Resumen El examen de rutina de los donantes de órganos para detectar la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) ha hecho que la transmisión del virus mediante el trasplante de órganos sea poco común. Sin embargo, a pesar de las pruebas de detección de rutina, la transmisión del HIV continúa siendo un riesgo del trasplante de órganos ya que, a diferencia de los tejidos, los órganos sólidos no se pueden procesar, desinfectar, ni modificar para inactivar patógenos infecciosos. A continuación, se describe un caso de posible transmisión de HIV por trasplante de órganos de un donante previamente seronegativo a dos de sus receptores.

Abstract Routine screening of organ donors to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has detected the rare transmission of the virus through organ transplantation. However, despite routine screening, HIV transmission remains a risk in organ transplantation since, unlike tissues, solid organs cannot be processed, disinfected, or modified to inactivate infectious pathogens. A case of possible transmission of HIV by organ transplant is described below, from a previously seronegative donor to two recipients.

Resumen El paracetamol es una droga analgésica y antipiré tica comúnmente utilizada, que ha experimentado un aumento en su consumo en los últimos años en nuestro medio. También se ha observado un incremento en el número de sobredosis accidentales e intencionales que fueron atendidas por el sistema de salud. Su toxicidad es dosis dependiente y puede causar falla hepática fulminante, convirtiéndose en una de las principales razones de trasplante hepático en países angloparlan tes. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 28 años con antecedentes de depresión mayor y cinco intentos de suicidio previos, quien ingirió deliberadamente una cantidad significativa de comprimidos de paracetamol. Desarrolló una falla hepática fulminante y acidosis metabólica, por lo que fue sometida a un trasplante hepático de emergencia debido a la gravedad de su condición evolucionando favorablemente. La decisión de realizar un trasplante hepático en casos graves como este y bajo una condición de vulnerabilidad psiquiátrica grave, es un desafío y debe considerarse cuidadosamente. Este caso en particular ilustra la im portancia de la atención multidisciplinaria incluyendo la evaluación psiquiátrica en pacientes con intoxicación por paracetamol.

Abstract Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drug, which has experienced an increase in its consumption in recent years in our environment. There has also been an increase in the number of accidental and intentional overdoses that were treated by the health system. Its toxicity is dose-dependent and can cause ful minant liver failure, becoming one of the main reasons for liver transplantation in English-speaking countries. The case of a 28-year-old woman with a history of major depression and five previous suicide attempts, who de liberately ingested a significant amount of paracetamol tablets, is here presented. She developed fulminant liver failure and metabolic acidosis, for which she underwent an emergency liver transplant due to the severity of her condition, from which she evolved favorably. The decision to perform a liver transplant in serious cases like this and under a condition of severe psychiatric vulnerability is challenging and must be carefully considered. This particular case illustrates the importance of multidisci plinary care including psychiatric evaluation in patients with acetaminophen poisoning.

Resumen Introducción: Las porfirias son trastornos enzimáticos de la síntesis del hemo. Las porfirias hepáticas agudas (PHA) se presentan con síntomas neuroviscerales agudos, como dolor abdominal, náuseas, vómitos, estreñimiento, debilidad muscular, neuropatía, taquicardia e hipertensión. La deficiencia de ácido 5-aminolevulínico deshidratasa (ALAD) es un trastorno autosómico recesivo raro que provoca poca o ninguna elevación de porfobilinógeno, pero eleva el ácido 5-aminolevulínico y la coproporfirina III urinaria. No hay registros de este tipo de porfiria en Colombia. En la fase aguda requiere manejo integral, desde hemoterapia hasta trasplante hepático. Presentación del caso: Hombre de 24 años sin antecedentes que cursaba con un cuadro recurrente y agudizado de dolor abdominal asociado a cambios en la coloración en la orina, lesiones cutáneas, deposiciones diarreicas y distermias. Dentro de su abordaje con paraclínicos previos se descartaron causas de dolor abdominal recurrente iniciales, con porfobilinógeno negativo, y se completó el estudio con 5-aminolevulínico elevado, lo que configuró la clínica de porfiria por ALAD, con mejoría ante la hemoterapia y remisión de lesión renal aguda. Se documentó el distractor asociado posible de nefritis intersticial y manifestaciones en la piel derivadas del consumo de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE). Conclusiones: Se debe considerar la porfiria por ALAD y todas las porfirias hepáticas agudas en cualquier paciente que presente recurrencia inexplicable de dolor abdominal grave y neuropatía. A pesar de su relativa rareza y complejidad, la mayoría de las porfirias se pueden definir y diagnosticar fácilmente. Una de las causas más frecuentes en el retraso diagnóstico radica en no considerar este diagnóstico en los diferenciales de manera oportuna. Aún falta mucho por conocer de la porfiria por ALAD.

Abstract Introduction: Porphyrias are enzymatic disorders of heme synthesis. Acute hepatic porphyrias (AHP) presents with acute neurovisceral symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, neuropathy, tachycardia, and hypertension. 5-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that results in little or no elevation of porphobilinogen but elevates urinary 5-aminolevulinic acid and coproporphyrin III. There are no records of this type of porphyria in Colombia. Acute management requires comprehensive care, ranging from hemotherapy to liver transplantation. Case Presentation: A 24-year-old man with no prior medical history presented with a recurrent and acute episode of abdominal pain associated with changes in urine color, skin lesions, diarrhea, and dysregulation of body temperature. Initial paraclinical workup ruled out common causes of recurrent abdominal pain, with a negative porphobilinogen test, but further testing revealed elevated 5-aminolevulinic acid, confirming the diagnosis of ALAD porphyria. The patient showed improvement with hemotherapy and remission of acute kidney injury. A possible distractor associated with interstitial nephritis and skin manifestations related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use was documented. Conclusions: ALAD porphyria and all acute hepatic porphyrias should be considered in any patient presenting with unexplained recurrent severe abdominal pain and neuropathy. Despite their relative rarity and complexity, most porphyrias can be easily defined and diagnosed. A common cause of diagnostic delay is the failure to consider porphyria in the differential diagnosis on time. There is still much to learn about ALAD porphyria.

Abstract Background : Liver and heart transplantation represents the definitive treatment for end-stage failure of these organs. In recent years, an increasing number of pediatric patients have undergone these procedures, which are associated with various complications. Among them, infections stand out as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality. Aim: To describe the infections that affect pediatric recipients of liver and heart transplants (Tx.). Methods : A characterization of the type and timing of infections identified in 31 children who underwent heart transplantation and 27 who underwent liver transplantation at a tertiary university hospital since 2002 (cardiac Tx) and 2009 (hepatic Tx), both to 2022 is presented. Results: Biliary atresia and dilated cardiomyopathy were the main reasons for liver and heart transplantation, respectively. Bacterial infections predominated during the first month after these surgical procedures, while viral infections predominated later. Bacterial infections in general, and bacteriemia were more common in liver Tx. recipients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus, mainly in the form of reactivations, were the most frequently identified viruses, with a higher frequency of CMV in liver Tx. recipients. One patient from each group died in a late period due to bacterial sepsis, without a specific agent identified. Conclusion: The preponderance of infections due to latent viral agents, such as CMV, in pediatric liver or heart transplant recipients, reveals the need to optimize the management of these infections in this growing population in Chile.

Resumen Introducción: El trasplante de hígado y corazón corresponde al tratamiento definitivo para la falla de estos órganos en estadio terminal. En los últimos años, un creciente número de pacientes pediátricos accede a estos procedimientos, los que se asocian a diversas complicaciones. Dentro de ellas, las infecciones destacan como una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad. Objetivo: Describir los cuadros infecciosos que afectan a los pacientes pediátricos receptores de trasplante (Tx.) de hígado y corazón. Métodos: Se presenta la caracterización de los cuadros infecciosos identificados en una cohorte no concurrente y otra concurrente compuesta por 31 niños receptores de Tx. de corazón y 27 de hígado, en un hospital terciario universitario desde 2002 (Tx. cardíaco) y 2009 (Tx. hepático), ambos hasta septiembre de 2022. Resultados: El principal motivo del trasplante de hígado fue la atresia de vías biliares y la miocardiopatía dilatada para el trasplante cardíaco. En el primer mes posterior a este procedimiento quirúrgico predominaron las infecciones bacterianas, mientras que en los meses posteriores lo fueron las virales. Las infecciones bacterianas, en global, y la bacteriemia en específico, fueron más frecuentes en los receptores de Tx. hepático. Citomegalovirus (CMV) y virus Epstein Barr, principalmente en forma de reactivaciones, fueron los virus más frecuentemente identificados, con una mayor frecuencia de CMV en el Tx. hepático. Un paciente de cada tipo de Tx. falleció durante el período tardío por sepsis bacteriana, sin agente identificado. Conclusión: El predominio de infecciones por agentes virales latentes, como CMV, en pacientes pediátricos que recibieran trasplantes de hígado o corazón reflejan la necesidad de optimizar el manejo de estas infecciones en esta creciente población en Chile.

Introdução: A Doença Hepática Esteatótica Associada à Disfunção Metabólica (MASLD) é a doença hepática crônica mais prevalente no mundo e foi recentemente renomeada para enfatizar seu componente metabólico. Este artigo busca preencher a lacuna de diretrizes específicas para pacientes portadores de obesidade e MASLD que irão ser submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica. Método: Foi realizado uma busca sistemática por guidelines nas plataformas PubMed e Embase. Resultados: Foram encontrados 544 artigos, dos quais 11 foram selecionados conforme critérios de inclusão/exclusão. Todos os 11 guidelines são de sociedades clínicas, portanto, não contemplam algumas interpretações necessárias para o paciente bariátrico. Conclusões: Recomendamos que seja feito o rastreio de todo paciente que será submetido a cirurgia bariátrica e metabólica inicialmente com o score Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), seguido da elastografia hepática transitória (Vibration-controlled Transient Elastography - VCTE), principalmente para aqueles com FIB4> 1,3. No entanto, a interpretação dos resultados do VCTE em pacientes obesos necessita de mais estudos para delimitar os reais valores de cortes. O Enhanced Liver Fibrosis® (ELF®) mostra-se promissor, mas sua disponibilidade é limitada. A indicação da biópsia hepática durante a cirurgia, precisa ser individualizada, porém é recomendada para aqueles com alteração do FIB4 e/ou da VCTE. O rastreio familiar é recomendado para parentes de pacientes jovens já com fibrose avançada. O transplante hepático é uma opção para pacientes com MASLD avançada, mas o momento ideal para a cirurgia bariátrica em relação ao transplante ainda não está claro. O acompanhamento regular e o exame VCTE são recomendados para monitorar a progressão da doença após a cirurgia.

Introduction: Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the world and has recently been renamed to emphasize its metabolic component. This article seeks to fill the gap in specific guidelines for patients with obesity and MASLD who will undergo bariatric surgery. Methods: A systematic search for guidelines was carried out on the PubMed and Embase platforms. Results: Were found 544 articles, of which 11 were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. All 11 guidelines are from clinical societies and therefore do not include some necessary interpretations for bariatric patients. Conclusions: We recommend that every patient undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery be screened initially with the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, followed by transient hepatic elastography (Vibration-controlled Transient Elastography - VCTE), especially for those with FIB4 > 1.3. However, the interpretation of VCTE results in obese patients requires further studies to define the real cutoff values. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis® (ELF®) shows promise, but its availability is limited. The indication for liver biopsy during surgery needs to be individualized but is recommended for those with changes in FIB4 and/or VCTE. Family screening is recommended for relatives of young patients with advanced fibrosis. Liver transplantation is an option for patients with advanced MASLD, but the optimal timing for bariatric surgery in relation to transplantation is still unclear. Regular follow-up and VCTE examination are recommended to monitor disease progression after surgery.  

Abstract Background: Acute liver failure in pediatric age is a serious multisystem disease, characterized by a failure of the synthesis and detoxification function of the liver. Among the etiologies, viral infection should be investigated. Treatment is supportive and some cases require liver transplantation. Case report: A 2-year-old girl was admitted for acute liver failure. The PCR viral panel was positive for Adenovirus 41 and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were also found. Supportive treatment was started without improvement, so intravenous immunoglobulin was administered, with resolution of the liver failure. Conclusion: Immunoglobulin has immunomodulatory mechanisms in children with severe acute hepatitis of infectious etiology, so in some cases, its administration can be considered as adjuvant therapy.

Resumen Antecedentes: La insuficiencia hepática aguda en pacientes pediátricos es una enfermedad multisistémica grave, caracterizada por falla de la función de síntesis y detoxificación del hígado. Dentro de su origen debe investigarse alguna infección viral. El tratamiento es de soporte y algunos casos requieren trasplante hepático. Informe de caso: Paciente pediátrica de 2 años, que ingresó al servicio médico por insuficiencia hepática aguda. El panel viral por PCR fue positivo para adenovirus 41 y anticuerpos IgG para SARS-CoV-2. Se inicio tratamiento de soporte sin reacción satisfactoria, por lo que se administró inmunoglobulina intravenosa, con resultados adecuados y curación de la insuficiencia hepática. Conclusión: La inmunoglobulina tiene mecanismos inmunomoduladores en pacientes pediátricos con hepatitis aguda grave de origen infeccioso, por lo que en algunos casos puede considerase su administración como terapia adyuvante.

Abstract Introduction: Acute liver failure (ALF), although rare in children, is a complex progressive pathology, with multi-system involvement and high mortality. Isolated variables or those included in prognostic scores have been studied, to optimize organ allocation. However, its validation is challenging. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of several biomarkers and scores as predictors of prognosis in pediatric ALF (PALF). Methods: An observational study with retrospective data collection, including all cases of ALF, was defined according to the criteria of the Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Study Group, admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for 28 years. Two groups were defined: spontaneous recovery (SR) and non-SR (NSR) - submitted to liver transplantation (LT) or death at PICU discharge. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included, with a median age of 24 months, and 54% were female. The most frequent etiologies were metabolic (25.4%) and infectious (18.6%); 32.2% were undetermined. SR occurred in 21 patients (35.6%). In NSR group (N = 38, 64.4%), 25 required LT (42.4%) and 19 died (32.2%), 6 (15.7%) of whom after LT. The accuracy to predict NSR was acceptable for lactate at admission (AUC 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57-0.86; p =0.006), ammonia peak (AUC 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58-0.86; p = 0.006), and INR peak (AUC 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56-0.85; p = 0.01). The cut-off value for lactate at admission was 1.95 mmol/L (sensitivity 78.4% and specificity 61.9%), ammonia peak was 64 μmol/L (sensitivity 100% and specificity 38.1%), and INR peak was 4.8 (sensitivity 61.1% and specificity 76.2%). Lactate on admission was shown to be an independent predictor of NSR on logistic regression model. Two prognostic scores had acceptable discrimination for NSR, LIU (AUC 0.73; 95% CI: 0.59-0.87; p = 0.004) and PRISM (AUC 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56-0.86; p = 0.03). In our study, the PALF delta score (PALF-ds) had lower discrimination capacity (AUC 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47-0.78; p = 0.11). Conclusions: The lactate at admission, an easily obtained parameter, had a similar capacity than the more complex scores, LIU and PRISM, to predict NSR. The prognostic value in our population of the promising dynamic score, PALF-ds, was lower than expected.

Resumo Introdução: A falência hepática aguda (FHA), apesar de rara em pediatria, é uma patologia complexa, com envolvimento multissistémico e elevada mortalidade. Têm sido estudadas variáveis isoladas ou incluídas em scores de prognóstico, com o objetivo de otimizar a alocação de órgãos. No entanto, a sua validação apresenta alguns desafios. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a precisão de vários biomarcadores e scores, como preditores de prognóstico na FHA. Métodos: Estudo observacional com método de colheita de dados retrospetivo, tendo como critérios de inclusão os casos de FHA, definida de acordo com os critérios da Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Study Group,admitidos numa UnidadedeCuidadosIntensivosPediátricos(UCIP)num período de 28 anos. Definiram-se 2 grupos: recuperação espontânea (RE) e sem recuperação espontânea (SRE) -doentes submetidos a transplante hepático (TRH) ou morte naalta daUCIP. Resultados: Incluíram-se 59 doentes, com mediana de idade de 24 meses, 54% do sexo feminino.Asetiologiasmaisfrequentesforam a metabólica (25.4%) e a infeciosa (18.6%); em 32.2% foi indeterminada. Apresentaram RE 21 doentes (35.6%). No grupo SRE (N = 38, 64.4%), 25 necessitaram de TRH (42.4%) e 19 faleceram (32.2%), dos quais 6 (15.7%) tinham sido submetidos a TRH. A precisão prognóstica para a ausência de recuperação espontânea foi aceitável para o lactato na admissão (AUC 0.72; IC 95%: 0.57-0.86; p = 0.006), amónia máxima (AUC 0.72; IC 95%: 0.58-0.86; p = 0.006) e INR máximo (AUC 0.70; IC 95%: 0.56-0.85; p = 0.01). O valor de cut-off do lactato na admissão foi de 1.95 mmol/L (sensibilidade 78.4% e especificidade 61.9%) e da amónia máxima foi de 64 umol/L (sensibilidade 100% e especificidade 38.1%). O lactato à admissão mostrou ser um fator independente para NSR, no modelo de regressão logística. Os scores LIU e PRISM apresentaram curvas ROC com aceitável capacidade de discriminação para a ausência de recuperação espontânea, com AUC de 0.73 (IC 95%: 0.59-0.87; p = 0.004) e 0.71 (IC 95%: 0.56-0.86; p = 0.03), respetivamente. No nosso estudo, o score PALF-Delta (PALF-ds) teve uma menor capacidade de discriminação (AUC 0.63; IC 95%: 0.47-0.78; p = 0.11). Conclusões: O lactato na admissão, um parâmetro de fácil obtenção, teve uma capacidade semelhante aos scores mais complexos, LIU e PRISM, para predizer a ausência de recuperação espontânea. O valor prognóstico nesta série, do promissor score dinâmico PALF-ds, foi inferior ao esperado.

Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare vascular neoplasm, which is often multifocal or metastatic at diagnosis. Most frequently arises in the liver, followed by the lung and bones. The authors present a case of a liver transplant recipient who developed a pattern of hepatic cholestasis associated with the appearance of a proliferative hepatic lesion with infiltrative growth. Histological examination and immunohistochemical study were compatible with the diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Pulmonary micronodules were detected and lung metastases were hypothesized. Therefore, bronchoscopy was performed, which turned out to be normal, and cytology was negative for neoplastic cells. After a multidisciplinary discussion, liver retransplantation was decided. After 8 years of follow-up, the patient is clinically stable, with no graft dysfunction, no neoplastic recurrence, and dimensional stability of the pulmonary micronodules. Patients with organ transplant have higher risk of developing carcinoma compared to the general population. The development of cancer is a multifactorial process and little is known about the etiology of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. No standard treatment strategy has been defined yet, and the natural course of the disease is heterogenous and the individual prognosis unpredictable. Complete surgical resection is offered to patients with unifocal disease, and those with unresectable disease should be evaluated for orthotopic liver transplantation.

Resumo O hemangioendotelioma epitelióide é uma neoplasia vascular extremamente rara, muitas vezes multifocal ou metastática ao diagnóstico. O local mais frequente afetado é o fígado, seguido pelo pulmão e ossos. Os autores apresentam o caso de uma doente com antecedentes de transplante hepático que desenvolveu um padrão de colestase associado ao aparecimento de uma lesão hepática proliferativa e de crescimento infiltrativo. O exame histológico e o estudo imuno-histoquímico foram compatíveis com hemangioendotelioma epitelióide. Foram detetados micronódulos pulmonares, tendo sido colocada a hipótese de se tratarem de metástases pulmonares. Assim, foi realizada broncoscopia, que não revelou alterações, estando a citologia negativa para células neoplásicas. Após discussão multidisciplinar, foi decidido o retransplante hepático. Após 8 anos de seguimento, a doente encontra-se clinicamente estável, sem disfunção do enxerto, sem recidiva neoplásica e com estabilidade dimensional dos micronódulos pulmonares. Doentes submetidos a transplante têm maior risco de desenvolver neoplasias em comparação com a população geral. O desenvolvimento da neoplasia é um processo multifatorial, sendo a etiologia do hemangioendotelioma epite-lióide ainda pouco compreendida. Não existe uma estratégia terapêutica standard, sendo o curso natural da doença heterogêneo e o prognóstico individual imprevisível. A ressecção cirúrgica é a primeira opção terapêu-tica nos doentes com doença unifocal, aqueles com doença irressecável devem ser avaliados para transplante hepático.

Abstract Nonmalignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a common complication of cirrhosis especially at the stage of decompensations. The diagnosis of PVT in cirrhosis is often incidental and it may be detected during routine semestral abdominal ultrasound with Doppler during screening for hepatocellular carcinoma or during hospitalization for decompensated cirrhosis. After detection of PVT on abdominal ultrasound, it is important to evaluate patients with cross-sectional imaging to determine the age of thrombus, whether acute or chronic, the extent and degree of luminal occlusion of the portal vein, and to rule out hepatocellular carcinoma or other underlying malignancy. Factors influencing management include the degree and extent of luminal occlusion of PVT, potential listing for liver transplantation, and portal hypertension (PHT) complications such as variceal hemorrhage and refractory ascites, severity of thrombocytopenia, and other comorbidities including chronic kidney disease. Anticoagulation is the most common therapeutic option and it is specially indicated in patients who are candidates for liver transplantation. Interventional procedures including transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement and mechanical thrombectomy may be used on a case-by-case basis in patients with contraindications or adverse events related to anticoagulation, who develop worsening PVT while on anticoagulant therapy, or have chronic PVT and PHT complications that are not manageable medically or endoscopically.

Resumo A trombose da veia porta (TVP) é uma complicação frequente na cirrose, especialmente na fase de descompensação. O diagnóstico é na maioria das vezes realizado de forma incidental. durante o rastreio semestral para o carcinoma hematocelular com ecografia abdominal com doppler ou durante o internamento por episódio de descompensação da cirrose. Após a deteção de TVP numa ecografia abdominal com doppler, é importante a realização de um método de imagem complementar de corte axial para avaliar a idade do trombo, se agudo ou crónico, a extensão e grau de oclusão luminal da veia porta e para excluir carcinoma hepatocelular ou outra neoplasia subjacente. A gestão do doente depende do grau de oclusão e da extensão do trombo na circulação portal, mas também da possibilidade de ser candidato para transplante hepatico, complicações da hipertensão portal, gravidade de trombocitopenia e da existência de outras comorbilidades relevantes como a doença renal crónica. A anticoagulação é a principal opção terapêutica mas outros procedimentos como a colocação de TIPS e trombectomia mecânica devem ser pensados caso a caso, quando existem contra-indicações à anticoagulação, a resposta à terapêutica anticoagulante não é adequada ou existem complicações da hipertensão portal não abordáveis com terapêutica médica ou endoscópica.

ABSTRACT Background: Iron overload is frequent in patients with chronic liver disease, associated with shorter survival after liver transplantation in patients with hereditary hemochromatosis. Its effect on patients without hereditary hemochromatosis is unclear. The aim of the study was to study the clinical impact of iron overload in patients who underwent liver transplantation at an academic tertiary referral center. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including all patients without hereditary hemochromatosis who underwent liver transplantation from 2015 to 2017 at an academic tertiary referral center in Mexico City. Explant liver biopsies were reprocessed to obtain the histochemical hepatic iron index, considering a score ≥ 0.15 as iron overload. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with and without iron overload. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, compared with the log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Of 105 patients included, 45% had iron overload. Viral and metabolic etiologies, alcohol consumption, and obesity were more frequent in patients with iron overload than in those without iron overload (43% vs. 21%, 32% vs. 22%, p = 0.011; 34% vs. 9%, p = 0.001; and 32% vs. 12%, p = 0.013, respectively). Eight patients died within 90 days after liver transplantation (one with iron overload). Complication rate was higher in patients with iron overload versus those without iron overload (223 vs. 93 events/100 person-months; median time to any complication of 2 vs. 3 days, p = 0.043), without differences in complication type. Fatality rate was lower in patients with iron overload versus those without iron overload (0.7 vs. 4.5 deaths/100 person-months, p = 0.055). Conclusion: Detecting iron overload might identify patients at risk of early complications after liver transplantation. Further studies are required to understand the role of iron overload in survival.

Primary liver cancer was the third most common cause of death due to cancer worldwide in 2020. As the predominant type, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the overwhelming majority of newly diagnosed primary liver tumours. Liver transplantation remains the treatment of choice for a cure in otherwise unresectable HCC. For nearly thirty years, the Milan and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria have guided physicians' clinical decision-making for selection of liver transplant candidates in the treatment of HCC. More recently, studies have demonstrated survival benefit for patients transplanted beyond Milan criteria. This remains an area of active research and includes advancements in local-regional therapies and their role in downstaging tumours to within transplant criteria as a bridge to transplant. Other advancements on the horizon include the identification of tumour biomarkers that may lead to earlier diagnosis and more accurate prediction of prognosis and risk of recurrence, as well as new neoadjuvant therapies and post-transplant immunosuppression regimens that may allow for further expansion of transplant eligibility criteria. Additionally, several recent studies have investigated the potential survival benefit of combination therapy using local-regional intervention with systemic immunotherapy to downstage otherwise unresectable disease that is beyond Milan criteria. Liver transplantation will continue to play an important role in the treatment of HCC for the foreseeable future and based on currently available evidence, both local-regional therapies and immunomodulation in combination are poised to change the landscape of liver transplantation for HCC as we currently know it.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the definitive management for patients with end-stage liver disease. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) is used in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) for donor and graft selection as well as predicting graft weight. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to establish the relationship between estimated graft volume (EGV) and actual graft weight (AGW) and ascertain a correlation coefficient that will improve the accuracy of EGV in a South African population. METHOD: The study included 117 LDLT between March 2013 and August 2022. Of these, 86 were left lateral (LL), 15 right lobe (R), 10 left lobe with caudate (LC), five left lobe (L) and one segment two (monosegment) grafts. Estimated graft volume and actual graft weight were compared using the Pearson coefficient and the relationship was illustrated with scatter plots. RESULTS: Estimated graft volume and AGW had a strong positive correlation with a Pearson correlation (R) of 0.95 (p < 0.001). The relationship was significantly linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.71. The mean EGV was significantly higher than that of AGW (388 mL ± 249 mL vs. 353 g ± 184 g) with overestimation in 61% of cases. Left lateral and R grafts were the most prevalent LDLT graft type, both having a strong linear correlation between EGV and AGW. CONCLUSION: Applying a correlation coefficient of 0.71 will improve the accuracy of CT volumetry graft weight predictions. CONTRIBUTION: A unique correlation coefficient will improve EGV accuracy, aiding in preoperative planning and mitigating post-operative complications in both donors and recipients.

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients. In Brazil, its occurrence in HCT recipients remains undetermined. We now report on HCV prevalence in HCT recipients and its clinical consequences. The medical records of all HCT recipients seen at Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo University Medical School, from January 2010 to January 2020 were reviewed to determine HCV serostatus. A retrospective analysis of medical charts was undertaken on all seropositive cases to determine HCV genotype, presence of liver fibrosis, co-infections with other viruses, previous treatments, and clinical evolution of liver pathology after HCT. Of the 1,293 HCT recipients included in the study, seven (0.54%) were HCV antibody-positive and five (0.39%) were also viremic for HCV-RNA. Four of these individuals had moderate to severe liver fibrosis (METAVIR F2/F3) and one was cirrhotic. Two of the viremic patients developed acute liver dysfunction following transplantation. All patients had their acute episode of liver dysfunction resolved with no further complications. Four of the viremic patients were treated for HCV infection with direct acting agents (DAA). Information regarding HCV treatment was lacking for one of the viremic HCV patients due to loss of follow up. Sustained anti-virologic responses were observed in three cases after the use of DAA. The detection of HCV in hematological adults undergoing HCT and its successful treatment with DAA highlight the necessity of testing for HCV both prior to and following transplantation.

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to verify oral candidiasis, identify the causative species, and investigate the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolated from liver transplant patients. Methods A descriptive analysis of 97 patients who underwent liver transplantation was conducted at a hospital. Two clinical examinations (Collections A and B) of the oral cavity were performed. Oral material was collected from all patients, inoculated in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, and incubated at 35℃ for 48 hours. Samples were identified by molecular sequencing of the internal trascribed space region of rDNA. Results An antifungal susceptibility test with fluconazole, amphotericin B, and micafungin was performed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute yeast broth microdilution method. Among the patients, 15 presented with oral candidiasis: eight in Collection A and seven in Collection B. The primary type of candidiasis was atrophic, followed by pseudomembranous candidiasis. The most prevalent species was Candida albicans (nine), followed by Candida glabrata (three), Candida tropicalis (two), and Candida dubliniensis (one). Regarding susceptibility to fluconazole, of the 15 samples, 11 were susceptible, three were susceptible in a dose-dependent manner, and one was resistant. Conclusion The most commonly identified type of candidiasis was atrophic, with C. albicans and C. glabrata being the most prevalent causative species. One fluconazole-resistant isolate each of C. tropicalis and C. albicans were identified.