Search

ObjectivesTo compare long-term survival of living donor liver transplant (LDLT) at experienced transplant centers with outcomes of deceased donor liver transplant and identify key variables impacting patient and graft survival.BackgroundThe Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study is a prospective multicenter National Institutes of Health study comparing outcomes of LDLT and deceased donor liver transplant and associated risks.MethodsMortality and graft failure for 1427 liver recipients (963 LDLT) enrolled in the Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study who received transplant between January 1, 1998, and January 31, 2014, at 12 North American centers with median follow-up 6.7 years were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox models.ResultsSurvival probability at 10 years was 70% for LDLT and 64% for deceased donor liver transplant. Unadjusted survival was higher with LDLT (hazard ratio = 0.76, P = 0.02) but attenuated after adjustment (hazard ratio = 0.98, P = 0.90) as LDLT recipients had lower mean model for end-stage liver disease (15.5 vs 20.4) and fewer received transplant from intensive care unit, were inpatient, on dialysis, were ventilated, or with ascites. Posttransplant intensive care unit days were less for LDLT recipients. For all recipients, female sex and primary sclerosing cholangitis were associated with improved survival, whereas dialysis and older recipient/donor age were associated with worse survival. Higher model for end-stage liver disease score was associated with increased graft failure. Era of transplantation and type of donated lobe did not impact survival in LDLT.ConclusionsLDLT provides significant long-term transplant benefit, resulting in transplantation at a lower model for end-stage liver disease score, decreased death on waitlist, and excellent posttransplant outcomes. Recipient diagnosis, disease severity, renal failure, and ages of recipient and donor should be considered in decision making regarding timing of transplant and donor options.Clinical Trials ID: NCT00096733.

Background/Aims Bile leak is one of the most common complications of liver transplantation. The treatment options for bile leaks include conservative management, surgical re-intervention, percutaneous drainage and endoscopic drainage. We aimed to perform a systematic review to identify the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in the resolution of post-transplant bile leaks. Methods Two independent reviewers performed systematic literature search in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, grey literature and relevant references in May 2017. Human studies in English with documented post-liver transplant bile leaks were included. Results Thirty-four studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled efficacy of biliary stents for the resolution of post-transplant bile leaks was 82.43% compared with 87.15% efficacy of nasobiliary tubes. The efficacy of biliary stents was lower for anastomotic leaks (69.23%) compared to T-tube (90.9%) or cut-surface/ cystic duct stump related leaks (92.8%). Similarly, the efficacy of nasobiliary tube was also lower for anastomotic leaks (58.33%) compared to T-tube or cut-surface related leaks (100%). Conclusions In this systematic review, the overall efficacy was 82.43% in biliary stent group, and 87.15% in nasobiliary tube group. Both biliary stent and nasobiliary tube were more effective in managing non-anastomotic leaks compared to anastomotic leaks.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between living donor liver transplant (LDLT) and deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) at a single center to demonstrate the advantages of LDLT and provide justification for the increased utilization and application of this procedure. Summary of Background Data: LDLT comprises a very small percentage of all liver transplants performed in the United States, this despite its advantages and a shortage of the availability of deceased donor organs. Methods: A retrospective review of all adult LDLT (n = 245) and DDLT (n = 592) performed at a single center over 10 years (2009–2019), comparing survival outcomes by Kaplan-Meier analysis and comparing other measures of outcome such as recovery times, complications, costs, and resource utilization. Results: Patient survival outcomes were superior in LDLT recipients (3-year 86% vs 80%, P = 0.03). Other outcomes demonstrated shorter length of hospital stay (11 vs 13 days, P = 0.03), less likelihood of intraoperative blood transfusion (52% vs 78%, P < 0.01), and less likelihood of need for posttransplant dialysis (1.6% vs 7.4%, P < 0.01). Early reoperation and biliary/vascular complication rates were similar. Hospital costs related to the transplant were 29.5% lower for LDLT. Complications in living donors were acceptable with no early or late deaths, 3-month reoperation rate of 3.1%, and overall complication rate of 19.5%. Given its advantages, we have expanded LDLT—in 2018, LDLT comprised 53.6% of our transplants (national average 4.8%), and our transplant rate increased from 44.8 (rate per 100-person years) in 2015 to 87.5 in 2018. Conclusions: LDLT offers advantages over DDLT including superior outcomes and less resource utilization. The time has come to change the paradigm of how LDLT is utilized in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Bile leak is one of the most common complications of liver transplantation. The treatment options for bile leaks include conservative management, surgical re-intervention, percutaneous drainage and endoscopic drainage. We aimed to perform a systematic review to identify the efficacy of endoscopic treatment in the resolution of post-transplant bile leaks. Methods: Two independent reviewers performed systematic literature search in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, grey literature and relevant references in May 2017. Human studies in English with documented post-liver transplant bile leaks were included. Results: Thirty-four studies were included in the final analysis. The pooled efficacy of biliary stents for the resolution of post-transplant bile leaks was 82.43% compared with 87.15% efficacy of nasobiliary tubes. The efficacy of biliary stents was lower for anastomotic leaks (69.23%) compared to T-tube (90.9%) or cut-surface/cystic duct stump related leaks (92.8%). Similarly, the efficacy of nasobiliary tube was also lower for anastomotic leaks (58.33%) compared to T-tube or cut-surface related leaks (100%). Conclusions: In this systematic review, the overall efficacy was 82.43% in biliary stent group, and 87.15% in nasobiliary tube group. Both biliary stent and nasobiliary tube were more effective in managing non-anastomotic leaks compared to anastomotic leaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 17 years, liver transplant in India has evolved from a rarity to a common procedure available along the length and breadth of the country with survival data comparable to the best centres in the world. India is now in the forefront of Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) in the world, led by the team of the principal author. LDLT is possible for all types of recipients and indications with 95% success, with low incidence of vascular complications and biliary complications. While Deceased donor liver transplants (DDLTs) have picked up steam in Southern India, there is still a large gap between demand and supply of organs. LDLT is essential to bridge this gap and continues to be the main curative option for the majority of patients in India suffering from end-stage liver disease and Hepato cellular carcinoma (HCC) confined to the liver.

Strictures of the bile duct are a well-recognized complication of liver transplant and account for more than 50% of all biliary complications after deceased donor liver transplant and living donor liver transplant. Biliary strictures that develop after transplant are classified as anastomotic strictures or nonanastomotic strictures, depending on their location in the bile duct. The incidence, etiology, natural history, and response to therapy of the 2 types vary greatly, so their distinction is clinically important. The imaging modality of choice for the diagnosis of biliary strictures is magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography because of its high rate of diagnostic accuracy and limited risk of complications. Biliary strictures that develop after liver transplant may be managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), or surgical revision, including retransplant. The initial treatment of choice for these strictures is ERC with progressive balloon dilation and the placement of increasing numbers of plastic stents. PTC and surgery are generally reserved for failures of endoscopic therapy or for anatomic variants that are not suitable for ERC. In this article, we discuss the classification of biliary strictures, their diagnosis, and the therapeutic strategies that can be used to manage these common complications of liver transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Hepatic arterial inflow to the liver graft following liver transplantation is critical to graft survival. When recipient hepatic artery is not available due to injury or recipient hepatic artery flow is inadequate extra anatomic hepatic arterial reconstruction during deceased donor liver transplantation is required to ensure adequate hepatic arterial blood flow to the graft. The outcome in such patients is analyzed and compared with patient with standard hepatic artery reconstruction. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 30 patients who underwent Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation (DDLT) from March 2007 to May 2010 was done to assess the outcome of extra anatomic arterial inflow reconstruction. DDLT with standard end to end Hepatic Artery anastomosis performed in 24 patients (n = 24) served as control. Extra anatomic hepatic arterial reconstruction (EAHAR) was performed in 6 patients. The preferred choice of EAHAR was to fashion an infrarenal aortic conduit using stored donor iliac artery graft routed through the base of the transverse mesocolon. Results: Extra anatomic hepatic arterial reconstruction is not associated with increased morbidity, mortality, blood loss, operating room time or thrombosis. Conclusion: Extra anatomic hepatic arterial reconstructions are associated with excellent long-term outcomes and provide acceptable alternatives for arterial reconstruction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) is a universal phenomenon. Recent reports have suggested an earlier and more aggressive recurrence in the living donor liver transplant (LDLT) population. The aim of this study was to compare the histological recurrence of HCV after LDLT versus deceased donor transplantation (DDT). Twenty-nine patients underwent LT for HCV-related end-stage liver disease at our institution between April 2001 and March 2003 (42 months). Twenty patients underwent DDT, and nine patients LDLT. Laboratory data were collected on a weekly to biweekly basis and HCV PCR was performed before LT and 3-4 months and yearly post-LT. Liver biopsies were performed as needed and per institutional protocol at 7 days, at 4 months, and yearly thereafter. All biopsies were evaluated by a single pathologist and scored for rejection (Banff score) and chronic hepatitis (Ishak score system). The predominant genotype in the DDT and LDLT groups was genotype 1 (DDT = 70%, LDLT = 79%). HCV RNA titers pre-LT and 3-4 months after LT did not differ. The incidence of rejection was higher in the DDT group (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward improved Ishak stage and grade in the LDLT group at 4 and 12 months post-LT, however, this trend did not reach statistical significance. No histological difference in the recurrence or severity rate was observed at 4 or 12 months post-LT in the DDT group vs. the LDLT group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplant is associated with a poor prognosis and significantly increases morbidity and mortality among liver transplant patients. Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate the overall prevalence of HCC recurrence following liver transplant. Medline and Embase databases were searched, and a meta-analysis of proportions was conducted. Observational studies reporting the prevalence of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplant were included, with the analysis being stratified by adherence to Milan criteria, ethnicity, socio-economic status, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels, living donor vs. deceased donor, and the underlying aetiology of the liver disease. A meta-regression on the date of the study completion was also performed. Of a total 40,495 patients, 3888 developed an HCC recurrence. The overall prevalence of recurrent HCC was 13% (CI: 0.12–0.15). Patients beyond the Milan criteria (MC) were more likely to recur than patients within MC. Asian populations had the greatest prevalence of HCC recurrence (19%; CI: 0.15–0.24) when compared to Western (12%; CI: 0.11–0.13) and Latin American populations (11%; CI: 0.09–0.14). The prevalence of recurrent HCC was the highest in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) (18%; CI: 0.11–0.27) compared to other aetiologies. A higher AFP also resulted in an increased recurrence. This highlights interesting differences based on ethnicity, income, and aetiology, and further studies are needed to determine the reasons for the disparity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about wait‐list time has been reported as one of the single most frequently asked questions by individuals awaiting a transplant but data regarding wait‐list time have not been processed in a useful way for pediatric candidates. To predict chance of receiving a DDLT, we identified 6471 pediatric (<18 years), non status‐1A, liver‐only transplant candidates between 2006 and 2017 from the SRTR. Cox regression with shared frailty for DSA level effect was used to model the association of blood type, weight, allocation PELD and MELD, and DSA with chance of DDLT. Jackknife technique was used for validation. Median (interquartile range) wait‐list time was 100 (34‐309) days. Non‐O Blood type, higher PELD/MELD score at listing, and DSA were associated with increased chance of DDLT, while age 1‐5 years and 10‐18 years was associated with lower chance of DDLT (P < 0.001 for all variables). Our model accurately predicted chance of transplant (C‐statistic = 0.68) and was able to predict DDLT at specific follow‐up times (eg, 3 months). This model can serve as the basis for an online tool that would provide useful information for pediatric wait‐list candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]