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The Liver Transplant Risk Score (LTRS) is a simple clinical instrument developed to predict post liver transplant outcomes based on patient characteristics measured at the time of listing. The LTRS was developed using data of adult patients transplanted in the United States. In this study, we validated the performance of the LTRS in a cohort of patients transplanted in Europe.

Background & Aims The impact of gender and donor/recipient gender mismatch on LT outcomes is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of LT in Europe, using the ELTR database, between male and female recipients, including donor/recipient gender mismatch. Methods Recipient, donor and transplant characteristics were compared between male and female patients. Patient survival was compared between groups, and the impact of donor/recipient gender matching as well as donor and recipient anthropometric characteristics were evaluated as potential risk factors for post-LT death/graft loss. Results A total of 46,334 LT patients were evaluated (70.5% men and 29.5% women). Ten-year survival rate was significantly higher in female than in male recipients (66% vs 59%, P < .0001). At multivariate analysis, adjusted for indication to LT and type of graft, donor/recipient gender mismatch (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04-1.2; P = .003), donor age > 60 years (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18; P = .027) and recipient age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.1-1.02; P < .0001) were significantly associated with post-LT lower survival rate in men. Conversely in female recipients, donor BMI > 30 (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.09-1.6; P = .005), donor age > 60 years (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.32; P = .027) and recipient age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02; P < .0001) were significantly associated with lower post-LT survival rate. Conclusions Donor/recipient gender mismatch in male recipients and the use of obese donor in female recipients are associated with reduced survival after LT. Therefore, the incorporation of donor and recipient anthropometric quantities in the allocation process should be a matter of further studies, as their matching can significantly influence long-term outcomes.

Background and objective Liver transplantation (LT) is a proven effective treatment of severe liver disease. The aim of this paper is to analyze the results of LT in Spain during the period 1984–2012. Patients and method We analyze the results of the database of Spanish Liver Transplant Registry. Results A total of 20,288 transplants were performed in 18,568 patients. The median age of the donor and recipient increased during the analysis period: 25 years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18–40) and 47 years (95% CI 34–55), respectively, in the period 1984–1994 compared to 59 years (95% CI 33–65; P P P Conclusions Results of LT improved significantly over the review period, despite a progressive increase in donor and recipient age.

Background Therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic HCV infection. The effect of these therapies on the epidemiology of liver transplantation (LT) has yet to be elucidated. Aim To establish whether the indications for LT have changed as a result of the introduction of new therapies for HCV. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study based on a prospectively maintained registry of patients who undergo LT at La Fe Hospital in Valencia from 1997 to 2016. An analysis of outcome measures over time stratified by LT indications was performed. Results From January 1997 to December 2016, 2379 patients were listed for LT. Of these, 1113 (47%) were listed for HCV cirrhosis ± hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This percentage varied significantly over time declining from 48.8% in the 1997-2009 initial period (IFN-based regimens) to 33% in the 2014-2016 final period (DAAs regimens) (p=0.03). However, during that period, the proportion of those included in the waiting list (WL) due to HCV-HCC increased significantly (p=0.001). In addition, among HCV-positive waitlisted patients with decompensated cirrhosis without HCC, the proportion of those with an HCV-alcohol mixed etiology also increased significantly over time (p=0.001). Of all HCV-positive waitlisted patients, 203 were eventually removed from the WL due to either clinical improvement (n=77) or more frequently worsening/death (n=126). Conclusions The proportion of patients wait-listed for LT for decompensated HCV cirrhosis has significantly decreased over time. These changes are possibly related to the large-scale use of direct-acting antivirals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Resumen Existe un gran numero de enfermedades hepaticas para las cuales el unico tratamiento efectivo es el trasplante hepatico. La disparidad entre el numero de potenciales beneficiarios y de organos disponibles motiva la busqueda de nuevas alternativas de tratamiento, entre las que se encuentra el trasplante celular hepatico (TCH). Esta terapia representa una alternativa de tratamiento en estos pacientes, sin embargo, la falta de unanimidad de criterios respecto a las indicaciones y tecnica, los diferentes protocolos de criopreservacion asi como la distinta metodologia para valorar la respuesta a esta terapia pone de manifiesto la necesidad de una conferencia de consenso que unifique criterios, planteando posibles estrategias futuras que mejoren la tecnica y optimicen los resultados. Nuestro objetivo es realizar una revision y puesta al dia del estado actual del TCH, enfatizando las futuras lineas de investigacion que tratan de solucionar los problemas y mejorar los resultados de esta terapia.

The imbalance between the number of potential beneficiaries and available organs, originates the search for new therapeutic alternatives, such as Hepatocyte transplantation (HT).Even though this is a treatment option for these patients, the lack of unanimity of criteria regarding indications and technique, different cryopreservation protocols, as well as the different methodology to assess the response to this therapy, highlights the need of a Consensus Conference to standardize criteria and consider future strategies to improve the technique and optimize the results.Our aim is to review and update the current state of hepatocyte transplantation, emphasizing the future research attempting to solve the problems and improve the results of this treatment.

Background. Milan criteria are widely used for liver transplantation selection in hepatocellular carcinoma but have been recognized to be too restrictive. Milan-out criteria are increasingly being adopted. Our aim was to analyze if liver transplantation waitlisted Milan-out hepatocellular carcinoma patients have different outcome than Milan patients. Methods. Retrospective study including all consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma admitted in the waiting list for liver transplantation between January 2012 and January 2015. We included 177 patients, 146 of which eventually transplanted. Downstaging was achieved in the Milan-out cases (n = 29) before waitlisting. Results. From diagnosis to last follow-up, 29% patients died. Survival at 1 and 5 years from diagnosis was 93% and 75%, respectively in the within Milan group compared with 91% and 61% in the Milan-out group (P = 0.03). Treatment failure occurred in 20% of cases due to tumor progression in the waiting list (44%), death on the waiting list (20%), and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence postliver transplantation (9%). Milan-out criteria was the only variable predictive of treatment failure remaining in the multivariate analysis with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.7 (HR, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-4.55; P = 0.010) and HR of 1.43 (1.23-6.5) in the hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. Conclusions. Milan-out criteria are associated with a higher intention-to-treat liver transplantation failure from time of inclusion in the waiting list. However, survival rates are still >50% at 5 years of follow-up.

Objective:To compare the incidence and severity of biliary complications due to liver transplantation after choledochocholedochostomy with or without a T-tube in a single-center, prospective, randomized trial.Summary Background Data:The usefulness of the T-tube for end-to-end biliary anastomosis to

There are few studies focusing on long-term complications in liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of this study was to define the outcome of LT recipients having survived at least 10 years from LT. Of 323 adult LT done between 1991 and 1997, the 167(52%) alive >10 years post-LT (baseline time) formed the study population. Long-term outcome measures included the following: immunosuppression, metabolic complications [obesity, arterial hypertension (AH), diabetes, dislypidemia], cardiovascular events (CVE), chronic renal dysfunction-CRD, and de novo tumors. Median age at LT was 50 years. Most common indication was postnecrotic cirrhosis (89%), mostly because of HCV (46%). At study-baseline (10 years post-LT), 29% were obese and AH, diabetes, dislypidemia, and CRD were present in 75%, 30%, 42%, and 36%, respectively. In most cases, these complications were already present 1 year post-LT; less than one quarter developed them onward. The 6 year cumulative survival since baseline reached 84% (n = 24 deaths), with most deaths related to recurrent graft diseases (mostly HCV) followed by de novo tumors or CVE. 1, 3, 5 and 10 years cumulative rates of CVE and de novo tumors since baseline were 2%, 5%, 10% and 17%, and 1%, 3%, 6% and 13%, respectively. Chronic renal impairment was independently associated with survival and development of CVE since baseline. The medium-term survival of 'long-term survivors', i.e. patients alive 10 years after LT is good, but metabolic complications and CRD are common and continue to increase afterwards. Cardiovascular events and de novo tumors increase gradually over time and represent a major cause of late mortality.

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron describir y comparar la frecuencia del síndrome urémico hemolítico (SUH), registrada durante el periodo 2005-2010 en pobladores rurales y urbanos de la región centro-sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires y caracterizar la distribución de factores hipotéticos asociados al SUH en ambas poblaciones. Se caracterizaron 82 casos de SUH clínica y epidemiológicamente. Para el análisis estadístico de los datos se utilizó el test de Chi² o test exacto de Fisher cuando fue necesario, y el test de la mediana. La incidencia específica fue 12.7 casos cada 100 000 habitantes rurales (IC 0-23.5) y 7.1 casos cada 100 000 habitantes urbanos (IC 0-9.5). La mediana de la edad en el total de los pacientes estudiados fue de 27 meses (5-139 meses), siendo significativamente más baja en los niños del área rural. Estos resultados podrían explicarse por el contacto más frecuente con materia fecal de bovinos, el mayor consumo de leche sin pasteurizar y la mayor proporción de familiares que realizan actividades de riesgo, encontrados en la subpoblación rural. Aunque el SUH es una enfermedad que se asocia frecuentemente con el consumo de carne picada, la mayor parte de los niños que enfermaron no presentaron este antecedente. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron semejantes en ambas subpoblaciones. Un tercio de los pacientes urbanos había recibido tratamiento con antibióticos previo al desarrollo del SUH.

University of Wisconsin solution (UWS) is the gold standard for graft preservation. Celsior solution (CS) is a new solution not as yet widely used in liver grafts. The aim of this study was to compare the liver function of transplanted grafts stored in these 2 preservation solutions. The primary endpoints were the rates of primary nonfunction (PNF) and primary dysfunction (PDF). We performed a prospective and pseudorandomized study that included 196 patients (representing 104 and 92 livers preserved in UWS and CS, respectively) at La Fe University Hospital (Valencia, Spain) between March 2003 and May 2005. PNF and PDF rates, liver function laboratory parameters, postoperative bleeding, vascular and biliary complications, and patient and graft survival at 3 years were compared for the 2 groups. The 2 groups were similar in terms of donor variables, recipient variables, and surgical techniques. The PNF rates were 2.2% and 1.9% in the CS and UWS groups, respectively (P = not significant), and the PDF rates were 15.2% and 15.5% in the CS and UWS groups, respectively (P = not significant). There were no significant differences in the laboratory parameters for the 2 groups, except for alanine aminotransferase levels in month 3, which were lower in the CS group (P = 0.01). No significant differences were observed in terms of complications. Three-year patient and graft survival rates were as follows for years 1, 2, and 3: 83%, 80%, and 76% (patient) and 80%, 77%, and 73% (graft) for the UWS group and 83%, 77%, and 70% (patient) and 81%, 73%, and 67% (graft) for the CS group (P = not significant). In conclusion, this study shows that CS is as effective as UWS in liver preservation. Liver Transpl 15:1709–1717, 2009. © 2009 AASLD.

Resumen El retrasplante hepatico (ReTH) es la unica opcion terapeutica para el fracaso irreversible del injerto. Actualmente constituye el 2,9-24% de todos los trasplantes hepaticos. Tecnicamente es muy dificil y conlleva un elevado indice de complicaciones inmediatas; destaca que el 50% de las muertes tras este procedimiento se produce en los primeros 3 meses y, en general, los resultados del ReTH son peores que los de los TH primarios. El ReTH puede ser precoz (cuando se realiza durante los primeros 30 dias) o tardio. Las causas de ReTH precoz son: falta de funcion primaria del injerto, complicaciones por causas tecnicas, rechazo agudo resistente y problemas infecciosos de origen biliar, y las del tardio son: rechazo cronico, trombosis de arteria hepatica, complicaciones biliares y recidiva de la enfermedad primaria. En general, cuando un sujeto presenta un fallo irreversible del injerto, la indicacion de ReTH no se discute, pero hay discrepancias de si la etiologia de la enfermedad de base incidiria o no en esta. Si al momento de indicar un ReTH consideramos el sistema de puntuacion MELD, este solo nos permitiria predecir mortalidad, pero no dar prioridad en la lista de espera. El retrasplante deber ser precoz, y los pacientes deben estar en buenas condiciones fisicas, con bajas concentraciones de bilirrubina y creatinina, y los donantes deben ser jovenes. Considerando el incremento progresivo de la mortalidad en lista de espera para TH, como consecuencia directa de un desequilibrio entre el numero creciente de potenciales candidatos a trasplante y el numero de donantes, parece necesario definir cuales son los resultados minimos aceptables para indicar ReTH y llegar asi a un consenso que nos ayude a decidir que sujeto es candidato a recibirlo.

Resumen Introduccion Los cambios sociosanitarios y demograficos de nuestra poblacion y el crecimiento de las listas de pacientes en espera de un trasplante han condicionado ciertas variaciones en los criterios de seleccion de los donantes de organos. Material y metodo Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y comparativo de las caracteristicas de los donantes cadaver de higado utilizados en la Unidad de Trasplante Hepatico del Hospital Universitario La Fe de Valencia en 2 periodos diferentes. Distribuimos los casos en 2 grupos: grupo A, los primeros 200 donantes (entre enero de 1991 y junio de 1995) y grupo B, 200 donantes mas recientes (desde febrero de 2004 hasta diciembre de 2005). Resultados El numero de donaciones se ha incrementado desde los 18 donantes durante 1991 a los 106 en 2006. En el grupo A la edad media fue de 32,4 anos, frente a 52,3 anos del grupo B. En la serie A, la principal causa de muerte fueron los traumatismos craneoencefalicos y en el grupo B, los accidentes cerebrovasculares. El tiempo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos fue mayor en el segundo grupo, con una media de 67,2 h. En el grupo B el 17% presentaba aterosclerosis considerable de la aorta y el 29,5%, esteatosis hepatica macroscopica, frente al 5 y el 12%, respectivamente, en el grupo A. Conclusiones Actualmente, los donantes de higado son de mayor edad, presentan mas enfermedades cronicas, mueren por enfermedades cerebrovasculares, permanecen mas tiempo en cuidados intensivos y sus higados son macroscopicamente peores que los de donantes de anos anteriores.

Pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin eradicates hepatitis C virus (HCV) in one third of liver recipients with recurrent disease. Side effects are frequent and potentially life threatening. Our aim was to define the long-term benefits of antiviral therapy in recurrent HCV. Eighty-nine (89) recipients (genotype 1: 86.5%) were treated with IFN (n = 31) or pegIFN (n = 58) plus ribavirin and 75 untreated contemporaneous disease-matched controls. The major end point was survival from transplantation. Survival, progression to cirrhosis and clinical decompensation since start of therapy were compared between sustained virologic responders (SVRs) and nonresponders (NRs). Results revealed 44 patients died during the follow-up (20% treated vs. 35% controls; p = 0.05). Patient survival was higher in treated compared to controls (7 years: 74% vs. 62%; p = 0.04). Among treated patients, an SVR was achieved in 37% (IFN 16% vs. peg-IFN 48%; p = 0.03). About 2/33 SVRs and 16/56 NRs died (p = 0.01) due to HCV-disease (56%), IFN-induced rejection (11%), both causes (11%) or others (22%). Five-year survival was greater in SVRs than in NRs (93% vs. 69%, p = 0.032). In patients without baseline cirrhosis, progression to cirrhosis occurred more frequently in NRs (27/42 vs. 6/16; p = 0.06). The 5-year risk of graft decompensation was higher in NRs (33% vs. 16%; p = 0.04). Antiviral therapy is associated with improved long-term outcome in recurrent HCV.

Undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma of the liver (USL) is a rare malignant hepatic tumor in adults. We report the case of a 40-year-old man with USL who was successfully treated with surgical resection and chemotherapy using ifosfamide and adriamycin. To our knowledge, only 70 cases of USL in adults have been reported worldwide in the 40 years since this clinicopathological entity was defined. Although the prognosis of the disease remains generally poor, long term survival has been achieved in patients with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

Resumen Introduccion Los mejores resultados en el tratamiento de las metastasis hepaticas de carcinoma colorrectal se obtienen con la reseccion quirurgica, que debe realizarse con unos estandares de calidad. Objetivos Presentar la experiencia de 11 anos en el tratamiento quirurgico de las metastasis hepaticas de carcinoma colorrectal en una unidad de referencia y comprobar si se cumplen los estandares actuales de calidad. Pacientes y metodo Desde enero de 1995 hasta diciembre de 2005 se realizaron 250 intervenciones en 221 pacientes diagnosticados de metastasis hepaticas de origen colorrectal, con 201 resecciones hepaticas. Resultados El 19% de los pacientes tenian una edad ≥ 70 anos, con factores comorbidos asociados en el 54% de los casos. De las 201 resecciones, el 8,5% fue una segunda reseccion. En el 39% se realizo una hepatectomia mayor. La reseccion fue R0 en el 85% de los casos. No se transfundio en el 80% de los casos. La mediana de estancia postoperatoria fue de 6 dias, la mortalidad postoperatoria fue del 0% y la morbilidad, del 19%. Se relacionaron con la morbilidad el numero de segmentos resecados y la transfusion peroperatoria. Las supervivencias actuariales generales a 1, 3 y 5 anos fueron del 96, el 69 y el 52% y las supervivencias actuariales libres de enfermedad para los mismos periodos fueron del 58, el 32 y el 24%, respectivamente. Conclusiones La reseccion de las metastasis hepaticas de carcinoma colorrectal es una buena opcion terapeutica cuando se cumplen los estandares de calidad actuales.

The aim of this study is to contribute our experience to the knowledge of the anatomic variations of the hepatic arterial supply. The surgical anatomy of the extrahepatic arterial vascularization was investigated prospectively in 1,081 donor cadaveric livers, transplanted at La Fe University Hospital from January 1991 to August 2004. The vascular anatomy of the hepatic grafts was classified according to Michels description (Am J Surg 1966;112:337-347) plus 2 variations. Anatomical variants of the classical pattern were detected in 30% of the livers (n = 320). The most common variant was a replaced left artery arising from the left gastric artery (9.7%) followed by a replaced right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery (7.8%). In conclusion, the information about the different hepatic arterial patterns can help in reducing the risks of iatrogenic complications, which in turn may result in better outcomes not only following surgical interventions but also in the context of radiological treatments. Liver Transpl 13:1401–1404, 2007. © 2007 AASLD

Backgrounds/Aims Recurrent HCV-cirrhosis occurs in a substantial proportion of transplant recipients, with higher rates reported in patients who had recently received a transplant. Over-immunosuppression has been implicated in this more unfavorable outcome. To determine whether the implementation of specific measures aimed at reducing or avoiding negative predictive variables is associated with an improvement in the outcome of recurrent hepatitis C. Methods Comparative study between a cohort of patients who had recently received a transplant (2001–2004) and a historical group of HCV-infected patients transplanted before the implementation of two simple measures (1999–2000): (i) use of dual initial immunosuppression (steroids + cyclosporine neoral or tacrolimus); (ii) slow steroid tapering (>6 months). Yearly biopsies were performed in these recipients, and only those with at least one protocol biopsy and those with cholestatic hepatitis (regardless of follow-up) were included in the study. End-point: rate of HCV-related severe disease (defined as bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis) within the first year post-transplantation. Results Severe disease was significantly lower in this cohort compared to the historical group (26/90, 29% vs 25/52, 48%; p =0.02). While other factors remained unchanged between the two cohorts, the proportion of patients on triple–quadruple regimes and the number of boluses of methyl-prednisolone were lower and the duration of prednisone therapy longer in more patients who had recently received a transplant. Conclusions Improving the outcome of recurrent hepatitis C may be achieved by reducing overall immunosuppression and avoiding abrupt variations in immunosuppression.

The severity of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) is likely related to several factors. Controversial results have been reported regarding the effect of specific calcineurin-inhibitors. The aim of this research was to determine whether there are differences on posttransplantation outcome in HCV-infected patients based on initial immunosuppression. Prospective randomized trial comparing tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine-based immunosuppression in a cohort of patients undergoing primary orthotopic liver transplantation between 2001 and 2003 was used. Yearly biopsies were performed. Patients with at least 1 protocol biopsy and those with very severe recurrence despite a follow-up of less than 1 yr (cholestatic hepatitis, progression to bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis) were included. Baseline characteristics (demographics, liver function at transplantation, genotype distribution, donor, surgery, immunosuppression except for the type of calcineurin inhibitor) did not differ between the 2 groups. Severe disease (defined as bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis, cholestatic hepatitis, and/or death due to recurrent disease in the first year) was present in 27 in 90 (30%), and was equally distributed in the cyclosporine and tacrolimus groups (15/46 vs. 12/44, respectively). A total of 33 in 90 (37%) patients had no fibrosis in the first year biopsy with no difference between the cyclosporine and tacrolimus groups (36.5 vs. 37%). The percentage of patients developing recurrent acute hepatitis was also similar (32% vs 35%); time to acute hepatitis though was shorter in the tacrolimus group (59 days [35-185] vs. 92 days [39-343] in the cyclosporin group; P = 0.02). Cholestatic hepatitis was observed in 4 of 44 and 5 of 46 patients under cyclosporine and tacrolimus, respectively (P = not significant). In conclusions, the short-term posttransplantation course of hepatitis C is not related to the calcineurin inhibitor used.

Resumen Introduccion Los resultados de la reseccion hepatica parcial (RH) como tratamiento definitivo del carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) pueden depender en gran medida de la adecuada seleccion de los pacientes y de la tecnica quirurgica. Para una mejor aplicacion de estos metodos se han constituido en los ultimos anos unidades de referencia de cirugia hepatica (UR). Objetivo Evaluar los resultados de la RH en el CHC en una UR con pautas de seleccion y manejo definidos, orientados a la consecucion de resultados estandarizados. Pacientes y metodo Seleccionamos a 51 pacientes para tratamiento quirurgico mediante RH. Los criterios de indicacion fueron distintos para el grupo A (no cirroticos, 24 pacientes) y el grupo B (cirroticos, 27 pacientes). La tecnica quirurgica estuvo estandarizada. Utilizamos como criterios de calidad: la morbilidad, la mortalidad, la supervivencia total y libre de enfermedad y la recidiva. Resultados La morbilidad fue del 18% (9 pacientes), no significativa en el numero y tipo de complicaciones entre los 2 grupos. La mortalidad fue del 25,5% (13 pacientes), un 4% operatoria y un 16% por recidiva, no significativa entre los 2 grupos. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 20,5 meses. La supervivencia acumulada fue del 87, el 64 y el 48% a 1, 3 y 5 anos (sin significacion estadistica entre los grupos). La supervivencia acumulada libre de enfermedad fue del 82, el 46 y el 41% a 1, 3 y 5 anos (sin significacion estadistica entre los grupos). La recidiva se produjo en 14 pacientes (27,5%), sin diferencias significativas entre los grupos A y B. La recidiva aparecio en un tiempo medio de 19 ± 45 meses (rango, 5-40 meses). La acumulada a 5 anos fue del 48%. Conclusiones El esquema de actuacion quirurgica con relacion a la RH para el CHC dentro de una UR ha permitido obtener unos resultados equiparables a los estandares de excelencia. Unas adecuadas seleccion e indicacion, junto con las tecnicas quirurgicas disponibles, nos han permitido obtener unos resultados similares en pacientes cirroticos y no cirroticos.

Resumen Introduccion La enfermedad poliquistica hepatica (EPH) es una entidad infrecuente que se hereda de forma autosomica dominante. Hay diversas estrategias terapeuticas, pero en los casos mas avanzados, el trasplante hepatico es la unica solucion factible. Objetivo Presentar la experiencia de la Unidad de Trasplante Hepatico del Hospital La Fe en el tratamiento de la EPH mediante trasplante hepatico. Pacientes y metodo Hemos realizado 5 trasplantes hepaticos en pacientes con EPH, cifra que corresponde al 0,5% del total de trasplantes efectuados. Las 5 pacientes eran mujeres. La edad media fue de 40,4 anos. En 2 pacientes no se detectaron quistes renales. La indicacion de trasplante fue la presencia de varios criterios clinicos (hepatomegalia, limitacion de las actividades diarias, fatiga y distension abdominal). Resultados En todos los casos se empleo la tecnica quirurgica de piggyback. El tiempo medio quirurgico fue de 293 min. El peso medio de los higados fue de 3.590 g. Una paciente con enfermedad hepatica y renal recibio un trasplante hepatorrenal. La morbilidad fue del 60%. Una paciente fallecio por fracaso multiorganico. En el seguimiento, 1 paciente murio a los 57 meses por un tumor de novo y las otras 3 siguen vivas a los 84, 76 y 52 meses del trasplante, estan asintomaticas y con injerto funcionante. Ninguna paciente ha requerido trasplante renal en el seguimiento. Conclusiones El trasplante hepatico es un tratamiento valido para los pacientes con EPH sintomatica no susceptibles de recibir terapias menos agresivas. La tecnica de piggyback es aplicable a estos enfermos. El momento adecuado para efectuar el trasplante sigue siendo controvertido.

Although histological hepatitis occurs in the majority of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver transplant recipients, the natural history is highly variable. Whereas progression to cirrhosis occurs in up to 30% after 3 to 7 years, the disease remains stable in another third of patients, in whom protocol liver biopsies might be avoided. However, there is recent concern that with prolonged follow-up, some patients with initial benign recurrence may develop a late-onset aggressive course. Aims of the study are to determine the incidence and factors associated with this event. Based on yearly protocol biopsies (median, five biopsies; range, three to seven biopsies), we evaluated the histological outcome of 57 HCV type 1b-infected transplant recipients with initial benign recurrence, defined as stable histological state (fibrosis stage F0 or F1) during the first 3 years posttransplantation. Severe late-onset liver damage is defined as progression to F3 or F4 in patients with previous benign recurrence. Potential predictors of this event include demographics, donor-related factors, liver enzyme levels at 1 and 3 (or baseline) years posttransplantation, activity grade and fibrosis stage at 1 and 3 years posttransplantation, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related variables occurring within the first 3 years posttransplantation (diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity), use of some drugs (renin-angiotensin inhibitors, ursodeoxycholic acid), and the advent of any unusual event. The incidence of severe late-onset liver damage was 35% (n = 20). Twelve transplant recipients progressed to F3, whereas 8 transplant recipients progressed to F4. Sudden histological deterioration was observed on postoperative biopsy 5 in 12 patients; biopsy 6 or 7, in 7 patients; and biopsy 4, in 1 patient. Variables associated with this event in univariate analysis were fibrosis stage and activity grade (and its components) at baseline (P < .0001), recipient female gender (P = .04), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level at 1 year posttransplantation (P = .02), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and ALT levels at baseline (P = .008 and P = .005, respectively). By multivariate analysis, only one variable was retained in the model: fibrosis stage at baseline (relative risk, 11; 95% confidence interval, 3 to 41; P = .0007), whereas AST level almost reached statistical significance (P = .07). In conclusion, delayed HCV-related severe liver damage is not infrequent in transplant recipients with initial benign recurrence, occurring in approximately one third of them. The presence of some degree of fibrosis at baseline appears to predict this sudden change in the natural history of recurrent hepatitis C. Based on these findings, we recommend continuing protocol biopsies and evaluating potential antiviral therapy in transplant recipients with evidence of some fibrosis (even if it is only portal).

A review was carried out in Medline, LILACS and the Cochrane Library. Our database search strategy included the following terms: “hydatid cyst”, “liver”, “management”, “meta-analysis” and “randomized controlled trial”. No language limits were used in the literature search. The latest electronic search date was the 7th of January 2014. Inclusion and exclusion criteria: all relevant studies on the assessment of therapeutic methods for hydatid cysts of the liver were considered for analysis. Information from editorials, letters to publishers, low quality review articles and studies done on animals were excluded from analysis. Additionally, well-structured abstracts from relevant articles were selected and accepted for analysis. Standardized forms were designed for data extraction; two investigators entered the data on patient demographics, methodology, recurrence of HC, mean cyst size and number of cysts per group. Four hundred and fourteen articles were identified using the previously described search strategy. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria detailed above, 57 articles were selected for final analysis: one meta-analysis, 9 randomized clinical trials, 5 non-randomized comparative prospective studies, 7 non-comparative prospective studies, and 34 retrospective studies (12 comparative and 22 non-comparative). Our results indicate that antihelminthic treatment alone is not the ideal treatment for liver hydatid cysts. More studies in the literature support the effectiveness of radical treatment compared with conservative treatment. Conservative surgery with omentoplasty is effective in preventing postoperative complications. A laparoscopic approach is safe in some situations. Percutaneous drainage with albendazole therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for hydatid cysts of the liver. Radical surgery with pre- and post-operative administration of albendazole is the best treatment option for liver hydatid cysts due to low recurrence and complication rates.

Recurrent hepatitis occurs in the majority of patients undergoing liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis, with progression to cirrhosis in up to 30% after 5 years. Based on these data, a decrease in survival can be anticipated with prolonged follow-up. Furthermore, posttransplantation HCV-fibrosis progression has been shown in recent years to increase. Our aims were (1) to describe the natural history of HCV-infected recipients, particularly to determine whether survival has decreased in recent years; (2) to compare this outcome with that observed in non-HCV-infected cirrhosis controls; and (3) to determine the factors associated with disease severity and survival. Among 522 cirrhotic patients undergoing transplantation between 1991 and 2000, 283 (54%) were infected with HCV. Yearly biopsies were performed in these recipients and at 1 and 5 years in the remainder. With similar follow-up, the percentage of deaths in the HCV(+) group was significantly higher than in the HCV- group (37% vs. 22%, P

Liver transplantation (LT) is a proven effective treatment of severe liver disease. The aim of this paper is to analyze the results of LT in Spain during the period 1984-2012.We analyze the results of the database of Spanish Liver Transplant Registry.A total of 20,288 transplants were performed in 18,568 patients. The median age of the donor and recipient increased during the analysis period: 25 years (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 18-40) and 47 years (95% CI 34-55), respectively, in the period 1984-1994 compared to 59 years (95% CI 33-65; P.05) and 55 years (95% CI 48-61; P.01), respectively, in the period 2010-2012. The most frequent indications were liver cirrhosis (63.18%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (19.62%). The overall patient and graft survival was respectively 85.1 and 77.8% in the first year, 72.6 and 63.5% the fifth year and 62 and 52.6% in the tenth year. First year patients and graft survival increased respectively from 77.8 and 66.3% in the period 1984-1994 to 88.5 and 83% in 2010-2012 (P.01). Donor and recipient age, etiology of underlying disease, and hepatitis C virus serological status, were factors associated with decreased survival in univariate and multivariate analysis.Results of LT improved significantly over the review period, despite a progressive increase in donor and recipient age.

The objectives of this study were (a) to describe and estimate the frequency of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in rural and urban populations in two regions of Buenos Aires Province, and (b) to compare the presentation and distribution of factors hypothetically associated with HUS. A total of 82 HUS cases, recorded during the years 2005-2010 in rural and urban areas of the south-central region of Buenos Aires Province, were clinically and epidemiologically characterized. Statistical data analysis included Chi square or Fisher test and median test. The incidence rate of HUS was significantly higher in the rural population, being 12.7 cases per 100 000 (CI 0-23.5) in rural inhabitants vs. 7.1 cases per 100 000 (CI 0-9.5) in urban inhabitants. The median age of the patients was 27 months (5-139 months), significantly lower in children from the rural area. This could be explained by a more frequent contact with bovine feces, the consumption of raw milk and a higher proportion of relatives who work in risk labors found in the rural population. Although HUS is often associated with the consumption of undercooked minced meat, most of the children cases here included did not present this antecedent. Clinical manifestations were similar in both subpopulations. One-third of urban patients had received antibiotics prior to HUS development.

In the immunocompetent setting, antiviral therapy-related anemia has recently been shown to be associated with a sustained virological response (SVR). Our goal was to assess whether this is also true for liver transplantation (LT). We included 160 LT patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) who were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (RBV) between 2002 and 2010; 76% of the patients were men, the median age of the patients was 56 years (range = 33-75 years), 63% had advanced fibrosis, and 86% were infected with HCV genotype 1a or 1b. The baseline immunosuppression was tacrolimus in 56% of the patients. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was used in 15%. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) level10 g/dL. Significant anemia was present when the Hb decline was5 g/dL. Anemia and significant anemia developed in 67% and 41% of the patients, respectively. Erythropoietin was used in 60%. Factors independently associated with significant anemia included low estimated creatinine clearance [relative risk (RR) = 0.951, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.925-0.978, P = 0.0001], a longer time from LT to therapy (RR = 1.001, 95% CI = 1.000-1.001, P = 0.002), high baseline viremia (RR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.3-8.1, P = 0.01), cyclosporine A (CSA)-based immunosuppression (RR: 3.472, 95% CI: 1.386-8.695; P = 0.008), and the use of MMF (RR: 5.346, 95% CI: 1.398-20.447; P = 0.014). An SVR occurred in 43% of the patients; the factors associated with an SVR included baseline variables (younger recipient age, younger donor age, infections with non-1 HCV genotypes, body mass index, and mild fibrosis) and on-treatment factors related to adherence or viral kinetics. Anemia resulted in RBV dose reductions but was not associated with the virological response at any time. In conclusion, anemia is a very frequent complication in LT patients during antiviral therapy and is associated with increased RBV dose reduction but not with an SVR. Predictors of anemia include MMF or CSA immunosuppression, high viremia, and renal insufficiency.

Liver retransplantation (LrT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible failure of a hepatic graft and accounts for 2.9%–24.0% of all liver transplantations (LT). It is technically difficult and has a high level of immediate morbidity and a lower survival than primary LT. Our aim was to determine the rate of LrT and its indications, morbidity, post-operative mortality and actuarial survival in the retransplanted patient. Patients and method A historical cohort study of 1181 patients transplanted between 1991 and 2006. Results Of the 1260 LT performed, 79 were LrT. At the time of the first LT there were no differences between those patients and those that did not require an LrT. The LrT rate was 6.3% and the most frequent causes were: hepatic artery thrombosis (31.6%), recurrence of cirrhosis due the HVC (30.4%) and primary graft (21.5%). The ischemia times, perfusion syndrome and hepatic congestion were no different between the primary LT and the LrT. On the other hand, red cell transfusions were higher in LrT (6.3 ± 4.9 vs 3.5 ± 3.0 units, P P = .04 and 25.3% vs 10.9%, P P Conclusions Despite the increased morbidity and mortality of LrT, it appears that this treatment alternative is still valid in those patients with an early loss of the liver graft. On the other hand, when the graft loss is delayed, it needs to be defined, what would be the minimum acceptable results to indicate LrT and which patients could benefit from this treatment.

Background There is a paucity of good studies evaluating the impact of calcineurin inhibitors on posttransplantation outcome in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver transplant (LT) recipients. Methods We sought to determine whether there are differences on posttransplantation survival and histologic recurrence in HCV-LT recipients based on initial immunosuppression (IS) by conducting a prospective study comparing tacrolimus (Tac) versus cyclosporine-based IS in patients undergoing LT between 2001 and 2007. Protocol liver biopsies were performed. Results Baseline characteristics (demographics, liver function at LT, genotype distribution, donor, surgery, and IS except for the type of calcineurin inhibitor) did not differ between groups. Severe disease (defined as bridging fibrosis, cirrhosis, cholestatic hepatitis, or allograft loss or death because of recurrent disease in the first year) was present in 67 of 253 (26.5%) and was equally distributed in the CsA and Tac groups (27% vs. 26%; P=0.68). Two thirds of protocol biopsies performed at 1 year showed some fibrosis without differences between CsA and Tac groups (75% vs. 70%). Advanced fibrosis (bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis) was diagnosed in 30% CsA and 24.5% Tac patients (P=NS). No differences in survival at 1 and 7 years were observed (83% and 67% vs. 78% and 64%, respectively, P=0.4). In summary, in patients undergoing LT for HCV-related liver disease, posttransplantation outcome is not related to the calcineurin inhibitor used.

Liver retransplantation (LrT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible failure of a hepatic graft and accounts for 2.9%-24.0% of all liver transplantations (LT). It is technically difficult and has a high level of immediate morbidity and a lower survival than primary LT. Our aim was to determine the rate of LrT and its indications, morbidity, post-operative mortality and actuarial survival in the retransplanted patient.A historical cohort study of 1181 patients transplanted between 1991 and 2006.Of the 1260 LT performed, 79 were LrT. At the time of the first LT there were no differences between those patients and those that did not require an LrT. The LrT rate was 6.3% and the most frequent causes were: hepatic artery thrombosis (31.6%), recurrence of cirrhosis due the HVC (30.4%) and primary graft (21.5%). The ischemia times, perfusion syndrome and hepatic congestion were no different between the primary LT and the LrT. On the other hand, red cell transfusions were higher in LrT (6.3+/-4.9 vs. 3.5+/-3.0 units, P0.001). The post-operative morbidity and morbidity (up to 30 days after the LT) was higher in retransplanted patients (68.4% vs. 57.0%, P=0.04 and 25.3% vs. 10.9%, P0.001; respectively). The actuarial survival at 1 and 5 years was 83% and 69% in those without LrT, 71% and 61% in early LrT and 64% and 34% in delayed LrT (P0.001).Despite the increased morbidity and mortality of LrT, it appears that this treatment alternative is still valid in those patients with an early loss of the liver graft. On the other hand, when the graft loss is delayed, it needs to be defined, what would be the minimum acceptable results to indicate LrT and which patients could benefit from this treatment.

Liver retransplantation (re-LT) is the only therapeutic option for irreversible failure of the graft. It currently makes up 2.9% to 24.0% of all liver transplants. It is technically very difficult and has a high index of immediate complications, underlined by the fact that 50% of the deaths after this procedure occur in the first three months; and that in general, the results of re-LT are worse than those of primary LT. Re-LT can be early (when it is performed during the first 30 days) or delayed. The reasons for early re-LT are: loss of primary function of the graft, complications for technical reasons, acute resistant rejection and infection problems of biliary origin. Those of delayed are: chronic rejection, liver arterial thrombosis, biliary complications and recurrence of the primary disease. In general, when a patient has an irreversible rejection of the graft, the indication for a re-LT is indisputable, but there are discrepancies on whether or not the aetiology of the basic disease has to have a bearing on this. If we take into account the MELD scoring system, when considering the indications for re-LT, this only allows us to predict mortality, but not to give priority on a waiting list. Patients must be retransplanted early, in good physical condition, with a low bilirubin and creatine level; and the donors must be young. Taking into account the continuing increase in mortality as a direct result of the imbalance between the growing number of potential candidates and the number of donors, it seems necessary to define what are the minimally accepted results to indicate a re-LT and thus arrive at a consensus that will help us decide which subject is a candidate to receive it.

The social, medical and demographic changes of our population and the increase in the number of patients on waiting lists have led to some changes in the selection criteria of organ donors.A retrospective, descriptive and comparative study of the liver cadaveric donors features accepted in the Liver Transplant Unit in La Fe University Hospital of Valencia (Spain) in 2 different periods. We distributed the cases into 2 groups, including in group A the first 200 first donors (from January 1991 to June 1995) and in group B the last 200 donors (from February 2004 to December 2005).The number of donors increased from 18 during 1991 to 106 in 2006. In group A the mean age was 32.4 years, compared to 52.3 years in group B. In group A, the main cause of death was craneoencephalic traumatism and in group B cerebrovascular accidents. The mean time in the intensive care unit was longer in the second group with 67.2 hours. In group B, considerable atherosclerosis was reported in 17% of cadaveric donors and macroscopic liver steatosis in 29.5%, compared to 5 and 12%, respectively, in group A.Nowadays, cadaveric liver donors are older, suffer more chronic diseases, die due to cerbrovascular diseases, remain longer in intensive care units and the livers are macroscopically worse compared to donors accepted 15 years ago.

The best results in the treatment of colorectal cancer metastases to the liver are currently achieved with surgical resection performed under high quality standards. OBJECTIVES. To analyze the results and quality standards of the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases in a referral liver unit over an 11-year period.From January 1995 to December 2005, 250 surgical interventions were performed in 221 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastases, resulting in 201 hepatic resections.Nineteen percent of patients were/= 70 years old and comorbidity was present in 54%. Of the 201 hepatic resections, 8.5% were second resections. Major hepatectomy was performed in 39% of the patients. R0 resection was achieved in 85% of the patients. Blood transfusions were not required in 80% of the patients. The median length of postoperative stay was 6 days. Postoperative mortality was nil and morbidity was 19%. Morbidity was associated with the number of resected segments and the need for blood transfusion. The estimated 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 96%, 69% and 52%, respectively, while estimated disease-free survival rates were 58%, 32% and 24%, respectively.Resection of colorectal cancer liver metastases is an effective therapeutic alternative if high current quality standards are achieved.

Liver re-transplantation (re-LT) is an accepted indication for some (technical problems, primary non-function [PNF]) but not all indications, particularly recurrence of the original disease, such as hepatitis C. We aimed to determine in our center: a) the rate of survival following re-transplantation for all and each different indication; b) to compare it to that obtained by a control group; c) to assess whether late re-LT, excluding PNF and surgical problems, and re-LT in HCV (+) patients are associated with a higher mortality, and d) to estimate medical costs.Form 1991 to April 2002, 50 re-LT were done (group 1). Group 2 consisted of 45 primary LT controlled by transplant date. Group 1 was divided in two subgroups: a) re-LT after 6 months of the first LT (recurrence of primary liver disease n = 20, chronic rejection n = 5), b) Re-LT in the first 6 months (PNF n = 13, artery thrombosis n = 12). We analyzed donor, recipient, surgical and immunosuppressive-related variables.The mean age was 50 years (range: 23-63) (72% men). Actuarial survival for re-LT was lower than for the control group: 64%, 57% and 50% vs 84%, 82% and 82% at 1st, 3rd and 5th year, respectively. By indication, the 3-year survival was: PNF: 61% (p = 0.05), HAT: 58% (p = 0.02), recurrence of primary disease: 52% (p = 0.001), chronic rejection: 60% (p = 0.346). Although not reaching statistical significance, survival was lower in late vs early re-LT (p = 0.16) and in HCV-infected versus non-infected patients (p = 0.08). In the HCV (+) group, there were no differences by re-transplant indication (p = 0.8). Medical costs and complications were substantially higher in group 1 vs group 2.Re-LT is associated with substantial medical costs and mortality, particularly in patients infected with HCV.

The goal of the study was to determine the incidence and variables associated with post-liver transplantation (LT) de novo internal neoplasms development, excluding skin tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma. Medical records were reviewed for recipient/donor demographics, viral serology, cause of liver disease, interval from LT to tumor diagnosis, predisposing factors, immunosuppression and survival. Forty-one neoplasms (31 solid and 10 hematologic) developed in 772 recipients (5.3%) transplanted between 1991 and 2001. Time to tumor diagnosis was longer in patients transplanted before 1995 than in those transplanted afterwards (58 vs. 22 months; p

An increase in the number of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected transplant recipients at need for repeated liver transplantation is anticipated. To date, there is a certain reluctance to accept these patients because of an increased organ shortage, early reports suggesting a poor outcome, and uncertainty regarding the natural history of recurrent hepatitis C in the second graft. The aim of this study is to determine the outcome of patients undergoing retransplantation for HCV-related graft cirrhosis. Of 49 transplant recipients with HCV-related allograft cirrhosis, 31 patients developed decompensation with criteria for retransplantation. Thirteen patients were denied this option. Of the 18 patients accepted, 6 patients died while on the waiting list (5 patients died of graft cirrhosis at a median of 3.2 months of listing), and 12 patients have undergone retransplantation (median, 10 months since HCV cirrhosis). After retransplantation, 8 patients (67%) died at a median of 8 months, and 4 patients (33%) remain alive after 1.9 years of follow-up. Causes and times of death from retransplantation were: surgical complications, n = 3 (perioperative period); HCV cirrhosis of the second graft, n = 2 (at 9 and 54 months); fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, n = 1 (at 2 years); lymphoproliferative disorder, n = 1 (at 7 months); and endocarditis, n = 1 (at 3.5 years, with underlying cirrhosis). Of the 4 patients alive, fibrosis stages in the last biopsy specimens are stage 1 (n = 1), stage 3 (n = 1), and stage 4 or cirrhosis (n = 1; one patient has not undergone biopsy), despite antiviral therapy. The outcome of retransplantation for HCV cirrhosis of the first graft is very poor because of multiple complications. The severity of recurrent HCV disease in the second graft seems to be related to that observed in the first graft.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still considered a controversial indication for liver transplantation (LT), mainly because of long waiting times and underlying viral cirrhosis. The goal was to evaluate the outcome of LT in 104 patients with HCC and cirrhosis, mainly hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related, in a center with a short waiting time (median, 105 days). Four groups were formed according to the HCC and HCV status: HCV positive with HCC (group 1, n = 81), HCV negative with HCC (group 2, n = 23), HCV positive without HCC (group 3, n = 200), and HCV negative without HCC (group 4, n = 207). Predictive factors of tumor recurrence were demographics, tumor related (size or number of nodules, capsule, bilobar involvement, vascular or lymphatic invasion, clinical and pathologic TNM staging, pre-LT percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol injection or transarterial chemoembolization, alpha-fetoprotein levels), donor and surgery related, and year of transplantation. The same variables and "tumor recurrence (yes/no)" were applied to evaluate the effect on survival. The median follow up was 29 months (range, 0 to 104 months). Patient survival was 70% at 1 year and 59% at 5 years for group 1, 87% at 1 year and 77% at 5 years for group 2, 81% at 1 year and 64% at 5 years for group 3, and 88% at 1 year and 77% at 5 years for group 4 (P =.013). Survival was significantly lower in patients with HCC than in those without (74% and 63% versus 85% and 70%, at 1 and 5 years, respectively; P =.05). The causes of death in those with and without HCC were tumor recurrence (24%) and recurrent HCV (8%) versus sepsis (34%) and recurrent HCV (14%). HCC recurrence occurred in 12 patients (11.5%) at a median of 14 months (range, 3 to 60 months) with a probability increasing from 8% at 1 year to 16% at 5 years. In patients with HCC, tumor recurrence was associated with vascular invasion (P =.0004) by multivariate analysis; variables predictive of survival were donor old age (P =.01), viral-related etiology (P =.02), and tumor recurrence (P =.001). Although LT still remains an adequate indication for HCC in centers with high prevalence of HCV infection and short waiting times, both tumor and HCV-related recurrent diseases hamper significantly the outcomes of these patients.

The natural history of clinically compensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis after liver transplantation is unknown. This information is relevant to transplant centers to improve the management of these patients and decide the optimal timing for retransplantation. The aims of the study were (1) to describe the natural history of patients with HCV-cirrhosis transplants in a center with annual liver biopsies, and (2) to determine predictors for clinical decompensation, retransplantation, and mortality rates. A total of 49 patients with HCV-graft cirrhosis, 39 clinically compensated at histologic diagnosis of cirrhosis (post-liver transplantation cirrhosis) were included and followed up for 1 year (15 days-3.5 years). All patients tested were infected with genotype 1b. Predictive variables included histologic activity index (HAI) at post-liver transplantation cirrhosis, liver function tests, age, sex, and maintenance immunosuppression. Eighteen of 39 patients developed at least 1 episode of decompensation after a median of 7.8 months (4 days-2.6 years; 93% ascites). The cumulative probability of decompensation was 8%, 17%, and 42% at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Graft and patient survival rates were 100%, 85%, and 71% and 100%, 92%, and 74% at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Patient survival rates dropped significantly once decompensation developed (93%, 61%, and 41% at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively). Variables associated with decompensation, retransplantation, and mortality rate included a high Child-Pugh score (>A), low levels of albumin at post-liver transplantation cirrhosis, and a short interval between liver transplantation and post-liver transplantation cirrhosis. The natural history of clinically compensated HCV-graft cirrhosis is shortened when compared with immunocompetent patients. If retransplantation is considered, it should be performed promptly once decompensation develops.