Hepatectomy is still the major curative treatment for patients with liver malignancies.However,it is still a big challenge to remove the tumors in the central posterior area,especially if their location involves the r...Hepatectomy is still the major curative treatment for patients with liver malignancies.However,it is still a big challenge to remove the tumors in the central posterior area,especially if their location involves the retrohepatic inferior vena cava and hepatic veins.Ex vivo liver resection and auto-transplantation(ELRA),a hybrid technique of the traditional liver resection and transplantation,has brought new hope to these patients and therefore becomes a valid alternative to liver transplantation.Due to its technical difficulty,ELRA is still concentrated in a few hepatobiliary centers that have experienced surgeons in both liver resection and liver transplantation.The efficacy and safety of this technique has already been demonstrated in the treatment of benign liver diseases,especially in the advanced alveolar echinococcosis.Recently,the application of ELRA for liver malignances has gained more attention.However,standardization of clinical practice norms and international consensus are still lacking.The prognostic impact in these oncologic patients also needs further evaluation.In this review,we summarized the principles and recent progresses on ELRA.展开更多
Biliary complications are the most common complications after liver transplantation.Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)are cornerstones for timely diagnosis of biliary complications after liver ...Biliary complications are the most common complications after liver transplantation.Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)are cornerstones for timely diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation.The diagnosis of these complications by CT and MRI requires expertise,mainly with respect to identifying subtle early signs to avoid missed or incorrect diagnoses.For example,biliary strictures may be misdiagnosed on MRI due to size mismatch of the common ducts of the donor and recipient,postoperative edema,pneumobilia,or susceptibility artifacts caused by surgical clips.Proper and prompt diagnosis of biliary complications after transplantation allows the timely initiation of appropriate management.The aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate various CT and MRI findings related to biliary complications after liver transplantation,based on time of presentation after surgery and frequency of occurrence.展开更多
AIM:To detect whether the up-to-seven should be used as inclusion criteria for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.METHODS:Between April 2002 and July 2008,220hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients who w...AIM:To detect whether the up-to-seven should be used as inclusion criteria for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.METHODS:Between April 2002 and July 2008,220hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients who were diagnosed with HCC and underwent liver transplantation(LT)at our liver transplantation center were included.These patients were divided into three groups according to the characteristics of their tumors(tumor diameter,tumor number):the Milan criteria group(Group 1),the in up-to-seven group(Group 2)and the out up-toseven group(Group 3).Then,we compared long-term survival and tumor recurrence of these three groups.RESULTS:The baseline characteristics of transplant recipients were comparable among these three groups,except for the type of liver graft(deceased donor liver transplant or live donor liver transplantation).There were also no significant differences in the pre-operativeα-fetoprotein level.The 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival and tumor-free survival rate for the Milan criteriagroup were 94.8%,91.4%,89.7%and 91.4%,86.2%,and 86.2%respectively;in the up-to-seven criteria group,these rates were 87.8%,77.8%,and 76.6%and 85.6%,75.6%,and 75.6%respectively(P<0.05).However,the advanced HCC patients’(in the group out of up-to-seven criteria)overall and tumor-free survival rates were much lower,at 75%,53.3%,and 50%and65.8%,42.5%,and 41.7%,respectively(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Considering that patients in the up-toseven criteria group exhibited a considerable but lower survival rate compared with the Milan criteria group,the up-to-seven criteria should be used carefully and selectively.展开更多
BACKGROUND Given the shortage of suitable liver grafts for liver transplantation, proper use of hepatitis B core antibody-positive livers might be a possible way to enlarge the donor pool and to save patients with end...BACKGROUND Given the shortage of suitable liver grafts for liver transplantation, proper use of hepatitis B core antibody-positive livers might be a possible way to enlarge the donor pool and to save patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, the safety of hepatitis B virus core antibody positive(HBcAb+) donors has been controversial. Initial studies were mainly conducted overseas with relatively small numbers of HBcAb+ liver recipients, and there are few relevant reports in the population of China's Mainland. We hypothesized that the safety of HBcAb+ liver grafts is not suboptimal.AIM To evaluate the safety of using hepatitis B virus(HBV) core antibody-positive donors for liver transplantation in Chinese patients.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study enrolling 1071 patients who underwent liver transplantation consecutively from 2005 to 2016 at West China Hospital Liver Transplantation Center. Given the imbalance in several baseline variables, propensity score matching was used, and the outcomes of all recipients were reviewed in this study.RESULTS In the whole population, 230 patients received HBcAb+ and 841 patients received HBcAb negative(HBcAb-) liver grafts. The 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rates in patients and grafts between the two groups were similar(patient survival: 85.8% vs 87.2%, 77.4% vs 81.1%, 72.4% vs 76.7%, log-rank test, P = 0.16; graft survival: 83.2% vs 83.6%, 73.8% vs 75.9%, 70.8% vs 74.4%, log-rank test, P = 0.19). After propensity score matching, 210 pairs of patients were generated. The corresponding 1-, 3-and 5-year patient and graft survival rates showed no significant differences. Further studies illustrated that the post-transplant major complication rates and liver function recovery after surgery were also similar. In addition, multivariate regression analysis in the original cohort and propensity score-matched Cox analysis demonstrated that receiving HBcA b+ liver grafts was not a significant risk factor for long-term survival. These findings were consistent in both HBV surface antigen-positive(HBsAg+) and HBsA g negative(HBsAg-) patients.Newly diagnosed HBV infection had a relatively higher incidence in HBsAg-patients with HBcAb+ liver grafts(13.23%), in which HBV naive recipients suffered most(31.82%), although this difference did not affect patient and graft survival(P = 0.50 and P = 0.49, respectively). Recipients with a high HBV surface antibody(anti-HBs) titer(more than 100 IU/L) before transplantation and antiviral prophylaxis with nucleos(t)ide antiviral agents post-operation, such as nucleos(t)ide antiviral agents, had lower de novo HBV infection risks. CONCLUSION HBcA b+ liver grafts do not affect the long-term outcome of the recipients. Combined with proper postoperative antiviral prophylaxis, utilization of HBcAb+ grafts is rational and feasible.展开更多
AIM:To validate the"Metroticket"predictor using a large cohort of liver transplantation(LT)patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in China.METHODS:In total,230 cases of LT for HCC treatment at our center...AIM:To validate the"Metroticket"predictor using a large cohort of liver transplantation(LT)patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in China.METHODS:In total,230 cases of LT for HCC treatment at our center,from July 2000 to August 2008,were included in the present study.The predicted 1-,3-and 5-year post-LT survival rates were calculated using the Metroticket model(http://89.96.76.14/metroticket/calculator/).The predicted and observed long-term survival rates were then compared and analyzed.RESULTS:The predicted survival rates for all 230cases,as calculated by the Metroticket model,were64.7%and 56.2%at 3 and 5 years,respectively,and the observed survival rates for these patients were71.3%and 57.8%,respectively.For the 23 cases with macrovascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 43.5%,whereas the observed 5-year survival rate was only 8.7%.For the 42 cases with microvascular invasion but an absence of macrovascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 44.9%,and the observed 5-year survival rate was 50%.For the remaining 165 patients without any vascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 65.8%,and the observed 5-year survival rate was 66.7%.CONCLUSION:The Metroticket model can be used to accurately predict survival in HCC-related LT cases with an absence of macrovascular invasion.展开更多
AIM:To discuss the safety of donors during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and the authors' experience with 50 cases. METHODS:Between January 1995 and March 2006,50 patients with end-stage liver disease ...AIM:To discuss the safety of donors during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and the authors' experience with 50 cases. METHODS:Between January 1995 and March 2006,50 patients with end-stage liver disease received LDLT in our department. Donors (at the age of 27-58 years) were healthy and antibody (ABO)-compatible. The protocol of evaluation and selection of donors,choice of surgical methods and strategy applied in the safety evaluation of donors were analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 115 candidate donors were evaluated for LDLT at our center. Of these,50 underwent successful hepatectomy for living donation. The elimination rate for donors was 43.5%. Positive hepatitis serology and ABO incompatibility were the main factors for excluding candidates. All donors recovered uneventfully. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 135 mo. The incidence of major and minor medical complications was 12.0% and 28.0%,respectively. CONCLUSION:LDLT provides an excellent approach to the problem of donor shortage in China. With a thorough and complete preoperative workup and meticulous intra-and postoperative management,LDLT can be performed with minimal donor morbidity.展开更多
Biliary complications have always been a dreaded cause of morbidity after living donor liver transplantation.While intrinsic variations in both graft and recipient biliary anatomy remain a significant factor to the di...Biliary complications have always been a dreaded cause of morbidity after living donor liver transplantation.While intrinsic variations in both graft and recipient biliary anatomy remain a significant factor to the difficulty of biliary reconstruction,our institution has taken advantage of its high volume of cases to critically review and evaluate modifiable operative risk factors,in particular,our surgical protocols.We present herein,the evolution of our reconstructive biliary technique from conventional methods to our current standard of microsurgical biliary reconstruction for both graft and recipient ducts.Over this period of transition,our center has created a classification system for biliary reconstruction that decreased the biliary complication rates from 40.0%to 10.2%.展开更多
Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses,drug toxicity and metabolic...Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses,drug toxicity and metabolic disorders.Over the past decade,the aetiology of liver disease in kidney recipients has changed significantly.These relates to the use of direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus,the increasing availability of vaccination against hepatitis B and a better understanding of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.In addition,the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has brought new challenges to kidney recipients.This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the management of liver complications in kidney recipients and to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the risks and impact of liver disease in this population.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary hyperoxaluria type 1(PH1)is a rare autosomal recessive disease stemming from a deficiency in liver-specific alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase,resulting in increased endogenous oxalate deposition a...BACKGROUND Primary hyperoxaluria type 1(PH1)is a rare autosomal recessive disease stemming from a deficiency in liver-specific alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase,resulting in increased endogenous oxalate deposition and end-stage renal disease.Organ transplantation is the only effective treatment.However,its approach and timing remain controversial.CASE SUMMARY We retrospectively analyzed 5 patients diagnosed with PH1 from the Liver Transplant Center of the Beijing Friendship Hospital from March 2017 to December 2020.Our cohort included 4 males and 1 female.The median age at onset was 4.0 years(range:1.0-5.0),age at diagnosis was 12.2 years(range:6.7-23.5),age at liver transplantation(LT)was 12.2 years(range:7.0-25.1),and the follow-up time was 26.3 mo(range:12.8-40.1).All patients had delayed diagnosis,and 3patients had progressed to end-stage renal disease by the time they were diagnosed.Two patients received preemptive LT;their estimated glomerular filtration rate was maintained at>120 mL/min/1.73 m2,indicating a better prognosis.Three patients received sequential liver and kidney transplantation.After transplantation,serum and urinary oxalate decreased,and liver function recovered.At the last follow-up,the estimated glomerular filtration rates of the latter 3 patients were 179,52 and 21 mL/min/1.73 m2.CONCLUSION Different transplantation strategies should be adopted for patients based on their renal function stage.Preemptive-LT offers a good therapeutic approach for PH1.展开更多
BACKGROUND Infections,including invasive fungal infections(IFIs),are among the leading causes of mortality in liver transplant recipients during the first year posttransplantation.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,c...BACKGROUND Infections,including invasive fungal infections(IFIs),are among the leading causes of mortality in liver transplant recipients during the first year posttransplantation.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,clinical manifestations,risk factors,treatment outcomes,and mortality rate of post-liver transplantation invasive aspergillosis(IA).METHODS In this case-control study,22 patients with IA were identified by reviewing the archived and electronic medical records of 850 patients who received liver transplants at the Imam Khomeini Hospital complex in Tehran,Iran,between 2014 and 2019.The control group comprised 38 patients without IA infection matched for age and sex.The information obtained included the baseline characteristics of liver transplant patients,operative reports,post-transplantation characteristics of both groups and information about the fungal infection of the patient group.RESULTS The prevalence rate of IA among liver transplant recipients at Imam Khomeini Hospital was 2.7%.The risk factors of IA among studied patients included high serum creatinine levels before and post-transplant,renal replacement therapy,antithymocyte globulin induction therapy,post-transplant bile leakage,posttransplant hepatic artery thrombosis,repeated surgery within 30 d after the transplant,bacterial pneumonia before the aspergillosis diagnosis,receiving systemic antibiotics before the aspergillus infection,cytomegalovirus infection,and duration of post-transplant hospitalization in the intensive care unit.The most prevalent form of infection was invasive pulmonary aspergillosis,and the most common chest computed tomography scan findings were nodules,pleural effusion,and the halo sign.In the case group,prophylactic antifungal therapy was administered more frequently than in the control group.The antifungal therapy response rate at 12 wk was 63.7%.The 3-and 12-mo mortality rates of the patients with IA were 36.4%and 45.4%,respectively(compared with the mortality rate of the control group in 12 mo,which was zero).CONCLUSION In this study,the prevalence of IA among liver transplant recipients was relatively low.However,it was one of the leading causes of mortality following liver transplantation.Targeted antifungal therapy may be a factor in the low incidence of infections at our facility.Identifying the risk factors of IFIs,maintaining an elevated level of clinical suspicion,and initiating early antifungal treatment may significantly improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate of liver transplant recipients.展开更多
Liver transplantation(LT)is a highly curative therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,due to the shortage of donor livers and rapid progression of HCC,a majority of patients are dropped out fro...Liver transplantation(LT)is a highly curative therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,due to the shortage of donor livers and rapid progression of HCC,a majority of patients are dropped out from the waitlist.Recently,immunotherapy has shown great promise in the treatment of advanced HCC.However,the use of immunotherapy is limited in LT mainly due to the potentially increasing risk of graft rejection.One of the main challenges for researchers is the protection of donor graft from an immunotherapy-boosted immune response mounted by the host.Besides,the safety,availability,and costs of immunotherapy are other challenges that need to be addressed.Here,we reviewed the literature involving patients who received immunotherapy prior to transplant to avoid waitlist dropouts and following transplantation to prevent the progression of tumor recurrence and metastasis.Statistically,the incidence of rejection was 25.0%pre-transplant and 18.5%post-transplant.Based on the review of these clinical studies,we can conclude that conducting clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of currently available immunotherapy drugs and identifying novel immunotherapy targets through extensive research may be promising for patients who do not meet the selection criteria for LT and who experience post-transplant recurrence.To date,the clinical experience on the use of immunotherapy before or after LT comes from individual case studies.Although some of the reported results are promising,they are not sufficient to support the standardized use of immunotherapy in clinical practice.展开更多
Mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) inhibitor as an attractive drug target with promising antitumor effects has been widely investigated. High quality clinical trial has been conducted in liver transplant(LT) recipie...Mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) inhibitor as an attractive drug target with promising antitumor effects has been widely investigated. High quality clinical trial has been conducted in liver transplant(LT) recipients in Western countries. However, the pertinent studies in Eastern world are paucity. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial to test whether sirolimus can improve recurrence-free survival(RFS) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients beyond the Milan criteria after LT. This is an open-labeled, single-arm, prospective, multicenter, and real-world study aiming to evaluate the clinical outcomes of early switch to sirolimus-based regimens in HCC patients after LT. Patients with a histologically proven HCC and beyond the Milan criteria will be enrolled. The initial immunosuppressant regimens are center-specifc for the frst 4-6 weeks. The following regimens integrated sirolimus into the regimens as a combination therapy with reduced calcineurin inhibitors based on the condition of patients and centers. The study is planned for 4 years in total with a 2-year enrollment period and a 2-year follow-up. We predict that sirolimus conversion regimen will provide survival benefts for patients particular in the key indicator RFS as well as better quality of life. If the trial is conducted successfully, we will have a continued monitoring over a longer follow-up time to estimate indicator of overall survival. We hope that the outcome will provide better evidence for clinical decision-making and revising treatment guidelines based on Chinese population data.展开更多
Liver transplantation has become standard practice for treating end-stage liver disease.The success of the procedure relies on effective immunosuppressive medications to control the host's immune response.Despite ...Liver transplantation has become standard practice for treating end-stage liver disease.The success of the procedure relies on effective immunosuppressive medications to control the host's immune response.Despite the liver's inherent capacity to foster tolerance,the early post-transplant period is marked by significant immune reactivity.To ensure favorable outcomes,it is imperative to identify and manage various rejection types,encompassing T-cell-mediated,antibody-mediated,and chronic rejection.However,the approach to prescribing immunosuppressants relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than evidencebased criteria.Given that the majority of patients will require lifelong immunosuppression as the mechanisms underlying operational tolerance are still being investigated,healthcare providers must possess an understanding of immune responses,rejection mechanisms,and the pathways targeted by immunosuppressive drugs.This knowledge enables customization of treatments and improved patient care,even though a consensus on an optimal immunosuppressive regimen remains elusive.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery have been applied to many surgical procedures;however,data on fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery following liver transplantation is...BACKGROUND:Fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery have been applied to many surgical procedures;however,data on fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery following liver transplantation is limited.This study aimed to conduct a prospective study to determine the effects of fast-track surgery on prognosis after liver transplantation.METHODS:This was a prospective,single-blinded,randomized study.One hundred twenty-eight patients undergoing liver transplantation were selected for the fast-track(FT group,n=54) or conventional process(NFT group,n=74).The primary endpoints were intensive care unit(ICU) stay and hospital stay.The secondary endpoints were as follows:operative time,anhepatic phase time,intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative blood transfusion volume,postoperative complications,readmission rate,and postoperative mortality.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in preoperative demographics between the two groups.The median ICU stay was 2 days(range 1-7 days) in the FT group and 5 days(range 3-12 days) in the NFT group(P<0.01).Furthermore,the hospital stay was also significantly reduced in the FT group(P<0.01).The operative time,anhepatic phase time,intraoperative blood loss,and intraoperative blood transfusion volume were decreased in the FT group compared with the NFT group(P<0.05).Based on Spearman correlation analysis,the ICU stay and hospital stay may be positively correlated with operative time,anhepatic phase time and intraoperative blood loss.There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative complications,readmissions,and postoperative mortality between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Fast-track procedures effectively reduce the ICU stay and hospital stay without adversely affecting prognosis.This study demonstrated that fast-track protocols are safe and feasible in liver transplantation.展开更多
AIM: To determine the risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus(NODM) after liver transplantation by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS: We electronically searched the databases of MEDLINE, EM...AIM: To determine the risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus(NODM) after liver transplantation by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS: We electronically searched the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from January 1980 to December 2013 to identify relevant studies reporting risk factors for NODM after liver transplantation. Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data. Discrepancies were resolved in consultation with a third reviewer. All statistical analyses were performed with the Rev Man5.0 software(The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom). Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated using either a fixed effects or a random effects model, based on the presence(I2 < 50%) or absence(I2 > 50%) of significant heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 4580 patients were included in the meta-analysis, all of which were retrospective. The meta-analysis identified the following significant risk factors: hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection(OR = 2.68; 95%CI: 1.92-3.72); a family history of diabetes(OR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.09-2.63, P < 0.00001); male gender(OR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.24-1.90; P < 0.0001); impaired fasting glucose(IFG; OR = 3.27; 95%CI: 1.84-5.81; P < 0.0001); a family history of diabetes(OR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.09-2.63; P = 0.02); use of tacrolimus(OR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.03-1.76; P = 0.03) and body mass index(BMI)(WMD = 1.19, 95%CI: 0.69-1.68, P < 0.00001). Other factors, such as hepatitis B virus infection and alcoholism, were not found to be associated with the incidence of NODM.CONCLUSION: The study showed that HCV infection, IFG, a family history of diabetes, male gender, tacrolimus and BMI are risk factors for NODM after liver transplantation.展开更多
AbstractAIM： To investigate the impact of minimum tacrolimus（TAC） on new-onset diabetes mellitus （NODM） afterliver transplantation （LT）.METHODS： We retrospectively analyzed the data of973 liver transplant reci...AbstractAIM： To investigate the impact of minimum tacrolimus（TAC） on new-onset diabetes mellitus （NODM） afterliver transplantation （LT）.METHODS： We retrospectively analyzed the data of973 liver transplant recipients between March 1999and September 2014 in West China Hospital LiverTransplantation Center. Following the exclusion ofineligible recipients, 528 recipients with a TAC-dominantregimen were included in our study. We calculatedand determined the mean trough concentration ofTAC （cTAC） in the year of diabetes diagnosis in NODMrecipients or in the last year of the follow-up in non-NODM recipients. A cutoff of mean cTAC value forpredicting NODM 6 mo after LT was identified usinga receptor operating characteristic curve. TAC-relatedcomplications after LT was evaluated by χ^2 test, andthe overall and allograft survival was evaluated usingthe Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for NODM afterLT were examined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression.RESULTS： Of the 528 transplant recipients, 131（24.8%） developed NODM after 6 mo after LT, andthe cumulative incidence of NODM progressivelyincreased. The mean cTAC of NODM group recipientswas significantly higher than that of recipients in thenon-NODM group （7.66 ± 3.41 ng/mL vs 4.47 ± 2.22ng/mL, P 〈 0.05）. Furthermore, NODM group recipientshad lower 1-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates （86.7%,71.3%, and 61.1% vs 94.7%, 86.1%, and 83.7%, P 〈0.05） and allograft survival rates （92.8%, 84.6%, and75.7% vs 96.1%, 91%, and 86.1%, P 〈 0.05） thanthe others. The best cutoff of mean cTAC for predictingNODM was 5.89 ng/mL after 6 mo after LT. Multivariateanalysis showed that old age at the time of LT （〉 50years）, hypertension pre-LT, and high mean cTAC （≥5.89 ng/mL） after 6 mo after LT were independent riskfactors for developing NODM. Concurrently, recipientswith a low cTAC （〈 5.89 ng/mL） were less likely tobecome obese （21.3% vs 30.2%, P 〈 0.05） or todevelop dyslipidemia （27.5% vs 44.8%, P 〈0.05）,chronic kidney dysfunction （14.6% vs 22.7%, P 〈 0.05）,and moderate to severe infection （24.7% vs 33.1%, P〈 0.05） after LT than recipients in the high mean cTACgroup. However, the two groups showed no significantdifference in the incidence of acute and chronicrejection, hypertension, cardiovascular events and newonsetmalignancy.CONCLUSION： A minimal TAC regimen can decreasethe risk of long-term NODM after LT. Maintaining a cTACvalue below 5.89 ng/mL after LT is safe and beneficial.展开更多
AIM:To identify risk factors that might contribute to hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT)after liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:The perioperative and follow-up data of a total of 744 liver transplants,performed from Febru...AIM:To identify risk factors that might contribute to hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT)after liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:The perioperative and follow-up data of a total of 744 liver transplants,performed from February1999 to July 2010,were retrospectively reviewed.HAT developed in 20 patients(2.7%).HAT was classified as early(occurring in fewer than 30 d post LT)or late(occurring more than 30 d post LT).Early HAT developed in 14 patients(1.9%).Late HAT developed in 6patients(0.8%).Risk factors associated with HAT were analysed using theχ2 test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.RESULTS:Lack of ABO compatibility,recipient/donor weight ratio≥1.15,complex arterial reconstruction,duration time of hepatic artery anastomosis>80 min,duration time of operation>10 h,dual grafts,number of units of blood received intraoperatively≥7,number of units of fresh frozen plasma(FFP)received intraoperatively≥6,postoperative blood transfusion and postoperative FFP use were significantly associated with early HAT in the univariate analysis(P<0.1).After logistic regression,independent risk factors associated with early HAT were recipient/donor weight ratio≥1.15(OR=4.499),duration of hepatic artery anastomosis>80 min(OR=5.429),number of units of blood received intraoperatively≥7(OR=4.059)and postoperative blood transfusion(OR=6.898).Graft type(whole/living-donor/split),duration of operation>10 h,retransplantation,rejection reaction,recipients with diabetes preoperatively and recipients with a high level of blood glucose or diabetes postoperatively were significantly associated with late HAT in the univariate analysis(P<0.1).After logistic regression,the independent risk factors associated with early HAT were duration of operation>10 h(OR=6.394),retransplantation(OR=21.793)and rejection reactions(OR=16.936).CONCLUSION:Early detection of these risk factors,strict surveillance protocols by Doppler ultrasound and prophylactic anticoagulation for recipients at risk might be determined prospectively.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the prophylaxis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after liver transplantation (LT) with low-dose calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).METHODS:From March 1999 to December 2009,a tot...AIM:To evaluate the prophylaxis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after liver transplantation (LT) with low-dose calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).METHODS:From March 1999 to December 2009,a total of 572 patients (478 males and 94 females) underwent LT enrolled in the study.Initial immunosuppression was by triple-drug regimens that included a CNI,MMF,and prednisone.The initial dose of CNI was 0.05-0.10mg/kg per day for tacrolimus (TAC) and 5-10mg/kg per d for cyclosporine A (CSA) respectively,and was gradually reduced based on a stable graft function.The serum trough level of CNI was 6-8 ng/mL for TAC and 120-150 ng/mL for CSA 3-mo post-operation,4-6 ng/mL for TAC and 80-120 ng/mL for CSA 1-year after transplantation was expected with stable liver function.MMF was personalized between 1.0-1.5 g/d.Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by an abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.Risk factors of CKD were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.RESULTS:With a definition of GFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m 2,the incidence of CKD was 17.3% 5-year after LT.There were 68.3% (293 of 429 cases) patients managed to control their TAC trough concentrations within 8 ng/mL and 58.0% (83 of 143 cases) patients' CSA trough concentrations within 150 ng/mL.Of the 450 recipients followed-up over 1 year,55.5% (183 of 330 cases) of which were treated with TAC had a trough concentration ≤ 6 ng/mL while 65.8% (79 of 120 cases) of which were treated with CSA had a concentration ≤ 120 ng/mL.The incidence of CKD in the groups of lower CNI trough concentrations was significantly lower than the groups with CNI concentrations above the ideal range.Patients with CKD had much higher CNI trough concentrations than that of patients without CKD.MMF was adopted in 359 patients (62.8%).Patients administrated with MMF had a relatively low CNI trough concentrations but with no significant difference.The graft function remained stable during follow-up.No difference was found between different groups of CNI trough concentrations.Pre-LT renal dysfunction,ages,acute kidney injury,high blood trough concentrations of CNI in 3 mo (TAC>8 ng/mL,CSA>150 ng/mL) and hypertension after operation were associated with CKD progression,while male gender and adoption of MMF were protection factors.CONCLUSION:Low dose of CNI combined with MMF managed to prevent CKD after LT with stable graft function.展开更多
AIM:Our study aimed to compare the results of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that met the Milan criteria after successful downstaging therapy. METHO...AIM:Our study aimed to compare the results of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that met the Milan criteria after successful downstaging therapy. METHODS:From February 2004 to August 2010, a consecutive series of 102 patients were diagnosed with advanced-stage HCC that met the modified UCSF down-staging protocol inclusion criteria. All of the patients accepted various down-staging therapies. The types and numbers of treatments were tailored to each patient according to the tumor characteristics, location, liver function and response. After various downstaging therapies, 66 patients had tumor characteristics that met the Milan criteria; 31 patients accepted LT in our center, and 35 patients accepted LR. The baseline characteristics, down-staging protocols, postoperative complications, overall survival and tumor free survival rate, and tumor recurrence rate were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate the long-term overall survival and tumor-free survival rate. Meanwhile, a Cox proportional hazards model was used for the multivariate analyses of overall survival and disease-free survival rate. RESULTS:No significant difference was observed between the LT and LR groups with respect to the downstaging protocol, target tumor characteristics, and baseline patient characteristics. Fifteen patients suffered various complications after LT, and 8 patients had complications after LR. The overall complication rate for the LT group was 48.4%, which was significantly higher than the LR group (22.9%) (P = 0.031). The overall in-hospital mortality in hospital for the LT group was 12.9% vs 2.9% for the LR group (P = 0.172). The overall patient survival rates at 1-, 3and 5-years were 87.1%, 80.6% and 77.4%, respectively, after LT and 91.4%, 77.1% and 68.6%, respectively, after LR (P = 0.498). The overall 1-, 3and 5-year tumor recurrencefree rates were also comparable (P = 0.656). Poorer tumor differentiation (P = 0.041) and a higher postdownstage alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (> 400 ng/mL) (P = 0.015) were the two independent risk factors for tumor recurrence in the LT and LR patients who accepted successful down-staging therapy. CONCLUSION:Due to the higher postoperative morbidity and similar survival and tumor recurrence-free rates, LR might offer better or similar outcome over LT, but a larger number and further randomized studies may be needed in the future for drawing any positive conclusions.展开更多
AIM: To compare the recurrence-free survival(RFS) and overall survival(OS) of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) after living donor liver transplantation(lDlT) and deceased donor liver trans...AIM: To compare the recurrence-free survival(RFS) and overall survival(OS) of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) after living donor liver transplantation(lDlT) and deceased donor liver transplantation(DDlT).METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data from 408 liver cancer patients from February 1999 to September 2012. We used the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test to analyze the characteristics of lDlT and DDlT. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the RFS and OS in HCC.RESULTS: Three hundred sixty HBV-positive patients(276 DDlT and 84 lDlT) were included in this study.The mean follow-up time was 27.1 mo(range 1.1-130.8 mo). One hundred eighty-five(51.2%) patients died during follow-up. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates for lDlT were 85.2%, 55.7%, and 52.9%, respectively; for DDlT, the RFS rates were 73.2%, 49.1%, and 45.3%(P = 0.115). The OS rates were similar between the lDlT and DDlT recipients, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 81.8%, 49.5%, and 43.0% vs 69.5%, 43.0%, and 38.3%, respectively(P = 0.30). The outcomes of HCC according to the Milan criteria after lDlT and DDlT were not significantly different(for lDlT: 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS: 94.7%, 78.7%, and 78.7% vs 89.2%, 77.5%, and 74.5%, P = 0.50; for DDlT: 86.1%, 68.8%, and 68.8% vs 80.5%, 62.2%, and 59.8% P = 0.53).CONCLUSION: The outcomes of lDlT for HCC are not worse compared to the outcomes of DDlT. lDlT does not increase tumor recurrence of HCC compared to DDlT.展开更多
文摘Hepatectomy is still the major curative treatment for patients with liver malignancies.However,it is still a big challenge to remove the tumors in the central posterior area,especially if their location involves the retrohepatic inferior vena cava and hepatic veins.Ex vivo liver resection and auto-transplantation(ELRA),a hybrid technique of the traditional liver resection and transplantation,has brought new hope to these patients and therefore becomes a valid alternative to liver transplantation.Due to its technical difficulty,ELRA is still concentrated in a few hepatobiliary centers that have experienced surgeons in both liver resection and liver transplantation.The efficacy and safety of this technique has already been demonstrated in the treatment of benign liver diseases,especially in the advanced alveolar echinococcosis.Recently,the application of ELRA for liver malignances has gained more attention.However,standardization of clinical practice norms and international consensus are still lacking.The prognostic impact in these oncologic patients also needs further evaluation.In this review,we summarized the principles and recent progresses on ELRA.
文摘Biliary complications are the most common complications after liver transplantation.Computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)are cornerstones for timely diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation.The diagnosis of these complications by CT and MRI requires expertise,mainly with respect to identifying subtle early signs to avoid missed or incorrect diagnoses.For example,biliary strictures may be misdiagnosed on MRI due to size mismatch of the common ducts of the donor and recipient,postoperative edema,pneumobilia,or susceptibility artifacts caused by surgical clips.Proper and prompt diagnosis of biliary complications after transplantation allows the timely initiation of appropriate management.The aim of this pictorial review is to illustrate various CT and MRI findings related to biliary complications after liver transplantation,based on time of presentation after surgery and frequency of occurrence.
文摘AIM:To detect whether the up-to-seven should be used as inclusion criteria for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.METHODS:Between April 2002 and July 2008,220hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients who were diagnosed with HCC and underwent liver transplantation(LT)at our liver transplantation center were included.These patients were divided into three groups according to the characteristics of their tumors(tumor diameter,tumor number):the Milan criteria group(Group 1),the in up-to-seven group(Group 2)and the out up-toseven group(Group 3).Then,we compared long-term survival and tumor recurrence of these three groups.RESULTS:The baseline characteristics of transplant recipients were comparable among these three groups,except for the type of liver graft(deceased donor liver transplant or live donor liver transplantation).There were also no significant differences in the pre-operativeα-fetoprotein level.The 1-,3-,and 5-year overall survival and tumor-free survival rate for the Milan criteriagroup were 94.8%,91.4%,89.7%and 91.4%,86.2%,and 86.2%respectively;in the up-to-seven criteria group,these rates were 87.8%,77.8%,and 76.6%and 85.6%,75.6%,and 75.6%respectively(P<0.05).However,the advanced HCC patients’(in the group out of up-to-seven criteria)overall and tumor-free survival rates were much lower,at 75%,53.3%,and 50%and65.8%,42.5%,and 41.7%,respectively(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Considering that patients in the up-toseven criteria group exhibited a considerable but lower survival rate compared with the Milan criteria group,the up-to-seven criteria should be used carefully and selectively.
文摘BACKGROUND Given the shortage of suitable liver grafts for liver transplantation, proper use of hepatitis B core antibody-positive livers might be a possible way to enlarge the donor pool and to save patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, the safety of hepatitis B virus core antibody positive(HBcAb+) donors has been controversial. Initial studies were mainly conducted overseas with relatively small numbers of HBcAb+ liver recipients, and there are few relevant reports in the population of China's Mainland. We hypothesized that the safety of HBcAb+ liver grafts is not suboptimal.AIM To evaluate the safety of using hepatitis B virus(HBV) core antibody-positive donors for liver transplantation in Chinese patients.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study enrolling 1071 patients who underwent liver transplantation consecutively from 2005 to 2016 at West China Hospital Liver Transplantation Center. Given the imbalance in several baseline variables, propensity score matching was used, and the outcomes of all recipients were reviewed in this study.RESULTS In the whole population, 230 patients received HBcAb+ and 841 patients received HBcAb negative(HBcAb-) liver grafts. The 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rates in patients and grafts between the two groups were similar(patient survival: 85.8% vs 87.2%, 77.4% vs 81.1%, 72.4% vs 76.7%, log-rank test, P = 0.16; graft survival: 83.2% vs 83.6%, 73.8% vs 75.9%, 70.8% vs 74.4%, log-rank test, P = 0.19). After propensity score matching, 210 pairs of patients were generated. The corresponding 1-, 3-and 5-year patient and graft survival rates showed no significant differences. Further studies illustrated that the post-transplant major complication rates and liver function recovery after surgery were also similar. In addition, multivariate regression analysis in the original cohort and propensity score-matched Cox analysis demonstrated that receiving HBcA b+ liver grafts was not a significant risk factor for long-term survival. These findings were consistent in both HBV surface antigen-positive(HBsAg+) and HBsA g negative(HBsAg-) patients.Newly diagnosed HBV infection had a relatively higher incidence in HBsAg-patients with HBcAb+ liver grafts(13.23%), in which HBV naive recipients suffered most(31.82%), although this difference did not affect patient and graft survival(P = 0.50 and P = 0.49, respectively). Recipients with a high HBV surface antibody(anti-HBs) titer(more than 100 IU/L) before transplantation and antiviral prophylaxis with nucleos(t)ide antiviral agents post-operation, such as nucleos(t)ide antiviral agents, had lower de novo HBV infection risks. CONCLUSION HBcA b+ liver grafts do not affect the long-term outcome of the recipients. Combined with proper postoperative antiviral prophylaxis, utilization of HBcAb+ grafts is rational and feasible.
文摘AIM:To validate the"Metroticket"predictor using a large cohort of liver transplantation(LT)patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in China.METHODS:In total,230 cases of LT for HCC treatment at our center,from July 2000 to August 2008,were included in the present study.The predicted 1-,3-and 5-year post-LT survival rates were calculated using the Metroticket model(http://89.96.76.14/metroticket/calculator/).The predicted and observed long-term survival rates were then compared and analyzed.RESULTS:The predicted survival rates for all 230cases,as calculated by the Metroticket model,were64.7%and 56.2%at 3 and 5 years,respectively,and the observed survival rates for these patients were71.3%and 57.8%,respectively.For the 23 cases with macrovascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 43.5%,whereas the observed 5-year survival rate was only 8.7%.For the 42 cases with microvascular invasion but an absence of macrovascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 44.9%,and the observed 5-year survival rate was 50%.For the remaining 165 patients without any vascular invasion,the predicted 5-year survival rate was 65.8%,and the observed 5-year survival rate was 66.7%.CONCLUSION:The Metroticket model can be used to accurately predict survival in HCC-related LT cases with an absence of macrovascular invasion.
文摘AIM:To discuss the safety of donors during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and the authors' experience with 50 cases. METHODS:Between January 1995 and March 2006,50 patients with end-stage liver disease received LDLT in our department. Donors (at the age of 27-58 years) were healthy and antibody (ABO)-compatible. The protocol of evaluation and selection of donors,choice of surgical methods and strategy applied in the safety evaluation of donors were analyzed. RESULTS:A total of 115 candidate donors were evaluated for LDLT at our center. Of these,50 underwent successful hepatectomy for living donation. The elimination rate for donors was 43.5%. Positive hepatitis serology and ABO incompatibility were the main factors for excluding candidates. All donors recovered uneventfully. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 135 mo. The incidence of major and minor medical complications was 12.0% and 28.0%,respectively. CONCLUSION:LDLT provides an excellent approach to the problem of donor shortage in China. With a thorough and complete preoperative workup and meticulous intra-and postoperative management,LDLT can be performed with minimal donor morbidity.
文摘Biliary complications have always been a dreaded cause of morbidity after living donor liver transplantation.While intrinsic variations in both graft and recipient biliary anatomy remain a significant factor to the difficulty of biliary reconstruction,our institution has taken advantage of its high volume of cases to critically review and evaluate modifiable operative risk factors,in particular,our surgical protocols.We present herein,the evolution of our reconstructive biliary technique from conventional methods to our current standard of microsurgical biliary reconstruction for both graft and recipient ducts.Over this period of transition,our center has created a classification system for biliary reconstruction that decreased the biliary complication rates from 40.0%to 10.2%.
基金Supported by the Croatian Science Foundation,Project:Emerging and Neglected Hepatotropic Viruses after Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation,No.IP-2020-02-7407(to Mrzljak A).
文摘Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis.The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses,drug toxicity and metabolic disorders.Over the past decade,the aetiology of liver disease in kidney recipients has changed significantly.These relates to the use of direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus,the increasing availability of vaccination against hepatitis B and a better understanding of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.In addition,the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has brought new challenges to kidney recipients.This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the management of liver complications in kidney recipients and to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the risks and impact of liver disease in this population.
文摘BACKGROUND Primary hyperoxaluria type 1(PH1)is a rare autosomal recessive disease stemming from a deficiency in liver-specific alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase,resulting in increased endogenous oxalate deposition and end-stage renal disease.Organ transplantation is the only effective treatment.However,its approach and timing remain controversial.CASE SUMMARY We retrospectively analyzed 5 patients diagnosed with PH1 from the Liver Transplant Center of the Beijing Friendship Hospital from March 2017 to December 2020.Our cohort included 4 males and 1 female.The median age at onset was 4.0 years(range:1.0-5.0),age at diagnosis was 12.2 years(range:6.7-23.5),age at liver transplantation(LT)was 12.2 years(range:7.0-25.1),and the follow-up time was 26.3 mo(range:12.8-40.1).All patients had delayed diagnosis,and 3patients had progressed to end-stage renal disease by the time they were diagnosed.Two patients received preemptive LT;their estimated glomerular filtration rate was maintained at>120 mL/min/1.73 m2,indicating a better prognosis.Three patients received sequential liver and kidney transplantation.After transplantation,serum and urinary oxalate decreased,and liver function recovered.At the last follow-up,the estimated glomerular filtration rates of the latter 3 patients were 179,52 and 21 mL/min/1.73 m2.CONCLUSION Different transplantation strategies should be adopted for patients based on their renal function stage.Preemptive-LT offers a good therapeutic approach for PH1.
文摘BACKGROUND Infections,including invasive fungal infections(IFIs),are among the leading causes of mortality in liver transplant recipients during the first year posttransplantation.AIM To investigate the epidemiology,clinical manifestations,risk factors,treatment outcomes,and mortality rate of post-liver transplantation invasive aspergillosis(IA).METHODS In this case-control study,22 patients with IA were identified by reviewing the archived and electronic medical records of 850 patients who received liver transplants at the Imam Khomeini Hospital complex in Tehran,Iran,between 2014 and 2019.The control group comprised 38 patients without IA infection matched for age and sex.The information obtained included the baseline characteristics of liver transplant patients,operative reports,post-transplantation characteristics of both groups and information about the fungal infection of the patient group.RESULTS The prevalence rate of IA among liver transplant recipients at Imam Khomeini Hospital was 2.7%.The risk factors of IA among studied patients included high serum creatinine levels before and post-transplant,renal replacement therapy,antithymocyte globulin induction therapy,post-transplant bile leakage,posttransplant hepatic artery thrombosis,repeated surgery within 30 d after the transplant,bacterial pneumonia before the aspergillosis diagnosis,receiving systemic antibiotics before the aspergillus infection,cytomegalovirus infection,and duration of post-transplant hospitalization in the intensive care unit.The most prevalent form of infection was invasive pulmonary aspergillosis,and the most common chest computed tomography scan findings were nodules,pleural effusion,and the halo sign.In the case group,prophylactic antifungal therapy was administered more frequently than in the control group.The antifungal therapy response rate at 12 wk was 63.7%.The 3-and 12-mo mortality rates of the patients with IA were 36.4%and 45.4%,respectively(compared with the mortality rate of the control group in 12 mo,which was zero).CONCLUSION In this study,the prevalence of IA among liver transplant recipients was relatively low.However,it was one of the leading causes of mortality following liver transplantation.Targeted antifungal therapy may be a factor in the low incidence of infections at our facility.Identifying the risk factors of IFIs,maintaining an elevated level of clinical suspicion,and initiating early antifungal treatment may significantly improve the prognosis and reduce the mortality rate of liver transplant recipients.
基金supported by grants from National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFA1100500)the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.92159202)+3 种基金Key Program,National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81930016)Key Research&Development Plan of Zhejiang Province(No.2019C0350)Key Research&Development Program of Zhejiang Province(No.2022C03108)Young Program of National Natural Science Funds(No.81802889).
文摘Liver transplantation(LT)is a highly curative therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,due to the shortage of donor livers and rapid progression of HCC,a majority of patients are dropped out from the waitlist.Recently,immunotherapy has shown great promise in the treatment of advanced HCC.However,the use of immunotherapy is limited in LT mainly due to the potentially increasing risk of graft rejection.One of the main challenges for researchers is the protection of donor graft from an immunotherapy-boosted immune response mounted by the host.Besides,the safety,availability,and costs of immunotherapy are other challenges that need to be addressed.Here,we reviewed the literature involving patients who received immunotherapy prior to transplant to avoid waitlist dropouts and following transplantation to prevent the progression of tumor recurrence and metastasis.Statistically,the incidence of rejection was 25.0%pre-transplant and 18.5%post-transplant.Based on the review of these clinical studies,we can conclude that conducting clinical trials on the safety and efficacy of currently available immunotherapy drugs and identifying novel immunotherapy targets through extensive research may be promising for patients who do not meet the selection criteria for LT and who experience post-transplant recurrence.To date,the clinical experience on the use of immunotherapy before or after LT comes from individual case studies.Although some of the reported results are promising,they are not sufficient to support the standardized use of immunotherapy in clinical practice.
基金supported by grants from the National S&T Major Project (2017ZX10203205)Key Program,National Natural Science Foundation of China (81930016)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (LY21H160026)。
文摘Mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) inhibitor as an attractive drug target with promising antitumor effects has been widely investigated. High quality clinical trial has been conducted in liver transplant(LT) recipients in Western countries. However, the pertinent studies in Eastern world are paucity. Therefore, we designed a clinical trial to test whether sirolimus can improve recurrence-free survival(RFS) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients beyond the Milan criteria after LT. This is an open-labeled, single-arm, prospective, multicenter, and real-world study aiming to evaluate the clinical outcomes of early switch to sirolimus-based regimens in HCC patients after LT. Patients with a histologically proven HCC and beyond the Milan criteria will be enrolled. The initial immunosuppressant regimens are center-specifc for the frst 4-6 weeks. The following regimens integrated sirolimus into the regimens as a combination therapy with reduced calcineurin inhibitors based on the condition of patients and centers. The study is planned for 4 years in total with a 2-year enrollment period and a 2-year follow-up. We predict that sirolimus conversion regimen will provide survival benefts for patients particular in the key indicator RFS as well as better quality of life. If the trial is conducted successfully, we will have a continued monitoring over a longer follow-up time to estimate indicator of overall survival. We hope that the outcome will provide better evidence for clinical decision-making and revising treatment guidelines based on Chinese population data.
文摘Liver transplantation has become standard practice for treating end-stage liver disease.The success of the procedure relies on effective immunosuppressive medications to control the host's immune response.Despite the liver's inherent capacity to foster tolerance,the early post-transplant period is marked by significant immune reactivity.To ensure favorable outcomes,it is imperative to identify and manage various rejection types,encompassing T-cell-mediated,antibody-mediated,and chronic rejection.However,the approach to prescribing immunosuppressants relies heavily on clinical judgment rather than evidencebased criteria.Given that the majority of patients will require lifelong immunosuppression as the mechanisms underlying operational tolerance are still being investigated,healthcare providers must possess an understanding of immune responses,rejection mechanisms,and the pathways targeted by immunosuppressive drugs.This knowledge enables customization of treatments and improved patient care,even though a consensus on an optimal immunosuppressive regimen remains elusive.
基金supported by grants from the Foundation of Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials,Basic Research Program-Youth Fund Project of Jiangsu Province(BK20140092)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81400650,81470901,81273261 and 81270583)
文摘BACKGROUND:Fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery have been applied to many surgical procedures;however,data on fast-track surgery and enhanced recovery after surgery following liver transplantation is limited.This study aimed to conduct a prospective study to determine the effects of fast-track surgery on prognosis after liver transplantation.METHODS:This was a prospective,single-blinded,randomized study.One hundred twenty-eight patients undergoing liver transplantation were selected for the fast-track(FT group,n=54) or conventional process(NFT group,n=74).The primary endpoints were intensive care unit(ICU) stay and hospital stay.The secondary endpoints were as follows:operative time,anhepatic phase time,intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative blood transfusion volume,postoperative complications,readmission rate,and postoperative mortality.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in preoperative demographics between the two groups.The median ICU stay was 2 days(range 1-7 days) in the FT group and 5 days(range 3-12 days) in the NFT group(P<0.01).Furthermore,the hospital stay was also significantly reduced in the FT group(P<0.01).The operative time,anhepatic phase time,intraoperative blood loss,and intraoperative blood transfusion volume were decreased in the FT group compared with the NFT group(P<0.05).Based on Spearman correlation analysis,the ICU stay and hospital stay may be positively correlated with operative time,anhepatic phase time and intraoperative blood loss.There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative complications,readmissions,and postoperative mortality between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Fast-track procedures effectively reduce the ICU stay and hospital stay without adversely affecting prognosis.This study demonstrated that fast-track protocols are safe and feasible in liver transplantation.
基金Supported by New Hundred Talents Program of Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission,No.XBR2011029
文摘AIM: To determine the risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus(NODM) after liver transplantation by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS: We electronically searched the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from January 1980 to December 2013 to identify relevant studies reporting risk factors for NODM after liver transplantation. Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data. Discrepancies were resolved in consultation with a third reviewer. All statistical analyses were performed with the Rev Man5.0 software(The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom). Pooled odds ratios(OR) or weighted mean differences(WMD) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated using either a fixed effects or a random effects model, based on the presence(I2 < 50%) or absence(I2 > 50%) of significant heterogeneity. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 4580 patients were included in the meta-analysis, all of which were retrospective. The meta-analysis identified the following significant risk factors: hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection(OR = 2.68; 95%CI: 1.92-3.72); a family history of diabetes(OR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.09-2.63, P < 0.00001); male gender(OR = 1.53; 95%CI: 1.24-1.90; P < 0.0001); impaired fasting glucose(IFG; OR = 3.27; 95%CI: 1.84-5.81; P < 0.0001); a family history of diabetes(OR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.09-2.63; P = 0.02); use of tacrolimus(OR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.03-1.76; P = 0.03) and body mass index(BMI)(WMD = 1.19, 95%CI: 0.69-1.68, P < 0.00001). Other factors, such as hepatitis B virus infection and alcoholism, were not found to be associated with the incidence of NODM.CONCLUSION: The study showed that HCV infection, IFG, a family history of diabetes, male gender, tacrolimus and BMI are risk factors for NODM after liver transplantation.
基金Supported by Key Technology Support Program of Sichuan ProvinceNo.2013SZ0023
文摘AbstractAIM： To investigate the impact of minimum tacrolimus（TAC） on new-onset diabetes mellitus （NODM） afterliver transplantation （LT）.METHODS： We retrospectively analyzed the data of973 liver transplant recipients between March 1999and September 2014 in West China Hospital LiverTransplantation Center. Following the exclusion ofineligible recipients, 528 recipients with a TAC-dominantregimen were included in our study. We calculatedand determined the mean trough concentration ofTAC （cTAC） in the year of diabetes diagnosis in NODMrecipients or in the last year of the follow-up in non-NODM recipients. A cutoff of mean cTAC value forpredicting NODM 6 mo after LT was identified usinga receptor operating characteristic curve. TAC-relatedcomplications after LT was evaluated by χ^2 test, andthe overall and allograft survival was evaluated usingthe Kaplan-Meier method. Risk factors for NODM afterLT were examined by univariate and multivariate Cox regression.RESULTS： Of the 528 transplant recipients, 131（24.8%） developed NODM after 6 mo after LT, andthe cumulative incidence of NODM progressivelyincreased. The mean cTAC of NODM group recipientswas significantly higher than that of recipients in thenon-NODM group （7.66 ± 3.41 ng/mL vs 4.47 ± 2.22ng/mL, P 〈 0.05）. Furthermore, NODM group recipientshad lower 1-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates （86.7%,71.3%, and 61.1% vs 94.7%, 86.1%, and 83.7%, P 〈0.05） and allograft survival rates （92.8%, 84.6%, and75.7% vs 96.1%, 91%, and 86.1%, P 〈 0.05） thanthe others. The best cutoff of mean cTAC for predictingNODM was 5.89 ng/mL after 6 mo after LT. Multivariateanalysis showed that old age at the time of LT （〉 50years）, hypertension pre-LT, and high mean cTAC （≥5.89 ng/mL） after 6 mo after LT were independent riskfactors for developing NODM. Concurrently, recipientswith a low cTAC （〈 5.89 ng/mL） were less likely tobecome obese （21.3% vs 30.2%, P 〈 0.05） or todevelop dyslipidemia （27.5% vs 44.8%, P 〈0.05）,chronic kidney dysfunction （14.6% vs 22.7%, P 〈 0.05）,and moderate to severe infection （24.7% vs 33.1%, P〈 0.05） after LT than recipients in the high mean cTACgroup. However, the two groups showed no significantdifference in the incidence of acute and chronicrejection, hypertension, cardiovascular events and newonsetmalignancy.CONCLUSION： A minimal TAC regimen can decreasethe risk of long-term NODM after LT. Maintaining a cTACvalue below 5.89 ng/mL after LT is safe and beneficial.
基金Supported by Grants from the National Science and Technology Major Project of China,No.2008ZX10002-026the National Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China,No.81200226
文摘AIM:To identify risk factors that might contribute to hepatic artery thrombosis(HAT)after liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:The perioperative and follow-up data of a total of 744 liver transplants,performed from February1999 to July 2010,were retrospectively reviewed.HAT developed in 20 patients(2.7%).HAT was classified as early(occurring in fewer than 30 d post LT)or late(occurring more than 30 d post LT).Early HAT developed in 14 patients(1.9%).Late HAT developed in 6patients(0.8%).Risk factors associated with HAT were analysed using theχ2 test for univariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis.RESULTS:Lack of ABO compatibility,recipient/donor weight ratio≥1.15,complex arterial reconstruction,duration time of hepatic artery anastomosis>80 min,duration time of operation>10 h,dual grafts,number of units of blood received intraoperatively≥7,number of units of fresh frozen plasma(FFP)received intraoperatively≥6,postoperative blood transfusion and postoperative FFP use were significantly associated with early HAT in the univariate analysis(P<0.1).After logistic regression,independent risk factors associated with early HAT were recipient/donor weight ratio≥1.15(OR=4.499),duration of hepatic artery anastomosis>80 min(OR=5.429),number of units of blood received intraoperatively≥7(OR=4.059)and postoperative blood transfusion(OR=6.898).Graft type(whole/living-donor/split),duration of operation>10 h,retransplantation,rejection reaction,recipients with diabetes preoperatively and recipients with a high level of blood glucose or diabetes postoperatively were significantly associated with late HAT in the univariate analysis(P<0.1).After logistic regression,the independent risk factors associated with early HAT were duration of operation>10 h(OR=6.394),retransplantation(OR=21.793)and rejection reactions(OR=16.936).CONCLUSION:Early detection of these risk factors,strict surveillance protocols by Doppler ultrasound and prophylactic anticoagulation for recipients at risk might be determined prospectively.
基金Supported by Chinese Key Project for Prophylaxis and Treatment of Infection Diseases,No.2008ZX10002-025 and No.2008 ZX10002-026
文摘AIM:To evaluate the prophylaxis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after liver transplantation (LT) with low-dose calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).METHODS:From March 1999 to December 2009,a total of 572 patients (478 males and 94 females) underwent LT enrolled in the study.Initial immunosuppression was by triple-drug regimens that included a CNI,MMF,and prednisone.The initial dose of CNI was 0.05-0.10mg/kg per day for tacrolimus (TAC) and 5-10mg/kg per d for cyclosporine A (CSA) respectively,and was gradually reduced based on a stable graft function.The serum trough level of CNI was 6-8 ng/mL for TAC and 120-150 ng/mL for CSA 3-mo post-operation,4-6 ng/mL for TAC and 80-120 ng/mL for CSA 1-year after transplantation was expected with stable liver function.MMF was personalized between 1.0-1.5 g/d.Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated by an abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula.Risk factors of CKD were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.RESULTS:With a definition of GFR<60 mL/min per 1.73 m 2,the incidence of CKD was 17.3% 5-year after LT.There were 68.3% (293 of 429 cases) patients managed to control their TAC trough concentrations within 8 ng/mL and 58.0% (83 of 143 cases) patients' CSA trough concentrations within 150 ng/mL.Of the 450 recipients followed-up over 1 year,55.5% (183 of 330 cases) of which were treated with TAC had a trough concentration ≤ 6 ng/mL while 65.8% (79 of 120 cases) of which were treated with CSA had a concentration ≤ 120 ng/mL.The incidence of CKD in the groups of lower CNI trough concentrations was significantly lower than the groups with CNI concentrations above the ideal range.Patients with CKD had much higher CNI trough concentrations than that of patients without CKD.MMF was adopted in 359 patients (62.8%).Patients administrated with MMF had a relatively low CNI trough concentrations but with no significant difference.The graft function remained stable during follow-up.No difference was found between different groups of CNI trough concentrations.Pre-LT renal dysfunction,ages,acute kidney injury,high blood trough concentrations of CNI in 3 mo (TAC>8 ng/mL,CSA>150 ng/mL) and hypertension after operation were associated with CKD progression,while male gender and adoption of MMF were protection factors.CONCLUSION:Low dose of CNI combined with MMF managed to prevent CKD after LT with stable graft function.
基金Supported by Grants from The National Sciences and Technology Major Project of China, No. 2012ZX10002-016 and No. 2012ZX10002-017
文摘AIM:Our study aimed to compare the results of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that met the Milan criteria after successful downstaging therapy. METHODS:From February 2004 to August 2010, a consecutive series of 102 patients were diagnosed with advanced-stage HCC that met the modified UCSF down-staging protocol inclusion criteria. All of the patients accepted various down-staging therapies. The types and numbers of treatments were tailored to each patient according to the tumor characteristics, location, liver function and response. After various downstaging therapies, 66 patients had tumor characteristics that met the Milan criteria; 31 patients accepted LT in our center, and 35 patients accepted LR. The baseline characteristics, down-staging protocols, postoperative complications, overall survival and tumor free survival rate, and tumor recurrence rate were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate the long-term overall survival and tumor-free survival rate. Meanwhile, a Cox proportional hazards model was used for the multivariate analyses of overall survival and disease-free survival rate. RESULTS:No significant difference was observed between the LT and LR groups with respect to the downstaging protocol, target tumor characteristics, and baseline patient characteristics. Fifteen patients suffered various complications after LT, and 8 patients had complications after LR. The overall complication rate for the LT group was 48.4%, which was significantly higher than the LR group (22.9%) (P = 0.031). The overall in-hospital mortality in hospital for the LT group was 12.9% vs 2.9% for the LR group (P = 0.172). The overall patient survival rates at 1-, 3and 5-years were 87.1%, 80.6% and 77.4%, respectively, after LT and 91.4%, 77.1% and 68.6%, respectively, after LR (P = 0.498). The overall 1-, 3and 5-year tumor recurrencefree rates were also comparable (P = 0.656). Poorer tumor differentiation (P = 0.041) and a higher postdownstage alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (> 400 ng/mL) (P = 0.015) were the two independent risk factors for tumor recurrence in the LT and LR patients who accepted successful down-staging therapy. CONCLUSION:Due to the higher postoperative morbidity and similar survival and tumor recurrence-free rates, LR might offer better or similar outcome over LT, but a larger number and further randomized studies may be needed in the future for drawing any positive conclusions.
基金Supported by National Science and Technology Major Project of China,No.2012ZX10002-016 and No.2012ZX10002017-017
文摘AIM: To compare the recurrence-free survival(RFS) and overall survival(OS) of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) after living donor liver transplantation(lDlT) and deceased donor liver transplantation(DDlT).METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data from 408 liver cancer patients from February 1999 to September 2012. We used the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test to analyze the characteristics of lDlT and DDlT. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the RFS and OS in HCC.RESULTS: Three hundred sixty HBV-positive patients(276 DDlT and 84 lDlT) were included in this study.The mean follow-up time was 27.1 mo(range 1.1-130.8 mo). One hundred eighty-five(51.2%) patients died during follow-up. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates for lDlT were 85.2%, 55.7%, and 52.9%, respectively; for DDlT, the RFS rates were 73.2%, 49.1%, and 45.3%(P = 0.115). The OS rates were similar between the lDlT and DDlT recipients, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 81.8%, 49.5%, and 43.0% vs 69.5%, 43.0%, and 38.3%, respectively(P = 0.30). The outcomes of HCC according to the Milan criteria after lDlT and DDlT were not significantly different(for lDlT: 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS: 94.7%, 78.7%, and 78.7% vs 89.2%, 77.5%, and 74.5%, P = 0.50; for DDlT: 86.1%, 68.8%, and 68.8% vs 80.5%, 62.2%, and 59.8% P = 0.53).CONCLUSION: The outcomes of lDlT for HCC are not worse compared to the outcomes of DDlT. lDlT does not increase tumor recurrence of HCC compared to DDlT.
