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Ninh KV, Do DH, Nguyen TD, Tran PH, Hoang T, Le DT, Nguyen NQ. Outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: Experiences from a Vietnamese center. Ann Hepatobiliary Pancreat Surg 2024; 28:34-41. [PMID: 38193614 PMCID: PMC10896682 DOI: 10.14701/ahbps.23-072] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds/Aims Liver transplantation (LT) provides a favorable outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and was launched in Vietnam in 2004. In this study, we evaluated the short-term and long-term outcomes of LT and its risk factors. Methods This retrospective study analyzed HCC patients who underwent LT at Viet Duc University hospital, Vietnam, from 01/2012-03/2022. The following data were gathered: demographics, virus infection, tumor characteristics, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, Child-Pugh and MELD scores, selection criteria, type of LT, complications, 30-day mortality, and disease-free and overall survival (DFS and OS). Results Fifty four patients were included, the mean age was 55.39 ± 8.46 years. Nearly 90% had hepatitis B virus-related HCC. The median (interquartile range) AFP level was 16.2 (88.7) ng/mL. The average MELD score was 10.57 ± 5.95; the rate of Child-Pugh A and B were 70.4% and 18.5%, respectively. Nearly 40% of the patients were within Milan criteria, brain-dead donor was 83.3%. Hepatic and portal vein thrombosis occurred in 0% and 1.9%, respectively; hepatic artery thrombosis 1.9%, biliary leakage 5.6%, and postoperative hemorrhage 3.7%. Ninety-day mortality was 5.6%. Five-year DFS and OS were 79.3% and 81.4%, respectively. MELD score and Child-Pugh score were predictive factors for DFS and OS (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, Child-Pugh score was the only significant factor (p < 0.05). Conclusions In Vietnam, LT is an effective therapy for HCC with an acceptable complication rate, mortality rate, and good survival outcomes, and should be further encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khai Viet Ninh
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dang Hai Do
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trung Duc Nguyen
- Department of General Surgery, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Ha Tran
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tuan Hoang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dung Thanh Le
- Medical Imaging & Nuclear Medicine Center, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nghia Quang Nguyen
- Organ Transplantation Center, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Vo HD, Mackie F, McCulloch M, Reding R. International pediatric transplant association (IPTA) guidance on developing and/or expanding pediatric solid organ transplantation programs in low- and middle-income countries. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14346. [PMID: 36468319 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT) is a preferred treatment for medically suitable children with end-stage organ failure. Still, many of them have no access to transplantation owing to socioeconomic constraints or lack of transplant facilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Establishing pediatric SOT programs in LMIC offers children the opportunities to receive transplant care in more familiar home environments as well as help curtail transplant tourism and improve transplant outcomes as pediatric transplantation would be performed ethically and legally. The International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) is a professional organization aiming to promote safe, ethical, and high-quality pediatric transplantation worldwide. This society paper describes major obstacles to pediatric SOT in LMIC and provides guidance on developing and/or expanding pediatric SOT programs in such countries. We also summarize available resources from the IPTA Outreach Program to help establish and support pediatric SOT programs in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh D Vo
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Fiona Mackie
- Paediatric Nephrology, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mignon McCulloch
- Pediatric Renal and Solid Organ Transplant Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Raymond Reding
- Pediatric Liver Transplant Program, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Tran TT, Ho PD, Luu NAT, Truong TYN, Nguyen HVK, Bui HT, Pham NT, Tran DA, Pirotte T, Gurevich M, Reding R. Implementing living-donor pediatric liver transplantation in Southern Vietnam: 15-year results and perspectives. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14441. [PMID: 37294691 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ND2 in Ho Chi Minh City is currently the only public center that performs PLT in Southern Vietnam. In 2005, the first PLT was successfully performed, with support from Belgian experts. This study reviews the implementation of PLT at our center and evaluates the results and challenges. METHODS Implementation of PLT at ND2 required medico-surgical team building and extensive improvement of hospital facilities. Records of 13 transplant recipients from 2005 to 2020 were studied retrospectively. Short- and long-term complications, as well as the survival rates, were reported. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 8.3 ± 5.7 years. Surgical complications included one case of hepatic artery thrombosis that was successfully repaired, one case of colon perforation resulting in death from sepsis, and two cases of bile leak that were drained surgically. PTLD was observed in five patients, of whom three died. There were no cases of retransplantation. The 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year patient survival rates were 84.6%, 69.2%, and 69.2%, respectively. There were no cases of complication or death among the donors. CONCLUSION Living-donor PLT was developed at ND2 for providing a life-saving treatment to children with end-stage liver disease. Early surgical complication rate was low, and the patient survival rate was satisfactory at 1 year. Long-term survival decreased considerably due to PTLD. Future challenges include surgical autonomy and improvement of long-term medical follow-up with a particular emphasis on prevention and management of Epstein-Barr virus-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Tri Tran
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases and Liver Transplant, Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phi Duy Ho
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases and Liver Transplant, Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen An Thuan Luu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases and Liver Transplant, Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Yen Nhi Truong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases and Liver Transplant, Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hong Van Khanh Nguyen
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases and Liver Transplant, Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hai Trung Bui
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases and Liver Transplant, Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Dong A Tran
- Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thierry Pirotte
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael Gurevich
- Department of Surgery, Schneider's Children Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Raymond Reding
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Transplantation, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Rodriguez-Davalos MI, Lopez-Verdugo F, Kasahara M, Muiesan P, Reddy MS, Flores-Huidobro Martinez A, Xia Q, Hong JC, Niemann CU, Seda-Neto J, Miloh TA, Yi NJ, Mazariegos GV, Ng VL, Esquivel CO, Lerut J, Rela M. International Liver Transplantation Society Global Census: First Look at Pediatric Liver Transplantation Activity Around the World. Transplantation 2023; 107:2087-2097. [PMID: 37750781 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 16 000 children under the age of 15 died worldwide in 2017 because of liver disease. Pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) is currently the standard of care for these patients. The aim of this study is to describe global PLT activity and identify variations between regions. METHODS A survey was conducted from May 2018 to August 2019 to determine the current state of PLT. Transplant centers were categorized into quintile categories according to the year they performed their first PLT. Countries were classified according to gross national income per capita. RESULTS One hundred eight programs from 38 countries were included (68% response rate). 10 619 PLTs were performed within the last 5 y. High-income countries performed 4992 (46.4%) PLT, followed by upper-middle- (4704 [44·3%]) and lower-middle (993 [9·4%])-income countries. The most frequently used type of grafts worldwide are living donor grafts. A higher proportion of lower-middle-income countries (68·7%) performed ≥25 living donor liver transplants over the last 5 y compared to high-income countries (36%; P = 0.019). A greater proportion of programs from high-income countries have performed ≥25 whole liver transplants (52.4% versus 6.2%; P = 0.001) and ≥25 split/reduced liver transplants (53.2% versus 6.2%; P < 0.001) compared to lower-middle-income countries. CONCLUSIONS This study represents, to our knowledge, the most geographically comprehensive report on PLT activity and a first step toward global collaboration and data sharing for the greater good of children with liver disease; it is imperative that these centers share the lead in PLT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel I Rodriguez-Davalos
- Liver Transplant Unit, Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Fidel Lopez-Verdugo
- Liver Transplant Unit, Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- School of Medicine, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mureo Kasahara
- Organ Transplantation Center, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paolo Muiesan
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mettu S Reddy
- The Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, and Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
| | - Angel Flores-Huidobro Martinez
- Liver Transplant Unit, Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital and the Center for Global Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- School of Medicine, Universidad Anahuac, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Renji Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Johnny C Hong
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Claus U Niemann
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Joao Seda-Neto
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Hospital Sirio-Libanes, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tamir A Miloh
- Miami Transplant Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - George V Mazariegos
- Hillman Center for Pediatric Transplantation, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Vicky L Ng
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, and Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Center, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carlos O Esquivel
- Department of Abdominal Transplantation, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jan Lerut
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Rela
- The Institute of Liver Disease and Transplantation, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, and Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, India
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Muncner S, Dell AJ, Mwita C, Bigam D, Saleh A. Examining need and capacity for the development of a pediatric liver transplantation program in Kenya. Pediatr Transplant 2023; 27:e14462. [PMID: 36604852 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14462] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Africa, pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) is currently only performed in Egypt and South Africa, leaving those who require treatment in Kenya to travel abroad. The aim of this study was to determine whether sufficient capacity and need exists in Kenya to establish a safe and sustainable PLT program. METHODS A descriptive analysis of the intensive care unit (ICU) beds, surgical workforce, current hepatobiliary volume, and estimated prevalence of pediatric liver disease (PLD) was conducted across 17 hospitals in Kenya between July and September 2020. Data were collected from medical superintendents, directors of surgical departments, or nominated proxies at Kenyan Level 5 and 6 hospitals via a web-based survey. RESULTS A total of 165 ICU beds were reported at 17 facilities, with 15 facilities reporting five or more beds. About 39% of general surgeons at responding hospitals performed hepatobiliary procedures, and 30% performed pediatric surgeries. Only 10% of surgeons had pediatric training. Over half (57%) of hospitals performed hepatobiliary procedures; at the maximum, 1-5 cases were performed per week including cholecystectomy to Kasai portoenterostomy and hepatectomy. Across 13 hospitals, there were an estimated 192-570 cases of PLD seen per month. The most common PLDs were hepatitis B, neonatal hepatitis, cirrhosis, and acute hepatic failure. Overall, two hospitals possessed the minimum workforce and resources to attempt PLT. CONCLUSIONS In Kenya, ICU bed availability, pediatric surgical training, and hepatobiliary volume are limited. However, the high prevalence of PLD demonstrated a significant need for PLT across all Kenyan hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Muncner
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Angela J Dell
- Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town Health Sciences Faculty, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Clifford Mwita
- Afya Research Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Surgery, Gatundu Level 5 Hospital, Gatundu, Kenya
| | - David Bigam
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abdullah Saleh
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Office of Global Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Study protocol of Phase 2 open-label multicenter randomized controlled trial for granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) in post-Kasai Type 3 biliary atresia. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:1019-1030. [PMID: 35391541 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05115-0] [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] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies support RCT findings of improved liver function and short-term benefits using repurposed Granulocyte Colonic Stimulating Factor GCSF in adults with decompensated cirrhosis. We describe the protocol for phase 2 RCT of sequential Kasai-GCSF under an FDA-approved IND to test that GCSF improves early bile flow and post-Kasai biliary atresia BA clinical outcome. Immediate post-Kasai neonates, age 15-180 days, with biopsy-confirmed type 3 BA, without access to early liver transplantation, will be randomized 1:1 to standard of care SOC + GCSF at 10 ug/kg in 3 daily doses within 4 days of Kasai vs SOC + NO-GCSF (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0437391). They will be recruited from children's hospitals in Vietnam, Pakistan and one US center. The primary objective is to demonstrate that GCSF decreases the proportion of subjects with a 3-month post-Kasai serum Total Bilirubin ≥ 34 umol/L by 20%, (for a = 0.05, b = 0.80, i.e., calculated sample size of 218 subjects). The secondary objectives are to demonstrate that the frequency of post-Kasai cholangitis at 6-month and 24-month transplant-free survival are improved. The benefits are that GCSF is an affordable BA adjunct therapy, especially in developing countries, to improve biliary complications, enhance quality of liver and survival while diminishing costly liver transplantation.Clinical trial registration: A phase 1 for GCSF dose and safety determination under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03395028 was completed in 2019. The current Phase 2 trial was registered under NCT04373941.
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George M, Thomas G, Karpelowsky J. Pediatric transplantation: An international perspective. Semin Pediatr Surg 2022; 31:151192. [PMID: 35725047 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2022.151192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The international practice of transplant in the pediatric population is heterogenous. Global trends in pediatric transplant activity are increasing, with diffusion of transplant activities into developing and emerging economies. There have been impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic which have in the earlier part of the pandemic caused a decrease in the number of transplants. While deceased donor programs are well established in advanced economies, emerging and developing countries rely heavily on live donor programs. Prioritization of organs for children exists in different forms throughout the world. Pediatric transplantation as a sub-specialty is young but growing around the world with a need to train surgeons and physicians in this discipline. Outreach efforts with multi-national and multi-institutional partnerships have enabled resource poor countries to establish new transplant programs for children. Further international collaboration, good quality data collection and audit, prospective research and ongoing mentorship and education are needed to further improve outcomes of all children receiving solid organ transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew George
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Gordon Thomas
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karpelowsky
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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Holterman A, Nguyen HPA, Nadler E, Vu GH, Mohan P, Vu M, Trinh TT, Bui HTT, Nguyen BT, Quynh AT, Pham HD. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor GCSF mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells in Kasai patients with biliary atresia in a phase 1 study and improves short term outcome. J Pediatr Surg 2021; 56:1179-1185. [PMID: 33965236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS In RCT of adults with decompensated cirrhosis, GCSF mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells HSC and improves short-term outcome. An FDA-IND for sequential Kasai-GCSF treatment in biliary atresia BA was approved. This phase 1 study examines GCSF safety in Kasai subjects. Preliminary short-term outcome was evaluated. METHODS GCSF (Neupogen) at 5 or 10 μg/kg (n = 3/group) was given in 3 daily doses starting on day 3 of Kasai surgery (NCT03395028). Serum CD34+ HSC cell counts, and 1-month of GCSF-related adverse events were monitored. The 6-months Phase 1 clinical outcome was compared against 10 subsequent post Phase 1 Kasai patients who did not receive GCSF. RESULTS With GCSF, WBC and platelet count transiently increased, LFT and serum creatinine remained stable. Reversible splenic enlargement (by 8.5-20%) occurred in 5/6 subjects. HSC count increased 12-fold and 17.5-fold for the 5 μg/kg and10 ug/kg dose respectively; with respective median total bilirubin levels for GCSF vs no-GCSF groups of 55 vs 91 μM at 1 month, p = 0.05; 15 vs 37 μM at 3 months, p = 0.24); and the 6-months cholangitis frequency of 40% vs 90%, p = 0.077. CONCLUSIONS GCSF safely mobilizes HSC in Kasai infants and may improve short-term biliary drainage and cholangitis. Phase 2 efficacy outcome of GCSF adjunct therapy for sequential Kasai and GCSF is pending.
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Affiliation(s)
- AiXuan Holterman
- Department of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | | | - Evan Nadler
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C, United States
| | - Giap H Vu
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Parvathi Mohan
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C, United States
| | - Megan Vu
- Baylor College of Medicine Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, United States
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Abstract
Abdominal solid-organ transplantation has revolutionized the life of children with end-stage organ failure. The international practice of transplant in the pediatric population is heterogeneous. Global trends in pediatric transplant activity are increasing, with diffusion of transplant activities into developing and emerging economies. The organization of deceased donor programs varies internationally (with strong association to a country's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and health spending). While deceased donor programs are well established in advanced economies, emerging and developing countries rely heavily on living donor programs. There are efforts underway to increase availability of pediatric and neonatal donor organs. Prioritization of organs for children exists in different forms throughout the world. Pediatric transplantation as a subspecialty is young but growing around the world with a need to train surgeons and physicians in this discipline. Outreach efforts with multinational and multi-institutional partnerships have enabled resource poor countries to establish new transplant programs for children. Further international collaboration, good quality data collection and audit, prospective research and ongoing mentorship, and education are needed to further improve outcomes of all children receiving solid-organ transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Collin
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karpelowsky
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Children's Cancer Research Unit, Kids Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Division of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gordon Thomas
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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