Meijer B, Simsek M, Blokzijl H, de Man RA, Coenraad MJ, Dijkstra G, van Nieuwkerk CM, Mulder CJ, de Boer NK. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia rarely leads to liver transplantation: A 20-year cohort study in all Dutch liver transplant units.
United European Gastroenterol J 2016;
5:658-667. [PMID:
28815029 DOI:
10.1177/2050640616680550]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is an uncommon liver condition associated with several autoimmune disorders and drugs. The clinical symptoms of nodular regenerative hyperplasia vary from asymptomatic to severe complications of portal hypertension (nodular regenerative hyperplasia-syndrome).
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the prognosis and optimal management, as well as the role of liver transplantation, in nodular regenerative hyperplasia.
METHODS
The pathology databases of all three Dutch liver transplant units were retrospectively scrutinised for explanted livers diagnosed with nodular regenerative hyperplasia or without clear diagnosis. Pre- and post-transplantation clinical, biochemical, radiological and histological information was obtained from electronic and paper records.
RESULTS
In total, 1886 patients received a liver transplant. In 255 patients, nodular regenerative hyperplasia could not be excluded. After detailed chart review, the native livers of 11 patients (0.6%) (82% male, median age: 44 years) displayed nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Seven patients (64%) had underlying disorders or drug exposure which possibly caused nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Laboratory and imaging abnormalities were present in all patients but did not contribute to the diagnosis of nodular regenerative hyperplasia. Five-year survival was 73% (median follow-up: four years, range: 2-248 months).
CONCLUSION
Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is a rare finding in patients, predominantly young males, transplanted for end-stage liver disease with unknown aetiology. Nonetheless, liver transplantation may have an important role in end-stage nodular regenerative hyperplasia-syndrome.
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