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Coronavirus disease 2019 has resulted in significant morbidities and mortalities in nearly all parts ofthe world. There remain major concerns about management, timing, and safety of liver transplant in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. We aimed to study the clinical course and outcomes of patients with liver cirrhosis who recovered from COVID-19 and underwent liver transplant from deceased donors.A retrospective study was conducted on liver transplant recipients who underwent liver transplant from April 1, 2020, to January 30, 2021. We evaluated all recipients of liver transplantfrom deceased donors during this period in the COVID-19 pandemic.There were 14 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis who had recovered from COVID-19 as documented by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test for SARS-CoV-2. Mean duration from COVID-19 to transplant surgery was 56.14 ± 29.96 days. Mortality occurred in 3 patients, and of whom 2 had been hospitalized and received medications for COVID-19 before transplant. Five patients had positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results for SARS-CoV-2 after liver transplant.This is a large reported series of patients with liver cirrhosis who have received liver transplant after recovery from COVID-19. We provided evidence that liver transplant from deceased donors should be considered in patients recovered from COVID-19, especially in those with deterioration of clinical status.

Objectives: Liver transplant recipients are more susceptible to vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization than healthy individuals. We investigated the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization and its effect on the outcomes of liver transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: Patients who had undergone primary liver transplant at the Shiraz Organ Transplant Center from 2015 to 2017 were enrolled in this study. Demographic characteristics, laboratory test results, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, total duration of hospital stay, and clinical outcome data were extracted from the Shiraz Organ Transplant Center database. Posttransplant outcomes such as graft rejection, mortality, hospital stay, and kidney function tests were included for the first 90 days after transplant. Results: A total of 753 liver transplant recipients (470 males and 283 females) were included in this study. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization was identified in 51 patients (6.8%) after transplant at the time of intensive care unit admission. Our study found no significant difference between outcomes for patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization and outcomes for patients without colonization, including graft rejection, mortality, hospital stay, and kidney function tests. Conclusions: Our study revealed that asymptomatic vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in liver transplant patients has no adverse effect on the duration of posttransplant hospital stay, early mortality rate, graft rejection rate, or kidney function compared with noncolonized patients.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes overproduction and urinary excretion of oxalate. Liver transplant has been suggested as a treatment for primary hyperoxaluria type 1 since the defective enzyme is expressed in the liver. This study aimed to investigate results of combined liver and kidney, sequential, and preemptive livertransplantin patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1.In this cohort study, we followed patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 who underwent liver transplant at our centerin Shiraz, Iran. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were gathered, and major outcomes, including renal failure after liver transplant, rejection, and mortality were recorded. Survival of patients was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method.Our study included 24 patients. There were 16 male (66.6%) and 8 female (33.33%) patients. Thirteen patients were in the pediatric age group (age18 y), and 11 patients were adults (age ≥ 18 y). Thirteen patients underwent sequential transplant, 8 patients underwent combined liver and kidney transplant, and 3 patients underwent preemptive transplant. All patients received organs from deceased donors. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality, rejection, and hemodialysis after transplant between those with sequential transplant and those with combined liver and kidney transplant (P.05).Liver transplant can be considered a treatment for patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Combined liver and kidney transplant and preemptive liver transplant could be proper options for these patients.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is the definitive treatment for patients with advanced liver failure. Bacterial infections are common consequences of organ transplantation resulting from immune suppression and prolonged hospitalization. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined the records of all liver transplant pediatrics under 18 years of age in Abu-Ali Sina hospital, Shiraz, Fars province, Iran, from April 2019 to February 2020. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were extracted along with the administered therapeutic approach for the patient. Results: Of 80 enrolled patients, 52 were male, and 28 were female, with a median age of 60 months. An incidence of 67.9% of bacterial infections was recorded. Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens accounted for 64.06% and 35.93% of infections, respectively. Surgical site infections were the most common ones. The length of ICU stay, hospitalization, mechanical ventilation duration, and re-hospitalization were significantly higher in the infected group than in non-infected pediatrics (P-value < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the only risk factor for bacterial infections after LT was the length of ICU stay. The mortality rate was 22%, which was significantly higher among the infection group (P = 0.008). Conclusions: A high rate of bacterial infections and an increasing prevalence of nosocomial and antibiotic-resistant pathogens were detected in the early period after LT.

OBJECTIVES Liver transplant is the most effective treatment modality for patients with end-stage liver disease, metabolic disorders, hepatic malignancy, and acute liver failure. When a graft fails after primary liver transplant, retransplant of the liver remains the only option. Here, we report the past 12-year experience of the Shiraz Transplant Center regarding liver retransplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of a 12-year period (2004-2015) of the Shiraz Center in Iran. RESULTS Of the 3107 patients who had a liver transplant during the study period, 58 retransplants were performed (1.86%) in 57 patients. The leading cause of retransplant was primary nonfunction in 24 patients (41.4% of retransplant cases and 0.77% of all liver transplant cases). The second leading cause of retransplant was vascular complications in 25 patients (23 with hepatic artery thrombosis and 2 with portal vein thrombosis), accounting for 43.1% of retransplant cases and 0.80% of all liver transplant cases. In addition, 5 patients (8.6%) had retransplant for rejection, which accounted for 0.16% of all liver transplant cases. Four patients with retransplant (6.9%) had recurrence of primary disease, which accounted for 0.12% of all liver transplant cases. Most liver retransplants occurred early (≤ 30 days after primary transplant) at the Shiraz Transplant Center. Five-year survival rate after retransplant was 35%, and retransplant for hepatic artery thrombosis was more common in children. CONCLUSIONS Because most patients required retransplants in the early period after primary transplant, the decision for retransplant must be considered carefully with full multidisciplinary evaluation and only in skilled hands. Retransplant in subgroups of patients with little chance of a successful outcome should be avoided.

Background: Liver transplantation has improved patients' survival rates and quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the effect of liver transplantation and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score on patients' QoL at Shiraz Organ Transplantation Center. Materials and Methods: This perspective longitudinal study was conducted among 40 liver transplant candidates at Shiraz Organ Transplant Center. Inclusion criteria were patients who were 12 years or older, able to answer the questions and willingness to participate. If they had received multi-organ transplant and had mental or physical disabilities, we excluded them from the study. They were interviewed by the same researcher in the transplant clinic before transplantation, 1 and 6 months after transplantation. The participants completed the data collection form and Short Form-36 questionnaire via face-to-face interview. The data collecting form consist of demographic and medical information. Medical information was collected from Shiraz Organ Transplant Center. Results: Mean age of participants was 41.18 ± 14. By comparing QoL dimensions, a significant difference was found between before and after transplantation (P < 0.001), except in General Health dimension (P = 0.711). There was no statistically significant relationship between MELD score and QoL after liver transplantation (P > 0. 05). Conclusion: Liver transplantation improves patients' quality life with end-stage liver disease. MELD scores do not depict QoL after liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES Estimation of liver fat among living donor candidates is necessary before living donor liver transplant. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the controlled attenuation parameter compared with liver biopsy for pretransplant estimation of hepatic steatosis in living liver donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, we included all individuals who underwent transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter and ultrasonography-guided liver biopsy as a part of donor evaluations before living donor liver transplant. Clinical and laboratory data of living donor candidates were reviewed and collected. RESULTS Of 49 donor candidates included in this study, 21 (42.9%) had different degrees of hepatic macrosteatosis. Of the 21 donor candidates who had hepatic steatosis in liver biopsy, 13 individuals were diagnosed to have steatosis in transient elastography. Of the 28 donor candidates without hepatic steatosis in liver biopsy, 26 individuals showed no steatosis in transient elastography (odds ratio: 21.12; 95% CI, 3.91- 114.08; P < .001). Controlled attenuation parameter was useful in discriminating presence (P = .001) and grade of hepatic steatosis (P = .009) compared with liver biopsy with good sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS The controlled attenuation parameter is a noninvasive method for detection of hepatic steatosis in living donor candidates and can be used as an adjunct to liver biopsy for screening of living donor candidates before liver transplant.

Background: Hepatitis C is one of the most common causes of end-stage liver disease and liver transplant worldwide. In recent years, with the rapid advances in the treatment of hepatitis C by direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), the clinical course of the disease as well as liver transplantation have had significant improvement. Also, DAAs have completely replaced interferon-based regimens in the treatment and prevention of HCV recurrence after liver transplant. Objectives: This is the first study that aimed to investigate the clinical course of liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis C in Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients with HCV liver transplantation within five years (2012 - 2017) with the age range of 18 to 65 years at Shiraz Organ Transplant Center. All demographic and clinical data were recorded. Pre-transplant viral load, disease recurrence, graft rejection, and mortality rate were the most important indices in this study. Results: Among 55 transplant patients, 49% had received hepatitis C treatment before liver transplantation and interferon-based regimens were more prevalent. Besides, HCV genotype 3, followed by genotype 1, was the most prevalent one. A liver biopsy was performed in patients with elevated liver enzyme levels. The numbers of patients with HCV recurrence at 2, 6, 12, and 24-month intervals were three, two, zero, and two patients, respectively. At these time intervals, eight, eight, one, and three cases of acute graft rejection were found, respectively. Eight patients died with a one-year survival rate of 85%. Sepsis and infectious complications were the most leading causes of death. Conclusions: This study is the first study of liver transplant patients with hepatitis C in Iran. In the five-year study period, rapid development was made in the treatment of HCV patients. It led to the introduction of DAAs, which replaced interferon-based therapies. The results of this study indicated the high success rate of liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis C in Iran. The results of this study could be used to compare the efficacy of DAAs in future research.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on pediatric transplant outcomes and determine whether to continue pediatric transplant activity or not, and how policies intended our center has been effective in preventing COVID-19 among organ transplant recipients.Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of hospitalized pediatrics after organ transplantation at Shiraz transplant center since March to August 2020. All liver and kidney transplanted children were included the study and their laboratory and clinical related COVID-19 characteristics were followed up till 3 months after transplantation during hospitalization period and then weekly by the transplant committee.Results:Fifty-one patients underwent transplantation including 11 kidney and 40 liver recipients. The mean age of the pediatric cases was 6.72±5.47 years. A total of 11 patients died due to post-transplant complications, while none of the patients presented any sign or symptoms in favor of COVID-19 in the hospital course after transplantation. Six transplants including 2 kidney and 4 liver were canceled when positive PCR tests were detected in their donors before the surgery. In the three months of follow up, two patients presented with symptoms including high grade fever, malaise, rhinorrhea, and GI symptoms. Both patients had two negative PCR, and no radiologic or laboratory results regarding COVID-19 were also detected. One had positive influenza PCR, while the second one had a positive serologic test for EBV; CT, computed tomography Conclusion: transplant programs could continue their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic with specific case selection, accurate screening methods and following protective protocols.

Background Immunosuppressed patients, including individuals with organ transplantation, have been among susceptible groups with regard to COVID-19, on the other hand pediatric patients more commonly undergo a mild clinical course after acquiring COVID-19. To the best of the authors knowledge, to this date very little data exists on COVID-19 in a pediatric patient with liver transplantation. Case presentation We report a three year-old boy who had liver transplantation at 18 months old. He was admitted due to dyspnea with impression of acute respiratory distress syndrome and was then transferred to the intensive care unit. Chest X-ray at admission showed bilateral infiltration. Vancomycin, meropenem, azithromycin, voriconazole and co-trimoxazole were started from the first day of admission. On day 4 of admission, with suspicion of COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir and oseltamivir were added to the antibiotic regimen. PCR was positive for COVID-19. The patient developed multi-organ failure and died on day 6 of admission. Conclusions For pediatric patients with organ transplantations, extreme caution should be taken, to limit and prevent their contact with COVID-19 during the outbreak, as these patients are highly susceptible to severe forms of the disease.

BACKGROUND In this study, we report the epidemiology of COVID-19 among recipients of organ transplantation and evaluate associated factors with death. METHODS We screened 6969 patients who had organ transplantations in our center for COVID-19. Specific data on presentation, clinical course, treatment, and prognosis were acquired. RESULTS We found 85 patients (66 liver, 16 kidney, 2 kidney-pancreas, and 1 liver-kidney recipient) who acquired COVID-19. Most common symptoms included fever (48.2%), cough (41.2%), myalgia (41.2%), and fatigue (40%). Dyspnea developed in 33% of patients. Overall, one-third of patients had an oxygen saturation of below 90% on admission. Patients were hospitalized for a median (interquartile range) of 9 (5, 13.7) days and had a 33.9% intensive care unit admission rate. Overall, 17 patients (20%) died, which included 31.3% of patients with kidney transplantations and 18.2% of patients with liver transplantations. All 4 pediatric patients in our series died. In our univariate analysis among adults, rates of leukopenia (38.4% versus 13.2%; P = 0.04), low albumin levels (53.8% versus 10.2%; P = 0.001), and shorter duration between transplantation and COVID-19 (P = 0.02), were higher among patients who died. In our least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model, low albumin levels (OR, 4.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-17.27) were associated with higher risk of death. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest single-center report on abdominal transplantations and COVID-19. Liver and kidney transplant recipients have an increased risk of mortality compared with the general population due to COVID-19. More specifically, pediatric patients and those with low albumin levels are at higher risks of death due COVID-19.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative therapy for acute and chronic end-stage liver disease in pediatrics. Nevertheless, bacterial infection post-transplant account for one of the most significant causes of mortality which requires attention, along with appropriate antibacterial treatment. Therefor this study was designed to provide a multifaceted overview of bacterial infections during a one-year experience in the biggest pediatrics LT center in Iran.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, records from all liver transplant pediatrics in Abu-Ali Sina hospital, Shiraz, Fars, Iran from April 2019 to February 2020 were assessed. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were extracted along with the administered therapeutic approach for the patient.Results: an incidence of 67.9% bacterial infection rate was observed, in which more than 64.06% of isolated pathogens were Gram-negative and 35.93% were gram-positive. The most isolated pathogens were E. coli sp. and pseudomonas sp. for gram negative, and enterococci and staph sp. for gram positive. Our study demonstrated that Intra-abdominal Surgical Site Infections (24.24%) was the most common site of infections in post LT pediatrics. According to the results of the sensitivity-resistance pattern of isolated pathogens, 24.39% of isolated gram-negative bacteria were Extensively drug resistant (XDR). Also, 30.43% of gram-positive bacteria were Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and 8.69% of them were methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis showed that the only risk factor for bacterial infections after LT is the length of stay in the ICU. The mortality rate in our study was 22%, which was significantly higher among the infection group (P = 0.008). Also, it was found that patients receiving colistin had a significantly shorter in length of stay in the ICU and hospital than those who did not receive colistin. There is no any significant difference between piperacillin-tazobactm versus meropenem as empirical treatment regarding clinical outcomes.Conclusion: a high rate of bacterial infection was detected among hospitalized pediatrics in the early period after LT. High antibacterial resistance of bacteria isolated from LT pediatrics is alarming. Furthermore, Replacement of piperacillin-tazobactam instead of carbapenems in empirical treatment should be considered.

Our data about pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum adipokines and insulin resistance with hepatic steatosis in liver transplant recipients. We investigated the association between insulin resistance, serum adiponectin, insulin, and leptin with hepatic steatosis in a cohort of liver transplant recipients. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance 2 (HOMA 2-IR) was used for estimation of insulin resistance. Hepatic steatosis was determined using ultrasound and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). A total of 178 patients were included. 79 patients (44.4%) had hepatic steatosis. Serum adiponectin (OR: 0.912; 95% CI 0.869–0.957; P

Reducing graft thickness is essential to prevent large-for-size graft problems in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, long-term outcomes of LDLT using reduced-thickness left lateral segment (LLS) grafts are unclear. In 89 patients who underwent LDLT using reduced LLS grafts between 2005 and 2017, short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between a nonanatomically reduced LLS (NAR-LLS) graft group and a reduced-thickness LLS graft group. Estimated blood loss was lower and abdominal skin closure was less needed in the recipient operation in the reduced-thickness LLS graft group. Postoperatively, portal vein (PV) flow was significantly decreased in the NAR-LLS graft group, and there was shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay and fewer postoperative complications, especially bacteremia, in the reduced-thickness LLS graft group. Graft survival at 1 and 3 years after LDLT using reduced-thickness LLS grafts was 95.2% and 92.4%, respectively, which was significantly better than for NAR-LLS grafts. Multivariate analysis revealed that fulminant liver failure, hepatofugal PV flow before LDLT, and NAR-LLS graft were associated with poor graft survival. In conclusion, LDLT using reduced-thickness LLS grafts is a safe and feasible option with better short- and long-term outcomes in comparison with NAR-LLS grafts.

OBJECTIVES Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a rapidly growing disease and is hypothesized to become the most common cause of liver cirrhosis in the near future. This study aimed to investigate trends of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis as an indication for liver transplant in Iranian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Liver transplant data from all adult patients (age > 18 y) who had undergone liver transplant between 1993 and 2017 at the Shiraz Organ Transplant Center (Shiraz, Iran) were reviewed. Underlying liver diseases leading to liver transplant were stratified according to year of transplant, and trends of increase or decline were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for analysis of posttransplant survival of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and patients with modified nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. RESULTS We evaluated 3184 liver transplant patients. Of these, 112 patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis underwent liver transplant up to the end of 2017. Mean age of patients was 52.86 ± 9.01 years in those with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and 51.73 ± 7.91 years in those with modified nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (P > .05).The prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis as an indication for liver transplant was 0.8% in 2011, 0.36% in 2012, 1.9% in 2013, 4.01% in 2014, 2.89% in 2015, 6.65% in 2016, and 9.97% in 2017. The prevalence of modified nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was 2.4% in 2011, 2.88% in 2012, 2.71% in 2013, 2% in 2014, 2.17% in 2015, 2.13% in 2016, and 2.28% in 2017. We found that nonalcoholic steatohepatitis as a cause of liver transplant increased significantly during recent years (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is a rapidly growing indication for liver transplant among Iranian patients. Health care providers should consider programs for prevention and early diagnosis of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis for proper treatment.

The use of marginal kidneys or kidneys with pathologic problems (such as renal artery aneurysms in a living or deceased donor) is on the rise due to organ shortages and improvements in surgical techniques. When renal vascular abnormalities are detected during a transplant, it puts the surgeon in a difficult position to decide what to do with the organ. In this study, we report a case of a kidney from a deceased donor who had 2 renal artery saccular aneurysms, which we were able to use for transplant. The recipient was a 61-year-old male patient with diabetic nephropathy and significant comorbidities. Kidney transplant was performed successfully with a good outcome. Recent advancements in surgical techniques have allowed the use of kidneys with renal artery aneurysms for kidney transplant, thus helping to overcome shortages of transplantable organs.

AIM To investigate incidence and survival of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) patients after liver transplantation. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients who underwent liver transplantation at Shiraz Transplant Center (Shiraz, Iran) between August 2004 and March 2015. Clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected using a data gathering form. RESULTS There were 40 cases of PTLD in the pediatric age group and 13 cases in the adult group. The incidence of PTLD was 6.25% in pediatric patients and 1.18% in adult liver transplant recipients. The post-PTLD survival of patients at 6 mo was 75.1% ± 6%, at 1 year was 68.9% ± 6.5% and at 5 years was 39.2% ± 14.2%. Higher serum tacrolimus level was associated with lower post-PTLD survival in pediatric patients (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.006-1.15, P = 0.032). A serum tacrolimus level over 11.1 ng/mL was predictive of post PTLD survival (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 52%, area under the curve = 0.738, P = 0.035). CONCLUSION Incidence of PTLD in our liver transplant patients is comparable to other centers. Transplant physicians may consider adjustment of tacrolimus dose to maintain its serum level below this cutoff point.

OBJECTIVES Detection of hepatic steatosis in donors is an important step for selection of a suitable liver allograft in living-donor transplant. This study aimed to investigate the role of hepatic computed tomography volumetry as a noninvasive method for detection of hepatic steatosis in living liver donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, individuals who had undergone liver biopsy as a pretransplant checkup before living-donor liver transplant were included. The segmental liver volumes were measured by computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast enhancement. RESULTS Our study included 179 individuals. Mean total volume of the liver was 1705.2 ± 256.5 cm3 in those with steatohepatitis and 1419.4 ± 241.2 cm3 in those without steatohepatitis (P < .001). Higher total volume of the liver (odds ratio of 1.005; 95% confidence interval, 1.001-1.010; P = .012) and total liver volume-to-standard liver volume ratio (odds ratio of 1.090; 95% confidence interval, 1.021-1.163; P = .009) were independent predictors of steatohepatitis. A cutoff value of 1531 cm3 for total liver volume was a predictor of presence of steatohepatitis in liver biopsies of donors (sensitivity = 83%; specificity = 71%; area under the curve = 0.809; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Computed tomography volumetry may be considered as an auxiliary noninvasive method for estimation of hepatic steatosis/steatohepatitis and may be used as a guide to select donor candidates for liver biopsy.

Objectives Survival after liver transplant depends on pretransplant, peritransplant, and posttransplant factors. Identifying effective factors for patient survival after transplant can help transplant centers make better decisions. Materials and methods Our study included 902 adults who received livers from deceased donors from March 2011 to March 2014 at the Shiraz Organ Transplant Center (Shiraz, Iran). In a 3-step feature selection method, effective features of 6-month survival were extracted by (1) F statistics, Pearson chi-square, and likelihood ratio chi-square and by (2) 5 machine-learning techniques. To evaluate the performance of the machine-learning techniques, Cox regression was applied to the data set. Evaluations were based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity of models. (3) We also constructed a model using all factors identified in the previous step. Results The model predicted survival based on 26 identified effective factors. In the following order, graft failure, Aspergillus infection, acute renal failure and vascular complications after transplant, as well as graft failure diagnosis interval, previous diabetes mellitus, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, donor inotropic support, units of packed cell received, and previous recipient dialysis, were found to be predictive factors in patient survival. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and model sensitivity were 0.90 and 0.81, respectively. Conclusions Data mining analyses can help identify effective features of patient survival after liver transplant and build models with equal or higher performance than Cox regression. The order of influential factors identified with the machine-learning model was close to clinical experiments.

One of the X chromosome-linked disorders is ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in the urea cycle. This disorder results in increased ammonia and glutamine in the blood. Accumulation of these metabolites without treatment causes brain edema, which often progresses to coma and death. This study describes a 5-year-old girl with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency who presented with hyperammonemic encephalopathy that was successfully treated with an orthotropic liver transplant. Recently, liver transplant has been introduced as an alternative treatment for patients with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare tumor in children, thus, there are not many studies regarding clinicopathologic findings of this tumor and no report regarding this tumor in this age group from Iran. Objectives: In this study, we tried to find out the clinicopathologic findings including outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma in the patients under the age of 18. Methods: During the last 10 years (2005 - 2016), we collected all hepatocellular carcinoma cases in the affiliated hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (as the largest referral center in the South of Iran and the only center of pediatric liver transplantation in the whole country) from the archives of Pathology department. Next all clinical data were subsequently extracted from the patients’ hospital charts. Results: We collected 30 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with the age range of 9 months to 18 years with no significant sex preference. All of the patients, except 3, showed abnormal levels of AFP. The most common underlying cause of liver tumorigenesis was type I tyrosinemia. Conclusions: Hepatocellular carcinoma in children is a rare tumor and is mostly secondary to an underlying liver disease, which is tyrosinemia in our center. Hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma is rare in our country, which seems to be related to successful early neonatal vaccination against this viral disease. This tumor has a poor outcome in children and without liver transplantation, has a very short survival rate.

In some cases of liver transplant, standard hepatic artery reconstruction may be difficult or impossible due to inadequate flow of the recipient's hepatic artery, as a result of stenosis, intimal dissection, or anomalies of the hepatic artery. We compared splenic artery transposition with extra-anatomic jump graft as 2 alternative methods for hepatic artery reconstruction in these situations.We reviewed the files of 2135 liver transplant recipients from March 2011 to February 2016 at the Shiraz Transplant Center. Data of 93 patients with unusual hepatic artery reconstruction were analyzed to assess outcomes, morbidity, mortality, and pre- and posttransplant parameters (both clinical and paraclinical). Patients were divided into 2 groups: 17 with splenic artery transposition (splenic artery group) and 76 with extra-anatomic jump grafts (control group).There was only 1 occurrence (5.8%) of hepatic artery thrombosis in the splenic artery group causing extra-anatomic jump graft. However, in the control group, there were 4 occurrences (5.2%) of hepatic artery thrombosis, causing 1 revision of anastomosis and 3 retransplant procedures. No deaths due to hepatic artery complications were reported in the 2 groups. Three-year survival rate was 87.5% in the splenic artery group and 68.9% in the control group.Splenic artery transposition is an acceptable method for hepatic artery reconstruction in deceased-donor liver transplant procedures with no greater rates of complication or morbidity than extra-anatomic jump grafts. Less operation time and better exposure during surgery are advantages of this method.

Aim Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication amongst patients with liver cirrhosis. The PVT risk factors and its impact on post liver transplant outcome has not been well defined, yet. This study aimed to investigate PVT prevalence, its risk factors and influence on early and long-term outcomes after liver transplantation. Methods Adult (>18 years) patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation between March 2013 to March 2015 were included. Presence or absence of PVT was recorded at transplant. PVT risk factors in patients with liver cirrhosis and its impact on early and long-term outcomes were analysed. Results Portal vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 174 patients (17.3%). Large oesophageal varices (grade II and III vs grade I) (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.46-4.26; P = 0.001), diabetes mellitus before transplantation (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.13-3.64; P = 0.017) and cryptogenic-NASH (OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.08-1.72; P = 0.008) as a cause of underlying liver disease were the independent risk factors for PVT. PVT (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-3.81; P = 0.023) was an independent predictor of early (within 90 days) posttransplant mortality, but did not influence long-term survival. Conclusion Portal vein thrombosis prevalence is high in pretransplant period. NASH related cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus might be risk factors for PVT. More intense screening of these patients for PVT is warranted.

OBJECTIVES Rhinomaxillary mucormycosis is a clinical manifestation of zygomycosis in solid-organ transplant recipients. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, rhino-orbital-cerebral zygomycosis, particularly a central nervous system disease, will develop with substantial complications. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old man who had undergone renal transplant was admitted to our otolaryngology department with unilateral bloody nasal discharge. Mucormycosis was detected in the necrotic tissue of the maxillary sinus. Surgical ablation of the infected parts, along with antifungal treatment, restricted extension of the infection. CONCLUSIONS Early detection of opportunistic infections in transplant recipients plays an important role in preventing dissemination. Fungal infections, including zygomycosis, should be considered in all solid-organ recipients, especially in persons with local unusual manifestations. Early diagnosis and successful treatment reduce mortality.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of intravenous infliximab in preventing the formation of peritoneal adhesions in an animal model of rat. Methods: This was an experimental study being performed in animal laboratory of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences during 2012. Sixty albino rats were randomly assigned in to three groups by Random Design Method. The first group received single infliximab injection (n=20), the second one received double infliximab injection (n=20) and the third received nothing (n=20), after receiving intra-peritoneal injection of talc for induction of peritoneal adhesions. All the animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks and the peritoneal adhesions were evaluated according to Nair classification. Results: We observed that the mean adhesion grade was lower in those who received double dose of infliximib when compared to single dose and controls. However the difference did not reach a significant value ( p=0.178). The grade of peritoneal adhesion was also comparable between the three study groups ( p=0.103). The mean number of 1st WBC count was also comparable between three study groups ( p=0.382). We observed that 2nd WBC count was also comparable between two study groups ( p=0.317). Conclusion: Administration of intravenous infliximab after intraabdominal surgicalprocedures would not prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions in animal model of albino rat.

Polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene have been associated with altered endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between endothelial nitric oxide synthase -786T/C and 894G/T polymorphism and their haplotypes on the occurrence of acute rejection episodes in liver transplant recipients.We conducted a case control study in which 100 liver transplant recipients and 100 healthy controls were recruited from Shiraz Transplant Center. The patients used triple therapy including tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone for immunosuppression maintenance. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.Patients included 60 men and 40 women (mean age, 32.35 ± 10.2 y). There was a significant association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase 894G/T and acute rejection episode. The GT* gen-otype and acute rejection episodes had a significant association (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-6.15; P = .03). The GG and GT* genotype and T* allele frequency were significantly different between patients and control subjects (P = .001). Haplotype TT* was higher in recipients than control subjects (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-4.25; P = .01). Haplotype TG was higher in the control group (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.96; P = .02).Our results suggest a relation between different endothelial nitric oxide synthase geno-types and risk of acute rejection episodes. However, further study is necessary to determine genetic susceptibility for transplant patients.

To identify the predictors of overall survival and tumor-free survival of 88 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who were treated with orthotopic liver transplant at Shiraz Organ Transplant Center.We performed this retrospective study after reviewing the transplant database of all patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant secondary to hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 70 patients before liver transplant and 18 patients on histologic examination of the explanted livers. Cox regression identified independent factors that affected posttransplant survival.The overall survival rate was 83% and the tumor-free survival rate was 79.5%. Independent factors for tumor recurrence were Milan criteria, alpha-fetoprotein level before operation ≥ 400 ng/mL, tumor grade, vascular invasion, and age. Vascular invasion (odds ratio, 5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 25.496; P = .049) and tumor grade (odds ratio, 14.42; 95% confidence interval, 3.652 to 56.95; P.001 were statistically significant.Vascular invasion and tumor grade were predictive factors for tumor-free survival.

Since alkaline substances can rapidly penetrate into the cornea and subsequently damage limbal stem cells, another source of stem cells may be necessary to reconstruct the ocular surface. Omentum has some such characteristics like ability to regenerate tissue as well as anti-inflammatory capacity. Presence of adult stem cells and pluripotent embryonic cell markers make it suitable in wound healing; therefore, it seems reasonable to evaluate whether omentum can be helpful to restoration of ocular surface in severe alkaline burn. In this experimental trial, two groups of dogs (5 in each) were assigned. Following ethics approval, ocular surface alkaline burn was induced in both groups by placing filter papers soaked with NaOH (0.5 mol/l) on the cornea of one eye. Subsequently, group 1 (n=5) was treated only by conventional therapy; group 2 (n=5) was treated with omental elongation and transposition to the injured eye immediately following injury. Both groups were followed for six months. Ocular surface was evaluated by slit lamp microscope and corneal clarity was assessed and graded. At the end of six months, corneal opacity and vascularization were significantly reduced in group 2 (p-values of 0.009, 0.049, and 0.032 for corneal opacity, fluorescein staining, and vascularization grades, respectively). We have concluded that transposition of omental pedicle may be an effective treatment for severe ocular surface alkaline burn although more studies might be required.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a neoplasm usually arising in a cirrhotic liver by a multistep carcinogenesis process. Early detection of HCC and accurate assessment of tumor burden are crucial to successful treatment planning and long-term survival. Objectives: In this study, we compared the accuracy of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) combined with limited sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) set as a potentially quick and practical MR candidate with ultrasonography (US) for screening of HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Patients and Methods: Of 96 patients with cirrhosis, 30 who had concomitant HCC proved by pathology were selected. MRI, DWI, and US of the liver were performed for the patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DWI alone, limited sequences MRI alone, a combination of them, and US were calculated for the detection of HCC in these patients and then comparison between these modalities was performed. Results: Combination of limited sequences MRI and DWI had the highest accuracy (94.79%) followed by DWI alone followed by limited sequence MRI alone. The least accuracy was for US (78.12%) with a statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Due to the significant improvement in the treatment of early stage of HCC compared to the previous decade, we suggest a fast, non-invasive, more accurate, but more expensive method (HASTE, OP/IP T1W sequences MRI combined with DWI) rather than US for the screening of HCC in liver cirrhosis.

Introduction Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy and duct-to-duct (D-D) anastomosis are biliary reconstruction methods for liver transplantation. However, there is a controversy over which method produces better results. We have compared the outcome of D-D anastomosis vs. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis who had undergone liver transplant in Shiraz Organ Transplant Center. Materials The medical records of 405 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who had undergone liver transplant from 1996 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: Roux-en-Y group and D-D group. Morbidity, disease recurrence, and graft and patient survival rates were compared between the two groups. Results Total of 143 patients underwent a D-D biliary reconstruction, and 260 patients had a Roux-en-Y loop. Biliary complication involved 4.2% of patients from the D-D group, and 3.9% from the Roux-en-Y group (P=. 863). Actuarial 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival for D-D and Roux-en-Y group was 92%, 85%, and 74%; and 87%, 83%, and 79%, respectively (P=.384). The corresponding 1-, 3-, and 5-year probability of biliary complication was 97%, 95%, and 92%; and 98%, 97%, and 94%, respectively (P=.61). Conclusion Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in liver transplantation for selected patients with PSC is a good alternative instead of Roux-en-Y biliary reconstruction.

Background: Patients with end-stage liver disease frequently acquired complex disorders in hemostasis secondary to liver dysfunction. Objectives: This study aims to determine the incidence of vascular complications associated with central venous catheterization (CVC) in patients with coagulopathy and liver disease. Methods and Subjects: This multicentric, retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed on 993 patients undergoing liver transplantation who required central venous access (CVA) for their clinical management between October 2006 and October 2016. The age, sex, most recent platelet count, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time, site of central venous catheter placement, and bleeding complications were retrieved from their medical records. Results: In these 993 cases, the mean age was 57.46 (standard deviation = 7.46) years, and 635 (63.9%) were male. Selected sites were the internal jugular (n = 889; 89.5%), subclavian (n = 93; 9.4%), and femoral (n = 11; 1.1%) veins. First attempt was successful in 925 cases (93.2%), in which 1 case had major bleeding, and 84 cases had minor bleeding. About 83% of the patients with liver failure take CVC procedure without any complications. None of the vascular complications occurred in 53% of the patients with low platelets and INR >1.5. Conclusion: We demonstrated major vascular complications following CVC in patients with liver disease and coagulopathy has low incidence in this audit. CVA procedures can be done safely in patients with disorders of hemostasis by skilled physicians who frequently perform these procedures.

This study sought to evaluate in pediatric liver transplant recipients the effects of hybrid antiviral therapy on the rate of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder.All pediatric patients (87 cases) who had undergone a liver transplant between April 2011 and March 2012 took part in the study and received hybrid antiviral treatment (case group). Epstein-Barr virus polymerase chain reaction was monitored intermittently. The results were compared to those of a historical control group including 117 pediatric patients who received a liver transplant between April 2009 and March 2011. Follow-up was 27 to 47 months in the control group and 12 to 26 months in the case group.Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder occurred in 12 patients in control group (10.2%) and 5 patients in case group (5.7%) (P = .249). Of 12 cases of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, death occurred in 5 cases in the control group (41.7%), while no posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder-associated death was seen in the case group (P = .086).Although hybrid antiviral treatment did not result in a statistically significant decrease in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder-associated mortality rates, considering the limited number of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder cases in this study, this decrease may be interpreted as noticeable, and we advise using this strategy for pediatric patients undergoing a liver transplant.

Liver transplant can be challenging in cirrhotic patients with diabetes mellitus. In chronic liver disease, the glucose metabolism is altered; uncontrolled diabetes negatively influences the outcome of liver transplantation and poses difficulty in the management of immediate post transplantation period. Simultaneous liver-pancreas transplantation is an option to prevent early complications due to diabetes and also to improve the quality of life after transplantation in patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) and chronic liver disease. We report the first en-bloc liver-pancreas transplant done in the transplant history of Iran. We describe the technical details of the procedure as well as the short term outcome after transplantation. In this case report, we also discuss in some details, the surgical, medical and immunological advantages of combined liver-pancreas transplantation as opposed to separate implantation of both organs.

A 50-year-old man sustained blunt abdominal trauma in a motor vehicle accident. He underwent exploratory laparotomy on the day of trauma, and severe bleeding from the base of the small bowel mesentery was controlled by mass ligation and through-and-through suturing. After transfer to our center, repeat exploratory laparotomy showed ischemic small intestine, ischemic right colon, and severe pancreatic trauma. The severely injured organs were excised including the entire small bowel, pancreas, spleen, stomach, and right hemicolon. The next day, a modified multivisceral transplant was performed including stomach, pancreaticoduodenal complex, and small bowel transplant. Postoperative complications included an intra-abdominal collection that was drained percutaneously with ultrasonographic guidance and severe rejection that was treated with anti-thymocyte globulin. In summary, for select patients who have severe abdominal trauma may be treated with acute multivisceral transplant.