1
|
Norman DJ, Enestvedt CK, Naugler WE, Erhan R, Shaut CA. The fate of anti-HLA antibodies following liver transplantation. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2024; 4:1403096. [PMID: 38933742 PMCID: PMC11199851 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2024.1403096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Liver transplant recipients may have pre-formed anti-HLA antibodies directed to mismatched HLA of the liver donor (donor specific antibodies, DSA) or not directed to the liver donor (non-donor specific, non-DSA). We observed the fate of these antibodies (DSA and non-DSA) at 12 months after transplant. Methods Patients transplanted between 4/2015 and 12/2018 (N = 216) who had anti-HLA antibody measurements at both transplant and 12 months posttransplant (N = 124) and with DSAs at transplant (N = 31) were considered informative for a paired analysis of the natural history of DSA and non-DSA following liver transplantation. Results Class I DSAs and non-DSAs decreased between transplant and 12 months; however, Class I DSAs essentially disappeared by 12 months while Class I non-DSAs did not. Anti-HLA Class II DSAs performed differently. While there was a significant drop in values between transplant and 12 months, these antibodies mostly persisted at a low level. Discussion Our study demonstrated a significant difference in the kinetics of DSA compared to non-DSA following liver transplantation, most profoundly for anti-HLA Class I antibodies. Class I DSAs were mostly absent at 12 months while Class II DSAs persisted, although at lower levels. The mechanisms of reduction in anti-HLA antibodies following liver transplantation are not completely understood and were not pursued as a part of this study. This detailed analysis of Class I and Class II DSAs and non-DSAs represents and important study to explore the change in antibodies at one year from liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J. Norman
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Transplantation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Section of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - C. Kristian Enestvedt
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Willscott E. Naugler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Rouella Erhan
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Transplantation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Carley A. Shaut
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Transplantation, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kanamori H, Yamada Y, Ito Y, Shirosaki K, Yamagishi S, Maeda Y, Kudo Y, Umeyama T, Takahashi N, Kato M, Hasegawa Y, Matsubara K, Shinoda M, Obara H, Irie R, Tsujikawa H, Okita H, Nguyen PT, Saigo K, Mitsunaga S, Inoue I, Kitagawa Y, Kuroda T. Noninvasive graft monitoring using donor-derived cell-free DNA in Japanese liver transplantation. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:300-314. [PMID: 37850337 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the use of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in diagnosing graft injuries in Japanese liver transplantation (LTx), including family-related living donors. METHODS A total of 321 samples from 10 newly operated LTx recipients were collected to monitor the early dynamics of dd-cfDNA levels after LTx. Fifty-five samples from 55 recipients were collected during protocol biopsies (PB), whereas 36 samples from 27 recipients were collected during event biopsies, consisting of 11 biopsy-proven acute rejection (AR), 20 acute dysfunctions without rejection (ADWR), and 5 chronic rejections. The levels of dd-cfDNA were quantified using a next-generation sequencer based on single nucleotide polymorphisms. RESULTS The dd-cfDNA levels were elevated significantly after LTx, followed by a rapid decline to the baseline in patients without graft injury within 30 days post-LTx. The dd-cfDNA levels were significantly higher in the 11 samples obtained during AR than those obtained during PB (p < 0.0001), which decreased promptly after treatment. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of diagnostic ability yielded areas under the curve of 0.975 and 0.897 for AR (rejection activity index [RAI] ≥3) versus PB and versus non-AR (ADWR + PB). The dd-cfDNA levels during AR were elevated earlier and correlated more strongly with the RAI (r = 0.740) than aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase. The dd-cfDNA levels were neither associated with graft fibrosis based on histology nor the status of donor-specific antibodies in PB samples. CONCLUSIONS Donor-derived cell-free DNA serves as a sensitive biomarker for detecting graft injuries in LTx. Further large-scale cohort studies are warranted to optimize its use in differentiating various post-LTx etiologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kanamori
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Yamada
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Ito
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Shirosaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Yamagishi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaro Maeda
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Kudo
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoshige Umeyama
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Takahashi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototoshi Kato
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hasegawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Matsubara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Digestive Diseases Center, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Obara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Irie
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Nippon Koukan Hospital, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hanako Tsujikawa
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Okita
- Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kenichi Saigo
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Japan Community Health Care Organization, Chiba Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigeki Mitsunaga
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Ituro Inoue
- Human Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kuroda
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Prognostic Factors for Non-anastomotic Biliary Strictures Following Adult Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:2683-2694. [PMID: 36757492 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07861-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of non-anastomotic biliary strictures (NAS) following orthotopic adult liver transplantation (OLT) is associated with significant morbidity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify all prognostic factors for the development of NAS. METHODS A systematic review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and the meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale to assess the quality of the included studies. Using the random-effects model, we calculated the weighted pooled odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD), hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the risk factors. RESULTS Based on 19 international studies that included a total of 8269 adult LT patients, we calculated an 8% overall incidence of NAS. In this study, 7 potential prognostic factors were associated with a statistically significant hazard ratio for NAS in pooled analyses including (1) DCD donors compared to DBD donors (2) PSC as an indication for a liver transplant (3) Roux-en-Y bile duct reconstruction compared to duct-to-duct reconstruction (4) hepatic artery thrombosis (5) longer cold ischemia time (6) longer warm ischemia time (7) and total operative times. CONCLUSION In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we identified 7 prognostic factors for the development of NAS following OLT. These findings might lay the groundwork for development of diagnostic algorithms to better risk stratify patients at risk for development of NAS.
Collapse
|
4
|
Leung KK, Deeb M, Fischer SE, Gulamhusein A. Recurrent Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Current Understanding, Management, and Future Directions. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:409-420. [PMID: 34182588 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) constitute 5 to 15% of patients listed for liver transplantation worldwide. Although post-transplant outcomes are favorable, recurrent PSC (rPSC) occurs in an important subset of patients, with higher prevalence rates reported with increasing time from transplant. Given its association with poor graft outcomes and risk of retransplant, effort has been made to understand rPSC, its pathophysiology, and risk factors. This review covers these facets of rPSC and focuses on implicated risk factors including pretransplant recipient characteristics, inflammatory bowel-disease-related factors, and donor-specific and transplant-specific factors. Confirming a diagnosis of rPSC requires thoughtful consideration of alternative etiologies so as to ensure confidence in diagnosis, management, subsequent risk assessment, and counseling for patients. Unfortunately, no cure exists for rPSC; however, future large-scale efforts are underway to better characterize the natural history of rPSC and its associated risk factors with hopes of identifying potential key targets for novel therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristel K Leung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maya Deeb
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra E Fischer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aliya Gulamhusein
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gül-Klein S, Hegermann H, Röhle R, Schmelzle M, Tacke F, Schöning W, Öllinger R, Dziodzio T, Maier P, Plewe JM, Horst D, Sauer IM, Pratschke J, Lachmann N, Eurich D. Donor-Specific Antibodies Against Donor Human Leukocyte Antigen are Associated with Graft Inflammation but Not with Fibrosis Long-Term After Liver Transplantation: An Analysis of Protocol Biopsies. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2697-2712. [PMID: 34188517 PMCID: PMC8236257 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s307778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) against donor human leukocyte antigen after liver transplantation, which are associated with histological changes, have been widely studied with respect to their sustained impact on transplant function. However, their long-term impact after liver transplantation remains unclear. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis from June 2016 to July 2017 that included all patients who presented themselves for scheduled follow-up after receiving a liver transplantation between September 1989 and December 2016. In addition to a liver protocol biopsy, patients were screened for human leukocyte antigen antibodies (HLAab) and donor-specific antibodies. Subsequently, the association between human leukocyte antigen antibodies, donor-specific antibodies, histologic and clinical features, and immunosuppression was analyzed. Results Analysis for human leukocyte antigen antibodies and donor-specific antibodies against donor human leukocyte antigen was performed for 291 and 271 patients. A significant association between higher inflammation grades and the presence of human leukocyte antigen antibodies and donor-specific antibodies was detected, while fibrosis stages remained unaffected. These results were confirmed by multivariate logistic regression for inflammation showing a significant increase for presence of human leukocyte antigen antibodies and donor-specific antibodies (OR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.67–12.6; p=0.0035). Furthermore, the use of everolimus in combination with tacrolimus was significantly associated with the status of negative human leukocyte antigen antibodies and donor-specific antibodies. Viral etiology for liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and higher steatosis grades of the graft were significantly associated with a lower rate of human leukocyte antigen antibodies. The impact of human leukocyte antigen antibodies and donor-specific antibodies against donor human leukocyte antigen was associated with higher levels of laboratory parameters, such as transaminases and bilirubin. Conclusion Donor-specific antibodies against donor human leukocyte antigen are associated with histological and biochemical graft inflammation after liver transplantation, while fibrosis seems to be unaffected. Future studies should validate these findings for longer observation periods and specific subgroups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Safak Gül-Klein
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henriette Hegermann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Röhle
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Coordinating Center for Clinical Studies, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Moritz Schmelzle
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Schöning
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Öllinger
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomasz Dziodzio
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Maier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julius M Plewe
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Igor Maximilian Sauer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils Lachmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, HLA Laboratory, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis Eurich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sultani B, Marget M, Briem-Richter A, Herrmann J, Meisner S, Grabhorn EF, Ozga AK, Weidemann S, Herden U, Fischer L, Sterneck M. Presence of donor specific HLA class 2 antibodies (DSA class 2) is associated with development of graft fibrosis more than 10 years after liver transplantation-a retrospective single center study. Clin Transplant 2021; 35:e14336. [PMID: 33949011 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Here the impact of donor specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class 2 antibodies (DSA cl 2) on long term outcome after liver transplantation (LT) was investigated. Altogether 156 (44 pediatric and 112 adult) LT recipients were included in the study. Graft fibrosis was assessed by liver elastography and biopsy. DSA cl 2 were determined by Luminex technology. 46% of LT recipients were positive for DSA cl 2 after a median follow-up of 15 years. In the multivariate analysis DSA cl 2 were significantly associated with immunosuppressive monotherapy (OR 5.42; 95% CI: 1.02-28.90; p = .048). Compared to DSA cl 2 negative patients, positive recipients had significantly more graft fibrosis based on the liver stiffness (mean 9.4 ± 9.0 kPa vs. 6.5 ± 6.3 kPa; p < .002) and fibrosis stages determined by liver elastography (p = .016) and the performed liver biopsies (p = .002). Also, a significantly higher incidence of chronic rejections (11% vs. 2%; p = .045) and graft losses (6% vs. 0%; p = .043) were found. In the multivariate regression analysis DSA cl 2 were significantly associated with graft fibrosis (OR 4.57; 95% CI 1.59-13.10; p = .005). So, these data suggest that development of DSA cl 2 occurs more often with immunosuppressive monotherapy and may ultimately result in chronic rejection and graft fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bejan Sultani
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Marget
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Briem-Richter
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Herrmann
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Meisner
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Enke Freya Grabhorn
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Ozga
- Insitute of Medical Biometry, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sören Weidemann
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uta Herden
- Department of Visceral Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Fischer
- Department of Visceral Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Sterneck
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xu Q, McAlister VC, House AA, Molinari M, Leckie S, Zeevi A. Autoantibodies to LG3 are associated with poor long-term survival after liver retransplantation. Clin Transplant 2021; 35:e14318. [PMID: 33871888 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autoantibodies are detrimental to the survival of organ transplantation. We demonstrated that Angiotensin II Type I Receptor agonistic autoantibodies (AT1R-AA) were associated with poor outcomes after liver retransplantation. To examine the effect of other autoantibodies, we studied a retrospective cohort of 93 patients who received a second liver transplant. Pre-retransplant sera were tested with Luminex-based solid-phase assays. Among 33 tested autoantibodies, 15 were significantly higher in 48 patients who lost their regrafts than 45 patients whose regrafts were still functioning. Specifically, patients with autoantibodies to the C-terminal laminin-like globular domain of Perlecan (LG3) experienced significantly worse regraft survival (p = .002) than those with negative LG3 autoantibodies (LG3-A). In multivariate analysis, LG3-A (HR = 2.35 [1.11-4.98], p = .027) and AT1R-AA (HR = 2.09 [1.07-4.10], p = .032) remained significant predictors of regraft loss after adjusting for recipient age and sex. There were synergistic deleterious effects on regraft survival in patients who were double-positive for LG3-A and donor-specific antibody (DSA) (HR = 5.26 [2.15-12.88], p = .001), or LG3-A and AT1R-AA (HR = 3.23 [1.37-7.66], p = .008). All six double-positive patients lost their liver regrafts. In conclusion, LG3-A is associated with inferior long-term outcomes of a second liver transplant. Screening anti-HLA antibodies and autoantibodies such as LG3-A/AT1R-AA identifies patients with a higher risk for liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyong Xu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vivian C McAlister
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew A House
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michele Molinari
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steve Leckie
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, London Health Science Center, London, ON, Canada
| | - Adriana Zeevi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Magro B, Tacelli M, Mazzola A, Conti F, Celsa C. Biliary complications after liver transplantation: current perspectives and future strategies. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2021; 10:76-92. [PMID: 33575291 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.09.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Importance Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease and with acute liver failure, and it is associated with excellent outcomes and survival rates at 1 and 5 years. The incidence of biliary complications (BCs) after LT is reported to range from 5% to 20%, most of them occurring in the first three months, although they can occur also several years after transplantation. Objective The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidences on pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and therapeutic management of BCs after LT. Evidence Review a literature review was performed of papers on this topic focusing on risk factors, classifications, diagnosis and treatment. Findings Principal risk factors include surgical techniques and donor's characteristics for biliary leakage and anastomotic biliary strictures and vascular alterations for non- anastomotic biliary strictures. MRCP is the gold standard both for intra- and extrahepatic BCs, while invasive cholangiography should be restricted for therapeutic uses or when MRCP is equivocal. About treatment, endoscopic techniques are the first line of treatment with success rates of 70-100%. The combined success rate of ERCP and PTBD overcome 90% of cases. Biliary leaks often resolve spontaneously, or with the positioning of a stent in ERCP for major bile leaks. Conclusions and Relevance BCs influence morbidity and mortality after LT, therefore further evidences are needed to identify novel possible risk factors, to understand if an immunological status that could lead to their development exists and to compare the effectiveness of innovative surgical and machine perfusion techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Magro
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Matteo Tacelli
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mazzola
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpétrière, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Beyzaei Z, Geramizadeh B, Bagheri Z, Karimzadeh S, Shojazadeh A. De Novo Donor Specific Antibody and Long-Term Outcome After Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:613128. [PMID: 33424868 PMCID: PMC7786049 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.613128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of de novo anti-HLA donor-specific alloantibodies (DSA) which develop after long-term liver transplantation (LT) remains controversial and unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of de novo DSAs on the outcome in LT. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published until Dec 31, 2019, that reported de novo DSA outcome data (≥1 year of follow-up) after liver transplant. A literature search in the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases was performed. Results Of 5,325 studies identified, 15 fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The studies which reported 2016 liver transplant recipients with de novo DSAs showed an increased complication risk, i.e. graft loss and chronic rejection (OR 3.61; 95% CI 1.94-6.71, P < 0.001; I2 58.19%), and allograft rejection alone (OR 6.43; 95% CI: 3.17-13.04; P < 0.001; I2 49.77%); they were compared to patients without de novo DSAs. The association between de novo DSAs and overall outcome failure was consistent across all subgroups and sensitivity analysis. Conclusions Our study suggested that de novo DSAs had a significant deleterious impact on the liver transplant risk of rejection. The routine detection of de novo DSAs may be beneficial as noninvasive biomarker-guided risk stratification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Beyzaei
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bita Geramizadeh
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Bagheri
- Department of Biostatistics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Karimzadeh
- Shiraz Medical School Library, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alireza Shojazadeh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Donor-specific antibodies in liver transplantation: challenges in diagnosis and determining clinical impact. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2020; 25:549-554. [PMID: 33105198 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Our understanding of the clinical impact of donor-specific antibodies in liver transplant recipients has evolved in recent years as outcomes for liver allografts have improved and advances in diagnostic testing have made recognition of antibody mediated rejection in transplant patients more sensitive. RECENT FINDINGS Two main types of donor-specific antibodies - preformed and de novo - have been reported in the literature to have a negative impact on graft survival, and researchers have been able to further identify subclasses of class II donor-specific antibodies as being the most clinically impactful. Furthermore, there is evidence that donor-specific antibody formation can augment cellular rejection in liver grafts and lead to worsened clinical outcomes. Recent data have shown a higher prevalence of donor-specific antibody formation than previously reported. SUMMARY This review explores the most recent literature regarding the clinical impact of both preformed and de-novo donor-specific antibodies and potential management guidelines for patients undergoing liver transplantation. The best practice guidelines for undergoing monitoring for donor-specific antibody formation and protocol biopsies in sensitized patients will depend on further multiinstitutional studies.
Collapse
|
11
|
Kohut TJ, Barandiaran JF, Keating BJ. Genomics and Liver Transplantation: Genomic Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Acute Cellular Rejection. Liver Transpl 2020; 26:1337-1350. [PMID: 32506790 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a common complication in liver transplantation recipients (LTRs), especially within the first 12 months, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Although abnormalities in standard liver biochemistries may raise the clinical suspicion for ACR, it lacks specificity, and invasive liver biopsies, which are associated with numerous risks, are required for definitive diagnoses. Biomarker discovery for minimally invasive tools for diagnosis and prognostication of ACR after liver transplantation (LT) has become a rapidly evolving field of research with a recent shift in focus to omics-based biomarker discovery. Although none are yet ready to replace the standard of care, there are several promising minimally invasive, blood-derived biomarkers that are under intensive research for the diagnosis of ACR in LTRs. These omics-based biomarkers, encompassing DNA, RNA, proteins, and metabolites, hold tremendous potential. Some are likely to become integrated into ACR diagnostic algorithms to assist clinical decision making with a high degree of accuracy that is cost-effective and reduces or even obviates the need for an invasive liver biopsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taisa J Kohut
- Penn Transplant Institute, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jose F Barandiaran
- Department of General Surgery, Main Line Health System, Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, PA
| | - Brendan J Keating
- Penn Transplant Institute, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
DSA Are Associated With More Graft Injury, More Fibrosis, and Upregulation of Rejection-associated Transcripts in Subclinical Rejection. Transplantation 2020; 104:551-561. [PMID: 31651790 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subclinical T cell-mediated rejection (subTCMR) is commonly found after liver transplantation and has a good short-term prognosis, even when it is left untreated. Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) are putatively associated with a worse prognosis for recipient and graft after liver transplantation. METHODS To assess the immune regulation in subTCMR grafts, gene expression of 93 transcripts for graft injury, tolerance, and immune regulation was analyzed in 77 biopsies with "no histologic rejection" (NHR; n = 25), "clinical TCMR" (cTMCR; n = 16), and subTCMR (n = 36). In addition, all available subTCMR biopsies (n = 71) were tested for DSA with bead assays. RESULTS SubTCMR showed heterogeneous and intermediate expression profiles of transcripts that were upregulated in cTCMR. Graft gene expression suggested a lower activation of effector lymphocytes and a higher activation of regulatory T cells in grafts with subTCMR compared to cTCMR. DSA positivity in subTCMR was associated with histological evidence of more severe graft inflammation and fibrosis. This more severe DSA+ associated graft injury in subTCMR was converged with an upregulation of cTCMR-associated transcripts. In nonsupervised analysis, DSA positive subTCMR mostly clustered together with cTCMR, while DSA negative subTCMR clustered together with NHR. CONCLUSIONS T cell-mediated rejection seems to form a continuum of alloimmune activation. Although subTCMR exhibited less expression of TCMR-associated transcript, DSA positivity in subTCMR was associated with an upregulation of rejection-associated transcripts. The identification of DSA positive subclinical rejection might help to define patients with more inflammation in the graft and development of fibrosis.
Collapse
|
13
|
Höfer A, Jonigk D, Hartleben B, Verboom M, Hallensleben M, Manns MP, Jaeckel E, Taubert R. Non-invasive screening for subclinical liver graft injury in adults via donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14242. [PMID: 32859929 PMCID: PMC7455737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70938-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of liver grafts exhibit abnormal histological findings late after transplantation, even when liver enzymes are normal. Such subclinical graft injuries were associated with rejection and fibrosis progression in recent studies. The identification of non-invasive biomarkers for subclinical graft injury might help to individualize immunosuppression. Therefore, graft injury was assessed in 133 liver biopsies with normal/near normal liver enzymes from a prospective liver biopsy program. Cytokeratin-18 cell death marker (M65) and donor specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) were measured as non-invasive markers in paired plasma samples in addition to routine parameters. M65 was associated with subclinical graft injury but this association was too weak for reasonable clinical application. DSA positivity was associated with more graft inflammation (OR = 5.4) and more fibrosis (OR = 4.2). Absence of DSA excluded fibrosis in 87–89%, while presence of DSA excluded histological criteria for immunosuppression minimization attempts in 92–97%. While CK18 cell death marker had no diagnostic value for the detection of subclinical liver graft injury, DSA testing can help to preselect patients for immunosuppression reduction in case of DSA negativity, while DSA positivity should prompt elastography or liver biopsy for the assessment of subclinical graft injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Höfer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network On Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany
| | - Danny Jonigk
- Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Björn Hartleben
- Institute for Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Murielle Verboom
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Hallensleben
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network On Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,European Reference Network On Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany
| | - Richard Taubert
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. .,European Reference Network On Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wozniak LJ, Venick RS. Donor-specific antibodies following liver and intestinal transplantation: Clinical significance, pathogenesis and recommendations. Int Rev Immunol 2019; 38:106-117. [DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2019.1630404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Wozniak
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert S. Venick
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Q, Shrum B, Leckie S, Skaro A, McAlister VC. The impact of alloantibodies directed against the second donor on long-term outcomes of repeat liver transplantation. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2019; 8:246-252. [PMID: 31245404 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.01.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite reports that associate donor specific antibody (DSA) with rejection after liver transplantation, grafts are still allocated according to blood group (ABO) but not human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility, possibly due to the absence of an easily discernible clinical association between adverse recipient outcome and DSA. Re-transplantation provides a test environment where the presence of preformed DSA is prevalent and its effect on outcome should be apparent. Methods All patients undergoing a second liver transplantation with available pre-operative serum were included with the exception of ABO incompatible or multiple organ transplants. Banked sera were tested for anti-HLA antibodies with Luminex-based solid phase assays. Anti-HLA antibodies to the second donor (D2SA) were determined using antibodies specificity and HLA typing of 2nd liver donor. Results Preformed HLA antibodies directed to second liver transplantation (D2SA) were found in 31 (39%) of the 79 patients that were included in the study. Primary and re-transplantation characteristics were similar in both subgroups except first graft survival which was significantly shorter in recipients who are negative for D2SA. Mean survival of the second graft was similar in D2SA+ and D2SA- cohorts [8.55 (range, 0.01-24.74) vs. 7.56 (range, 0-23.53) years respectively, P=0.574]. Mean patient survival after 2nd liver transplantation was similar in D2SA+ and D2SA- cohorts [9.11 (range, 0.01-24.74) vs. 8.10 (range, 0-23.53) years respectively, P=0.504]. Subgroup univariate analysis demonstrated no detrimental effect of class, locus, or strength of D2SA on survival of the second liver transplant. In multivariate cox regression model, neither class I D2DSA (HR =1.101, P=0.92) nor class II D2SA (HR =1.74, P=0.359) were significant risks of graft failure. Conclusions Presence of D2SA was not found to be associated with inferior outcomes in this retrospective cohort study of liver re-transplantation suggesting that changes to the allocation system are not required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyong Xu
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brad Shrum
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Steve Leckie
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Anton Skaro
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vivian C McAlister
- Department of Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jucaud V, Shaked A, DesMarais M, Sayre P, Feng S, Levitsky J, Everly MJ. Prevalence and Impact of De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies During a Multicenter Immunosuppression Withdrawal Trial in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients. Hepatology 2019; 69:1273-1286. [PMID: 30229989 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The development of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor-specific antibody/antibodies (DSA) is not well described in liver transplant (LT) patients undergoing immunosuppression (IS) withdrawal protocols despite the allograft risk associated with de novo DSA (dnDSA). We analyzed the development of dnDSA in 69 LT patients who received calcineurin inhibitor monotherapy and were enrolled in the ITN030ST study. Of these 69 patients, 40 stable patients were randomized to IS maintenance (n = 9) or IS minimization (n = 31). Nine of the 31 IS minimization patients achieved complete withdrawal and were free of IS. Among patients who achieved stable IS monotherapy 1 year after transplantation, the prevalence of dnDSA was 18.8%. Acute rejections and the biopsy-proven findings disqualifying patients from IS withdrawal attempt were factors associated with dnDSA development (P = 0.011 and P = 0.041, respectively). Among randomized patients, dnDSA prevalence was 51.7% after IS minimization and 66.7% in IS-free patients. dnDSA prevalence in patients on IS maintenance was 44.4%. dnDSA development during IS minimization was a risk factor for acute rejection (P = 0.015). The majority of dnDSA were against HLA-DQ antigens (78.7%). Conclusion. During the first year following transplantation, acute rejections increase the risk of developing dnDSA, so dnDSA positivity should be considered for IS withdrawal eligibility; during IS minimization, dnDSA development was associated with acute rejection, which prevented further IS withdrawal attempts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Sayre
- Immune Tolerance Network, San Francisco, CA.,University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sandy Feng
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Koch M, Marget M, Sterneck M, Fischer L, Thude H, Nashan B. Limited impact of pre-existing donor specific HLA-antibodies (DSA) on long term allograft survival after first adult liver transplantation. Hum Immunol 2018; 79:545-549. [PMID: 29669260 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The relevance of pre-existing HLA-antibodies (HLA-Ab) in liver transplantation (LTx) is controversial. While livers are allocated without HLA match or preoperative crossmatch testing, several studies point to an impact of donor specific antibodies (DSA) for acute rejection, bile duct complications or even graft loss. To investigate the role of DSA in long term liver allograft survival we analysed 177 pre transplant sera of first LTx patients with Luminex single antigen technology defining a MFI of >1500 as positive. The analyses were done retrospectively, and the DSA results had no impact on graft acceptance or patients' therapy. Three year follow up was available for all patients. 77% of our patients had any HLA-Ab pre transplantation, 55 patients were transplanted with DSA by chance. Acute rejections or ischemic type bile duct lesions (ITBL) were not higher in the DSA group, but ITBL was associated with a higher donor age. There was no difference in long term graft function or survival in patients without HLA-Ab, with non DSA or with DSA (p = 0.712). We suggest that determination of pre-existing DSA in first LTx recipients is not appropriate and we conclude that pre-existing DSA in first LTx patients are not a contraindication for liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Koch
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Marget
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, HLA Laboratory, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martina Sterneck
- I. Medical Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lutz Fischer
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Thude
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Björn Nashan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|