Cases Of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Research Articles

COVID-19-associated secondary sclerosing cholangitis with liver transplantation.

We report on two cases of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) due to SARS-Cov2-associated secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) following long-term artificial respiration and extra-corporal membrane oxygenation in intensive care. Under these conditions, SSC is a rapidly progredient biliary disease featuring degenerative cholangiopathy, loss of bile ducts, ductular and parenchymal cholestasis, biliary fibrosis, and finally cirrhosis. Reduced perfusion and oxygenation of the peribiliary plexus, severe concurrent infections, and secondary medico-toxic effects appear to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease. A direct cytopathic effect of SARS-Cov2 on endothelial cells followed by thrombosis and fibrosing obliteration in all parts of the vascular bed of the liver may enhance the virus-associated liver disease and particularly SSC.

Biliary Anastomosis Using T-tube Versus No T-tube for Liver Transplantation in Adults: A Review of Literature.

The T-tube-directed biliary anastomosis in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) aims to minimize preventable biliary complications, including bile leaks and strictures. Biliary complications in patients with OLT increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. This review paper evaluated the current evidence on the routine use of T-tube reconstruction in OLT cases.A review of prospective, retrospective, observational, cohort studies as well as systematic reviews, meta-analyses, review papers, and opinion papers has been conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of T tube-based biliary anastomosis in cases of OLT.Our finding showed a bile leak incidence of 16.6% and 6.6% in T-tube and non-T-tube groups, respectively. The results indicated a lower incidence of anastomotic fistulae in the non-T-tube group (0.6%) compared to the T-tube group (4%). The findings negated statistically significant differences in the three-year actuarial survival rates based on biliary anastomosis with and without T-tube intervention (62.5% vs. 69.8%). The studies revealed a 6-11% and 2-11% incidence of cholangitis in OLT patients with T-tube-based reconstruction and those without a T-tube, respectively, and 26% and 20% incidence of total biliary complications in OLT patients with and without T-tube, respectively. In addition, the findings ruled out the influence of a T-tube on the incidence of perioperative complications, endoscopies, and reoperations in OLT cases.The current evidence correlates the increased incidence of bile leaks, cholangitis, and overall biliary complications with the use of a T-tube during OLT. In addition, T-tube-guided reconstruction has no impact on perioperative complications, overall survival, endoscopies, and reoperations in OLT cases.

Clinical characteristics and survival analysis of liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease: A single-center retrospective study

ObjectiveBy reviewing the clinical data of liver transplantation in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease in a single center and analyzing the clinical characteristics, the long-term prognosis and main risk factors for early postoperative death were investigated. MethodsThe clinical data of 98 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation performed due to alcoholic liver disease were collected to explore the effect on survival following liver transplants. The patients had been treated in the Organ Transplantation Center of the Tianjin First Central Hospital from November 2011 to November 2020. ResultsThe follow-up duration was 1–108 months. Nine cases died; among these cases, three died during the perioperative period. Univariate analysis revealed that daily ethanol intake, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, and preoperative liver failure were associated with perioperative death, and multivariate analysis revealed that daily ethanol intake was an independent risk factor for perioperative death (P = 0.048 < 0.05); the daily intake of ethanol in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group (293 ± 11.5 g vs. 178.3 ± 66.8 g, P = 0.004 < 0.05). Six patients died during long-term follow-up. The one-, five-, and nine-year cumulative survival rates were 96.8%, 92.0%, and 92.0%, respectively. Preoperative liver cancer was the main risk factor for long-term survival (ORR = 2884.3, P = 0.041 < 0.05). The primary cause of death was recurrence of malignant liver tumors, followed by new lung malignancies, intracerebral hemorrhage, and hepatic allograft dysfunction. ConclusionAlcoholic liver disease is a good indication for liver transplantation. Heavy daily drinking before an operation increases the risk of perioperative death. Recurrence of malignant liver tumors is the main risk factor affecting long-term survival.

Catheter directed hepatic artery thrombolysis following liver transplantation. Case report and review of the literature.

Hepatic artery thrombosis is the most frequent vascular complication following orthotopic liver transplantation, and often results in biliary complications, early graft loss and death. Surgical revascularization and retransplantation are considered the mainstay of treatment. However, intraarterial endovascular therapy is an alternative that has shown low morbidity and mortality, thereby avoiding the need for retransplantation. We describe a case of orthotopic liver transplantation complicated with hepatic artery thrombosis that was successfully treated with endovascular therapy.

Limb remote ischemic conditioning of the recipient protects the liver in a rat model of arterialized orthotopic liver transplantation.

BackgroundIschemic-reperfusion (IR) injury still represents a major concern in clinical transplantation, especially in the era of extreme organ shortage and extended criteria donor organs. In the present study we aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in a rat model of arterialized orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).MethodsMale Lewis rats were used (n = 144 / 72 OLT cases; 240–340g) as donors and recipients. Livers were flushed and stored in 4°C HTK-solution for 8h before implantation. Recipients were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: RIC 1, RIC 2, Control. In RIC 1, RIC 2 groups, RIC was applied in the recipient before hepatectomy or after reperfusion (4x5-5min IR via clamping the infrarenal aorta), respectively. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, 24, 168h post-reperfusion (n = 6 recipient/group/time point). Hepatocellular injury, graft circulation, serum cytokines, tissue redox-stress and adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) levels have been assessed. Additional markers were analyzed, using Western blotting and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsRIC 1 group showed significantly (p<0.05) improved portal venous and microcirculation flow as well as velocity. RIC has significantly reduced tissue injury according to the serum levels of transaminases and results of histopathological evaluation. Reduced TUNEL-staining (p<0.01 RIC 1–2 vs. Control) and elevated pBAD/BAD ratio was detected in the RIC groups (p<0.01 RIC 1 vs. Control). Supporting findings were obtained from measurements of serum IL-10 as well as tissue malondialdehyde and ATP levels. Hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA-expression was significantly higher in RIC 1 compared to Control (p<0.05 RIC 1 vs. Control).ConclusionThese results suggest that RIC might confer potent protection against the detrimental effects of IR injury including tissue damage, apoptosis, graft circulation, inflammation, tissue energetic status in OLT. HO-1 overexpression might play an orchestrating role in RIC mediated organ protection. An earlier intervention (RIC 1 protocol) was more effective than remote conditioning after graft reperfusion.

Common ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation.

The diagnostic value of common ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAP) after liver transplantation was investigated. From January 2005 to November 2015, information was collected on 2,085 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation. The cases included 1,617 men and 468 women. Common ultrasound and CEUS were used to monitor arterial blood flow following surgery, and the complications were assessed. Instruments used included Acuson Sequoia 512 and Mylab Twice, and the contrast agent was SonoVue. The standard of common ultrasound in the diagnosis of HAP was follicular structure, which had arterial blood flow signal present beside the hepatic artery. The diagnostic criteria of HAP using CEUS were abnormal and round contrast enhancement zone and perfusion of the contrast agent in the zone near the hepatic artery. The diagnostic standard of HAP was computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and emergency operation. Eight cases of HAP were diagnosed in 2,085 patients after liver transplantation (0.38%). Three cases of HAP were diagnosed successfully by common ultrasound while 5 cases were missed. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for common ultrasound was 37.5, 100 and 99.76%, respectively. Six cases of HAP were diagnosed by CEUS and 2 cases were missed. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for CEUS was 75, 100 and 99.9%, respectively. Collectively, CEUS is a convenient and effective diagnostic method for HAP following liver transplantation, the diagnostic sensitivity was obviously higher than that of the common ultrasound, and it was more convenient than CTA. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm with deep location, and unsatisfactory grayscale images were easily missed.

Complications related to intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in liver transplantation.

PurposeIntraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has commonly been used for evaluating cardiac function and monitoring hemodynamic parameters during complex surgical cases. Anesthesiologists may be dissuaded from using TEE in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) out of concern about rupture of esophageal varices. Complications associated with TEE in OLT were evaluated.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed charts and TEE videos of all OLT cases from January 2003 through December 2013 at Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, Florida).ResultsOf the 1811 OLTs performed, we identified 232 patients who underwent intraoperative TEE. Esophageal variceal status was documented during presurgical esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 230 of the 232 patients. Of these, 69 (30.0 %), had no varices; 113 (49.1 %), 41 (17.8 %), and 7 (3.0 %) had grades I, II, and III varices, respectively. Two patients (0.9 %) had no EGD performed because of acute liver failure. During OLT, 1 variceal rupture (0.4 %) occurred after placement of an oral gastric tube and TEE probe; the patient required intraoperative variceal banding. Most patients had preexisting coagulopathy at the time of probe placement. The mean (SD) laboratory test results were as follows: prothrombin time, 21.7 (6.6) seconds; international normalized ratio, 1.9 (1.3); partial thromboplastin time, 43.8 (13.3) seconds; platelet, 93.7 (60.8) × 1000/μL; and fibrinogen, 237.8 (127.6) mg/dL.ConclusionTEE was a relatively safe procedure with a low incidence of major hemorrhagic complications in patients with documented esophagogastric varices and coagulopathy undergoing OLT. It appeared to effectively disclose cardiac information and allowed rapid reaction for proper patient management.

Treatment Experience of Severe Abdominal Infection after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

This study aims to investigate the causes and treatment experience of severe abdominal infection after orthotopic liver transplantation. Clinical data were retrospectively analysed in perioperative severe abdominal infection of 186 orthotopic liver transplantation cases from March 2004 to November 2011. Among the 186 patients, 16 cases had severe abdominal infection: five cases had bile duct anastomotic leakage-inducing massive hydrops and infection under liver interstice, 10 cases had extensive bleeding of surgical wound leading to massive haematocele and infection around the liver, and one case had postoperative lower oesophageal fistula leakage causing massive hydrops and infection under the left diaphragm. After definite diagnosis, 12 cases underwent surgery within three days, with no death. Among the four cases that underwent surgery three days after diagnosis, one case died of multiple-organ failure five days after abdominal cavity exploration, which was performed 21 days after liver transplantation. Severe abdominal infections after liver transplantation were the most common causes of death in perioperative liver transplantation. Comprehensive treatment with efficacious antibiotics, multiple-organ support, controlled surgical removal of the lesion, and adequate drainage establishment was the key to the entire treatment.

Analgesic Considerations for Liver Transplantation Patients

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients have been reported to have decreased perioperative opioid and intraoperative inhalational anesthetic requirements when compared to patients without liver disease undergoing other types of major abdominal surgeries. The severity of the liver disease and the process of the transplantation itself may alter the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of different pain medications. Chemical injury of the liver and the high degree of surgical stress may also increase the levels of neuropeptides involved in pain modulation. Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, more than 5,000 OLT cases are being done per year since 2000. With better understanding of the pathophysiology of liver disease and the development of perioperative anesthesia management, the recent concept of improving patient outcome following OLT includes a fast-track approach in selected patients, which may shorten or completely bypass intensive care unit stay and reduce costs. With this development, the understanding of the analgesic pharmacology in the care of the OLT patients is even more important. Proper dosage of medications can achieve adequate intraoperative anesthetic depth and postoperative pain control, while avoiding over-sedation which increases risk of prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the analgesic medications commonly administered to this patient population.

No Evidence for Recipient-Derived Hepatocytes in Serial Biopsies of Sex-Mismatched Liver Transplants

Bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells (BM-HSCs) have been shown to act as source for hepatic regeneration in rodent models; however, their ability to participate in human liver regeneration remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin of hepatocytes in sex-mismatched cases of orthotopic liver transplantation in longitudinally performed liver biopsies. Paraffin-embedded liver biopsy samples of 14 patients after sex-mismatched (female-to-male) liver transplantation were investigated. Biopsies were taken at multiple time points and subjected to histologic examination. Immunohistochemical staining with a hepatocyte-specific antibody and fluorescent in situ hybridization for visualization of Y chromosomes were performed to analyze the presence of recipient-derived hepatocytes. We analyzed 30 liver biopsy samples ranging from 1 week to more than 3 years after transplantation. There was no evidence for recipient-derived hepatocytes in liver transplants at any time point. We were able to detect recipient-specific chromosomal status in inflammatory cells within the liver but not within hepatocytes. Results were independent of liver injury at the time of biopsy, caused by hepatitis C recurrence or rejection episodes. Our results show no evidence for involvement of BM-HSCs in liver regeneration after orthotopic liver transplantation. We think that recipient BM-HSC-derived hepatocyte repopulation is a very rare event at best and is not of clinical relevance.

Serial Biopsies of Sex-Mismatched Liver Transplants Show No Evidence for Recipient-Derived Hepatocytes

Background: Bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells (BMHSCs) are able to develop into multiple tissue-types during growth and regeneration. Moreover, BM-HSCs have been shown to act as source for hepatic regeneration in rodent models, however their ability to participate in human liver regeneration remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the origin of hepatocytes in sex mismatched cases of orthotopic liver transplantation in longitudinally performed liver biopsies. Methods: Paraffin-embedded liver biopsy samples of 14 patients after sex-mismatched liver transplantation were investigated. Biopsies were taken for clinical reasons and subjected to histologic examination for recurrence of hepatitis C or rejection episodes. All consecutive biopsies were included into analysis. Immunohistochemical staining with hepatocyte specific Ab and fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH) for visualization of Y chromosomes were performed to analyse presence of recipient-derived hepatocytes. Ki-67 specific mAb was used to demonstrate proliferative activity in the transplanted liver parenchyma. Results: We analysed 30 liver biopsy samples ranging from one week to more than 3 years after transplantation. Multiple biopsies were available in 10 out of 14 patients. There was no evidence for recipient derived hepatocytes in liver transplants at any time point. We were able to detect recipient specific chromosomal status in inflammatory cells within the liver but not within hepatocytes. Chromosomal status was independent of liver injury at the time of biopsy, caused by hepatitis C recurrence or rejection episodes. Moreover, there was no correlation between rejection episodes and proliferative capacity in post-transplant biopsies. Conclusions: Our results show no evidence for involvement of BMHSCs in liver regeneration after orthotopic liver transplantation. Results were independent of both, biopsy time post-transplantation and degree of tissue injury due to rejection episodes or viral re-infection. We conclude that BM-HSCs are not the primary source for hepatocytes in liver regeneration and suggest that recipient BM-HSC derived hepatocyte repopulation is a very rare event and may not be considered to be of clinical relevance.

186 Long Term Mechanical Circulatory Support: What Are the Final Options?

Despite advances in medical therapy, thousands of patients (pts) with end-stage diseases die each year awaiting a suitable donor organ. In cardiac transplantation, pts can be bridged using chronic mechanical circulatory support (MCS) until a suitable cardiac allograft becomes available. Contemporary MCS devices support systemic circulation with a continuous flow (CF) mechanism that generates non-physiological, non-pulsatile blood flow to vital organs. We present an unconventional case of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) from a deceased donor with end-stage heart failure who had been managed using a non-pulsatile MCS device.

Clinical Experience of More Than 200 Cases of Pediatric Liver Transplantation at a Single Center: Improved Patient Survival

The aim of this study was to present our experience with more than 200 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at a single center. We conducted a retrospective, single-center assessment of the demographic and clinical factors in children who underwent OLT from 1994 to 2010. Two hundred children younger than 18 years of age underwent 200 primary and 9 liver re-transplantations. The overall patient survival rates before 2003 at 1, 5, and 10 years were 86.4%, 79.5%, and 78.4%, respectively; whereas after 2003 they were 95.4% and 95.4% at 1 and 5 years, respectively (P < .05). Our center's results showed durable, improved outcomes in recent years.

Aprotinin Versus Tranexamic Acid During Liver Transplantation: Impact on Blood Product Requirements and Survival

Historically, orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has been associated with major blood loss and the need for blood product transfusions. Activation of the fibrinolytic system can contribute significantly to bleeding. Prophylactic administration of antifibrinolytic agents was found to reduce blood loss. The efficacy of two antifibrinolytic compounds--aprotinin (AP) and tranexamic acid (TA)--was compared in OLT. Four hundred consecutive OLTs were studied: 300 patients received AP and 100 received TA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of intraoperative transfusion requirement and 1-year patient mortality. There was no intergroup difference in intraoperative blood loss (1082±1056 vs. 1007±790 mL), red blood cell transfusion per patient (0.5±1.4 vs. 0.5±1.0), final hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (93±20 g/L vs. 95±22 g/L), the percentage of OLT cases requiring no blood product administration (80% vs. 82%), and 1-year survival (85.1% vs. 87.4%). Serum creatinine concentrations were also the same (116±55 vs. 119±36 μmol/L) 1 year after surgery. Two variables, starting Hb and phlebotomy, correlated with the two primary outcome measures (transfusion and 1-year survival). In our experience, administration of AP was not superior to TA with regards to blood loss and blood product transfusion requirement during OLT. In addition, we found no difference between the groups in the 1-year survival rate and renal function. Furthermore, we suggest that starting Hb concentration should be considered when prioritizing patients on the waiting list and planning perioperative care for OLT recipients.

Perfusion Fluid Contamination in Relation to Recipient Survival and Acute Cellular Rejection in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Retrospective Analysis

Introduction A perfusion fluid used in the preservation of a grafted liver represents a medium suitable for microorganism growth. This study investigated the prevalence of perfusion fluid contamination, acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes, and patient survival rate. Method This is a retrospective study, based on an electronic database allocating cases of orthotopic liver transplantation. The exclusion criteria were as follows: having been submitted to multiple organ transplantation, liver retransplantation only, and those whose samples had not been collected or sent on the back table procedure or were unobtainable (usually the samples were sent when there was donor infection suspicion/positivity). Our posttransplantation infection prophylactic protocol consisted of ampicillin/sulbactam for 72 hours. The variables in the study were as follows: fluid contamination, presence of acute cellular rejection (ACR, Banff classification), and recipient survival at the first year. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and chi-square with Fisher exact test considering significant P < .05. Results We observed perfusion fluid contamination in 15/121 (12.39%). The agents were as follows: Klebsiella pneumoniae in 6 (4.96%), Staphylococcus epidermidis in 5 (4.13%), and Acinetobacter baumanii in 3 (2.48%) and negative cultures in 106 (87.60%). Only 1 patient had matching for donor infection and positivity hemoculture after the transplantation ( K pneumoniae) and he was the only patient associated with fluid infection and death. The recipients who had their fluid preservation with positive cultures had more ACR and the survival rate was similar among those with or without infection. Conclusion Optimization of microbiological procedures can be performed including fungal and bacterial cultures.

Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Biliary Atresia: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction Biliary atresia (BA) is the leading indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) among children. However, there are technical difficulties, including the limited dimensions of anatomical structures, hypoplasia and/or thrombosis of the portal vein and previous portoenterostomy procedures. Objective The objective of this study was to present our experience of 239 children with BA who underwent OLT between September 1989 and June 2010 compared with OLT performed for other causes. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patient charts and analysis of complications and survival. Results BA was the most common indication for OLT (207/409; 50.6%). The median age of subjects was 26 months (range, 7–192). Their median weight was 11 kg (range, 5–63) with 110 children (53.1%) weighing ≤10 kg. We performed 126 transplantations from cadaveric donors (60.8%) and 81 from living-related donors (LRD) (39.2%). Retransplantation was required for 31 recipients (14.9%), primarily due to hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT; 64.5%). Other complications included the following: portal vein thrombosis (PVT; 13.0%), biliary stenosis and/or fistula (22.2%), bowel perforation (7.0%), and posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD; 5.3%). Among the cases of OLT for other causes, the median age of recipients was 81 months (range, 11–17 years), which was higher than that for children with BA. Retransplantation was required in 3.5% of these patients ( P < .05), mostly due to HAT. The incidences of PVT, bowel perforation, and PTLD were significantly lower ( P < .05). There was no significant difference between biliary complications in the 2 groups. The overall survival rates at 1 versus 5 years were 79.7% versus 68.1% for BA, and 81.2% versus 75.7% for other causes, respectively. Conclusions Children who undergo OLT for BA are younger than those engrafted for other causes, displaying a higher risk of complications and retransplantations.

Comparison of Milan and UCSF criteria for liver transplantation to treat hepatocellular carcinoma

To assess the validity of the Milan and University of California San Francisco (UCSF) criteria and examine the long-term outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a single-center study. This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Between 1998 and 2009, 56 of 356 OLTs were performed in patients with HCC. Based on pathological examination of liver explants, patients were retrospectively categorized into 3 grou-ps: Milan + (n = 34), Milan -/UCSF + (n = 7) and UCSF - (n = 14). Median follow-up period was 39.5 (1-124) mo. The 5-year overall survival rates in the Milan +, Milan -/UCSF + and UCSF-groups were 87.7%, 53.6% and 33.3%, respectively (P < 0.000). Within these groups, tumor recurrence was determined in 5.8%, 14.3% and 40% of patients, respectively (P < 0.011). Additionally, the presence of microvascular invasion within the explanted liver had a negative effect on the 5-year disease free survival (74.7% vs. 46.7%, P < 0.044). The Milan criteria are reliable in the selection of suitable candidates for OLT for the treatment of HCC. For cases of OLT involving living donors, the UCSF criteria may be applied.

Pathogenic analysis and treatment of biliary tract complication following orthotopic liver transplantation

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis of biliary tract complication following orthotopic liver transplantation ( OLT) and explore the methods of countermeasures. Methods Clinical data of 74 cases of biliary tract complication following OLT at our institute from 2004 to 2009 were retrospectively analysed. The patterns and high risk factors of biliary tract complication following OLT were summarized. Furthermore the interventing time and efficacy of any treatment for biliary tract complication following OLT were carefully analyzed. Results Bile leakage,biliary sludge,biliary duct stoma stricture,biliary ischemia stricture and biliary cast syndrome were predominant patterns of biliary tract complication following OLT. The inexperience in organ procurement,organ preservation,operating technique and post-operating treating was major factors for bile leakage and biliary duct stoma stricture. The prolong of warm ischemia time was the major factor for biliary sludge and biliary ischemia stricture ( P 0. 01) . At the same time the T-tube and cholangiojejunostomy could induce high morbility of biliary ischemia stricture( P 0. 01) . The organs to be perfused with UW through abdominal aorta had higher morbilities in biliary sludge,biliary ischemia stricture and biliary cast syndrome than those no use with UW( P 0. 05) . Endoscopic and radiative interventionswere effective methods for bile leakage,biliary sludge and biliary duct stoma stricture but unsatisfactory for treating biliary ischemia stricture and biliary cast syndrome. Retransplantation was a salvage method for invalid cases. Conclusions The biliary tract complication following OLT was directly associated with operation technique, ischemical reperfusion injury, the pattern of biliary duct anastomosis, organ procurement and so on. It was very important to think highly of preventing biliary ischemia stricture and biliary cast syndrome in order to cut down the morbilitis for those severe biliary tract complication following OLT.

Liver Transplantation for Severe Hepatic Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Two Children After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). After the skin, the liver is the second, most frequent target of GVHD, which presenting with hyperbilirubinemia, elevated liver enzymes, and coagulopathy. Progressive destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts causes vanishing bile duct syndrome and leads to end-stage liver disease. We report 2 successful cases of orthotopic liver transplantation performed in children with severe GVHD after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a matched unrelated donor (HSCT-MUD).

Complications of the treatment of endoscopic biliary strictures developing after liver transplantation

Bile duct strictures remain a major source of morbidity after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Endoscopic management by the conventional methods of biliary dilatation and/or stent placement has been successful, but sometimes severe complications occur, necessitating prolonged therapy. The aim of this study is to clarify the complications of the endoscopic approach for endoscopic dilatation and/or stent placement. Of 46 patients who underwent living-donor liver transplantation, 10 were diagnosed as having anatomic biliary strictures by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Two patients developing biliary strictures after deceased-donor liver transplantation were also enrolled in the study. For the purpose of comparison, 302 patients with a total of 550 consecutive ERCP cases (including 115 patients with 250 malignant bile duct strictures) were recruited in this study. Success rate, number of endoscopy sessions, the median procedure time for ERCP, and incidence of complications including post-ERCP pancreatitis were compared in the OLT cases and other cases. The following results were obtained in the OLT cases, malignant stricture cases, and all cases, respectively: mean number of endoscopy sessions was 3.62, 2.17, and 1.94 (P=0.0216, P<0.0001); post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 5 (12.5%), 10 (4.0%), and 19 cases (3.5%) (P=0.0327, P=0.0093); and severe pancreatitis occurred in 2 cases of OLT. In a univariate analysis for post-ERCP pancreatitis, OLT was extracted as the only significant risk factor. Endoscopic maneuvering for biliary dilatation and/or stent placement following OLT was associated with a higher risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis than the use of the same technique for the treatment of malignant biliary stricture. Endoscopic treatment after OLT was a significant risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis.