Life-Threatening Ruptured Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Post-Liver Transplant: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm after liver transplantation is a rare condition that can lead to spontaneous bleeding, depending on its extent and location. Treatment involves endovascular and surgical approaches in addition to liver retransplantation in cases of graft failure.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old female underwent deceased donor liver transplantation due to cryptogenic cirrhosis and schistosomiasis with an uneventful postoperative course. However, 18 days after the operation, she presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, hypotension, and lipothymia. A computed tomography scan revealed a hepatic artery anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, and due to hemodynamic instability, emergency laparotomy was indicated. During the operation, the pseudoaneurysm was found to be ruptured, and the recipient's hepatic artery was ligated due to life-threatening bleeding. She later developed ischemic cholangiopathy and biliary complications, eventually undergoing retransplantation 7 months after the emergency operation. The patient remains well 11 months after the retransplantation.

CONCLUSION

We report a rare case of life-threatening rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm, which required emergency ligation of the recipient's hepatic artery and subsequent liver retransplantation due to biliary complications.

Liver transplantation as an alternative for the treatment of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A critical review

BACKGROUND

Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (phCCC) is a dismal malignancy. There is no consensus regarding the best treatment for patients with unresectable phCCC. The present review aimed to gather the current pieces of evidence for liver transplantation and liver resection as a treatment for phCCC and to build better guidance for clinical practice.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and LILACS. The related references were searched manually. Inclusion criteria were: reports in English or Portuguese literature that a) patients with confirmed diagnosis of phCCC; b) patients treated with a curative intent; c) patients with the outcomes of liver resection and liver transplantation. Case reports, reviews, letters, editorials, conference abstracts and papers with full-text unavailability were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS

Most of the current literature is based on observational retrospective studies with low grades of evidence. Liver resection has better long-term outcomes than systemic chemotherapy or palliation therapy and liver transplantation is a good alternative for selected patients with unresectable phCCC. All candidates for resection or transplantation should be medically fit and free of intrahepatic or extrahepatic diseases. As a general rule, patients presenting with a tumor having a longitudinal size > 3 cm or extending below the cystic duct, lymph node disease, confirmed extrahepatic dissemination; intraoperatively diagnosed metastatic disease; a history of other malignancies within the last five years, and did not complete chemoradiation regimen and were medically unfit should not be considered for transplantation. Some of these criteria should be individually assessed. Liver transplantation or resection should only be considered in highly experienced hepatobiliary centers, and any decision-making must be based on a multidisciplinary evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

phCCC is a complex condition with high morbidity. Surgical therapies, including hepatectomy and liver transplantation, are the best option for better long-term disease-free survival.

Molecular Profile of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a relatively uncommon but highly aggressive primary liver cancer that originates within the liver. The aim of this study is to review the molecular profile of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and its implications for prognostication and decision-making. This comprehensive characterization of ICC tumors sheds light on the disease's underlying biology and offers a foundation for more personalized treatment strategies. This is a narrative review of the prognostic and therapeutic role of the molecular profile of ICC. Knowing the molecular profile of tumors helps determine prognosis and support certain target therapies. The molecular panel in ICC helps to select patients for specific therapies, predict treatment responses, and monitor treatment responses. Precision medicine in ICC can promote improvement in prognosis and reduce unnecessary toxicity and might have a significant role in the management of ICC in the following years. The main mutations in ICC are in tumor protein p53 (TP53), Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), and AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A). The rate of mutations varies significantly for each population. Targeting TP53 and KRAS is challenging due to the natural characteristics of these genes. Different stages of clinical studies have shown encouraging results with inhibitors of mutated IDH1 and target therapy for ARID1A downstream effectors. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions are an important target in patients with ICC. Immune checkpoint blockade can be applied to a small percentage of ICC patients. Molecular profiling in ICC represents a groundbreaking approach to understanding and managing this complex liver cancer. As our comprehension of ICC's molecular intricacies continues to expand, so does the potential for offering patients more precise and effective treatments. The integration of molecular profiling into clinical practice signifies the dawn of a new era in ICC care, emphasizing personalized medicine in the ongoing battle against this malignancy.

Septuagenarian Donors and Recipients in Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: A Brazilian Single Center Experience and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly patients who have end-stage liver disease and require liver transplantation has dramatically increased. On the other hand, liver grafts from elderly donors have been offered more frequently for transplantation. The present study aims to analyze the results of liver transplants performed with donors and recipients aged ≥70 years.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective study of deceased donors liver transplants that involved recipients aged ≥7070 years or recipients who received grafts from donors aged ≥70 years from 2011 to 2021. A literature review on the results of liver transplantation in elderly recipients was also performed.

RESULTS

Thirty septuagenarian recipients were included; their overall 1- and 5-years survival was 80% and 76.6%, respectively. The prevalence of recipients aged ≥70 years in our department was 2.65%. Twenty recipients received grafts form septuagenarian donors; their overall 1- and 5-years survival was 75%. The prevalence of donors aged ≥70 years in our department was 1%. In the literature review, 17 articles were analyzed. The 5-years survival of recipients aged ≥70 years ranged from 47.1% to 78.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Septuagenarian recipients and patients who received grafts from elderly brain-dead donors present adequate overall survival after liver transplantation. Optimized donor-recipient matching is paramount for achieving good outcomes. The combination of high-risk donors with septuagenarian recipients should be avoided as well as using grafts of elderly donors that present others risk factors. Thus, the age of the donor or recipient alone cannot be considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplantation.

Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction in Adult Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation: Classic Piggyback Implantation Versus a Modified Technique that Widens the Ostium of the Recipient's Left and Middle Hepatic Veins

BACKGROUND

The classic piggyback technique uses the union of the 3 hepatic veins to perform the cavo-caval anastomosis. However, due to the lateral localization of the right hepatic vein, the partial clamping of the vena cava in this technique significantly reduces the venous return to the right atrium. To avoid this, we adopted in 2015 a modified piggyback technique, in which we use the common trunk of the middle and left hepatic veins and also perform a lateral incision toward the right in the anterior wall of the vena cava in order to widen the final ostium of the cavo-caval anastomosis. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of hepatic venous outflow obstruction between those 2 techniques.

METHODS

Retrospective study of liver transplant recipients undergoing venography for suspected hepatic venous outflow obstruction from January 2009 to June 2021. Patients undergoing transplantation with living donors or split grafts and pediatric cases were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

From January 2009 to December 2014 and from January 2015 to June 2021, 587 (group 1) and 730 (group 2) deceased-donor liver transplants were performed with the classic and the modified piggyback techniques, respectively. The incidence of cases with suspected hepatic venous outflow obstruction in groups 1 and 2 were 1.87% (n = 11) and 0.95% (n = 7), respectively (P = 0,15). The number of confirmed patients with outflow blockage that required endovascular treatment during venography in groups 1 and 2 were 4 (0.68%) and 5 (0.68%), respectively (P = 0,31).

CONCLUSIONS

This modified piggyback technique did not increase the incidence of hepatic venous outflow obstruction at our service.

Pancreas Transplantation in a Single Center: Risk Factors Associated With Pancreatic Allograft Thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Pancreas transplantation remains a challenging procedure for small and medium-sized transplants teams, despite improvements in graft survival. Data regarding the impact of the procurement team's experience on the outcomes of pancreas transplant are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors that lead to pancreatic allograft thrombosis, especially the experience of the pancreas procurement team.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 137 patients who underwent pancreas transplantation between March 2005 and May 2017 was conducted. Donor's and recipient characteristics were evaluated as well as their relationship to pancreatic allograft thrombosis. Cases were divided according to the number of pancreas procurements previously done by the procurement surgeon: group 1 (30 to 40 retrievals) and group 2 (≥40 retrievals).

RESULTS

Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants accounted for 89.8% of cases (n = 123). Surgeons from group 2 performed 62.8% (n = 86) of the procurements. The graft was removed in 19 cases (13.8%) due to thrombosis. In univariate analysis, lower experience of the retrieval team was associated with allograft loss (P = .04). In multivariate analysis, donor intensive care unit time ≥5 days (P = .03) and lower experience of the procurement team were associated with increased risk of pancreatic allograft thrombosis (P = .02), whereas recipient's age from 30 to 40 years (P = .018) or ≥40 years (P = .02) was found as a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic allograft thrombosis remains an important cause of graft loss in pancreas transplantation. Recipient's age, prolonged donor intensive care unit time, and lower experience of the procurement team directly influence pancreatic allograft thrombosis.

Living-donor liver transplantation in Budd-Chiari syndrome with inferior vena cava complete thrombosis: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a challenging indication for liver transplantation (LT) due to a combination of massive liver, increased bleeding, retroperitoneal fibrosis and frequently presents with stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Occasionally, it may be totally thrombosed, increasing the complexity of the procedure, as it should also be resected. The challenge is even greater when performing living-donor LT as the graft does not contain the retrohepatic IVC; thus, it may be necessary to reconstruct it.

CASE SUMMARY

A 35-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis due to BCS and hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria underwent living-donor LT with IVC reconstruction. It was necessary to remove the IVC as its retrohepatic portion was completely thrombosed, up to almost the right atrium. A right-lobe graft was retrieved from his sister, with outflow reconstruction including the right hepatic vein and the branches of segment V and VIII to the middle hepatic vein. Owing to massive subcutaneous collaterals in the abdominal wall, venovenous bypass was implemented before incising the skin. The right atrium was reached via a transdiaphragramatic approach. Hepatectomy was performed en bloc with the retrohepatic vena cava. It was reconstructed with an infra-hepatic vena cava graft obtained from a deceased donor. The patient remains well on outpatient clinic follow-up 25 mo after the procedure, under an anticoagulation protocol with warfarin.

CONCLUSION

Living-donor LT in BCS with IVC thrombosis is feasible using a meticulous surgical technique and tailored strategies.

Liver transplant recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the early postoperative period: Lessons from a single center in the epicenter of the pandemic

The impact of coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) in liver recipients remains largely unknown. Most data derive from small retrospective series of patients transplanted years ago. We aimed to report a single‐center case series of five consecutive patients in the early postoperative period of deceased‐donor liver transplantation who developed nosocomial COVID‐19. Two patients presented important respiratory discomfort and eventually died. One was 69 years old and had severe coronary disease. She rapidly worsened after COVID‐19 diagnosis on 9th postoperative day. The other was 67 years old with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, who experienced prolonged postoperative course, complicated with cytomegalovirus infection and kidney failure. He was diagnosed on 36th postoperative day and remained on mechanical ventilation for 20 days, ultimately succumbing of secondary bacterial infection. The third, fourth, and fifth patients were diagnosed on 10th, 11th, and 18th postoperative day, respectively, and presented satisfactory clinical evolution. These last two patients were severely immunosuppressed, since one underwent steroid bolus for acute cellular rejection and another also used anti‐thymocyte globulin for treating steroid‐resistant rejection. Our novel experience highlights that COVID‐19 may negatively impact the postoperative course, especially in elder and obese patients with comorbidities, and draws attention to COVID‐19 nosocomial spread in the early postoperative period.

Feasibility of Large Liver Grafts in Adults

INTRODUCTION

Size mismatch between donor and recipients may negatively influence postoperative results of liver transplantation (LT). In deceased donor LT for adults, large grafts are occasionally rejected due to the fear of primary nonfunction. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using large liver grafts in adults undergoing deceased donor LT.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study including adult patients who underwent deceased donor LT at our center between January 2006 and September 2019. Recipients with donors aged less than 18 years and those receiving split-liver grafts were excluded. Graft weight of 1800 grams was the cutoff used to divide patients in 2 groups: group 1 (graft weighing < 1800 g) and group 2 (grafts weighing ≥ 1800 g).

RESULTS

A total of 806 patients were included in the study. group 1 and 2 included 722 and 84 recipients, respectively. A larger proportion of male recipients was obseved in group 2: 64.8% vs 76.2% (P = .0037). Mean graft weight in group 1 and 2 was, respectively, 1348 ± 231.81 g and 1986.57 ± 165.51 g (P < .001), which resulted in significantly higher graft weight/recipient weight ratio and graft weight/standard liver volume ratio in group 2. In group 2, there were 9 (10.71%) patients with portal vein thrombosis as well as 24 patients (28.5%) with bulky ascites and 44 grafts (52.3%) with steatosis. Primary closure of the abdominal wall was not possible in 5 patients (5.9%) from this group. Primary nonfunction was diagnosed in 14 cases (16.6%), with liver retransplantation being performed in 6 of them. Male to female sex combination occurred in 19% of LT in group 2.

CONCLUSION

The use of large grafts is feasible; however, proper matching between donor and recipient is paramount, especially taking into consideration graft steatosis, portal vein thrombosis and the presence of bulky ascites.

Novel Technique in a Sheep Model of Uterine Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Uterine transplantation (UTx) is a surgical therapeutic modality designed for the treatment of patients with exclusive uterine factor infertility. Experimental models are paramount to study this transplant modality, and as the ewes' uteri are very similar to that of humans, they are frequently used with this purpose. The aim of this study is to describe a novel technical variation for UTx in sheep.

METHODS

This study was conducted at Laboratory of Medical Investigation 37 of the University of São Paulo School of Medicine in São Paulo, Brazil, and was approved by the Ethics Committee of Animal Use of the university. We used 3 adult female sheep that weighed approximately 45 kg and were not pregnant. We performed the technique of uterine autotransplantation with a novel technical variation that we called sequential vascularization: first, we performed the right uterine artery and vein anastomoses, after which the uterine graft was vascularized, and then the contralateral vascular anastomoses were performed.

CONCLUSION

We described 3 successful uterine autotransplants in sheep models with sequential vascularization. This variation technique will probably allow warm ischemia time in UTx to significantly decrease.

Liver Elastography in Acute Cellular Rejection After Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Transient elastography is a noninvasive method used to estimate the liver stiffness. There are few studies using elastography in acute cellular rejection (ACR). ACR is one of the main complications after liver transplantation. The golden pattern diagnostic is by liver biopsy, which is invasive and subject to complications. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate the use of elastography in ACR.

METHODS

Prospective and comparative study of patients transplanted from January 2017 to March 2019. Comparison group (ACR vs non-ACR) through liver biopsy. The variables analyzed were liver elastography (FibroScan and acoustic radiation force impulse [ARFI]), laboratory tests, liver biopsy, and ultrasound. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare independent samples, and P < .05 was considered significant. All tests performed with α of 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%, by IBM SPSS 25 software.

RESULTS

Forty patients, 25 (62.5%) with ACR and 15 (37.5%) without ACR. Five (20%) cases with early acute rejection, late acute rejection in 19 cases (76%), and chronic rejection in 3 (12%). Comparative ACR vs non-ACR showed results of total bilirubin (P = .03), direct bilirubin (P = .015), aspartate aminotransferase (0.001), alanine aminotransaminase (0.001), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (P = .026). The mean elastography (FibroScan) value in ACR was 12.5 ± 8.2 kPa and without was 8.9 ± 3.7 kPa, P = .05. The mean elastography (ARFI) in ACR was 1.9 ± 0.6 m/s and without was 1.6 ± 0.2 m/s, P > .05. The receiver operator characteristic curve analysis shows the FibroScan for ACR with AUC 0.688 (95% CI 0.511-0.865), P = .049, positive predictive value 0.76, and negative predictive value 0.60.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient elastography is an important tool for ACR. There is a significant correlation between ACR and the value of hepatic elastography.

Intraoperative Temporary Portocaval Shunt in Liver Transplant

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS) has been performed during liver transplant to improve hemodynamics and renal function as well as to decrease bleeding during hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of TPCS on liver transplant in a long-term single-center study.

METHODS

From January 2006 to December 2018, all deceased donor transplants were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided in 2 groups: group 1, including those in whom intraoperative TPCS was performed and group 2, including those without TPCS. We analyzed recipient characteristics, survival, mortality, and complication rates in the intraoperative and postoperative periods.

RESULTS

A total of 999 deceased donor liver transplants were studied, with 509 patients in group 1 and 490 in group 2. There were 156 cases (15.61%) of preoperative portal vein thrombosis in the whole series. Postoperative renal function (P = .029) as well as length of hospital and intensive care unit stay (P = .0001) were better in group 1. Surgery time and warm ischemia time was also shorter in group 1 (P = .0001). Complications with Clavien-Dindo score ≥ 3 were higher in group 2 (P = .006). Multivariate analysis showed important risk with fulminant hepatitis (odds ratio, 2.127; 95% CI, 1.408-3.213; P < .0001) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease > 29 (odds ratio, 2.492; 95% CI, 1.862-3.336; P < .0001). Overall survival in group 1 at 1, 5, and 10 years were 78%, 70%, and 68%, respectively. In group 2, they were 70%, 60%, and 58%, respectively (P = .027).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent intraoperative TPCS presented better postoperative renal function, less intraoperative blending, shorter surgical and warm ischemia time, shorter length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, and better overall survival after transplant. Moreover, TPCS should be used patients with severe conditions, such as fulminant hepatitis and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score > 29.

Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplant: Hemodynamic Evaluation, Prognosis, and Recipient Selection

BACKGROUND

Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is a well-established treatment for end-stage liver disease. A better recipient selection and hemodynamic evaluation may improve transplant outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish recipient parameters that could enhance the results of adult-to-adult LDLT.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of all adult-to-adult LDLTs from a single center between January 2006 and December 2018. Variables analyzed included demographic and clinical parameters, laboratory tests, performance of intraoperative temporary portocaval shunt (TPCS), graft weight/recipient weight ratio (GW/RW), preoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT), previous major abdominal surgery, and patient survival. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to GW/RW (0.8% cutoff point).

RESULTS

A total of 92 adult-to-adult LDLTs were analyzed, encompassing 53 male patients (57.6%). Mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 13.97 (SD, 4.74), and 57 patients (61.95%) had Child-Pugh-Turcotte score B. Mean GW/RW was 1.1% (SD, 0.37%). Group 1 with GW/RW > 0.8% (n = 74) and group 2 with it ≤ 0.8% (n = 13) presented mean GW/RW of 1.14% (SD, 0.24%) and 0.69% (SD, 0.09%) and P < .01, respectively. Eighteen patients (19.56%) presented PVT, with a worse survival than those without PVT (P = .006). Sixteen patients (17.39%) with previous major abdominal or biliary operations also presented higher mortality (P = .341). Forty-six (50%) intraoperative TPCSs were performed with a better 1- and 3-year patient survival. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed PVT area under the curve of 0.701 (95% CI, 0.526-0.876; P = .018), positive predictive value of 0.69, and negative predictive value of 0.62. Multivariate analysis showed important risk regarding PVT (odds ratio, 6.160; 95% CI, 1.566-24.223; P = .004) and retransplant (odds ratio, 4.452; 95% CI, 0.843-23.503; P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

Better recipient selection without PVT or previous major abdominal surgery, an adequate GW/RW, and intraoperative TPCS with hemodynamic modulation significantly improve outcomes of adult-to-adult LDLT.

Histopathologic Evaluation of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure

BACKGROUND

Currently, the diagnosis of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is clinical, and its early identification and proper management are essential for a better prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify histopathologic parameters by analyzing cirrhotic liver explants that could aid in the early recognition of this entity and to determine prognostic factors that would influence ACLF management.

METHOD

We performed a retrospective analysis of histopathologic material from liver explants from patients transplanted because of chronic hepatitis C virus infection from January 2007 to July 2017. Twenty-nine (n = 29) cases without hepatocellular carcinoma were selected. Histopathologic analysis included the Laennec classification, vascularization, and portal vein thrombosis.

RESULTS

According to the diagnosis of ACLF, patients were divided in 2 groups: group ACLF (n = 10) and group no acute on chronic liver failure (NO-ACLF) (n = 19). Considering the whole series, mean age was 51 ± 11.48 years and prevalence of men was 58.62%. The mean Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score at time of transplantation was significantly higher in the ACLF group than in the NO-ACLF group (35 ± 7 vs 22 ± 6, respectively, P < .05) as was the mean total bilirubin (14.38 ± 13.31 vs 8.84 ± 10.46 mg/dl, respectively, P < .05). Histopathologic analysis of explanted livers according to Laennec staging system of cirrhosis was as follows: 1. Group NO-ACLF: 1 case (5.25%) grade 3, 6 cases (31.58%) grade 4B, and 12 cases (63.16%) grade 4C; and 2. Group ACLF: 4 cases (40%) grade 4B and 6 cases (60%) grade 4C. Cholestasis was found in 1 patient in the NO-ACLF group (5%) and in 4 patients in the ACLF group (40%) (P = .03). We studied 30-day and 10-year survival respectively, which were 80% and 60% in the ACLF group and 83% and 70% in the NO-ACLF group (P = .794 and P = .657).

CONCLUSION

In this preliminary approach, clinical and histologic findings contributed to the differential diagnosis of ACLF. The mean MELD score at time of liver transplantations, total bilirubin levels, and histologically evident cholestasis were significantly higher in patients with ACLF than in those without ACLF.

Livebirth after uterus transplantation from a deceased donor in a recipient with uterine infertility

BACKGROUND

Uterus transplantation from live donors became a reality to treat infertility following a successful Swedish 2014 series, inspiring uterus transplantation centres and programmes worldwide. However, no case of livebirth via deceased donor uterus has, to our knowledge, been successfully achieved, raising doubts about its feasibility and viability, including whether the womb remains viable after prolonged ischaemia.

METHODS

In September, 2016, a 32-year-old woman with congenital uterine absence (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser [MRKH] syndrome) underwent uterine transplantation in Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, Brazil, from a donor who died of subarachnoid haemorrhage. The donor was 45 years old and had three previous vaginal deliveries. The recipient had one in-vitro fertilisation cycle 4 months before transplant, which yielded eight cryopreserved blastocysts.

FINDINGS

The recipient showed satisfactory postoperative recovery and was discharged after 8 days' observation in hospital. Immunosuppression was induced with prednisolone and thymoglobulin and continued via tacrolimus and mycophenalate mofetil (MMF), until 5 months post-transplantation, at which time azathioprine replaced MMF. First menstruation occurred 37 days post-transplantation, and regularly (every 26-32 days) thereafter. Pregnancy occurred after the first single embryo transfer 7 months post-transplantation. No blood flow velocity waveform abnormalities were detected by Doppler ultrasound of uterine arteries, fetal umbilical, or middle cerebral arteries, nor any fetal growth impairments during pregnancy. No rejection episodes occurred after transplantation or during gestation. Caesarean delivery occurred on Dec 15, 2017, near gestational week 36. The female baby weighed 2550 g at birth, appropriate for gestational age, with Apgar scores of 9 at 1 min, 10 at 5 min, and 10 at 10 min, and along with the mother remains healthy and developing normally 7 months post partum. The uterus was removed in the same surgical procedure as the livebirth and immunosuppressive therapy was suspended.

INTERPRETATION

We describe, to our knowledge, the first case worldwide of livebirth following uterine transplantation from a deceased donor in a patient with MRKH syndrome. The results establish proof-of-concept for treating uterine infertility by transplantation from a deceased donor, opening a path to healthy pregnancy for all women with uterine factor infertility, without need of living donors or live donor surgery.

FUNDING

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo and Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Abdominal hernias in cirrhotic patients: Surgery or conservative treatment? Results of a prospective cohort study in a high volume center: Cohort study

Background

Surgical treatment of abdominal hernias in cirrhotics is often delayed due to the higher morbidity and mortality associated with the underlying liver disease. Some patients are followed conservatively and only operated on when complications occur (“wait and see” approach). The aim of this study is to compare outcomes of cirrhotic patients undergoing conservative non-operative care or elective hernia repair.

Methods

A prospective observational study including 246 cirrhotic patients with abdominal hernia was carried out. Patients were given the option to select their treatment: elective hernia repair or conservative non-operative care. Demographics, characteristics of underlying liver disease, type of hernia, complications and mortality were analyzed. During follow-up of patients who opted for the “wait and see” approach, emergency hernia repair was performed in case of hernia complications.

Results

Elective hernia repair was performed in 57 patients and 189 patients were kept in conservative care, of which 43 (22.7%) developed complications that required emergency hernia repair. Elective surgery provided better five-years survival than conservative care (80% vs. 62%; p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis identified multiples hernias [Hazards Ratio (HR):6.7, p < 0.001] and clinical follow-up group (HR 3.62, p = 0.005) as risk factors for mortality. Among patients undergoing surgical treatment, multivariate analysis revealed MELD>11 (HR 7.8; p = 0.011) and emergency hernia repair (HR 5.35; p = 0.005) as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality.

Conclusions

Elective hernia repair offers an acceptable morbidity and ensures longer survival. “Wait and see” approach jeopardizes cirrhotic patients and should be avoided, given the higher incidence of emergency surgery due to hernia complications.

•

Prospective study comparing “wait and see” approach with elective surgical repair of abdominal hernias in cirrhotic patients.

•

About 22.7% (n = 43) of patients under conservative treatment developed hernia complications requiring emergency hernia repair.

•

Five-year survival was higher in elective repair group than in conservative treatment (80% vs. 62%; p = 0.012).

•

Among patients undergoing hernia repair MELD>11 and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality.

•

“Wait and see” approach jeopardizes cirrhotic patients, as a high incidence of emergency surgery negatively impact survival.

Stratifying Mortality in a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Waiting List: A Brazilian Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) system reliably predicts mortality in cirrhotic patients. However, the etiology of liver disease and presence of portal vein thrombosis are not directly taken into account in MELD score. Its impact on the outcomes of patients on the waiting list is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate mortality and access to transplantation regarding etiology of liver disease and portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

METHODS

A total of 465 adult patients on the liver waiting list from August 2015 to August 2016 were followed up until August 2017. Patients were divided into groups according to the etiology of liver disease and presence of PVT.

RESULTS

The most frequent etiologies were hepatitis C (26.88%), alcoholic cirrhosis (26.02%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (10.75%). Death while on the waiting list occurred in 168 patients (36.1%) and was more frequent in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, 65.4%) and alcoholic cirrhosis (41.3%). A total of 142 (30.5%) patients underwent transplantation and viral, autoimmune, and biliary diseases showed higher proportion of transplantation (36.3%, 53.8%, and 34%, respectively; P < .01). Mean delta-MELD at the study endpoint was higher in patients with autoimmune hepatitis, biliary diseases, and NASH (8.3 ± 7.2, 8.3 ± 9.1, and 7.5 ± 9.1, respectively; P < .01). A total 77 patients (16.7%) presented PVT. There was no significant difference in outcomes between patients with and without PVT.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NASH and alcoholic liver disease had higher mortality while on the waiting list, whereas patients with viral and autoimmune hepatitis had higher transplantation rate. Outcomes were not influenced by PVT.

Access to Liver Transplantation in Different ABO-Blood Groups and "Exceptions Points" in a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Allocation System: A Brazilian Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

In the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) system, patients with "MELD exceptions" points may have unfair privilege in the competition for liver grafts. Furthermore, organ distribution following identical ABO blood types may also result in unjust organ allocation. The aim of this study was to investigate access to liver transplantation in a tertiary Brazilian center, regarding "MELD exceptions" situations and among ABO-blood groups.

METHODS

A total of 465 adult patients on the liver waitlist from August 2015 to August 2016 were followed up until August 2017. Patients were divided into groups according to ABO-blood type and presence of "exceptions points."

RESULTS

No differences in outcomes were observed among ABO-blood groups. However, patients from B and AB blood types spent less time on the list than patients from A and O groups (median, 46, 176, 415, and 401 days, respectively; P = .03). "Exceptions points" were granted for 141 patients (30.1%), hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common reason (52.4%). Patients with "exceptions points" showed higher transplantation rate, lower mortality on the list, and lower delta-MELD than non-exceptions patients (56.7% vs 19.1% [P < .01]; 18.4% vs 38.5% [P < .01], and 2.0 ± 2.6 vs 6.9 ± 7.0 [P < .01], respectively). Patients with refractory ascites had a higher mortality rate than those with other "exceptions" or without (48%).

CONCLUSIONS

The MELD system provides equal access to liver transplantation among ABO-blood types, despite shorter time on the waitlist for AB and B groups. The current MELD exception system provides advantages for candidates with "exception points," resulting in superior outcomes compared with those without exceptions.

Sheep Model for Uterine Transplantation: The Best Option Before Starting a Human Program

OBJECTIVE:

This study reports the first four cases of a uterine transplant procedure conducted in sheep in Latin America. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success of uterine transplantation in sheep.

METHOD:

The study was conducted at Laboratory of Medical Investigation 37 (LIM 37) at the University of São Paulo School of Medicine. Four healthy mature ewes weighing 40-60 kg were used as both the donor and recipient for a transplant within the same animal (auto-transplant). Institutional guidelines for the care of experimental animals were followed.

RESULTS:

The first two cases of auto-transplant were performed to standardize the technique. After complete uterine mobilization and isolation of the blood supply, the unilateral vascular pedicle was sectioned and anastomosed on the external iliac vessels. After standardization, the protocol was implemented. Procurement surgery was performed without complications or bleeding. After isolation of uterine arteries and veins as well as full mobilization of the uterus, ligation of the distal portion of the internal iliac vessels was performed with subsequent division and end-to-side anastomosis of the external iliac vessels. After vaginal anastomosis, the final case presented with arterial thrombosis in the left uterine artery. The left uterine artery anastomosis was re-opened and flushed with saline solution to remove the clot from the artery lumen. Anastomosis was repeated with restoration of blood flow for a few minutes before another uterine artery thrombosis appeared on the same side. All four animals were alive after the surgical procedure and were euthanized after the experimental period.

CONCLUSION:

We describe the success of four uterine auto-transplants in sheep models.

Arterial Pseudoaneurysm Associated with Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 49

Final Diagnosis: Arterial pseudoaneurysm

Symptoms: Abdominal pain • fever and a pulsatile tumor located in the right iliac fossa

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Endovascular and surgical approach

Specialty: Transplantology

Markers of malnutrition after intestinal transplantation: the role of IGF-1 and calprotectin

The objective of this study is to valuate two biomarkers that may guide nutritional assessment during follow up after intestinal transplantation. We performed a retrospective study on prospectively collected data of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and effluent calprotectin in patients undergoing intestinal transplantation. Optimal nutritional status (ONS) was defined by using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). IGF-1 and calprotectin were correlated with ONS by Pearson correlation. Eighteen cadaveric intestinal transplants were performed over 1,650 days (median follow up 425 days, range 29-1,650 days). Mean IGF-1 and calprotectin were significantly associated with independent nutrition. Seven patients became malnourished on one or more occasions. During malnutrition the mean IGF-1 was 22 ± 14 ng/ml and calprotectin 1,597 ± 1,055 mcg/g. Mean weight during episodes of malnutrition changed from 64.77 ± 8.76 kg to 59.05 ± 8.5 kg (-8.9 ± 1.25%). Both IGF-1 and calprotectin negatively correlated with ONS (Pearson's r, -0.612, p = 0.014). Patients broadly aligned with three groups: nutritionally replete (normal IGF-1 and normal calprotectin), nutritionally equivocal (normal or low normal IGF-1 and high calprotectin), and malnourished (low IGF-1 and high calprotectin). Patients with low IGF-1 and high calprotectin may have a benign clinical presentation. However it is in their interests to have parenteral nutrition restarted pending further investigation.

Trombose de veia porta no transplante hepático

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose de veia porta foi considerada contraindicação ao transplante de fígado no passado em razão da elevada morbi-mortalidade. Diversos avanços permitiram melhora dos resultados. OBJETIVO: Revisão dos avanços e das estratégias cirúrgicas utilizadas para realização do transplante de fígado na vigência de trombose de veia porta. MÉTODO: Revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Scielo, Lilacs cruzando os descritores: portal vein thrombosis, liver transplantation, vascular complications, jump graft, graft failure, multivisceral transplant. Foram estudados a epidemiologia, fatores de risco, classificação, diagnóstico, estratégias cirúrgicas e resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A trombose de veia porta deixou de ser contraindicação para o transplante hepático. O cirurgião dispõe atualmente de uma série de estratégias para realização do transplante, variando conforme o grau da trombose. Apesar de implicar em maior morbidade e taxas de re-trombose, os resultados do transplante na presença de trombose portal são semelhantes aos observados nas séries habituais.

Increased intracellular content of enteroglucagon in proximal colon is related to intestinal adaptation to germ-free status

Changes in the frequency of endocrine cells are evidence of intestinal adaptation to germ-free (GF) status. Not only the distribution of these cells along the intestine, but also the differences in intracellular content of these regulatory peptides may be explored to explain functional and structural aspects of GF intestinal adaptation. Focusing on the endocrine L-cells, we analyzed the intracellular content of enteroglucagon (EG) and peptide YY (PYY) throughout the intestine of the 14 GF and 14 conventional (CV) mice by using immunohistochemistry and the supra-optimal dilution technique. The percentage of EG-immunoreactive cells, but not of PYY-immunoreactive cells stained at supra-optimal dilution was significantly higher in the proximal colon of GF mice than in the CV counterparts (P < 0.05). Since the content of co-stored PYY did not differ between GF and CV mice, the higher content of EG was compatible with a selective cellular response. Moreover, in the cecum of GF mice, the density of EG-immunoreactive cells was significantly higher than that of PYY-immunoreactive cells (P < 0.05). These results are consistent with preferential production of EG by L-cells at the expense of PYY in the proximal colon and in the enlarged cecum of GF mice. In addition, they may reflect the dynamics of the GF intestinal epithelium and/or be correlated with the higher serum levels of these peptides. The role of endocrine cells needs to be better studied in human and other experimental adaptative conditions in order to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of intestinal functions.

Early damage of sympathetic neurons after co-culture with macrophages: a model of neuronal injury in vitro

Since activated immune cells may damage peripheral nerves during inflammation, we developed a co-culture model that permits the direct study of macrophage-induced neuronal damage. Sympathetic neurons were enzymatically isolated from neonatal mice and co-cultured with increasing numbers of peritoneal macrophages for 24 h. This caused rapid neuronal cell death, reducing neuronal number by 24.1 +/- 4% with the addition of 11.5 x 10(3) macrophages, representing a ratio of 8 macrophages per neuron. Nuclear analysis showed that cell death occurred by both apoptosis and necrosis. These effects were not mimicked by addition of macrophage-conditioned medium, and were prevented by 10 microM dexamethasone. Although no appreciable neuronal death occurred beyond 24 h, the density of neurites was decreased between 1 and 2 days of co-culture (p < 0.05). There is, therefore, a rapid induction of cytotoxicity by macrophages after their addition to the neuronal cultures, followed by axonal damage without neuronal cell death.

Distribution of enteroglucagon- and peptide YY-immunoreactive cells in the intestinal mucosa of germ-free and conventional mice

There are evidences that microflora modulates endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study we investigated the distribution of EG- and PYY-immunoreactive cells throughout the intestine of adult male NMRI conventional and germ-free mice. EG-immunoreactive cells were significantly more frequent in the proximal and middle colon than in the remainder of the intestine in both groups. In germ-free animals, these cells were more frequent in the cecum and less frequent in the distal ileum compared to conventional mice. PYY-immunoreactive cells were more frequent in the distal colon than in the remainder of the intestine in both groups, but they were significantly more frequent in the middle and distal colon of germ-free animals than in that of conventional counterparts. The number of EG-immunoreactive cells was 4.5-fold higher than the number of PYY-immunoreactive cells in the cecum of germ-free mice. The present results indicate the existence of an inverse gradient of EG- and PYY-immunoreactive cells along the colon, which is not significantly changed in the absence of a microflora. PYY production seems to be more significant in the distal colon. The cecum and the proximal portion of the colon are probably the regions of greatest functional importance for EG production, which is related to the microflora and probably to fermentation products, whether or not the effect of this peptide is trophic or antitrophic.