Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Allocation Policy: A Proposal to Optimize Appropriate Utilization of Scarce Resources

EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is an established life-saving procedure. The field of LT has changed in the past 10 years from several perspectives, with the expansion of indications, transplantation of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, evolution of transplant oncology, the use of donations after cardiac death, new surgical techniques, and prioritisation of recipients on the waiting list. In addition, the advent of organ perfusion machines, the recognition of new forms of rejection, and the attention paid to the transition from paediatric to adult patients, have all improved the management of LT recipients. The purpose of the EASL guidelines presented here is not to cover all aspects of LT but to focus on developments since the previous EASL guidelines published in 2016.

Optimization and Protection of Kidney Health in Liver Transplant Recipients: Intra- and Postoperative Approaches

Postoperative acute kidney injury after liver transplant (LT) has long-term implications for kidney health. LT recipients are at risk of acute kidney injury due to a number of factors related to the donor liver, intraoperative factors including surgical technique, as well as recipient factors, such as pre-LT kidney function and postoperative complications. This review discusses these factors in detail and their impact on posttransplant kidney function. Long-term risk factors such as calcineurin inhibitors have also been discussed. Additionally, the impact of liver allocation policies on pre- and post-LT kidney health is discussed.

Perioperative and Long-Term Outcomes After Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) has evolved as a therapeutic option for patients with concurrent end-stage liver and renal diseases. This study evaluates the perioperative and long-term outcomes of CLKT at a single center in Slovenia, highlighting the challenges and successes of simultaneous organ transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing simultaneous CLKT at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana from April 2014 to June 2023. Data on demographics, cause of liver and kidney disease, operative details, postoperative complications, patient and graft survival, and follow-up were collected and analyzed. Five patients aged 27 to 60 years underwent CLKT within the study period. All transplants involved deceased donors with whole-liver grafts. Indications for CLKT were polycystic liver disease (n = 3), Caroli's disease (n = 1), and alcoholic cirrhosis (n = 1). The mean follow-up duration was 45.2 months, with a 100% survival rate. The incidence of surgical and postoperative complications was low. This pioneering series of simultaneous CLKTs in Slovenia demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the procedure in smaller transplant centers. Despite challenges, including T cell-mediated kidney rejection and surgical complications, the study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive postoperative care and management in optimizing outcomes for CLKT recipients.

Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation: future perspective

BACKGROUND

The aims of this narrative review were (i) to describe the current indications of SLKT, (ii) to report evolution of SLKT activity, (iii) to report the outcomes of SLKT, (iv) to explain the immune-protective effect of liver transplant on kidney transplant, (v) to explain the interest of delay kidney transplantation, using hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP), (vi) to report kidney after liver transplantation (KALT) indications and (vii) to describe the value of the increase in the use of extended criteria donors (ECD) and particular controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD) transplant, thanks to the development of new organ preservation strategies.

METHOD

Electronic databases were screened using the keywords "Simultaneous", "Combined", "kidney transplantation" and "liver transplantation". The methodological and clinical heterogeneity of the included studies meant that meta-analysis was inappropriate.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,917 publications were identified in the literature search. Two reviewers screened all study abstracts independently and 1,107 of these were excluded. Thus, a total of 79 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 21 were excluded. In total, 58 studies were included in this systematic review.

CONCLUSIONS

 Simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation has made a significant contribution for patients with dual-organ disease. The optimization of indication and selection of SLKT patients will reduce futile transplantation. Moreover, increasing the use of transplants from extended criteria donors, in particular cDCD, should be encouraged, thanks to the development of new modalities of organ preservation.

Combined Organ Transplantation in Patients with Advanced Liver Disease

Transplantation of the liver in combination with other organs is an increasingly performed procedure. Over the years, continuous improvement in survival could be realized through careful patient selection and refined organ preservation techniques, in spite of the challenges posed by aging recipients and donors, as well as the increased use of steatotic liver grafts. Herein, we revisit the epidemiology, allocation policies in different transplant zones, indications, and outcomes with regard to simultaneous organ transplants involving the liver, that is combined heart-liver, liver-lung, liver-kidney, and multivisceral transplantation. We address challenges surrounding combined organ transplantation such as equity, utility, and logistics of dual organ implantation, but also advantages that come along with combined transplantation, thereby focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying immunoprotection provided by the liver to the other allografts. In addition, the current standing and knowledge of machine perfusion in combined organ transplantation, mostly based on center experience, will be reviewed. Notwithstanding all the technical advances, shortage of organs, and the lack of universal eligibility criteria for certain multi-organ combinations are hurdles that need to be tackled in the future.

Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Transplantation in Patients Aged 70 y and Older: Proceed With Caution

Background

The number of elderly patients aged 70 y and older with liver and kidney failure is increasing, mainly because of increasing prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. At present, limited data are available on the outcomes of elderly patients who fit the criteria for dual organ transplantation since the implementation of the simultaneous liver and kidney (SLK) allocation policy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database of adults aged 18 y and older undergoing SLK and kidney transplantation only from August 11, 2017, to December 31, 2022. We examined patient and graft survivals and compared the outcomes of the recipients aged 70 y and older undergoing SLK transplantation to those who received kidney transplant alone and kidney after liver transplant.

Results

During the study period, there has been a significant rise in the number of patients aged 70 y and older undergoing SLK transplantation, with 6 patients undergoing SLK transplantation in 2017 and 63 in 2021. Patients aged 70 y and older had significantly lower survival with 82.9% at 1 y and 66.5% at 3 y compared with 89.3% and 78.8% in the 50-69 y age group and 93.2% and 88.6% in the 18-49 y age group, respectively. Overall, kidney allograft survival was significantly lower in the 70 y and older group, with 80.9% at 1 y and 66.4% at 3 y compared with 91.1% and 75.5%, respectively, in those undergoing kidney transplant alone. There was no difference in kidney allograft survival in those undergoing SLK and kidney after liver transplantation.

Conclusions

Although the outcomes are inferior in recipients of SLK transplant aged 70 y and older, chronologic age should not preclude them from undergoing transplantation. Kidney transplantation after liver transplantation could be considered to avoid futile transplants.

Bridging the critically ill patient with acute to chronic liver failure to liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as an effective therapy for severe forms of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), an entity characterized by the development of multiorgan failure and high short-term mortality. The aim of critical care management of ACLF patients is to rapidly treat precipitating events and aggressively support failing organs to ensure that patients may successfully undergo LT or, less frequently, recover. Malnutrition and sarcopenia are frequently present, adversely impacting the prognosis of these patients. Management of critical care patients with ACLF is complex and requires the participation of different specialties. Once the patient is stabilized, a rapid evaluation for salvage LT should be performed because the time window for LT is often narrow. The development of sepsis and prolonged organ support may preclude LT or diminish its chances of success. The current review describes strategies to bridge severe ACLF patients to LT, highlights the minimal evaluation required for listing and the currently suggested contraindications to proceed with LT, and addresses different aspects of management during the perioperative and early posttransplant period.

Hepatorenal Syndrome in Cirrhosis

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a form of kidney dysfunction that characteristically occurs in liver cirrhosis. It is characterized by a marked impairment of kidney function in response to circulatory and hemodynamic alterations that occur in advanced stages of liver cirrhosis, aggravated by systemic inflammation and bacterial translocation. The classical definitions of the types of HRS have been recently revisited and 2 forms of HRS have been redefined: the acute form, referred to as acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), and the chronic form, referred to as chronic kidney disease. HRS-AKI is one of the most severe forms of AKI in patients with cirrhosis and it consists of an abrupt impairment of kidney function, frequently triggered by an infection, appearing in the setting of advanced decompensated cirrhosis. Differential diagnosis with other causes of AKI is crucial because HRS-AKI requires a specific treatment. Differential diagnosis with AKI-acute tubular necrosis may be challenging and kidney biomarkers may be useful in this setting. Treatment of HRS-AKI is based on the administration of vasoconstrictor drugs in combination with volume expansion with albumin. Prognosis of HRS-AKI is poor, and the ideal definitive treatment consists of liver transplantation or simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation. HRS-AKI has a big impact on patients' quality of life. Management of HRS-AKI remains challenging in specific situations such as alcohol-associated hepatitis or metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease cirrhosis. Developing preventive measures for HRS-AKI, improving its early identification, discovering new biomarkers for differential diagnosis, and improving the response to therapy are some of the unmet needs in the field of HRS-AKI.

Kidney after liver transplantation does not have an increased risk of rejection compared to liver alone

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) transplant protects against acute cellular rejection. In 2017, UNOS implemented a "safety net" policy to allow patients with renal recovery to avoid renal transplantation. Whether kidney after liver transplantation (KALT) increases the risk of rejection is unknown.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) database of adult patients who received liver transplant, SLK or KALT between 2010 and 2020. We examined rejection of the liver within 6 months and 1 year of the liver transplant, as well as rejection of the kidney within 6 months and 1 year of receiving the kidney, as well as patient and graft loss.

RESULTS

Sixty-six thousand seventy-nine patients were transplanted; 60 168 with liver transplant alone, 5627 with SLK, and 284 with KALT. Acute or chronic liver rejection rates within 6 or 12 months were statistically higher in the KALT group (10.0% and 10.9%) compared to the SLK group (6.1% and 7.5%), but comparable to the LTA group (9.3% and 11.1%). Kidney rejection and graft survival rates were not different. Liver graft survival was worse in KALT than SLK or LTA (Kaplan-Meier estimates .61 vs. .89 and .90), but these patients were more ill at the time of transplantation. KDPI and LDRI scores were notably lower in the SLK than KALT group. Patient survival was not clinically different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

KALT does not increase the risk of acute or chronic kidney rejection. SLK has a lower risk of early liver rejection, but this effect diminishes by one year to being not clinically different compared to KALT. Given that KALT is immunologically safe, and potentially avoids unnecessary renal graft use, it should be preferred over SLK.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Patients undergoing sequential kidney after liver transplant do not have an increased risk of liver or kidney rejection when compared to liver transplant alone or simultaneous liver and kidney transplant.

Differential in Kidney Graft Years on the Basis of Solitary Kidney, Simultaneous Liver-Kidney, and Kidney-after-Liver Transplants

BACKGROUND

The number of simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplants has significantly increased in the United States. There has also been an increase in kidney-after-liver transplants associated with 2017 policy revisions aimed to fairly allocate kidneys after livers. SLK and kidney-after-liver candidates are prioritized in allocation policy for kidney offers ahead of kidney-alone candidates.

METHODS

We compared kidney graft outcomes of kidney-alone transplant recipients with SLK and kidney-after-liver transplants using paired kidney models to mitigate differences among donor risk factors. We evaluated recipient characteristics between transplant types and calculated differential graft years using restricted mean survival estimates.

RESULTS

We evaluated 3053 paired donors to kidney-alone and SLK recipients and 516 paired donors to kidney-alone and kidney-after-liver recipients from August 2017 to August 2022. Kidney-alone recipients were younger, more likely on dialysis, and Black race. One-year and 3-year post-transplant kidney graft survival for kidney-alone recipients was 94% and 86% versus SLK recipients 89% and 80%, respectively, P < 0.001. One-year and 3-year kidney graft survival for kidney-alone recipients was 94% and 84% versus kidney-after-liver recipients 93% and 87%, respectively, P = 0.53. The additional kidney graft years for kidney-alone versus SLK transplants was 21 graft years/100 transplants (SEM=5.0) within 4 years post-transplantation, with no significant difference between kidney-after-liver and kidney-alone transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

Over a 5-year period in the United States, SLK transplantation was associated with significantly lower kidney graft survival compared with paired kidney-alone transplants. Most differences in graft survival between SLK and kidney-alone transplants occurred within the first year post-transplantation. By contrast, kidney-after-liver transplants had comparable graft survival with paired kidney-alone transplants.

Incidence of Kidney Failure after Primary Organ Transplant

Key Points

Incidence of ESKD in the first year after primary organ transplant ranges from 2.4% to 3.6% and from 1.4% to 1.8% in the second year post-transplant. National data sources do not currently collect sufficiently reliable follow-up data to identify pretransplant predictors of ESKD.

Background

Careful selection of multiorgan transplant candidates is required to avoid unintended consequences to patients waiting for kidney transplant alone. The need for a safety net among heart and lung transplant recipients is unknown. The objective of this study was to quantify the incidence of kidney failure after liver, heart, or lung transplantation and identify pretransplant predictors of post-transplant kidney failure.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study of adults who received liver, heart, or lung transplant between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018, was conducted using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient and the United States Renal Data System. Post-transplant renal failure was defined as (1 ) new start of dialysis, (2 ) eGFR of <25 ml/min, (3 ) a new waitlisting for a kidney transplant, or (4 ) receipt of a kidney transplant.

Results

The final descriptive cohort included 53,620 liver transplant recipients, 22,042 heart transplant recipients, and 10,688 lung transplant recipients. In the first year post-transplant, the probability of ESKD was comparable among heart transplant recipients (0.036; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.033 to 0.038) and liver transplant recipients (0.033; 95% CI, 0.031 to 0.035) but was markedly lower in lung transplant recipients (0.024; 95% CI, 0.021 to 0.027). In the second year post-transplant, the probability of ESKD was comparable among liver (0.016; 95% CI, 0.015 to 0.017), lung (0.018; 95% CI, 0.015 to 0.021), and heart transplant recipients (0.014; 95% CI, 0.013 to 0.016).

Conclusions

Candidates for thoracic transplant would likely benefit from a safety net policy similar to the one enacted in 2017 for liver transplant so as to maintain judicious patient selection for simultaneous multiorgan transplant. National data sources do not currently collect sufficiently reliable follow-up data to identify pretransplant predictors of ESKD, pointing to a need for transplant centers to consistently report kidney impairment data to national databases.

Simultaneous split liver/kidney transplantation: A national and single center experience report

BACKGROUND

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are prevalent diseases for which the definitive treatment is transplantation. With limited organ supply, strategies to maximize organ availability has led to increasing rates of split liver transplantations for ESLD patients. Therefore, simultaneous split liver and kidney transplantations (SSLK) for patients with ESLD and ESRD could represent a treatment option for comorbid patients. However, current practice and outcomes after SSLK are unknown.

METHODS

We aim to report national trends and our experience with patients undergoing SSLK. We performed a retrospective review of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file from January 2011-April 2022. Descriptive analysis of preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes and actuarial graft and patient survivals are reported.

RESULTS

National review of the UNOS transplant registry from 2011-2021 of adult patients undergoing initial transplantation via SSLK demonstrates that this procedure remains uncommon, with only 76 such cases captured in that time. Nevertheless, survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years remains robust, at 94%, 92%, and 90% for patients overall, 90%, 88%, 88%, for the liver graft, and 93%, 91%, 88% for the kidney graft, respectively. Review of a single center experience with three such patients from 2019-2021 has shown a safe, enduring transplant option with no graft complications seen.

CONCLUSIONS

SSLK is both safe and a feasible option to optimize organ supply while allowing recipients to receive quality liver and kidney grafts and should be considered more often by transplant centers going forward.

Liver Transplantation: Contraindication and Ineligibility

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapeutic modality for patients with various advanced liver diseases. It is crucial to identify that the patient's illness is sufficiently advanced and unlikely to improve with medical management to justify the need for transplantation. At the same time, it is crucial to identify patients with comorbidities and far advanced disease that would result in an unacceptable outcome after LT. Specific care also is required before deciding on LT in the elderly, acute on chronic liver disease, patients with comorbidities, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Transplantation needs to be timed appropriately to avoid unnecessary LT and ensure that the decision is not left too late to avoid losing the patient without a transplant. Also, important is the decision as to when not to transplant. The current review explores some of these issues of contraindications and ineligibility for LT.

Waitlist and post-transplant outcomes among candidates listed for liver transplant: Liver alone versus simultaneous liver kidney listings

BACKGROUND

Data comparing waitlist and post-transplant outcomes of liver transplantation (LT) alone (LTA) versus simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) listings are limited.

AIM

To examine 90-days waitlist and 1-year post-transplant outcomes of LT listings since Organ Procurement Transplant Network (OPTN) policy for SLK, who had cirrhosis with eGFR <30 mL/min or on dialysis at listing.

METHODS

Adults (08/2017-03/2021) with first LT listing (2628 SLK) were stratified on renal function from listing: acute kidney injury (AKI): rise of serum creatinine by ≥0.3 mg/dL or <42 days hemodialysis; chronic kidney disease (CKD): eGFR <60 mL/min for ≥90 days or ≥42 days hemodialysis.

RESULTS

Among 7094 adults analyzed, 90-days competing cumulative waitlist mortality was 18.2% in LTA + CKD (n = 37), 15.3% in LTA + AKI (n = 3337), 15% in SLK + AKI (n = 2070), and 11% in SLK + CKD (n = 403), p < 0.001. On fine and gray model, compared to SLK + CKD, LTA + AKI had 1.4-fold waitlist mortality. On a median post-transplant follow up of 1 year, patient survival was similar comparing LTA versus SLK for AKI (89% each, p = 0.83), for CKD (93 vs. 86%, p = 0.55), but lower in recipients listed for SLK with no AKI or CKD (93 vs. 88%, p = 0.02), adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.7 (0.4-1.2). Among 1024 LTA recipients without AKI or CKD from listing, 117 were listed for SLK, and their 1-year survival was poorer compared to LT alone listings (79 vs. 95%, p < 0.002, adjusted HR 3.6 (1.3-10.3); p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Among candidates with renal dysfunction at listing for LT, those listed for LT alone should receive transplant promptly to optimise waitlist outcomes. Those listed for SLK should wait to receive both organs to optimise post-transplant outcomes.

One size does not fit all: Differential benefits of simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation by eligibility criteria

Standard eligibility criteria for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLK) are in place in the United States. We hypothesize that the benefit associated with SLK over liver transplant alone differs by patient, depending on the specific SLK criteria met. We analyzed a retrospective US cohort of 5446 adult liver transplant or SLK recipients between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, who are potentially qualified for SLK. Exposure was a receipt of SLK. We tested effect modification by the specific SLK eligibility criteria met (end-stage kidney disease, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, or unknown). The primary outcome was death within 1 year of a liver transplant. We used a modified Cox regression analysis containing an interaction term of SLK * time from transplant. Two hundred ten (9%) SLK recipients and 351 (11%) liver-alone recipients died in 1 year. In the overall population, SLK was associated with a mortality benefit over liver transplant on the day of the transplant, without adjustment [HR: 0.59 (95% CI, 0.46-0.76)] and with adjustment [aHR: 0.50 (95% CI, 0.35-0.71)]. However, when SLK eligibility criteria were included, only in patients with end-stage kidney disease was SLK associated with a sustained survival benefit at day 0 [HR: 0.17 (0.08-0.35)] up to 288 (95% CI, 120-649) days post-transplant. Benefit within the first year post-transplant associated with SLK over liver-alone transplantation was only pronounced in patients with end-stage kidney disease but not present in patients meeting other criteria for SLK. A "strict SLK liberal Safety Net" strategy may warrant consideration at the national policy level.

Hepatorenal syndrome: Current concepts and future perspectives

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), a progressive but potentially reversible deterioration of kidney function, remains a major complication in patients with advanced cirrhosis, often leading to death before liver transplantation (LT). Recent updates in the pathophysiology, definition, and classification of HRS have led to a complete revision of the nomenclature and diagnostic criteria for HRS type 1, which was renamed HRS-acute kidney injury (AKI). HRS is characterized by severe impairment of kidney function due to increased splanchnic blood flow, activation of several vasoconstriction factors, severe vasoconstriction of the renal arteries in the absence of kidney histologic abnormalities, nitric oxide dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Diagnosis of HRS remains a challenge because of the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers that accurately distinguishes structural from functional AKI, and mainly involves the differential diagnosis from other forms of AKI, particularly acute tubular necrosis. The optimal treatment of HRS is LT. While awaiting LT, treatment options include vasoconstrictor drugs to counteract splanchnic arterial vasodilation and plasma volume expansion by intravenous albumin infusion. In patients with HRS unresponsive to pharmacological treatment and with conventional indications for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), such as volume overload, uremia, or electrolyte imbalances, KRT may be applied as a bridging therapy to transplantation. Other interventions, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, and artificial liver support systems have a very limited role in improving outcomes in HRS. Although recently developed novel therapies have potential to improve outcomes of patients with HRS, further studies are warranted to validate the efficacy of these novel agents.

Efficacy of rehabilitation initiated in the early phase after simultaneous deceased donor liver and kidney transplantation: A case report

RATIONALE

The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of successful early rehabilitation intervention for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation (SLKT).

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 51-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with Caroli disease 27 years ago. Hemodialysis was introduced due to end-stage renal disease 17 years ago.

DIAGNOSES

After successful SLKT, the patient was extubated on postoperative day (POD) 1, liberated from dialysis on POD 4, and discharged from the intensive care unit on POD 9.

INTERVENTIONS

Supervised rehabilitation was started on POD 2, and the patient was able to walk 100 m on POD 9. Electrical muscle stimulation therapy was started to improve muscle weakness in both legs on POD 16, and aerobic exercise using a cycle-ergometer was started on POD 24.

OUTCOMES

The 6-minute walking distance improved from 324 m on POD 14 to 501 m on POD 28. The patient could walk 4000 to 5000 steps per day at hospital discharge, and was discharged home on POD 32. There were no adverse events, including worsening hepatic or renal function, during the rehabilitation period. One month after discharge, the patient was able to perform 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise every day, and returned to work 5 months after discharge.

LESSONS

This case shows that early rehabilitation intervention immediately after SLKT safely and rapidly improved physical performance without adverse events. The results in the present case suggest that regular physical assessment and appropriate interventions with a variety of exercise modalities can contribute to improved physical performance in SLKT patients.

Hepatorenal Syndrome-Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Transplantation

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of cirrhosis. HRS nomenclature has recently changed to HRS-AKI (acute kidney injury). HRS is a complex response to chronic vasodilatory changes brought about by portal hypertension and exacerbated by inflammatory responses that portends poor prognosis to patients with cirrhosis. This syndrome is commonly seen in the setting of infections, particularly spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Because of the frequency of renal injury in the patient with cirrhosis, HRS-AKI has to be considered high in the differential diagnosis of AKI. Discontinuation of potential triggering agents and elimination of pre-renal AKI, intrinsic renal disease, and structural uropathy as causes of injury are imperative on presentation. Volume expansion with albumin and vasoconstrictive drugs to counteract the underlying splanchnic vasodilation constitutes the most effective medical modality to manage this process. Although the most effective therapy is generally considered to be liver transplantation (LT), the logistic barriers of offering this life-saving therapy on time to all needing it is a major limitation. Terlipressin has been shown to reverse HRS-AKI in a significant proportion of those treated and consequently can lead to increased LT patient survival and freedom from renal replacement therapy. We will review the impact of HRS on the management of patients awaiting LT, present strategies to prevent this significant complication, and discuss major implications of recent therapeutic advances in the setting of LT.

Acute Kidney Injury in Liver Cirrhosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in cirrhotic patients affecting almost 20% of these patients. While multiple etiologies can lead to AKI, pre-renal azotemia seems to be the most common cause of AKI. Irrespective of the cause, AKI is associated with worse survival with the poorest outcomes observed in those with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and acute tubular necrosis (ATN). In recent years, new definitions, and classifications of AKI in cirrhosis have emerged. More knowledge has also become available regarding the benefits and drawbacks of albumin and terlipressin use in these patients. Diagnostic tools such as urinary biomarkers and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) became available and they will be used in the near future to differentiate between different causes of AKI and direct management of AKI in these patients. In this update, we will review these new classifications, treatment recommendations, and diagnostic tools for AKI in cirrhotic patients.

Essentials of Liver Transplantation in the Setting of Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney dysfunction is common among liver transplant candidates with decompensated cirrhosis and has a major impact on pre- and post-liver transplant survival. Updated definitions of acute kidney injury and criteria for the diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome allow for early recognition and intervention, including early initiation of vasoconstrictor therapy for hepatorenal syndrome. The rise of the metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a cause of cirrhosis has coincided with an increase in intrinsic chronic kidney disease recognized in transplant candidates and recipients. Ultimately, the ability to accurately assess kidney function and associated risk is essential to decision-making in the context of transplantation, including selection of candidates for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation.

Management of the acute on chronic liver failure in the intensive care unit

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) reflects the development of organ failure(s) in a patient with cirrhosis and is associated with high short-term mortality. Given that ACLF has many different 'phenotypes', medical management needs to take into account the relationship between precipitating insult, organ systems involved and underlying physiology of chronic liver disease/cirrhosis. The goals of intensive care management of patients suffering ACLF are to rapidly recognize and treat inciting events (e.g. infection, severe alcoholic hepatitis and bleeding) and to aggressively support failing organ systems to ensure that patients may successfully undergo liver transplantation or recovery. Management of these patients is complex since they are prone to develop new organ failures and infectious or bleeding complications. ICU therapy parallels that applied in the general ICU population in some complications but differs in others. Given that liver transplantation in ACLF is an emerging and evolving field, multidisciplinary teams with expertise in critical care and transplant medicine best accomplish management of the critically ill ACLF patient. The focus of this review is to identify the common complications of ACLF and to describe the proper management in critically ill patients awaiting liver transplantation in our centres, including organ support, prognostic assessment and how to assess when recovery is unlikely.

Factors associated with cardiovascular events after simultaneous liver-kidney transplant from the US Multicenter Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplant Consortium

Cardiovascular disease is a leading complication after both liver and kidney transplantation. Factors associated with and rates of cardiovascular events (CVEs) after simultaneous liver-kidney transplant (SLKT) are unknown. This was a retrospective cohort study of adult SLKT recipients between 2002 and 2017 at six centers in six United Network for Organ Sharing regions in the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium. The primary outcome was a CVE defined as hospitalization due to acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, or other CV causes (stroke or peripheral vascular disease) within 1 year of SLKT. Among 515 SLKT subjects (mean age ± SD, 55.4 ± 10.6 years; 35.5% women; 68.1% White), 8.7% had a CVE within 1 year of SLKT. The prevalence of a CVE increased from 3.3% in 2002-2008 to 8.9% in 2009-2011 to 14.0% in 2012-2017 ( p  = 0.0005). SLKT recipients with a CVE were older (59.9 vs. 54.9 years, p  < 0.0001) and more likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD) (37.8% vs. 18.4%, p  = 0.002) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (27.7% vs. 7.9%, p  = 0.003) than those without a CVE. There was a trend toward older age by era of SLKT ( p  = 0.054). In multivariate analysis adjusted for cardiac risk factors at transplant, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02, 1.11), CAD (OR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.60, 8.18), and AF (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.14, 4.89) were associated with a 1-year CVE after SLKT. Conclusion : Among SLKT recipients, we observed a 4-fold increase in the prevalence of 1-year CVEs over time. Increasing age, CAD, and AF were the main potential explanatory factors for this trend independent of other risk factors. These findings suggest that CV risk protocols may need to be tailored to this high-risk population.

Poor Outcomes of Patients With NAFLD and Moderate Renal Dysfunction or Short-Term Dialysis Receiving a Liver Transplant Alone

The outcomes of patients with moderate renal impairment and the impact of liver disease etiology on renal function recovery after liver transplant alone (LTA) are largely unknown. We explored whether NAFLD patients with pre-LTA moderate renal dysfunction (GFR 25-45 ml/min/1.73 m²) may be more susceptible to develop post-LTA severe renal dysfunction (GFR<15 ml/min/1.73 m²) than ALD patients, as well as other overall outcomes. Using the UNOS/OPTN database, we selected patients undergoing liver transplant for NAFLD or ALD (2006-2016), 15,103 of whom received LTA. NAFLD patients with moderate renal dysfunction were more likely to develop subsequent GFR<15 ml/min/1.73 m² than ALD patients (11.1% vs. 7.38%, p < 0.001). Patients on short-term dialysis pre-LTA (≤12 weeks) were more likely to develop severe renal dysfunction (31.7% vs. 18.1%), especially in NAFLD patients, and were more likely to receive a further kidney transplant (15.3% vs. 3.7%) and had lower survival (48.6% vs. 50.4%) after LTA (p < 0.001 for all). NAFLD was an independent risk factor for post-LTA severe renal dysfunction (HR = 1.2, p = 0.02). NAFLD patients with moderate renal dysfunction and those receiving short-term dialysis prior to LTA are at a higher risk of developing subsequent severe renal dysfunction. Underlying etiology of liver disease may play a role in predicting development and progression of renal failure in patients receiving LTA.

Healthcare burden and outcomes of hepatorenal syndrome among cirrhosis-related hospitalisations in the US

BACKGROUND

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients with cirrhosis.

AIMS

To examine recent trends, magnitude and outcomes of HRS in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database METHODS: Among the NIS database on cirrhosis hospitalisations (2016-2019) due to alcohol (ALD), chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), or NASH and complicated by acute kidney injury (AKI) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 113,454 hospitalisations, 18,735 (16.5%) had HRS (mean age 56 years, 36% females, 68% whites, 80% ALD, 7% NASH) with a stable trend over time. Among 1:1 propensity-matched 36,090 hospitalisations, the odds of HRS were 12% higher in NASH versus CVH. Based on weighted national estimates, there were 27,180 (8.3 per 100,000 US population) HRS hospitalisations in 2019, with economic burden of $4.2 billion USD. Mean hospitalisation and total charges (ALD vs. CVH vs. NASH) were 11 versus 10.8 versus 9.2 days and 151,000 versus 157,000 versus 120,000 USD, respectively; p < 0.001. In-hospital mortality was 18.9%, higher in HRS (25.8 vs. 12%, p < 0.001), and decreased by 15% annually. Survivors were more likely to be discharged to short- or long-term care facilities (HRS vs. non-HRS [42 vs. 27%, p < 0.001]); only 28.7% received palliative care.

CONCLUSION

HRS was the cause of AKI in 16.5% of patients hospitalised with cirrhosis and conferred significant healthcare burden with 27,180 HRS hospitalisations in 2019 and requiring an estimated 4.2 billion USD for hospital care. While there has been a decrease in in-hospital mortality over time, it remained high at 23.7% in 2019 in those with HRS.

Impact of medical eligibility criteria and OPTN policy on simultaneous liver kidney allocation and utilization

BACKGROUND

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) implemented medical eligibility and safety-net policy on 8/10/17 to optimize simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) utilization. We examined impact of this policy on SLK listings and number of kidneys used within 1-yr. of receiving liver transplantation (LT) alone.

METHODS AND RESULTS

OPTN database (08/10/14-06/12/20) on adults (N = 66 709) without previous transplant stratified candidates to listings for SLK or LT alone with pre-LT renal dysfunction at listing (eGFR < 30 mL/min or on dialysis). Outcomes were compared for pre (08/10/14-08/09/17) vs. post (08/10/17-06/12/20) policy era. SLK listings decreased in post vs. pre policy era (8.7% vs. 9.6%; P < .001), with 22% reduced odds of SLK listing in the postpolicy era, with a decrease in all OPTN regions except regions 6 and 8, which showed an increase. Among LT-alone recipients with pre-LT renal dysfunction (N = 3272), cumulative 1-year probability was higher in post vs. prepolicy period for dialysis (5.6% vs. 2.3%; P < .0001), KT listing (11.4% vs. 2.0%; P < .0001), and KT (3.7% vs. .25%; P < .0001). Sixty-seven (2.4%) kidneys were saved in post policy era, with 18.1%, 16.6%, 4.3%, and 2.9% saving from regions 7, 2, 11, and 1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Medical eligibility and safety-net OPTN policy resulted in decreased SLK use and improved access to LT alone among those with pre-LT renal dysfunction. Although decreased in postpolicy era, regional variation of SLK listings remains. In spite of increased use of KT within 1-year of receiving LT alone under safety net, less number of kidneys were used without impact on patient survival in postpolicy era.

Management of hepatorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis: a recent update

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious form of renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. It is an important component of the acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) syndrome. Significant recent changes in the understanding of the pathophysiology of renal dysfunction in cirrhosis include the role of inflammation in addition to hemodynamic changes. The term acute kidney injury (AKI) is now adopted to include all functional and structural forms of acute renal dysfunction in cirrhosis, with various stages describing the severity of the condition. Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS1) is renamed HRS-AKI, which is stage 2 AKI [doubling of baseline serum creatinine (sCr)] while fulfilling all other criteria of HRS1. Albumin is used for its volume expanding and anti-inflammatory properties to confirm the diagnosis of HRS-AKI. Vasoconstrictors are added to albumin as pharmacotherapy to improve the hemodynamics. Terlipressin, although not yet available in North America, is the most common vasoconstrictor used worldwide. Patients with high grade of ACLF treated with terlipressin are at risk for respiratory failure if there is pretreatment respiratory compromise. Norepinephrine is equally effective as terlipressin in reversing HRS1. Recent data show that norepinephrine may be administered outside the intensive care setting, but close monitoring is still required. There has been no improvement in overall or transplant-free survival shown with vasoconstrictor use, but response to vasoconstrictors with reduction in sCr is associated with improvement in survival. Non-responders to vasoconstrictor plus albumin will need liver transplantation as definite treatment with renal replacement therapy as a bridge therapy. Combined liver and kidney transplantation is recommended for patients with prolonged history of AKI, underlying chronic kidney disease or with hereditary renal conditions. Future developments, such as the use of biomarkers and metabolomics, may help to identify at risk patients with earlier diagnosis to allow for earlier treatment with improved outcomes.

Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) after liver transplantation is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This increase in mortality can be offset by performing a kidney transplant at the time of the liver transplant in select cases. Accordingly, Margreiter and colleague; s performed the first simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplant in 1983. The number of SLK transplants has increased by more than 300% since then. In 1990%, 1.7% of all liver transplants in the United States were SLK transplants which increased to 9.9% by 2016. This steep increase was likely due to the implementation of the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) scoring system in 2002, which is heavily weighted by serum creatinine.

Chronic Kidney Disease After Liver Transplantation

Improved survival after liver transplantation has led to an aging cohort of recipients at risk of renal dysfunction. The etiology of renal dysfunction is typically multifactorial; calcineurin inhibitors nephrotoxicity, pretransplant renal dysfunction, and perioperative acute kidney injury are important risk factors. Metabolic complications such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease also contribute to the development of renal disease. Most LT recipients will eventually develop some degree of renal dysfunction. Criteria to select candidates for simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation have been established. Both delayed introduction of CNIs and renal-sparing immunosuppressive regimens may reduce progression of renal dysfunction.

Kidney Allocation Issues in Liver Transplantation Candidates with Chronic Kidney Disease and Severe Kidney Liver Injury

The number of liver transplant candidates with concomitant renal disease has been steadily rising since the implementation of MELD-based allocation in 2002. Consequently, the number of simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplants being performed each year has also increased. However, the establishment of well-defined criteria for when to choose SLK over liver transplant alone has lagged behind. The lack of clear guidelines has worsened an already large shortage of transplantable kidneys. This article further explores the rationale for and outlines the implementation of the SLK allocation policy.

[Kidney failure after liver transplantation]

One third of cirrhotic patients present impaired kidney function. It has multifactorial causes and has a harmful effect on patients' morbi-mortality before and after liver transplant. Kidney function does not improve in all patients after liver transplantation and liver-transplant recipients are at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Causes for renal dysfunction can be divided in three groups: preoperative, peroperative and postoperative factors. To date, there is no consensus for the modality of evaluation the risk for chronic kidney disease after liver transplantation, and for its prevention. In the present review, we describe the outcome of kidney function after liver transplantation, and the prognostic factors of chronic kidney disease to determine a risk stratification for each patient. Furthermore, we discuss therapeutic options to prevent kidney dysfunction in this setting, and highlight the indications of combined liver-kidney transplantation.

The changing impact of pre-liver transplant renal dysfunction on post-transplant survival: results of 2 decades from a single center

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Renal dysfunction before liver transplantation (LT) is associated with higher post-LT mortality. We aimed to study if this association still persisted in the contemporary transplant era.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data on 2871 primary LT performed at our center from 1998 to 2018. All patients were listed for LT alone and were not considered to be simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplant candidates. SLK recipients and those with previous LT were excluded. Patients were grouped into 4 eras: era-1 (1998-2002, n = 488), era-2 (2003-2007, n = 889), era-3 (2008-2012, n = 703) and era-4 (2013-2018, n = 791). Pre-LT renal dysfunction was defined as creatinine (Cr) >1.5 mg/dl or on dialysis at LT. The effect of pre-LT renal dysfunction on post-LT patient survival in each era was examined using Kaplan Meier estimates and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses.

RESULTS

Pre-LT renal dysfunction was present in 594 (20%) recipients. Compared to patients in era-1, patients in era-4 had higher Cr, lower eGFR and were more likely to be on dialysis at LT (P < 0.001). Pre-LT renal dysfunction was associated with worse 1, 3 and 5-year survival in era-1 and era-2 (P < 0.005) but not in era-3 or era-4 (P = 0.13 and P = 0.08, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the lack of independent effect of pre-LT renal dysfunction on post-LT mortality in era-3 and era-4. A separate analysis using eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² at LT to define renal dysfunction showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-LT renal dysfunction had less impact on post-LT survival in the contemporary transplant era.

Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Clinical Guidelines

In patients with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, acute-on-chronic liver failure is emerging as a major cause of mortality. These guidelines indicate the preferred approach to the management of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure and represent the official practice recommendations of the American College of Gastroenterology. The scientific evidence for these guidelines was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation process. In instances where the evidence was not appropriate for Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, but there was consensus of significant clinical merit, key concept statements were developed using expert consensus. These guidelines are meant to be broadly applicable and should be viewed as the preferred, but not only, approach to clinical scenarios.

Combined heart-liver-kidney transplant: The university of chicago medicine experience

Until recently, combined heart-liver-kidney transplantation was considered too complex or too high-risk an option for patients with end-stage heart failure who present with advanced liver and kidney failure as well. The objective of this paper is to present our institution's best practices for successfully executing this highly challenging operation. At our institution, referral patterns are most often initiated through the cardiac team. Determinants of successful outcomes include diligent multidisciplinary patient selection, detailed perioperative planning, and choreographed care transition and coordination among all transplant teams. The surgery proceeds in three distinct phases with three different teams, linked seamlessly in planned handoffs. The selection and perioperative care are executed with determined collaboration of all of the invested care teams. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

CKD in Recipients of Nonkidney Solid Organ Transplants: A Review

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) after solid organ transplant is a common clinical presentation, affecting 10% to 20% of liver, heart and lung transplant recipients and accounting for approximately 5% of the kidney transplant waiting list. The causes of CKD are different for different types of transplants and are not all, or even predominantly, due to calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, with significant heterogeneity particularly in liver transplant recipients. Many solid organ transplant recipients with advanced CKD benefit from kidney transplantation, but have a higher rate of death while waitlisted and higher mortality following transplant than the general kidney failure population. Recent organ allocation policies and proposals have attempted to address the appropriate identification and prioritization of candidates in need of a kidney transplant, either simultaneous with or following non-kidney transplant. Future research should focus on predictive factors for individuals identified at high risk for progression to kidney failure and death, and strategies to preserve kidney function and minimize the CKD burden in this unique patient population.

Developing simultaneous liver-kidney transplant medical eligibility criteria while providing a safety net: A 2-year review of the OPTN's allocation policy

The OPTN's simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) allocation policy, implemented August 10, 2017, established medical eligibility criteria for adult SLK candidates and created Safety Net kidney allocation priority for liver-alone recipients with new/continued renal impairment. OPTN SLK and kidney after liver (KAL) data were analyzed (registrations as of December 31, 2019, transplants pre-policy [March 20, 2015-August 9, 2017] vs. post-policy [August 10, 2017-December 31, 2019]). Ninety-four percent of SLK registrations met eligibility criteria (99% CKD: 50% dialysis, 50% eGFR). SLK transplant volume decreased from a record 740 (2017) to 676 (2018, -9%), with a subsequent increase to 728 (2019, 1.6% below 2017 volume). For KAL listings within 1 year of liver transplant, waitlist mortality rates declined post-policy versus pre-policy (27 [95% CI = 20.6-34.7] vs. 16 [11.7-20.5]) while transplant rates increased fourfold (46 [32.2-60.0] vs. 197 [171.6-224.7]). There were 234 KAL transplants post-policy (94% Safety Net priority eligible), and no significant difference in 1-year patient/graft survival vs. kidney-alone (patient: 95.9% KAL, 97.0% kidney-alone [p = .39]; graft: 94.2% KAL, 94.6% kidney-alone [p = .81]). From pre- to post-policy, the proportion of all deceased donor kidney and liver transplants that were SLK decreased (kidney: 5.1% to 4.3%; liver: 9.7% to 8.7%). SLK policy implementation interrupted the longstanding rise in SLK transplants, while Safety Net priority directed kidneys to liver recipients in need with thus far minimal impact to posttransplant outcomes.

Kidney Disease After Nonkidney Solid Organ Transplant

Nonkidney solid organ transplants (NKSOTs) are increasing in the United States with improving long-term allograft and patient survival. CKD is prevalent in patients with NKSOT and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality especially in those who progress to end-stage kidney disease. Calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity is a main contributor to CKD after NKSOT, but other factors in the pretransplant, peritransplant, and post-transplant period can predispose to progressive kidney dysfunction. The management of CKD after NKSOT generally follows society guidelines for native kidney disease. Kidney-protective and calcineurin inhibitor-sparing immunosuppression has been explored in this population and warrants a discussion with transplant teams. Kidney transplantation in NKSOT recipients remains the kidney replacement therapy of choice for suitable candidates, as it provides a survival benefit over remaining on dialysis.

Temporal Trends and Evolving Outcomes After Simultaneous Liver-Kidney Transplantation: Results from the US SLKT Consortium

We aimed to understand the contemporary changes in the characteristics and the determinants of outcomes among simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation (SLKT) recipients at 6 liver transplantation centers in the United States. We retrospectively enrolled SLKT recipients between 2002 and 2017 in the US Multicenter SLKT Consortium. We analyzed time-related trends in recipient characteristics and outcomes with linear regression and nonparametric methods. Clustered Cox regression determined the factors associated with 1-year and overall survival. We enrolled 572 patients. We found significant changes in the clinical characteristics of SLKT recipients: as compared with 2002, recipients in 2017 were older (59 versus 52 years; P < 0.001) and more likely to have chronic kidney disease (71% versus 33%; P < 0.001). There was a marked improvement in 1-year survival during the study period: 89% in 2002 versus 96% in 2017 (P < 0.001). We found that the drivers of 1-year mortality were SLKT year, hemodialysis at listing, donor distance, and delayed kidney allograft function. The drivers of overall mortality were an indication of acute kidney dysfunction, body mass index, hypertension, creatinine at SLKT, ventilation at SLKT, and donor quality. In this contemporary cohort of SLKT recipients, we highlight changes in the clinical characteristics of recipients. Further, we identify the determinants of 1-year and overall survival to highlight the variables that require the greatest attention to optimize outcomes.

Current State of Multiorgan Transplantation and Implications for Future Practice and Policy

The incidence of kidney dysfunction has increased in liver transplant and heart transplant candidates, reflecting a changing patient population and allocation policies that prioritize the most urgent candidates. A higher burden of pretransplant kidney dysfunction has resulted in a substantial rise in the utilization of multiorgan transplantation (MOT). Owing to a shortage of available deceased donor kidneys, the increased use of MOT has the potential to disadvantage kidney-alone transplant candidates, as current allocation policies generally provide priority for MOT candidates above all kidney-alone transplant candidates. In this review, the implications of kidney disease in liver transplant and heart transplant candidates is reviewed, and current policies used to allocate organs are discussed. Important ethical considerations pertaining to MOT allocation are examined, and future policy modifications that may improve both equity and utility in MOT policy are considered.