Cadaveric Liver Transplantation Research Articles

The impact of cadaveric donor transplant on the development of chronic rhinosinusitis and recalcitrant disease.

The study found a higher incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and recalcitrant CRS in cadaveric organ transplant recipients compared to those receiving living donor transplants. Recipients of cadaveric transplants were 1.32 times more likely to develop CRS and 1.68 times more likely to develop medically recalcitrant CRS. Living kidney transplants significantly reduced the risk of developing CRS (OR=0.12) and recalcitrant CRS (OR=0.11), highlighting a potentially protective effect against these conditions. In contrast, cadaveric liver transplants were associated with an increased risk of CRS and medically recalcitrant CRS. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a significant difference in time to CRS onset between cadaveric and living donor transplants. Median time to CRS onset was longer for living donor recipients (21.1 months) compared to cadaveric recipients (15.6 months). This study underscores the need for transplant teams and otolaryngologist to consider donor type during transplant follow-up due to differing risks of CRS development.

Late liver allograft dysfunction: definition, risk factors and outcomes

Introduction. Impaired liver transplant function in the long term often leads to graft loss and the recipient death. There are many causes for the development of a late liver allograft dysfunction and different types of its clinical presentation, but there is no generally accepted definition. This hinders its timely diagnosis, analysis of its prevalence, and also makes it difficult to compare the performance of transplantation programs.Objective. To determine the clinical and prognostic value of late liver allograft dysfunction.Material and methods. The study included 103 cases of cadaveric liver transplantation from donors diagnosed with brain death to 100 recipients, of whom 36% were men, aged 48 years old (40;56) (18–68) at the time of transplant, having MELD score 17 (14;21) (7–41). The follow-up period was 52 months (20;77) (8–180). The cases where the graft loss occurred earlier than 3 months were excluded.The late liver allograft dysfunction was defined as a dysfunction of the transplanted liver, which was manifested by at least one of three following signs and occurred at more than 3 months after transplantation: 1) increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and/or gamma glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin; 2) impaired synthetic function (increased international normalized ratio, decreased antithrombin III, cholinesterase); 3) liver cirrhosis complications (signs of portal hypertension, ascites, encephalopathy). The following limits were chosen as a diagnostic threshold for laboratory parameter abnormalities: more than 2 upper limits of normal for total bilirubin, more than 1.5 upper limits of normal for the levels of alanine or aspartic aminotransferases, more than 1.5 upper limits of normal for gamma-glutamyltransferase or alkaline phosphatase, more than 1.6 of normal for international normalized ratio.Results. Late liver allograft dysfunction was diagnosed at least once in 64% of recipients. Through the postoperative course, the proportion of patients with late dysfunction varied from 22% to 40%. The etiology of late liver allograft dysfunction was viral (38%), unknown (25%), biliary (19%), immune (17%), and vascular (1%). Late liver allograft dysfunction was reversible in 75% of cases, persistent in 17%, progressive in 8% of cases. Progressive late liver allograft dysfunction led to a graft loss in all cases observed.Recipients with late liver allograft dysfunction were found to have had a 33% higher incidence of early allograft dysfunction (OR 4.7, 95% CI [1.8–12.3]); the incidence of biliary dysfunction was 3.1 times higher with distant choledochojejunostomy (OR 3.9, 95% CI [1.1–13.9]); in patients with autoimmune and cholestatic disease, the incidence of immune dysfunction was 4.8 times higher (OR 5.8, 95% CI [1.7–20.3]).Conclusion. The progressive nature of late liver allograft dysfunction negatively affects the results of transplantation and therefore should be considered as an indication for retransplantation. Reversible and persistent variants of late liver allograft dysfunction have favorable) prognosis. If the etiology of late dysfunction is not established, the regular surveillance with monitoring for fibrosis and repeated attempts to clarify the diagnosis should be continued.

The evolution of liver transplant program in Pakistan and the challenges ahead

Background and aimThe burden of Liver disease has significant implications on the healthcare infrastructure in Pakistan, with viral hepatitis being the leading etiology of end-stage liver disease. Liver transplant remains the only curative treatment option for end-stage liver disease. A decade ago, the liver transplant facility was almost non-existent for the Pakistani population, and the patients with end-stage liver disease had to travel overseas to receive liver transplantation. Gradually, during the last decade the country has progressed steeply and achieved various milestones in living donor liver transplantation. Various public and private sector hospitals are providing liver transplant services nationwide. The study aimed to describe the evolution and success of living donor liver transplant programs in Pakistan. We will also discuss the current practices involved in donor and recipient selection, factors related to non-existent deceased donor organ programs, and the introduction of innovative strategies to overcome the shortage of donor organ pools. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of the first 416 living donor liver transplants (LDLTs) performed at PKLI&RC from March 2019 to April 2023. The stepwise approach for the donor and recipient selection process is described in detail, along with the survival outcomes of LDLT at our center. ResultsAmong the 416 living donor liver transplants performed between March 2019 and April 2023. The Hepatitis C virus was the most common etiology (50.5 %) for chronic liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was present in 27.9 % of cases. Most donors were offspring of the recipients, with sons accounting for 23 % and daughters for 17.5 % of cases. Only a single (0.24 %) patient had a deceased donor transplant. The annual donor rejection rate was up to 68 % at our center. Nine SWAP transplants were performed to overcome the donor shortage. The Clavien Dindo classification system was used to grade the severity of complications after donor hepatectomy. No donor mortality (grade-5 complication) was observed in our cohort, whereas 1- and 3-year recipient survival rates were 89 % and 88 %, respectively. ConclusionHepatitis C virus remains the most common etiology of chronic liver disease requiring liver transplantation. The major pool of living donations was from first-degree relatives. There was no donor mortality with acceptable 1- and 3-year recipient's survival rates. Living donor liver transplantation is a feasible and safe strategy in regions where cadaveric liver transplant program is limited.

Risk factors of early bacterial infection and analysis of bacterial composition, distribution and drug susceptibility after cadaveric liver transplantation

BackgroundThis study provided a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infection after liver transplantation through analyzing the pathogenic distribution, drug sensitivity and risk factors of bacterial infection after liver transplantation.MethodsWe collected clinical data from 207 recipients undergoing liver transplantation of graft from donation after citizens’ death donors in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2019 to December 2021 and analyzed the composition and distribution of bacterial pathogens, drug resistance and risk factors of infection.ResultsA total of 90 bacterial infections occurred in 55 recipients within two months after liver transplantation, and the incidence of bacterial infection was 26.6% (55/207). The gram-negative bacteria (46/90, 51.1%) were more prevalent than gram-positive bacteria (44/90, 48.9%). Common sites of infection were the abdominal/biliary tract (26/90, 28.9%), lung (22/90, 22.4%) and urinary tract (22/90, 22.4%). Fourteen cases (6.8%) died after liver transplantation. Klebsiella pneumoniae (17/90, 18.9%) was the most frequent gram-negative bacteria causing infection in liver transplant recipients and 58.7%, 50%, 80.4% and 89.1% of gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to amikacin, minocycline, tigecycline and polymyxin B, respectively. The most common gram-positive bacteria was Enterococcus faecium (30/90, 33.3%) and 97.7%, 100%, 86.4%, 100% and 100% of gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, tigecycline and linezolid, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that bacterial infection was associated with female, age (≥ 50 years old), preoperative albumin (≤ 30 g/L), operation duration (≥ 400 min), intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) and postoperative ventilator support. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR = 3.149, 95% CI: 1.418–6.993, P = 0.005), operation duration (≥ 400 min) (OR = 2.393, 95% CI: 1.202–4.765, P = 0.013) and intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) (OR = 2.052, 95% CI: 1.007–4.183, P = 0.048) were independent risk factors for bacterial infection after liver transplantation.ConclusionThe incidence of early bacterial infection after liver transplantation was high, and the infection sites were mainly abdominal/biliary tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract. The most common pathogenic bacterium was gram-negative bacterium. Our study also identified several independent risk factors for bacterial infection after liver transplantation, including female gender, operation duration of 400 min or more, and intraoperative blood loss of 3000 ml or more. By addressing these risk factors, such as implementing strategies to optimize surgical procedures and minimize blood loss, healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the incidence of bacterial infections following liver transplantation.

Complications of e-PTFE Grafts in LDLT; Evaluation of Case Series

The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts are used to drain anterior sector veins during the living donor liver transplantation procedure. We aimed to analyze the potentially life-threatening complications, such as the infection and migration of ePTFE grafts. A total of 1264 liver transplantations (LTs) were performed for 1097 adult and 167 pediatric liver failure cases. In total, 1169 living and 95 cadaveric liver transplantation procedures were performed between 2011 and 2021. Right liver transplantation was performed in 1016 cases, including 1002 living donors and 14 cadaveric split right livers. Cadaveric LT was performed in 81 cases. For 1002 right living liver grafts, 905 vascular grafts were used during the backtable for anterior sector outflow venoplasty. The most commonly drained segments were 5 and 8 (472 cases); there were isolated (5 or 8) and multiple drained segments. Vascular graft migration was described in 7 of 905 (0.77%) patients. Although complication rates regarding ePTFE grafts are low, there are serious life-threatening causes of morbidity and mortality. We recommend cushioning the vascular graft with the omentum, which is effective in preventing graft migration.

Comparing the Outcomes of Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage pediatric liver failure. We aimed to present the results of pediatric liver transplants performed in our center in the last 11 years (between 2012 and March 2022) in association with prognostic factors affecting survival. Demographic characteristics, etiologic reasons, previous operations (Kasai procedure), morbidity, mortality, survival, and bilio-vascular complication rates were determined, and outcomes were evaluated. In the postoperative period, the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit stay and surgical and other complications were evaluated. Graft and patient survival rates were determined, and univariate and multivariate factors affecting these rates were evaluated. In the last 10 years, 229 pediatric liver transplantaion (Pe-LT)/1513 adult liver taransplantation (Ad-LT) (21.35%) were performed in our center. This ratio (Pe-LT/Ad-LT ratio) is 1741/15,886 (10.95%) for our country. A total of 229 liver transplants were performed in 214 pediatric patients. Retransplantation was performed in 15 patients (6.55%). Cadaveric liver transplantation was performed in 9 patients. Graft survival rates were 87%, 83%, 78%, 78%, 78%, and 78% at <30 days, 30 to 90 days, 91 to 364 days, 1 to 3 years, and >3 years, respectively. Patient survival rates for <30 days, 30 to 90 days, 91 to 364 days, 1 to 3 years, and >3 years were 91.5%, 85.7%, 82%, 81.5%, and 81.5%, respectively. Our 5-year survival rates in metabolic diseases and the acute fulminant failure group are 93.8% and 100%, respectively. The fact that the 1- and 5-year survival rates are the same shows that when patients overcome biliary vascular and infectious problems, their survival is prolonged.

The effect of post-traumatic growth on recovery in liver transplant recipients.

In our study, we examined the effect of post-traumatic growth on recovery in liver transplant recipients in the post-transplant period. This research was performed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study with the participation of 218 patients who had liver transplantation at the liver transplant institute of a research and training hospital. The personal information form, the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, and the Recovery Assessment Scale were used in the data collection process. The Statistical Package for Social Science 25.0 was utilized in the data analysis process. In the research, of all participant liver transplant recipients, 67.8% were aged 45-64 years, 34.4% had incomes below expenses, and 91.7% had living donor liver transplantation. Besides, it was found that participants who had living donor liver transplantation obtained higher mean scores from both the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and the Recovery Assessment Scale than participants who had cadaveric donor liver transplantation, and likewise, participants who had past surgery experiences obtained higher mean scores from both the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and the Recovery Assessment Scale than participants who had no past surgery experience (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a statistically significant positive linear relationship between participant liver transplant recipients' Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and Recovery Assessment Scale scores. Post-traumatic growth supports recovery. Also, social support and a good economic situation are other parameters that promote recovery. In the two-year process during which the treatment is intensively applied to liver transplant recipients following the transplantation surgery, it is important to enable patients to find more meaning in life and to find solutions that facilitate recovery.

Comparing the closure of hepatocaval ligament using stapler or suturing in liver surgery

Objectives: Hepatocaval ligament is localized on the posterior and lateral side of the retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) , above the right adrenal vein. Bleeding due to retro-hepatic cava injury could sometimes occur during the dissection and closure of hepatocaval ligament (HCL). We aim to determine closing meth- ods of HCL in terms of cost, ease of application and safety. Methods: The study population included 90 recipient hepatectomy patients who had cadaveric and live-donor liver transplantation at Organ Transplant Center of Acıbadem Hospital between 2017 and 2019. The patients were divided into two groups. The first group contained 40 patients who were closed with 25 mm EndoTA 30 stapler. The second group contained 50 patients who were closed by continuous double- layer suturing with 5/0 propylene. Results: In the group closed by endovascular stapler, reinforcement suturing was performed in eight patients (20%) using 5/0 propylene suture due to mild blood leakage in the closing line. In two patients (5%), on the other hand, the staple device could not be used due to the fact that HCL was very close to the right hepatic vein and the distance between the liver and the vena cava was short. There were no perioperative and postoperative HCL-associated liver and vena cava bleeding complications in both groups. However, the cost was significantly higher in the stapler group than in the suturing group. Conclusions: The present study is the first to compare the stapler or suturing techniques for closing HCL in the receiver hepatectomy of liver transplantation. The results indicated that the closure with suturing was at least as useful and convenient in terms of cost, ease of application and safety.

Evaluation of the Trend of Biochemical Functions in the Early Period After Cadaveric Liver Transplantation

Monitoring biochemical parameters to detect early complications after liver transplantation (LT) is important. Thus, we aimed to investigate parameter trends indicating liver function in patients who did not develop complications after cadaveric LT. A total of 266 cadaveric LT operations performed by a single center between 2007-2022 were included in the study. Patients with any early complications were excluded from the study. During the first 15 days, the parameters reflecting the patients' liver integrity and synthesis functions were evaluated. All parameters studied were evaluated at the same time of day and by a single laboratory. Regarding synthesis functions, the coagulation parameters (prothrombin time and international normalized ratio) peaked on the first day and then decreased. Regarding tissue hypoxia, there was no significant change in lactate values. Total and direct bilirubin values also decreased after peaking on the first day. No significant change was observed in albumin, another liver synthesis value. Although an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total and direct bilirubin, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio, which was especially seen on the first day, is considered normal, values that do not decrease after the second day or lactate values that increase gradually should be a warning in terms of possible early complications.

On indications for repeat liver transplantation

Objective: to study the causes of graft loss and indications for repeat liver transplantation (rLT).Materials and Methods. We studied the experience garnered from 250 orthotopic full-size cadaveric liver transplantations in 228 patients from 1998 to 2021. The severity of the patient’s condition at the time of intervention was estimated according to the MELD scale. Repeat surgeries were performed in 22 cases in 19 patients (analyzed group).Results. Organ preservation parameters, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), severity of postoperative complications in primary transplantations in general and in the analyzed group did not differ significantly. The main causes of graft loss were graft arterial insufficiency (57.9%) and hepatic artery thrombosis (21%). Severe early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and primary nonfunction accounted for 10.5%, portal vein thrombosis occurred in 5%, and chronic graft rejection was noted in 5% of cases.Conclusion. Arterial insufficiency is one of the leading causes of graft loss after liver transplantation. Early correction of arterial and biliary complications help in preserving graft viability.

Early living donor liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis

Introduction and ObjectivesLately, there has been a steady increase in early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH). Although several studies have reported favorable outcomes with cadaveric early liver transplantation, the experiences with early living donor liver transplantation (eLDLT) are limited. The primary objective was to assess one-year survival in patients with AAH who underwent eLDLT. The secondary objectives were to describe the donor characteristics, assess the complications following eLDLT, and the rate of alcohol relapse. Materials and MethodsThis single-center retrospective study was conducted at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. ResultsTwenty-five patients underwent eLDLT. The mean time from abstinence to eLDLT was 92.4 ± 42.94 days. The mean model for end-stage liver disease and discriminant function score at eLDLT were 28.16 ± 2.89 and 104 ± 34.56, respectively. The mean graft-to-recipient weight ratio was 0.85 ± 0.12. Survival was 72% (95%CI, 50.61–88) after a median follow-up of 551 (23-932) days post-LT. Of the 18 women donors,11 were the wives of the recipient. Six of the nine infected recipients died: three of fungal sepsis, two of bacterial sepsis, and one of COVID-19. One patient developed hepatic artery thrombosis and died of early graft dysfunction. Twenty percent had alcohol relapse. ConclusionseLDLT is a reasonable treatment option for patients with AAH, with a survival of 72% in our experience. Infections early on post-LT accounted for mortality, and thus a high index of suspicion of infections and vigorous surveillance, in a condition prone to infections, are needed to improve outcomes.

Management of Biliary Complications in Liver Transplant Recipients with Duct-To-Duct Anastomosis: A Single-Center Experience.

The aims of this study were to investigate biliary complications in liver transplant recipients with choledochocholedocho stomy anastomosis, to identify the risk factors for the development of such complications, and to evaluate the success of endoscopic approaches in liver transplant recipients. Between January 2013 and May 2021, a total of 238 patients with liver diseases underwent liver transplantation: 174 recipients undergoing choledochocholedochostomy anastomosis were included in the analysis. Their median age was 54.0 years. The median posttransplant follow-up period was 29 months. Hepatitis B virus infection (33%) was the most common indication for liver transplantation. Most patients (87%) received living donor liver transplantation. The overall prevalence of posttransplant biliary complications was 31%. Anastomotic biliary strictures were the most common biliary complications (72%), followed by biliary leakage (13%). The median time between endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and liver transplantation was 4 months, with a mean of 3 ± 1.6 sessions. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography-guided drainage and balloon dilation with or without stent placement was the most common treatment modalities for recipients with biliary strictures. The overall success rate of endoscopic treatment modalities was 83.3%, with 65% of the recipients exhibiting complete biochemical and endoscopic responses. The response did not differ significantly between living donor liver transplantation and cadaveric donor liver transplant recipients (P > .05). Three recipients required revision surgery for biliary complication repair. Six patients died due to biliary sepsis. Biliary stricture and leakages were the most common biliary complications after liver transplantation. Endoscopic treatment was successful in most recipients.

EXPERIÊNCIA DE TRANSPLANTE DE FÍGADO PARA METÁSTASE COLORRETAL NA AMÉRICA DO SUL: UMA NOVA ERA EM TRANSPLANTE ONCOLÓGICO

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice for patients with liver metastases, but in some patients, it is not possible to obtain a complete R0 resection. Moreover, the recurrence rate is up to 75% after three years. After the experience of the Oslo group with cadaveric liver transplant, some centers are starting their experience with liver transplant for colorectal liver metastasis. AIMS: To present our initial experience with living donor liver transplant for colorectal liver metastasis. METHODS: From 2019 to 2022, four liver transplants were performed in patients with colorectal liver metastases according to the Oslo criteria. RESULTS: Four patients underwent living donor liver transplants, male/female ratio was 3:1, mean age 52.5 (42–68 years). All patients were included in Oslo criteria for liver transplant. Two patients had already been submitted to liver resection. The decision for liver transplant occurred after discussion with a multidisciplinary team. Three patients recurred after the procedure and the patient number 3 died after chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Living donor liver transplant is a viable treatment option for colorectal liver metastasis in Brazil, due to a shortage of donors.

A new method for predicting alcohol relapse in patients undergoing liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver failure: Barratt scale.

Alcohol-induced liver disease has become one of the major causes of chronic liver disease worldwide with the increasing use of alcohol in society. The most important step in treatment is cessation of alcohol consumption. In patients with advanced liver disease, the most effective treatment is liver transplantation. Careful evaluation of patients with alcoholic liver disease before transplantation can help identify those at high risk of relapsing. Of a total of 42 patients who underwent liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver failure in our hospital between 2011 and 2022, 26 surviving patients were included in the study. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, MELD score, history of alcohol consumption, alcohol treatment, post-transplant prognosis and survival were analyzed. The Barratt Impulsivity Scale-11 Short Form (BIS-11 SF) was applied to the surviving patients for impulsivity analysis to predict the possibility of relapse. Of the 26 patients who were included in the study, all were male. The mean age at transplantation was 53 (31-71) years. Mean MELD score was 22.31 (9-36). 12 patients (46.2%) received living donor liver transplantation and 14 patients (53.8%) received cadaveric liver transplantation. 25 patients (96.2%) had no post-transplant dependence, while 1 patient (3.8%) had post-transplant dependence. 5 patients (19.2%) continued to consume alcohol after transplantation. In our study, we observed that patients with high motor impulsivity tendency according to BSI-11 SF had alcohol relapse. We believe that revising this scale with more detailed questions for alcohol-dependent liver patients and applying it to patients before transplantation will be effective in better selection for transplantation and guiding patients to appropriate therapy and thus preventing relapse after transplantation.

Prognostic value of the morphological features of postperfusion liver biopsies in liver transplantation

Purpose: The aim of this study was to show the potential prognostic effects of morphological findings for the graft function, rejection and survival by evaluating the postperfusion liver biopsies.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Sixty six cases who underwent cadaveric liver transplantation between 2006-2010 were included. The representative slides of postperfusion subcapsular wedge biopsies were evaluated for intrasinusoidal neutrophilic infiltration, microvesicular steatosis, hepatocyte swelling, hepatocellular necrosis, endothelial swelling, bile duct epithelial changes, cholangiolar proliferation and sinusoidal congestion/hemorrhage. The associations between the histopathological features and early allograft dysfunction, mortality rate and rejection status were statistically analysed.&#x0D; Results: Intrasinusoidal neutrophilic infiltration was grade 1 in 40 (60%), grade 2 in 24 (36%), and grade 3 in 2 cases (4%). The presence of grade 2-3 intrasinusoidal neutrophils was found to be significantly associated with mortality rate. The presence of sinusiodal congestion/hemorrhage was statistically related to the rejection. The presence of sinusiodal congestion/hemorrhage was significantly associated with shorter overall survival.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intrasinusoidal neutrophilic infiltration is promising to be a possible histopathological predictor for mortality. In addition, the presence of sinusoidal congestion can be a candidate as a prognostic factor both for rejection and overall survival based on our study.

Microsurgical replacement of the right hepatic artery with the donor superior mesenteric artery in cadaveric donor pediatric liver transplantation.

To present our experience of using the pediatric donor superior mesenteric artery (SMA) as the interpositioning vessel to reconstruct the hepatic artery in pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation. Pediatric patients who received pediatric deceased donor livers from December 2019 to June 2021 were enrolled. A total of 43 pediatric recipients received pediatric deceased donor livers during the study period. Thirty-four (79.1%) pediatric donors had normal hepatic artery anatomy, while nine (20.9%) showed variant anatomies. The SMAs of the pediatric donors were interposed in the latter eight cases. The anastomosis between the donor distal SMA and the donor celiac trunk artery (CTA) was initially performed in the back-table period, after which the other anastomosis between the donor proximal SMA and recipient CHA was performed. Only one case showed HAT occurrence (incidence rate, 2.3%). However, no arterial complications occurred in pediatric recipients with donor grafts that showed the variation of RHA replacement from the SMA and had undergone usage of the donor's SMA as an interpositioning vessel. In pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation, the use of SMA as an interpositioning medium can solve the problems related to a tiny caliber and anatomical variations of the donor hepatic artery.

Mental health of recipients after cadaveric liver transplantation: A perspective from positive psychology.

The aim of this study was to explore the mental health of transplant recipients, especially psychological integration and the donor-recipient relationship. Psychological integration and the donor-recipient relationship are unique psychological perception of recipients with transplantation, which have important effects on their mental health and recovery. However, few studies have focused on the feelings and attitudes of cadaveric liver transplant recipients. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 30 recipients after liver transplantation. Qualitative content analysis was used and data saturation was achieved. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) were used. Three themes and eight subthemes were identified. (1) Psychological integration-acknowledging the transplanted liver was a part of their own body and attaching great importance to the liver; (2) Attitudes towards the donor-gratitude to the donor, being inspired by the dedication of the donor and mourning the donor's misfortune; and (3) Living in the moment-health behaviours of self-care, emotional regulation and positive attitude about life. The psychological integration of recipients of cadaveric liver transplants is smooth, and the attitudes towards the donor are positive. From the perspective of positive psychology, we observed the important role of post-traumatic growth of the recipient and positive emotions in promoting the recipient's health behaviours for self-care, emotion regulation and attitudes towards life. Medical staff should help recipients to deal with these issues about the organ and its donor constructively and guide them to focus on postoperative inner growth and positive emotion.

S1935 A Unique Case of Small Duct Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Leading to Recurrent Cholestatic Hepatitis

Introduction: Small Duct Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (sdPSC) is the narrowing of intrahepatic bile ducts which often leads to cholestasis and cirrhosis. We present a patient diagnosed with sdPSC which is an uncommon form of PSC. Case Description/Methods: A 42-year-old male patient, with a history of hypertension and gunshot wound with bowel resection presented for abdominal pain associated with recurrent cholangitis. Previous history also included bouts of abdominal pain, jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia that occurred roughly three times a year. A liver biopsy was taken during admission and revealed mild portal inflammation and cholestasis, bridging fibrosis, and intracytoplasmic iron granules. One month later a colonoscopy showed patchy erythema with biopsies demonstrating mild acute proctitis. Given cholestatic pattern, + ANA 1:320, recurrent admissions with sepsis, and recent colonoscopy showing evidence of proctitis (biopsy proven), the patient was diagnosed with sdPSC with overlap of autoimmune cholangiopathy. The sdPSC was treated with a cadaveric liver transplant, and upon explant, the patient’s liver showed chronic obstructive cholangiopathy. His postoperative course was notable for persistently elevated bilirubin of which half was indirect. Upon ERCP, the liver showed a mild anastomotic stricture and tortuous duct which was treated with a stent. However, the stent was removed because of lack of frank stricture. The patient was started on a prednisone taper with tacrolimus. The patient is currently doing well post-transplant on low dose tacrolimus and mycophenolate. Discussion: Clinical presentation of sdPSC often consists of pruritis, jaundice, and acute cholangitis from cholestasis, and fatigue, liver failure and hepatosplenomegaly from liver cirrhosis. Notably, the patient presented with hepatomegaly, and jaundice. With this presentation, PSC, sdPSC, and benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) were all possible diagnoses. Unremarkable MRCP imaging highlighted the unlikeliness of PSC, and liver biopsy showed bridging fibrosis which excluded BRIC. Clinical diagnosis of sdPSC is difficult and a high degree of clinical suspicion is needed. The cause for Small Duct Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis is unknown, but there is an association with irritable bowel disease, presence of HLA-B8 and HLA-DR3 and autoimmune disease like hyper IgM.

Shulan Estimation Model: A New Formula for Estimation of Standard Liver Volume In Chinese Adults

To establish a new and accurate model for standard liver volume (SLV) estimation and graft size prediction in liver transplantation for Chinese adults. In this study, the data of morphologic indices and liver volume (LV) were retrospectively obtained on 507 cadaveric liver transplantation donors between June 2017 and September 2020 in Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of each parameter and develop a new SLV formula. The new formula was then validated prospectively on 97 donors between October 2020 and June 2021, and the prediction accuracy was compared with previous formulas. The average LV in all subjects was 1445.68 ± 309.94 mL. Body weight (BW) showing the strongest correlation (r=0.453, P < .001). By stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, BW and age were the only 2 independent correlation factors for LV. Shulan estimation model derived: SLV (mL)=13.266×BW (kg) - 4.693×age+797.16 (R2=0.236, P < .001). In the validation cohort, our new model achieved no significant differences between the estimated SLV and the actual LV (P > .05), and showed the lowest mean percentage error of 0.33%. The proportions of estimated SLV within the actual LV ± 20%, ± 15%, and ± 10% percentage errors were 69.1%, 55.7%, and 40.2%, respectively. The Shulan SLV estimation model predicted LV more accurately than previous formulas on Chinese adults, which could serve as a simple screening tool during the initial assessment of graft volume for potential donors.

COVID-19 infection frequency and clinical course in patients with liver transplantation: Results of a single transplant center in Türkiye.

In this paper, it was tried to determine the incidence of COVID-19, course of the disease, and mortality rate in liver transplant patients by evaluating all patients operated on in our center. In addition, the results of liver transplantation performed in our center during the pandemic period were also presented. All patients who had undergone liver transplantation in our liver transplant center were questioned about their history of COVID-19 either at their routine controls in the clinic or by phone interview. Our liver transplant unit had 195 registered liver transplantation patients (2002-2020), and 142 of these were still alive and under follow-up. During the pandemic period, 80 patients referred to our outpatient clinic for follow-up, and their records were evaluated retrospectively in January 2021. Among 142 liver transplant patients, a total of 18 (12.6%) COVID-19 patients were identified. While 13 of these patients were males, mean age of the patients at the time of interviews was 48.8 years (22-65 years). Nine of the patients had living donor liver transplant, and the rest had cadaveric liver transplant. The most common COVID-19 associated symptom in the patients was fever. During the pandemic period, 12 liver transplant operations were performed in our center. Nine of them were living donor liver transplantation and the remainder were cadaveric liver transplantations. Two of our patients got COVID-19 positive during this period. One of them who was transplanted after COVID treatment was followed-up in intesive care for a long time and was lost not related to COVID-19. The incidence of COVID-19 is higher in liver transplant patients than in the general population. Nonetheless, mortality rates are low. During the pandemic period, liver transplantation can be continued by following general precautions.