Early Outcomes of Liver Transplantation Using Donors After Circulatory Death in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) has increased in the last decade, although a slight increase in surgical complications has been reported in liver transplantation (LT). Therefore, DCD is not overall recommended because it entails an added risk. However, DCD in selected patients shows acceptable results.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to analyze the characteristics, early outcomes, and survival at 1 year post-LT from a single institute (January 2015 to May 2017).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 18 DCD-LTs and compared them with a control group of 18 donation after brain death (DBD) LTs. We analyzed pre- and posttransplant variables related to donors, recipients, and intraoperative early outcomes within patients transplanted due to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, χ², or Fisher test was performed when appropriate, as well as multivariate analysis in case of statistical significance. A variable is considered as statistically significant when it reaches a value of P < .05.

RESULTS

In DBD, we found a lower length of stay in the intensive care unit before retrieval and a higher rate of alcoholism and diabetes mellitus, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and Child B and C score (P < .05). Most of the DCD were originally from the same LT recipient center, and a higher donor mean post-LT alanine aminotransferase level was found (P < .05). Survival for the DBD group was 88% and 75% in the DCD group at 1 year post-LT, being not significant (NS).

CONCLUSION

HCC recipients who are transplanted with good quality DCD livers do no worse than those transplanted with livers from DBD donors, although a good selection of them is crucial.

Benefits of Group Psychotherapy in Cirrhotic Patients on the Liver Transplant Waiting List

INTRODUCTION

It is well-known that patients on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list experience a high rate of psychopathologic symptoms. However, few studies have been published about the use of group psychotherapy for these patients. We sought to assess (1) the psychopathologic data in patients on the LT waiting list and (2) the attitude toward a group psychotherapy procedure and its efficacy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the pretransplant consultation phase, group therapy was offered to 20 patients on the LT waiting list. Patients who received psychotherapy were assessed previously using the Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in the study. Significant differences were found between the psychopathologic assessment and the level of hepatopathy. In the first session, we observed that patients with hepatocarcinoma were much more reluctant to participate in the group therapy. In the second session, the group showed a high level of anxiety connected with a fear of transplantation. In the third session, a transplant physician answered all their questions, and at the end of the session patient anxiety had decreased. During the following sessions, family bonds and sharing experiences with other transplant patients were emphasized.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients were initially reluctant to participate in the group psychotherapy, although this changed as sessions proceeded. It is necessary to provide more information about the transplant procedure itself to decrease anxiety. Group therapy was valued positively by all patients who participated.

Prevalence of endometriosis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Analysis of the associated clinical features and study on molecular mechanisms involved in the possible causality

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

To determine the prevalence of endometriosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and explore the differences between women with endometrioid and clear-cell histologic subtypes with and without associated endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical charts of 496 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer at the Hospital Virgin de la Arrixaca (Murcia, Spain) between 1971 and 2010 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Endometriosis was present in 27 (5.4%) of the 496 cases (p < 0001), and was associated with the endometrioid histotype in 13/45 cases (29%) and with the clear cell histotype in 7/22 (32%). The prevalence of an association with endometriosis according to histologic type was 28.8% (13/45) for endometrioid carcinoma and 31.8% (7/22) for clear-cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Both endometrioid and clear-cell ovarians tumours are associated with pelvic endometriosis. Patients with endometiosis associated ovarian cancer differ from non-endometiosis associated ovarian cancer in their clinical characteristics.

Attitude of Scottish residents living in southeastern Spain toward organ donation

BACKGROUND

Southeastern Spain is a habitual area of residence for the native population of Scotland.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the attitude toward donation in the immigrant population in our regional community who were born in Scotland and to analyze the variables that influence this attitude.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A random sample was taken (n = 350) of the population group born in Scotland and living in southeastern Spain. The instrument used to measure attitude was a previously validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously between December 2005 and March 2006. For a control group, we used a sample of the autochthonous population (n = 2000). Statistical analysis included Student t test, the chi(2) test, Fisher exact test, and logistical regression analysis.

RESULTS

The attitude toward donation was favorable among 73% of respondents (n = 237), with 7% (n = 22) against and 21% (n = 68) undecided. The attitude was more favorable than among the Spanish control group (73% vs 63%; P = .002). The following variables were related to this attitude: an understanding of the concept of brain death (P = .025); having discussed the matter within the family unit (P < .001); a partner's attitude toward donation (P < .001); being in favor of donating a family member's organs (P < .001); attitude toward cremation (P < .001); attitude toward autopsy (P = .002); and concern about mutilation after donation (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The attitude of Scottish residents in southeastern Spain is more favorable than that of the Spanish population. It is mainly affected by factors related to the family and to the attitude toward manipulation of the cadaver.

Hospital Personnel in Surgical Services in a Transplant Hospital Faced With Living Liver Donation: An Attitudinal Survey

Living liver donation is becoming a more widely accepted practice given the decrease in donor morbidity and mortality and the beneficial results in the recipient. Use of this technique is unusual in Spain. There are a number of workers against its use within the health care system. The objective of this study was to analyze attitudes toward and the variables that affect them concerning living liver donation among surgical services in a transplant hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A random survey was stratified by surgical area and job category in a Spanish third-level hospital with an ongoing solid organ transplant program. Attitudes toward living liver donation were assessed using a questionnaire about organ donation and transplantation that evaluated various psychosocial variables. Student's t test and the chi square test were used.

RESULTS

A total of 263 workers were surveyed (mean age as 40 +/- 9 years). Regarding attitudes toward living liver donation, the level of acceptance was 80% (n = 211) of respondents, whereas 10% were undecided (n = 26), and another 10% were against (n = 26), assuming that the donations were related. When we asked about unrelated living donation, the percentage in favor decreased to 10% (n = 27). No differences were found with respect to job category or type of service. The variables that are related to such an attitude are the following: (1) possibility of respondent needing an organ (P = .001); (2) favorable attitude toward living kidney donation (P < .000); and (3) a belief that medical errors exist (P = .004). An important finding was that attitudes toward living liver donation were not more favorable according to whether the respondent was in favor or against cadaveric organ donation (P = .175).

CONCLUSION

There was a highly favorable attitude toward living liver donation among hospital personnel in surgical services, which is an important factor to take into account if this type of donation is to be encouraged in Spain.

Irish Residents in Southeastern Spain: In Search of Favorable Groups to Encourage Living Kidney Donation in Spain

INTRODUCTION

There has been an increase in the population resident in southeast Spain originating from the British Isles, among them Irish citizens. Living kidney donation rates are currently low in Spain. In an attempt to increase these rates, a search is underway to find groups who are favorable toward this type of donation especially from those countries with high levels of living kidney donation. The objective of this study was to analyze the attitudes toward living kidney donation among the population group originating from Ireland (including Northern Ireland) and who live in southeast Spain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A random sample (n = 325) of the population in southeast Spain (Autonomous Community of Murcia) who were born in Ireland completed a validated questionnaire to measure attitudes. The questionnaire was self-administered and was completed anonymously between November 2005 and March 2006. Spanish citizens from an urban and a rural area were used as control groups (n = 500).

RESULTS

The questionnaire completion rate was 81% (n = 262) including 87% (n = 229) of respondents in favor of living related donation and 13% (n = 94) against it. The attitude was similar to that of the urban Spanish control group (87% vs 89%; P = .5832) and more favorable than that of the rural area (87% vs 29%; P < 0.001). With respect to living donation for monetary incentives, 7% (n = 16) reported that they would donate an organ while alive for money, although this would depend on the quantity of money offered; 4% (n = 10) would need to think about it; while the vast majority (81%; n = 212) would never donate an organ in life for money. The following variables influenced attitudes toward living kidney donation: respondent sex (P = .023); previous experience with the donation and transplantation process (P = .004); participation in prosocial activities (P = .016); religion (P = .003); partner's attitude toward the matter (P = .020); concern about "mutilation" after donation (P < .001); and belief that living kidney donation is a risk for the patient (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Irish citizens living in southeast Spain showed a favorable attitude toward related living kidney donation. Therefore, they are a priority group to whom the option of living kidney donation should be offered when a kidney transplant is needed by an Irish person.

Emigration from the British Isles to southeastern Spain: a study of attitudes toward organ donation

Southeastern Spain is a cosmopolitan area where there is a growing British and Irish population. The objective is to analyze the attitude toward organ donation among British and Irish citizens living in southeastern Spain. A sample was taken stratified according to a respondent's country of origin (n = 1700) between November 2005 and April 2006. Attitude was evaluated using a validated questionnaire, which was self-administered and completed anonymously. A sample of 2000 Spanish citizens was used as a control group. The survey completion rate was 95% (n = 1611). Attitude toward donation is favorable in 72% (n = 1155) of respondents with 8% (n = 122) against and 20% (n = 334) undecided. Attitude is more favorable than in the control group (72% vs. 63%; p < 0.0001). The following factors influence this attitude: (1) attitude toward the donation of a family member's organs (OR = 4.891); (2) having discussed the matter of organ donation within the family (OR = 2.513); (3) a willingness to accept an autopsy if it were necessary (OR = 1.706); (4) having no concern about the mutilation of the deceased donor (OR = 3.294); (5) having a partner who is in favor of donation (OR = 2.786) and (6) a respondent's belief that he or she might need a transplant in the future (OR = 2.243). The attitude of this population is more positive than in the native Spanish population and is determined by many psychosocial factors.

Prevention of hyperacute rejection in a model of orthotopic liver xenotransplantation from pig to baboon using polytransgenic pig livers (CD55, CD59, and H-transferase)

INTRODUCTION

The search for alternative sources for transplant organs leads us to the search for animals as an inexhaustible source of organs. The objective of this study was to analyze whether livers from polytransgenic pigs expressing the human complement regulatory proteins CD55 (hDAF), CD59, and alfa alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase (H-transferase), protected against hyperacute rejection after orthotopic liver xenotransplantation to a baboon and also to study pig liver function in a nonhuman primate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine liver transplants from pig to baboon were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 4) of genetically unmodified pigs and an experimental group (n = 5) of pigs transgenic for CD55, CD59, and H-transferase as donors. All the donating piglets obtained through hysterectomy were maintained in specific pathogen-free conditions. The selection of transgenic pig donors followed demonstration of transgene expression using monoclonal antibodies (antiCD55, antiCD59) and immunohistological studies on liver biopsies.

RESULTS

All animals in the control group developed hyperacute rejection with survival rates less than 16 hours without function of transplanted livers. In the experimental group none of the animals suffered hyperacute rejection. Survival in this group was between 13 and 24 hours. The livers were functional, producing bile and maintaining above 35% prothrombin activity. Only in one case was there primary dysfunction of the xenograft.

CONCLUSION

Polytransgenic livers for complement regulatory proteins prevent hyperacute rejection when xenotransplanted into a baboon.

[Massive intravascular hemolysis in septicemia caused by Clostridium perfringens]

A case of massive haemolytic anaemia in the course of a C. perfringens sepsis of hepatic origin is presented. The diagnosis was strongly suggested by the presence of intragranulocytic capsulated bacilli in a Giemsa stained peripheral blood smear. The patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation. The outcome was fatal and the patient died eight hours after admission. We review the aetiopathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of haemolysis in Clostridium perfringens infections.