Living donor liver transplantation does not increase tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to deceased donor transplantation

AIM: to compare the recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data from 408 liver cancer patients from February 1999 to September 2012. We used the chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test to analyze the characteristics of LDLT and DDLT. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the RFS and OS in HCC. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty HBV-positive patients (276 DDLT and 84 LDLT) were included in this study. The mean follow-up time was 27.1 mo (range 1.1-130.8 mo). One hundred eighty-five (51.2%) patients died during follow-up. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates for LDLT were 85.2%, 55.7%, and 52.9%, respectively; for DDLT, the RFS rates were 73.2%, 49.1%, and 45.3% (P = 0.115). The OS rates were similar between the LDLT and DDLT recipients, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 81.8%, 49.5%, and 43.0% vs 69.5%, 43.0%, and 38.3%, respectively (P = 0.30). The outcomes of HCC according to the Milan criteria after LDLT and DDLT were not significantly different (for LDLT: 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS: 94.7%, 78.7%, and 78.7% vs 89.2%, 77.5%, and 74.5%, P = 0.50; for DDLT: 86.1%, 68.8%, and 68.8% vs 80.5%, 62.2%, and 59.8% P = 0.53). CONCLUSION: The outcomes of LDLT for HCC are not worse compared to the outcomes of DDLT. LDLT does not increase tumor recurrence of HCC compared to DDLT. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma treated by liver transplantation:comparison of living donor and deceased donor transplantation

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) has been widely accepted as the treatment of choice for end-stage liver diseases. Due to the scarcity of cadaveric donors, adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is advocated as a practical alternative to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). However, some reports suggest that the long-term and recurrence-free survival rates of LDLT are poorer than those of DDLT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare the long-term and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC between LDLT and DDLT. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 150 patients with HCC from January 2005 to March 2009. Eleven patients who died of complications during the perioperative period were excluded. The remaining 139 eligible patients (101 DDLT and 38 LDLT) were regularly followed up to October 2009. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the characteristics of LDLT and DDLT. The long-term and recurrence-free survival curves of both groups were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method with comparisons performed using the log-rank test. One-way analysis of variance was performed to compare the waiting time of the two groups. RESULTS: Survival rates at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years for LDLT were 81%, 62%, 53%, and 45% and for DDLT were 86%, 60%, 50%, and 38%, respectively. The overall 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year recurrence-free rates for LDLT were 71%, 49%, 42%, and 38%, and for DDLT were 76%, 52%, 41%, and 37%, respectively. No significant differences were found by the log-rank test on both long-term and recurrence-free survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The role of LDLT is reinforced by our study. It may expand the donor pool and achieve the same long-term and recurrence-free survival rates of DDLT.

Standard liver weight model in adult deceased donors with fatty liver: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Standard liver weight(SLW)is frequently used in deceased donor liver transplantation to avoid size mismatches with the recipient.However,some deceased donors(DDs)have fatty liver(FL).A few studies have reported that FL could impact liver size.To the best of our knowledge,there are no relevant SLW models for predicting liver size.AIM To demonstrate the relationship between FL and total liver weight(TLW)in detail and present a related SLW formula.METHODS We prospectively enrolled 212 adult DDs from West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2019 to February 2021,recorded their basic information,such as sex,age,body height(BH)and body weight(BW),and performed abdominal ultrasound(US)and pathological biopsy(PB).The chi-square test and kappa consistency score were used to assess the consistency in terms of FL diagnosed by US relative to PB.Simple linear regression analysis was used to explore the variables related to TLW.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to formulate SLW models,and the root mean standard error and interclass correlation coefficient were used to test the fitting efficiency and accuracy of the model,respectively.Furthermore,the optimal formula was compared with previous formulas.RESULTS Approximately 28.8%of DDs had FL.US had a high diagnostic ability(sensitivity and specificity were 86.2%and 92.9%,respectively;kappa value was 0.70,P<0.001)for livers with more than a 5%fatty change.Simple linear regression analysis showed that sex(R2,0.226;P<0.001),BH(R2,0.241;P<0.001),BW(R2,0.441;P<0.001),BMI(R2,0.224;P<0.001),BSA(R2,0.454;P<0.001)and FL(R2,0.130;P<0.001)significantly impacted TLW.In addition,multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was no significant difference in liver weight between the DDs with no steatosis and those with steatosis within 5%.Furthermore,in the context of hepatic steatosis,TLW increased positively(nonlinear);compared with the TLW of the non-FL group,the TLW of the groups with hepatic steatosis within 5%,between 5%and 20%and more than 20%increased by 0 g,90 g,and 340 g,respectively.A novel formula,namely,-348.6+(110.7 x Sex[0=Female,1=Male])+958.0 x BSA+(179.8 x FLUS[0=No,1=Yes]),where FL was diagnosed by US,was more convenient and accurate than any other formula for predicting SLW.CONCLUSION FL is positively correlated with TLW.The novel formula deduced using sex,BSA and FLUS is the optimal formula for predicting SLW in adult DDs.

ABO-nonidentical liver transplantation from a deceased donor and clinical outcomes following antibody rebound:A case report

BACKGROUND Although ABO-nonidentical and ABO-incompatible liver transplantation(LT)are other options for end-stage liver disease treatment,the development of antibodies against blood group antigens(anti-A/B antibodies)is still a challenge in managing and follow-up of the recipients.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old male with end-stage liver disease with rapid deterioration and poor prognosis was considered to receive a deceased ABO-nonidentical liver graft.All required tests were performed according to our pre-LT diagnostic protocol.The orthotopic LT procedure involving O+donor and A1B+recipient was performed.Our treatment strategy to overcome the antibodymediated rejection included a systemic triple immunosuppressive regimen:methylprednisolone,mycophenolate mofetil,and tacrolimus.The immunological desensitization consisted of the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab and intravenous immunoglobulins.The patient was also on antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanate,cefotaxime,and metronidazole.On the 10th postoperative day,high titers of IgG anti-A and anti-B antibodies were found in the patient’s plasma.We performed a liver biopsy,which revealed histological evidence of antibody-mediated rejection,but the rejection was excluded according to the Banff classification.The therapy was continued until the titer decreased significantly on the 18th postoperative day.Despite the antibiotic,antifungal,and antiviral treatment,the patient deteriorated and developed septic shock with anuria and pancytopenia.The conservative treatment was unsuccessful,which lead to the patient’s fatal outcome on the 42nd postoperative day.CONCLUSION We present a patient who underwent ABO-nonidentical LT from a deceased donor.Even though we implemented the latest technological advancements and therapeutic approaches in the management of the patient and the initial results were promising,due to severe infectious complications,the outcome was fatal.

The Effect of Non-Invasive Goal Directed Fluid Administration on Graft Function in Deceased Donor Renal Transplantation: A Pilot Study

Background: Non-invasive goal directed fluid therapy during deceased donor renal transplant (CRT) may reduce the incidence of delayed graft function. Plethysmograph Variability Index (PVI) has been shown to predict fluid responsiveness during surgery. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of goal directed fluid administration protocol based upon PVI studying the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) in renal transplant recipients. Methods: Twenty patients underwent primary CRT. The Control group received intravenous fluid (IVF) at a calculated constant rate. The Treatment group received a baseline IVF infusion throughout the surgery. PVI values greater than 13% were treated with 250 ml boluses of IVF. Primary end point was DGF;total IVF administration and urinary biomarker NGAL levels were secondary endpoints. Results: Treatment group at every time point received significantly less IVF. There was no significant difference in incidence of DGF between the groups. 2 patients in the Control group and 6 in the Treatment group developed DGF. NGAL was not associated with the group assignment or total IVF given (p < 0.2). Conclusions: The effectiveness of goal directed fluid therapy with non-invasive dynamic parameters has not been validated in renal transplant surgery and larger prospective studies are needed to determine its utility in renal transplantation.

Kidney transplantation from donors with hepatitis C infection

The increasing demand for organ donors to supply the increasing number of patients on kidney waiting lists has led to most transplant centers developing protocols that allow safe utilization from donors with special clinical situations which previously were regarded as contraindications. Deceased donors with previous hepatitis C infection may represent a safe resource to expand the donor pool. When allocated to serology-matched recipients, kidney transplantation from donors with hepatitis C may result in an excellent short-term outcome and a significant reduction of time on the waiting list. Special care must be dedicated to the pre-transplant evaluation of potential candidates, particularly with regard to liver functionality and evidence of liver histological damage, such as cirrhosis, that could be a contraindication to transplantation. Pre-transplant antiviral therapy could be useful to reduce the viral load and to improve the long-term results, which may be affected by the progression of liver disease in the recipients. An accurate selection of both donor and recipient is mandatory to achieve a satisfactory long-term outcome.

Problem of living liver donation in the absence of deceased liver transplantation program:Mansoura experience

We report our experience with potential donors for living donor liver transplantation(LDLT), which is the first report from an area where there is no legalized deceased donation program. This is a single center retrospective analysis of potential living donors(n = 1004) between May 2004 and December 2012. This report focuses on the analysis of causes, duration, cost, and various implications of donor exclusion(n = 792).Most of the transplant candidates(82.3%) had an experience with more than one excluded donor(median = 3). Some recipients travelled abroad for a deceased donor transplant(n = 12) and some died before finding a suitable donor(n = 14). The evaluation of an excluded donor is a time-consuming process(median = 3 d, range 1 d to 47 d). It is also a costly process with a median cost of approximately 70 USD(range 35 USD to 885 USD). From these results, living donor exclusion has negative implications on the patients and transplant program with ethical dilemmas and an economic impact. Many strategies are adopted by other centers to expand the donor pool; however, they are not all applicable in our locality. We conclude that an active legalized deceased donor transplantation program is necessary to overcome the shortage of available liver grafts in Egypt.

Non-invasive real-time assessment of hepatic macrovesicular steatosis in liver donors:Hypothesis,design and proof-of-concept study

Macrovesicular Steatosis(MS)is an independent risk factor for adverse post-liver transplant(LT)outcomes.The degree of MS is intimately related to the viability of the liver graft,which in turn is crucial to the success of the operation.An ideal liver graft should have no MS and most centres would find it unacceptable to use a donor liver with severe MS for LT.While a formal liver biopsy is the goldstandard diagnostic test for MS,given the logistical and time constraints it is not universally feasible.Other tests like a frozen section biopsy are plagued by issues of fallibility with reporting and sampling bias making them inferior to a liver biopsy.Hence,the development of an accurate,non-invasive,easy-to-use,handheld,real-time device for quantification of MS would fill this lacuna in the deceased donor selection process.We present the hypothesis,design and proof-ofconcept of a study,which aims to standardise and determine the feasibility and accuracy of a novel handheld device applying the principle of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for real-time quantification of MS.

Outcome of split liver transplantation vs living donor liver transplantation:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The outcomes of liver transplantation(LT)from different grafts have been studied individually and in combination,but the reports were conflicting with some researchers finding no difference in both short-term and long-term outcomes between the deceased donor split LT(DD-SLT)and living donor LT(LDLT).AIM To compare the outcomes of DD-SLT and LDLT we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS This systematic review was performed in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines.The following databases were searched for articles comparing outcomes of DD-SLT and LDLT:PubMed;Google Scholar;Embase;Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials;the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;and Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/).The search terms used were:“liver transplantation;”“liver transplant;”“split liver transplant;”“living donor liver transplant;”“partial liver transplant;”“partial liver graft;”“ex vivo splitting;”and“in vivo splitting.”RESULTS Ten studies were included for the data synthesis and meta-analysis.There were a total of 4836 patients.The overall survival rate at 1 year,3 years and 5 years was superior in patients that received LDLT compared to DD-SLT.At 1 year,the hazard ratios was 1.44(95%confidence interval:1.16-1.78;P=0.001).The graft survival rate at 3 years and 5 years was superior in the LDLT group(3 year hazard ratio:1.28;95%confidence interval:1.01-1.63;P=0.04).CONCLUSION This meta-analysis showed that LDLT has better graft survival and overall survival when compared to DD-SLT.

Impact of non-oncological factors on tumor recurrence after liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary neoplasm of the liver and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT) has become one of the best curative therapeutic options for patients with HCC, although tumor recurrence after LT is a major and unaddressed cause of mortality. Furthermore, the factors that are associated with recurrence are not fully understood, and most previous studies have focused on the biological properties of HCC, such as the number and size of the HCC nodules, the degree of differentiation, the presence of hepatic vascular invasion, elevated serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein, and the tumor stage outside of the Milan criteria. Thus, little attention has been given to factors that are not directly related to HCC (i.e., &#x0201c;non-oncological factors&#x0201d;), which have emerged as predictors of tumor recurrence. This review was performed to assess the effects of non-oncological factors on tumor recurrence after LT. The identification of these factors may provide new research directions and clinical strategies for the prophylaxis and surveillance of tumor recurrence after LT, which can help reduce recurrence and improve patient survival.

Outcomes of Liver Transplantation Using Pediatric Deceased Donor Livers： A Single-Center Analysis of 102 Donors

Background： The outcome of pediatric deceased donor liver transplantation （LT） has not been well studied, especially pediatric deceased donor livers used in adult transplantation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LT using pediatric deceased donor livers and compare the outcomes between pediatric-to-pediatric LT and pediatric-to-adult LT. Methods： A retrospective review of LT using pediatric deceased donor livers from June 2013 to August 2016 was performed. The patients were divided into the pediatric-to-pediatric LT group and pediatric-to-adult LT group based on the ages of the recipients. The survival and incidence of early vascular complications （VCs） were observed between the two groups. We also analyzed the risk factors of early VCs in pediatric LT and the effect of donor hypernatremia on the prognosis of recipients. Results： There were 102 cases of LT using pediatric deceased donor livers in our hospital from June 2013 to August 2016. 83 pediatric-to-pediatric LT （recipients＇ age ≤13 years） and 19 pediatric-to-adult LT （recipients＇ age≥19 years）. The ratio of early VC was similar in the two groups （19.3% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.514）. Low body weight of recipient was an independent risk factor of early VC in pediatric LT （odds ratio： 0.856, 95% confidence interval： 0.752-0.975, P = 0.019）. The 1-year cumulative survival rates of grafts and patients were 89.16% and 91.57% in pediatric-to-pediatric LT and 89.47% and 94.74% in pediatric-to-adult LT, respectively （all P 〉 0.05）. In all cases. patients using donors with hypernatremia （serum sodium levels ≥ 150mmol/L） had worse graft survival （χ2=4.330, P = 0.037）. Conclusions： Pediatric-to-pediatric LT group has similar graft and patient survival rates with those of pediatric-to-adult LT group. Low body weight of recipients is an independent risk factor of early VC in pediatric LT. Patients using donors with hypernatremia have worse graft survival.

Health-related quality of life of 256 recipients after liver transplantation

AIM:To investigate health-related quality of life(HRQoL) and psychological outcomes in 256 adults who had undergone liver transplantation(LT).METHODS:A stratified random sampling method was used in this follow-up multicenter study to select a representative sample of recipients undergoing either living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) or deceased donor liver transplantation(DDLT).HRQoL was measured by using the Chinese version of Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36(SF-36),and psychological outcomes by using the beck anxiety inventory(BAI) and the self-rating depression scale(SDS).Clinical and demographic data were collected from the records of the Chinese Liver Transplant Registry and via questionnaires.RESULTS:A total of 256 patients were sampled,including 66(25.8%) receiving LDLT and 190(74.2%) undergoing DDLT;15(5.9%) recipients had anxiety and four(1.6%) developed severe depression after the operation.Compared with LDLT recipients,DDLT patients had higher scores in general health(60.33 ± 16.97 vs 66.86 ± 18.42,P = 0.012),role-physical(63.64 ± 42.55 vs 74.47 ± 36.46,P = 0.048),roleemotional(61.11 ± 44.37 vs 78.95 ± 34.31,P = 0.001),social functioning(78.60 ± 22.76 vs 88.16 ± 21.85,P = 0.003),vitality(70.30 ± 15.76 vs 75.95 ± 16.40,P = 0.016),mental health(65.88 ± 12.94 vs 71.85 ± 15.45,P = 0.005),physical component summary scale(PCS,60.07 ± 7.36 vs 62.58 ± 6.88,P = 0.013) and mental component summary scale(MCS,52.65 ± 7.66 vs 55.95 ± 10.14,P = 0.016).Recipients > 45 years old at the time of transplant scored higher in vitality(77.33 ± 15.64 vs 72.52 ± 16.66,P = 0.020),mental health(73.64 ± 15.06 vs 68.00 ± 14.65,P = 0.003) and MCS(56.61 ± 10.00 vs 54.05 ± 9.30,P = 0.037) than those aged ≤ 45 years.MCS was poorer in recipients with than in those without complications(52.92 ± 12.21 vs 56.06 ± 8.16,P = 0.017).Regarding MCS(55.10 ± 9.66 vs 50.0 ± 10.0,P < 0.05) and PCS(61.93 ± 7.08 vs 50.0 ± 10.0,P < 0.05),recipients scored better than the Sichuan general and had improved overall QoL compared to patients with chronic diseases.MCS and PCS significantly correlated with scores of the BAI(P < 0.001) and the SDS(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Age > 45 years at time of transplant,DDLT,full-time working,no complications,anxiety and depression were possible factors influencing postoperative HRQoL in liver recipients.

Infective Artery Rupture of Renal Allografts:A Single-Center Retrospective Study in China

Objective:This study investigated the composition of pathogenic microorganisms,clinical features,and therapeutic strategies of infective artery rupture of renal allografts in recipients receiving deceased donor(DD)kidneys.Methods:We retrospectively studied the clinical data of the DD kidney transplant recipients with donor-associated infection at Tongji Hospital,Wuhan,China from January 1,2015 to December 31,2018,related recipients and corresponding donors.We collected the entire results of pathogenic microorganisms cultured from these related ruptured kidneys and then analyzed their distribution and differences.Results:A total of 1440 kidney transplants from DD were performed in our center.The total incidence of infective artery rupture in kidney transplants was about 0.76%(11/1440),and the annual incidence ranged from 0.25%to 1.03%.The microbial culture results revealed that 11 recipients suffered from infective artery rupture and 3 recipients who accepted the kidney from same donor had the donor-associated pathogens,including 9 fungal strains(28.1%)and 23 bacterial strains(71.9%).There were 4 recipients infected with multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae from the above 11 recipients,of which,10 recipients underwent graft loss,and one died of septic shock.The microbial cultures of the remaining 3 recipients who received appropriate anti-infective regimens turned negative eventually,and the patients were discharged successfully without significant complications.Conclusion:Renal recipients with infections derived from DDs were at high risk of artery rupture,graft loss,or even death.Appropriate anti-infective treatment is essential to reduce the incidence of artery rupture and mortality.

Obesity and bariatric surgery in kidney transplantation:A clinical review

Obesity is increasing worldwide,and this has major implications in the setting of kidney transplantation.Patients with obesity may have limited access to transplantation and increased posttransplant morbidity and mortality.Most transplant centers incorporate interventions aiming to target obesity in kidney transplant candidates,including dietary education and lifestyle modifications.For those failing nutritional restriction and medical therapy,the use of bariatric surgery may increase the transplant candidacy of patients with obesity and endstage renal disease(ESRD)and may potentially improve the immediate and late outcomes.Bariatric surgery in ESRD patients is associated with weight loss ranging from 29.8% to 72.8% excess weight loss,with reported mortality and morbidity rates of 2% and 7%,respectively.The most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedures in patients with ESRD and in transplant patients are laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG)and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.However,the correct timing of bariatric surgery and the ideal type of surgery have yet to be determined,although pretransplant LSG seems to be associated with an acceptable risk-benefit profile.We review the impact of obesity on kidney transplant candidates and recipients and in potential living kidney donors,exploring the potential impact of bariatric surgery in addressing obesity in these populations,thereby potentially improving posttransplant outcomes.

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation:Is it getting ready for prime time?

Kidney transplantation(KT)is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease,providing a better survival rate and quality of life compared to dialysis.Despite the progress in the medical management of KT patients,from a purely surgical standpoint,KT has resisted innovations during the last 50 years.Recently,robot-assisted KT(RAKT)has been proposed as an alternative approach to open surgery,especially due to its potential benefits for fragile and immunocompromised recipients.It was not until 2014 that the role of RAKT has found value thanks to the pioneering Vattikuti Urology Institute-Medanta collaboration that conceptualized and developed a new surgical technique for RAKT following the Idea,Development,Exploration,Assessment,Long-term follow-up recommendations for introducing surgical innovations into real-life practice.During the last years,mirroring the Vattikuti-Medanta technique,several centers developed RAKT program worldwide,providing strong evidence about the safety and the feasibility of this procedure.However,the majority of RAKT are still performed in the living donor setting,as an“eligible”procedure,while only a few centers have realized KT through a robotic approach in the challenging scenario of cadaver donation.In addition,despite the spread of minimally-invasive(predominantly robotic)surgery worldwide,many KTs are still performed in an open fashion.Regardless of the type of incision employed by surgeons,open KT may lead to nonnegligible risks of wound complications,especially among obese patients.Particularly,the assessment for KT should consider not only the added surgical technical challenges but also the higher risk of postoperative complications.In this context,robotic surgery could offer several benefits,including providing a better exposure of the surgical field and better instrument maneuverability,as well as the possibility to integrate other technological nuances,such as the use of intraoperative fluorescence vascular imaging with indocyanine green to assess the ureteral vascularization before the uretero-vesical anastomosis.Therefore,our review aims to report the more significant experiences regarding RAKT,focusing on the results and future perspectives.

Diagnosis of morbid obesity may not impact healthcare utilization for orthotopic liver transplantation:A propensity matched study

AIM To study mortality, length of stay, and total charges in morbidly obese adults during index hospitalization for orthotopic liver transplantation.METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried to obtain demographics, healthcare utilization, post orthotopic liver transplantation(OLT) complications, and short term outcomes of OLT performed from 2003 to 2011(n = 46509). We divided patients into those with [body mass index(BMI) ≥ 40] and without(BMI < 40) morbid obesity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performedto characterize differences in in-hospital mortality, length of stay(LOS), and charges for OLT between patients with and without morbid obesity after adjusting for significant confounders. Additionally, propensity matching was performed to further validate the results.RESULTS Of the 46509 patients who underwent OLT during the study period, 818(1.8%) were morbidly obese. Morbidly obese recipients were more likely to be female(46.8% vs 33.4%, P = 0.002), Caucasian(75.2% vs 67.8%, P = 0.002), in the low national income quartile(32.3% vs 22.5%, P = 0.04), and have ≥ 3 comorbidities(modified Elixhauser index; 83.9% vs 45.0%, P < 0.001). Morbidly obese patient also had an increase in procedure related hemorrhage(P = 0.028) and respiratory complications(P = 0.043). Multivariate and propensity matched analysis showed no difference in mortality(OR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.27-1.84, P = 0.47), LOS(β:-4.44; 95%CI:-9.93, 1.05, P = 0.11) and charges for transplantation(β: $15693; 95%CI:-51622-83008, P = 0.64) between the two groups. Morbidly obese patients were more likely to have transplants on weekdays(81.7%) as compared to those without morbid obesity(75.4%, P = 0.029).CONCLUSION Morbid obesity may not impact in-hospital mortality and health care utilization in OLT recipients. However, morbidly obese patients may be selected after careful assessment of co-morbidities.

Overview of Kidney Transplantation: A Single Centre Report from China

Introduction: Worldwide, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is one of the leading disease with prolong morbidity. Kidney transplantation offers the best solution for the problem. The shortage of donor kidney is even bigger problem due to transplantation being one of the routine procedures. The use of deceased donor definitely increases the pool of donor with excellent immediate and long-term follow-up proven results. Aim: The aim is to analyze and summarize the outcome of Kidney transplantation. Methods & Materials: A total of 78 cases of Kidney Transplantation were selected for the study and categorized as: Group I—41 (living Donor), Group II—23 (DCD) & Group III—15 (DBD). Perspective study was done with clean data recorded & maintained pre-operatively, post-operatively and follow-up from Jan 2011 to Dec 2015 in our hospital. Post-operative graft status, complications and at least 1-year follow-up were area of main focus. Results: All patients underwent successful kidney transplantation. In Group I, the number of living donor kidney transplantation is 41 whereas in Group II (DCD) & III (DBD), the number of deceased donor transplantation is 23 and 15 respectively. The Normal functioning of graft (NGF) was 38 (87.8%), 16 (69.6%) & 11 (73.3%) in Group I, II & III respectively along with Poor Graft function (PGF) in Group I—4 (9.7%), II—5 (21.7%) & III—2 (13.3%) managed by continuing dialysis. Delayed graft function (DGF) was noted I-1 (2.4%), II-2 (8.6%) & III-1 (6.6%) in respective group, which returned to normal function post intervention. Therefore, 1st year graft survival was >93% [(Group I (97.6%), Group II (95.6%) & Group III (93.3%) respectively]. Manageable surgical complication were found in Group I—8 (19.5%), Group II—5 (21.7%) & Group III—2 (13.3%) like hematoma, hydronephrosis, leakage except one emboli related nephrectomy of transplanted kidney & one pneumonia led death in Group II. The overall survival was greater than 90% [(Group I (97.6%), Group II (91.3%) & Group III (93.3%) respectively] in all three groups after at least 1-year follow-up study, which was an excellent prognosis. Conclusion: Kidney Transplantation is safe, effective and the best method of treatment for ESRD. Significant improvement in quality of life is the hallmark merit over dialysis. Paired donation program should be encouraged in order to overcome shortage of kidney, which increases living donor pool. Outcome in living donor Kidney transplantation is always better than deceased donor transplantation. The prognosis of deceased donor transplantation (1 year Graft survival > 93% & 1 year patient survival > 90%) is also satisfactory with promising results. Therefore all the results were under acceptable standard limit. Thus, kidney transplantation (live or deceased donor) should be encouraged as primary modalities in the treatment of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

Use of donor-specific red blood cell transfusions for patients undergoing liver transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background:Increased risks have been found for patients undergoing liver transplantation due to the blood supply shortage following the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Hence,exploring a method to alleviate this dilemma is urgent.This phase I,nonrandomized,prospective trial aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using donor-specific red blood cell transfusion(DRBCT)as an urgent measurement to alleviate the blood supply shortage in deceased donor liver transplantation(DDLT).Methods:The outcomes of 26 patients who received DRBCT and 37 patients in the control group who only received 3rd party packed red blood cells(pRBCs)transfusion between May 2020 and January 2021 were compared.Results:Patients receiving DRBCT did not develop transfusion-related complications,and the incidence of postoperative infection was similar to that in the control group(23.1%vs.18.9%,P=0.688).Because the patients received the red blood cells from organ donors,the median volume of intraoperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion from blood bank was 4.0 U(IQR 1.1-8.0 U)in the DRBCT group,which is significantly lower than that(7.5 U,IQR 4.0-10.0 U)in the control group(P=0.018).The peak aspartate aminotransferase(AST)level was significantly lower in the DRBCT group than in the control group(P=0.008)and so were the AST levels in the first two days after the operation(P=0.006 and P=0.033).Conclusions:DRBCT is a safe and effective procedure to lower the need for blood supply and is associated with a reduction in AST levels after transplantation.DRBCT is beneficial to patients receiving life-saving transplantation without sufficient blood supply during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liver retransplants using living donors:An approach for management

Background and aims:Many centers do not offer living donor transplants for patients in need of a liver retransplant.We aimed to study our liver retransplant outcomes using living donors and compared them with those of retransplants performed using deceased donors.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed all retransplants performed at our center between 2009 and 2023,and outcomes of living donor retransplants were compared with deceased donor retransplants using standard statistical tests.Results:Between January 2009 and March 2023,a total of 77 retransplants,60 with deceased donors and 17 with living donors,were performed.Important demographic differences between the two groups included a higher model for end-stage liver disease score in the deceased donor group(32.1±6.1 vs.19.4±5.7,P<0.001)and a higher number of early retransplants(within 3 months of the initial transplant),which accounted for 35% of deceased donor transplants but 0 of living donor transplants(P<0.01).Overall,the patient and graft survival rates were comparable between the two groups.The patient survival rates at 1 and 3 years after transplant were 73% and 67% in the deceased donor group and 84% and 73% in the living donor group,respectively(P=0.57).The hospital length of stay and blood product use were both better in the living donor group.Biliary complications did not show significant different between the two groups(P=0.33).Conclusions:Living donors can provide acceptable outcomes for those in need of a retransplant,with results comparable to those seen with deceased donors.A systematic approach to the patient in the pre-,peri-,and post-transplantation period is important in these complicated cases.

A single center analysis of long-term outcomes and survival related risk factors in liver retransplantation

Background:Liver retransplant is the only option to save a patient with liver graft failure.However,it is controversial due to its poor survival outcome compared to primary transplantation.Insufficient deceased organ donation in Taiwan leads to high waitlist mortality.Hence,living-donor grafts offer a valuable alternative for retransplantation.This study aims to analyze the single center’s outcome in living donor liver retransplantation(re-LDLT)and deceased donor liver retransplantation(re-DDLT)as well as the survival related confounding risk factors.Methods:This is a single center retrospective study including 32 adults who underwent liver retransplantation(re-LT)from June 2002 to April 2020.The cohort was divided into a re-LDLT and a re-DDLT group and survival outcomes were analyzed.Patient outcomes over different periods,the effect of timing on survival,and multivariate analysis for risk factors were also demonstrated Results:Of the 32 retransplantations,the re-LDLT group(n=11)received grafts from younger donors(31.3 vs.43.75 years,P=0.016),with lower graft weights(688 vs.1,457.2 g,P<0.001)and shorter cold ischemia time(CIT)(45 vs.313 min,P<0.001).The 5-year survival was significantly better in the re-LDLT group than in the re-DDLT group(100%vs.70.8%,P=0.02).This difference was adjusted when only retransplantation after 2010 was analyzed.Further analysis showed that the timing of retransplantation(early vs.late)did not affect patient survival.Multivariate analysis revealed that prolonged warm ischemia time(WIT)and intraoperative blood transfusion were related to poor long-term survival.Conclusions:Retransplantation with living donor graft demonstrated good long-term outcomes with acceptable complications to both recipient and donor.It may serve as a choice in areas lacking deceased donors.The timing of retransplantation did not affect the long-term survival.Further effort should be made to reduce WIT and massive blood transfusion as they contributed to poor survival after retransplantation.