Liver transplantation across ABO blood groups

Six hundred seventy-one first, second, and third orthotopic liver allografts in 520 patients were reviewed to determine the effect of donor-recipient mismatches or incompatibility for the ABO blood group on graft survival. A significant advantage for ABO donor-recipient identity was found, especially in adults and for first grafts. However, a surprisingly large number of ABO incompatible grafts were successful. We recommend that nonidentical or incompatible grafts be limited to patients such as small children for whom the supply of available donors is severely limited or for patients in urgent need of transplantation or retransplantation

Biliary tract complications in human orthotopic liver transplantation

The results of 393 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants in 313 patients were reviewed to determine the incidence of primary biliary tract complications. There were 52 biliary tract complications in 393 grafts (13.2%), and 5 directly related deaths. Choledochojejunostomy over an internal stent to a Roux-en-Y limb of proximal jejunum (RYCJ-S) was the most frequently used technique (175 cases) and the most successful with only 9 technical failures (5.2%). Choledochocholedochostomy over a T tube (CC-T) was used in 159 cases and was successful in all but 20 cases (12.6%). Other methods of reconstruction were associated with high failure rates or technical complexity that do not justify their use. Biliary leak and obstruction were the most common complications. Leakage after CC-T at the T tube exit site was usually directly repaired, but anastomotic leakage required conversion to RYCJ-S. Obstruction may be relieved by percutaneous balloon dilatation but definitive treatment also usually required conversion to RYCJ-S. The most common complication after RYCJ-S is functional obstruction by a retained stent, which has a low morbidity but may necessitate surgical removal. Anastomotic leaks, which occurred in 2 cases, were successfully managed by revision of the choledochojejunostomy. © Williams & Wilkins 1987. All Rights Reserved

The antibody crossmatch in liver transplantation

Six hundred sixty-seven first, second, and third orthotopic liver allografts in 520 patients were reviewed to determine the effects of recipient panel-reactive antibody (PRA) and donor-recipient antibody crossmatch on 2-year patient and liver allograft survival rates. Neither a high panel-reactive antibody nor a positive crossmatch for donor-specific preformed antibody was associated with decreased patient or liver allograft survival for primary grafts or retransplants. Two patients have been given kidney transplants immediately after a liver allograft from a donor with whom each patient had a initial strongly positive donor-specific antibody crossmatch. The liver apparently removed or neutralized circulating anti-donor antibody, since the renal allografts functioned promptly and did not experience hyperacute rejection

Experience With Orthoclone OKT3 Monoclonal Antibody in Liver Transplantation

Experience with the use of Orthoclone OKT3 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of acute cellular rejection in a series of 130 human orthotopic liver transplantations is reviewed. Treatment was highly effective in reversing rejection, in reducing the rate of retransplantation, and in lowering patient mortality. OKT3 was also useful for cyclosporine sparing in patients with poor renal function, hypertension, or CNS toxicity. There was a significant incidence of opportunistic infection associated with the use of OKT3. © 1988, National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved.. All rights reserved