A combination of immunosuppressants may improve outcomes due to the synergistic effect of their different action mechanisms. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the best immunosuppressive protocol after liver transplantation. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tacrolimus associated with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients undergoing liver transplantation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Eight randomized trials were included. The proportion of patients with at least one adverse event related to the immunosuppression scheme with tacrolimus associated with MMF was 39.9%. The tacrolimus with MMF immunosuppression regimen was superior in preventing acute cellular rejection compared with that of tacrolimus alone (risk difference [RD]=-0.11; p =0.001). The tacrolimus plus MMF regimen showed no difference in the risk of adverse events compared to that of tacrolimus alone (RD=0.7; p=0.66) and cyclosporine plus MMF (RD=-0.7; p=0.37). Patients undergoing liver transplantation who received tacrolimus plus MMF had similar adverse events when compared to patients receiving other evaluated immunosuppressive regimens and had a lower risk of acute rejection than those receiving in the monodrug tacrolimus regimen.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapidly progresses to severe acute respiratory syndrome. This review aimed at collating available data on COVID-19 infection in solid organ transplantation (SOT) patients. We performed a systematic review of SOT patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The MEDLINE and PubMed databases were electronically searched and updated until April 20, 2020. The MeSH terms used were “COVID-19” AND “Transplant.” Thirty-nine COVID-19 cases were reported among SOT patients. The median interval for developing SARS-CoV-2 infection was 4 years since transplantation, and the fatality rate was 25.64% (10/39). Sixteen cases were described in liver transplant (LT) patients, and the median interval since transplantation was 5 years. The fatality rate among LT patients was 37.5% (6/16), with death occurring more than 3 years after LT. The youngest patient who died was 59 years old; there were no deaths among children. Twenty-three cases were described in kidney transplant (KT) patients. The median interval since transplantation was 4 years, and the fatality rate was 17.4% (4/23). The youngest patient who died was 71 years old. Among all transplant patients, COVID-19 had the highest fatality rate in patients older than 60 years : LT, 62.5% vs 12.5% (p=0.006); KT 44.44% vs 0 (p=0.039); and SOT, 52.94% vs 4.54% (p=0.001). This study presents a novel description of COVID-19 in abdominal SOT recipients. Furthermore, we alert medical professionals to the higher fatality risk in patients older than 60 years. (PROSPERO, registration number=CRD42020181299)

RESUMO Racional: A elastografia hepática tem sido relatada nos carcinomas hepatocelulares (CHC); porém, não é claro identificar o risco de morbimortalidade na lista de transplante hepático. Objetivo: Avaliar a morbimortalidade com elastografia transitória e escore MELD. Método: Pacientes adultos com cirrose na triagem para transplante de fígado foram incluídos no estudo. Resultados: Foram incluídos 103 pacientes (sem CHC n=58 (66%), CHC n=45 (44%). O escore MELD médio foi de 14,7±6,4, a hipertensão portal foi de 83,9% e o valor médio de elastografia transitória foi de 32,73±22,5 kPa. O valor médio de ARFI (Impulsão de Força de Radiação Acústica) do parênquima hepático foi de 1,98 (0,65-3,2) m/s e 2,16 (0,59-2,8) m/s no grupo CHC. O grupo CHC foi significativamente associado à infecção por vírus da hepatite C (OR 26,84, p<0,0001), níveis mais altos de alfa-feto proteína sérica (OR 5,51; p=0,015), hipertensão portal clínica (OR 0,25; p=0,032) e pontuação MELD semelhante (p=0,693). Os valores de AUROCs (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics) mostraram sensibilidade e especificidade para a alfa-feto proteína sérica (limite de 9,1 ng/ml), valor elastografia transitória (valor de corte 9 kPa) e valor ARFI (valor de corte 2,56 m/s) de 50% e 86%, 92% e 17% e 21% e 92%, respectivamente. O grupo de sobrevivência apresentou valor elastografia transitória médio de 31,65±22,2 kPa vs. 50,87±20,9 kPa (p=0,098) e valores mais elevados de MELD (p=0,035). Conclusão: Valores mais elevados na elastografia do fígado e nos escores MELD predizem a mortalidade.

ABSTRACT Background: Liver elastography have been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with higher values; however, it is unclear to identify morbimortality risk on liver transplantation waiting list. Aim: To assess liver stiffness, ultrasound and clinical findings in cirrhotic patients with and without HCC on screening for liver transplant and compare the morbimortality risk with elastography and MELD score. Method: Patients with cirrhosis and HCC on screening for liver transplant were enrolled with clinical, radiological and laboratory assessments, and transient elastography. Results: 103 patients were included (without HCC n=58 (66%); HCC n=45 (44%). The mean MELD score was 14.7±6.4, the portal hypertension present on 83.9% and the mean transient elastography value was 32.73±22.5 kPa. The median acoustic radiation force impulse value of liver parenchyma was 1.98 (0.65-3.2) m/s and 2.16 (0.59-2.8) m/s in HCC group. The HCC group was significantly associated with HCV infection (OR 26.84; p<0.0001), higher levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein (OR 5.51; p=0.015), clinical portal hypertension (OR 0.25; p=0.032) and similar MELD score (p=0.693). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) showed sensitivity and specificity for serum alpha-fetoprotein (cutoff 9.1 ng/ml), transient elastography value (cutoff value 9 kPa), and acoustic radiation force impulse value (cutoff value 2.56 m/s) of 50% and 86%, 92% and 17% and 21% and 92%, respectively. The survival group had a mean transient elastography value of 31.65±22.2 kPa vs. 50.87±20.9 kPa (p=0.098) and higher MELD scores (p=0.035). Conclusion: Elastography, ultrasound and clinical findings are important non-invasive tools for cirrhosis and HCC on screening for liver transplant. Higher values in liver elastography and MELD scores predict mortality.

Introduction: fulminant hepatitis (FH) is associated with exacerbated hypercatabolism, hypoglycemia and hyperammonemia that are accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines and catabolic hormones into the systemic circulation worsening patient�fs clinical condition. Nutritional support is a crucial element for the recovery of these patients. Objectives: the aim of this review is to update Nutritional Support for Fulminant Hepatitis. Methods: the review was performed using electronic search on Medline-PubMed using Mesh-terms. Results and discussion: there are not many data available on nutritional support to fulminant hepatitis or acute liver failure. Strategies for initial nutritional intervention are focused on the control of the previously described FH metabolic derangements, and should be individualized according to the severity of patient�fs clinical condition. Energy and protein can be provided in amounts of 25.40 kcal/kg/day and 0.8-1.2 g/kg/day, respectively. Enteral nutrition therapy is indicated for patients with advancing encephalopathy or for those who cannot be properly fed orally. Euglycemia must be achieved and protein intake can be based on BCAA formulae. Lipids can be administered as energy supplementation with caution. Adequate nutrition therapy can potentially reduce morbidity and mortality of FH patients.

Introducción: la hepatitis fulminante se asocia a un exacerbado hipercatabolismo, la hipoglicemia y la hiperamonemia estan acompanadas por la liberacion de citocinas proinflamatorias y hormonas catabólicas en la circulación sistemica, empeorando la condición clínica del paciente. El apoyo nutricional es un elemento crucial para la recuperacion de estos pacientes. Objetivos: el objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar el apoyo nutricional para la hepatitis fulminante. Métodos: la revisión se llevo a cabo mediante la busqueda electrónica en Medline-PubMed, utilizando malla de términos. Resultados y discusion: no hay muchos datos disponibles sobre el apoyo nutricional para lahepatitis fulminante o fallo hepático agudo. Las estrategias de intervención nutricional inicial se centran en el control de los trastornos metabólicos de la hepatitis fulminante descritos anteriormente, que deben ser individualizadas de acuerdo a la gravedad de la situacion clínica del paciente. Energía y proteína se pueden proporcionar en cantidades de 25.40 kcal / kg / dia y 0,8-1,2 g / kg / día, respectivamente. La terapia nutricional enteral está indicada en pacientes con encefalopatía avanzada o para aquellos que no pueden ser adecuadamente alimentados por via oral. Se debe obtener una euglicemia y la ingesta de proteínas puede estar basada en formulas de BCAA. Los lipidos se pueden administrar como suplemento energético con precaucion. Una terapia nutricional adecuada puede potencialmente reducir la morbilidad y la mortalidad de los pacientes con hepatitis fulminante.

RESUMO Introdução: A rejeição aguda tardia apresenta resultados com pior sobrevida do paciente e do enxerto após o transplante de fígado. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados publicados na literatura nos últimos anos pelos principais centros de transplante sobre o tema rejeição aguda tardia para a tualização analisando suas manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento. Método: Foi realizado uma revisão sistemática da literatura, utilizando o banco de dados PubMed/Medline com os descritores relacionados à rejeição aguda tardia nos artigos publicados até novembro de 2013. Foram analisados dados demográficos, imunossupressão, rejeição, infecção, bem como as taxas de sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente. Resultados: A rejeição aguda tardia no pós transplante de fígado mostra pior resultado na sobrevida do enxerto e do paciente. A grande maioria dos estudos foram coortes retrospectivas e descritivas. A incidência de rejeição aguda tardia variou de 7-40% a partir destes estudos. A rejeição aguda tardia é uma das causas de perda do enxerto. Rejeição aguda tardia tem sua definição variável definida em relação ao tempo. Sua evolução apresenta resultado diferente em relação à sobrevida do enxerto, podendo evoluir para rejeição crônica, apresentando pior prognóstico. A rejeição aguda tardia está presente no momento em que se tende a manter menor imunossupressão, alguns meses depois transplante. Conclusão: Os artigos atuais mostram a importância da rejeição aguda tardia. O benefício real está no diagnóstico precoce e no tratamento adequado durante o episódio e no seguimento tardio após transplante de fígado.

Introduction: Late acute rejection leads to worse patient and graft survival after liver transplantation. Aim: To analyze the reported results published in recent years by leading transplant centers in evaluating late acute rejection and update the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of liver transplantation. Method: Systematic literature review through Medline-PubMed database with headings related to late acute rejection in articles published until November 2013 was done. Were analyzed demographics, immunosuppression, rejection, infection and graft and patient survival rates. Results: Late acute rejection in liver transplantation showed poor results mainly regarding patient and graft survival. Almost all of these cohort studies were retrospective and descriptive. The incidence of late acute rejection varied from 7-40% in these studies. Late acute rejection was one cause for graft loss and resulted in different outcomes with worse patient and graft survival after liver transplant. Late acute rejection has been variably defined and may be a cause of chronic rejection with worse prognosis. Late acute rejection occurs during a period in which the goal is to maintain lower immunosuppression after liver transplantation. Conclusion: The current articles show the importance of late acute rejection. The real benefit is based on early diagnosis and adequate treatment at the onset until late follow up after liver transplantation.

RACIONAL: A insuficiência hepática aguda está associada à alta taxa de mortalidade e os principais efeitos do tratamento são para evitar o edema cerebral e as infecções, que muitas vezes são responsáveis pela morte do paciente. O transplante hepático é o tratamento padrão-ouro e melhora a sobrevida de um ano. OBJETIVO: Descrever uma técnica alternativa para transplante de fígado auxiliar na insuficiência hepática aguda. MÉTODO: Transplante de fígado auxiliar devido à insuficiência hepática fulminante pela infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B. O paciente preencheu os critérios O´Grady e o racional para indicar o transplante de fígado auxiliar foi a hepatite aguda sem instabilidade hemodinâmica ou insuficiência renal em um paciente com deterioração da consciência. Foi realizado o transplante auxiliar de fígado com enxerto inteiro com uma técnica alternativa para transplante auxiliar parcial de fígado. RESULTADOS: O procedimento demonstrou melhora da função hepática e diminuição da hipertensão intracraniana no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: Esta técnica é viável e pode superar algumas complicações pós-operatórias que estão associadas com enxertos parciais. Tanto quanto sabemos, este é o primeiro caso de transplante de fígado auxiliar descrito no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure is associated with a high mortality rate and the main purposes of treatment are to prevent cerebral edema and infections, which often are responsible for patient death. The orthotopic liver transplantation is the gold standard treatment and improves the 1-year survival. AIM: To describe an alternative technique to auxiliary liver transplant on acute liver failure. METHOD: Was performed whole auxiliary liver transplantation as an alternative technique for a partial auxiliary liver transplantation using a whole liver graft from a child removing the native right liver performed a right hepatectomy. The patient met the O´Grady´s criteria and the rational to indicate an auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation was the acute classification without hemodynamic instability or renal failure in a patient with deterioration in consciousness. RESULTS: The procedure improved liver function and decreased intracranial hypertension in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: This technique can overcome some postoperative complications that are associated with partial grafts. As far as is known, this is the first case of auxiliary orthotopic liver transplantation in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate which is the best route of administration for cell therapy in experimental rat model of small-for size syndrome. METHODS: A total of 40 rats underwent partial hepatectomy (70%) that induces the small-for-size syndrome and were divided into four groups of route administration: intravenous, intraperitoneal, enteral and tracheal. The small-for-size syndrome model was designed with extended partial hepatectomy (70%). The animals were divided into four groups of routes administration: intravenous (n=10) - intravenously through the dorsal vein of the penis; intraperitoneal (n=10) - intraperitoneally in the abdominal cavity; enteral (n=10) - oroenteral with the placement of a number 4 urethral probe and maintained at third duodenal portion; tracheal (n=10) - after tracheal intubation. We track the animals and monitor them for 21 days; during this follow-up we evaluated the result of cell therapy application tracking animals using ultrasound, radiography and PET-scan. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Software(r). Differences were considered significant with the p<0.05. Data are presented as the median and variation for continuous variables. Comparisons between groups were made using analysis of the imaging test by the researchers. RESULTS: All four groups underwent partial hepatectomy of 70% liver tissue targeting the same weight of resected liver. Initially the PET-scan tests showed similarity in administered cells by different routes. However, in few days the route of intravenous administration showed to be the most appropriated to lead cells to the liver followed by enteral. The tracheal and peritoneal routes were not as much successful for this goal. CONCLUSION: The intravenous route is the best one to cell therapy in experimental rat model of small-for size-syndrome.

OBJECTIVES:Orthotopic liver transplantation has improved survival in patients with end-stage liver disease; however, therapeutic strategies that achieve ideal immunosuppression and avoid early complications are lacking. To correlate the dose and level of Tacrolimus with early complications, e.g., rejection, infection and renal impairment, after liver transplantation. From November 2011 to May 2013, 44 adult liver transplant recipients were studied in this retrospective comparative study.RESULTS:The most frequent indication for liver transplantation was hepatitis C cirrhosis (47.7%), with a higher prevalence observed in male patients (68.18%). The ages of the subjects ranged from 19-71 and the median age was 55.5 years. The mean length of the hospital stay was 16.1±9.32 days and the mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease score was 26.18±4.28. There were five cases of acute cellular rejection (11.37%) and 16 cases of infection (36.37%). The blood samples that were collected and analyzed over time showed a significant correlation between the Tacrolimus blood level and the deterioration of glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine (p<0.05). Patients with infections had a higher serum level of Tacrolimus (p= 0.012). The dose and presence of rejection were significantly different (p= 0.048) and the mean glomerular filtration rate was impaired in patients who underwent rejection compared with patients who did not undergo rejection (p= 0.0084).CONCLUSION:Blood Tacrolimus levels greater than 10 ng/ml were correlated with impaired renal function. Doses greater than 0.15 mg/kg/day were associated with the prevention of acute cellular rejection but predisposed patients to infectious disease.

PURPOSE:To evaluate surfactant protein A levels in an hepatopulmonary syndrome rat model. To date, there have been no studies aimed at evaluating surfactant levels in the setting of cirrhosis or hepatopulmonary syndrome.METHODS:A total of 35 rats were divided into control, sham, and experimental HPS groups. We evaluated surfactant protein A levels in rats and the experimental model designed to induce hepatopulmonary syndrome was common bile duct ligation. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Software(r). Differences were considered statistically significant when p<0.05.RESULTS:Lung homogenate of surfactant protein A levels were lower in the experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome and sham groups in comparison to the control group (p<0.05). Serum SP-A levels were the same in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome and control groups but decreased in the sham group compared with the experimental groups (p<0.05). Myeloperoxidase activity was higher in the experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome group than the other two groups (p<0.05).CONCLUSION:Surfactant protein A is present in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome and leads to an imbalance between serum and pulmonary levels due to systemic inflammatory response.

Contexto A estenose biliar figura como uma das complicações mais frequentes pós-transplante hepático. São classificadas em anastomóticas e não anastomóticas, sendo estas últimas geralmente isquêmicas. Dentre as várias opções de tratamento, destacam-se a dilatação balonada, a colocação de próteses plásticas e a colocação de próteses metálicas autoexpansíveis, que podem ser realizadas tanto por via endoscópica, como por via percutânea. Não há consenso quanto ao melhor tratamento para a estenose da anastomose biliar. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar revisão sistemática da literatura sobre o resultado do tratamento endoscópico da estenose da anastomose biliar após transplante hepático. Métodos Revisão sistemática da literatura foi realizada sobre o tratamento da estenose da anastomose biliar pós transplante hepático, através do acesso aos bancos de dados pesquisados eletronicamente: Medline - PubMed, EMBASE, Scielo- Lilacs, Cochrane de janeiro de 1966 a abril de 2013. Resultados Não foi encontrado estudo clinico controlado e randomizado. A maioria dos estudos são comparativos retrospectivos ou prospectivos. Um estudo (86 pacientes) avaliou o acesso endoscópico e percutâneo. As taxas de sucesso clínico sustentados foram semelhantes, mas a duração do tratamento foi maior no grupo de acesso percutâneo. Dois estudos (56 pacientes) compararam a dilatação por balão com dilatação por balão e múltiplas próteses plásticas. Não houve diferenças em relação as taxas de sucesso e de complicações clínicas sustentadas. Conclusões A dilatação com balão é tão eficaz quanto a dilatação associada à colocação de múltiplas próteses plásticas para a resolução da estenose da anastomose biliar. Estudos randomizados bem desenhados ainda são necessários para comparar a simples dilatação balonada e a colocação de próteses plásticas.

Context Biliary strictures after liver transplantation are recognized as its Achilles’ heel. The strictures are classified in anastomotic and ischemic or non-anastomotic biliary strictures, and they figure among the most common complications after liver transplantation. There are some treatment options including balloon dilation, the placement of multiple plastic stents and the placement of self-expandable metal stents and all of them seem to have good results. Objectives The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature concerning the results of the endoscopic treatment of anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation. Methods A systematic review of the literature was performed on the management of anastomotic biliary strictures post- orthotopic liver transplantation. The Medline-PubMed, EMBASE, Scielo-LILACS, and Cochrane Databases were electronically searched from January 1966 to April 2013. Results No well-designed randomized controlled trial was found. Most studies were retrospective or prospective comparisons in design. One study (86 patients) compared the endoscopic and the percutaneous accesses. The sustained clinical success rates were similar but the treatment duration was longer in the percutaneous group access. Two studies (56 patients) compared balloon dilation with balloon dilation and multiple plastic stents. There were no differences concerning sustained clinical success and complication rates. Conclusions Balloon dilation is as effective as balloon dilation plus multiple plastic stenting for the resolution of the anastomotic biliary strictures. Well-designed randomized trials are still needed to compare balloon dilation versus multiple plastic stenting versus metallic stenting.

RACIONAL: O transplante de fígado é realizado em grandes centros de transplante em todo o mundo como intervenção terapêutica para pacientes com doenças do fígado em fase terminal. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados e incidência de transplante de fígado realizado na Universidade de São Paulo e comparar com a do Estado de São Paulo antes e depois da adoção do Modelo para Doença Hepática Estágio Terminal (MELD). MÉTODO: Avaliação do número de transplantes de fígado antes e depois da adoção do escore MELD. Os valores médios e desvios-padrão foram utilizados para analisar variáveis normalmente distribuídas. Os resultados de incidência foram comparados com os do Estado de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Houve alta prevalência de homens, com predomínio na meia-idade. A principal indicação para o transplante de fígado foi cirrose por hepatite C. A média e as taxas de sobrevivência mediana e sobrevida global em dez e cinco anos, foram semelhantes entre os grupos (p>0,05). A pontuação MELD aumentou ao longo do período de estudo para os pacientes que se submeteram ao transplante de fígado (p>0,05). Houve aumento do número de transplantes de fígado após a adoção do escore MELD na Universidade de São Paulo e no Estado de São Paulo (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A adoção da pontuação MELD levou ao aumento do número de transplantes de fígado realizados em São Paulo.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is performed at large transplant centers worldwide as a therapeutic intervention for patients with end-stage liver diseases. AIM: To analyze the outcomes and incidence of liver transplantation performed at the University of São Paulo and to compare those with the State of São Paulo before and after adoption of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. METHOD: Evaluation of the number of liver transplantations before and after adoption of the MELD score. Mean values and standard deviations were used to analyze normally distributed variables. The incidence results were compared with those of the State of São Paulo. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of male patients, with a predominance of middle-aged. The main indication for liver transplantation was hepatitis C cirrhosis. The mean and median survival rates and overall survival over ten and five years were similar between the groups (p>0.05). The MELD score increased over the course of the study period for patients who underwent liver transplantation (p>0.05). There were an increased number of liver transplants after adoption of the MELD score at this institution and in the State of São Paulo (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The adoption of the MELD score led to increase the number of liver transplants performed in São Paulo.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome hepatopulmonar (SHP) tem sido reconhecida como importante complicação vascular nos pulmões desenvolvendo hipoxemia sistêmica em pacientes com cirrose e hipertensão portal. Ela é formada pela presença de anormalidade na oxigenação arterial induzida por dilatações vasculares intrapulmonares com a doença hepática e está presente em 4-32% dos pacientes com cirrose. Aumenta a mortalidade no cenário de cirrose podendo influenciar na frequência e gravidade. Inicialmente, a hipoxemia nos pacientes com esta síndrome responde à suplementação com baixo fluxo de oxigênio; mas, ao longo do tempo, há necessidade de maior suplementação de oxigênio. O transplante de fígado é a única opção terapêutica eficaz para a resolução. OBJETIVO: Atualizar conhecimentos sobre a síndrome hepatopulmonar, suas manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e tratamento. MÉTODO: Foi realizada revisão da literatura com busca eletrônica realizada no Medline-PubMed em inglês cruzando-se os descritores "síndrome hepatopulmonar", "transplante de fígado" e "cirurgia". A pesquisa foi concluída em setembro de 2013. RESULTADOS: Síndrome hepatopulmonar é classicamente definida por alteração no gradiente alvéolo-arterial (AaPO2) em ar ambiente (>15 mmHg, ou >20 mmHg em pacientes >64 anos de idade) com ou sem hipoxemia resultante da vasodilatação intrapulmonar na presença de disfunção hepática ou hipertensão portal. As manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico, classificação e tratamento são variados. CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação da gravidade da síndrome hepatopulmonar é importante meio de predição de sobrevivência e determinação do tempo e riscos para o transplante de fígado. O tratamento consiste em oxigênio suplementar e o transplante continua sendo a única terapêutica eficaz.

INTRODUCTION: The hepatopulmonary syndrome has been acknowledged as an important vascular complication in lungs developing systemic hypoxemia in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Is formed by arterial oxygenation abnormalities induced from intrapulmonary vascular dilatations with liver disease. It is present in 4-32% of patients with cirrhosis. It increases mortality in the setting of cirrhosis and may influence the frequency and severity. Initially the hypoxemia responds to low-flow supplemental oxygen, but over time, the need for oxygen supplementation is necessary. The liver transplantation is the only effective therapeutic option for its resolution. AIM: To update clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of this entity. METHOD: A literature review was performed on management of hepatopulmonary syndrome. The electronic search was held of the Medline-PubMed, in English crossing the headings "hepatopulmonary syndrome", "liver transplantation" and "surgery". The search was completed in September 2013. RESULTS: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is classically defined by a widened alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (AaPO2) on room air (>15 mmHg, or >20 mmHg in patients >64 years of age) with or without hypoxemia resulting from intrapulmonary vasodilatation in the presence of hepatic dysfunction or portal hypertension. Clinical manifestation, diagnosis, classification, treatments and outcomes are varied. CONCLUSION: The severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome is an important survival predictor and determine the improvement, the time and risks for liver transplantation. The liver transplantation still remains the only effective therapeutic.

Racional: A síndrome hepatopulmonar é formada por tríade clínica com doença do fígado, dilatação vascular intrapulmonar e alterações nos gases sanguíneos. Esta condição está presente em 4-32% dos pacientes com cirrose. Objetivo : Analisar as alterações gasométricas nos pacientes em lista de espera de transplante de fígado. Método: Foram estudados dados clínicos de 279 pacientes na lista de espera para transplante hepático em maio de 2013. Foram analisados aspectos demográficos, gasometria arterial e achados de imagem que determinam a doença pulmonar (hipoxemia) nestes pacientes cirróticos. Os valores médios e desvios-padrão foram utilizados para examinar as variáveis normalmente distribuídas. Resultados: Houve alta prevalência de homens (68%); a idade média foi de 51 (±5,89) anos; e a razão predominante para listar para o transplante foi cirrose pelo vírus C. O MELD médio foi de 16±5,89, sem priorização ou situação especial. O tipo de sangue mais comum foi O, 129 casos (46%) e a média do índice de massa corporal foi 25,94±4,58. Com relação aos exames de gasometria arterial, observou-se 214 pacientes com PaO2 <90 mmHg, 80 com PaO2 <80 mmHg e 39 com PaO2 <50 mmHg, e em relação à saturação de O2, 50 pacientes <90%, 33 pacientes <80% e 10 pacientes <50%. Conclusão: Observou-se alta taxa de hipoxemia nos pacientes em lista de transplante de fígado; devido à elevada gravidade e morbidade, sugere-se melhor seguimento e suporte terapêutico aos doentes hipoxêmicos na lista de espera para o transplante de fígado.

Background: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is formed by a triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and changes in blood gases. This condition is present in 4-32% of patients with cirrhosis. Aim : To analyze the blood gas changes data of patients in liver-transplant waiting list. Method: Clinical data of 279 patients in liver transplantation waiting list in May 2013 were studied. Overall patient was analyzed by the demographic aspects, laboratorial and image findings on exams that determine lung disease (hypoxemia) in these cirrhotic patients. The mean values and standard deviations were used to examine normally distributed variables. Results: There was a high prevalence of male patients (68%); the mean age was 51(±5,89) years, and the predominant reason for listing was hepatitis C cirrhosis. The MELD score mean was 16±5,89, without prioritization or special situation. The most common blood type was O in 129 cases (46%) and the mean of body max index was 25,94±4,58. Regarding arterial blood gas tests was observed 214 patients with PaO2 <90 mmHg, 80 with PaO2 <80 mmHg and 39 with PaO2 <50 mmHg. In relation to O2 saturation, 50 patients had <90%, 33 <80% and 10 <50%. Conclusion: Was observed a high rate of hypoxemia in patients on waiting list liver transplant. Due to the high severity and morbidity, is suggested better monitoring and therapeutic support to hypoxemic patients on liver transplant waiting list.

RACIONAL: A síndrome hepatopulmonar é formada por tríade clínica composta de doença hepática, dilatação vascular intrapulmonar e alterações de gases sanguíneos. Sua patogênese não é bem definida, mas especula-se que uma combinação de fatores, tais como o desequilíbrio das respostas dos receptores de endotelina, remodelação microvascular pulmonar e predisposição genética, leva à translocação bacteriana e dilatação vascular intrapulmonar. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a atividade da mieloperoxidase em modelo experimental de síndrome hepatopulmonar em ratos. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 29 animais divididos em grupos controle, sham e experimental de síndrome hepatopulmonar. O modelo experimental utilizado para induzir a síndrome foi a ligadura de ducto biliar comum. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de mieloperoxidase foram significativamente maiores no grupo ligadura de ducto biliar comum em comparação com os outros grupos. A atividade da mieloperoxidase foi maior no grupo ligadura de ducto biliar comum que o grupo controle (p<0,05) e do grupo sham (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A atividade da mieloperoxidase estava aumentada na síndrome hepatopulmonar experimentais em ratos.

BACKGROUND: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is formed by a triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation and changes in blood gases. Its pathogenesis is not well defined, but it is speculated that a combination of factors, such as the imbalance of endothelin receptor responses, pulmonary microvascular remodeling, and genetic predisposition, leads to bacterial translocation and intrapulmonary vascular dilatation. AIM: To evaluate the myeloperoxidase activity in hepatopulmonary syndrome in rat model. METHOD: Twenty-nine rats were divided into control, sham and experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome groups. Was evaluated the myeloperoxidase activity and the experimental model used to induce hepatopulmonary syndrome was common bile duct ligation. RESULTS: The myeloperoxidase activity levels were significantly increased in the common bile duct ligation group as compared with the other groups. Myeloperoxidase activity was higher in the common bile duct ligation group than control group (p<0.05) and than sham group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The myeloperoxidase activity is increased in experimental hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats.