Chronic abdominal pain and Budd-Chiari syndrome: A relentless quest for an underlying neoplastic etiology

In this article, we report on a 62-year-old non-cirrhotic male presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chronic abdominal pain, anorexia, and weight loss. Upon initial presentation, physical exam was unremarkable, other than for sarcopenia and splenomegaly. Initial imaging studies revealed a large thrombosis from the iliac vein to the right atrium of the heart. Following discharge, the patient re-consulted to the ED four months later and was re-admitted in renal failure and ascites. The diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) was established. Positive immunohistochemistry confirmed a neoplastic ideology of epithelial nature. This case offers a unique perspective on the clinical presentation of secondary BCS, necessitating a consideration in the differential diagnosis of a para-vascular cause. In this case, chronic abdominal pain, often overlooked, may necessitate further workup to establish a clinical diagnosis.

Barriers to hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment in the DAA era: Preliminary results of a community-based survey of primary care practitioners

Notwithstanding the groundbreaking achievement of hepatitis C curative treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapies, Canada faces an uphill battle in reaching the 2030 goal of viral elimination set forth by the World Health Organization, a goal made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is limited understanding of the diagnostic and treatment barriers, and challenges in linkage to care in Canada, especially as it pertains to primary care providers in a community context. Therefore, in this article, the authors conducted a survey study to evaluate the following factors: primary care providers’ knowledge of specialist treatment options and the importance of screening and treatment; and patient factors, including transportation, linguistic barriers, and other socio-economic status indicators that impact the screening and management of hepatitis C. The results suggest that public health campaigns that protocolize and/or incentivize screening and referrals may provide solutions to addressing such barriers.

Email in Medical Practice: A Critical Review

Email between patients and physicians can be an effective means of communication and health care delivery, but concerns over security, privacy, fea- sibility, and legality prevail. This paper reviews the limited literature in this area, highlighting our current understanding of the prevalence of email in clinical prac- tice, patient attitudes toward email communication, and the impact of email communication on patient outcomes. While there is a paucity of data on the role, benefts, and risks of email communication, patients and physicians alike should consider secure email as a convenient tool for communication. Physicians require further guidelines on appropriate uses of email in clinical practice to best enhance patient autonomy, preserve patient confdentiality, and comply with current medico-legal standards.

Alternative medicine products causing acute liver injury: Pandora’s box is open

The regulatory loopholes governing alternative medicine products in Canada represent a public safety issue. In 2017 and 2018, the Liver Transplant Program of the University of British Columbia assessed three patients with acute liver failure secondary to alternative medicines. As health care professionals, we have a duty to both recognize the magnitude of the problem and advocate for reform of the current regulatory process for alternative medicine products.

Serial liver transaminases have no prognostic value in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background: Routine measurement of liver transaminases is common in the general monitoring of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but there is little data to support the utility of this practice. The aims of this study were to determine how alanine aminotransferase (ALT) results vary over time in patients with NAFLD; and to determine if serial measurement of ALT is a useful clinical marker for progression of NAFLD. Methods: Consecutive adult patients with NAFLD were followed prospectively in a tertiary liver disease clinic over a 15-year period. Clinicodemographic characteristics and the change in liver enzymes, liver function, and histopathology were followed over time. Paired t test, chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were performed to assess the relationship between ALT and severity of NAFLD, or development of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Results/Conclusion: A change in liver transaminases over time is not a useful metric in predicting outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Additionally, all stages of NAFLD are equally responsive to standard medical interventions of advocating for weight loss and correcting metabolic disturbances.

Revisiting the ‘6-month’ liver transplant rule for alcohol-associated liver disease: It is time for a change but not without a sound policy first

There is historical reluctance in the medical community to offer liver transplantation to patients with alcoholic liver disease. Transplant programs broadly follow a policy that requires abstention from alcohol for a minimum of 6 months. This policy, however, is at odds with data that supports improved survival in patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis (SAAH). Ethicists, the public, and the transplant community must make a concerted effort to forge an updated transplant policy for SAAH that better reflects current scientific evidence for earlier transplant in well-selected recipients without unfair advantage to those of high socioeconomic status.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: diagnostic and management challenges

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic immune-mediated disease affecting intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts, primarily the large biliary ducts. Clinical manifestations are broad, and the spectrum encompasses asymptomatic cholestasis, icteric cholangitis with pruritis, cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Though rare, PSC has a propensity to affect young to middle-aged males and is strongly associated with inflammatory bowel disease. There is an unmet need for effective medical treatments for PSC, and to date, the only curative therapy is liver transplantation reserved for those with end-stage liver disease. This article addresses the diagnostic and management challenges of PSC, with a succinct analysis of existing therapies, their limitations, and a glimpse into the future of the management of this multifaceted pathologic entity.

Prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, and E) and zinc deficiency in patients with cirrhosis being assessed for liver transplantation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, and E) and zinc deficiency in patients with cirrhosis being assessed for liver transplantation and the correlations between vitamin deficiencies, nutritional markers, and severity of liver disease.

METHODS

This is a single centre retrospective study. Serum vitamin A, D, E, and zinc levels were collected in adult patients being assessed for liver transplantation between January and July 2012. Patient and liver disease demographics, nutritional markers, Child-Pugh score, and MELD-Na score were collected. Fisher's exact test and multiple variable logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 109 adult patients were assessed for liver transplantation during the 6-month period. The mean patient age was 54 ± 10 years and 66% were males. Mean BMI was 27 ± 6 kg/m2, pre-albumin was 0.10 ± 0.07 g/L, albumin was 33 ± 6 g/L, total bilirubin was 48 ± 61 mmol/L, MELD-Na score was 16 ± 5 (range 6-33), and 15% had hepatocellular carcinoma. The Child-Pugh score was A in 29%, B in 54%, and C in 17%. The causes of liver disease were hepatitis C in 36%, alcohol in 20%, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in 17%, and other in 27%. The mean vitamin A level was 0.88 ± 0.86 umol/L, D was 69 ± 52 nmol/L, E was 24 ± 17 umol/L, and zinc was 477 ± 145 ug/L. Vitamin A deficiency was prevalent in 77%, D in 63%, E in 37%, and zinc in 84%. On multiple variable analysis, low albumin (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65-0.94, p = 0.0069) was a predictor of vitamin A deficiency ; cholestatic liver enzyme elevation (OR = 3.53, 95%CI = 1.40-8.89, p = 0.0073) and low albumin (OR = 0.83, 95%CI = 0.73-0.94, p = 0.0032) were predictors of vitamin D deficiency ; low albumin (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.97, p = 0.015) was a predictor of vitamin E deficiency ; and age (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72-0.96, p = 0.012), low albumin (OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.42-0.84, p = 0.0036), and high MELD-Na (1.43, 95% CI = 1.05-1.94, p = 0.021) were predictors of zinc deficiency. Vitamin A (p = 0.0034), D (p = 0.020), E (p = 0.012), and zinc (p<0.001) deficiency correlated with a higher Child-Pugh.

CONCLUSION

Low albumin was a recurrent predictor of fat-soluble vitamin (A, D, and E) and zinc deficiency while other predictors varied depending on the vitamin or mineral. Further studies need to be conducted on fat-soluble vitamin and zinc supplementation in deficient patients with cirrhosis to assess clinical outcomes.

Duct-to-Duct Biliary Anastomosis Yields Similar Outcomes to Roux-en-Y Hepaticojejunostomy in Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

BACKGROUND

While Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYH) is the common anastomotic technique for liver transplantation (LT) in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), duct-to-duct (DD) reconstruction may be used if the recipient common bile duct is normal. There are conflicting observational data on the rate of success of DD reconstruction versus RYH, in PSC.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of DD anastomosis, compared to RYH reconstruction, among adults transplanted for PSC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All adult patients, who underwent primary LT for PSC between 1990 and 2012, were evaluated, according to type of biliary reconstruction. Recipient and graft survival, postoperative medical and surgical complications, and postoperative resource utilization rates were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Totally, 73 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of them, 58 had RYH and 15 had DD reconstruction. A total of 53 subjects (73%) were male, with the mean age ± standard deviation at LT of 43.3 ± 14.4 years. Rates of recipient mortality, graft failure, biliary complications, acute cellular rejection, and reoperation were similar in both groups. Postoperative cholangiography was used more frequently in patients with DD reconstruction (33.3% vs. 8.6%, P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

In selected recipients with PSC, DD reconstruction is a safe and efficacious technique, with long-term clinical outcomes comparable to RYH.

An elderly lady with significant weight loss

We present a rare case of collagenous sprue in an elderly woman with significant weight loss and malnutrition. Collagenous sprue is a rare, female-predominant and immune-mediated gastrointestinal disease that can affect any part of the gut, and shares a strong association with Coeliac disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by gut histopathology demonstrating a subepithelial collagenous band and inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria. The pathogenesis and natural history is poorly elucidated, and treatment involves a gluten-free diet and/or immunomodulatory therapy.

Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy versus duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis in liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy and duct-to-duct anastomosis are potential methods for biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation (LT) for recipients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). However, there is controversy over which method yields superior outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of duct-to-duct versus Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis in patients undergoing LT for PSC.

METHODS

Studies comparing Roux-en-Y versus duct-to-duct anastomosis during LT for PSC were identified based on systematic searches of 9 electronic databases and multiple sources of gray literature.

RESULTS

The search identified 496 citations, including 7 retrospective series, and 692 patients met eligibility criteria. The use of duct-to-duct anastomosis was not associated with a significant difference in clinical outcomes, including 1-year recipient survival rates (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-1.60; P = .95), 1-year graft survival rates (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.72-1.71; P = .64), risk of biliary leaks (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.59-2.59; P = .33), risk of biliary strictures (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 0.98-4.06; P = .06), or rate of recurrence of PSC (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.19-4.78; P = .94).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences in 1-year recipient survival, 1-year graft survival, risk of biliary complications, and PSC recurrence between Roux-en-Y and duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis in LT for PSC.

Changing donor characteristics in liver transplantation over the last 10 years in Canada

Liver donor characteristics have a significant impact on graft quality and, in turn, recipient outcomes. In this study, we examined deceased liver donor characteristics and donor risk index (DRI) trends in Canada over the past decade. Data were extracted from the Canadian Organ Replacement Register and Transplant Québec for the decade (2000-2010). Trends in the DRI and donor characteristics, including age, race, height, cause of death (COD), location, cold ischemia time (CIT), and type of donation, were examined. In all, 3746 transplants using deceased liver donors were analyzed. The age of donors, the proportion of black donors, the proportion of cerebrovascular accidents as the COD, and the proportion of donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors all increased over the aforementioned time period. The proportion of transplants classified geographically as local increased, and the CIT for donor livers decreased. Although many of the parameters adversely affecting the DRI increased over the study period, the DRI showed only a slightly significant trend of increasing. The increase in these parameters was counteracted by a decrease in modifiable risk factors such as the CIT and distance traveled. The 5-year recipient survival rate increased from 71.43% (1999-2001) to 75.50% (2005-2007); however, this trend was not significant. Although there was an increase in the use of older and DCD organs, recipient survival was not compromised. In conclusion, demographic trends for liver donors in Canada suggest an increase in the use of higher risk donors. However, the overall graft quality has been not compromised because of a decreasing trend for the CIT and an increase in local transplants. Better coordination and allocation practices in liver transplantation across Canada have minimized the risk of graft failure and resulted in good recipient outcomes.

Inferior survival in liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving donation after cardiac death liver allografts

The impact of ischemia/reperfusion injury in the setting of transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been thoroughly investigated. The present study examined data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for all recipients of deceased donor liver transplants performed between January 1, 1995 and October 31, 2011. In a multivariate Cox analysis, significant predictors of patient survival included the following: HCC diagnosis (P < 0.01), donation after cardiac death (DCD) allograft (P < 0.001), hepatitis C virus-positive status (P < 0.01), recipient age (P < 0.01), donor age (P < 0.001), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (P < 0.001), recipient race, and an alpha-fetoprotein level > 400 ng/mL at the time of transplantation. In order to test whether the decreased survival seen for HCC recipients of DCD grafts was more than would be expected because of the inferior nature of DCD grafts and the diagnosis of HCC, a DCD allograft/HCC diagnosis interaction term was created to look for potentiation of effect. In a multivariate analysis adjusted for all other covariates, this interaction term was statistically significant (P = 0.049) and confirmed that there was potentiation of inferior survival with the use of DCD allografts in recipients with HCC. In conclusion, patient survival and graft survival were inferior for HCC recipients of DCD allografts versus recipients of donation after brain death allografts. This potentiation of effect of inferior survival remained even after adjustments for the inherent inferiority observed in DCD allografts as well as other known risk factors. It is hypothesized that this difference could reflect an increased rate of recurrence of HCC.

Female donor to male recipient gender discordance results in inferior graft survival: a prospective study of 1,042 liver transplants

BACKGROUND

The influence of donor-recipient gender mismatch on outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of donor and recipient gender discordance on graft survival.

METHODS

All patients who underwent primary LT from 1994-2012 at a single-center were identified prospectively. Clinico-demographic data were collected at the time of LT and last follow-up. Gender match included both male donor to male recipient (MM) and female donor to female recipient (FF), while gender mismatch included female donor to male recipient (FM) and male donor to female recipient (MF). Survival curves for graft survival were generated using Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test. Unadjusted and multivariate adjusted COX regression analyzing graft survival at up to 10 years post-transplant was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 1,042 subjects fulfilled the criteria. Graft survival in patients receiving a donor-recipient gender match was better than those receiving a gender mismatch (P = 0.047). Female-to-male transplants had the worst graft survival of all combinations (P < 0.001); this difference was maintained in multivariate regression after adjustment for recipient and donor variables (hazards ratio 2.09, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Female-to-male liver transplants are associated with a statistically significant poorer graft survival as compared with other donor-recipient gender groups.

Early allograft dysfunction is associated with excess resource utilization after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on length of stay (LOS) following liver transplantation (LT), yet this is an important health services metric that directly correlates with early post-LT health care costs. The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and LOS after LT. The secondary objective was to identify additional recipient, donor, and operative factors associated with LOS.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing primary LT over a 32-month period were prospectively examined at a single center. Subjects fulfilling standard criteria for EAD were compared with those not meeting the definition. Variables associated with increased LOS on ordinal logistic regression were identified.

RESULTS

Subjects with EAD had longer mean hospital LOS than those without (42.5 ± 38.9 days vs 27.4 ± 31 days; P = .003). Subjects with EAD also had longer mean intensive care LOS (8.61 ± 10.28 days vs 5.45 ± 11.6 days; P = .048). Additional factors significantly associated with LOS included Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, recipient location before LT, and postoperative surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

EAD is associated with longer hospitalization after LT. MELD score, preoperative recipient location, and postoperative complications were significantly associated with LOS. From a cost-containment perspective, these findings have implications on resource allocation.

Recipient ineligibility after liver transplantation assessment: a single centre experience

BACKGROUND

Candidacy for liver transplantation is determined through standardized evaluation. There are limited data on the frequency and reasons for denial of transplantation after assessment; analysis may shed light on the short-term utility of the assessment. We sought to describe the frequency and reasons for ineligibility for liver transplantation among referred adults.

METHODS

We studied all prospectively followed recipient candidates at a single centre who were deemed unsuitable for liver transplantation after assessment. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years and older and completion of a standard liver transplantation evaluation over a 3-year period. Patients were excluded if they had a history of prior assessment or liver transplantation within the study period. Demographic and baseline clinical data and reasons for recipient ineligibility were recorded.

RESULTS

In all, 337 patients underwent their first liver transplantation evaluation during the study period; 166 (49.3%) fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean age was 55.4 years, and 106 (63.9%) were men. The 3 most common reasons for denial of listing were patient too well (n = 82, 49.4%), medical comorbidities and/or need for medical optimization (n = 43, 25.9%) and need for addiction rehabilitation (n = 28, 16.9%).

CONCLUSION

Ineligibility for transplantation after assessment was common, occurring in nearly half of the cohort. Most denied candidates could be identified with more discriminate screening before the resource-intensive assessment; however, the assessment likely provides unforeseen positive impacts on patient care.

The effect of liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis on disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Immunosuppressive therapies are indicated following liver transplantation (LT) to prevent graft loss through rejection, and these same agents also may have a role in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aims of this study were to examine the effects of immunosuppression following LT on IBD activity and to identify markers of IBD control post-LT in patients with IBD who underwent LT for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). A retrospective analysis of all adult patients with a pre-LT diagnosis of IBD who underwent LT for PSC over a 15-year period was performed. The primary outcome was IBD activity based on symptomatology and endoscopic assessment. Secondary outcomes included recipient mortality and post-LT development of colorectal cancer or small bowel lymphoma. A total of 105 patients underwent LT for PSC, and IBD was diagnosed in 27 (26%) pre-LT. Patients were followed for a mean of 88.5 months. Fourteen (52%) patients had stable IBD, 6 (22%) had worsening disease, and 7 (26%) had clinical improvement after LT. Colorectal cancer developed in 2 (7%) patients, and small bowel lymphoma developed in 1 (4%) patient. The absence of additional maintenance therapy for IBD was found to be associated with good outcome for IBD control. The use of either infliximab (Remicade, Janssen Biotech) or corticosteroids to control IBD post-LT was associated with poor outcome. Most patients with PSC and IBD had a stable course of IBD post-LT. The need for infliximab or additional or prolonged corticosteroids after LT appears to be a surrogate marker of aggressive disease.

Increased duration of dual pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for genotype 1 hepatitis C post-liver transplantation increases sustained virologic response: a retrospective review

BACKGROUND/AIM

In patients with advanced post-transplant hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence, antiviral treatment (AVT) with interferon and ribavirin is indicated to prevent graft failure. The aim of this study was to determine and report Canadian data with respect to the safety, efficacy, and spontaneous virologic response (SVR) predictors of AVT among transplanted patients with HCV recurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients transplanted in London, Ontario and Edmonton, Alberta from 2002 to 2012 who were treated for HCV. Demographic, medical, and treatment information was collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients with HCV received pegylated interferon with ribavirin post-liver transplantation and 28 of the 65 patients (43%) with genotype 1 achieved SVR. Of the patients having genotype 1 HCV who achieved SVR, there was a significantly lower stage of fibrosis (1.37 ± 0.88 vs. 1.89 ± 0.96; P = 0.03), increased ribavirin dose (total daily dose 1057 ± 230 vs. 856 ± 399 mg; P = 0.02), increased rapid virologic response (RVR) (6/27 vs. 0/31; P = 0.05), increased early virologic response (EVR) (28/28 vs. 18/35; P = 0.006), and longer duration of therapy (54.7 ± 13.4 weeks vs. 40.2 ± 18.7; P = 0.001). A logistic regression model using gender, age, RVR, EVR, anemia, duration of therapy, viral load, years' post-transplant, and type of organ (donation after cardiac death vs. donation after brain death) significantly predicted SVR (P < 0.001), with duration of therapy having a significant odds ratio of 1.078 (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified factors that predict SVR in HCV-positive patients who received dual therapy post-transplantation. Extending therapy from 48 weeks to 72 weeks of dual therapy is associated with increased SVR rates. Future studies examining the role of extended therapy are needed to confirm these findings, since the current study is a retrospective one.

Burden of de novo malignancy in the liver transplant recipient

Recipients of liver transplantation (LT) have a higher overall risk (2-3 times on average) of developing de novo malignancies than the general population, with standardized incidence ratios ranging from 1.0 for breast and prostate cancers to 3-4 for colon cancer and up to 12 for esophageal and oropharyngeal cancers. Aside from immunosuppression, other identified risk factors for de novo malignancies include the patient's age, a history of alcoholic liver disease or primary sclerosing cholangitis, smoking, and viral infections with oncogenic potential. Despite outcome studies showing that de novo malignancies are major causes of mortality and morbidity after LT, there are no guidelines for cancer surveillance protocols or immunosuppression protocols to lower the incidence of de novo cancers. Patient education, particularly for smoking cessation and excess sun avoidance, and regular clinical follow-up remain the standard of care. Further research in epidemiology, risk factors, and the effectiveness of screening and management protocols is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and treatment of de novo malignancies.

Polycystic liver disease: a clinical review

Polycystic liver disease rarely occurs in isolation as part of autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease, but more commonly, it exists as an extra-renal manifestation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of polycystic liver disease involves defects in the primary cilium of the cholangiocyte, with genetic mutations that impair key proteins integral to the complex functioning of cilia. While most patients are asymptomatic and require no intervention aside from reassurance and genetic counseling, in a minority of patients, polycystic liver disease creates a myriad of symptoms from the compressive effects of enlarged cysts, and can even cause malnutrition and liver decompensation in the severest of cases. In patients with symptomatic disease, a variety of interventional radiology or surgical techniques can be considered, including aspiration with sclerotherapy of a dominant cyst, fenestration, segmental hepatic resection, and even liver transplantation. Although there are no curative medical options for polycystic liver disease, somatostatin analogs hold promise and have shown minimal efficacy in human studies. However, further research is needed to develop more efficacious medical treatments.

Massive avascular malformations causing life threatening portal hypertension

 We present an unusual case of extensive avascular malformations (AVMs) causing non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. This phenomenon, though previously described, is a rare clinical entity which, in the setting of life threatening portal hypertension, may require vascular decompression either by surgery or a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

Representing complexity well: a story about teamwork, with implications for how we teach collaboration

OBJECTIVES

In order to be relevant and impactful, our research into health care teamwork needs to better reflect the complexity inherent to this area. This study explored the complexity of collaborative practice on a distributed transplant team. We employed the theoretical lenses of activity theory to better understand the nature of collaborative complexity and its implications for current approaches to interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and interprofessional education (IPE).

METHODS

Over 4 months, two trained observers conducted 162 hours of observation, 30 field interviews and 17 formal interviews with 39 members of a solid organ transplant team in a Canadian teaching hospital. Participants included consultant medical and surgical staff and postgraduate trainees, the team nurse practitioner, social worker, dietician, pharmacist, physical therapist, bedside nurses, organ donor coordinators and organ recipient coordinators. Data collection and inductive analysis for emergent themes proceeded iteratively.

RESULTS

Daily collaborative practice involves improvisation in the face of recurring challenges on a distributed team. This paper focuses on the theme of 'interservice' challenges, which represent instances in which the 'core' transplant team (those providing daily care for transplant patients) work to engage the expertise and resources of other services in the hospital, such as those of radiology and pathology departments. We examine a single story of the core team's collaboration with cardiology, anaesthesiology and radiology services to decide whether a patient is appropriate for transplantation and use this story to consider the team's strategies in the face of conflicting expectations and preferences among these services.

CONCLUSIONS

This story of collaboration in a distributed team calls into question two premises underpinning current models of IPC and IPE: the notion that stable professional roles exist, and the ideal of a unifying objective of 'caring for the patient'. We suggest important elaborations to these premises as they are used to conceptualise and teach IPC in order to better represent the intricacy of everyday collaborative work in health care.

A comparison of survival and pathologic features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatitis C virus patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To compare the clinical outcome and pathologic features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatitic C virus (HCV) patients with HCC (another group in which HCC is commonly seen) undergoing liver transplantation.

METHODS: Patients transplanted for HCV and NASH at our institution from January 2000 to April 2011 were analyzed. All explanted liver histology and pre-transplant liver biopsies were examined by two specialist liver histopathologists. Patient demographics, disease free survival, explant liver characteristics and HCC features (tumour number, cumulative tumour size, vascular invasion and differentiation) were compared between HCV and NASH liver transplant recipients.

RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with NASH and 283 patients with HCV were transplanted. The incidence of HCC in NASH transplant recipients was 16.7% (17/102). The incidence of HCC in HCV transplant recipients was 22.6% (64/283). Patients with NASH-HCC were statistically older than HCV-HCC patients (P < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of HCV-HCC patients had vascular invasion (23.4% vs 6.4%, P = 0.002) and poorly differentiated HCC (4.7% vs 0%, P < 0.001) compared to the NASH-HCC group. A trend of poorer recurrence free survival at 5 years was seen in HCV-HCC patients compared to NASH-HCC who underwent a Liver transplantation (P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION: Patients transplanted for NASH-HCC appear to have less aggressive tumour features compared to those with HCV-HCC, which likely in part accounts for their improved recurrence free survival.

An unusual cause of cancer mimicry following liver transplantation

Sirolimus is an approved anti-rejection agent following liver or kidney transplantation that works through inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). As sirolimus functions through a pathway independent of calcineurin inhibition, it may have less potential for nephrotoxicity and carcinogenesis. That being said, there are a myriad of potential adverse effects reported with sirolimus, many of which are severe and unknown or poorly understood. Herein we present a case of sirolimus causing a serious but uncommon adverse event in an adult liver transplant recipient; the adverse event in this instance unfortunately resulted in significant medical testing and morbidity. The adverse event profile of sirolimus is summarized through review of available evidence.

The impact of population-based screening studies on hemochromatosis screening practices

OBJECTIVES

To determine if community population screening studies for hemochromatosis affected HFE genetic screening practices in non-study populations.

METHODS

An audit of all genetic testing for HFE mutations at London Health Sciences Center, London, Ontario, Canada from 1997 to 2010 was performed. The frequency of genetic testing and the frequency of C282Y homozygous cases identified during the years of the London Red Cross (1998-1999) and HEIRS (2000-2005) screening studies were compared with the corresponding frequencies in the specified years outside this range (1997-1998 and 2006-2010).

RESULTS

An increase in HFE gene mutation testing is seen during the London Red Cross study, and the frequency of testing rose further during the HEIRS study. Genetic screening activity continued to increase in the years after publication of the HEIRS study. The proportion of patients with homozygosity for C282Y mutation remained relatively constant despite fluctuations in numbers of persons screened per annum.

CONCLUSIONS

The rise in HFE gene testing among non-study populations during the HH studies could be explained by the Hawthorne effect, a phenomenon referring to the improvement or modification of behavior by a population as a consequence of it being studied. In this case, we postulate that primary care physicians at our center performed more HFE gene tests for their patients as a consequence of being affected by knowledge of the screening studies. Despite a general increase in testing during and after completion of the studies, the total number of hemochromatosis cases (C282Y homozygotes) diagnosed per annum remained relatively constant.