Long-term outcomes of de novo autoimmune hepatitis in pediatric liver transplant recipients

The long-term course and outcome of DAIH is unknown. A retrospective multicenter study assessing associations and long-term consequences of DAIH developing in a transplanted allograft is presented. Children with DAIH were followed from diagnosis until death, re-LT, or transfer of care and for a minimum of 1 year. A total of 31 patients of 1833 (1.7%) LT were identified; 29 followed for a median of 7.1 years (range, 1.6-15); 52% had no rejection preceding diagnosis of DAIH. Transaminases fell following treatment with steroids and antimetabolites (ALT 108 vs 39 U/L (P=.002); AST 112 vs 52 U/L (P=.003); GGT 72 vs 36 U/L (P=.03), but this was not universally sustained. Transaminases >2X ULN observed in 38% of patients at last follow-up; commonly GGT, attributed to bile duct injury and ductopenia. Portal hypertension (PHT) was seen in four patients and associated with severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. Re-LT occurred in two patients for chronic rejection (CR) and uncontrolled PHT with gastrointestinal bleeding, respectively. No deaths from DAIH were reported. DAIH is an uncommon complication following pediatric LT requiring prolonged and augmented immunosuppression. It is associated with continued allograft dysfunction and may lead to bile duct injury, CR, and PHT necessitating re-LT.

Posttransplant metabolic syndrome in the withdrawal of immunosuppression in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients (WISP-R) pilot trial

Posttransplant metabolic syndrome (PTMS)-obesity, hypertension, elevated triglycerides, low HDL and glucose intolerance-is a major contributor to morbidity after adult liver transplant. This analysis of the Withdrawal of Immunosuppression in Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients (WISP-R) pilot trial is the first prospective study of PTMS after pediatric liver transplant. Twenty children were enrolled in WISP-R, at median age 8.5 years (IQR 6.4-10.8), and weaned from calcineurin-inhibitor monotherapy. The 12 children who tolerated complete immunosuppression withdrawal were compared to matched historical controls. At baseline, 45% of WISP-R subjects and 58% of controls had at least one component of PTMS. Calcineurin-inhibitor withdrawal in the WISP-R subjects did not impact the prevalence of PTMS components compared to controls. At 5 years, despite weaning off of immunosuppression, 92% of the 12 tolerant WISP-R subjects had at least one PTMS component and 58% had at least two; 33% were overweight or obese, 50% had dyslipidemia, 33% glucose intolerance and 42% systolic hypertension. Overweight/obesity increased the risk of hypertension in all children. Compared to controls, WISP-R tolerant subjects had similar GFR at baseline but did have higher GFR at 2, 3 and 4 years. Further study of PTMS and immunosuppression withdrawal after pediatric liver transplant is warranted.

Obesity after pediatric liver transplantation: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric obesity has become a significant public health concern. The historical focus in pediatric liver transplant (LT) has been undernutrition, with limited knowledge regarding obesity. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of obesity in pediatric LT, compare it to National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data, and identify risk factors for obesity in pediatric LT.

METHODS

SPLIT, which collects pediatric LT data at 39 centers, was queried for subjects ages 2 to 18 years at follow-up, LT between 1995 and 2007, and with at least 1 body mass index measured 1 to 5 years after LT.

RESULTS

Of 1706 individuals included, 44% had biliary atresia (47% boys, 58% white, mean age at LT 4.6 years). Of these individuals, 19% were obese at 1 year and 18% at 3 years, higher than in the general pediatric population reported by 2003-2004 NHANES, whereas 11% obesity at 5 years after LT was similar to NHANES data. Using logistic regression, Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-2.23), steroid use at follow-up (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.23-1.77), overweight (OR 4.34, 95% CI 2.91-6.68), and obesity (OR 10.62, 95% CI 5.9-19.65) at LT independently predicted post-LT obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a need to broaden standard care to include obesity assessment and intervention in routine pre- and posttransplant care.

Liver transplantation followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for atypical mevalonic aciduria

Mevalonic aciduria because of mutations of the gene for mevalonate kinase causes limited synthesis of isoprenoids, the effects of which are widespread. The outcome for affected children is poor. A child with severe multisystem manifestations underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at age 50 months for the indication of end-stage liver disease. This procedure corrected liver function and eliminated portal hypertension, and the patient showed substantial improvement in neurological function. However, autoinflammatory episodes continued unabated until hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed at 80 months. Through this complex therapy, the patient now enjoys a high quality of life without significant disability.

Health status in young adults two decades after pediatric liver transplantation

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who underwent pediatric liver transplant (LT) between 1988 and 1992 to evaluate long-term health status. Survivors completed socio-demographic, medical and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) surveys by mail including the SF-36v2, PedsQL™4.0 Generic Core Scale, PedsQL™ Cognitive Functioning Scale and PedsQL™3.0 Transplant Module. SF-36 scores were converted to SF6D-based utilities and risk factors for lower outcomes were assessed. Eighty-five of 171 patients had survived. Fifty-six were contacted with a response rate of 66%. Median age at LT was 0.86 years (IQR 0.58-3.0) and 64.3% had biliary atresia. Mean age at survey was 23.0 ± 4.4 years: 62% attended college, 68% lived with parents and 80% of those over 23 were employed. Patient health utilities were lower than norms (0.75 ± 0.12 vs. 0.82 ± 0.18, p < 0.01) and correlated with unemployment (p < 0.042), hospitalizations (p < 0.005) and lower education level (p < 0.016). Lower PedsQL™3.0 Transplant Module and PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale scores correlated with unemployment (p = 0.006, p = 0.009) and hospitalizations (p = 0.006, p = 0.02). Pediatric transplant recipients who survive to adulthood have lower physical HRQOL, measurable transplant-related disability and lower health utility. Transplantation is life saving; however, physical and psychological sequelae continue to affect health status up to two decades later.

Risk factors for chronic anemia in pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation: analysis of data from the SPLIT registry

Risk factors for chronic anemia in the post-transplant period have not been clearly delineated in pediatric liver transplant recipients. We analyzed data from children transplanted from 2000 to 2008 with at least two consecutive hemoglobin values from follow-up between six months and five yr post-transplant. A multivariate model was derived to determine independent risk factors associated with chronic anemia. Of 1026 children in this analysis, 242 (23.6%) were found to have chronic anemia. On multivariate analysis, GI bleeding (OR 11.83 [2.08-67.49], p = 0.0054), presence of leukopenia (OR 9.55 [95% CI 3.71-24.62], p < 0.0001), use of cyclosporine (OR 3.69, [95% CI 1.56-8.76], p = 0.0039) and corticosteroids (OR 2.90 [95% CI 1.94-4.33], p < 0.0001), and cGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (OR 4.62 [95% CI 2.47-8.67], p < 0.0001) represented the most significant risk factors for chronic anemia. Use of antihypertensive medications (OR 1.89 [95% CI 1.23-2.91], p = 0.0039) was also significantly associated with a higher risk. In summary, chronic anemia is common in children following liver transplant. Our findings underscore the need to define the mechanisms by which these risk factors, some of which are modifiable, result in chronic anemia in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

Blood pressure elevation in long-term survivors of pediatric liver transplantation

As pediatric liver transplant (LT) recipients come of age, additional insight into long-term medical complications of immunosuppression is warranted. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) in long-term survivors of pediatric LT using the data from the Studies in Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) database and to identify predictive factors. Patients enrolled in the BP arm of the SPLIT cohort participated in the study. All patients were of at least 5 years but ≤10 years post-LT. Automated BP measurements were obtained at anniversary visits. BP measures were classified as normal, borderline or elevated according to standard criteria. Patients taking antihypertensive medications were classified as "elevated." Eight hundred and fifteen patients participated. The prevalence of elevated BP measurements 5 to 10 years post-LT was 17.5 to 27.5%. Of total 62.5% patients presented with at least one additional elevated BP at a later follow up visit. Multivariate analysis revealed the following parameters to be predictive of elevated BP: age at transplant, steroid use at last BP measurement and cGFR at last BP measurement. Pediatric LT patients show a high prevalence of elevated BP measurements 5 to 10 years following LT, which is related to age at LT, decreased cGFR and recent steroid use.

Pediatric health-related quality of life: Feasibility, reliability and validity of the PedsQL transplant module

The measurement properties of the newly developed Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Transplant Module in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients were evaluated. Participants included pediatric recipients of liver, kidney, heart and small bowel transplantation who were cared for at seven medical centers across the United States and their parents. Three hundred and thirty-eight parents of children ages 2-18 and 274 children ages 5-18 completed both the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the Transplant Module. Findings suggest that child self-report and parent proxy-report scales on the Transplant Module demonstrated excellent reliability (total scale score for child self-report alpha= 0.93; total scale score for parent proxy-report alpha= 0.94). Transplant-specific symptoms or problems were significantly correlated with lower generic HRQOL, supporting construct validity. Children with solid organ transplants and their parents reported statistically significant lower generic HRQOL than healthy children. Parent and child reports showed moderate to good agreement across the scales. In conclusion, the PedsQL Transplant Module demonstrated excellent initial feasibility, reliability and construct validity in pediatric patients with solid organ transplants.

Once daily calcineurin inhibitor monotherapy in pediatric liver transplantation

This report describes a group of pediatric liver transplant recipients who have undergone once daily calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) monotherapy at Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, between January 1, 2001 and November 30, 2008. We defined success as normal liver enzymes at 1 year after dose change, with normal enzymes throughout all follow-up. Patients who did not meet the set criteria or had lost an organ to chronic rejection were not considered for this therapeutic strategy. There were 147 patients in our organ transplant tracking record (OTTR) who were > or = 5 years post liver transplant. Of these, 56 underwent reduced dose, once daily CNI monotherapy. Patients who met the set criteria were placed on once daily calcineurin inhibitor at half their previous dose. Fifty patients successfully achieved this dose change, while six patients failed at a mean of 3.7 +/- 3.2 months following the dosing change. The mean interval from transplant was significantly longer in those patients who were successful compared to those who failed dose change (p < 0.05). Importantly, there have been no graft losses. Reduced dose, once daily CNI monotherapy is safe in carefully selected recipients, with a longer interval post liver transplantation increasing the likelihood of success.

Linear growth patterns in prepubertal children following liver transplantation

Factors impacting linear growth following pediatric liver transplantation (LT) are not well understood. This longitudinal analysis examines predictors of linear growth impairment in prepubertal children included in Studies of Pediatric Liver Transplantation. In 1143 children with serial measurements, mean height scores increased from -1.55 at LT to -0.87 and -0.68 at 24 and 36 months post LT with minimal subsequent catch up growth observed until 60 months. Subgroup analysis of height measurements at 24 months (n = 696), 33.8% were below 10th percentile at 24 months post LT. Multivariate analysis revealed linear growth impairment more likely in patients with metabolic disease (OR 4.4, CI: 1.83-10.59) and >18 months of steroids exposure (OR 3.02, CI: 1.39-6.55). Higher percentiles for weight (OR 0.80, CI: 0.65-0.99) and height (OR 0.62, CI: 0.51-0.77) at LT decreased risk. Less linear catch up was observed in patients with metabolic disease, non-Biliary atresia cholestatic diseases and lower weight and higher height percentiles prior to LT. Prolonged steroid exposure and elevated calculated glomerular filtration rate and gamma-Glutamyltransferase following LT were associated with less catch up growth. Linear growth impairment and incomplete linear catch up growth are common following LT and may improve by avoiding advanced growth failure before LT and steroid exposure minimization.

Adolescent health-related quality of life following liver and kidney transplantation

Health perceptions of adolescent transplant patients should be considered in providing appropriate healthcare.

OBJECTIVES

(i) quantify health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescent liver and kidney transplant patients, (ii) compare caregiver ratings of their children's HRQOL to adolescent self-reports and (iii) examine the relationship between HRQOL and disease-specific disability (DSD). Adolescent liver (n = 51) and kidney (n = 26) transplant recipients and caregivers were surveyed using the CHQ-CF87 and CHQ-PF50. DSD scores were calculated for each patient. The response rate was >70%. Adolescent's psychological and physical health was similar to a healthy population, but general health poorer (p = 0.0006). Caretakers reported lower physical functioning and general health (p = 0.0001) but similar psychological health to a normative population. All caregivers expressed negative emotional impact of their child's health on themselves and family activities (p = 0.0001). Positive correlations were found between liver transplant recipients and caregivers: perceptions of behavior (ICC = 0.55, p < 0.001), mental health (ICC = 0.56, p < 0.001), self-esteem (ICC = 0.68, p <or=0.001). Positive correlations were found for kidney transplant patients and caregivers: physical function (ICC = 0.85, p < 0.001), bodily pain (ICC = 0.70, p < 0.001), behavior (ICC = 0.67, p < 0.01). Kidney transplant recipients showed negative correlations between physical functioning (R = -0.76, p = 0.0003) and general health (R =-0.60, p = 0.008) with overall DSD. Physical and psychological functioning of adolescent liver and kidney transplant patients is high. Caregivers may serve as adequate proxies of psychological but not physical health.

Safety of percutaneous liver biopsy in infants less than three months old

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety, outcomes, and complications of percutaneous liver biopsies (PLB) in infants aged 0 to 3 months.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of all infants less than 3 months old who underwent PLB at Children's Memorial Hospital between July 1, 1997 and June 30, 2004 for complications surrounding the procedure and risk factors that might lead to complications.

RESULTS

Sixty-six PLBs were performed in 63 infants. Most patients tolerated the procedure without complications. Twelve complications were recorded, for an overall complication rate of 18%. Of these, five were directly related to the procedure, and seven were sedation related. Three patients experienced a drop in hemoglobin greater than 2 gm/dL, one patient developed a bile leak, and one developed a skin hematoma. Seven patients had respiratory difficulty related to sedation, which manifested as increased work of breathing or decreased respiratory rate with depression in pulse oximetry.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that PLB in young infants is associated with a somewhat higher risk of complications than in older children, particularly complications related to sedation.

Octreotide therapy for control of acute gastrointestinal bleeding in children

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the outcomes of octreotide use in children with gastrointestinal bleeding with or without portal hypertension.

METHODS

The medical charts of children who received continuous octreotide infusion for the indication of gastrointestinal bleeding from January 1995 to December 2000 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-one children with portal hypertension received octreotide infusions (1-2 microg/kg/h) during 35 gastrointestinal bleeding episodes. The duration of infusion ranged from 19 hours to 7 days. Bleeding ceased in 71% of children. Post-treatment rebleeding occurred in 52%, and the mortality was 19%. Response to octreotide, rebleeding, and mortality did not differ significantly between patients with or without intrinsic liver disease. Twelve children with gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to portal hypertension received octreotide during 14 episodes. The duration of octreotide ranged from 3 hours to 36 days. Fifty percent of children had resolution of bleeding during the infusion. Post-treatment rebleeding occurred in 29%, and the mortality was 50%. No major adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of bleeding control was achieved with octreotide during acute gastrointestinal bleeding in children with portal hypertension. However, controlled studies are needed for more definitive description of its clinical effects. The role of octreotide is less clear in gastrointestinal bleeding unrelated to portal hypertension.

Timed Pediatric Risk of Mortality Scores predict outcomes in pediatric liver transplant recipients

More reliable methods are needed to identify children at risk for poor outcomes following liver transplantation. The Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) Score is a physiology-based scoring system used to quantify risk of mortality in pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) populations. We evaluated the PRISM Score as a predictor of outcomes including survival in the pediatric liver transplant (LT) population. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 67 consecutive LTs performed between August 1997 and February 2000 at an urban, tertiary children's hospital in Chicago, IL, USA. Four PRISM Scores were calculated to determine which periods were most meaningful. A Classic PRISM Score was calculated during first 24 h of ICU admission, and three PRISM Scores were timed with the patient's transplant: a pre-LT PRISM Score (24 h prior to transplant whether in ICU or not), a 24-h post-LT PRISM Score and a 48-h post-LT PRISM Score. These PRISM Scores and other predictors including transplant number, UNOS status and PELD Score were compared with outcomes including survival using univariate methods. The pre-LT, the 24- and the 48-h PRISM Score were associated with the post-LT number of ventilated days (p < 0.05), ICU days (p < 0.05) and with 1-yr survival (p < 0.04). The PRISM Scores were not related to the post-LT hospital length of stay (LOS) or to 1-yr re-transplantation. The PELD Score correlated with the post-LT hospital LOS, but was not associated with mortality or with the ICU LOS. A patient's UNOS status and Classic PRISM Score were not associated with any of the outcomes measured. PRISM Scores are valid predictors of outcome including survival in pediatric LT recipients. These findings help to demonstrate the importance in this population of a patient's general physiologic condition and its influence on the overall hospital course and survival.

Functional outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation

The functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children who survive liver transplantation (LT) have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional status and HRQOL in this population using a validated measure for children, the Child Health Questionnaire-Parent Form 50 (CHQ-PF50).

METHODS

The CHQ-PF50 instrument was completed by the parents of 55 children who agreed to participate in a mailing survey. Subscale scores for the sample were compared with those of a published normal population (n = 391).

RESULTS

Study sample characteristics were: 87% Caucasian, 54.5% female, mean age at survey was 9.6 years (range, 5-17 years). Responding caregivers were 95% biologic parents and 93% female. Compared with the normal population, LT recipients had lower subscale scores for general health perceptions (P < 0.0005), emotional impact on parents (<0.0005) and disruption of family activities (0.0005). The mean physical summary score of the LT recipients was lower than that of the normal population 48.1 +/- 12.1 (P = 0.005), but the mean psychosocial summary score was similar 48.8 +/- 11.9 (P = 0.156). Within the LT population, the original diagnosis (biliary atresia vs. other), type of LT (living donor vs. cadaveric), age at LT, z score for height, and hospital days did not significantly influence any of the subscale scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Children who have survived LT have functional outcomes in the physical domain that are lower than those of normal children. Self-esteem and mental health in this group appeared normal. The parents in this sample experienced more emotional stress and disruption of family activities than did parents in a normal population.

Living donor liver transplantation for children with liver failure and concurrent multiple organ system failure

Liver transplantation for pediatric patients in liver failure and multiple organ system failure (MOSF) often results in poor patient survival. Progression of organ failure occurs while awaiting a cadaveric allograft. Therefore, we considered living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in this critically ill group of children and report our initial results with comparison to a similar group who received cadaveric donation (CAD). A retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric liver transplant recipients who met criteria for MOSF at the time of transplantation. Data collection involved pretransplantation patient profiles, as well as postoperative complications and patient survival. Eight patients in MOSF received living donor transplants and 11 patients received a cadaveric allograft. Mean wait time was 3.5 days in the LDLT group and 6.5 days in the CAD group. Pretransplantation patient profiles and postoperative complications were similar between groups. Mean cold ischemia times were 3.8 hours in the LDLT group and 7.9 hours in the CAD group (P = .0002). Thirty-day and 6-month survival rates of the LDLT group were 88% and 63% compared with 45% and 27% in the CAD group, respectively. Living donor transplant recipients in MOSF had decreased wait times to transplantation, as well as decreased cold ischemia times, compared with cadaveric transplant recipients. Patients in the LDLT group had markedly improved survival compared with the CAD group. Timely transplantation before worsening organ failure may account for these findings.

Living related liver transplantation in children: a report of the first 58 recipients at the University of Chicago

From November 1989 58 living donor liver transplants were performed in 56 children ranging in age from 1 month to 13 years. Donors were adults (> 18 years of age) with a close relationship to the recipient. ABO compatibility and normal donor health were required. Liver segments two and three were transplanted in 53 cases, and segments two, three and four in 5 cases. Actuarial patient survival at 2 years was 89%; graft survival was 76%. Six recipients died: four secondary to sepsis and two because of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. The main cause of graft loss was arterial thrombosis, occurring in six patients (10%). Since refinement of the technique, there have been few donor complications, but these have included a biliary tract injury and a hepatic artery thrombosis. Both donors are well, without long-term adverse sequelae. Overall, the outcome of living donor transplantation is excellent; morbidity has been encountered in a small number of donors.

Severe neonatal enteroviral hepatitis treated with pleconaril

Neonatal enteroviral hepatitis carries high morbidity and mortality. We treated three full term neonates with severe enteroviral hepatitis with pleconaril on an open label compassionate use protocol. Each mother had history of a viral-like syndrome within 1 week before delivery. The neonates presented at 4 to 5 days of age with fulminant hepatic failure with severe coagulopathy, and each yielded an echovirus. All were treated with pleconaril (VP63843) at 5 mg/kg every 8 h by nasogastric tube. Two of the three neonates with life-threatening enteroviral hepatitis recovered fully. Further experience with pleconaril for neonatal enteroviral hepatitis is warranted.

Autoimmune hepatitis as a late complication of liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

The development of de novo autoimmune hepatitis as a long-term complication after liver transplantation has been recently reported. The authors describe five liver allograft recipients who developed chronic hepatitis associated with autoimmune features.

METHODS

Five of 155 liver transplant recipients at risk (2.5%) developed this particular form of graft dysfunction. The authors review the clinical records, liver histology, therapy, and outcome of these five patients.

RESULTS

Patients included two boys and three girls. Median age at transplantation was 3.5 years (range, 0.5-14 years), median age at presentation was 9 years (range, 2-17 years), and median interval after transplantation was 5.1 years (range, 1.5-9 years). Indications for liver transplant included biliary atresia in four patients and primary sclerosing cholangitis in one patient. At the time of presentation, all patients were receiving cyclosporine as their primary immunosuppressive agent. Only one patient had a history of rejection, which had resolved. All patients presented with increased transaminase levels, and one had a mildly elevated conjugated bilirubin level. Only one patient had constitutional complaints. Acute and chronic rejection, viral hepatitis, vascular insufficiency, and biliary tract obstruction were excluded. Antinuclear antibody levels were elevated in four patients (titer range, 1:160-1:640), one of whom also had positive antismooth muscle antibody (titer 1:80) results. The fifth patient had an elevated serum total protein level. Histologic analysis of liver biopsy samples from the five patients showed findings consistent with chronic autoimmune hepatitis. All patients were treated with standard therapy for autoimmune hepatitis, which included daily steroids and azathioprine. Cyclosporine doses were reduced in three patients and eliminated in two. All patients responded with normalization (n = 2) or improvement (n = 3) of liver transaminases within the first 3 months of therapy. Histologic analysis of the 3-month follow-up liver biopsy was normal (n = 2) or showed improvement in inflammation (n = 2). Two patients developed acute allograft rejection within 6 to 12 months after discontinuation or reduction in cyclosporine.

CONCLUSIONS

Autoimmune hepatitis occurs after liver transplantation in patients without a previous history of autoimmune hepatitis. The risk of developing autoimmune hepatitis appears to be greater in children after liver transplantation than in the general pediatric population. Standard therapy for autoimmune hepatitis is effective.

Health-related quality of life in long-term survivors of pediatric liver transplantation

The purpose of this study is to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children who are long-term survivors of liver transplantation and to pilot the Liver Transplant Disability Scale (LTDS), a newly developed 12-point scale that quantifies chronic medical disability related to liver transplantation. This study is a cross-sectional survey of 51 children surviving liver transplantation by at least 2 years, with a median age of 4.94 years. Functional capacity and utility scores were measured by the Health Utilities Index Mark II (HUI2), and chronic disease-specific medical disability was measured by the LTDS. HUI2 results were compared with a reference population. LTDS scores were compared with utility scores and patient survival 3 years later. Ninety percent of the study patients had functional deficits compared with 50% of controls. Functional impairment was typically mild. The resulting mean utility score, 0.86 +/- 0.13 (0 = dead, 1 = perfect health), was significantly less than that of the reference population, 0.95 +/- 0. 07 (P <.001). LTDS scores ranged from 0 (no disability) to 6 (moderate disability). Seventy-one percent of the children had mild disability (scores 0 to 3), and 29% had moderate disability (scores 4 to 6). LTDS scores did not correlate with utility scores but were predictive of survival. The majority of pediatric liver transplant recipients have mild functional deficits. Their utility scores reflected a high level of HRQOL but were significantly less than those of a reference population. The majority also had mild medical disability, predominantly delayed growth. Medical disability did not correlate with HRQOL but predicted survival 3 years later.

Pulmonary complications following liver transplantation in pediatric patients

The purpose of this study was to define the incidence and type of pulmonary complications experienced by children after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The radiological records of all patients receiving OLT during a 3-yr period were reviewed to identify evidence of a pulmonary abnormality. Medical records were then reviewed to determine type, duration, therapy and outcome of pulmonary disorders. Potential risk factors for the development of persistent pleural effusions were also analyzed. One hundred and fifty-one pediatric liver transplantations were performed on 113 patients during this period. Pneumonia developed in 27 patients, including 11 proven bacterial, six presumed bacterial, six viral and four fungal cases. All three deaths related to pulmonary complications were in this group. Three patients developed mild pulmonary hemorrhages, and three developed pulmonary calcifications, which did not impair lung function. Sixteen patients developed paralysis of the right hemidiaphragm, four required diaphragm plication. Pleural effusions developed in 86 patients, 38 persisted longer than 7 days. Patients with persistent effusions were more likely to develop allograft rejection than patients with no persistent effusion (p < 0.01) by chi2 analysis. Seven patients required tracheostomy placement. Of these, four were successfully decannulated, two died from non-pulmonary complications and one is receiving home ventilator support. In conclusion, the majority of children experience at least one pulmonary complication after OLT, but mortality due to pulmonary disease is low in this population. Persistent pleural effusions may be a heralding sign of allograft rejection. Viral, bacterial and fungal pneumonia were the only pulmonary causes of death and only one patient in this series has had significant chronic lung disease.

An analysis of hepatic retransplantation in children

BACKGROUND

The limited supply of organ donors has led some groups to reconsider the role of retransplantation. Historically, except for children with malignancies, extrahepatic sources of sepsis, or severe irreversible neurologic injuries, our institution has offered all children with failing liver grafts the option of retransplantation regardless of their current severity of illness. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome of hepatic retransplantation in children in an attempt to identify factors predictive of outcome and to assess the results of our approach to retransplantation.

METHODS

Between October 1984 and December 1995, 314 children less than 15 years of age underwent a total of 441 liver transplants. Data were obtained retrospectively by review of hospital records.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up period of 5.3+/-2.7 years, the overall patient survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 77.1% and 67.1%, respectively. Primary allograft survival rates were 65.6% and 56.5%, respectively. Of the 137 patients who developed failure of their primary allograft, 92 underwent retransplantation (29.3% of all primary transplants). Both patient and allograft survival rates were significantly decreased after retransplantation (P<0.0001 versus primary transplants). Univariate and multivariate analysis of retransplanted patients revealed only two factors that were statistically related to patient and graft survival: age at the time of retransplantation (P<0.02 univariate and P<0.05 multivariate) and retransplantation with a reduced-size allograft (P<0.005 univariate and P<0.05 multivariate). In this series, the effect on patient survival of differences in medical condition as reflected by United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) status approached, but did not achieve, significance (P=0.08 for UNOS 1 versus UNOS 2 and 3). UNOS status did not affect graft survival. Neither the cause of primary allograft loss or the timing of retransplantation relative to the first transplant were related to outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that the failure of primary hepatic allografts remains a major problem in pediatric liver transplantation and that the overall results of retransplantation were significantly worse than those associated with primary transplants. We have identified a group of children who experienced a significantly worse outcome after retransplantation. This group consisted of children less than 3 years of age retransplanted using reduced-size grafts. Based on this finding, we now attempt to avoid retransplanting young children with reduced-size grafts. By using this approach, we hope to be able to offer children the option of retransplantation with improved results and simultaneously minimize the negative impact on patients awaiting primary transplants.

Duodenum and duodenal-jejunal junction in children: position and appearance after liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To correlate upper gastrointestinal study findings of the position of the duodenum and duodenal-jejunal junction in children after liver transplantation with transplant type, age at transplantation, indication for transplantation, and history of surgery or malrotation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Upper gastrointestinal studies in 23 children with a liver transplant were reviewed by two pediatric radiologists, and appearance and position of the duodenum and duodenal-jejunal junction were recorded. Findings were correlated with transplant type, age at transplantation, indication for transplantation, and history of surgery or malrotation.

RESULTS

The duodenum and duodenal-jejunal junction were visualized on anteroposterior spot radiographs in 18 children. In 10 children, the duodenum and the junction were elevated and to the right of the spine; in two, the first and second portions of the duodenum were elevated, but the junction was normally located. These 12 children had undergone segmental liver transplantation. In the remaining six children, the duodenum and junction were normally positioned; three of these children had a whole liver transplant, and three had a segmental transplant.

CONCLUSION

The duodenum and duodenal-jejunal junction are often malpositioned in children with a left lobe or left lateral segmental liver transplant. Without documented bowel obstruction, however, these children should be observed and followed up clinically.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation in children: initial clinical experience

PURPOSE

To assess an initial clinical experience with the creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve consecutive patients with complications of portal hypertension underwent TIPS creation at our institution between July 1993 and September 1996. There were six boys and six girls aged 2 years 5 months to 16 years 10 months (median, 9 years 2 months) who weighed 13.9-80.9 kg (median, 27.65 kg). A standard radiographic technique was used.

RESULTS

Thirteen procedures were performed to achieve 12 successful TIPS creations. One child with a reduced-size liver transplant had to undergo two procedures for a successful TIPS creation. No major procedural complications or morbidity occurred. In 10 children, TIPS patency was documented by means of pathologic inspection at orthotopic liver transplantation (median shunt duration, 53 days). Shunt stenosis developed in one child at 186 days but was treated successfully. Two children had functional shunts at 301 and 357 days, respectively. No episodes of repeat variceal hemorrhage were noted. One child developed postprocedural encephalopathy, which responded to medical therapy.

CONCLUSION

This initial clinical experience suggests that TIPS creation is technically feasible and is as safe in children as in adults. TIPS creation can aid in the management of portal hypertension in children, especially in those needing temporary relief before liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation for the treatment of urea cycle disorders

The principal goal of therapy when liver transplantation is used for the treatment of metabolic disease is to correct the metabolic error. By doing so, liver transplantation eliminates the hepatic and peripheral consequences of the error. Inborn errors involving the urea cycle appear on theoretical grounds to be amenable to treatment using liver transplantation and, indeed, published data demonstrate that this approach to therapy can be successful. The purpose of this study is to examine the outcome of liver transplantation done for the indication of urea cycle defects in a large group of patients. The first goal of the study is to determine with certainty that liver transplantation corrects hyperammonaemia and halts the progress of disease. A second goal is to determine the extent of neurological recovery in children previously injured by hyperammonaemia. The final goal is to understand whether the quality of life is improved and medical expense is reduced by transplantation. The study involved a survey of major transplantation centres. Four centres provided data about 16 patients, 14 of whom were alive 11 months to 6 years after transplantation. The results demonstrate that liver transplantation resulted in correction of hyperammonaemia in all patients. The neurological outcome after transplantation correlated closely with the condition prior to transplantation. This population of patients has had relatively few problems in the long term related to the liver transplant itself. The quality of life seems to be much improved, but further study will be needed to confirm this. Limited data involving two patients show a reduction in the cost of care. We conclude from our experience that liver transplantation can be an effective treatment for children with urea cycle defects.

Renal outcomes in pediatric liver transplantation

The outcomes of 294 orthotopic liver transplants performed in 221 children at The University of Chicago Children's Hospital between October 1984 and October 1992 have been retrospectively reviewed. Medical information for 281 transplant in 210 children was sufficient for inclusion in this analysis. The mean age at transplant was 4.1 +/- 5.0 yr. Forty-four percent of the children were male, and 16% of the transplants were living-related. Four children received combined liver-kidney transplants. Seventy-six percent of the children are currently alive. The incidence of acute renal failure occurring following transplantation and requiring dialysis was 6.2% with a mortality rate of 85%. Early postoperative hypertension was seen in 65% of the children and persistent hypertension of greater than 12 months duration was seen in 28%. Sixteen percent of children developed metabolic acidosis requiring sustained sodium bicarbonate supplementation. Aggregate and longitudinal analysis of serial calculated glomerular filtration rates revealed abnormal renal function in approximately one third of children at any given time period following transplantation. The renal dysfunction was unrelated to age at transplant, type of transplant, gender, previous transplants, rejection episodes, courses of nephrotoxic drugs, presence of hypertension, or cyclosporin dose. This review supports prior studies which document abnormal renal function following orthotopic liver transplantation in a significant proportion of children.

Angioplasty treatment of portal vein stenosis in children with segmental liver transplants: mid-term results

OBJECTIVE

Percutaneous venoplasty has showed excellent technical success and excellent early results in treating portal vein stenoses in children with reduced-size liver transplants. We review the mid-term results in 22 children in whom portal venoplasty was attempted.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

During 27 months, percutaneous transhepatic portal venoplasty was attempted in 22 children with portal vein stenoses. Patients presented with symptoms of portal vein hypertension or were identified by routine surveillance with posttransplantation Doppler sonography. All stenoses were verified with angiography. Venoplasty was performed by direct puncture of an intrahepatic portal vein before balloon angioplasty of the stenotic segment. Patients were followed up with sonographic surveillance, and reintervention was performed as needed. In patients who had suboptimal results after portal venoplasty or who developed recurrent stenoses, intravascular stents were placed across stenoses.

RESULTS

In 16 of 22 patients, initial clinical and technical success was achieved. In the six patients who underwent unsuccessful procedures, complete occlusion of the portal vein precluded access to the extrahepatic portal vein. Of the 16 patients who underwent successful procedures, intravascular stents were placed at the time of initial venoplasty in five patients for elastic stenosis. In seven other patients, portal vein restenosis occurred after venoplasty (mean, 6.3 months), necessitating intravascular stent placement. Four patients who underwent successful venoplasty without stent placement have required no further intervention. Portal vein patency has been maintained in all 16 patients who underwent technically successful procedures for 4-29 months (mean, 20 months).

CONCLUSION

In children with reduced-size liver transplants who experience delayed portal vein stenosis, percutaneous transhepatic portal venoplasty has achieved encouraging mid-term results. It is the procedure of choice in our hospital and often eliminates the need for surgical revision, portacaval shunting, or retransplantation.

Association between liver transplantation for Langerhans cell histiocytosis, rejection, and development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease in children

OBJECTIVE

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an unusual indication for orthotopic liver transplantation in children. Data from limited case reports suggest that orthotopic liver transplantation for LCH is associated with excellent survival rates and a low incidence of disease recurrence. However, in our experience, children who have transplantation for LCH appeared to experience a high incidence of refractory rejection and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD).

STUDY DESIGN

Data from 398 liver transplants performed in 298 children younger than 16 years of age were reviewed to determine the presence of risk factors for PTLD in patients with LCH and other causes of liver failure.

RESULTS

The incidence of PTLD was significantly higher in children who received transplants for LCH compared with all indications (p < 0.001) and specific indications that were associated with the development of PTLD (p < 0.002). Among patients in whom PTLD developed, there was no significant difference in the incidence of primary Epstein-Barr virus infections in patients who receive transplantation for LCH (4/4, 100%) versus all other indications (12/14, 86%). Children who had transplantation for LCH were older than those who had transplantation for other indications (LCH median age 3.1 years, other indications 1 year). The incidence of rejection, especially refractory rejection, was greater in patients who had transplantation for LCH (100% and 50%, respectively) compared with those who had transplantation for other indications (70% and 10%, p < 0.02 for refractory rejection).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who had transplantation for liver disease related to LCH experienced a 67% long-term survival (median follow up 5.8 years, range 2.1 to 7.5 years). Recurrent LCH occurred in only 33% of patients and was easily managed. However, PTLD developed in two thirds of these patients, perhaps in part because of the high incidence of refractory rejection. This series therefore demonstrates an association between a primary disease process and the development of PTLD. Although the data indicate that children with LCH-induced liver failure benefit from transplantation, special care must be exercised in screening for and preemptive treatment of PTLD.

Portal hypertension in children

This chapter reviews the common causes of portal hypertension in children. It specifies how the treatment strategy for portal hypertension in patients without significant hepatic dysfunction differs from the management of children with cirrhosis. It describes the application of newer treatment modalities such as TIPS and partial splenic embolization in children and reviews the current recommendations for surgical intervention in these patients.

Complete lymphoid chimerism and chronic graft-versus-host disease in an infant recipient of a hepatic allograft from an HLA-homozygous parental living donor

Living-related donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an accepted approach to pediatric liver transplantation. Parental donation imposes a significant risk of chimerism with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) because donors homozygous at all HLA loci (1.6% of the population) present no mismatched HLA antigens to be recognized by their offspring's immune system. The case of a 9-month-old who underwent LDLT with her 23-year-old HLA-homozygous mother as a donor demonstrates the consequences of this occurrence. The patient developed GVHD with aplastic anemia; the patient's nucleated peripheral blood elements were shown to be entirely derived from the donor. Later, after some marrow recovery, the patient's circulating lymphocytes had a donor origin, while the marrow-derived neutrophils had a recipient origin. The patient suffers from chronic GVHD and debilitating skin disease several years posttransplant. Our current protocol calls for HLA typing to eliminate parents who are homozygous at all HLA loci as donors of hepatic allografts to their children.

Use of polytetrafluoroethylene patch for temporary wound closure after pediatric liver transplantation

Despite numerous options for pediatric transplantation, closure of the abdominal wall after liver transplantation is occasionally difficult, resulting in increased abdominal pressure and possible vascular compromise. Since 1990, we have utilized a 2-mm thick sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to overcome this situation in 21 transplants for 17 patients. The median age was 0.9 months. Ten of the 21 transplants utilized full-size grafts. The donor to recipient weight ratio was 1.7+/-1.2. Cadaveric left lateral segments were used in 8 of 21 transplants (weight ratio, 7.4+/-5.9), living donor left lateral segments were used in 3 of 21 transplants (weight ratio, 13.2+/-6.7). We were able to remove 14 of 21 patches with one additional operation, whereas 4/21 patches required two operations and 3/21 required three operations. Reoperations identified two cases of hepatic artery thrombosis not previously identified by duplex ultrasonography. There were no technical problems or adverse effects associated with the use of the PTFE patch. After patch removal, the fascia was closed with a nonabsorbable suture and the skin was allowed to close by secondary intention. There were no wound infections, portal vein thrombosis, or fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. PTFE is a safe, temporary alternative to primary wound closure in liver transplantation when the size of the graft or intestinal and graft edema does not allow conventional closure of the abdomen. Infectious, fluid/electrolyte, or ventilatory complications were not noted. The necessity of a second-look operation is useful in assessing the graft and vascular patency. The majority of patches can be removed within the first postoperative week.

Portal vein thrombosis and stenosis in pediatric liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of venous conduits used in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We analyzed the portal vein complications in 66 LDLT recipients and 48 cadaveric reduced-size liver transplant (RLT) recipients performed from November 1989 through January 1995. Three different venous conduits were utilized in the LDLT recipients: Group 1, reconstructed vein from the living donor, n=18; Group 2, cadaveric cryopreserved iliac vein, n=37; and Group 3, cadaveric cryopreserved femoral vein, n=11. Overall, 47 percent of the patients were less than one year of age; the age distribution was not significantly different among the groups. The incidence of early thrombosis was significantly greater in LDLT Group 1, (33%) than any of the other groups (LDLT Group 2, 8%; LDLT Group 3, 9%; and RLT, 4%:P<0.0005 vs. reduced graft and < 0.03 vs. other LDLT groups). The incidence of late portal vein stenosis or thrombosis was significantly higher in the LDLT Group 2, (51%) than any of the other groups (LDLT 1, 16%; LDLT Group 3, 9%; RLT 4%;P<0.005 vs. cadaveric and < 0.02 vs. LDLT Group 1 and LDLT Group 3). Five year arterial graft and patient survival for patients who have experienced portal vein thrombosis or stenosis is 61% and 67%, respectively, versus 67% and 71% for those patients who have not experienced portal vein pathology, P=ns. Based on this experience, we recommend avoiding the use of cryopreserved iliac vein for portal vein reconstruction in liver transplantation. Every effort should be taken to eliminate the need for venous conduits in liver transplantation. If venous conduits must be utilized, cryopreserved femoral veins seem to provide superior patency rates. Careful clinical and ultrasonopraphic monitoring of patients at high risk for late venous thrombosis permits therapy with excellent graft and patient survival.

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric liver transplantation. Interplay between primary Epstein-Barr virus infection and immunosuppression

The incidence, risk factors, and outcome of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) were examined for 298 children undergoing liver transplantation. The overall incidence of PTLD was 8.4% (25 of 298). Intensity of immunosuppression was found to be a major risk factor for the development of PTLD. Cyclosporine and tacrolimus when used as primary immunosuppression were associated with the development of PTLD in 4.3% and 6.6% of cases (P=NS). OKT3 and tacrolimus, when used as rescue therapy for steroid-resistant rejection, were associated with a comparable increase in the risk of developing PTLD (10.9% and 11.1%, P=NS). Patients requiring both OKT3 and tacrolimus to treat refractory rejection were at significantly increased risk for PTLD (28.1% vs. 4.3% or 6.6%, P<0.0001). PTLD was more common in patients who received transplants for Langerhans cell histiocytosis relative to other indications for transplantation (66% vs. 8.4%, P=0.0005). The data also support an association between primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections following transplantation and the development of PTLD. While only three patients were EBV seropositive before transplantation (14%), 19 patients were EBV seropositive at the time of diagnosis of PTLD (90%), confirming a high incidence of primary EBV infections in patients with PTLD (21 patients had both pre- and posttransplant EBV serologies). In this series, PTLD was associated with a mortality rate of 60%, and 12 of the 15 patients who died had persistent tumor at the time of death. Five of the 13 patients rendered disease-free developed ductopenic rejection. Of the four with severe liver dysfunction, two have undergone successful retransplantation and are alive without evidence of PTLD. In conclusion, intense immunosuppression using OKT3 and tacrolimus as rescue agents was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of PTLD. Primary EBV infection after transplantation further accentuated this risk. Independent of these risk factors, patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis were at significantly increased risk for PTLD. The identification of high-risk patients should allow the development of protocols to screen patients for primary EBV infections and early indications of PTLD, as well as the institution of preemptive antiviral and antitumor therapies.

Allograft rejection in pediatric recipients of living related liver transplants

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of rejection episodes in a group of children receiving living related orthotopic liver transplants (LRLT) versus children receiving cadaveric liver transplants (CLT). Thirty-eight patients received primary LRLT and 54 patients received CLT during a 3-year period ending June 1993. Baseline immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporin, azathioprine, and corticosteroids. Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver histology and were treated initially with pulse intravenous methylprednisolone, 10 mg/kg/d for 3 days. Steroid-resistant rejection was treated with OKT3 or FK506. The median patient ages were 1.3 years for the CLT and .8 years for the LRLT recipients. Acute cellular rejection developed in 78% of the CLT grafts and 74% of the LRLT grafts (P = ns). However, steroid-resistant rejection was significantly less frequent in the LRLT recipients, 13% versus 43% in the CLT recipients (P < .01). Ductopenic rejection was diagnosed in 20% of CLT and 8% of LRLT grafts (P < .10), and graft loss caused by rejection was 9% in the CLT and 3% in the LRLT group (P = ns). In conclusion, the overall incidence of rejection is the same in LRLT and CLT recipients, but LRLT recipients are less likely than CLT recipients to develop steroid-resistant rejection or ductopenic rejection.

Fulminant hepatitis associated with centrilobular hepatic necrosis in young children

OBJECTIVE

To describe fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in children in the United States with clinical and histopathologic features distinctly different from those typical of FHF.

PATIENTS

Seven young children were seen in early 1994 with encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and elevated aminotransferase levels. Liver failure was preceded by a prodromal viral illness that resulted in a period of fasting without dehydration. Unlike the majority of children with FHF, these patients had serum bilirubin levels < 171 mumol/L (10 mg/dl). All children had received therapeutic doses of acetaminophen during the prodromal illness.

HISTOPATHOLOGIC FINDINGS

Histologic findings included zonal necrosis of hepatocytes in a centrilobular distribution, which is characteristic of toxic liver injury but is atypical for viral hepatitis and sporadic non-A non-B hepatitis.

OUTCOME

Six patients recovered spontaneously, and one died of complications of liver failure and fungal sepsis. The cause of this disorder remains unknown, but we postulate a viral or environmental insult that preferentially damages zone 3 hepatocytes. The potential for this injury may have been augmented by ingestion of therapeutic doses of acetaminophen while patients were in a fasted state. The prognosis was good compared with typical FHF in children and correlated with the degree of liver necrosis on histologic examination.

Portal vein stenosis in children with segmental liver transplants: treatment with percutaneous transhepatic venoplasty

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the early results of percutaneous portal venoplasty as a method of treating portal vein stenosis in 11 children with reduced-size liver transplants.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Percutaneous transhepatic portal venoplasty was attempted in 11 children with portal vein stenoses over a period of 9 months. The venoplasty was performed by direct puncture of an intrahepatic portal vein followed by balloon angioplasty of the stenotic segment. Patients presented with symptoms of portal venous hypertension or were identified by routine surveillance with posttransplant Doppler sonography. All stenoses were verified with angiography before portal venoplasty was attempted. In patients with suboptimal results after portal venoplasty or who developed recurrent stenoses, intravascular stents were placed across stenoses.

RESULTS

In eight of 11 patients, initial clinical and technical success was achieved. Intravascular stents were placed in two of these patients. In the three unsuccessful procedures, complete occlusion of the portal vein precluded vascular access. Two procedure-related complications and one nonprocedure-related complication developed. In one patient, the portal vein restenosed after 6 months, and a metallic intravascular stent was placed to alleviate the stenosis. Portal vein patency in all other successful procedures has been maintained for 3-9 months (mean, 6.1 months) without further intervention.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous transhepatic portal venoplasty of portal vein stenosis in children with living, related liver transplant donors has excellent early results. In patients with this complication, the procedure has become the initial choice in our hospital, eliminating the need for surgical revision, portacaval shunting, or retransplantation.

Histologic pathology of the liver in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

This work details the histologic findings in 84 liver biopsy specimens from 28 patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), who met the clinical criteria of early onset of chronic unremitting cholestasis, exclusion of any known metabolic or anatomic etiology, and low serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) values. Hepato-canalicular cholestasis and disruption of the liver cell plate arrangement were early, uniform findings, and giant cell transformation was found in 56% of initial biopsies. Duct loss was a prominent finding; 70% of patients had ductal paucity, and many had abnormal bile duct epithelium, suggesting degeneration. Fibrosis was seen in the samples from 16 patients, including bridging fibrosis in specimens obtained from six patients during the first 2 years of life. Proliferating ductules at the margins of portal tracts increased as fibrosis progressed and were especially prominent in end-stage histology. Cirrhosis developed in nine of these patients and had a characteristic histologic pattern, consisting of biliary cirrhosis with diffuse stellate lobular fibrosis associated with severe cholestasis and pseudoacinar transformation. Mallory hyalin and hepatocellular carcinoma were observed in materials from some patients with advanced cirrhosis. The constellation of histologic findings in PFIC forms a recognizable pattern, and the liver histology appears to have a predictable progression.

Clinical and biochemical findings in progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

The clinical findings in 33 patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) are presented. Symptoms developed almost invariably before 6 months of age with severe pruritus and moderate jaundice. Other clinical findings included wheezing and nosebleeds, fat-soluble vitamin deficiency states, and cholelithiasis. Lower values for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, averaging 15 IU/L before the administration of phenobarbital, and cholesterol, which averaged 156 mg/dl, are helpful in distinguishing PFIC from other pediatric cholestatic liver diseases. Autosomal recessive inheritance is probable. Twenty-six patients are alive at 12.9 +/- 6.7 years of age, all having had successful surgical treatment, either partial biliary diversion (n = 17) or orthotopic liver transplantation (n = 10). Seven patients died at a mean age of 3.9 +/- 2.4 years, as a result of liver failure in two, hepatocellular carcinoma in two, and complications of liver transplantation in three.

Outpatient percutaneous liver biopsy in children

We reviewed data from 184 percutaneous liver biopsies performed as an outpatient procedure in 104 patients (5 weeks to 22 years of age) over a 4-year period. Hepatic allograft rejection was the indication for 130 of the biopsy procedures, while 54 were performed for a variety of indications in patients who had not undergone transplant. Abnormalities of coagulation that necessitated correction were present in 19 patients at the time of biopsy. Patients tolerated the procedure well. There were no major complications. None of the patients required blood product transfusion or hospitalization as a result of the procedure. Two patients suffered respiratory depression as a complication of sedation, which was easily reversed with administration of intravenous naloxone. Two specimens were insufficient for interpretation. We conclude that percutaneous liver biopsy in the proper outpatient setting can reduce the need for hospitalization solely for the purpose of the procedure.

Update of pediatric liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is an effective and widely accepted therapy for children with end-stage liver disease. Major indications include primary liver disease, resulting in hepatic insufficiency, or severe morbidity secondary to chronic non-progressive liver disease and metabolic diseases of the liver. Liver replacement should not be considered if there is an acceptable alternative therapy. Relative contraindications to transplantation include irreversible impairment of other organ systems, major systemic infection and diseases expected to recur after transplantation. Early referral for pre-transplant evaluation is important to confirm the proper diagnosis and determine priority for transplantation, to identify potential contraindications, and to assist in supportive care of the patient with chronic liver disease. Innovations such as reduced-sized liver grafts and most recently, living related liver transplantation have increased the donor supply of organs for small infants and significantly reduced pre-transplant mortality. In addition, living donor transplantation allows infants to benefit from transplantation before developing severe complications of end-stage liver disease and reduces the incidence of primary graft non-function and rejection. Immunosuppression following transplantation is maintained with methylprednisolone, azathioprine and cyclosporine. Acute rejection is treated with short bursts of high-dose corticosteroids and when necessary OKT3. With this approach, 90% of the episodes of rejection can be successfully controlled. Survival after transplantation has steadily improved and survival rates of 70%-90% are routine. Following transplantation, children experience rapid nutritional restoration, increased muscle strength, marked progress in gross motor development and improved general health.

Enterohepatic circulation of nonconjugated bilirubin in rats fed with human milk

To test the hypothesis that enhanced intestinal absorption of bilirubin may contribute to prolonged nonconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in human milk-fed infants, we studied a cross-section of 36 healthy infants and mothers. Milk from mothers and serum from infants were collected at 16.3 +/- 2.4 days. Milk was studied for its effect on the absorption of bilirubin labeled with carbon 14 in rats and compared with buffer and iron-fortified infant formula (Similac With Iron). The percentage of a 1 mg bilirubin dose absorbed by the rat was 25.29 +/- 4.0% when it was administered into the duodenum with buffer, 4.67 +/- 2.4% with Similac formula, and 7.7 +/- 2.9% with human milk. Linear regression analysis, using the infant's serum nonconjugated bilirubin level as the dependent variable and the percentage of (14C)bilirubin absorbed by the rat with the corresponding mother's milk as the independent variable, revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.40; p = 0.016). Inspection of the data suggested that absorptive permissiveness correlated closely with infant serum bilirubin values greater than 24 mumol/L (1.4 mg/dl) (r = 0.55; p = 0.007), whereas in those with bilirubin values less than or equal to 24 mumol/L, there was no apparent correlation. Milk was also analyzed for beta-glucuronidase, nonesterified fatty acids, and the ability to inhibit glucuronosyltransferase activity of rat liver microsomes in vitro, none of which correlated with the infant's serum bilirubin. These data support the theory that enhanced intestinal absorption of bilirubin contributes to the jaundice associated with breast-feeding.

Fibroinflammatory tumor of the liver causing biliary cirrhosis in an infant

We report the case of a 21-month-old child with a fibroinflammatory tumor of the liver causing biliary obstruction. The patient had fever, diarrhea, and jaundice. Abdominal ultrasonography, computerized tomography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography demonstrated the tumor to be in the porta hepatis. Growth of the mass resulted in destruction of the common hepatic duct, and chronic obstruction led to biliary cirrhosis over 4 months' time. Histologic study of the tumor revealed a fibrous stroma infiltrated by inflammatory cells. The patient was successfully treated with an orthotopic liver transplantation and is doing well 18 months following initial diagnosis without evidence of recurrence.