Liver transplantation for acute liver failure due to antitubercular drugs – a single-center experience

OBJECTIVES: Patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis are at risk of developing acute liver failure due to the hepatotoxicity of antitubercular drugs. We aimed to describe our experience with liver transplantation from deceased donors in this situation. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing transplantation for acute liver failure due to antitubercular drugs in our prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: Of 81 patients undergoing transplantation for acute liver failure, 8 cases were attributed to antitubercular drugs during the period of 2006-2016. Regarding the time of tuberculosis treatment until the onset of jaundice, patients were on antitubercular drugs for a mean of 64.7 days (21-155 days). The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of patients ranged from 32 to 47 (median 38), and seven patients underwent transplantation under vasopressors. The 1-year survival was 50%. Three patients died during the week following transplantation due to septic shock (including a patient with acute liver failure due to hepatic/ disseminated tuberculosis), and the remaining patient died 2 months after transplantation due to pulmonary infection. There were 2 cases of mild rejection and 1 case of moderate rejection. Of the surviving patients, all were considered cured of tuberculosis after alternative drugs were given. CONCLUSION: Patients arrived very sick and displayed poor survival after deceased donor transplantation

Genética do câncer colorretal

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most important neoplasms not only for its prevalence but also for its incidence, accounting for 10% of all the neoplasms in the USA. However, its mortality remained unaffected in the last 50 years. Since Morson described the adenoma-carcinoma sequence for the first time in 1978, the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of CRC became intensively studied and many progresses were obtained. Several genes, like APC, DCC and p53, among others, were identified as participants of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence. They are involved in the multi-step process of the tumorigenesis, where the accumulation of genetic mutations in unstable cells represents the most important factor, which ends up rising the cancer. There are two basic types of CRC : the sporadic, that accounts for 85% of the total of cases of CRC ; and the familal, with about 15 % of the cases, which includes the Adenomatous Polyposi of the Colum (APC) and the Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Câncer (HNPCC). The mechanisms of action of such genes are now being described and research is being made to determine their prognostic value. One expect that the complete elucidation of such mechanisms will allow a decrease not only on the mortality, but also on the social impact imposed by such disease. Moreover, altemative treatments for surgery seems possible by gene therapy. Therefore, it is imperative for gastrointestinal surgeons and physicians to be familiarized with the genetics of the colorectal cancer.O câncer colorretal (CCR) é uma das neoplasias de maior importância atualmente, tanto por sua prevalência como por sua incidência, correspondendo a 10% de todas as neoplasias nos EUA. Contudo, nos últimos 50 anos, sua mortalidade permaneceu praticamente inalterada. Desde que Morson, em 1978, descreveu pela primeira vez a seqüênciaadenoma-carcinoma, a elucidação da genética molecular envolvida na patogênese do CCR passou a ser estudada intensamente e muitos avanços foram obtidos. Vários genes como APC, DCC e p53, entre outros, foram identificados como participantes da seqüência adenoma-carcinoma, estando envolvidos na gênese tumoral baseada na teoria de múltiplos passos, onde o acúmulo de mutações genéticas em células instáveis é o fator principal que acaba por originar o câncer. Há dois tipos básicos de CCR: o esporádico, que corresponde a 85% do total de casos de CCR; e o familiar, com cerca de 15% dos casos e destaque para a Polipose Adenomatosa Familiar (PAF) e o Câncer Colorretal Hereditário não-poliposo (HNPCC). As pesquisas atuais vêm decifrando o mecanismo de ação de tais genes, buscando determinar a importância e valor prognóstico dos mesmos. Espera-se que a elucidação completa de tais mecanismos permita uma diminuição não só da mortalidade do CCR, mas também do impacto social imposto por tal doença. Ademais, a elaboraçãode tratamentos alternativos à cirurgia parece possível, através da terapia genética. Portanto, familiarizar-se com a Genética do Câncer Colorretal e os avanços nessa área torna-se imperativo para clínicos e cirurgiões da área digestiva

Portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose de veia porta foi considerada contraindicação ao transplante de fígado no passado em razão da elevada morbi-mortalidade. Diversos avanços permitiram melhora dos resultados. OBJETIVO: Revisão dos avanços e das estratégias cirúrgicas utilizadas para realização do transplante de fígado na vigência de trombose de veia porta. MÉTODO: Revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, Scielo, Lilacs cruzando os descritores: portal vein thrombosis, liver transplantation, vascular complications, jump graft, graft failure, multivisceral transplant. Foram estudados a epidemiologia, fatores de risco, classificação, diagnóstico, estratégias cirúrgicas e resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A trombose de veia porta deixou de ser contraindicação para o transplante hepático. O cirurgião dispõe atualmente de uma série de estratégias para realização do transplante, variando conforme o grau da trombose. Apesar de implicar em maior morbidade e taxas de re-trombose, os resultados do transplante na presença de trombose portal são semelhantes aos observados nas séries habituais

Effect of pentoxifylline in liver regeneration in rats submitted to partial hepatectomy

A cirurgia do fígado apresentou extraordinário avanço desde a primeira ressecção planejada realizada por Langenbuch em 1888, e o primeiro transplante de fígado realizado por Starzl em 1963, até atualmente quando extensas ressecções e transplantes de partes do fígado são possíveis. Isso se deve graças, entre outros fatores, ao reconhecimento da grande capacidade regenerativa do fígado. A regeneração hepática tem sido objeto de estudo por quase 100 anos, no entanto, o mecanismo pelo qual o hepatócito é estimulado à replicação não foi completamente elucidado. As citocinas têm papel fundamental no mecanismo de regeneração do fígado, destacando-se entre elas o TNF- e a IL-6. Elas favorecem a indução de outras citocinas e estimulam a regeneração. Elas, no entanto, contribuem também no mecanismo de lesão do hepátocito em situações como a da isquemia e reperfusão. Alguns dados da literatura são conflitantes e mostram respostas diferentes na regeneração hepática provocadas pela inibição do TNF-. A pentoxifilina é um derivado da metilxantina que tem uma potente ação inibidora da síntese de TNF-. O presente estudo visa a avaliar o efeito da administração de pentoxifilina na regeneração hepática em ratos submetidos a ressecção de 70% do parênquima hepático. Os animais foram divididos em 4 grupos: Controle, grupo I (laparotomia), Grupo II (hepatectomia + salina) e grupo III (hepatectomia + pentoxifilina). Foram realizadas dosagens de transaminases (AST e ALT) 2, 6 e 48 horas após o procedimento, de citocinas (TNF- e IL-6) no soro e no tecido hepático 2 e 6 horas após a operação, e realizado estudo histológico para avaliação do índice mitótico e do PCNA com o intuito de quantificar a regeneração hepática 48 horas após o procedimento. Os resultados mostraram que a pentoxifilina foi efetiva no bloqueio do TNF- e da IL-6 no soro, mas não no tecido hepático dos animais, e que esse bloqueio melhorou a regeneração hepática documentada pelo índice mitótico e pelo PCNA. Pudemos então concluir que a pentoxifilina, nas condições do presente estudo, melhorou a regeneração do fígado após ressecção de 70% do parênquima hepático por mecanismo relacionado a redução das citocinas séricas e manutenção das citocinas do tecido hepáticoLiver surgery has grown extraordinarily from the first planned ressection performed by Langenbuch in 1888, and the first successful orthotopic liver transplantation by Starzl in 1963 to the extended liver resections and living donors liver transplantations currently performed in many centers. It occurred, among others factors, because of the recognition of the great liver regenerative capacity. Liver regeneration has been object of study for almost 100 years. However the mechanism by which hepatocytes replication is stimulated is not completely elucidated. Cytokines, mainly TNF- and IL-6, play a pivotal role in liver regeneration mechanism. However they also contribute to hepatocytes damage mechanisms, like in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Indeed some studies are conflicting, and show different effects of TNF- inhibition in liver regeneration. Pentoxifylline is a methylxanthine compound known to inhibits TNF- production by monocytic cells. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of pentoxifylline in liver regeneration in rats submitted to 70% hepatectomy. The animals were randomized into 4 groups: Control, group I (sham), Group II (hepatectomy + saline) and group III (hepatectomy + pentoxifylline). AST and ALT serum levels were determined at 2, 6 and 48 hours after the procedure, TNF- and IL-6 serum levels and liver tissue levels were determined at 2 and 6 hours after the operation. Mitotic index and PCNA were performed to quantify liver regeneration 48 hours after the procedure. We found that pentoxifylline reduces TNF- and IL-6 serum levels, without changes in the liver tissue levels. These results were associated with an improvement liver regeneration evaluated by the mitotic index and the PCNA. We concluded that pentoxifylline improved liver regeneration after 70% hepatectomy by a mechanism that comprises blood but not hepatic cytokines reductio

Successful Liver Transplantation Case Report from a Deceased Donor with Sickle Cell Anemia

There is a worldwide problem of waiting time and mortality rate associated with remaining on the waiting list for a liver transplant. However, some situations have been encouraging in terms of determining appropriate recipients and expanding the donor criteria. We herein report a case of useful liver donor with sickle cell anemia for liver transplantation. Here we described a case of liver transplantation from a donor with sickle cell anemia to a recipient with hepatocellular carcinoma who was deemed to be at risk of tumor growth and at risk of being dropped from the waiting list. The literature reveals the importance of using safe donors, and we describe the benefits of using a safe, deceased liver donor with sickle cell anemia who was an adequate option for liver transplantation

Factors Associated with Mortality and Graft Failure in Liver Transplants: A Hierarchical Approach.

Liver transplantation has received increased attention in the medical field since the 1980s following the introduction of new immunosuppressants and improved surgical techniques. Currently, transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage liver disease, and it has been expanded for other indications. Liver transplantation outcomes depend on donor factors, operating conditions, and the disease stage of the recipient. A retrospective cohort was studied to identify mortality and graft failure rates and their associated factors. All adult liver transplants performed in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2006 and 2012 were studied.A hierarchical Poisson multiple regression model was used to analyze factors related to mortality and graft failure in liver transplants. A total of 2,666 patients, 18 years or older, (1,482 males; 1,184 females) were investigated. Outcome variables included mortality and graft failure rates, which were grouped into a single binary variable called negative outcome rate. Additionally, donor clinical, laboratory, intensive care, and organ characteristics and recipient clinical data were analyzed. The mortality rate was 16.2 per 100 person-years (py) (95% CI: 15.1-17.3), and the graft failure rate was 1.8 per 100 py (95% CI: 1.5-2.2). Thus, the negative outcome rate was 18.0 per 100 py (95% CI: 16.9-19.2). The best risk model demonstrated that recipient creatinine ≥ 2.11 mg/dl [RR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.56-2.08)], total bilirubin ≥ 2.11 mg/dl [RR = 1.48 (95% CI: 1.27-1.72)], Na+ ≥ 141.01 mg/dl [RR = 1.70 (95% CI: 1.47-1.97)], RNI ≥ 2.71 [RR = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.41-1.90)], body surface ≥ 1.98 [RR = 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.97)] and donor age ≥ 54 years [RR = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.11-1.48)], male gender [RR = 1.19(95% CI: 1.03-1.37)], dobutamine use [RR = 0.54 (95% CI: 0.36-0.82)] and intubation ≥ 6 days [RR = 1.16 (95% CI: 1.10-1.34)] affected the negative outcome rate.The current study confirms that both donor and recipient characteristics must be considered in post-transplant outcomes and prognostic scores. Our data demonstrated that recipient characteristics have a greater impact on post-transplant outcomes than donor characteristics. This new concept makes liver transplant teams to rethink about the limits in a MELD allocation system, with many teams competing with each other. The results suggest that although we have some concerns about the donors features, the recipient factors were heaviest predictors for bad outcomes

Descriptive statistics: mean with standard deviation (SD) or proportion (%) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), median with interquartile range (IQR), and expert score (ES) of variables from donor, organ and recipient of liver transplants in São Paulo, Brazil.

<p>^a Cerebral vascular accident</p><p>^b Traumatic brain injury</p><p>^c Glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase</p><p>^d Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase</p><p>^e Rejection, cardiologic causes, trauma, etc</p><p>^f Expert score per variable (5 is closest to outcome)</p><p>^g Mean of expert score per block of variables (5 is closest to outcome)</p><p>Descriptive statistics: mean with standard deviation (SD) or proportion (%) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), median with interquartile range (IQR), and expert score (ES) of variables from donor, organ and recipient of liver transplants in São Paulo, Brazil.</p

Final simplified framework of associated factors for mortality and graft failure in liver transplants in São Paulo between 2006 and 2012.

<p>Final simplified framework of associated factors for mortality and graft failure in liver transplants in São Paulo between 2006 and 2012.</p