Liver transplantation : official publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society
-
Donor shortage has led to the use of hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)--positive (anti-HBc(+)) liver allografts for patients in need of relatively urgent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Because anti-HBc(+) allografts transmit hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection at a high rate, effective prophylaxis is required. We assessed the effectiveness of lamivudine in preventing HBV transmission by anti-HBc(+) allografts. ⋯ Hepatic HBV DNA was undetectable in the 7 patients in group 2 who underwent liver biopsy after OLT. Anti-HBc(+) allografts can be safely used in patients who undergo OLT for chronic hepatitis B and susceptible transplant recipients if prophylaxis with combination HBIG and lamivudine or lamividine alone is administered after OLT, respectively. However, more data are needed to determine the efficacy of lamivudine monotherapy in preventing transmission of HBV infection from anti-HBc(+) liver allografts to susceptible recipients.
-
The aim of this study is to establish the incidence of serious morbidity and mortality associated with the placement of large-bore (18 to 20 F) percutaneous bypass cannulae for venovenous bypass (VVBP) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This technique has been reported to be rapid, simple, and safe. ⋯ We conclude that percutaneous cannula placement for VVBP during OLT has the potential for life-threatening complications, and this must be considered when electing to use this technique. When percutaneous cannulae are to be used, we recommend the use of the right internal jugular vein for return cannulation and the use of ultrasound guidance, particularly in those patients in whom cannulation is predictably difficult.
-
Polycystic liver disease (PLD) may provoke massive hepatomegaly and severe physical and social handicaps. Data on orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for PLD are rare and conflicting. Conservative surgery (resection or fenestration) is indicated for large single cysts, but its value for small diffuse cysts is questionable. ⋯ OLT offers the chance of a definitive treatment in patients with extensive, small, diffuse PLD that has evolved into severely handicapping hepatomegaly. In contrast to previous studies, combined liver and kidney transplantation is rarely needed. Patient symptoms and chances of definitive palliation offered by OLT must be balanced against the risks of transplantation and lifelong commitment to immunosuppression.