Impact of donor-specific antibodies on long-term graft survival with pediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND In a previous paper,we reported a high prevalence of donor-specific antibody(DSA)in pediatric patients with chronic rejection and expressed the need for confirmation of these findings in a larger cohort.AIM To clarify the importance of DSAs on long-term graft survival in a larger cohort of pediatric patients.METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 123 pediatric liver transplantation(LT)recipients who participated in yearly follow-ups including Luminex testing for DSA at our center.The cohort was split into two groups according to the DSA status(DSA-positive n=54,DSA-negative n=69).Groups were compared with regard to liver function,biopsy findings,graft survival,need for re-LT and immunosuppressive medication.RESULTS DSA-positive pediatric patients showed a higher prevalence of chronic rejection(P=0.01),fibrosis(P<0.001)and re-transplantation(P=0.018)than DSA-negative patients.Class II DSAs particularly influenced graft survival.Alleles DQ2,DQ7,DQ8 and DQ9 might serve as indicators for the risk of chronic rejection and/or allograft fibrosis.Mean fluorescence intensity levels and DSA number did not impact graft survival.Previous episodes of chronic rejection might lead to DSA development.CONCLUSION DSA prevalence significantly affected long-term liver allograft performance and liver allograft survival in our cohort of pediatric LT.Screening for class II DSAs in combination with assessment of protocol liver biopsies for chronic antibodymediated rejection improved early identification of patients at risk of graft loss.

Biliary cast syndrome:literature review and a single centre experience in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND:Biliary cast syndrome(BCS)is an unusual complication of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx),and its management is difficult.Limited success using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)or open exploration to clear casts has been reported, but failure usually results in re-transplantation.We aimed to review our experience with BCS and highlight a novel combined percutaneous and endoscopic approach for duct clearance.A brief review of the literature is given. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed our experience of managing BCS using case notes review.Details were also gathered from radiology,where interventional procedures were carried out. RESULTS:We had a total of three cases of BCS reported between 2002 and 2005.Multiple attempts were made to remove these casts.All three were treated in a variety of ways.Management is discussed along with highlighting a novel combined percutaneous and endoscopic approach for duct clearance. CONCLUSIONS:BCS is a potential complication of OLTx. Surgical and endoscopic methods of removing casts are used.However,in circumstances where these methods are technically difficult,a percutaneous endoscopic approach with serial dilatation of the cutaneous port and surgical removal of casts can be done.