Association of thrombocytopenia with outcome following adult living donor liver transplantation

Patient Selection for Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure

Background and objectives

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is associated with high short-term mortality without liver transplantation (LT). The selection criteria for LT in these patients are not well defined. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with post-transplant survival in ACLF.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for ACLF between 2012 and 2022. Out of 1093 transplants, 110 patients had underlying ACLF, based on the European Association for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure Consortium (EASL-CLIF) criteria. We looked at factors associated with 1-year posttransplant survival.

Results

The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 33.5 (31-38), and the 1-year posttransplant survival was 72%. Six risk factors were associated with posttransplant survival, namely, body mass index > 30 kg/m2 [HR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.8-10.7], platelet count < 66,000/μl [HR, 2.91; CI,1.2-6.6], poor response to medical treatment [HR, 2.6; CI, 1.1-5.7], drug-resistant bacterial or fungal cultures [HR, 4.2; CI, 1.4-12.4], serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dl [HR, 3.4; CI, 1.5-7.7], and graft-to-recipient weight ratio < 0.7 [HR, 4.8; CI, 1.4-16.3]. The 1-year post-transplant survival was 84% in patients with 0-2 risk factors (n = 89) and was 6% with 3 risk factors (n = 15) (P < 0.001). For 1-year posttransplant survival, the area under curve (AUC) for the current model was 0.8 (0.69-0.9). The AUC for CLIF-ACLF, Chronic Liver Failure-Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (CLIF-SOFA), and EASL-CLIF ACLF grades was < 0.5.

Conclusion

In LT for ACLF, acceptable survival can be achieved when less than three high-risk factors are present.

Temporary Portocaval Shunt Provides Superior Intraoperative Hemodynamics and Reduces Blood Loss and Duration of Surgery in Live Donor Liver Transplantation: A Randomized Control Trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, blood loss, renal function, and duration of surgery with and without temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) in live donor liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Secondary objectives were postoperative early graft dysfunction, morbidity, mortality, total intensive care unit, and hospital stay.

BACKGROUND

Blood loss during recipient hepatectomy for LT remains a major concern. Routine use of TPCS during LT is not yet elucidated.

METHODS

This study is a single-center, open-label, randomized control trial. The sample size was calculated based on intraoperative blood loss. After exclusion, a total of 60 patients, 30 in each arm (TPCS vs no TPCS) were recruited in the trial.

RESULTS

The baseline recipient and donor characteristics were comparable between the groups. The median intraoperative blood loss ( P = 0.004) and blood product transfusions ( P < 0.05) were significantly less in the TPCS group. The TPCS group had significantly improved intraoperative hemodynamics in the anhepatic phase as compared with the no TPCS group ( P < 0.0001), requiring significantly less vasopressor support. This led to significantly better renal function as evidenced by higher intraoperative urine output in the TPCS group ( P = 0.002). Because of technical simplicity, the TPCS group had significantly fewer inferior vena cava injuries (3.3 vs 26.7%, P = 0.026) and substantially shorter hepatectomy time and total duration of surgery (529.4 ± 35.54 vs 606.83 ± 48.13 min, P < 0.0001). The time taken for normalization of lactate in the immediate postoperative period was significantly shorter in the TPCS group (median, 6 vs 13 h; P = 0.04). Although postoperative endotoxemia, major morbidity, 90-day mortality, total intensive care unit, and hospital stay were comparable between both groups, tolerance to enteral feed was earlier in the TPCS group.

CONCLUSIONS

In live donor LT, TPCS is a simple and effective technique that provides superior intraoperative hemodynamics and reduces blood loss and duration of surgery.

Post Living Donor Liver Transplantation Small-for-size Syndrome: Definitions, Timelines, Biochemical, and Clinical Factors for Diagnosis: Guidelines From the ILTS-iLDLT-LTSI Consensus Conference

BACKGROUND

When a partial liver graft is unable to meet the demands of the recipient, a clinical phenomenon, small-for-size syndrome (SFSS), may ensue. Clear definition, diagnosis, and management are needed to optimize transplant outcomes.

METHODS

A Consensus Scientific committee (106 members from 21 countries) performed an extensive literature review on specific aspects of SFSS, recommendations underwent blinded review by an independent panel, and discussion/voting on the recommendations occurred at the Consensus Conference.

RESULTS

The ideal graft-to-recipient weight ratio of ≥0.8% (or graft volume standard liver volume ratio of ≥40%) is recommended. It is also recommended to measure portal pressure or portal blood flow during living donor liver transplantation and maintain a postreperfusion portal pressure of <15 mm Hg and/or portal blood flow of <250 mL/min/100 g graft weight to optimize outcomes. The typical time point to diagnose SFSS is the postoperative day 7 to facilitate treatment and intervention. An objective 3-grade stratification of severity for protocolized management of SFSS is proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed grading system based on clinical and biochemical factors will help clinicians in the early identification of patients at risk of developing SFSS and institute timely therapeutic measures. The validity of this newly created grading system should be evaluated in future prospective studies.

Lifestyle Optimization Leads to Superior Liver Regeneration in Live Liver Donors and Decreases Early Allograft Dysfunction in Recipients: A Randomized Control Trial

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the current randomized control trial was to assess the efficacy of donor lifestyle optimization on liver regeneration and outcome following live donor liver transplantation.

METHODS

Live liver donors (LLDs) who were fit with no or minimal steatosis were randomized to receive either a customized low-calorie diet with calorie intake equalling their basal requirement along with exercise for 2 weeks before surgery versus to continue their normal routine lifestyle. Primary objectives were the difference in the day of normalization of serum bilirubin and PT-International normalized ratio and the percentage growth of the liver at postoperative day 7 and 14. Secondary objectives were differences in intraoperative liver biopsy, liver-regeneration markers, blood loss, hospital stay, the complication rate in LLDs, and rates of early graft dysfunction (EGD) in recipients.

RESULTS

Sixty-two consecutive LLDs were randomized (28 in intervention vs. 34 in control). Baseline parameters and graft parameters were similar in both groups. LLDs in the intervention arm had significantly decreased calorie intake ( P <0.005), abdominal girth ( P <0.005), BMI ( P =0.05), and weight ( P <0.0005). The mean blood loss ( P =0.038), day of normalization of bilirubin ( P =0.005) and International normalized ratio ( P =0.061), postoperative peak aspartate transaminase ( P =0.003), Alanine transaminase ( P =0.025), and steatosis ( P <0.005) were significantly less in the intervention group. There was significantly higher volume regeneration ( P =0.03) in donors in the intervention arm. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were significantly higher, while the TGF-β level was lower in donors in the intervention group. The rate of EGD was significantly higher in recipients in the control group ( P =0.043).

CONCLUSION

Lifestyle optimization of LLD is simple to comply with, improves liver regeneration in LLDs, and decreases EGD in recipients, thus can enhance donor safety and outcomes in live donor liver transplantation.

Incidence and predictors of alcohol relapse following living donor liver transplantation for alcohol related liver disease

BACKGROUND

Alcohol relapse after liver transplantation has a negative impact on outcomes. There is limited data on its burden, the predictors, and impact following live donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

A single-center observational study was carried out between July 2011 and March 2021 for patients undergoing LDLT for alcohol associated liver disease (ALD). The incidence, predictors of alcohol relapse, and post-transplant outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Altogether 720 LDLT were performed during the study period, 203 (28.19%) for ALD. The overall relapse rate was 9.85% (n = 20) with a median follow-up of 52 months (range, 12-140 months). Sustained harmful alcohol use was seen in 4 (1.97%). On multivariate analysis, pre-LT relapse (P = .001), duration of abstinence period (P = .007), daily intake of alcohol (P = .001), absence of life partner (P = .021), concurrent tobacco abuse before transplant (P = .001), the donation from second-degree relative (P = .003) and poor compliance with medications (P = .001) were identified as predictors for relapse. Alcohol relapse was associated with the risk of graft rejection (HR 4.54, 95% CI: 1.751-11.80, P = .002).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the overall incidence of relapse and rate of harmful drinking following LDLT is low. Donation from spouse and first degree relative was protective. History of daily intake, prior relapse, shorter pretransplant abstinence duration and lack of family support significantly predicted relapse.

Low viscoelastic clot strength, platelet transfusions, and graft dysfunction are associated with persistent postoperative ascites following liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

High output, persistent ascites (PA) is a common complication following liver transplant (LT). Recent work has identified that platelets help maintain endothelial integrity and can decrease leakage in pathological states. We sought to assess the association of PA following LT with platelet count and platelet function.

METHODS

Clot strength (MA) is a measure of platelet function and was quantified using thrombelastography (TEG). Total drain output following surgery was recorded in 24-h intervals during the same time frame as TEG. PA was considered >1 L on POD7, as that much output prohibits drain removal.

RESULTS

105 LT recipients with moderate or high volume preoperative ascites were prospectively enrolled. PA occurred in 28%. Platelet transfusions before and after surgery were associated with PA, in addition to POD5 TEG MA and POD5 MELD score. Patients with PA had a longer hospital length of stay and an increased rate of intraabdominal infections.

CONCLUSION

Persistent ascites following liver transplant is relatively common and associated with platelet transfusions, low clot strength, and graft dysfunction.

Dualistic role of platelets in living donor liver transplantation: Are they harmful?

Platelets are anucleate fragments mainly involved in hemostasis and thrombosis, and there is emerging evidence that platelets have other nonhemostatic potentials in inflammation, angiogenesis, regeneration and ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R injury), which are involved in the physiological and pathological processes during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). LDLT is sometimes associated with impaired regeneration and severe I/R injury, leading to postoperative complications and decreased patient survival. Recent studies have suggested that perioperative thrombocytopenia is associated with poor graft regeneration and postoperative morbidity in the short and long term after LDLT. Although it is not fully understood whether thrombocytopenia is the cause or result, increasing platelet counts are frequently suggested to improve posttransplant outcomes in clinical studies. Based on rodent experiments, previous studies have identified that platelets stimulate liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. However, the role of platelets in LDLT is controversial, as platelets are supposed to aggravate I/R injury in the liver. Recently, a rat model of partial liver transplantation (LT) was used to demonstrate that thrombopoietin-induced thrombocytosis prior to surgery accelerated graft regeneration and improved the survival rate after transplantation. It was clarified that platelet-derived liver regeneration outweighed the associated risk of I/R injury after partial LT. Clinical strategies to increase perioperative platelet counts, such as thrombopoietin, thrombopoietin receptor agonist and platelet transfusion, may improve graft regeneration and survival after LDLT.

Successful Simultaneous Subtotal Splenectomy During Left Lobe Auxiliary Liver Transplantation for Portal Inflow Modulation and Severe Hypersplenism Correction: A Case Report

Adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation with small partial liver grafts often requires intraoperative portal inflow modulation to prevent portal hyperperfusion and subsequent small-for-size syndrome (SFSS). However, there are concerns about the specific morbidity of these modulation techniques. This study aims to lower post-perfusion portal venous pressure and correct severe hypersplenism in a patient with end-stage liver cirrhosis by simultaneous subtotal splenectomy during auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation (APOLT). A 29-year-old man was diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis and severe portal hypertension suffered recurrent acute variceal bleeding, severe thrombocytopenia, and massive ascites before admission to our hospital. After the recipient's left liver was resected, we performed APOLT using his 51-year-old father's left lobe graft with a graft-to-recipient weight ratio of 0.55%. Intraoperatively, simultaneous subtotal splenectomy was performed to lower graft post-perfusion portal vein pressure below 15 mmHg and correct severe hypersplenism-related pancytopenia. The recipient's postoperative hospital course was uneventful with no occurrence of SFSS and procedure-related complications. Platelet and leukocyte counts remained in the normal ranges postoperatively. The living donor was discharged 6 days after the operation and recovered well-with no complications. After a follow-up period of 35.3 months, both the recipient and donor live with good liver function and overall condition. This is the first case report of simultaneous subtotal splenectomy during APOLT using small-for-size living-donated left liver lobes, which is demonstrated to be a viable procedure for modulating portal inflow and correcting severe hypersplenism in selected adult patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis. APOLT using a small-for-size liver graft may be a safe and feasible treatment option for selected adult patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis.

Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio can Preempt Development of Sepsis After Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Development of sepsis is a major contributor to poor outcomes after liver transplant. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easily calculable inflammatory biomarker. We aim to utilize NLR to diagnose and predict the onset of sepsis in patients undergoing living donor liver transplants (LDLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of the perioperative course of 314 consecutive adult patients who underwent elective ABO compatible LDLT was done. Patients were divided into two cohorts; those who developed sepsis and a control group. Sepsis was defined by the combination of SIRS and clinical/radiological suspicion of infection. NLR was calculated by dividing the percentage of neutrophils by the percentage of lymphocytes in peripheral blood.

RESULTS

ostoperatively, 127 out of 314 patients (40.5%) having at least one episode of sepsis were included in the septic cohort and were compared to the 187 (59.5%) patients in the control group. Demographic and baseline characteristics, including NLR (13.74 ± 0.99 vs. 12.65 ± 0.57, P = 0.294) were comparable preoperatively. The NLR of the septic cohort was significantly higher than the control cohort (15.01 ± 1.67 vs. 9.98 ± 0.63, P = 0.001) 3 days prior to sepsis and remained significantly higher till the day of sepsis. The area under the cover was maximum for NLR 1 day prior to the development of sepsis (r = 0.707) with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 62.4%, 62.2%, 51.4%, and 72.0%, respectively, at a cutoff of 8.5.

CONCLUSION

NLR is a useful tool in diagnosing and pre-empting development of sepsis in LDLT.

Early Allograft Dysfunction After Live Donor Liver Transplantation: It's Time to Redefine?

BACKGROUND

An ideal definition of early allograft dysfunction (EAD) after live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) remains elusive. The aim of the present study was to compare the diagnostic accuracies of existing EAD definitions, identify the predictors of early graft loss due to EAD, and formulate a new definition, estimating EAD-related mortality in LDLT recipients.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients undergoing elective LDLT were analyzed. Patients with technical (vascular, biliary) complications and biopsy-proven rejections were excluded.

RESULTS

There were 19 deaths due to EAD of a total of 304 patients. On applying the existing definitions of EAD, we revealed their limitations of being either too broad with low specificity or too restrictive with low sensitivity in patients with LDLT. A new definition of EAD-LDLT (total bilirubin >10 mg/dL, international normalized ratio [INR] > 1.6 and serum urea >100 mg/dL, for five consecutive days after day 7) was derived after doing a multivariate analysis. In receiver operator characteristics analysis, an AUC for EAD-LDLT was 0.86. The calibration and internal cross-validation of the new model confirmed its predictability.

CONCLUSION

The new model of EAD-LDLT, based on total bilirubin >10 mg/dL, INR >1.6 and serum urea >100 mg/dL, for five consecutive days after day 7, has a better predictive value for mortality due to EAD in LDLT recipients.

Single Orifice Outflow Reconstruction: Refining the Venous Outflow in Modified Right Lobe Live Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

MHV reconstruction is essential to avoid anterior sector congestion in adult live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using a modified right lobe graft.

AIMS

The objective of this study is to evaluate the graft and patient outcomes with single orifice outflow reconstruction technique (SORT) (RHV + neo-MHV combined reconstruction on IVC) vs. dual outflow reconstruction technique (DORT) (RHV and neo-MHV separately reconstructed on IVC) in a modified right lobe LDLT.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data of consecutive patients undergoing LDLT from June 2011 to August 2018 were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: SORT (n = 207) and DORT (n = 108). The perioperative morbidity and mortality were compared between two groups.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in baseline preoperative characteristics. Intraoperatively, warm ischemia time (27 vs. 45 min, p < 0.001), anhepatic phase (132 vs. 159 min, p < 0.001), and operative time (680 vs. 840 min, p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in SORT group. SORT group also had significantly lower GRWR (0.92 vs. 1.06, p < 0.001) and higher portal flow (2.4 vs. 2.7 L/min, p = 0.02). Postoperatively, SORT group had lower peak AST (177 vs. 209 IU/L, p < 0.001), ALT (163 vs. 189 IU/L, p = 0.004), creatinine levels (0.98 vs. 1.10, p = 0.01), rate of severe sepsis (13.7% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.03), major morbidity (50.7% vs. 62.6%, p = 0.03), shorter ICU (9 vs. 14 days, p < 0.001), and hospital stay (21 vs. 26 days, p = 0.03). Overall survival rates were comparable.

CONCLUSION

A SORT leads to improved early graft function and perioperative morbidity in modified right lobe LDLT in spite of having lower GRWR and higher portal flow.

Platelets level variability during the first year after liver transplantation in the risk prediction model for recipients mortality

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Many scoring systems in liver diseases use static values of liver function parameters. These parameters may change significantly in liver transplant (LTx) recipients over time due to various processes. The study was aimed at building a new model for survival prediction after LTx based on variability of selected parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 450 LTx recipients who survived a minimum one year after transplantation. We analyzed liver enzymes and hematology parameters static values and their variability during the first year after transplantation. Modeling patients' survival was performed using Cox regression. Various sets of parameters (both static and variability and trends values) were tested to predict survival in our study group. Models' performance was measured using the concordance index.

RESULTS

The single predictors of the patients survival were the static values of AST with C-index 0.706 (0.5883-0.7494), ALT 0.6102 (0.4843-0.6857) and bilirubin 0.6224 (0.5537-0.6695). High prediction scores were observed for variability in creatinine 0.6023 (0.5409-0.6451), PLT 0.6350 (0.5491-0.7043), RBC 0.5689 (0.5065-0.6213) and WBC 0.6506 (0.5095-0.7124). Our best-fitted and proposed model for patients survival after LTx has C-index 0.8273 (IQR 0.7767-0.8649). The model uses the following indicators for mortality prediction: the static value of AST, variability measure of PLT and trend measures of WBC and PLT.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding variability and trend measures increases predictive accuracy in modeling patients survival after LTx. We propose a high-accuracy survival model in which variability and trend of PLT measures in the first year after transplantation are strong predictors of long-term mortality.

Living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in Indian patients- Is the scenario different?

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been controversial in terms of selection and outcome. We share our experience of LDLT for HCC in Indian patients.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing LDLT for HCC discovered either preoperatively or incidentally on explant pathology was done. Preoperative characteristics and explant histopathology findings were recorded. Overall, recurrence-free survival and factors predicting recurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS

Six hundred and eleven LDLT were performed between June 2011 and October 2019. HCC constituted 6.5% (n = 53) of transplant activity. Forty had preoperative diagnosis, while 13 were detected incidentally. The median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 18 for patients with HCC. Only in 10 patients (19%), HCC was the primary indication for liver transplant (LT), and the rest had undergone transplant for progressive decompensation. Thirty-two patients were within up-to-7, while 21 were outside up-to-7 criteria. Overall 5-year survival was 85.4% and recurrence-free survival was 83.3% after a median follow-up of 35 months (13-59). This was similar to LDLT for other indications (81.2% at 5 years). Risk Estimation of Tumor Recurrence After Transplant (RETREAT) score was best able to predict recurrence (p = 0.03) with odds ratio of 6.8.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HCC in India present late for liver transplant. Most patients have some form of decompensation before they undergo LT. In selected patients, overall survival was comparable with other indications for LDLT with acceptable recurrence rates. RETREAT score was best to predict recurrence.

Impact of human leukocyte antigen compatibility on outcomes of living donor liver transplantation: Experience from a tertiary care center

INTRODUCTION

The role of HLA compatibility in kidney, heart, and stem cell transplantation is well known, but with regard to living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), there is a different scenario. In the present study, we aim to examine the effects of donor-recipient HLA mismatches at A, B, and DR loci on various outcomes of LDLT-like graft survival, early allograft dysfunction (EAD), acute rejection, length of hospital (LOH) stay, sepsis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single center study of a cohort of adult patients who underwent first time ABO-compatible (ABOc) LDLT between January 2010 and December 2018. Transplants with incomplete records or without HLA typing data were excluded. Donor-recipient HLA-A, B, and DR mismatches were assessed in the host versus graft (HVG) direction and were correlated with various post-transplant outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 140 transplants being evaluated, approximately two third had total HLA mismatches between 2 and 3. HLA mismatches at each locus as well as cumulative HLA mismatches did not show any association with overall graft survival, EAD, acute rejection episodes, and LOH stay. However, the presence of minimum one mismatch at HLA-A and DR loci was associated with the development of CMV reactivation (P = .03) and sepsis (P = .02) post-LDLT respectively.

CONCLUSION

HLA mismatch is not associated with acute rejection, early graft dysfunction, and overall survival in LDLT. Its impact on CMV reactivation and sepsis needs further evaluation.

Biliary Reconstruction in Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: The All-Knots-Outside Technique

Biliary complications (BCs) following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can lead to significant morbidity and occasional mortality. The present study describes our experience of the all-knots-outside technique (AKOT) of biliary reconstruction (BR) and its impact on BCs. A retrospective analysis was performed using prospectively collected data of 330 consecutive adult patients undergoing LDLT from July 2011 to February 2018 with a minimal follow-up of 24 months. Only 2.8% required hepaticojejunostomy and were excluded. In an initial 122 patients, BR was performed with the standard technique (ST), and AKOT was performed in the subsequent 208 patients. In the AKOT group, a single anastomosis was attempted even for multiple ducts whenever feasible. A major BC was defined as requiring endoscopic, percutaneous, or surgical interventions. In the AKOT group, significantly more patients received a left lobe graft (5.7% versus 18.3%; P = 0.001), had shorter warm ischemia time (44.6 versus 27 minutes; P < 0.001), and had a left hepatic artery (LHA) in the right lobe that was used for arterial reconstruction (48 [39.3%] versus 122 [58.6%]; P = 0.003). The incidence of BCs in the entire cohort was 47 (14.2%). For the ST versus AKOT groups, the overall BCs (27/122 [22.1%] versus 20/208 [9.6%]; P = 0.003) and major BCs (20.5% versus 6.7%; P < 0.001) decreased significantly. In the multivariate analysis, the number of bile ducts (hazard ratio [HR], 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62-10.78; P = 0.003), number of anastomoses (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.03-4.02; P = 0.04), and technique of anastomosis (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.68; P = 0.002) predicted BCs. In conclusion, in adult LDLT, with standardization of the donor and recipient surgery, preferential use of LHA for right lobe arterial reconstruction, reduction in the number of anastomoses, and AKOT for BR significantly decreased the incidence of BCs.

Is simultaneous partial splenectomy during pediatric liver transplantation safe and effective for severe hypersplenism? A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Simultaneous splenectomy during liver transplantation is indicated for patients with cirrhosis complicated by severe hypersplenism, but disastrous procedure-related complications remain a special concern. Simultaneous partial splenectomy was adopted in pediatric liver transplant recipients with severe hypersplenism-related pancytopenia at our institution.

METHODS

A prospective, single-center analysis of 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and severe hypersplenism, who underwent liver transplantation between January 2015 to December 2019, was conducted. Patient characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with simultaneous partial splenectomy (n = 13) and those without (n = 8).

RESULTS

Simultaneous partial splenectomy significantly increased platelet and leukocyte counts in the early postoperative period, without increasing operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.64, P = 0.44, P = 0.26, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage (P = 0.38), pneumonia (P = 0.33), cholangitis (P = 0.38), thrombotic complications (P = 1.00), cytomegalovirus infection (P = 0.53), Epstein-Barr virus infection (P = 0.20) and acute rejection (P = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous partial splenectomy during liver transplantation could serve as a feasible alternative to splenectomy in selected patients with severe hypersplenism, which can achieve a satisfactory long-term hematological response, but avoid untoward complications of splenectomy.

Low Postoperative Platelet Counts Are Associated with Major Morbidity and Inferior Survival in Adult Recipients of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Platelets (PLT) play an essential functional role in cellular injury and liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Here, we investigated the association of postoperative PLT counts with short- and long-term outcomes in adult OLT recipients.

METHODS

Three hundred consecutive patients from our prospective OLT database were analyzed retrospectively (May 2010-November 2017). Ninety-day post-OLT complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and quantified by the comprehensive complication index (CCI). To determine the prognostic accuracy of PLT counts, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated for major complications (CD ≥ 3b). Parametric and non-parametric tests were applied for subgroup analyses. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for major complications. Graft and patient survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method as well as uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Postoperative day 6 PLT counts < 70 × 10⁹/L (POD6-70) were identified as the best cutoff for predicting major complications (AUROC = 0.7; p < 0.001; Youden index 0.317). The stratification of patients into low- (n = 113) and high-PLT (n = 187) groups highlighted significant differences in major complications (CCI 68 ± 29 vs. 43 ± 28, p < 0.001); length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay (53 ± 43 vs. 31 ± 25, p < 0.001; 21 ± 29 vs. 7 ± 11, p < 0.001, respectively) and estimated procedural costs. POD6-70 was associated with inferior 5-year graft survival. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified POD6-70 as an independent predictor of major complications (odds ratio 2.298, confidence intervals 1.179-4.478, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

In OLT patients, a PLT count on POD6 of less than 70 × 10⁹/L bears a prognostic significance warranting further investigations.

Platelet and liver regeneration after liver surgery

The success of liver surgery, including resection and transplantation, is largely dependent on the ability of the liver to regenerate. Despite substantial improvement in surgical techniques and perioperative care, one of the main concerns is post-hepatectomy liver failure and early allograft dysfunction, both of which are associated with impaired liver regeneration. Recent studies have demonstrated the positive role of platelets in promoting liver regeneration and protecting hepatocytes; however, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects are not fully understood. In this review, we updated the accumulated evidence of the role of platelets in promoting liver regeneration, with a focus on liver resection and liver transplantation. The goal of these studies was to support the clinical implementation of platelet agents, such as thrombopoietin receptor agonists, to augment liver regeneration after liver surgery. This "platelet therapy" may become a treatment choice for post-hepatectomy liver failure and early allograft dysfunction.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure: Donor Safety and Recipient Outcome

In countries where deceased organ donation is sparse, emergency living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is the only lifesaving option in select patients with acute liver failure (ALF). The aim of the current study is living liver donor safety and recipient outcomes following LDLT for ALF. A total of 410 patients underwent LDLT between March 2011 and February 2018, out of which 61 (14.9%) were for ALF. All satisfied the King's College criteria (KCC). Median admission to transplant time was 48 hours (range, 24-80.5 hours), and median living donor evaluation time was 18 hours (14-20 hours). Median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 37 (32-40) with more than two-thirds having grade 3 or 4 encephalopathy and 70% being on mechanical ventilation. The most common etiology was viral (37%). Median jaundice-to-encephalopathy time was 15 (9-29) days. Preoperative culture was positive in 47.5%. There was no difference in the complication rate among emergency and elective living liver donors (13.1% versus 21.2%; P = 0.19). There was no donor mortality. For patients who met the KCC but did not undergo LT, survival was 22.8% (29/127). The 5-year post-LT actuarial survival was 65.57% with a median follow-up of 35 months. On multivariate analysis, postoperative worsening of cerebral edema (CE; hazard ratio [HR], 2.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-6.31), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS; HR, 16.7; 95% CI, 2.05-136.7), preoperative culture positivity (HR, 6.54; 95% CI, 2.24-19.07), and a longer anhepatic phase duration (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02) predicted poor outcomes. In conclusion, emergency LDLT is lifesaving in selected patients with ALF. Outcomes of emergency living liver donation were comparable to that of elective donors. Postoperative worsening of CE, preoperative SIRS, and sepsis predicted outcome after LDLT for ALF.

Thrombocytopenia after liver transplantation: Should we care?

Transient thrombocytopenia is a common phenomenon after liver transplantation. After liver transplantation (LT), platelet count decreases and reaches a nadir on postoperative days 3-5, with an average reduction in platelet counts of 60%; platelet count recovers to preoperative levels approximately two weeks after LT. The putative mechanisms include haemodilution, decreased platelet production, increased sequestration, medications, infections, thrombosis, or combination of these processes. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The role of platelets in liver transplantation has been highlighted in recent years, and particular attention has been given to their effects beyond hemostasis and thrombosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that perioperative thrombocytopenia causes poor graft regeneration, increases the incidence of postoperative morbidity, and deteriorates the graft and decreases patient survival in both the short and long term after liver transplantation. Platelet therapies to increase perioperative platelet counts, such as thrombopoietin, thrombopoietin receptor agonist, platelet transfusion, splenectomy, and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment might have a potential for improving graft survival, however clinical trials are lacking. Further studies are warranted to detect direct evidence on whether thrombocytopenia is the cause or result of poor-graft function and postoperative complications, and to determine who needs platelet therapies in order to prevent postoperative complications and thus improve post-transplant outcomes.