Cadaveric Transplantation Research Articles

Lobar graft evaluation in cadaveric lobar lung redo transplantation after living-donor lobar lung transplantation: a case report

BackgroundLung transplantation is a vital option for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, it faces a significant challenge due to the shortage of compatible donors, which particularly affects individuals with small chest cavities and pediatric patients. The novel approach of cadaveric lobar lung transplantation is a promising solution to alleviate the donor shortage crisis. Both the mid-term and long-term outcomes of lobar lung transplantation are comparable to those of standard lung transplantation. However, patients undergoing lobar lung transplantation reported a significantly higher rate of primary graft dysfunction compared to patients undergoing standard lung transplantation. Therefore, careful donor selection is critical to improve outcomes after lobar transplantation. However, no established method exists to evaluate each lung lobar graft of deceased donors. This case report describes a case of cadaveric lobar lung transplantation to overcome size mismatch and donor shortage, with particular emphasis on lobar graft evaluation.Case presentationA 39-year-old woman with scleroderma-related respiratory failure was listed for deceased donor lung transplantation due to a rapidly progressing disease. Faced with a long waiting list and impending mortality, she underwent bilateral living-donor lobar lung transplantation donated by her relatives. Post-transplant complications included progressive pulmonary vein obstruction and pleural effusion, which ultimately required retransplantation. An oversized donor with pneumonia in the bilateral lower lobes was allocated. Lung ultrasound was used to evaluate each lung lobar graft during procurement. The right upper and middle lobes and left upper lobe were confirmed to be transplantable, and lobar lung redo transplantation was performed. The patient’s post-transplant course was uneventful, and she was discharged home and returned to her daily activities.ConclusionsThis case highlights the clinical impact of cadaveric lobar lung transplantation as a feasible and effective strategy to overcome the shortage of donor lungs, especially in patients with small thoracic cavities. By establishing donor lung evaluation techniques and overcoming anatomical and logistical challenges, cadaveric lobar lung transplantation can significantly expand the donor pool and offer hope to those previously considered ineligible for transplantation.

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.

In Situ-Forming, Bioorthogonally Cross-linked, Nanocluster-Reinforced Hydrogel for the Regeneration of Corneal Defects.

Corneal defects can lead to stromal scarring and vision loss, which is currently only treatable with a cadaveric corneal transplant. Although in situ-forming hydrogels have been shown to foster regeneration of the cornea in the setting of stromal defects, the cross-linking, biomechanical, and compositional parameters that optimize healing have not yet been established. This, Corneal defects are also almost universally inflamed, and their rapid closure without fibrosis are critical to preserving vision. Here, an in situ forming, bioorthogonally cross-linked, nanocluster (NC)-reinforced collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrogel (NCColHA hydrogel) with enhanced structural integrity and both pro-regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects was developed and tested within a corneal defect model in vivo. The NCs serve as bioorthogonal nanocross-linkers, providing higher cross-linking density than polymer-based alternatives. The NCs also serve as delivery vehicles for prednisolone (PRD) and the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). NCColHA hydrogels rapidly gel within a few minutes upon administration and exhibit robust rheological properties, excellent transparency, and negligible swelling/deswelling behavior. The hydrogel's biocompatibility and capacity to support cell growth were assessed using primary human corneal epithelial cells. Re-epithelialization on the NCColHA hydrogel was clearly observed in rabbit eyes, both ex vivo and in vivo, with expression of normal epithelial biomarkers, including CD44, CK12, CK14, α-SMA, Tuj-1, and ZO-1, and stratified, multilayered morphology. The applied hydrogel maintained its structural integrity for at least 14 days and remodeled into a transparent stroma by 56 days.

Prion diseases, always a threat?

Prion diseases are caused by prions, which are proteinaceous infectious particles that have been identified as causative factors of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Prion diseases are devastating neurodegenerative disorders in humans and many animals, including sheep, cows, deer, cats, and camels. Prion diseases are classified into sporadic and genetic forms. Additionally, a third, environmentally acquired category exists. This type includes kuru, iatrogenic CJD caused by human dura mater grafts or human pituitary-derived hormones, and variant CJD transmitted through food contaminated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy prions. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy and variant CJD have nearly been controlled, but chronic wasting disease, a prion disease affecting deer, is spreading widely in North America and South Korea and recently in Northern Europe. Recently, amyloid-beta, alpha-synuclein, and other proteins related to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases were reported to have prion features such as transmission to animals. Amyloid-beta transmission to humans has been suggested in iatrogenic CJD cases and in cerebral amyloid angiopathy cases with cerebral bleeding occurring long after childhood neurosurgery with or without cadaveric dura mater transplantation. These findings indicate that diseases caused by various prions, namely various transmissible proteins, appear to be a threat, particularly in the current longevity society. Prion disease represented by CJD has obvious transmissibility and is considered to be an “archetype of various neurodegenerative diseases”. Overcoming prion diseases is a top priority currently in our society, and this strategy will certainly contribute to elucidating pathomechanism of other neurodegenerative diseases and developing new therapies for them.

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.

#1286 Utility of cinacalcet treatment in kidney transplant recipients with persistent hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Background and Aims Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs in the majority of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It may persist in up to 50-66% of patients despite the initial decrease in PTH levels after successful kidney transplantation (KT). Maintaining parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels within the normal range during the post-transplant period is crucial because it is related to hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and reduced bone mass in KT recipients. Studies have already demonstrated that persistent hyperparathyroidism is associated with graft loss and all-cause mortality. Vitamin D, vitamin D analogs, and calcimimetics are most commonly used to manage hyperparathyroidism. However, studies about the long-term effect of calcimimetic therapy on the allograft are still limited. In this study, we aim to investigate the long-term allograft results of patients who received cinacalcet treatment for hyperparathyroidism. Method This study was conducted in Gazi University nephrology dialysis and transplantation unit with 312 patients who were transplanted between 1996 and 2019 and continued routine follow-up visits. Persistent hyperparathyroidism is defined as elevated PTH levels after the first year of KT (serum PTH>88 pg/mL). All patients without concurrent hypercalcemia were treated with vitamin D or analogs according to their vitamin D levels. Patients with non-functional allograft and parathyroidectomy after KT were excluded from this study. In addition, patients with rejection episodes, which could be confounding factor for allograft survival, were excluded to evaluate the isolated effect of cinacalcet on the allograft function. We identified 115 patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism, of whom were treated with cinacalcet (n = 21) or not (n = 94). We analyzed the baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and immunosuppressive treatments of the groups. Additionally, annual eGFR changes (Δ eGFR) calculated based on baseline (post-transplantation 6th month) eGFR after KT was also examined to evaluate the effect of cinacalcet on the graft. Results The mean age of the patients was 44.3 ± 12.6 years, and 47 (41%) were women. The median follow-up time of the patients was 87 (49-117) months. Twenty-nine patients (25%) underwent cadaveric transplantation, and 47 (41%) patients received anti-thymoglobulin (ATG) in induction therapy. While all patients were given glucocorticoids as maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, 93 (81%) of the patients received tacrolimus and, 9 (8%) cyclosporin as CNI, 78 (68%) received anti-metabolite therapy. Fifty-eight patients (19%) were used mTORi. A total of 21 patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism (21%) were treated with cinacalcet. Dialysis time is longer in the cinacalcet-treated group than in the patients not treated with cinacalcet (p < 0.001). The preemptive transplantation rate was lower (p = 0.03), and the delayed graft function was higher in the cinacalcet-treated group (p = 0.04). In the first year after KT, serum median PTH levels were 227 (167-341) pg/ml in the cinacalcet group and 110 (86-160) pg/ml in the other group, respectively (<0.001). Also, serum phosphate level is lower in the treatment group (2.7 ± 0.4 mg/dl vs. 3.1 ± 0.7 mg/dl, p = 0.03). At the last visit of patients, we observed similar median PTH levels between groups [141 (100-222) vs. 108 (73-159), p = 0.08]. During the follow-up, CMV episodes and BKV nephropathy diagnosis rates were similar between the groups (Table 1). Δ eGFRs in the first year (p = 0.7), second year (p = 0.2), third year (p = 0.4), and fifth year (p = 0.6) after KT were similar between both groups. Conclusion Our study suggests that cinacalcet treatment could be a safe and effective treatment for patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism. In long-term follow-up, there is no evidence of a reduction of kidney function. However, more trials are still required for other clinical outcomes such as fracture risk and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Living-donor Lobar Lung Transplantation - Initiation and Development - Secondary Publication.

Due to the difficulty of finding brain-dead donors, in October 1998, I performed the first living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT) for a ventilator-dependent 24-year-old female patient with bronchiectasis using lobes from her parents. The patient is still alive and in good health 25 years after the transplantation. Over time, the indications for LDLLT have expanded to include pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, congenital genetic diseases, pulmonary complications after stem cell transplantation, and, more recently, severe lung injury due to COVID-19 infection. In 2022, we successfully performed an ABO-incompatible LDLLT. To address size mismatches, we have developed new LDLLT techniques, such as right-to-left inverted transplantation, upper lobe-sparing transplantation, and segmental lung transplantation. Our published studies cover a range of topics, encompassing both basic and clinical research. Of particular significance is the observation that LDLLT offers immunological advantages over cadaveric lung transplantation (CLT). Having conducted 353 cases of lung transplantation, including 161 LDLLTs and 192 CLTs, our 5-year survival rates were 83% after LDLLT and 74% after CLT, surpassing the 55% 5-year survival rate reported by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. We have hosted numerous observers and research fellows from 15 countries. In addition, I have contributed to LDLLT procedures not only in Japan but also abroad. It brings me great satisfaction to think that my educational efforts may ultimately lead to saving the lives of those suffering from end-stage respiratory failure around the world.

(1420) - Does HLA Mismatch Between Donors and Recipients Influence Postoperative Outcomes in Cadaveric Lung Transplants?

(1420) - Does HLA Mismatch Between Donors and Recipients Influence Postoperative Outcomes in Cadaveric Lung Transplants?

Effects of case volume on short- and long-term outcomes following cadaveric lung transplantation in Japan.

Despite the low number of lung transplantations (LTs) in Japan, 10 LT facilities are accredited and good outcomes have been reported. A database review was conducted to clarify the impact of case volume at LT facilities in Japan on short- and long-term outcomes. All cadaveric LT cases treated between 2000 and 2021 in Japan were analyzed using the database of the Japanese Society of Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation (JSLHT). The nine institutions represented were categorized into the low-volume (LV; <80 cumulative LT cases, <8 LTs/year, n=5) and high-volume (HV; ≥80 cumulative LT cases, ≥8 LTs/year, n=4) centers. Ninety-day and 1-year mortality, as well as 5- and 10-year survival data were evaluated. A total of 658 cadaveric LTs were performed at the nine institutions. The 90-day rates of mortality at the HV and LV centers were 3.5% and 3.9%, respectively (P=0.801), while the 1-year mortality rates were 9.2% and 11.5%, respectively (P=0.199). Additionally, log-rank analysis of Kaplan-Meier curves showing case volume did not reveal a significant difference in long-term survival between the HV and LV centers (P=0.272), though the LV centers had wide differences for long-term outcomes (P=0.030). Case volume did not have effects on short- or long-term outcomes following LT in Japan, while there were large variations in long-term outcomes among the LV centers compared to those of the HV centers.

First Ever Organ Transplantation from A Brain-Dead Person in Bangladesh: A Successful Outcome of The Human Organ Transplantation Act

On the 19th of January 2023, a historic event took place in the field of medical practice and country’s healthcare system. A 20-year-old girl named Sarah Islam was pronounced clinically dead on Wednesday (18 January, 2023) while being treated at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, with her terminal illness as she has been suffering from tuberous sclerosis since her childhood. Her final act was termed 'heroic' by her attending physicians as she became the first patient in the country to donate her organs while being brain-dead. The next day in the early morning (19 January, 2023) doctors conducted the country's first-ever cadaveric kidney transplantation as taken from her. The recipients were two females in their 30s who were reportedly recovering well after the surgery. Those two surgeries were performed separately at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital and the National Kidney Foundation Hospital in Dhaka. The Human Organ Transplantation Act (HOTA) officially came into force in Bangladesh on April 13, 1999, allowing organ donations from both living and brain-dead donors; after long discussion, some amendments were ratified by the Parliament in 2018. The Act places some legal requirements around the collection and preservation of human organs as well as ensuring their transplantation into a human body. Few years back, religious leaders came forward to issue a fatwa (religious approval) that recognize both living and brain death criteria and permit both living and brain-dead donors to donate organs for transplantation. Based on that fatwa and a long medical discussion the country’s parliament passed this Act. Enacting the HOTA shows an immense influence in our society on cadaveric organ donation and transplantation especially from brain-dead individuals, and we hope that this historic donation will create more awareness and pave a new path for organ donation campaign in the country in near future. CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 102-106

Changing trends in the management of posttransplant ureteric stricture

Abstract Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disease now. Diabetes and hypertension are the main cause. Renal transplant is a gold standard treatment. Posttransplant stricture is also common, and changing trends in management are emerging. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital in East India. The study duration was from January 2019 to December 2021. In total, 140 patients were studied, including both live and cadaveric transplants. A patient who developed posttransplant hydronephrosis or presented with acute kidney injury was evaluated with ultrasonography, intravenous urography, contrast-enhanced computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Management was done with double J (DJ) stenting, percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) insertion, or surgical intervention. Results and Analysis: Twelve (8.6%) patients out of 140 developed posttransplant ureteric stricture. Five (41.7%) out of 12 patients were managed with long dura DJ stenting, and five (41.7%) were managed with PCN insertion and serial follow-up. Only two (16.7%) required ureteric reimplantation. Discussion: Posttransplant ureteric stricture is a common complication following renal transplantation. Common causes are increased cold ischemia time, ureteral edema, clots, tumors, calculi, lymphocele, abscess, and hematoma. Other causes include kinking of the ureter and previously unrecognized pelviureteric junction obstruction. In the literature, the incidence of posttransplant ureteric stricture ranges from 2% to 10% in one study; and in another study, it is 1% to 9%. In our study, it is 8.6%. Conclusion: Diagnosis of the posttransplant ureteric stricture should be prompt, and management should be given as early as possible for better graft survival.

Need for new corneal restoration technologies in a post‐COVID world

In most countries, the supply of corneal material do not meet the demands for corneal transplantation. This has been exacerbated by COVID‐19. Patients have not been seen during lockdown. Many are presenting late. There has been fewer operations done during the pandemic resulting in a backlog. Even in normal times, there are cases of corneal blindness not amenable to cadaveric corneal transplantation. The clinical and research community have two tasks. One is to develop artificial corneae or contructs through biotechnology to replace cadaveric transplantation. The other is to improve keratoprostheses which are used for vascularised corneae and multiple previous failed grafts (Boston KPro1 and similar) and for dry keratinised ocular surface (the OOKP and alternatives).

A Rare Case of Pelvic Lipomatososis in a Cadaveric Renal Transplant Recipient

A middle-aged male with end-stage renal disease underwent cadaveric transplantation. Intraoperatively, a large mass was seen in the pelvis surrounding the vessels, native ureter, and bladder. Ultrasound showed echogenic fatty tissue in the pelvis suggestive of pelvic lipomatosis vessels were dissected, layers were separated with a lot of difficulty. The urinary bladder could not be defined. Hence, ureteroureterostomy was done and a DJ stent was placed. The patient had immediate graft function and attained a nadir creatinine of 0.6 mg/dl on postoperative day 6.

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.

Readmissions and costs in cadaveric and living-donor lobar lung transplantation: Analysis using a national database

Readmissions and costs in cadaveric and living-donor lobar lung transplantation: Analysis using a national database

Predictive value of triglyceride/glucose index for cardiac outcomes in non-diabetic renal transplant recipients

Objectives Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is a reliable marker of IR. No study has examined the impact of the TyG index on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in RTRs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the TyG index for MACCEs in RTRs. Materials and Methods Non-diabetic patients undergoing renal transplantation were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to MACCE development. The cut-off value of the TyG index for MACCE was conducted. Results The mean age of 522 patients was 41 (31–51) years, and 349 (66.9%) were male. During the 5.4-year follow-up, 84 (16%) MACCE were recorded. TyG index was significantly higher in the group that developed MACCE (p < 0,001). Cox regression analysis revealed that TyG index [HR: 3.297 (1.228–8.855), p = 0.018], left ventricle ejection fraction [HR: 0.934 (0.900-0.968), p < 0.001], cadaveric transplantation [HR: 8.886 (4.764-16.576), p < 0.001], graft survey [HR: 0.608 (0.542-0.682), p < 0.001)], and smoking [HR: 1.965 (1.117-3.456), p = 0.019] were independent predictors of MACCEs in nondiabetic RTRs. Conclusion TyG index is an independent predictor of MACCEs in non-diabetic RTRs. The widespread use of the TyG index may positively affect long-term treatment costs and survival.

Living-donor lobar lung transplantation

Living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT) is indicated for critically ill patients who would not survive the waiting period in the case of severe brain-dead donor shortage. It is essential to confirm that potential donors are willing to donate without applying psychological pressure from others. In standard LDLLT, the right and left lower lobes donated by 2 healthy donors are implanted into the recipient under cardiopulmonary support. LDLLT can be applied to various lung diseases including restrictive, obstructive, infectious, and vascular lung diseases in both adult and pediatric patients if size matching is acceptable. Functional size matching by measuring donor pulmonary function and anatomical size matching by 3-dimensional computed tomography volumetry are very useful. When 2 donors with ideal size matching are not available, various transplant procedures, such as single lobe, segmental, recipient lobe-sparing, and inverted lobar transplants are valuable options. There seems to be immunological advantages in LDLLT as compared to cadaveric lung transplantation (CLT). Unilateral chronic allograft dysfunction is a unique manifestation after bilateral LDLLT, which may contribute to better prognosis. The growth of adult lung graft implanted into growing pediatric recipients is suggested by radiologic evaluation. Although only 2 lobes are implanted, postoperative pulmonary function is equivalent between LDLLT and CLT. The long-term outcome after LDLLT is similar to or better than that after CLT. The author has performed 164 LDLLTs resulting in 71.6% survival rate at 10years. All living-donors returned to their previous life styles. Because of possible serious morbidity in donors, LDLLT should be applied only for critically ill patients.

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.

Attitudes of healthcare professionals working in different fields towards organ transplantation in the hospital sample and the factors affecting these attitudes.

Aim: Turkish society has profound distrust and hesitation against the concept of brain death and related cadaveric organ donation. In this study, the attitudes of health workers about organ transplantation from cadavers were investigated. The effects of race, religiosity and political conservatism parameters on the attitudes of the research group were also explored. Methods: A total of 491 participants between the ages of 18-70 who are hospital employees in different fields were included in this study. An Organ Donation Attitude Scale (ODAS) was applied to the participants, which evaluates organ donation from cadavers explicitly, and the relationships between the emerging trend and the demographic characteristics of the participants, their education, the task they are responsible in the hospital, ethnicity and sectarian origins, religiosity and political conservatism characteristics were evaluated. Results: ODAS scores of our sample group did not show a significant relationship in age, gender, ethnic origin and sect. There was a negative relationship between cadaveric organ transplantation and religiousness and a positive relationship with liberal political views. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in the attitude toward organ transplantation regarding education levels, position in the hospital, and the geographical region where the person came from. Conclusion: Our country's attitude towards organ transplantation from cadavers is complex in a way that cannot be explained only by education. A conceptual study of cultural, religious and other social aspects is necessary to explain the perspective towards organ transplantation in Turkey.