Search

Domino liver transplantation and domino-auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation are emerging techniques that can expand the liver donor pool and provide hope for children with liver disease. The innovative technique of domino liver transplantation has emerged as a pioneering strategy, capitalizing on structurally preserved livers from donors exhibiting single enzymatic defects within a morphologically normal context, effectively broadening the donor pool. Concurrently, the increasingly prevalent domino-auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation method assumes a critical role in bolstering available donor resources. These advanced transplantation methods present a unique opportunity for pediatric patients who, despite having structurally and functionally intact livers and lacking early signs of portal hypertension or extrahepatic involvement, do not attain priority on conventional transplant lists. Utilizing optimal clinical conditions enhances posttransplant outcomes, benefiting patients who would otherwise endure extended waiting periods for traditional transplantation. The perioperative management of children undergoing these procedures is complex and requires careful consideration of some factors, including clinical and metabolic conditions of the specific metabolic disorder, and the need for tailored perioperative management planning. Furthermore, the prudent consideration of de novo disease development in the recipient assumes paramount significance when selecting suitable donors for domino liver transplantation, as it profoundly influences prognosis, mortality, and morbidity. This narrative review of domino liver transplantation will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, perioperative management, and prognostic expectations, focusing on perioperative anesthetic considerations for children undergoing domino liver transplantation., (© 2024 The Author(s). Pediatric Anesthesia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Although thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication that develops after liver transplantation, immune thrombocytopenia rarely occurs post-transplant. We present an 8-year-old boy who experienced 2 immune thrombocytopenia episodes that occurred 72 and 93 months after liver transplant while the patient was on tacrolimus therapy. The patient, who had primary diagnosis being deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency, received a liver transplant from his father at 1 year of age. Parents were first-degree relatives. In both episodes, the patient was admitted because of diffuse petechial lesions that developed 7 to 14 days after upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory findings were unremarkable except for low platelet count (13 × 109/L and 6 × 109/L) and increased immature megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. The first episode responded to a mega-level dose of methylprednisolone; platelet count remained stable at >150 × 109/L until immune thrombocytopenia recurred 21 months later. The second episode was resistant to standard treatment modalities, including steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin G, and rituximab administration but responded to eltrombopag (starting at 25 mg/day and gradually increased to 75 mg/day) as a bridging regimen for partial splenic embolization and as maintenance therapy for 45 days. Platelet count has remained normal and stable over 3 years. In our literature review, we found 9 children who developed immune thrombocytopenia after liver transplant. In our patient, with response to eltrombopag as a bridging regimen for partial splenic embolization and maintenance therapy and primary liver pathology showing deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency, the posttransplant period before diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia was longer than periods reported in the literature. These factors make our case unique. Our case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of posttransplant immune thrombocytopenia, which can develop despite ongoing immunosuppressive therapy, and to differentiate this entity from other causes of thrombocytopenia.

Liver transplant is a complex procedure often complicated by postoperative bleeding events. Early detection of active bleeding is crucial for effective intervention. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of 384-slice computed tomography angiography in identifying early postoperative active bleeding events after liver transplant. We retrospectively analyzed 53 liver transplant recipients from February 1, 2022, to December 26, 2023. All patients underwent 384-slice computed tomography angiography, capturing arterial, venous, and delayed phases. Results showed that 34.2% of patients experienced bleeding events, with 28.57% of these patients having active bleeding complications. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 3.77% of cases. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated 100% sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value in detecting bleeding. Bleeding primarily originated from the perihepatic region and was predominantly arterial. Our findings underscore the value of 384-slice computed tomography angiography in early detection and localization of postoperative bleeding, which enhances patient management and outcomes. Integrating this advanced imaging tool into routine postoperative care can significantly improve intervention accuracy and patient recovery.

Objectives: Alagille syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder with multisystemic involvement. Patients with Alagille syndrome have many accompanying anomalies such as atypical facial appearance, posterior embryotoxon, butterfly vertebra, cardiac anomalies, and biliary problems. Liver and heart complications can determine the mortality and morbidity of patients with Alagille syndrome. The scarcity of intrahepatic bile ducts leads to cholestatic liver damage. In the heart, although the disease most commonly causes peripheral pulmonary stenosis, patients can present with various structural heart diseases. These cardiac anomalies make intraoperative and postoperative management difficult in patients who need liver transplant. Here, we present 10 cases of liver transplant due to Alagille syndrome., Materials and Methods: From 1988 to the present, our center performed 724 liver transplants, with 366 being pediatric cases; among these, 10 were due to Alagille syndrome. We retrospectively examined patient morphological findings, cardiac pathology, and perioperative complications., Results: Average weight and age of patients were 11 kg and 4.9 years, respectively. Eight patients had atypical facial appearance, 5 had posterior embryotoxon, and 6 had butterfly vertebra. Portoenterostomy (Kasai procedure) was performed in 3 patients because of suspicion of early biliary atresia. Cardiac pathology was present in 8 patients, with peripheral pulmonary stenosis being the most common (present in 8 patients). One patient had cardiac catheterization, with right ventricular and pulmonary artery pressures measured at 110 and 37 mm Hg, respectively. Two patients required preoperative pulmonary angioplasty. Two patients had double superior vena cava. No complications occurred in any patient during the anhepatic phase with appropriate volume replacement. No patients had early mortality., Conclusions: Cardiac anomalies should be identified in patients with Alagille syndrome to minimize complications before liver transplant. If necessary, cardiac catheterization should be performed for pulmonary stenosis. Peripheral pulmonary stenosis does not constitute an absolute contraindication to liver transplant.

Objectives: Patients with liver transplant can present to a pediatric emergency department with short- and long-term complications of transplant. Here, we described clinical features of pediatric liver transplant patients admitted to the pediatric emergency department and identified risk factors that may lead to pediatric intensive care unit admission., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated pediatric liver transplant patients admitted posttransplant to Baskent University Hospital's pediatric emergency department in 2023. We noted symptoms, laboratory tests, hospitalization status, and final diagnoses. We compared clinical and laboratory features of patients admitted or not admitted to the intensive care unit., Results: In 2023, 108 presentations of 33 liver transplant patients presented to our pediatric emergency department: 46.3% were girls, mean age was 7.79 ± 4.40 years, and median posttransplant day at time of emergency department visit was 622 days. Common symptoms were vomiting (48%), fever (46%), and rhinorrhea and cough (34%). Forty-nine visits (45.4%) resulted in hospitalization; 5 visits (4.6%) resulted in PICU admission, with 2 mortalities (1.8%). Final diagnoses included acute gastroenteritis and upper respiratory tract infections (23 patients) and lower respiratory tract infections (13 patients). Seven patients had cholangitis, 6 had intra-abdominal infection, and 5 had sepsis. Seizures and sepsis were significantly correlated with intensive care unit admission (P <.001). Patients admitted to the intensive care unit had significantly shorter time posttransplant versus other patients (518 ± 324 vs 1498 ± 1658 days; P < .001)., Conclusions: Half of patients who presented to the emergency department required hospitalization mainly for observation and supportive treatment, with a small number requiring intensive care unit admission. Nevertheless, physicians caring for liver transplant patients should be aware of serious complications and monitor patients closely, especially early posttransplant when intensive immunosuppressive treatment regimens are used.

Invasive aspergillosis is a rare but serious complication that can occur in solid-organ transplant recipients. This condition arises from an infection caused by Aspergillus, a widespread mold typically transmitted through the inhalation of its spores (conidia). This report presents 3 unique cases of invasive aspergillosis in patients who received either kidney or liver transplants from a 17-year-old deceased pediatric donor. The first case was a 27-yearold male kidney transplant recipient who developed symptoms at posttransplant day 65, leading to graft nephrectomy despite antifungal therapy. The second case, a 17-year-old male kidney transplant recipient with a posttransplant course similar to the first case, also required nephrectomy due to worsening invasive aspergillosis. The third case involved a 28-year-old female liver transplant recipient who presented with symptoms at posttransplant day 45 but recovered without the need for graft explant. The occurrence of Aspergillus in graft organs is generally rare and is often associated with systemic hematogenous dissemination before transplant. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for invasive mycotic infections in solid-organ transplant recipients, especially for patients who present with clump-like lesions on diagnostic imaging. Such awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and management and may thereby potentially improve patient outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Objectives: Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a consequential complication following solid-organ transplant, particularly associated with the Epstein-Barr virus. We studied a single center's cases of pediatric posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder for a 7-year period and focused on incidence rates, anatomic sites involved, and correlation with clinical outcomes. We explored clinical features and treatment outcomes in patients with pediatric posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, with emphasis on patient survival and associated clinical ramifications., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of medical records from pediatric solid-organ transplant recipients (liver or kidney) at Baskent University Ankara Hospital Organ Transplantation Center between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2024, approved by the Institutional Review Board (KA24/63). We identified cases based on pathology-confirmed persistent lymphadenopathy or tumorous lesions. Patient categorization distinguished between malignant and benign groups. Early posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder was defined within the initial year after transplant. Epstein?Barr virus association was determined through in situ hybridization, and patient characteristics were reviewed comprehensively., Results: In 7 years, 10 pediatric patients (9 liver transplants, 1 kidney transplant) were diagnosed with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, with an incidence of 8.7% for pediatric liver transplants. Mean age at diagnosis was 46.4 months, and mean time from transplant to diagnosis was 21.2 months. The most common complaints at diagnosis included fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, dyspnea, and diarrhea. Treatment modalities included rituximab, immunosuppression reduction, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, and chemotherapy (NHL Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster 90 protocols). All patients achieved remission (mean follow-up, 22.9 mo)., Conclusions: Early diagnosis of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder is important, and rituximab with immunosuppression reduction is effective to achieve complete remission, particularly in early polymorphic cases. Despite challenges, all patients achieved remission, signaling improved outcomes in pediatric posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder. Active monitoring of Epstein?Barr virus infection may further reduce posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder complications in pediatric solid-organ transplant; hence, early diagnosis is crucial.

Objectives: Liver transplant from a living donor is a more challenging procedure than liver transplant from a deceased donor, given that optimal blood supply to both the remaining liver segment in the donor and the graft must be maintained to ensure successful donor hepatectomy. During surgical planning, in addition to calculation of volumetric data with multidetector tomography, the anatomy of the hepatic artery, portal vein, and hepatic vein must also be meticulously determined, with the most commonly used clas-sification methods for hepatic artery variations being the Michels and Hiatt classifications. Although these classification methods can accurately group most patients, we often encounter a large number of patients who cannot be grouped or who exhibit other variations that accompany the defined group., Materials and Methods: We examined the hepatic artery computed tomography angiography tests taken before the operations of 290 living liver donors performed at our hospital between 2012 and 2023 and grouped the hepatic artery variations according to the Michels and Hiatt classifications. We also identified and classified cases that could not be classified into the groups of either classification method., Results: We identified 144 patients (62.61%) who fit the Michels classification. Eighty-six patients (37.39%) did not conform to the groups defined in either classification system. We identified 173 patients (75.22%) patients who fit the Hiatt classification, and 57 (24.78%) who did not. Notable variations included those in the medial and lateral branches of the left hepatic artery, those in the origin of the right hepatic artery, and the trifurcation of the common hepatic artery into the gastroduodenal artery, right hepatic artery, and left hepatic artery., Conclusions: The Michels and Hiatt classification systems are not sufficient for determining hepatic artery variations in many patients. A more comprehensive classification system that includes segmental arteries is needed.

Glycogen storage disease type 1 is a congenital abnormality of metabolism caused by the deficiency of the glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme, essential in glucose homeostasis. Patients with this disease are at high risk of developing hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, lactic acidemia, growth retardation, neutropenia, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other severe complications, such as hepatic adenomas converting into hepatocellular carcinomas. To prevent these complications, a liver transplant is the ultimate method of treatment. We present the successful anesthesia management for a 21-year-old man who had gross hepatomegaly, severe hypoglycemia, and hyperlactatemia and who received a liver transplant from his mother, which is a substantial challenge for anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists should know the underlying pathophysiological condition and perform a comprehensive preoperative evaluation to determine the correct anesthesia plan in patients with glycogen storage disease type 1 who will undergo an orthotopic liver transplant due to multiple system disorders. Successful perioperative management of patients with glycogen storage disease type 1 relies on effective communication and collaboration between specialists through a multidisciplinary team approach.

Objectives: Bronchiectasis is characterized by abnormal, persistent, and irreversible enlargement of the bronchi. Many etiological factors have been described, but there are limited data on the development of bronchiectasis after organ transplantation. Our study is the first to study evaluate the frequency of bronchiectasis in heart and liver transplants as well as kidney transplants. Our aim is to analyze the frequency of bronchiectasis development after solid-organ transplant and the characteristics of the cases and to evaluate potential relationships., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent solid-organ transplant at the Başkent University Faculty of Medicine Hospital through the hospital electronic information system. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data and thoracic computed tomography scans were evaluated., Results: The study included 468 patients (151 females/317 males). Kidney transplant was performed in 61.5% (n = 207), heart transplant in 20.3% (n = 95), and liver transplant in 18.2% (n = 85) of patients. Development of bronchiectasis was detected in only 13 patients (2.7%). We determined a 13.64-fold risk of developing bronchiectasis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 10.08-fold risk in patients with pneumonia by multivariate regression analyzes, in which all possible risk factors for the development of bronchiectasis after transplant were evaluated., Conclusions: The pathophysiology of transplantassociated bronchiectasis has not yet been clarified. Underlying diseases, recurrent pulmonary infections, and potential effects from immunosuppressive drugs may contribute to the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis. Further prospective studies are needed to include long-term health outcomes in transplant patients with and without bronchiectasis.

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency is common in pediatric chronic liver disease despite oral replacement. We evaluated vitamin D deficiency before and after liver transplant and the relationship between posttransplant and pretransplant vitamin D deficiency and graft rejection., Materials and Methods: Pediatric recipients with chronic liver disease (N =138) were divided into 4 groups: cholestatic liver diseases, cirrhosis, metabolic disorders, and acute liver failure. Pretransplant and posttransplant vitamin D levels, liver function tests, Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores, rejection activity index scores by graft liver biopsy, and posttransplant patient survival were recorded., Results: There were 62 (45%) female and 76 (55%) male participants (mean transplant age, 6.1 ± 5.6 years). Pretransplant mean available vitamin D of 90 patients was 25.2 ± 20.9 ng/mL, with 36 (40%) within reference range. Posttransplant level for 109 patients was 27.3 ± 18 ng/mL, with 64 (58.7%) within reference range. Pretransplant and posttransplant levels were available for 61 patients, and mean pretransplant levels were lower than posttransplant levels (23.7 ± 19.3 vs 28.3 ± 16.9 ng/mL; P = .01). Patients with cholestatic liver disease had lower pretransplant vitamin D levels (P = .04), which disappeared after transplant. Pretransplant vitamin D levels were positively correlated with serum albumin levels (r = 0.20) in all patients and negatively correlated with total/direct bilirubin (r = 0.29 and r = -0.30) in those with liver diseases and cirrhosis. No correlations were found between pretransplant vitamin D levels and Pediatric End-Stage Liver Disease scores, rejection activity index scores, and posttransplant mortality., Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in pediatric chronic liver disease before and after transplant, especially for cholestatic liver diseases. However, no association between vitamin D levels and liver graft rejection or patient survival was noted. We recommend close monitoring and individualized vitamin D supplementation before and after liver transplant.

In this study, our aim was to show the life expectancy according to donor age groups at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after liver transplant in liver transplant recipients. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the survival rate of 236 patients who had liver transplant procedures between 1988 and 2021. The 5-year life expectancy of recipients with donors over age 50 years in the literature has been shown to vary between 50% and 80%. Little information could be found on life expectancy after 10, 15, and 20 years in other studies. In the studies from Haberal and colleagues, life expectancy at 10, 15, and 20 years was 49%, 42%, and 42%, respectively. This study presents an evidence-based example of the use of elderly donors to enlarge the donor pool.

Objectives: Portal vein stenosis is a relatively rare complication after liver transplant but has severe consequences. We evaluated the efficacy and longterm results of the endovascular treatment methods for portal vein stenosis., Materials and Methods: From October 2011 to October 2022, we treated 22 patients (5 female, 17 male) with portal vein stenosis using endovascular methods. Doppler ultrasonography was used for initial diagnosis, with consideration of flow rate increase over stenosis, absence of flow, or reduced anastomotic segment size (>50%). Angiography served as the gold standard, with a pressure gradient above 5 mm Hg indicating the need for treatment. Technical success criteria were defined as <50% stenosis remaining and/or a pressure gradient <5mm Hg. The transhepatic approach was used for all patients. Balloon angioplasty was initially performed, and stents were reserved for patients in the early postoperative period or those unresponsive to balloon angioplasty., Results: The technical success rate was 100%. Mean age was 27.1 years (SD 22.4; range, 4 months to 63 years). Mean time from transplant to intervention was 317 days (range, 0-3135 days). Angioplasty was successful for 7 patients (13.8%). Of 15 patients who underwent stent placement, 9 (40.9%) were in the early postoperative period; in the other 6 patients (27%), results of angioplasty were not satisfactory, and stents were placed. Within 3 months of transplant, 3 patients died because of other complications. Among patients with stents, 2 required reintervention, resulting in reestablishment of good portal venous flow. During the mean follow-up of 24 months (range, 15 days to 9 years), 19 patients (86%) had portal flows within reference limits., Conclusions: The endovascular approach is a safe and effective treatment option for management of portal vein stenosis in both adult and pediatric liver transplant recipients in the early or late period.

Objectives: Chronic disorders may negatively affect people's learning status, marital status, occupational life, and social life. Liver transplant is the only curative treatment for chronic liver diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the psychosocial effects of liver transplant in adult patients who had undergone liver transplant during the pediatric period compared with psychosocial facts in the general population., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed adult patients (>18 years of age) who had received liver transplant as children. We compared sex, age at the time of transplant, current age, type of donor, graft survival status, marital status, age at first delivery, number of children, educational status, and occupational status in the study population versus the general (normal) population. To compare the liver transplant patients included in the study with the general population correctly, we used data from the Turkish Statistical Institute., Results: Among 77 liver transplant patients included in our study, the mean age at transplant was 10.9 years (range, 0.5-16 y) and the mean age at the time of the study was 25.2 years (range, 18-42 y). Of the patients, 61 (79.2%) were single and 16 (20.8%) were married. Patients in the study population married at a younger age than the general population (25.5 vs 28.1 y for men, 24.3 vs 25.4 y for women). Of 16 married patients, 9 (56.2%) had a healthy child or children. The percentage of patients who graduated from higher education or were continuing their higher education process was higher in our study population than in the general population (36.3% vs 22.8%). Among our study population, 37 patients (48%) were workers., Conclusions: Liver transplant had no negative effects on the social, educational, and professional lives among adults in our study who received transplants in the pediatric period.

Objectives: After orthotopic liver transplant, ischemia of biliary tract and graft loss may occur due to impaired hepatic arterial blood flow. This situation with hypersplenism and impaired hepatic arterial blood flowis defined as splenic artery steal syndrome.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perioperative factors and splenic artery steal syndrome in orthotopic liver transplant patients., Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant between 2014 and 2022 were included in the study. The data for the patients were obtained from the hospital database, including the intraoperative anesthesiology and postoperative intensive care records., Results: Eleven patients were diagnosed with splenic artery steal syndrome. Patients with splenic artery steal syndrome had higher need for intraoperative vasopressor agents (P = .016) and exhibited lower intraoperative urine output (P = .031). In the postoperative intensive care follow-up, patients with splenic artery steal syndrome had higher levels of C-reactive protein during the first 48 hours (P = .030)., Conclusions: Intraoperative administration of vasopressor drugs, low urine output, and early postoperative high C-reactive protein levels were associated with the development of splenic artery steal syndrome in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant. Future studies should focus on investigation of biomarkers associated systemic hypoperfusion that may contribute to the development of splenic artery steal syndrome.

Purpose: Cholangitis after liver transplantation may lead to bile duct necrosis. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent graft loss. We aimed to investigate cholangitis related hepatic arterial Doppler ultrasonography findings in liver transplants., Methods: Patients complicated with biopsy proven cholangitis in grafts were prospectively evaluated. Vascular complications were excluded. Doppler ultrasonography parameters including hepatic arterial diameter, resistive index, volume flow, and portal vein maximum velocity were measured twice: first during cholangitis and after full recovery. Data of two groups were compared using paired samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test., Results: The mean hepatic arterial volume flow, resistive index, and diameter of 33 patients complicated with cholangitis was observed to decrease after recovery from 0.356 to 0.273 L/min (p = 0.007), from 0.64 to 0.60 (p < 0.001) and from 4.9 to 4.4 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. Portal vein maximum velocity alteration was not statistically significant (p = 0.6)., Conclusion: Ultrasound follow-ups after liver transplantation can give us the clue of cholangitis initiation through some altering hepatic arterial Doppler parameters. Even though these are nonspecific findings that can also be observed in vascular complications, baseline Doppler data should be saved for future comparison and considered to prevent biliary associated graft loss., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: A hepatic vascular complication after liver transplant is a critical situation, often resulting in graft failure and potentially leading to patient death. Early diagnosis and treatment of vascular complications can provide prolonged graft survival and prohibit further complications. This study presents our experiences with endovascular treatment during the first week after liver transplant., Materials and Methods: Between January 2012 and February 2021, 240 liver transplants were performed, with 43 patients having early endovascular treatment (37 men; mean age 27 ± 2.9 years) at a single center. Early endovascular interventions were carried out 1 to 7 days (mean ± SD of 2.7 ± 0.24 days) after transplant. Patients with vascular complications were grouped by arterial, venous, and portal complications. In addition, arterial complications were subgrouped by occlusive (hepatic artery thrombosis) and nonocclusive (hepatic artery stenosis/splenic artery steal syndrome) complications. Patients had median follow-up of 47 ± 4 months., Results: In the first week after liver transplant, vascular complications included splenic artery steal syndrome in 27 patients (62.7%), hepatic complications in 10 patients (23.2%) (7 with hepatic artery thrombosis, 3 with hepatic artery stenosis), hepatic venous outflow complications in 4 patients (9.3%), and portal vein complications in 2 patients (4.6%). Only 1 patient required revision surgery because of excessive arterial kinking; the remaining patients with arterial complications were successfully managed with multiple endovascular treatment attempts. Patients with splenic artery steal syndrome were treated by selective arterial embolization with coil devices. Resistivity index, peak systolic velocity of hepatic arteries, and portal vein maximal velocity significantly improved (P < .001). Patients with hepatic venous outflow and portal vein complications who had endovascular treatments and vascular structures maintained good results over follow-up., Conclusions: Early endovascular intervention is feasible and safe for hepatic vascular complications following liver transplant, with high success treatment rates with advances in interventional radiology.

Objectives: Both living and deceased donor transplants require appropriate donor selection to increase the success of liver transplants. Proper deceased donor criteria will also increase the use of discarded and marginal donor livers. Here, we evaluated the Baskent University deceased and living donor criteria., Materials and Methods: Since 1988, our team has performed 704 liver transplants (490 from living [69.6&] and 214 from deceased [30.4&] donors) at our 3 transplant centers (Ankara, Adana, Istanbul)., Results: Living donor evaluations follow from simple and noninvasive tests to more complex and invasive, including liver biopsy, with social and medical evaluations being the most important. Living donor candidates must be relatives of the recipient (up to 4th degree) or the spouse of the recipient, and candidates must be ≥18 years old, with no health problems. Candidates undergo computed tomography to assess arterial and venous anatomy, to estimate total and remnant liver volume, and to detect any abnormalities. If graft-to-recipient weight ratio is >1 and remnant liver volume is ≥40% of total liver volume, then the candidate is accepted for further evaluation. All living donor candidates undergo liver biopsy. Age is not important for deceased donor candidates, but biopsy is the most important criterion in deceased donor selection. After histopathological examination, both living and deceased donor candidates are rejected if they have chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, severe hepatocellular injury, diffuse hepatocellular ballooning, or moderate-to-severe macrovesicular fatty changes >20%. Additional refusal criteria for deceased donors are hypernatremia, sepsis, extracranial malignancy, and high-dose vasopressor support., Conclusions: A deceased donor is the first choice in organ transplant. Proper evaluations can decrease discard rates of deceased organs. Living donor liver transplants should be performed only at well-established centers with surgical teams who have appropriate medical expertise and adequate institutional resources. To reduce complications and provide adequately functional grafts, careful donor evaluation is imperative.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the utility of fasting on Doppler ultrasonography findings of hepatic artery in liver transplants., Methods: Liver transplant patients without vascular abnormalities were prospectively evaluated between December 2017 and January 2020. Doppler sonography was used to describe hemodynamic changes in response to a standard meal. The diameter, peak systolic velocity, blood flow, resistive index (RI) of the main hepatic artery and portal vein peak velocity were measured., Results: The mean hepatic arterial diameter of 44 patients was higher in the fasting group (4.5 mm) than in the postprandial group (3.3 mm) (p < .05). The mean hepatic arterial blood flow decreased (from .276 to .127 L/min) and hepatic arterial RI increased (from .66 to .71) following meal ingestion (p < .05). Hepatic arterial velocity was significantly lower and portal venous velocity was higher after oral intake., Conclusion: Meal ingestion has an important effect on hepatic artery Doppler features in liver transplants. Therefore, Doppler ultrasound evaluation should be considered after appropriate fasting due to postprandial responses of liver transplant., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The cornerstone events of kidney and liver transplant history in Turkey are summarized herein. In 1975, we performed the first pediatric living-related renal transplant in Turkey. We followed this in 1978 with the first deceased donor kidney transplant, using an organ supplied by Eurotransplant. In 1979 the law on harvesting, storage, grafting, and transplant of organs and tissues was enacted; the first local deceased donor kidney transplant was performed by our team in 1979. In 1988, another ground-breaking event in Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa was successfully achieved: the first successful deceased-donor liver transplant, and in 1990, the first pediatric living-related segmental liver transplant in Turkey, the region and Europe was performed by our team. One month later, an adult-to-adult living-related liver transplant (left lobe) in the World was successfully performed. On May 16, 1992, we performed the first combined liver-kidney transplant from a living-related donor, which was the first operation of its kind in the World. Between November 1975 and January 2022, we have performed 3288 kidney (380 pediatric) at the Hacettepe University Hospitals and later on at Baskent University; since 1988, 701 (334 pediatric) liver transplants have been performed. In over 40 years of kidney and liver transplants history in Turkey, 46876 kidney (2502 pediatric patients) and 18203 liver (2612 pediatric patients) transplants have been performed nationwide. In 2001, the Ministry of Health established the National Coordination Center as an umbrella organization to promote transplant activities, especially for deceased donor organ procurement. Transplant activities are accelerating daily throughout the country, but deceased donors are still far below the desired rates.

Objectives: The blood supply of the liver occurs through the hepatic artery and portal vein. Outflow of blood circulation in the liver is via the hepatic veins. Any disruption in this blood circulation results in deterioration of liver functions. In this study, we evaluated early vascular complications in pediatric liver transplant recipients seen at our center., Materials and Methods: From November 1988 to December 2021, our team has performed 701 liver transplant procedures, which have included 334 pediatric liver transplants. Among these pediatric liver transplant recipients (mean age of 7.34 y), 176 were male patients. Nineteen patients (5.7%) were recipients of deceased donors. Reason for liver failure was mainly biliary atresia (n = 169). Mean weight of recipients was 23.3 kg. Most graft types were left lateral grafts (n = 204)., Results: Three patients had hepatic vein complications. All 3 patients were successfully treated with interventional radiological methods by placing a stent in the anastomosis region. Portal vein complications occurred in 3 patients. One patient had hemostasis performed surgically. The second patient had surgically revision of the anastomosis because of thrombus formation. Because of stenosis of more than 50% in the portal vein anastomosis, the third patient required stent placement in the anastomosis region. Hepatic artery complications occurred in 54 patients: 31 patients had hepatic artery thrombosis, 13 patients had hepatic artery stenosis, 7 patients had bleeding from hepatic artery anastomosis, 2 patients had hepatic artery dissection, and 1 patient had pseudoaneurysm in the hepatic artery. Forty-three of these patients were successfully treated with interventional radiological methods and 11 required surgical treatment., Conclusions: Vascular complications after liver transplant can cause deterioration in hepatic functions and acute liver failure. Vascular complications can be successfully treated in experienced organ transplant centers.

Objectives: Microcirculatory dysfunction is known to be associated with organ failure and increased mortality in transplant patients. Noninvasive monitorization of retinal structures of the eye could be a predictor for systemic microvasculature in these patients. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the retinal microvascular changes in pediatric patients who had undergone liver or renal transplant surgery, using optical coherence tomography angiography., Materials and Methods: The medical records of pediatric patients who had liver or renal transplant in the past 10 years were reviewed. The macular vessel density parameters were obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography (Avanti RTVue XR). The results were compared with the age-matched, sex-matched, and spherical equivalent-matched healthy participants (control group). The IBM SPSS (version 25.0) statistics program was used for data analysis., Results: We included 32 eyes of 16 liver transplant patients, 20 eyes of 10 renal transplant patients, and 64 eyes of 32 healthy participants (control group). Superficial macular whole image, superficial perifoveal, and deep foveal vessel densities were found to be lower in the liver transplant group compared with the healthy control group (P = .02, P = .01, and P = .01, respectively). Superficial foveal, deep macular whole image, deep foveal, and deep perifoveal vessel densities were found to be lower in the renal transplant group compared with the healthy control group (P = .03, P = .04, P = .01, and P = .02, respectively)., Conclusions: Macular vessel density measurements are affected in pediatric renal and liver transplant patients. In those patients, retinal optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography measurements may provide a noninvasive window to the microcirculation.

Objectives: In conditions such as large-for-size syndrome, postreperfusion hepatic edema, and intestinal edema, primary closure of the abdominal wall can cause respiratory complications and thrombosis of vascular structures. Here, we compared results of primary abdominal closure versus a temporary patch closure technique (the Bogota bag technique) in pediatric liver transplant recipients., Materials and Methods: We performed primary abdominal closure in 295 recipients. In 39 pediatric liver transplant recipients, the Bogota bag technique was used as the abdominal closure technique because of suspected intraoperative tense abdominal closure. In patients who had the Bogota bag technique, we sutured the sterilized saline bag to the skin at the edge of the defect by shaping the defect so as not to cause abdominal hypertension. Primary abdominal closure was achieved in patients after control laparotomies at 48-hour intervals., Results: The mean age of the primary abdominal closure group was 8.38 years, whereas the mean age of the Bogota bag group was 2 years. The average weight of patients in the primary abdominal closure group was 26.38 kg, and the average weight of patients in the Bogota bag group was 7.93 kg. Biliary atresia was the most common indication in both groups. Mean length of hospital stay was 21 days in the primary abdominal closure group and 24 days in Bogota bag group. Six patients in the Bogota bag group died from sepsis or bleeding in the early postoperative period. In the Bogota bag group, wound closure was achieved within 2 weeks in 25 patients and within 3 weeks in 8 patients., Conclusions: Temporary patch closure techniques can be used safely in low-weight and young children, children with large-for-size grafts, and those who display increased intra-abdominal pressure.

Objectives: Several studies suggest that chronic immunosuppression in pediatric liver transplant patients may affect the severity and mortality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection., Materials and Methods: We assessed a total of 118 pediatric liver transplant recipients for SARS-CoV-2 infection, aged 1 to 18 years, followed between March 2019 and January 2022. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric liver transplant patients to 187 non-liver transplant pediatric patients with SARSCoV-2 infection who had been diagnosed at our institution between March 15, 2020, and December 31, 2020. Demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory findings from the patients were retrospectively collected from hospital reports and telephone inquiries., Results: A total of 20 liver transplant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified. Median age of liver transplant recipients with SARS-CoV-2 infection was higher than non-liver transplant pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 (14.8 [range, 7-16] vs 6.8 [range, 2-14] years; P = .016). There were no significant differences in mild and moderate disease courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection between liver transplant recipients and non-liver transplant pediatric patients (18 [90.0%] vs 133 [71.1%] patients [P = .188] and 2 [10%] vs 49 [26.2%] patients [P = .118], respectively). Fever was less frequently observed in liver transplant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with non-liver transplant patients (55.0% vs 80.2%; P = .015). We found no intergroup differences in sex (P = .342), hospitalization rate (P = .161), and overall clinical presentation., Conclusions: Despite the immunosuppression regimens, liver transplant patients in our series survived SARS-CoV-2 infection without serious sequelae and without graft rejection. Overall, liver transplant and non-liver transplant pediatric patients with SARSCoV-2 infection experienced a mild disease course.

Objectives: Noninvasive monitorization of retinal structures of the eye could be a predictor for systemic microvasculature dysfunction in transplant recipients. In this study, our purpose was to determine the optic disc and peripapillary microvascular changes in pediatric patients who had undergone liver or renal transplant surgery., Materials and Methods: The study was performed at Başkent University. The medical records were reviewed, and patients who had liver or renal transplant in the last 10 years and were between 4 and 18 years old were included in the study. The optic disc and peripapillary vascular density parameters were obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography (Avanti RTVue XR). The results were compared with the results from age-matched, sex-matched, and spherical equivalent-matched healthy subjects., Results: Our study included 32 eyes of 16 liver transplant patients, 20 eyes of 10 renal transplant patients, and 64 eyes of 32 healthy participants (control). Whole image peripapillary, inside disc, peripapillary, superior and inferior hemisphere, and superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrant peripapillary vascular densities were evaluated. No statistically significant differences in any parameter were noted between the healthy control group and the patient groups (P > .05 for all parameters)., Conclusions: Peripapillary vascular density measurements were not affected in pediatric renal and liver transplant patients.

Objectives: The hepatic vasculature is a unique system due to a dual supply that includes the hepatic artery and portal vein, which interact when the liver vascular supply is decreased. Hepatic artery buffer response, an intrinsic regulatory mechanism that compensates for blood supply, maintains increased hepatic artery flow and caliber in response to portal vein failure. Previous studies revealed that portal vein flow showed no alterations to establish adequate blood supply in response to hepatic artery occlusion. Here, we analyzed portal vein flow changes in patients with hepatic artery thrombosis after liver transplant., Materials and Methods: From December 1988 to October 2017, our center performed 580 liver transplant procedures. Those diagnosed with hepatic artery thrombosis (19 females, 24 males) by Doppler ultrasonography during postoperative week 1 were analyzed. Patients received either surgery or endovascular treatment for hepatic artery thrombosis, with patency confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography. We compared portal vein flow velocity and caliber before and after treatment using Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann Whitney U tests., Results: Mean patient age was 18.9 ± 21.4 years. Portal vein flow velocity pretreatment (median of 70 cm/ s) was significantly higher than posttreatment (median of 52 cm/ s) in all patients (P < .001). Median flow velocity decreased significantly after treatment when subgroups were compared, including age (adult vs child), transplant type (orthotopic transplant vs living donor), and treatment (surgery vs endovascular). However, portal vein flow velocity showed a significantly higher decrease in the surgery subgroup than in the endovascular treatment subgroup (P = .018). There was no significant relationship between portal vein calibers before and after treatment (P = .36)., Conclusions: The significant decrease in portal vein flow velocity after successful treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis may represent a compensatory flow change of the portal vein in response to diminished hepatic artery flow.

Objectives: We aimed to identify outcomes of liver surgery in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer, which result in primary and secondary liver tumors., Materials and Methods: Our study included 51 patients with colorectal cancer and liver metastases and 63 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were prepared for liver transplant due to cirrhosis who underwent hepatic resection or local ablation treatments; patients were seen between January 2011 and December 2021., Results: Most patients with colorectal cancer were men (58.8%). Mean age was 65.76 ± 13.818 years (range, 27-88 y). Most patients had planned, elective surgery (86.3%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 58.8% of patients. The most common location of metastasis in the liver was in the right lobe (43.1%), and the most common surgery was low anterior resection (17 patients). During simultaneous liver surgery, 31 patients required metastasectomy and 7 patients required radiofrequency ablation plus metastasectomy. No deaths occurred in the early posttransplant period, and cumulative survival was 82.624 ± 7.962 months. Disease-free survival was 45.2 ± 7.495 months. Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were men (82.5%). Mean age was 58.73 ± 17.428 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma lesions were mostly located in both the right and left lobes (23.8%). In the hepatocellular cancer group, 60.3% had transarterial chemoembolization and 42.9% had radiofrequency ablation. The primary surgical resection was metastasectomy (17.9%) because of multiple localized lesions. Median follow-up was 22 months (range, 1-126 mo). Overall survival was 101.898 ± 7.169 months, with 10-year overall survival of 38%. Disease-free survival was 74.081 ± 8.732 months, with 1-year and 5-year disease-free survival of 90.5% and 54%., Conclusions: Better survival was shown in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma than in patients with colorectal cancer.Therefore, more aggressive treatment options, as used in hepatocellular carcinoma, including liver transplant, may be options for patients with colorectal cancer.

Objectives: Although advanced age is no longer considered an absolute contraindication for liver transplant, transplant in elderly patients with comorbid diseases remains debatable because of high risks with surgery. Here, we report patient outcomes in this population., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 276 liver transplant recipients, grouped by age. Group 1 (≤59 years old) consisted of 247 recipients, and group 2 (≥60 years old) consisted of 29 recipients. Reviewed data included age, sex, cause of liver disease, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, Child-Pugh and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, survival, and posttransplant complications., Results: In both groups, most patients (n = 108) required liver transplant for hepatitis B virus. Mean age was 40 ± 12.3 and 63 ± 2.3 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with more men than women in both group 1 (71.7% vs 28.3%) and group 2 (75.9% vs 24.1%). No significant differences were shown between groups for patient characteristics, except group 1 had significantly higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score. Group 1 mean survival time was 10.2 ± 0.6 years, with patient survival rates at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years of 65.5%, 53%, 46.3%, and 40%, respectively. In group 2, respective results were 10.6 ± 1.3 years and 75.9%, 68.6%, 61%, and 48.8% (no significant difference vs group 1)., Conclusions: Liver transplant recipients >60 years of age had survival rates, acute rejection rates, and complications similar to younger recipients. Liver transplant should not be withheld from older recipients on the basis of age alone. However, comprehensive screening for comorbidities should be performed.

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary liver tumor, with curative treatment options being liver transplant and resection. However, approximately 20% to 30% of patients have substantial disease progression while awaiting transplant. Here, we report our initial experience on stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy as a bridge to liver transplant for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma., Materials and Methods: Seven patients with 9 lesions received stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy as a bridge treatment to transplant. All patients underwent radiofrequency ablation, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, or hepatic resection before stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate radiographic responses 1 month later., Results: Median age of patients was 65 years (range, 63-71 years), median stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy dose was 45 Gy (range, 30-54 Gy; delivered in 3-5 fractions), and median tumor diameter was 17 mm (range, 12-30 mm). Before stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy, all patients underwent liver-directed therapies, including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for 3 lesions, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation for 4 lesions, surgical resection for 1 lesion, and surgical resection plus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the remaining lesion. Patients showed no evidence of gastrointestinal toxicity or radiation-induced liver disease. Acute toxicity was negligible; all patients completed the treatment course. One month after stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy administration, response rates were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging, with complete responses obtained in 5 lesions (55.5%), partial responses for 2 lesions, and stable disease for 2 lesions. No disease progression was shown following stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy application., Conclusions: Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy is an effective, safe, and tolerable bridging therapy option. Although we observed an early response after treatment, exact response rates will not be known for at least 3 months following stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy. Thus, our findings should be confirmed through additional prospective studies with longer follow-up.

Objectives: Liver transplant is the gold standard treatment for end-stage liver failure. Short-term and midterm surveys have been published, but there are few long-term surveys. Here, we report the outcomes of our long-term liver transplant survivors., Materials and Methods: Since 1988, we have performed 694 liver transplants (366 adult, 328 pediatric), including the first deceased donor transplant in Turkey (December 8, 1988); the first pediatric segmental living related transplant in Turkey, the Middle and Near East, and Europe; the world's first adult segmental living related transplant (April 24, 1990); and the world's first living related donor combined liver-kidney transplant (May 16, 1992). We retrospectively evaluated data from recipients who survived >10 years with normal graft function., Results: Of 215 recipients, survival ranges were ≥20 years (n = 13), 15 to 19 years (n = 86), and 10 to 14 years (n = 116); 211 remain alive today with normal liver function. There were 5 retransplants to treat chronic graft rejection, of which 4 recipients are alive with normal graft function after a second liver transplant (15, 20, 22, and 31 years after first transplant). One patient died soon after the second liver transplant (15 years after first transplant). Acute rejection episodes were seen in 72 (34%), and 7 were steroid resistant. There were 48 (22.7%) drug-induced complications. Ten patients had de novo malignancy: 5 lymphoma, 2 squamous cell carcinoma, 1 gastrointestinal stromal tumor, 1 thyroid papillary carcinoma, and 1 multiple myeloma. There were also 31 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplant: 13 were beyond Milan criteria, 6 had incidental HCC, and 12 were within Milan., Conclusions: Long-term survival after liver transplant is possible with expert care. Few reports have mentioned long-term surveys; our long-term liver transplant survey is among the largest series in the literature.

Objectives: We examined whether immediate tracheal extubation among pediatric liver transplant recipients was safe and feasible., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of pediatric liver transplant recipients at Baskent University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. We grouped children who were extubated in the operating room versus those extubated in the intensive care unit., Results: In our study group of 81 pediatric patients, median age was 4 years (range, 4 mo to 16 y) and 44 (54%) were male. Immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room was performed in 39 patients (48%). Children who remained intubated (n = 42) had more frequent massive hemorrhage (14% vs 0%; P = .015), received larger amounts of packed red blood cells (19.3 vs 10.2 mL/kg; P < .001), and had higher serum lactate levels (9.0 vs 6.9 mmol/L; P = .001) intraoperatively. All children with open abdomens postoperatively remained intubated (n = 7). Patients extubated in the operating room received less vasopressors (1 [3%] vs 12 [29%]; P = .002) and antibiotics (11 [28%] vs 22 [52%]; P = 0.041) and developed infections less frequently postoperatively (3.0 [8%] vs 15.0 [36%]; P = .003). Children extubated in the operating room had shorter mean stay in the intensive care unit (2.0 vs 4.5 days; P < .001). Hospital mortality was higher in children who remained intubated (12% vs 0%; P = .026)., Conclusions: Immediate tracheal extubation was well tolerated in almost half of our patients and did not compromise their outcomes. Patients who remained intubated had longer intensive care unit stays and higher hospital mortalities. Therefore, we recommend immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room after pediatric liver transplant among those children without intraoperative requirements for massive blood transfusion, high-dose vasopressors, high serum lactate levels, and open abdomen.

Background: The only treatment in patients developing liver failure is liver transplantation. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of patients waiting for a liver transplantation is 2141, the average waiting period for liver transplantation is approximately 5 years, and 15-18% of these patients lose their life while waiting for transplantation. In these patients, limitations in daily activities and depression-anxiety are commonly found. The aim of this study was to analyze life quality, depression symptoms, and existence of sexual functional disorders of patients waiting for liver transplantation., Methods: A total of 74 patients, who were registered in Başkent University Hospital between 2015 and 2018, were included into the study. Short Form-36, Beck Depression Inventory, and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale were applied to 56 patients who approved study., Results: Most of the patients were male (64.3%), and the mean age was 46 (18-64). Short Form-36 scores were low in all patients. The mean Beck Depression Inventory score of patients was found as 18.4 ± 11.3, and they were suffering from moderate depressive symptoms. According to Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, total mean scores of males was found as 16.3 ± 5.5, and for females, it was 19.5 ± 5.3 with a statistically significant difference (P < .05). It was found that sexual dysfunction mostly had moderate to mild., Conclusion: Depression and sexual dysfunction are common in patients with chronic liver diseases, and their life qualities deteriorate significantly. It is anticipated that evaluation of these patients in terms of psychological issues and sexual dysfunction will increase their quality of life during the organ waiting period and affect their well-being post-transplant.

Objectives: Duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation after pediatric liver transplant may influence pulmonary functions, and postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Here, we determined its incidence and risk factors after pediatric liver transplant at our center., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 121 children who underwent liver transplant between April 2007 and April 2017 (305 total liver transplant procedures were performed during this period). Prolonged mechanical ventilation was defined as postoperative tracheal extubation after 24 hours., Results: Mean age at transplant was 6.2 ± 5.4 years and 71/121 children (58.7%) were male. Immediate tracheal extubation was achieved in 68 children (56.2%). Postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation was needed in 12 children (9.9%), with mean extubation time of 78.0 ± 83.4 hours. Reintubation was required in 13.4%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of preoperative hepatic encephalopathy (odds ratio of 0.130; 95% confidence interval, 0.027-0.615; P = .01), high aspartate amino transferase levels (odds ratio of 1.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.002; P = .02), intraoperative usage of more packed red blood cells (odds ratio of 1.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.002; P = .04), and longer surgery duration (odds ratio of 0.723; 95% confidence interval, 0.555-0.940, P = .01) were independent risk factors for postoperative prolonged mechanical venti-lation. Although mean length of intensive care unit stay was significantly longer (12.6 ± 13.6 vs 6.0 ± 0.6 days; P = .001), mortality was similar in children with and without postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation., Conclusions: Our results indicate that postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation was needed in 9.9% of our children. Predictors of postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation after pediatric liver transplant at our center were preoperative presence of hepatic encephalopathy, high aspartate amino transferase levels, intraoperative usage of more packed red blood cells, and longer surgery duration.

Objectives: Acute kidney injury after pediatric liver transplant is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Here, we evaluated children with acute kidney injury early posttransplant using KDIGO criteria to determine incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes., Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of all patients < 16 years old who underwent liver transplant from April 2007 to April 2017 were reviewed., Results: Of 117 study patients, 69 (59%) were male and median age at transplant was 72 months (range, 12-120 mo). Forty children (34.2%) had postoperative acute kidney injury, with most having stage 1 disease (n = 21). Compared with children who had acute kidney injury versus those who did not, preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time (median 35.6 s [interquartile range, 32.4-42.8 s] vs 42.5 s [interquartile range, 35-49 s]; P = .007), intraoperative lactate levels at end of surgery (median 5.3 mmol/L [interquartile range, 3.3-8.6 mmol/L] vs 7.9 mmol/L [interquartile range, 4.3-11.2 mmol/L]; P = .044), and need for open abdomen (3% vs 15%; P= .024) were significantly higher. Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative high activated partial thromboplastin time (P= .02), intraoperative lactate levels at end of surgery (P = .02), and need for open abdomen (P = .03) were independent risk factors for acute kidney injury. Children who developed acute kidney injury had significantly longer intensive care unit stay (7.1 ± 8.5 vs 4.4 ± 5.4 days, P= .04) and mortality (12.8% vs 1.8%; P = .01)., Conclusions: Early postoperative acute kidney injury occurred in 34.2% of pediatric liver transplant recipients, with patients having increased mortality risk. High preoperative activated partial throm-boplastin time, high intraoperative end of surgery lactate levels, and need for open abdomen were shown to be associated with acute kidney injury after pediatric liver transplant.

Organ transplant from donors with ventricular assist devices is not common. Here, we report organ retrieval from a donor with a left ventricular assist device who had been on the heart transplant wait list before a brain death diagnosis. The organ donor was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and underwent left ventricular assist device surgery for bridging to heart transplant in 2016. Brain death occurred 22 months after implantation of the device at the age of 39 years due to widespread intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brain death diagnosis was confirmed with brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography. In accordance with the donor's will, the relatives approved organ donation. The donor's organ reserve was assessed to be suitable for liver and kidney transplants, and proper donor care was given. During recovery of organs, the organ transplant team was accompanied by cardiovascular surgeons to control flow of the left ventricular assist device and to ensure optimum organ perfusion. After a successful operation, the liver was transplanted to a patient with primary sclerosing cholangitis who had been on the wait list for liver transplant for 13 years. The kidneys were transplanted to patients awaiting kidney transplant for 31 and 14 years with diagnoses of nephrolithiasis and polycystic kidney disease, respectively. No complications occurred among the liver and kidney transplant recipients. There are few reports of donors with assist devices. This is the first case of an organ donor with an assist device waiting for an organ transplant who became an actual donor in our country.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the acoustic radiation force impulse (Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) elastography in assessment of fibrosis in orthotopic liver transplant patients., Materials and Methods: We enrolled 28 orthotopic liver transplant patients (deceased and living donors), whose biopsy decision had been prospectively given clinically. Ten acoustic radiation force impulse elastographic measurements were applied before the biopsy or within 3 days after the biopsy by 2 radiologists. After the core tissue needle biopsy, specimens of all patients were analyzed according to the modified Ishak scoring system. Measurements of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and pathology specimen results were compared., Results: From 28 biopsies, fibrosis scores of 4 biopsies were evaluated as F0 (14.3%), 16 as F1 (57.1%), 4 as F2 (14.3%), and 4 as F3 (14.3%). Mean results of acoustic radiation force impulse measurements were calculated as 1.4 ± 0.07 in F0, 1.74 ± 0.57 in F1, 2.19 ± 0.7 in F2, and 2.18 ± 0.35 in F3. There were no significant correlations of mean acoustic radiation force impulse values between the F0 versus F1 (P = .956) and F0 versus F2 stages (P = .234). A statistically significant correlation of mean acoustic radiation force impulse values was found between the F0 and F3 fibrosis stages (P = .046)., Conclusions: Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging is a promising screening test for detecting significant liver fibrosis (≥ F3 in modified Ishak) in living-donor or deceased-donor orthotopic liver transplant recipients.

Objectives: The shortage of deceased donor organs is a limiting factor in transplant. The growing discrepancy between the wait list demand versus the supply of deceased donor organs has created an incentive for consideration of living donor liver transplant as an alternative. Here, we describe our evaluation process and donor complications., Materials and Methods: Since 1988, we have performed 659 (449 living donor and 210 deceased donor) liver transplants. The most important evaluation criteria is the relationship between donor and recipient, and we require thatthe donor must be related to the recipient. The evaluation protocol has 5 stages. Donor complications were defined as simple, moderate, and severe., Results: We retrospectively investigated data for 1387 candidates, and 938 (67.7%) were rejected; subsequently, 449 living donor liver transplants were performed. There were no complications in 398 of the donors (88.7%). Total complication rate was 11.3%. Simple complications were seen in 31 patients (6.9%). Moderate complications were seen in 19 patients (4.2%). We had only 1 severe complication, ie, organ failure from unspecified liver necrosis, which resulted in death., Conclusions: The relationship between donor and recipient and donor safety should be the primary focus for living donor liver transplant. Donor selection should be made carefully to minimize complications and provide adequately functional grafts.

Objectives: With the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, many studies have indicated that elective surgeries should be postponed. However, postponement of transplants may cause diseases to get worse and increase the number in wait lists. We believe that, with precautions, transplant does not pose a risk during pandemic. Here, we aimed to evaluate our transplant results, which we safely performed during a 6-month pandemic period., Materials and Methods: Until September 2020, 3140 kidney and 667 liver transplants have been performed in our centers. We evaluated 38 kidney transplants and 9 liver transplants procedures performed during the pandemic (March 1 to September 2, 2020). Recipient and donor candidates were screened for COVID-19 with polymerase chain reaction and thoracic computed tomography. All recipients had routine immunosuppressive protocol. During hospitalization at our COVID-19-free transplant facility, we restricted the interactions during multidisciplinary rounds., Results: During the pandemic, 38 kidney transplants with an average length of hospital stay of 8.1 days were performed. Mean serum creatinine values of recipients were 0.91, 0.86, and 0.74 mg/dL on postoperative days 7, 30, and 90, respectively. During the pandemic, 9 living donor liver transplants (1 adult, 8 pediatric) were performed with an average length of hospital stay of 17.1 days. Mean serum total bilirubin levels were 0.9, 0.5, and 0.4 mg/dL on postoperative days 7, 30, and 90, respectively. Mean serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were 38.1, 28.3, and 22.3 U/L on postoperative days 7, 30, and 90, respectively. All recipients and donors were successfully discharged. Only 1 liver recipient died (on day 55 after discharge as a result of oxalosis-induced heart failure)., Conclusions: According to our results, when precautions are taken, transplant does not pose a risk to patients during the pandemic period. We attribute the safety and success shown to our newly developed protocol in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: The risk of some cancer types increases after organ transplant compared with that shown in the general population; this has been well documented in clinical studies. With patients having longer survival and with the higher number of transplant procedures, cancer is an increasing health concern at high-volume transplant centers. Malignancy has an important effect on short- and long-term graft and patient survival. In this study, we evaluated cancer frequency during transplant patient follow-up., Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included patients who underwent solid-organ transplant at the Baskent University Medical Faculty Hospital from 1997 to 2017. Renal and hepatic transplant patients older than 16 years at the time of transplant and diagnosed with cancer after transplant were included the study. In total, 1176 of 2018 renal transplant recipients and 274 of 548 hepatic transplant recipients met the inclusion criteria., Results: We determined that 52 of 1176 renal transplant (4.5%) and 9 of 274 hepatic transplant patients (3.3%) developed posttransplant cancer during follow-up. Of 61 total patients with cancer posttransplant, 44 were males (72.1%) and 17 were females (27.9%), with median age at transplant of 39.2 years. Overall, the incidence of cancer in transplant recipients was 4.2%. The most frequent cancers were basal and squamous skin cancers, which were seen in 18 patients (29%), and Kaposi sarcoma, which was seen in 11 patients (18%). Of the 61 patients who developed cancer, 43 (70%) were still alive at the time of this study., Conclusions: Despite recent positive developments in the use of immunosuppressive drugs, posttransplant malignancy is still a health problem. Fortunately, most cancers in this patient group have good prognosis and can be cured by surgical resection. Transplant physicians should aim for early detection of these diseases.

Objectives: The novel 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) was first described in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and subsequently announced as a pandemic on March 12, 2020. In several studies, solid-organ transplant recipients were reported to have higher risk for COVID-19. Here, we aimed to determine the frequency of COVID-19 in our kidney and liver transplant patients., Materials and Methods: Our study included 583 transplant patients who were admitted to our outpatient transplant clinics and emergency departments between March 1 and May 1, 2020. Seventy-four of them were liver transplant recipients (46 male, 28 female, of which 14 were pediatric and 60 were adult patients) and 509 of them were kidney transplant recipients (347 male, 162 female, of which 16 were pediatric and 493 were adult patients). We retrospectively evaluated demographic characteristics, currently used immunosuppressant treatment, present complaints, treatment and diagnosis of comorbid diseases, and results of COVID-19 tests., Results: Of 583 transplant recipients, 538 were seen in our outpatient transplant clinics and 45 were seen in our emergency departments. Of these, 18 patients who had had cough and fever were evaluated by respiratory clinic doctors, and nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken. One kidney transplant recipient had a positive COVID-19 test; he was followed with home isolation. He received treatment with hydroxychloroquine (400 mg/day). The other 17 patients had negative tests. There were no mortalities due to COVID-19., Conclusions: Transplant patients also got affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the data of our centers, this effect is not much more different from the normal population. We recommend that transplant recipients should be warned in terms of personal hygiene and should be closely monitored by organ transplant centers. If there is an indication for hospitalization, they should be followed in an isolated unit, with no aggressive changes made to immunosuppressive doses unless necessary.

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a major health problem with increased rates of mortality. The curative treatment options are resection or liver transplant. Because the Milan criteria are restrictive for candidates, they have been expanded into alternative sets of criteria. We aimed to evaluate our indications for liver transplant and their results for hepatocellular carcinoma., Materials and Methods: Between December 1988 and January 2020, we performed 652 liver transplant procedures (443 living donors, 209 deceased donors) at Baskent University (Ankara, Turkey). At Baskent University, we developed liver transplant criteria for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. For our criteria, liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma was performed in patients without major vascular invasion and distant metastasis. Clinical data on cancer demographics, recurrence patterns, and survival outcomes were evaluated retrospectively., Results: Of 652 total patients, 49 adult patients (8%) with diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma were included in this study. Median age was 55 years. Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplant was detected in 13 patients. Median overall survival was 64.3 months for all study patients; however, median survival was significantly lower in patients who had recurrence (126.3 vs 43.4 mo for nonrecurrent vs recurrent groups; P = .024). In the expanded criteria group (n = 25), 7 patients (28%) had hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence during follow-up, whereas this ratio was 25% (6/24 patients) in the Milan criteria group, with median time to recurrence of 12.6 versus 11.7 months, respectively (not significantly different)., Conclusions: Multidisciplinary treatment modalities, including surgery, interventional radiology techniques, and medical treatments, will probably lead to prolonged survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. According to our center's expanded criteria, recurrence rates and time to recurrence were similar to those shown with the Milan group. We showed that Milan criteria can be safely expanded with promising results even in patients beyond Milan criteria.

Objectives: Survival in liver transplant after end-stage liver disease is associated with major cardiac functions. In a significant number of patients with end-stage liver disease, cardiac dysfunctions may be observed, which can include high-output heart failure, cardiac valve disease, and pulmonary venous and arterial hypertension. All of these affect perioperative survival. The aim of our study was to determine whether preoperative and postoperative echocardiographic parameters, specifically right heart-related tricuspid regurgitation, estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, are associated with rejection and mortality in liver transplant patients., Materials and Methods: Adult patients (> 18 years old) who underwent liver transplant at our center between January 2011 and March 2017 were included in the study, with 64 patients retrospectively screened. The echocardiographic images that were taken immediately before and immediately after liver transplant were evaluated. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to rejection data and mortality. All parameters were analyzed for both variables., Results: For the 24 patients with liver rejection and 40 patients without liver rejection, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of demographic data, echocardiographic parameters, and laboratory data. However, when patients were evaluated according to survival, there was a statistically significant difference between these 2 groups concerning the echocardiography parameters of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (P = .005), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P = .001), and postoperative right ventricular width (P = .01)., Conclusions: Echocardiography, being a simple and easily accessible technique that is reliable in excluding pulmonary hypertension diagnosis, can be used as a guide in the evaluation of right ventricular function and tricuspid regurgitation, particularly in patients who are not hemodynamically stable before and after liver transplant.

Objective: To investigate pregnancy outcomes and to define preventative measures against to risk factors and complications in pregnancy after liver transplantation. Secondary aim is to report postpartum allograft functions in these patients. Method: This is a case series study. All pregnant women with liver transplantations performed in our hospital were enrolled. Patients' hospital medical records, electronic records Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) records were used to collect data. Obstetric characteristics and antenatal complications, risk factors, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, all aspects of liver transplant variables and allograft functions after pregnancy were studied. Results: A total of 11 patients were included in the study. All of them were singleton. Mean maternal age was 29.3 ± 3.9 years. And mean gestational week of delivery was 37.2 ± 2.2. 78% of the women were delivered at term (>37 weeks) only two babies were preterm and discharged from NICU without any complications. Birth weight (gr median ± SD) was 2575 ± 345. Five (45%) patients were nulliparous, majority of the cases (8/11, 72%) were conceived of pregnant with natural way. Live birth rate was 81% (9/11). Only one patient for each has suffered from fetal growth restriction, maternal anemia, maternal hyperthyroidism, and ulcerative colitis. Vaginal bleeding was seen in five women during the pregnancy. There was no maternal death, stillbirth or neonatal death. The mode of delivery for all live birth pregnancies was C-section. And none of them was emergency C-section. No complication of allograft function was seen after pregnancy. Conclusion: Pregnancy in women with liver transplantation is not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes and complications for both the mother and the neonates when these patients followed up at tertiary referral center with multidisciplinary approaches.

Objectives: Solid-organ transplant recipients are at great risk for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures because of both underlying pretransplant bone diseases and posttransplant immunosuppressive treatments. Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. It involves injection of polymethylmethacrylate into the vertebral body to stabilize the fracture and to alleviate the pain immediately. In this study, we report the results of balloon kyphoplasty for treatment of vertebral compression fractures in solid-organ transplant recipients., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 512 liver transplant and 2248 kidney transplant procedures that were performed in our center between 1985 and 2015. Seven transplant recipients with a total of 10 acute, symptomatic vertebral compression fractures who were unresponsive to conservative treatment for 3 weeks underwent balloon kyphoplasty. Clinical outcome was graded using the visual analog scale. Radiographic evaluation included measurement of the segmental kyphosis by the Cobb method., Results: There were 4 female and 3 male patients in our study group. Ages of patients ranged from 56 to 63 years with an average age of 58.8 years. The affected vertebral levels varied from T12 to L4. Mean follow-up after balloon kyphoplasty was 3.4 years, and mean time interval from transplant to balloon kyphoplasty was 8.6 years. Statistically significant difference is evident 3 years after transplant surgery (P < .05). Sagittal alignment improved (> 5 degrees) in 2 of 7 patients (28%)., Conclusions: Transplant recipients are at great risk in terms of vertebral compression fracture development, especially within 1 year after transplant. Although conservative treatment has been the first treatment choice for vertebral compression fracture, long treatment time and high costs may be needed to achieve cure. Experience with our small patient population showed that balloon kyphoplasty was effective and safe for obtaining rapid pain relief and earlier mobilization with fewer complications.

Objectives: Primary abdominal wound closure is performed at the completion of liver transplant in most patients. However, this is not always possible in pediatric recipients. The shortage of size-matched donor organs for pediatric patients means that occasionally it is necessary to use whole livers that are larger than can be accommodated comfortably in the child's abdomen. The present report outlines our experience with temporary patch closure after pediatric liver transplant of the abdominal wall., Materials and Methods: Our team performed the first liver transplant in Turkey in 1988. Since 1988, we have performed 629 liver transplant (336 adult and 293 pediatric) procedures at our center. We evaluated data of 191 liver transplants performed in recipients who were under 10 years of age. Left lateral lobe grafts were used in 169 patients (88%), and whole grafts were used in 22 patients (12%)., Results: Temporary closure with the Bogota bag patch was necessary in 31 transplant procedures (16.2%), 3 of which involved whole livers and 28 of which involved left lateral lobe grafts. The age range of recipients was 5 months to 10 years (median, 30 mo). The temporary abdominal closure technique was preferred in 22 patients because the abdomen could not be closed during surgery., Conclusions: In pediatric patients with difficult abdominal closure after liver transplant, temporary patch closure is the treatment of choice. Our preference has been reinforced silicone sheeting, which allows minimal adhesion formation between the patch and abdominal viscera; in addition, the transparent nature of the material provides a window for inspection of the donor liver.

Objectives: Liver transplant is a life-saving procedure for a variety of end-stage liver diseases. Cardiovascular disorders are among the leading cause of death among patients with end-stage liver disease and those undergoing liver transplant procedures. MELD-XI score is a newly developed score for mortality prediction in patients with end-stage liver failure. In this study, we investigated the relationships among MELD-XI score, total in-hospital mortality, and coronary artery disease severity and extent among patients with end-stage liver failure who were awaiting transplant., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 121 patients with end-stage liver failure on transplant wait list. Study patients had undergone coronary angiography as part of pretransplant cardiac evaluation. We determined prevalence of coronary artery disease and Gensini score (which indicates extent of coronary artery disease) using coronary angiography and reviewed MELD-XI score and in-hospital mortality rates. We compared MELD-XI score and Gensini score in deceased and surviving patients and correlated both scores with mortality and with each other., Results: Of 121 patients, 79 (65.3%) were men; mean age of the study population was 59.6 ± 10.2 years. Twenty-eight patients (23.1%) had coronary artery disease, and 13 (10.7%) had severe coronary artery disease on coronary angiography. Twenty-three patients (19%) died while on the transplant wait list. Gensini score and MELD-XI scores were significantly higher in those who died (P < .05). MELD-XI score, but not Gensini score, was a significant independent predictor of death among patients awaiting liver transplant (hazard ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.78; P < .05)., Conclusions: MELD-XI score independently predicted in-hospital death among patients scheduled to undergo liver transplant. These patients also had increased prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease.

Objectives: In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine the most common infectious agents in infants within the first 6 months of liver transplant., Materials and Methods: Thirty-four infant patients with median age of 8 months (range, 4-12 mo) at the time of liver transplant were retrospectively evaluated. We evaluated causative organisms in bloodstream cultures and in subclavian catheter, urine, and intra-abdominal drainage fluid cultures. We also evaluated Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus infections by polymerase chain reaction in all recipients., Results: The most common isolated bacteria from the bloodstream were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolated bacteria from subclavian catheter cultures. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common bacteria isolated from intra-abdominal drainage fluid. Only 1 recipient had cytomegalovirus infection during this period., Conclusions: Our study showed a high incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in infants after liver transplant. New prophylactic antibiotic strategies can be promoted to prevent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in infants.