Effect Of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Research Articles

Effect of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation on the Health-Related Quality of Life in Indian Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease: A Prospective Study

Effect of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation on the Health-Related Quality of Life in Indian Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease: A Prospective Study

Inflammatory bowel disease course in liver transplant versus non-liver transplant patients for primary sclerosing cholangitis: LIVIBD, an IG-IBD study

BackgroundData regarding the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) course are scarce and conflicting. AimsTo compare the incidence of refractory IBD in two groups (OLT and non-OLT) of patients affected by IBD and PSC. MethodsAn observational, multicentre, cohort retrospective study was conducted by the Italian Group for the study of IBD in Italy. The primary outcome was the need for biologic therapy or bowel resection for medically refractory IBD or hospitalization due to IBD relapse during the follow-up. Secondary outcomes were rate of colonic dysplasia, colorectal cancer, other solid tumours, lymphoma. ResultsEighty-four patients were included in the study. The primary outcome was not different between OLT and non-OLT groups (11/27, 40.7%, versus 20/57, 35.1%, respectively, p = 0.62). The lymphoma and other tumours (thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, ileal tumour, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer) rates were significantly higher in the OLT group (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively), at the limit of statistical significance for high-grade colonic dysplasia (p = 0.06). ConclusionOLT in patients affected by IBD and PSC is not a risk factor for a more severe IBD course, but it is associated with a higher occurrence of cancer.

Orthotopic liver transplantation changes the course of gastric antral vascular ectasia: a case series from a transplant center

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on GAVE and associated anemia. We performed a chart review and identified all cirrhotic patients with GAVE who underwent OLT at the University Of Alabama at Birmingham between 2005 and 2013. Population's demographics, etiology of cirrhosis, comorbidities, presentation and treatment modalities of GAVE, endoscopic and histopathologic reports, hemoglobin values before and after transplant, and immunosuppressive regimens were collected. Twelve patients were identified, mean age 52.4±4.4 years; seven were men (58.3%); 11 (91.7%) were White; and 6 of 12 patients had biopsy-proven GAVE. The most common etiology of cirrhosis in the cohort was chronic hepatitis C and obesity was the most common chronic condition in 50 and 83.3%, respectively. Anemia resolution was observed in 9/12 (75%) patients who underwent OLT with an increase in hemoglobin from 8.1±2.4 (5.7-13.1) before transplant to 12.0±1.4 (10-15) after transplant (P<0.0001). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy after transplant was performed in all 12 (100%) patients. The mean time between transplant and post-OLT esophagogastroduodenoscopy was 13.8±18.28 (2-57) months; complete resolution of GAVE was observed in 10 (83.3%) patients, with resolving GAVE in one (8.3%) patient. GAVE is an important cause of anemia and upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our findings show that liver transplantation can resolve GAVE and related anemia.

Chronic acquired hepatocerebral degeneration, pallidal T1 MRI hyperintensity and manganese in a series of cirrhotic patients

Chronic acquired hepatocerebral degeneration (CAHD) is a rare neurological disorder of cirrhotic patients, characterized by parkinsonism and cognitive impairment. A T1 hyperintensity on the globus pallidum due to an accumulation of manganese (Mn) is found in these patients. The aim of the study was to investigate CAHD, Mn and the MRI pallidal signal in a series of cirrhotic patients. The association between pallidal T1 hyperintensity, CAHD, and blood levels of Mn, the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on the MRI signal and neurological findings, and the role of the pallidal signal as a predictor of CAHD were evaluated. Twenty-six out of 90 patients with cirrhosis had pallidal T1 hyperintensity. Seven patients had CAHD. OLT was followed by the disappearance of CAHD and MRI signal in 2/2 patients. The MRI signal disappeared after OLT in 8/13 patients after a median follow-up time of 24months. In the patients who did not undergo OLT, CAHD did not present after a median follow-up time of 18months. The cause of cirrhosis, episodes of acute hepatic encephalopathy and signal intensity were not correlated with CAHD. The blood levels of Mn did not reflect either the MRI signal or CAHD. In conclusion, the pallidal T1 hyperintensity is a prerequisite for the clinical manifestations of CAHD but is not sufficient. The blood levels of Mn as routinely monitored are not a useful marker of Mn burden. The MRI pallidal signal is not a predictor of CAHD.

To evaluate the role of OLT on splenomegaly of portal hypertension by the radiological changes of splenic morphology and collaterals

To explore the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on portal hypertension by observing the radiological changes of splenic volume and collaterals before and after OLT. In our hospital 56 patients performing OLT due to cirrhosis, portal hypertension and splenomegaly were classified into five groups according to their following-up time: A (≤3 months), B (>3-6 months), C (>6-12 months), D (>12-24 months), and E (>24 months). Twenty health people were chose as control group (F). The splenic width, thickness, length, volume, diameter of portal and splenic vein and collaterals were measured and observed in every patient of six groups before and after OLT respectively. After OLT, the splenic volume decreased by 25.4%, 27.8%, 21.9%, 25.2%, 27.7% in five groups respectively, which was still larger than the normal group (P<0.05). Gastroesophageal varices in 31 cases (81.6%, 31/36) became normal after OLT. The opened umbilical vein disappeared and the retroperitoneal varices persisted in five cases after OLT. Splenomegaly and opened collaterals can be relieved by OLT effectively. The splenic volume didn't change obviously until it decreased by 25% in the three months after OLT. Gastroesophageal varices can be removed in most of patients after OLT. The splenomegaly could last paralled with the splenic vein and retroperitoneal varices after OLT. After OLT, correct disposal of splenic and collateral changes could improve the success rate and the long-term treatment effect of OLT.

Corrected QT interval and QT dispersion in cirrhotic patients before and after liver transplantation.

Liver cirrhosis is associated with different types of electrophysiological changes, including QT prolongation, which may adversely affect long-term prognosis of these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) on corrected QT (QTc) interval and QT dispersion (QTd) in cirrhotic patients of various etiologies. We enrolled 249 patients with end-stage liver disease between 2004 and 2009 at Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz, Iran. The QTc interval and QTd were measured by 12 lead ECGs for baseline and at 3 months after LT. Mean QTc interval and mean QTd were calculated. A QTc interval above 440 ms was considered abnormal. Within 3 months following surgery, 6 patients died. There were 105 patients (43.2%) with prolonged QTc before transplantation; in 91 (86.6%) patients, the mean QTc normalized after transplantation (baseline: 490.9 ± 45.74 ms; post-transplantation: 385 ± 48.74 ms; P < 0.0001). Fourteen patients (13.3%) had evidence of some shortening of the QTc interval although the QTc remained above the upper limit of normal. Prolongation of the QTc interval in cirrhotic patients was independent of the etiology of cirrhosis. A normal QTc was seen in 138 patients (56.7%) before transplantation, of which 4 (2.9%) developed prolonged QTc after transplantation. The mean QTd decreased significantly after transplantation (baseline: 30 ± 20 ms; post-transplantation: 30 ± 10 ms; P < 0.0001). Many cirrhotic patients have prolonged QTc intervals before LT regardless of disease etiology. In the majority of patients this value returns to normal after LT, suggesting that liver cirrhosis has independent unfavorable, but reversible electrophysiological effects.

Progression of transthyretin amyloid neuropathy after liver transplantation

To biochemically characterize peripheral nerve amyloid in subjects with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis and assess effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on progression of neuropathy. Amyloid fibrils were isolated from peripheral nerve tissues of 6 patients with TTR amyloidosis who were heterozygous for an amyloid-associated TTR mutation. Ratio of variant to wild-type TTR in the fibrils was determined by amino acid sequencing of tryptic peptides containing either the variant amino acid residue or the corresponding normal amino acid. Amyloid fibrils from 3 subjects who died without having received a liver transplant were composed of 60%-65% variant TTR and 35%-40% wild-type. Amyloid fibrils from a subject who died 5 years after liver transplantation contained 25% variant and 75% wild-type TTR. Ratios of variant to wild-type TTR in amyloid patients heterozygous for an amyloid-associated TTR mutation are similar to published ratios for amyloid fibrils in cardiac tissue. Survival after liver transplantation for TTR amyloidosis may be associated with progression of neuropathy due to continued deposition of amyloid derived from wild-type TTR.

Aerobic capacity in patients with chronic liver disease: Very modest effect of liver transplantation

Aerobic capacity is commonly impaired in patients with liver cirrhosis, as demonstrated by their low oxygen consumption at peak exercise (peak VO(2)). This impairment is correlated with the severity of the liver disease. We investigated the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) alone on exercise capacity in this prospective study of patients with liver cirrhosis. Twenty liver transplant candidates, aged 27 to 61years, underwent resting pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, and incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) before OLT and 16.3 + or - 1.6months after OLT. Following OLT, peak VO(2) increased by a mean of only 7.7% (from 63.4 to 71.1% of predicted value), and decreased in one-quarter of the patients. Cardiac function was normal before OLT and no changes in respiratory indicators followed OLT. Change in peak VO(2) after OLT (Delta peak VO(2)) was related to changes in hemoglobin level (r(2)=0.45, p=0.04), the stopping of beta-blocker therapy, and muscle impairment, as suggested by the correlation between Delta peak VO(2) and peak lactate concentration before OLT (r(2)=0.64, p<0.01). Our study provides evidence of a very modest and inconsistent increase in aerobic capacity in liver transplant candidates after liver transplantation alone. This persistent impairment of exercise tolerance was principally of peripheral origin but anemia and beta-blocker treatment should be considered as major aggravating factors. Rehabilitation programs before and after transplantation may increase its benefits to these deconditioned liver transplant recipients in their daily lives.

Risk factors predicting the prognosis of orthotopic liver transplantation in hepatopulmonary syndrome

To observe the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and investigate risk factors predicting the prognosis of OLT. Twenty-six cases of HPS and 30 cases of non-HPS were analyzed treated from April 2004 to January 2006. Survival rates after OLT were compared and risk factors predicting the prognosis of OLT in HPS were researched by univariant and COX analysis. The 28 days survival rate in HPS after OLT was 76.9% (20/26), half a year survival rate and one year survival rate were both 61.5% (16/26). Whereas the one year survival rate of patients without HPS was 100%(P < 0.05). By univariant analysis, shunt of (99)Tc(m)-labeled macro-aggregated albumin in lungs, PaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 in room air before operation were relative to the prognosis of peri-operative period and half a year outcome after OLT in HPS (P < 0.05). Shunt of (99)Tc(m)-labeled macro-aggregated albumin in lungs (OR = 1.182, P = 0.001), and mechanical ventilation time (OR = 1.003, P = 0.053) after OLT were independent risk factors predicting the prognosis of OLT in HPS by COX analysis. Shunt of (99)Tc(m)-labeled macro-aggregated albumin in lungs > or = 28.4%, or PaO2 < or = 56 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) before OLT predicted the poor outcome of OLT in HPS. The sensitivity were 83.3% and 85.0% respectively, and the specificity were 95.0% and 83.3% respectively. OLT is an effective treatment for HPS.Shunt of (99)Tc(m)-labeled macro-aggregated albumin in lungs before OLT and mechanical ventilation time after OLT were independent risk factors for the prognosis of OLT in HPS.

Impact of Orthotopic Liver Transplant for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis on Chronic Antibiotic Refractory Pouchitis

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and post-OLT immunosuppression on the disease course of pouchitis is not clear. The aims of this study were to compare the frequency of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) in PSC patients with or without OLT and to assess potential risk factors for CARP in these patients. Ulcerative colitis patients with PSC and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) with or without OLT identified from our prospectively maintained pouch database were analyzed. CARP was diagnosed based on persistent symptomatic pouchitis after a 4-week single- or dual-antibiotic therapy. A total of 63 PSC/IPAA patients were studied, including 19 patients with OLT and 44 patients without OLT. Fifty patients (79.4%) had CARP. In both univariable and multivariable analyses (adjusting for OLT status), none of the variables studied was associated significantly with CARP (P > .20). All 7 patients (100%) with IPAA-then-OLT were diagnosed as having CARP, of whom 4 developed CARP before OLT, which persisted after OLT, and 3 had CARP after OLT. Of 12 patients with OLT-then-IPAA, 7 (58.3%) developed CARP. The frequency of CARP in OLT-then-IPAA was statistically significantly lower than that in IPAA-then-OLT (58.3% vs 100%; P = .047). CARP is common in patients with ulcerative colitis and PSC. OLT in these patients may not affect the frequency of CARP in general and appears not to alter the disease course of pre-existing CARP. However, in a subset of patients, OLT might reduce the risk for the development of de novo CARP.

Effect of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (OLT) on Branched-Chain Amino Acid Requirement

Little is known regarding the impact of liver transplantation on amino acid requirements in children. Since plasma levels of the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) are decreased in the presence of normal levels of the aromatic amino acids after liver transplantation, normalization of hepatic function may not fully correct changes in BCAA metabolism that occur in the pretransplant period. The goal of the present study was to determine total BCAA requirements of children following liver transplantation. The requirement of total BCAA was determined using indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) in five clinically stable children (5.7 +/- 3.5 y, mean +/- SD) 1-8 y post liver transplantation. Children received in random order 6 graded intakes of total BCAA. Individual BCAA in the test diet were provided in the same proportions as present in egg protein to minimize the potential interactive effects of individual BCAA on assessment of requirement. Total BCAA requirement was determined by measuring the oxidation of L-[1-13C] phenylalanine to 13CO2 [F13CO2 in micromol/kg/h], after a primed, continuous infusion of the tracer and using a two-phase linear regression crossover regression analysis. The estimated average requirement and the upper limit of the 95% CI for total BCAA in children who have undergone liver transplantation were 172 and 206 mg/kg/d), respectively. Total BCAA requirement in children who have undergone orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remain increased in the post-liver transplant period when compared with healthy school aged children, but is decreased when compared with children with mild-moderate chronic cholestatic (MCC) liver disease.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with end-stage liver disease caused by hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease: Not just a cholestatic problem

Although best characterized in chronic cholestatic liver disease, osteopenic bone disease and fracturing are well-recognized complications of cirrhosis, particularly after liver transplantation. We sought to compare the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis, to assess the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on bone density, and to determine fracture rates before and after OLT in three groups of patients with advanced cirrhosis: patients with cirrhosis from hepatitis C virus (HCV) alone, from alcohol abuse (ALD), and from HCV in conjunction with alcohol abuse (HCV+ALD). Between 1991 and 2001, 207 consecutive patients who underwent OLT for HCV (68 patients), ALD (66), and HCV+ALD (73) were assessed clinically, biochemically, radiologically, and by bone densitometry. The baseline mean T score was lower in the HCV group than in the ALD group (-1.43 versus -0.87, P =.048) despite ALD patients having more advanced liver disease; patients with HCV+ALD had intermediate T scores. The pattern of significant bone loss at 4 months and 12 months was similar for all three groups. The baseline fracture rate was lowest in the HCV group and highest in the ALD group, despite the latter having the highest bone density. Fractures occurred in 17% of patients in the first year after transplantation, the majority being vertebral compression fractures. Patients with cirrhosis caused by HCV, ALD, or a combination of both should be screened for osteopenia, especially before OLT.

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the QTc interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the QTc interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the QTc interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation on the QTc interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on QTC interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

The effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on QTC interval in patients with end-stage liver disease

Bone mass and body composition in children with chronic cholestasis before and after liver transplantation

OSTEOPENIA is a common complication in chronic cholestatic liver diseases, and a number of reports have described various degrees of osteopenia, with or without fracture, in adults and children. It is not known if this bone disease is a result of a deficiency in vitamin D, minerals, or hormones, or whether it reflects the malnutrition that accompanies cholestatic diseases. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is often the only chance of recovery, but is itself known to cause a reduction in bone mineral content in adult patients. The decrease in bone mass occurs during the first 6 months following OLT and then a steady increase is observed after 1 year, and, as might be expected, most pathologic fractures occur within 6 months after OLT and their incidence decreases after 1 year. The causes of the bone loss observed during the first months after OLT are still debated, but the administration of steroids and immunosuppressive drugs may play a role. Little is known about the effect of OLT on bone mass in infants and children. The bone mineral content of children with chronic cholestasis diseases normalizes within a few months of transplantation. To our knowledge, no data are available concerning body composition in infants and children with cholestatic diseases before and after OLT, and thus we used dual-energy X-ray photon absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of total bone mass and body composition to monitor the posttransplantation growth of such patients.

PERIOPERATIVE EXHALED NITRIC OXIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION - PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS

S418 INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that patients with hepatic cirrhosis have elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide (NO). [1] This study was designed to examine the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on the perioperative concentrations of exhaled NO in patients with end-stage liver disease. METHODS: After IRB approval and informed consent, 4 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation were studied. Exhaled NO concentrations were measured using a rapid response chemiluminescence analyzer (Sievers Instruments Inc. Boulder, Co). A restricted exhaled breath technique was utilized. Contamination by nasopharyngeal NO was excluded by using a constant exhalation pressure of 20 torr and 46 ml/s exhalation flow rate. Initial measurements were taken just prior to induction of anesthesia. Post-transplant measurements were taken daily after completion of surgery with the patient extubated. Laboratory data (PT, AST, ALT) were also obtained to determine if signs of graft dysfunction affected levels of exhaled NO. RESULTS: All patients maintained elevated levels of exhaled NO post-operatively, however, patients 1 and 3 displayed signs of acute cellular rejection. In both of these patients the exhaled NO concentrations peaked at a level above that measured in the preoperative period. Patient 1 increased from 38.4ppb to 49ppb and patient 3 increased from 35.3ppb to 42.3ppb, respectively. See Table 1.Table 1: Exhaled NO Concentrations in extubated OLT patients. (Normal exhaled NO value for a healthy individual [similar]10ppb.)DISCUSSION: Nitric oxide is hypothesized as being the mediator of peripheral vasodilation in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatocytes and Kuppfer cells have been shown to produce excessive amounts of NO in cirrhotic livers [2]. Because NO is thought to be rapidly inactivated by the circulating hemoglobin, it is likely that most of the exhaled NO is the result of excessive local production of NO by the lung, rather than the liver. Vascular and bronchial endothelial cells probably produce this NO and that would account for the maintained increased levels of exhaled NO after implantation of a new liver graft. Recent studies, however, have shown that some NO may not be deactivated by hemoglobin but is instead transported as s-nitrosyl hemoglobin [3-4]. This may then be circulated directly to the lungs where it is released as exhaled NO. If this is true, then the liver hepatocyte function could be a component of exhaled NO concentrations. This preliminary data does show some trends of an increase in exhaled NO with early signs of graft dysfunction. Further studies should be able to demonstrate if concentrations of exhaled NO are a reliable marker of graft dysfunction.

Progressive cardiac amyloidosis following liver transplantation for familial amyloid polyneuropathy: implications for amyloid fibrillogenesis.

Circulating transthyretin (TTR) is derived from the liver, and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is widely performed for variant TTR-associated familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP). The effect of OLT on FAP-related cardiac amyloid is of particular interest because wild-type TTR can itself be deposited as senile cardiac amyloid. Serial echocardiography was performed in 20 FAP patients, 14 of whom underwent OLT, and 10 other liver transplant patients. Follow-up included serum amyloid P component scintigraphy and measurement of plasma TTR before and after OLT. Cardiac amyloidosis progressed rapidly in three FAP patients (TTR Pro52 and Thr84 mutations) after OLT, even though the deposits elsewhere had stabilized or regressed. Results of echocardiography improved in three transplant patients with TTR Met30 and remained normal in seven other patients. Plasma TTR levels were altered substantially after OLT, but they did not reflect the cardiac findings. Although amyloid deposition in FAP is generally inhibited after OLT, cardiac amyloidosis can be exacerbated, probably due to enhanced deposition of wild-type TTR on a template of amyloid derived from variant TTR. The phenomenon may be mutation-dependent. These findings suggest that amyloid formation de novo and its subsequent accumulation can be promoted by different factors, which may be organ-specific.

The effect of recurrence of HCV infection of life after liver transplantation.

The present study evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of adult cirrhotic patients before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), the effect of OLT on QOL in the long-term and the effect of HCV recurrence within medical complications on QOL. Three groups of patients were studied: 19 pre-OLT, 33 during the first year post-OLT and 41 1 to 5 years post-OLT. The patients completed questionnaires on QOL and underwent liver function tests, immunosuppressive drug blood level determinations and medical complications evaluation. Somatization and depression and anxiety scores improved significantly during the first year post-OLT compared with pre-OLT, but they worsened again during the 1-5-year period post-OLT. Physical functioning and life satisfaction scores improved significantly during the first year post-OLT completed with pre-OLT and the improvement persisted 1-5-year during the period post-OLT. Patients with HCV recurrence compared with patients without HCV recurrence during the first year post-OLT showed a significant worsening of most of the domains of QOL. In conclusion, OLT improved most of the domains of QOL by the end of the first post-transplant year, though the improvements did not all persist in the long-term. Recurrence of HCV infection plays a major role in the impairment of QOL after OLT.

The effect of recurrence of HCV infection of life after liver transplantation

Abstract The present study evaluated the quality of life (QOL) of adult cirrhotic patients before orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), the effect of OLT on QOL in the long-term and the effect of HCV recurrence within medical complications on QOL. Three groups of patients were studied: 19 pre-OLT, 33 during the first year post-OLT and 41 1 to 5 years post-OLT. The patients completed questionnaires on QOL and underwent liver function tests, immunosuppressive drug blood level determinations and medical complications evaluation. Somatization and depression and anxiety scores improved significantly during the first year post-OLT compared with pre-OLT, but they worsened again during the 1–5-year period post-OLT. Physical functioning and life satisfaction scores improved significantly during the first year post-OLT compared with pre-OLT and the improvement persisted 1–5-year during the period post- OLT. Patients with HCV recurrence compared with patients without HCV recurrence during the first year post-OLT showed a significant worsening of most of the domains of QOL. In conclusion, OLT improved most of the domains of QOL by the end of the first post-transplant year, though the improvements did not all persist in the long-term. Recurrence of HCV infection plays a major role in the impairment of QOL after OLT.