT is expected to have a similar outcome to that of WLT. The question is therefore no longer whether, but under what conditions SLT is able to achieve similar results to WLT. One of the main challenges of the current debate is the restricted comparability of the available data. We therefore have an ethical obligation to improve the available empirical data by implementing prospective clinical studies, SLT programs, and national registries. The introduction of 2 modes of allocation-one for patients willing to accept both SLT and WLT, and a second for patients only willing to accept WLT-would help to resolve the issue of patient autonomy in the case of mandatory splitting policy.

Young People With Biliary Atresia Requiring Liver Transplantation: A Distinct Population Requiring Specialist Care

BACKGROUND

Young people (YP) born with biliary atresia (BA) are an emerging population for adult hepatologists with 40% to 45% of children entering adolescence with their native liver intact. For those requiring liver transplantation (LT) during adolescence, disparity on the waiting list and post-LT outcome for young adults compared with younger and older age groups has stimulated discussion about the optimal timing of listing. In this study, we review our experience of YP with BA requiring LT during adolescence and young adulthood.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center review of patients with BA requiring LT > 11 years.

RESULTS

Thirty-six YP (16 male) underwent LT between 1991 and 2014 at a median age of 16.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 14.2 to 19.5) years. The commonest indications for listing were refractory cholangitis (31%), synthetic failure (25%), and variceal bleeding (14%). Patients listed by the adult team (n = 14) waited longer than those listed by the pediatric team (10 [IQR, 7.7 to 24.6] vs 5.8 [IQR, 4.0 to 15.1] months; P < 0.05) and were more likely to require intensive care support at time of listing (29% vs 5%; P < 0.05). Admission to intensive care unit at listing was associated with poorer patient and graft survival and support from a multidisciplinary liver transition service improved survival. Liver disease severity scores did not correlate with time on waiting list or outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

YP with BA requires close monitoring by specialists familiar with their condition and timing for LT needs to be fine-tuned to avoid clinical decompensation and improve long-term outcomes.

Split Liver Transplantation and Pediatric Waitlist Mortality in the United States: Potential for Improvement

BACKGROUND

In the United States, 1 in 10 infants and 1 in 20 older children die on the liver transplant waiting list. Increasing split liver transplantation could increase organ availability for these children, without decreasing transplants in adults.

METHODS

Using United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research data, we identified livers transplanted 2010 to 2015 that could potentially have been used for split transplant, based on strict criteria. Livers not suitable for pediatric patients or allocated to high-risk recipients were excluded. Number and distribution of potentially "split-able" livers were compared to pediatric waitlist deaths in each region.

RESULTS

Of 37 333 deceased donor livers transplanted, 6.3% met our strict criteria for utilization in split liver transplant. Only 3.8% of these were actually utilized for split liver transplantation. 96% were used for a single adult recipient. Of the 2253 transplanted as whole livers, 82% of their recipients were listed as willing to accept a segmental liver, and only 3% were listed as requiring a cold ischemia time less than 6 hours. Over the same 5 years, 299 children died on the waitlist. In every United Network for Organ Sharing region, there were more potentially "split-able" livers than pediatric waitlist deaths. Thirty-seven percent of pediatric waitlist deaths occurred at transplant centers that averaged 1 or less pediatric split liver transplantation annually during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This comparison, although not conclusive, suggests that we might be missing opportunities to reduce pediatric waitlist mortality without decreasing access for adults-using split liver transplant. Barriers are significant, but further work on strategies to increase split liver transplant is warranted.

A national mandatory-split liver policy: A report from the Italian experience

To implement split liver transplantation (SLT) a mandatory-split policy has been adopted in Italy since August 2015: donors aged 18-50 years at standard risk are offered for SLT, resulting in a left-lateral segment (LLS) graft for children and an extended-right graft (ERG) for adults. We aim to analyze the impact of the new mandatory-split policy on liver transplantation (LT)-waiting list and SLT outcomes, compared to old allocation policy. Between August 2015 and December 2016 out of 413 potentially "splittable" donors, 252 (61%) were proposed for SLT, of whom 53 (21%) donors were accepted for SLT whereas 101 (40.1%) were excluded because of donor characteristics and 98 (38.9%) for absence of suitable pediatric recipients. The SLT rate augmented from 6% to 8.4%. Children undergoing SLT increased from 49.3% to 65.8% (P = .009) and the pediatric LT-waiting list time dropped (229 [10-2121] vs 80 [12-2503] days [P = .045]). The pediatric (4.5% vs 2.5% [P = .398]) and adult (9.7% to 5.2% [P < .001]) LT-waiting list mortality reduced; SLT outcomes remained stable. Retransplantation (HR = 2.641, P = .035) and recipient weight >20 kg (HR = 5.113, P = .048) in LLS, and ischemic time >8 hours (HR = 2.475, P = .048) in ERG were identified as predictors of graft failure. A national mandatory-split policy maximizes the SLT donor resources, whose selection criteria can be safely expanded, providing favorable impact on the pediatric LT-waiting list and priority for adult sick LT candidates.

Evolving Trends in Liver Transplant for Metabolic Liver Disease in the United States

Indications for liver transplantation (LT) in metabolic disease are evolving. We reviewed the US experience with primary LT for metabolic disease in the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (October 1987 to June 2017) to determine the following: temporal changes in indications, longterm outcomes, and factors predicting survival. Patients were grouped by the presence of structural liver disease (SLD) and whether the defect was confined to the liver. There were 5996 patients who underwent LT for metabolic disease, 2354 (39.3%) being children. LT for metabolic disease increased in children but not in adults. Children experienced a 6-fold increase in LT for metabolic disease without SLD. Indications for LT remained stable in adults. Living donor liver transplantation increased between era 1 and era 3 from 5.6% to 7.6% in children and 0% to 4.5% in adults. Patient and graft survival improved with time. The latest 5-year patient survival rates were 94.5% and 81.5% in children and adults, respectively. Outcomes were worse in adults and in those with extrahepatic disease (P < 0.01), whereas SLD did not affect outcomes. Survival improved with younger age at LT until age <2 years. On multivariate analysis, diagnostic category, inpatient status, age at LT, and transplant era significantly predicted outcomes in all ages with male sex predicting survival in childhood only. Children without structural disease were less likely to die awaiting LT and had improved post-LT survival compared with children with chronic liver disease. In conclusion, LT for metabolic disease is increasingly used for phenotypic correction in children; extrahepatic manifestations significantly impact survival at all ages; where indicated, transplantation should not be unnecessarily delayed; and the development of new allocation models may be required.

Similarities and Differences in Allocation Policies for Pediatric Liver Transplantation Across the World

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate national allocation policies for pediatric liver transplantation (LT).

METHOD

A survey was prepared by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Hepatology Committee in collaboration with the North American Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation consortium. The survey was sent to pediatric hepatologists and transplant surgeons worldwide. National data were obtained from centrally based registries.

RESULTS

Replies were obtained from 15 countries from 5 of the world continents. Overall donation rate varied between 9 and 35 per million inhabitants. The number of pediatric LTs was 4 to 9 per million inhabitants younger than 18 years for 13 of the 15 respondents. In children younger than 2 years mortality on the waiting list (WL) varied between 0 and 20%. In the same age group, there were large differences in the ratio of living donor LT to deceased donor LT and in the ratio of split liver segments to whole liver. These differences were associated with possible discrepancies in WL mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Similarities but also differences between countries were detected. The described data may be of importance when trying to reduce WL mortality in the youngest children.

The Impact of Increased Allocation Priority for Children Awaiting Liver Transplant: A Liver Simulated Allocation Model (LSAM) Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of prioritizing infants, children, adolescents, and the sickest adults (Status 1) for deceased donor livers. We compared outcomes under two "SharePeds" allocation schema, which prioritize children and Status 1 adults for national sharing and enhanced access to pediatric donors or all donors younger than 35 years, to outcomes under the allocation plan approved by the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network in December 2017 (Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network [OPTN] 12-2017).

METHODS

The 2017 Liver Simulated Allocation Model and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data on all US liver transplant candidates and liver offers 7/2013 to 6/2016 were used to predict waitlist deaths, transplants, and post-transplant deaths under the OPTN 12-2017 and SharePeds schema.

RESULTS

Prioritizing national sharing of pediatric donor livers with children (SharePeds 1) would decrease waitlist deaths for infants (<2 years, P = 0.0003) and children (2-11 years, P = 0.001), with no significant change for adults (P = 0.13). Prioritizing national sharing of all younger than 35-year-old deceased donor livers with children and Status 1A adults (SharePeds 2) would decrease waitlist deaths for infants, children, and all Status 1A/B patients (P < 0.0001 for each). SharePeds 1 and 2 would increase the number of liver transplants done in infants, children, and adolescents compared to the OPTN-2017 schema (P < 0.00005 for all age groups). Both SharePeds schema would increase the percentage of pediatric livers transplanted into pediatric recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Waitlist deaths could be significantly decreased, and liver transplants increased, for children and the sickest adults, by prioritizing children for pediatric livers and with broader national sharing of deceased donor livers.

Expansion of the Liver Donor Supply Through Greater Use of Split-Liver Transplantation: Identifying Optimal Recipients

The increased use of split-liver transplantation (SLT) represents a strategy to increase the supply of organs. Although outcomes after SLT and whole liver transplantation (WLT) are similar on average among pediatric recipients, we hypothesized that the relationship between graft type and outcomes may vary depending on patient, donor, and surgical characteristics. We evaluated graft survival among pediatric (<18 years) deceased donor, liver-only transplant recipients from March 2002 until December 2015 using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Graft survival was assessed in a Cox proportional hazards model, with and without effect modification between graft type and donor, recipient, and surgical characteristics, to identify conditions where the risk of graft loss for SLT and WLT were similar. In a traditional multivariable model, characteristics associated with graft loss included donor age >50 years, recipient weight <10 kg, acute hepatic necrosis, autoimmune diseases, tumor, public insurance, and cold ischemia time (CIT) >8 hours. In an analysis that explored whether these characteristics modified the relationship between graft type and graft loss, many characteristics associated with loss actually had similar outcomes regardless of graft type, including weight <10 kg, acute hepatic necrosis, autoimmune diseases, and tumor. In contrast, several subgroups had worse outcomes when SLT was used, including recipient weight 10-35 kg, non-biliary atresia cholestasis, and metabolic disease. Allocation score, share type, or CIT did not modify risk of graft type and graft failure. Although one might anticipate that individuals with higher rates of graft loss would be worse candidates for SLT, data suggest that these patients actually have similar rates of graft loss. These findings can guide surgical decision making and may support policy changes that promote the increased use of SLT for specific pediatric recipients.

Fifteen-Year Trends in Pediatric Liver Transplants: Split, Whole Deceased, and Living Donor Grafts

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in patient and graft survival for pediatric liver transplant recipients since 2002, and to determine if these outcomes vary by graft type (whole liver transplant, split liver transplant [SLT], and living donor liver transplant [LDLT]).

STUDY DESIGN

We evaluated patient and graft survival among pediatric liver-only transplant recipients the PELD/MELD system was implemented using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients.

RESULTS

From 2002-2009 to 2010-2015, survival for SLT at 30 days improved (94% vs 98%; P < .001), and at 1 year improved for SLT (89% to 95%; P <.001) and LDLT (93% to 98%; P = .002). There was no change in survival for whole liver transplant at either 30 days (98% in both; P = .7) or 1 year (94% vs 95%; P = .2). The risk of early death with SLT was 2.14-fold higher in 2002-2009 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] vs whole liver transplant, 1.472.143.12), but this risk disappeared in 2010-2015 (aHR, 0.651.131.96), representing a significant improvement (P = .04). Risk of late death after SLT was similar in both time periods (aHR 2002-2009, 0.871.141.48; aHR 2010-2015, 0.560.881.37). LDLT had similar risk of early death (aHR 2002-2009, 0.491.032.14; aHR 2010-2015, 0.260.742.10) and late death (aHR 2002-2009, 0.520.831.32; aHR 2010-2015, 0.170.441.11). Graft loss was similar for SLT (aHR, 0.931.091.28) and was actually lower for LDLT (aHR, 0.530.710.95).

CONCLUSIONS

In recent years, outcomes after the use of technical variant grafts are comparable with whole grafts, and may be superior for LDLT. Greater use of technical variant grafts might provide an opportunity to increase organ supply without compromising post-transplant outcomes.

Outcomes of left split graft transplantation in Europe: report from the European Liver Transplant Registry

Split liver transplantation (SLT) has been widely adopted across Europe, resulting in remarkable reduction in the paediatric waiting-list mortality. Left split graft (LSG) is commonly used for paediatric recipients; however, deceased donor criteria selection are not universal. The aim of this study was to analyse the LSG outcome from the European Liver Transplant Registry and to identify risk factors for graft failure. Data from 1500 children transplanted in 2006-2014 with LSG from deceased donors were retrospectively analysed. Overall, graft losses were 343(22.9%) after 5 years from transplantation, 240(70.0%) occurred within the first 3 months. Estimated patient survival was 89.1% at 3 months and 82.9% at 5 years from SLT. Re-transplantation rate was 11.5%. At multivariable analysis, significant risk factors for graft failure at 3 months included the following: urgent SLT (HR = 1.73, P = 0.0012), recipient body weight ≤6 kg (HR = 1.91, P = 0.0029), donor age >50 years (HR = 1.87, P = 0.0039), and cold ischaemic time (CIT) [HR = 1.07 per hour, P = 0.0227]. LSG has good outcomes and SLT is excellent option for paediatric recipients in the current organ shortage era. We identified practical guidelines for LSG donor and recipient selection criteria: donor age may be safely extended up to 50 years in the absence of additional risk factors; thus, children <6 kg and urgent transplantation need CIT <6 h and appropriate graft/recipient size-matching to achieve good outcomes.

Analysis of Liver Offers to Pediatric Candidates on the Transplant Wait List

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Approximately 10% of children on the liver transplant wait-list in the United States die every year. We examined deceased donor liver offer acceptance patterns and their contribution to pediatric wait-list mortality.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of children on the US liver transplant wait-list from 2007 through 2014 using national transplant registry databases. We determined the frequency, patterns of acceptance, and donor and recipient characteristics associated with deceased donor liver organ offers for children who died or were delisted compared with those who underwent transplantation. Children who died or were delisted were classified by the number of donor liver offers (0 vs 1 or more), limiting analyses to offers of livers that were ultimately transplanted into pediatric recipients. The primary outcome was death or delisting on the wait-list.

RESULTS

Among 3852 pediatric liver transplant candidates, children who died or were delisted received a median 1 pediatric liver offer (inter-quartile range, 0-2) and waited a median 33 days before removal from the wait-list. Of 11,328 donor livers offered to children, 2533 (12%) were transplanted into children; 1179 of these (47%) were immediately accepted and 1354 (53%) were initially refused and eventually accepted for another child. Of 27,831 adults, 1667 (6.0%; median, 55 years) received livers from donors younger than 18 years (median, 15 years), most (97%) allocated locally or regionally. Of children who died or were delisted, 173 (55%) received an offer of 1 or more liver that was subsequently transplanted into another pediatric recipient, and 143 (45%) died or were delisted with no offers.

CONCLUSIONS

Among pediatric liver transplant candidates in the US, children who died or were delisted received a median 1 pediatric liver offer and waited a median of 33 days. Of livers transplanted into children, 47% were immediately accepted and 53% were initially refused and eventually accepted for another child. Of children who died or were delisted, 55% received an offer of 1 or more liver that was subsequently transplanted into another pediatric recipient, and 45% died or were delisted with no offers. Pediatric prioritization in the allocation and development of improved risk stratification systems is required to reduce wait-list mortality among children.

Differentiation of amniotic epithelial cells into various liver cell types and potential therapeutic applications

The aim of Regenerative Medicine is to replace or regenerate human cells, tissues or organs in order to restore normal function. Among all organs, the liver is endowed with remarkable regenerative capacity. Nonetheless, there are conditions in which this ability is impaired, and the use of isolated cells, including stem cells, is being considered as a possible therapeutic tool for the management of chronic hepatic disease. Placenta holds great promise for the field of regenerative medicine. It has long been used for the treatment of skin lesions and in ophthalmology, due to its ability to modulate inflammation and promote healing. More recently, cells isolated from the amniotic membrane are being considered as a possible resource for tissue regeneration, including in the context liver disease. Two cell types can be easily isolated from human amnion: epithelial cells (hAEC) and mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSC). However only the first cell population has been demonstrated to be a possible source of proficient hepatic cells. This review will summarize current knowledge on the differentiation of hAEC into liver cells and their potential therapeutic application.