Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplant: UK experience

Biliary complications after living donor liver transplantation: A retrospective analysis of the Kyoto experience 1999-2004

BACKGROUND AND AIM

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), biliary complications continue to be the most frequent cause of morbidity and may contribute to mortality of recipients although there are advances in surgical techniques. This study will evaluate retrospectively the short-term and long-term management of biliary complications.

METHODS

During the period from May 1999, to May 2004, 505 patients underwent 518 LDLT in the Department of Liver Transplantation and Immunology, Kyoto University Hospital, Japan. The data was collected and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The recipients were 261 males (50.4%) and 257 females (49.6%). Biliary complications were reported in 202/518 patients (39.0%), included; biliary leakage in 79/518 (15.4%) patients, leakage followed by biloma in 13/518 (2.5%) patients, leakage followed by stricture in 9/518 (1.8%) patients, and biliary strictures in 101/518 (19.3%) patients. Proper management of the biliary complications resulted in a significant (p value 0.002) success rate of 96.5% compared to the failure rate which was 3.5%.

CONCLUSION

Careful preoperative evaluation and the proper intraoperative techniques in biliary reconstruction decrease biliary complications. Early diagnosis and proper management of biliary complications can decrease their effect on both the patient and the graft survival over the long period of follow up.

Small for Size and Flow (SFSF) syndrome: An alternative description for posthepatectomy liver failure

Small for Size Syndrome (SFSS) syndrome is a recognizable clinical syndrome occurring in the presence of a reduced mass of liver, which is insufficient to maintain normal liver function. A definition has yet to be fully clarified, but it is a common clinical syndrome following partial liver transplantation and extended hepatectomy, which is characterized by postoperative liver dysfunction with prolonged cholestasis and coagulopathy, portal hypertension, and ascites. So far, this syndrome has been discussed with focus on the remnant size of the liver after partial liver transplantation or extended hepatectomy. However, the current viewpoints believe that the excessive flow of portal vein for the volume of the liver parenchyma leads to over-pressure, sinusoidal endothelial damages and haemorrhage. The new hypothesis declares that in both extended hepatectomy and partial liver transplantation, progression of Small for Size Syndrome is not determined only by the "size" of the liver graft or remnant, but by the hemodynamic parameters of the hepatic circulation, especially portal vein flow. Therefore, we suggest the term "Small for Size and Flow (SFSF)" for this syndrome. We believe that it is important for liver surgeons to know the pathogenesis and manifestation of this syndrome to react early enough preventing non-reversible tissue damages.

Microsteatosis may not interact with macrosteatosis in living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The insignificance of pure microsteatosis (MiS) was reported in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, since steatosis is mostly found in a mixed form of microsteatosis (MiS) and macrosteatosis (MaS), we aimed to determine the importance of MiS mixed with MaS in LDLT.

METHODS

Donor matching and recipient matching were independently performed with unfixed matching ratios. In donor matching, 51 donors with high (⩾30%) MiS mixed with MaS (H-MiS) were matched with 160 donors with low (⩽10%) MiS mixed with MaS (L-MiS), based on MaS degree, remnant liver volume, and others. In recipient matching, 50 recipients who received H-MiS grafts were matched with 176 recipients who received L-MiS grafts, based on MaS degree, graft volume, MELD score, and others.

RESULTS

The median MiS degree was 10% (range 0%-10%) vs. 35% (range 30%-80%) in L-MiS livers vs. H-MiS livers after both matching. L-MiS and H-MiS donors were not significantly different regarding postoperative biochemical liver function (e.g. peak AST 232 vs. 246 IU/L, p=0.931). L-MiS and H-MiS recipients were not significantly different regarding 2-week graft regeneration (51% for both) and 5-year survival (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.43-1.76, p=0.699). Post-transplant donor/recipient complication rates were not significantly different, either.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no evidences of a significant impact of MiS mixed with MaS on post-LDLT outcomes. The results suggest less importance of MiS, and further indicate that there is no interaction between MiS and MaS. Thus, the risk of steatosis may be determined by the relative composition of MiS and MaS, rather than the total quantitative degree.

Comparison of the tolerance of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in living donors: macrosteatosis versus microsteatosis

A safe use of intermittent hepatic inflow occlusion (IHIO) has been reported for living donor hepatectomy. However, it remains unclear whether the maneuver is safe in steatotic donors. In addition, the respective importance of macrosteatosis (MaS) and microsteatosis (MiS) is an important issue. Thus, we compared MiS and MaS with respect to the tolerance of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury induced by IHIO. One hundred forty-four donors who underwent a right hepatectomy were grouped according to the presence of MaS and MiS: a non-MaS group (n = 68) versus an MaS group (n = 76) and a non-MiS group (n = 51) versus an MiS group (n = 93). The coefficients of the regression lines between the cumulative IHIO time and the peak postoperative transaminase concentrations were used as surrogate parameters indicating the tolerance of hepatic IR injury. The coefficients were significantly greater for the MaS group versus the non-MaS group (4.12 ± 0.59 versus 2.22 ± 0.46 for alanine aminotransferase, P = 0.01). Conversely, the MiS and non-MiS groups were comparable. A subgroup analysis of donors who underwent IHIO for >30 minutes showed that MaS significantly increased the transaminase concentrations, whereas MiS had no impact. Also, IHIO for >30 minutes significantly increased the biliary complication rate for MaS donors (12.1% for ≤ 30 minutes versus 32.6% for >30 minutes, P = 0.04), whereas MiS donors were not affected. In conclusion, the tolerance of hepatic IR injury might differ between MaS livers and MiS livers. It would be rational to assign more clinical importance to MaS versus MiS. We further recommend limiting the cumulative IHIO time to 30 minutes or less for MaS donors undergoing right hepatectomy.

Effect of pure microsteatosis on transplant outcomes after living donor liver transplantation: a matched case-control study

Liver steatosis mostly exists in a mixed form of macrosteatosis (MaS) and microsteatosis (MiS). This coexistence is responsible for previous conflicting results regarding the importance of MiS in liver transplantation. We aimed to evaluate the independent effect of MiS on posttransplant outcomes with the exclusion of the confounding effect of MaS. Seventy-one living donors who had pure MiS (defined as an MiS degree > 5% without MaS) were matched 1:1 with control donors, and 66 recipients who received pure MiS grafts were matched 1:1 with control recipients on the basis of propensity scores. Matched variables included the donor age, remnant liver volume, cold ischemia time, graft-to-recipient weight ratio and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. The degree of pure MiS ranged from 5% to 50%. Donors in the control and pure MiS groups were comparable with respect to peak postoperative transaminase concentrations [alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 194 versus 176 IU/L, P = 0.61] and postoperative complications. Recipients in the control and pure MiS groups were comparable with respect to recipient (P = 0.15) and graft survival rates (P = 0.56) as well as peak postoperative transaminase concentrations (ALT: 266 versus 281 IU/L, P = 0.88), and graft regeneration rates at 2 weeks (61% versus 59%, P = 0.73). The 2 groups were also comparable with respect to major complications, primary graft dysfunction/nonfunction, intensive care unit/hospital stays, and metabolic diseases. In conclusion, MiS alone does not seem to impair the posttransplant outcomes of living donors and their recipients. The interaction between MiS and MaS, and the effect of a greater degree of MiS are the next important topics to be further evaluated in the mixed steatosis population.

Preoperative hepatobiliary imaging: what does the radiologist need to know?

Accurate preoperative reporting is essential in guiding the surgeon in deciding when and how to operate safely and effectively. Critically, this relies on an understanding of the operative issues faced by the surgeon, which is not always appreciated by the radiologist. This paper therefore aims to address this, first focusing on relevant anatomical variants, and then issues specific to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, hepatic transplantation, and finally hepatic resection (including cholangiocarcinoma resection). Throughout the paper, there is an emphasis on associated surgical techniques to add context to the discussion.

Living donor liver transplantation for patients with alcoholic liver disease

Backgrounds/Aims

Since most transplantation studies for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) were performed on deceased donor liver transplantation, little was known following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods

The clinical outcome of 18 ALD patients who underwent LDLT from Febraury 1997 to December 2004 in a large-volume liver transplantation center was assessed retrospectively.

Results

The model for end-stage liver disease score was 23±11, and mean pretransplant abstinence period was 16±13 months, with 14 (77.8%) patients being abstinent for at least 6 months. Graft types were right lobe grafts in 11, left lobe grafts in 2 and dual grafts in 5. Graft to recipient body weight ratio was 0.94±0.16. The relapse rates in patients who did and did not maintain 6 months of abstinence were 7.1% and 50%, respectively (p=0.097). Younger recipient age was a significant risk factor for alcohol relapse (p=0.027). Five recipients with antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) received core antibody-positive liver graft, but two of them showed positive HBsAg seroconversion. Overall 5-year patient survival rate following LDLT was 87.8%, with a 5-year relapse rate of 16.7%.

Conclusions

Pretransplant abstinence for 6 months appears to be benefical for preventing posttransplant relapse. Life-long prophylactic measure should be followed after use of anti-HBc-positive liver grafts regardless of hepatitis B viral marker status of the recipient.

Multidetector computed tomography angiography in the evaluation of potential living donors for liver transplantation: single-center experience in China

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate relevant arterial, hepatic, and portal venous anatomy using multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography in potential living liver donors at a single liver transplantation center in China.

METHODS

One hundred two consecutive potential liver donors underwent CT angiography in the arterial, portal, and hepatic venous phases with a 16-row CT scanner. All source and reconstructed images were evaluated for hepatic vasculature anatomy by an experienced radiologist and a surgeon in consensus. The anatomic variants of arterial system, portal venous system, and hepatic veins were characterized according to the classification system of Michels, Akgul, and Nakamura respectively. In 42 donors of right hepatic lobectomy, CT findings were compared with the results of surgery.

RESULTS

Of 102 candidates, 63 had type I, 8 type II, 12 type III, 3 type IV, 11 type V, 2 type VI, 2 type VIII, and 1 type IX hepatic arterial anatomy. According to the classification of the portal venous system created by Akgul, type A was seen in 81 subjects. Type B, type C, and type E were revealed in 15, 4, and 2 subjects, respectively. According to the classification of the right hepatic drainage pattern by Nakamura, type 1 drainage was seen in 71 subjects (69.6%), type 2 in 22 candidates (21.6%), and type 3 in 9 subjects (8.8%). Forty five right inferior hepatic veins were identified in 41 potential donors, and 68.9% of these veins were larger than 5 mm in diameter. CT angiography findings were confirmed in all donors who underwent operations.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidetector CT angiography can successfully show the relevant hepatic vascular anatomy in potential liver donors.

Living-donor liver transplantation: results of a single center

In the absence of cadaveric donor liver transplantation, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative option for patients with end-stage liver disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of LDLT at a single medical center in Turkey. We retrospectively analyzed the results of 101 LDLTs in 99 recipients with end-stage liver disease. We transplanted 49 right liver lobes, 16 left lobes, and 36 hepatic segments II and III. Most donors (46%) were parents of the recipients. Seventeen recipients had concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. Retransplantation was performed in two recipients. Ten hepatic arterial thromboses, 1 hepatic arterial bleeding, and 12 biliary leaks occurred in the early postoperative period. Most complications were treated with interventional techniques. Three hepatic vein stenoses, three portal vein stenoses, one hepatic arterial stenosis, and six biliary stenoses developed during the late postoperative period. Recipients with those complications were treated with interventional techniques. Mean follow-up was 14.2 +/- 10.9 months. During that time, no tumor recurrence was detected in any recipient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Twenty-two recipients died during the follow-up. At this time, the remaining 77 recipients (77%) are alive, exhibiting good graft function. In general, complication rates are slightly higher after LDLT than after cadaveric liver transplantation. However, most complications can be treated with interventional techniques. LDLT continues to be a life-saving option in countries without satisfactory cadaveric donation rates.

Experience with 122 consecutive liver transplant procedures at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center

BACKGROUND

Saudi Arabia is a leading country in the Middle East in the field of deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) and living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We present out experience with DDLT and LDLT at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) for the period from April 2001 to January 2007.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed 122 LT procedures (77 DDLTs and 45 LDLTs) in 118 patients (4 re-transplants) during this period of time.

RESULTS

The number of adult and pediatric procedures was 107 and 11, respectively. The overall male/female ratio was 66/52 and the median age of patients was 43 years (range, 2-63 years). In the DDLT group, the median operating time was 8 hours (range, 4-19), the median blood transfusion was 6 units (range, 0-40), and the median hospital stay was 13 days (range, 6-183). In the DDLT group, after a mean follow-up period of 760 days (range, 2-2085), the overall patient and graft survival rate was 86%. In the LDLT group, the median operating time was 11 hours (range, 7-17), the median blood transfusion was 4 units (range, 0-65), and the median hospital stay was 15 days (range, 7-127). In the LDLT group, and after a mean follow-up period of 685 days (range, 26- 1540), the overall patient and graft survival rates were 90% and 80%, respectively with no significant difference in patient and graft survivals between groups. Biliary complications were significantly higher in LDLT compared to DDLT (P<0.05). Vascular complications were also significantly higher in LDLT compared DDLT (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Both DDLT and LDLT are being successfully performed at KFSHRC with early experience indicating a higher rate of biliary and vascular complications in the LDLT group.

Right Lobe Adult Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

Living-donor liver transplantation is another treatment option to cadaveric liver transplantation in adult recipients. We report the outcomes of 49 right lobe adult living-donor liver transplantations performed at our institution between April 2003 and June 2006. The mean age of the recipients was 41.7 +/- 12.5 years. The median graft-to-recipient weight ratio was 1.2% +/- 0.4%. In recipients, the mean operative time was 10.6 +/- 2.7 hours. The mean number of blood transfusions administered was 4.1 +/- 5.1 units. The mean time spent in the intensive care unit was 2.3 +/- 1.5 days. In recipients, five vascular and five biliary complications occurred during the early postoperative period, and four vascular and two biliary complications developed in the late postoperative period. Thirteen of the 49 recipients died within 4 months of surgery. The mean age of the donors was 36.6 +/- 9 years. In the donors, the mean operative time was 6.4 +/- 1.6 hours, mean residual liver volume was 43.3% +/- 6.1%, and the mean hospital stay was 9.5 +/- 4.5 days. Two donors required an intraoperative blood transfusion. None of our donors died, but six complications occurred in four donors. The mean postoperative follow-up was 13.4 +/- 9.6 months. In conclusion, in Turkey, as in other countries, organ demand exceeds organ availability. Graft size presents a problem for adult recipients, but right lobe living donor transplant may be a life-saving option for these recipients when performed by experienced surgical teams.

Multidetector CT in the evaluation of potential living donors for liver transplantation

Living donor liver transplantation is increasingly being used to help compensate for the increasing shortage of cadaveric liver grafts. However, the extreme variability of the hepatic vascular systems can impede this surgical procedure. Evaluation of potential living donors was conducted in which a two-detector-row computed tomographic (CT) scanner was used to obtain arterial phase and portal dominant phase images following the intravenous injection of contrast material, after which three-dimensional maximum-intensity-projection and volume-rendered images were created. The vascular anatomy was evaluated, with special attention given to the origin and course of the artery to segment IV and the presence of variants, especially those considered relative or absolute contraindications for donation, those requiring reconstruction, or those potentially altering the surgical approach. In addition, graft and remnant liver volumes were determined and the liver parenchyma evaluated. Multidetector CT is proving to be valuable in the evaluation of potential living liver donors, contributing to donor safety and providing comprehensive information about the hepatic vascular anatomy, the liver parenchyma, and graft and remnant liver volume. This information is critical in choosing the most suitable potential donor, in surgical planning, and in obtaining an optimal graft that maintains the balance between blood supply and venous drainage.

Twenty cases of adult-to-adult living-related liver transplantation: single-center experience in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The deceased donor organ shortage has forced surgeons to implement innovations, including living-related liver transplantation (LRLT).

OBJECTIVE

To present the first 20 cases of adult LRLT in a single center in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

From November 2000 to May 2004, we performed 20 cases of LRLT. Eighteen donors were men and 2 were women. Their median age was 27 years. Seventeen of the recipients were men and 3 were women of median age 55 years. One patient received combined liver and kidney grafts.

RESULTS

All cases had liver cirrhosis. Seven had hepatitis C; six, hepatitis B and C; three, hepatitis B; one, alcoholic cirrhosis; one, Bylar disease, one hepatic schistosomiasis, and one cryptogenic cirrhosis. Three cases had associated hepatocellular carcinomas. There was no donor mortality. In the recipients, the overall patient and graft survival was 85%. While 10 donors presented uneventful postoperative courses, 8 experienced minor complications and 2, major complications: biliary stricture and portal vein thrombosis. Recipients complications included biliary complications (35%), acute rejection (20%), hepatitis C reactivation (20%), hepatic vein stenosis (10%), hepatic artery stenosis (5%), and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence (5%).

CONCLUSIONS

LRLT has become a standard option in adults with end-stage liver failure in our center.

Adult live donor liver transplantation

The increasing awareness of liver diseases and their early detection have led to an increase in the number of transplant waiting list candidates over the past decade. This need has not been matched by the actual number of orthotopic liver transplantations performed. Live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an innovative surgical technique intended to expand the available organ donor pool. Although LDLT offers definite advantages to the recipient, it offers none to the donor except for the possibility of psychological well-being. Clinical research studies aimed at the prospective collection of data for donors and recipients need to be conducted.

Biliary complications after a right-lobe living donor liver transplantation

Right-lobe living donor liver transplantation (RL-LDLT) has become an acceptable procedure for adult patients with end-stage liver disease in this decade. However, biliary complications in RL-LDLT remain a serious problem: the incidence of anastomotic biliary leakage and stricture after RL-LDLT is reported to be 4.7%-18.2% and 8.3%-31.7%, respectively. The incidence varies according to the type of biliary reconstructions between Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy and duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction. The anatomical biliary diversity of a right-lobe graft makes it difficult to reconstruct the biliary system. Indeed, most biliary strictures in patients with duct-to-duct reconstruction develop in multibranched fashion. In this regard, endoscopic biliary stenting appears to be efficacious for treating multibranched biliary strictures because multiple stenting permits the drainage of each segmental branch of the stricture. In this review, we describe various aspects of biliary complications occurring in RL-LDLT and their treatment.

The 'small for size' liver syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) is a clinical syndrome described following liver transplantation (LT) and extended hepatectomy. New evidence has emerged documenting the importance of preoperative evaluation of functional liver mass, liver quality, influence of portal hypertension, and variations in surgical technique to improve outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

SFSS is characterized by postoperative coagulopathy and liver dysfunction due to insufficient functional liver mass. Recent radiologic advances allow accurate preoperative estimation of total, graft, and remnant liver volume (RLV). In adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), a graft-to-recipient body weight ratio > or = 0.8% or graft weight ratio > or = 30% are important to avoid SFSS. Minimal functional RLV following extended hepatectomy is > or = 25% in a normal liver, and > or = 40% with preoperative liver dysfunction. Preoperative portal vein or hepatic artery embolization to increase RLV and function after extended hepatectomy, and the increasing use of parenchymal-sparing segmental resections have improved outcome. In LT, the evolving use of split livers, LDLT and marginal grafts has resulted in increased recognition of SFSS. This has led to a renewed interest in defining the pathophysiology, and the development of new surgical techniques to reduce its incidence.

SUMMARY

Current radiologic imaging techniques can be used to evaluate liver volume and the risk of SFSS following LT and extended hepatectomy. Intraoperative techniques to predict postoperative dysfunction are emerging, and may be helpful in directing the use of pre-emptive surgical interventions. The future lies in the development of perioperative liver protection and support in predicted SFSS, and enhancement of healthy liver regeneration.

Qualidade de vida do doador após transplante hepático intervivos

RACIONAL: A qualidade de vida do doador após transplante hepático intervivos ainda não foi avaliada em nosso meio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida do doador após transplante hepático intervivos. MÉTODOS: De um total de 300 transplantes hepáticos, 51 foram de doadores vivos. Doadores com seguimento menor do que 6 meses e os que não quiseram participar do estudo foram excluídos. Os doadores responderam a um questionário de 28 perguntas abordando os vários aspectos da doação, sendo também avaliados dados demográficos e clínicos dos mesmos. RESULTADOS: Trinta e sete doadores aceitaram participar do estudo. Destes, 32 eram parentes de primeiro ou de segundo grau do receptor. O esclarecimento sobre o caráter voluntário da doação foi adequado para todos pacientes. Apenas um (2%) não doaria novamente. A dor pós-operatória foi pior do que o esperado para 22 doadores (59%). O retorno às atividades normais ocorreu em menos de 3 meses para 21 doadores (57%). Vinte e um doadores (57%) tiveram perda financeira com a doação devido a gastos com medicamentos, exames, transporte ou perda de rendimentos. Trinta e três (89%) não tiveram modificação ou limitação na sua vida após a doação. Os aspectos mais negativos da doação foram a dor pós-operatória e a presença de cicatriz cirúrgica. A maioria das complicações pós-operatória foi resolvida com o tratamento clínico, mas complicações graves ou potencialmente fatais ocorreram em dois pacientes. CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos doadores apresentou boa recuperação e retornou completamente as suas atividades normais poucos meses após a doação. O aspecto mais negativo da doação foi a dor pós-operatória.

Interventional Radiology in Liver Transplantation

Radiology is a key specialty within a liver transplant program. Interventional techniques not only contribute to graft and recipient survival but also allow appropriate patient selection and ensure that recipients with severe liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma or portal hypertension are transplanted with the best chance of prolonged survival. Equally inappropriate selection for these techniques may adversely affect survival. Liver transplantation is a dynamic field of innovative surgical techniques with a requirement for interventional radiology to parallel these developments. This paper reviews the current practice within a major European center for adult and pediatric transplantation.

The current status of living donor liver transplantation

In response to the critical organ shortage, transplant professionals have utilized living donors in an attempt to decrease the mortality rate associated with waiting on the liver transplant list. Although the surgical techniques were first utilized clinically 15 years ago, application of LDLT has been somewhat limited by the steep learning curve associated with developing a program. Clinical success with LDLT in children was realized early in the experience and application of the techniques to the adult population has occurred more recently. Although transplant centers embark on LDLT with enthusiasm, the safety of the donor must always be at the forefront of the process. Potential donors must come to the decision to donate without pressure from members of the family or transplant team. He/she should also be assigned advocates who constantly promote the donor's best interest. Failure to adhere to strict donor evaluation protocols and standardized operative techniques could result in disastrous consequences.

Differences in Attitude Toward Living and Postmortal Liver Donation in the United States, Germany, and Japan

Living liver donation is a possible immediate option for decreasing the shortage of liver allografts worldwide. Risks related to the donation make this procedure ethically controversial. Study groups of medical students (N= 330) from three different nations were analyzed with a complex questionnaire, and data were subjected to multiparameter analysis. The readiness for living liver donation was dependent upon the cultural background of the study groups. It was higher in the U.S. than in Germany and Japan, with a higher donation readiness for children as recipients than adults. Major differences among distinct sociodemographic groups need to be carefully addressed when setting up consensus guidelines for the clinical practice of living donation.

Progress in living donor liver transplantation

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has the capacity to reduce the current discrepancy between the number of patients on the transplant waiting list and the number of available organ donors. For pediatric patients, LDLT has clearly reduced the number of waiting list deaths, providing compelling evidence for an increase in LDLT programs. This review discusses many of the recent advances in LDLT.

[Acute liver failure. Current aspects of diagnosis and therapy]

Disturbances of some partial liver functions, such as synthesis, excretion, or biotransformation of xenobiotics, are important for prognosis and ultimate survival in patients presenting with multiple organ dysfunction on the intesive care unit (ICU). The incidence of liver dysfunction is underestimated when traditional "static" measures such as serum-transaminases or bilirubin as opposed to "dynamic" tests, such as clearance tests, are used to diagnose liver dysfunction. Similar to the central role of the failing liver in MODS, extrahepatic complications, such as hepatorenal syndrome and brain edema develop in acute or fulminant hepatic failure and determine the prognosis of the patient. This is reflected in the required presence of hepatic encephalopathy in addition to hyperbilirubinemia and coagulopathy for the diagnosis of acute liver failure. In addition to these clinical signs, dynamic tests, such as indocyanine green clearance, which is available at the bed-side, are useful for the monitoring of perfusion and global liver function. In addition to specific and causal therapeutic interventions, e.g. N-acetylcysteine for paracetamol poisoning or termination of pregnancy for the HELLP-syndrome, new therapeutic measures, e.g. terlipressin/albumin or albumin dialysis are likely to improve the poor prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Nevertheless, liver transplantation remains the treatment of choice for fulminant hepatic failure when the expected survival is <20%.

Impact of hepatitis C viral infection in primary cadaveric liver allograft versus primary living-donor allograft in 100 consecutive liver transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus

BACKGROUND

There has been concern that adult living-donor liver transplantation (LLTx) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may lead to recurrent disease that is more severe compared with the results of cadaveric LTx (CLTx), because the smaller sized graft in LLTx regenerates and may increase viral replication. This study examines the survival outcome and HCV recurrence in CLTx versus LLTx performed at a single institution.

METHOD

A total of 100 consecutive adult recipients (75 men and 25 women; mean age 49.9+/-8.4 years) of LTx (65 CLTxs and 35 LLTxs performed July 2000-July 2002) who tested positive for HCV by polymerase chain reaction were examined retrospectively until October 2003. All patients received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and steroids.

RESULTS

The overall actual patient survival was 85% (83.1% for CLTx vs. 88.6% for LLTx). The 39-month Kaplan-Meier actuarial patient survivals were 75.1% for CLTx and 88.6% for LLTx. Of 15 deaths, 6 were the result of recurrent HCV (five CLTxs and one LLTx), and of 10 retransplants, 2 were related to recurrent HCV (one CLTx and one LLTx). The rates of recurrence were 72.3% and 77.1%, the hepatitis activity indices were 5.4 + 2.4 and 6.2 + 2.8, the fibrosis scores were 1.4+/-1.4 and 1.5+/-1.3, and the times to recurrence were 318+/-269 days and 394+/-250 days for CLTx and LLTx, respectively. None of the differences between the two groups were significant.

CONCLUSION

No detrimental effect of HCV infection was found in LLTx recipients when compared with contemporaneous CLTx recipients. Patient survival, graft survival, rate of HCV recurrence, severity of HCV recurrence, graft loss from HCV, and interval for recurrence in CLTx and LLTx were similar.

Role of living liver donation in the United Kingdom

Patients who need a new liver usually face a long wait. Some die before a suitable donor is found. Living liver donation is offered routinely in some countries. Should the United Kingdom follow suit?

Living donor liver transplantation in adults

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using right hemi-liver has become a promising treatment modality for patients with end-stage liver disease. The rapid adoption of the procedure has been triggered mainly by the significant gap between available cadaver grafts and the number of patients on the waiting list for liver transplant. Since the arguments against LDLT focus only on the safety of the donor, the demonstration that the donor operation can be performed with minimal morbidity will make it more ethically acceptable. The advantages of LDLT are the possibility of performing an elective operation, access to a graft in best condition, and the possibility of lowering the likelihood of death while waiting for a suitable organ. As well as the standard indications for liver transplantation, LDLT opens up the possibility of treatment of patients with borderline indications. Further improvement of surgical and medical technology, careful long-term follow-up of donors and recipients, and profound analysis of socioeconomic aspects are essential issues for the transplantation community.