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Patients who undergo living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) may suffer complications that require intensive care unit (ICU) readmission.To identify the incidence, causes, and outcomes of ICU readmission after LDLT.A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent LDLT. The collected data included patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details; postoperative stay, complications, causes of ICU readmission, and outcomes. Patients were divided into two groups according to ICU readmission after hospital discharge. Risk factors for ICU readmission were identified in univariate and multivariate analyses.The present study included 299 patients. Thirty-one (10.4%) patients were readmitted to the ICU after discharge. Patients who were readmitted to the ICU were older in age (53.0 ± 5.1The identification of high-risk patients (older age and shorter initial hospital stay) before ICU discharge may help provide optimal care and tailor follow-up to reduce the rate of ICU readmission.

BACKGROUND Biliary complications (BCs) after liver transplantation (LT) remain a considerable cause of morbidity, mortality, increased cost, and graft loss. AIM To investigate the impact of BCs on chronic graft rejection, graft failure and mortality. METHODS From 2011 to 2016, 215 adult recipients underwent right-lobe living-donor liver transplantation (RT-LDLT) at our centre. We excluded 46 recipients who met the exclusion criteria, and 169 recipients were included in the final analysis. Donors’ and recipients’ demographic data, clinical data, operative details and postoperative course information were collected. We also reviewed the management and outcomes of BCs. Recipients were followed for at least 12 mo post-LT until December 2017 or graft or patient loss. RESULTS The overall incidence rate of BCs including biliary leakage, biliary infection and biliary stricture was 57.4%. Twenty-seven (16%) patients experienced chronic graft rejection. Graft failure developed in 20 (11.8%) patients. A total of 28 (16.6%) deaths occurred during follow-up. BCs were a risk factor for the occurrence of chronic graft rejection and failure; however, mortality was determined by recurrent hepatitis C virus infection. CONCLUSION Biliary complications after RT-LDLT represent an independent risk factor for chronic graft rejection and graft failure; nonetheless, effective management of these complications can improve patient and graft survival.

BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in liver transplantation (LT) surgical procedures and perioperative care, post-LT biliary complications (BCs) remain a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and graft failure. In addition, data are conflicting regarding the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of LT recipients. Thus, the success of LT should be considered in terms of both the survival and recovery of HRQoL. AIM To assess the impact of BCs on the HRQoL of live-donor LT recipients (LDLT-Rs). METHODS We retrospectively analysed data for 25 LDLT-Rs who developed BCs post-LT between January 2011 and December 2016 at our institution. The Short Form 12 version 2 (SF 12v2) health survey was used to assess their HRQoL. We also included 25 LDLT-Rs without any post-LT complications as a control group. RESULTS The scores for HRQoL of LDLT-Rs who developed BCs were significantly higher than the norm-based scores in the domains of physical functioning (P = 0.003), role-physical (P < 0.001), bodily pain (P = 0.003), general health (P = 0.004), social functioning (P = 0.005), role-emotional (P < 0.001), and mental health (P < 0.001). No significant difference between the two groups regarding vitality was detected (P = 1.000). The LDLT-Rs with BCs had significantly lower scores than LDLT-Rs without BCs in all HRQoL domains (P < 0.001) and the mental (P < 0.001) and physical (P = 0.0002) component summary scores. CONCLUSION The development of BCs in LDLT-Rs causes a lower range of improvement in HRQoL.

Background Liver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment for selected patients with cirrhosis and small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are not candidates for resection. The proinflammatory effects of systemic inflammatory response have been linked with HCC. Therefore, the measurement of inflammatory markers represents a significant tool to limit recurrence after LT. Results There are eleven patients with HCC recurrence post-transplantation. Pre-transplantation AFP can predict HCC recurrence with the best cutoff value of > 17.8 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 70%. Post-transplantation CRP can predict HCC recurrence with the best cutoff value of > 0.85 (mg/dl) with a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 71%. Other inflammatory markers NLR and PLR were not significant in predicting HCC recurrence. Moreover, HCC recurrence significantly affects the outcome of patients undergoing LT (p value < 0.001) with a worse prognosis. Conclusion Our results showed additional benefits of inflammatory markers as CRP to standard parameters in predicting HCC recurrence to refine recipient selection and achieve better survival outcomes post-LT.

High-grade dysplasia carries significant risk of transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite this, at the current standard of care, all non-malignant hepatic nodules including high-grade dysplastic nodules are managed similarly. This is partly related to difficulties in distinguishing high-risk pathology in the liver. We aimed to identify chromosome arm-level somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) that characterise the transition of liver nodules along the cirrhosis-dysplasia-carcinoma axis. We validated our findings on an independent cohort using blood-derived cell-free DNA. A repository of non-cancer DNA sequences obtained from patients with HCC (n = 389) was analysed to generate cut-off thresholds aiming to minimise false-positive SCNAs. Tissue samples representing stages from the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis (n = 184) were subjected to low-pass whole genome sequencing. Chromosome arm-level SCNAs were identified in liver cirrhosis, dysplastic nodules, and HCC to assess their discriminative capacity. Samples positive for 1q+ or 8q+ arm-level duplications were likely to be either HCC or high-grade dysplastic nodules as opposed to low-grade dysplastic nodules or cirrhotic tissue with an odds ratio (OR) of 35.5 (95% CI 11.5-110) and 16 (95% CI 6.4-40.2), respectively (p

The global concern of increasing number of children presenting with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has escalated the need for a case-oriented clinical approach that provides timely diagnosis and management. The aim of this study is to share our experience in managing 64 MIS-C patients of North African ethnicity guided by a risk-based algorithm. Sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria, 19 (30%) patients were categorized as mild and moderate risk groups and cared for in an isolation ward and 45 patients who belonged to the high-risk group (70%) were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Positive laboratory evidence of COVID-19 was found in 62 patients. Fever and dysfunction in 2 or more organs were confirmed in all cases (100%). Fifty patients (78%) presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, meanwhile only 10 patients (16%) had respiratory manifestations. Cardiac involvement was reported in 55 (86%) cases; hypotension and shock were found in 45 patients (70%) therein circulatory support and mechanical ventilations were needed for 45 and 13 patients respectively. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) were used for all cases and methylprednisolone was used in 60 patients (94%). Fifty-eight (91%) patients were discharged home after an average of 9 days of hospitalization. The mortality rate was 9% (6 patients). Conclusion. A single Egyptian center experience in the management of MIS-C patients guided by a proposed bed side algorithm is described. The algorithm proved to be a helpful tool for first-line responders, and helped initiate early treatment with IVIG.

Highlights • SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in healthcare workers (100/2282) was mostly asymptomatic. • Seropositivity among this cohort tripled from 1.3% to 4.4% in 3-weeks of follow-up. • Most PCR-positive cases at baseline did not develop antibody response at follow-up. • Smell change/loss, home contact with a case or for >15 min predicted seroconversion. • Findings suggest community rather than nosocomial transmission in this cohort., Background We examined SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion incidence and its risk factors 21 days after baseline screening among healthcare workers(HCWs) in a resource-limited setting. Methods A prospective cohort study of 4040 HCWs took place between April and June 2020 at 12 university healthcare facilities in Cairo, Egypt. Follow-up exposure and clinical data were collected using an online survey. SARS-CoV-2 testing was done using rapid IgM and IgG serological tests; RT-PCR was done for those with positive serology. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios(HR) of seroconversion. Results Of the 3870/4040(95.8%) HCWs who tested negative for IgM, IgG, and PCR at baseline, 2282(59.0%) returned for follow-up. Seroconversion incidence (positive IgM and/or IgG) was 100/2282(4.4%,95%:CI:3.6-5.3),mostly asymptomatic(64/100,64.0%), with a daily hazard = 0.21%(95%-CI:0.17-0.25)/48746 person-days of follow-up. Seroconversion was 4.0%(64/1596;95%CI:3.1-5.1) among asymptomatic and 5.3%(36/686;95%CI:3.7-7.2) among symptomatic HCWs. Seroconversion was independently associated with older age(HR:2.71,95%CI:1.31-5.58); lower education(HR:3.89,95%CI:1.89-8.00); contact with a confirmed case>15 minutes(HR:2.20,95%CI:1.18-4.10); chronic kidney disease(HR:4.42,95%CI:1.03-18.96); pregnancy(HR:3.5,95%CI:1.05-11.85); change/loss of smell(HR:3.17,95%CI:1.48-6.78); and negatively associated with contact at workplace(HR:0.48,95%CI:0.28-0.82). Conclusions Most seroconversions were asymptomatic, emphasizing the need for regular universal testing. Seropositivity was three-fold that observed at baseline. Cumulative infections increased nationally by a similar rate, suggesting that HCWs’ infections reflect community not nosocomial transmission during the first wave of COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt.

Background The scale of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among health care workers (HCWs), particularly in resource-limited settings, remains unclear. To address this concern, universal (non-symptom-based) screening of HCWs was piloted to determine the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated epidemiological and clinical risk factors at a large public health care facility in Egypt. Methods Baseline voluntary screening of 4040 HCWs took place between 22 April and 14 May 2020 at 12 hospitals and medical centres in Cairo. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected using an online survey. All participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid IgM and IgG serological tests. Results Of the 4040 HCWs screened, 170 [4.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6-4.9] tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by either of the three tests (i.e. infected); 125/170 (73.5%) tested PCR-positive. Most infected HCWs were nurses (97/170, 57.5%). Median age of infected HCWs was 31.5 [interquartile range (IQR): 27.0–41.3] years. Of infected HCWs, 78 (45.9%) reported contact with a suspected case and 47 (27.6%) reported face-to-face contact within 2 m with a confirmed case. The proportion of infection among symptomatic HCWs (n = 54/616) was 8.8% (95% CI: 6.7-11.3); 6/54 (11.1%) had fever ≥38°C and 7/54 (13.0%) reported severe symptoms. Most infected HCWs were asymptomatic (116/170, 68.2%). The proportion of infection among asymptomatic HCWs (n = 116/3424) was 3.4% (95% CI: 2.8-4.0). Conclusions The high rate of asymptomatic infections among HCWs reinforces the need for expanding universal regular testing. The infection rate among symptomatic HCWs in this study is comparable with the national rate detected through symptom-based testing. This suggests that infections among HCWs may reflect community rather than nosocomial transmission during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt.

BackgroundThe current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in marked and rapid changes to the standing policies of radiology departments globally. The aim of this review article is to describe the various processes implemented by a radiology department in an educational institution in a resource limited country during the COVID-19 crisis, giving insights into the adopted strategies in other institutions in developed countries.Main bodyOur preparedness strategy was directed into five main domains: protection and wellness of radiology faculty and staff, radiological examinations and patients’ safety, education, research, and financial support. By implementing new strategies, we found that work reorganization through the use of home PACS provided safe and effective reporting service, low infection rate with zero mortality, and online lectures and theses defense were successful. Furthermore, governmental support and donations were helpful in facing financial challenges during the pandemic. A comprehensive literature review search for policies adopted by other radiology departments in the world was performed. The adopted strategies of various centers are generally similar to ours aiming for mitigating the spread of the virus, keeping good patients’ care, and maintaining the educational process. Few policy differences across institutions were found in the reporting strategy of COVID-19 pneumonia and according to the availability of resources.ConclusionCovid-19 pandemic has opened the door for changes in the radiology department policies with renewed focus on educational, clinical, and scientific strategies. Documentation of the dynamic modifications of everyday practices and lessons learned are important as a reference for preparedness for possible second surge or future crisis.

Socioeconomically disadvantaged people are more frequent users of healthcare, as are the elderly. This situation is now disrupted with the rapid onset COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the health system. Amidst a great deal of uncertainty and mixed messages from the WHO, Ministries of health and scientific communities, a methodology to keep the standard operating procedures of the school needs to be in place in order to allow the hospital to respond to its catchment area requirements. A number of focus groups and planning sessions were conducted using a purposeful sample of service providers in Ain Shams University Hospitals. A set of three guiding documents were generated and tested for agreeability and utility. All hospitals need to join forces to systematically organize the chaotic situation we are living with this post COVID-19 pandemic.

What is known and objective The influence of immunosuppression on the response to antiviral therapy (AVT) for recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in liver transplant (LT) recipients remains controversial, especially for the rarely investigated genotype 4. This study aims to compare the effects of the two widely used calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) (cyclosporine A (CsA) and tacrolimus (Tac)) on the therapeutic response to different AVT regimens. Methods A prospective, dual-centre, cohort study of 126 Egyptian living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients with recurrent HCV genotype 4 infection, who were categorized into three groups according to the AVT used. Group I received pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN-α 2a) plus ribavirin (RBV) (n = 44), group II received the direct antiviral agent (DAA) sofosbuvir plus RBV (n = 52) and group III received daclatasvir and sofosbuvir (also DAAs) plus RBV (n = 30). Each group was further subdivided according to the primary immunosuppression (CsA or Tac). The sustained virological response (SVR) and relapse rates were considered the primary therapeutic outcomes of AVT. Results No significant intergroup differences were observed in the achievement of primary and secondary outcomes. SVR rates in the IFN-based regimen were 75% and 66.7% in CsA and Tac users and 81.2% and 83% in DAAs, respectively. Relapse rates in the IFN-based regimen were 10% and 16.7% in CsA and Tac users and 12.5% and 14.9% in DAAs, respectively. What is new and conclusion Within the limitations of a relatively small study, CsA did not offer an advantage over Tac regarding the response to AVT after HCV genotype 4 recurrence in LDLT recipients.

Introduction and aim Neuropsychiatric complications that develop after living donor liver transplantation (LT) are frequently encountered, though not adequately estimated among Egyptian recipients. We aimed to estimate the frequency of neuropsychiatric manifestations and neurocognitive functional changes after living donor LT. Patients and methods A prospective observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate 30 adult patients with end-stage liver disease preoperatively in a single Egyptian Transplant Center from November 2012 till January 2014. Relevant preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were recorded and recollected and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. The assessment included neurologic evaluation, Child–Turcotte–Pugh score, model of end-stage liver disease score, clinical hepatic encephalopathy staging scale, West Haven criteria, and International Society for Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nitrogen Metabolism score for semiquantitative assessment of encephalopathy. Results Hepatitis C virus was the main etiology for liver disease in 27 (90%) patients. Overt hepatic encephalopathy was seen in 26.6%, whereas covert hepatic encephalopathy occurred in 43.3%. Postoperatively, 76.7% of the patients demonstrated neuropsychiatric manifestations, with 50% of them showing mainly early major events, namely, encephalopathy. Late minor manifestation rates were 50%. Early cyclosporine administration and cold ischemia time longer than 40 min were significant predictors of occurrence of early neurologic events postoperatively (P=0.031 and 0.025, respectively). Both risk factors were associated with earlier and higher rates of neurologic complications. Conclusion Patients of living donor LT are at increased risk of developing early postoperative major neurologic sequelae, which become of less clinical significance later on. The patients’ cognitive functions improve with time after transplant.

Mohammad Kamal Shaker,1 Iman F Montasser,1 Mohamed Sakr,1 Mohamed Elgharib,2 Hany M Dabbous,1 Hend Ebada,1 Ahmed El Dorry,2 Mohamed Bahaa,3 Mahmoud El Meteini3 1Department of Tropical Medicine, 2Department of Radiodiagnosis and Interventional Radiology, 3Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation (ASCOT), Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt Background and aim: The number of loco-regional therapies (LRTs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased dramatically during the past decade, bridging or downstaging patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of LRTs prior to living donor liver transplantation in patients with HCC. Methods: Sixty-two HCC patients received living donor liver transplantation at Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation over a 2-year period. Data from 29 HCC patients were analyzed. Twenty patients (68.97%) met the Milan Criteria and 4 patients (13.8%) exceeded the Milan Criteria, but met the University of California, San Francisco Criteria. Five patients (17.2%) exceeded the University of California, San Francisco Criteria. All patients underwent preoperative LRTs. The protocol of bridging/downstaging, methods, duration of follow-up, the number of patients who were successfully downstaged before liver transplantation (LT), and their outcomes after LT were recorded.Results: There was a decrease in the mean overall size of focal lesions (from mean 5.46 to 4.11cm) in the last abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan after LRT (p=0.0018). Discrepancies between the radiological findings and histopathology were as follows: in 16 patients (55.17%) the CT findings were consistent with the histopathological examination of the explanted liver. Underestimated tumor stage was documented in 10 patients (34.48%), and was overestimated by CT scan findings in 3 patients (10.34%). The 1-year survival rate was 93%. No patient had HCC recurrence after median follow-up of 21 months (range 1–46 months).Conclusion: These results encouraged tumor bridging/downstaging as a potential treatment option among carefully selected patients with HCC beyond conventional criteria for LT. Further studies on a large number of patients are necessary. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, loco-regional therapy, LRT , liver transplantation, Milan criteria, beyond Milan, HCC recurrence, bridge/down staging

Cofactor of BRCA1 (COBRA1) is one of the four subunits that make up the negative elongation factor (NELF) complex that is involved in the stalling of RNA polymerase II early during transcription elongation. As such, it regulates the expression of a substantial number of genes involved in cell cycle control, cellular metabolism and DNA repair. With no DNA binding domain, its capacity to modulate gene expression occurs via its ability to interact with different transcription factors. In the field of cancer, its role is not yet fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate the frequent overexpression of COBRA1 along with the remaining NELF subunits in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues relative to non-cancerous liver tissues. To elucidate its biological significance in HCC, RNA interference was utilized to silence COBRA1 expression in the HCC cell line, HepG2. Interestingly, COBRA1 knockdown resulted in a significant decrease in cell proliferation and migration, accompanied by a concomitant reduction in the expression of the proliferation marker, Ki-67. Survivin, a proto-oncogene that is commonly upregulated in almost all human malignancies including HCC, was also significantly downregulated following COBRA1 silencing. This suggests that it might be one of the mechanisms by which COBRA1 mediates its role in HCC. Taken together, our data findings collectively highlight an important role for COBRA1 in supporting HCC proliferation and migration.

Background and Study Aims Several factors affect the quality of life and personal well-being of transplant recipients, including Ramadan fasting for Muslims. This study aimed to assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on the renal and liver functions of liver transplantation recipients and to propose a protocol for adapting an Immunosuppression regimen and follow-up schedule for patients wishing to fast after liver transplantation. Patients and Methods This prospective study was conducted on 45 recipients who wished to fast Ramadan from 17th May to 14th June 2018, at Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation, Cairo, Egypt. Results The mean age of the patients was 55.5 ± 7.2 (37–68) years, and 84.4% were males; the mean time from liver transplantation was 51.6 ± 28 months (14–117). Thirty-seven patients (82.2%) completed Ramadan fasting, three patients (6.6%) had interrupted fasting, and five patients (11.1%) had to stop fasting because of an unacceptable rise in renal function. There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-fasting states in terms of the serum creatinine level (p = 0.004).However, the serum creatinine did not exceed the upper normal value in the patients who completed fasting. Conclusion Our data seem promising for Ramadan fasting with an adapted immunosuppression protocol and regular follow-up for recipients wishing to fast. Further multicentre studies on a larger number of patients are warranted.

Non-invasive methods have evolved as a surrogate for liver biopsy such as indirect markers (aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index, fibro-α score), transient elastography (TE), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). The aim of this study is to prospectively compare the value of MRE, TE, and indirect markers in detecting and staging allograft fibrosis compared to liver biopsies in patients who have undergone living donor liver transplantation for complications related to hepatitis C virus. A total of 31 living donor liver transplantation recipients with hepatitis C virus recurrence underwent a liver biopsy, TE, and MRE within 3 months of a liver biopsy. Fibrosis was assessed according to the biopsy and staged according to Metavir criteria. There was a significant correlation between both MRE and fibro-α scores, as well as histologic classification by liver biopsy (P = .02, .002). The diagnostic accuracy of MRE and fibro-α scores in diagnosing significant fibrosis (F ≥ 3) was measured as the area under the curve (.708 and .833, respectively). Both methods showed good diagnostic performance. TE and aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index were insignificantly correlated with the degree of fibrosis in liver biopsy (P value of .134, .535). At a cutoff value of 5.5 kPa, MRE predicted graft fibrosis (Metavir stage ≥ 3) with 71.43% sensitivity, 75% specificity, 45.5% positive predictive value, and 90% negative predictive value; at a cutoff value > 1.47, fibro-α scores predicted significant graft fibrosis (Metavir stage ≥ 3) with 85.7% sensitivity and 70.83% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 46.2% and a negative predictive value of 94.4%. These data suggest that non-invasive methods could be considered a reliable tool in assessing significant graft fibrosis post-living donor liver transplantation.

Background Bacterial translocation (BT) has been proposed as a trigger for stimulation of the immune system with consequent hemodynamic alteration in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, no information is available regarding its hemodynamic and coagulation consequences during liver transplantation. Methods We screened 30 consecutive adult patients undergoing living-donor liver transplant for the presence of BT. Bacterial DNA, Anti factor Xa (aFXa), thromboelastometry, tumor necrosis factor-α TNF-α, and interleukin-17 (IL-17) values were measured in sera before induction of anesthesia. Systemic hemodynamic data were recorded throughout the procedures. Results Bacterial DNA was detected in 10 patients (33%) (bactDNA(+)). Demographic, clinical, and hemodynamic data were similar in patients with presence or absence of bacterial DNA. BactDNA(+) patients showed significantly higher circulating values of TNF-α and IL-17, and had significantly higher clotting times and clot formation times as well as significantly lower alpha angle and maximal clot firmness than bactDNA(−) patients, P

Objective Understanding issues pertaining to quality of life is essential for any disease, particularly in recipients of liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of liver transplantation on Egyptian recipients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods A prospective study carried out at the Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation (Cairo, Egypt), including 35 recipients for the evaluation of HRQOL using short form 36 score (Arabic version) and Beck Depression Inventory scores pre-transplantation and 1 and 6 months afterwards. Results The mean age of the recipients was 49.27 ± 8.16 years. Among them, 17 patients were highly educated. A statistically significant improvement in all dimensions of their HRQOL was observed after liver transplantation. Their physical functioning was 45.00 ± 34.34 before liver transplantation while after 1 and 6 months it was 57.50 ± 20.66 and 74.83 ± 19.27, respectively (P

Objective To evaluate the effect of intraoperative infusion with terlipressin on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Design Retrospective case-controlled study. Setting Government hospital. Participants The medical records of 303 patients who underwent LDLT were reviewed retrospectively. Interventions Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of intraoperative administration of terlipressin. The primary outcome was AKI, as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. Secondary outcomes included the requirement for postoperative dialysis and in-hospital mortality. Measurements and Main Results The incidence of AKI was 38% (n = 115); AKI occurred in 24 (24.2%) patients who received terlipressin versus 91 (44.6%) in the control group (p = 0.001). The incidence of postoperative dialysis was 9.2% (n = 28). Postoperative dialysis was needed by 8 patients (8.1%) in the terlipressin group versus 20 patients (9.8%) in the control group (p = 0.62). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that terlipressin protected against AKI (odds ratio [OR], 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-0.8; p = 0.013) but not the need for dialysis (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.2-2.2; p = 0.53) or the in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.5-2.3; p = 0.7). Adjustment, using the propensity score, did not alter the association between the use of terlipressin and AKI reduction (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.22-0.89; p = 0.03). Conclusion These results suggested that intraoperative terlipressin therapy is associated with significant reductions in the risk of AKI in LDLT patients.

AIM To determine risk factors, causative organisms and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial infections following living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in cirrhotic patients. METHODS This prospective study included 45 patients with hepatitis C virus-related end-stage liver disease who underwent LDLT at Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplant, Cairo, Egypt from January 2014 to November 2015. Patients were followed-up for the first 3 mo after LDLT for detection of bacterial infections. All patients were examined for the possible risk factors suggestive of acquiring infection pre-, intra- and post-operatively. Positive cultures based on clinical suspicion and patterns of antimicrobial resistance were identified. RESULTS Thirty-three patients (73.3%) suffered from bacterial infections; 21 of them had a single infection episode, and 12 had repeated infection episodes. Bile was the most common site for both single and repeated episodes of infection (28.6% and 27.8%, respectively). The most common isolated organisms were gram-negative bacteria. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common organism isolated from both single and repeated infection episodes (19% and 33.3%, respectively), followed by Escherichia coli for repeated infections (11.1%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for single infections (19%). Levofloxacin showed high sensitivity against repeated infection episodes (P = 0.03). Klebsiella, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Pre-transplant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and duration of drain insertion (in days) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of repeated infection episodes (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION MDR gram-negative bacterial infections are common post-LDLT. Pre-transplant HCC and duration of drain insertion were independent risk factors for the occurrence of repeated infection episodes.

HCV virus has been shown to induce insulin resistance (IR) itself. The aim of this work: was to evaluate HCV-induced IR in Egyptian HCV cirrhotic patients after LDLT and correlate the occurrence of IR with the level of HCV-RNA viremia and the status of HCV disease recurrence post LDLT. 67 patients had received LDLT from November 2010 to November 2012. 17 of them were included in this prospective research by the following criteria :1) Patients with HCV related End Stage Liver Disease , who were eligible for liver transplantation . 2) Patients with an estimate of IR using HOMA-IR level more than or equal 2 +/- [impaired fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or impaired oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)] .Patients were followed up with the following schedule : FPG , OGTT and HOMA were routinely done 3 , 6 and 12 months post LDLT. HCV RNA level by PCR was performed 1 , 6 and 12 months to follow up the level of viremia post LDLT . Protocol liver biopsies were taken 6 and 12 months post LDLT. The median HOMA value showed reduction during the first year post LDLT , which was not significant at 3 months post LDLT (p value = 0.055) , was highly significant at 6 months post LDLT (p value =0.002) and was again significant at 12 months post LDLT (p value = 0.028) . Recurrence of HCVdisease was documented histologically in 9 patients (52.9%) at 6 months and 10 patients (58.8%) 1 year post LDLT. There was no statistically significant relation between median HOMA values and either level of HCV-RNA viremia or histological recurrence of HCV 6 and 12 months post LDLT. To our knowledge , this is the first study of HCV-induced IR that was conducted on LDLT recipients. HCV-induced insulin resistance is improved 1 year after after LDLT.

Background: Recurrence of HCV after living donor liver transplant (LDLT) is nearly universal, with almost one third of recipients developing cirrhosis and graft failure within 5 years after LDLT. Different studies have been published on the effect of sofosbuvir after liver transplantation on recurrent HCV with different genotypes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sofosbuvir and ribavirin in LDLT recipients with recurrent HCV genotype 4. Patients and Methods: Thirty-nine Egyptian LDLT recipients were treated for recurrent HCV after LDLT with nucleos(t)ide analog NS5B polymerase inhibitor, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin without pegylated interferon for 6 months (November 2014 to June 2015) in this intention-to-treat analysis. Results: One recipient died 1 week after starting the treatment, but the remaining 38 patients completed 24 weeks of treatment and were then followed for 12 weeks after end of treatment (EOT). The sustained virological response (SVR) at week 12 after EOT was achieved in 76% (29/38) of recipients. SVR was significantly higher in treatment-naive patients and in recipients with a low stage of fibrosis. Only 2 (5%) recipients developed severe pancytopenia and acute kidney injury. Conclusions: We recommend initiating treatment as soon as possible after liver transplantation with newer combinations, such as ledipasvir/sofosbuvir or sofosbuvir/simeprevir, rather than sofosbuvir with Ribavirin, to achieve higher rates of SVR.

Bageacu S, Abdelaal A, Ficarelli S, ElMeteini M, Boillot O. Anatomy of the right liver lobe: a surgical analysis in 124 consecutive living donors. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E447–E454. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Background: Understanding anatomic variations of the right lobe is fundamental in adult to adult living donor liver transplantation. Methods: We analysed anatomy in 124 right liver (RL) donors. Results: Portal vein: normal anatomy was found in 85.5% donors. In 14.5% the main right portal vein (PV) was absent. Hepatic artery: single arterial inflow of the RL was identified in 96% of donors. In 4% two arterial stumps were found. Bile duct: classic anatomy was identified in 50.8% of donors; 9.7% had a trifurcation of the common bile duct; in 7.2% the right anterior and in 15.3% the right posterior bile duct opened into the left bile duct; one segmental bile duct opened directly into the common bile duct in 12.1% and two segmental bile ducts in 4.8%. Hepatic veins (HV): in 74.3% the right HV was the single outflow; in 24.2% significant accessory HV (>5 mm) were preserved, in 2.4% the middle HV was harvested. We found that patients with PV variations had high incidence of multiple bile ducts (88.9%) while patients with single right PV had lower incidence (42.4%) (p = 0.00026). Conclusion: While anatomic variations in the RL donor were common, no contraindication to RL harvesting was noted in this study.

Background and Aim of the Work: Combination of partial hepatectomy with complete excision of the caudate lobe was found to improve the outcome of resectable Klatskin tumors. In this prospective multicenter study, the outcome of these combined resections would be evaluated. Patients and Methods: This prospective study enrolled 72 patients with resectable Klatskin tumors. The study was conducted in Taif tertiary hospital and Ain Shams University Hospitals from January 2008 to December 2014. All patients underwent partial hepatectomy with complete excision of the caudate lobe after preoperative biliary drainage. The primary outcome was the resection margin (positive or negative), postoperative complications, and patient survival. Other outcomes included; the mean operative time, mean amount of blood loss, and prognostic factors correlated with survival. Results: The number of patients underwent combined resection were 72 patients, 49 males and 23 females with mean age of 58.3 ± 14.2 years. Mean operative time was 243 ± 57 min and the mean blood loss was 896 ± 211 ml. The recorded postoperative complications included; bile leak in 16.7%, wound infection in 15.3%, pleural effusion in 12.5%, liver failure in 4.2%, and liver abscess in 4.2%. Recorded hospital mortality was 5.6%. The resection margin was negative (R0) in 51/72 patients (70.8%). The overall mean survival during the follow-up was 48 ± 10.2 months. The estimated overall 5-year survival rate was 37.5% increased to 50.1% in R0 patients, and it was 4.8% when the margin was positive. There was a significant positive correlation between the patient survival and the negativity of the resection margin, and a negative significant correlation with the pretreatment level of carcinoembryonic antigen. Age, gender, Bismuth classification, and pretreatment level of carbohydrate antigen 19.9 had insignificant correlation with the survival. Conclusion: The excision of the caudate lobe with extended hepatic resection by the experienced hepatobiliary surgeon in properly selected patients survival has been proved to be safe and effective.

Background and Aim of the Work: Early management of postlaparoscopic nonvascular biliary injuries by an expert team is essential to achieve a good outcome. In this article, we would evaluate the results of this prospective multicentric study in the management of postlaparoscopic nonvascular biliary injuries. Patients and Methods: This prospective multicentric study enrolled 168 patients with iatrogenic nonvascular bile duct injury (BDI). In all cases, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed, and further management was done according to Strasberg type of injury. Results: Intra-abdominal biliary collection was managed by ultrasound-guided drainage. Type A (19%) was diagnosed and treated by ERCP. Types B and C (20.2%) were treated by duct reconstruction of the isolated segment and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ), respectively. Strasberg type D nondevascularized partial injury (7.1%) was treated by primary repair around stent. In complete type D patients and E (10.7% and 43%, respectively), Roux en-Y hepaticojejunostomy with lowering the hilar plate was performed. After ERCP, 78% of patients developed hyperamylasemia and only 4.8% developed pancreatitis. After HJ, 9.7% of patients developed stricture and were treated by percutaneous transhepatic cholangial dilatation. Conclusion: This study proved the safety and efficacy of the management of iatrogenic BDI by an expert team implementing different diagnostic and treatment modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography scan, and ERCP in addition to different surgical options, particularly the use of right end-to-side and left side-to-side RYHJ, with lowering the hilar plate and anterior anastomosis.

Intravascular volume replacement therapy is an important issue in the perioperative management of liver transplantation. There is paucity of data on the safety of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) in patients undergoing liver transplantation. We evaluated the safety of a new HES 130/0.4 in the perioperative management of liver transplantation, with a special emphasis on renal function.Forty patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation were prospectively randomized into two groups. Patients in the ALB group (n = 20) received 5% human albumin. Patients in the HES group (n = 20) received third generation HES (6% HES 130/0.4). Total colloid administration was limited to 50 mL x kg(-1) x d(-1). The volume was given to maintain pulmonary artery occlusion pressure or central venous pressure between 5 and 7 mm Hg. If additional fluids were required, balanced crystalloid solution was used. Anesthetic and surgical techniques were standardized. Serum creatinine and cystatin C plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples after induction of anesthesia, at the end of surgery, and on the first 4 postoperative days.All 40 enrolled patients completed the study. Demographic and intraoperative variables were comparable in both groups. Postoperatively, the mean +/- sd volume was 6229 +/- 1140 mL and 4636 +/- 1153 mL in HES and ALB groups, respectively (P = 0.003). There was significantly greater [corrected] net cumulative fluid balance in the HES [corrected] group 3047 +/- 2000 [corrected] mL compared with the ALB group 1100 +/- 900 [corrected] mL, P = 0.029. Serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and cystatin C plasma levels showed no significant differences between the two groups. One patient in each group developed acute renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy.The use of HES 130/0.4 as an alternative to human albumin resulted in equivalent renal outcome after liver transplantation.

Central venous catheterisation is commonly performed during major surgery and intensive care, and it would be useful if central venous oxygen saturation could function as a surrogate for mixed venous oxygen saturation. We studied 50 patients undergoing living related liver transplantation. Blood samples were taken simultaneously from central venous and pulmonary artery catheters at nine time points during the pre-anhepatic, anhepatic, and postanhepatic phases. Four hundred and fifty sets of measurement were obtained. There was a good correlation between central venous oxygen saturation and mixed venous oxygen saturation. The mean (SD) difference (95% limit of agreement) was lowest at the first time point (1.06 (0.65)%, -1.94% to 2.7%) and then increased throughout the study but remained acceptable. The change in mixed venous oxygen and central venous oxygen saturations occurred mostly in parallel and as a result changes in mixed venous oxygen saturation were reflected adequately in the change in central venous oxygen saturation. The correlation between mixed venous oxygen saturation and cardiac output was poor.

Understanding issues pertaining to quality of life is essential for any disease, particularly in recipients of liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of liver transplantation on Egyptian recipients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL).A prospective study carried out at the Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation (Cairo, Egypt), including 35 recipients for the evaluation of HRQOL using short form 36 score (Arabic version) and Beck Depression Inventory scores pre-transplantation and 1 and 6 months afterwards.The mean age of the recipients was 49.27 ± 8.16 years. Among them, 17 patients were highly educated. A statistically significant improvement in all dimensions of their HRQOL was observed after liver transplantation. Their physical functioning was 45.00 ± 34.34 before liver transplantation while after 1 and 6 months it was 57.50 ± 20.66 and 74.83 ± 19.27, respectively (P 0.001). All 17 patients completed their first year after transplantation, showing a statistically significant improvement in all dimensions of their HRQOL one year after liver transplantation except that in mental health, role limitation due to emotional health emotional and social functioning domains.HRQOL is an important aspect of liver transplantation that should not be neglected.

Background: In the living donor liver transplant setting, the preoperative assessment of potential donors is important to ensure the donor safety. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify causes and costs of living liver-donors rejection in the donation process. Materials and Methods: From June 2010 to June 2012, all potential living liver donors for 66 liver transplant candidates were screened at the Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation. Potential donors were evaluated in 3 phases, and their data were reviewed to determine the causes and at which phase the donors were rejected. Results: One hundred and ninety two potential living liver donors, including 157 (81.7%) males, were screened for 66 potential recipients. Of these, 126 (65.6%) were disqualified for the donation. The causes of rejection were classified as surgical (9.5 %) or medical (90.5 %). Five donors (3.9 %) were rejected due to multiple causes. Factor V Leiden mutation was detected in 29 (23 %) rejected donors (P = 0.001), 25 (19.8 %) donors had positive results for hepatitis serology (P = 0.005), and 16 (12.7 %) tested positive for drug abuse. Portal vein trifurcation (n = 9, 7.1%) and small size liver graft estimated by CT volumetric analysis (n = 6, 4.8 %) were the main surgical causes which precluded the donation. Conclusions: Among potential Egyptian living liver donors, Factor V Leiden mutation was a significant cause for live donor rejection. A stepwise approach to donor assessment was found to be cost-effective.

Purpose Recurrence of HCV after LDLT is almost universal. Different factors affect response to treatment. Few data are available regarding outcome of recurrent HCV genotype 4. The purpose of this study is to improve outcome of recurrent HCV genotype 4 after LDLT. Methods An IRB approved chart review of 243 patients transplanted for ESLD, HCV genotype 4 over 4 years were reviewed. Protocol liver biopsies were taken 6 months after transplant. Patients received pegylated interferon and ribavirin in case of histological recurrence. Five patients had FCH were excluded. Results Thirty-seven patients were included. Sustained Virological Response (SVR) was achieved in 29 (78.3%). Patients with Metavir fibrosis stage (F0) and (F1) had SVR in 5/5 (100%) and 20/24 (83.3%). Two patients with F1 had to stop treatment because of thrombocytopenia and 2 were non responders. Three out of 6 patients (50%) with (F2) had SVR, 2 were non responders and one had to discontinue treatment because of severe depression. One of 2 patients (50%) with F3 had SVR and the other patient decompensated within 4 months before treatment and died. Conclusion Protocol biopsies allow early detection of inflammatory changes in the graft before fibrosis occurs. Early treatment of recurrent HCV genotype 4 after LDLT results in better response.