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Biomedical subjects

H Bismuth

Publications and source records attributed to H Bismuth.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of extended cold ischaemia with UW solution on graft function after liver transplantation.

Studies in animals on the use of UW solution in liver transplantation have shown an inverse relation between cold ischaemia time (CIT) and graft function. There are few clinical data on this relation in human beings. We have investigated the effect of extended cold ischaemia in a prospective study. We assessed early graft function and subsequent outcome for 306 consecutive elective liver transplantations; for analyses, grafts were grouped according to CIT (< 12 h group A, > or = 12 h group B), since a preliminary study identified 12 h as a significant cut-off point. Initial graft function was better in group A than group B, as shown by maximum alanine aminotransferase activity (mean 623 [805] vs 946 [1148], p = 0.02), bile production on days 1-3 (p < 0.05), maximum serum bilirubin by day 10 (206 [166] vs 244 [163] mumol/l, p = 0.04), and frequencies of primary non-function (1 [0.4%] vs 4 [7%], p = 0.006) and hepatocyte necrosis on routine biopsy sample after reperfusion (18% vs 31%, p = 0.04). Long-term outcome was also better in group A than group B; graft and patient survival rates were higher and fewer retransplantations were needed. These findings suggest that cold ischaemia in UW solution for longer than 12 h is a risk factor for graft function and patient survival. We recommend that the limit of the safe CIT be reconsidered.

Adenosine

Lipid and apolipoprotein changes after orthotopic liver transplantation for end-stage liver diseases.

Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in 37 patients with different endstage liver diseases. Changes in lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations were followed daily from day 1 to 20 after surgery and regularly thereafter until 12 months. When the acute effects of surgery had cleared away, there was a sharp drop in HDL-C, apo A-I and A-II from day 1 to 5, a stabilization at their lowest values from day 5 to 15 and then a progressive rise. Contrasting with this drop, triglycerides, apo B, C-II and C-III increased from day 1 to 5 with variable concentrations thereafter. Apo SAA considerably increased early after surgery and remained significantly higher than normal in most patients after 12 months. All other parameters returned to normal from 3 to 6 months after transplant. The mechanism leading to these lipid and apolipoprotein changes are discussed with respect to the distant effect of infusions, re-alimentation, immunosuppressive therapy and lipoprotein metabolism. The apolipoprotein concentrations appear very useful indicators of functional liver recovery.

Adult

Experimental study of the protective effect of intermittent hepatic pedicle clamping in the rat.

The tolerance of the liver to ischaemia during intermittent clamping of the hepatic pedicle was compared with that during a continuous Pringle manoeuvre. Three groups of rats undergoing total durations of clamping of 60, 90 and 120 min were studied. A temporary peroperative portacaval shunt was used to exclude the effects of splanchnic venous stasis and allow independent study of the effects of hepatic ischaemia. In each group, three methods of portal clamping were evaluated: a continuous Pringle manoeuvre (n = 10), a 30-min intermittent clamping (n = 10) and a 15-min intermittent clamping (n = 10). The clamp release time between the periods of liver ischaemia was 5 min. Survival at day 7 and postoperative changes in liver function (transaminase enzymes, bilirubin, bromsulphthalein elimination, liver adenosine 5'-triphosphate levels) were recorded. Intermittent clamping of the pedicle was tolerated significantly better than continuous clamping. This method optimizes the ability of the liver to tolerate extended periods of ischaemia. For a given duration of ischaemia, no additional improvement could be produced by shortening the intermittent clamping period from 30 to 15 min. These data suggest that, when the Pringle manoeuvre is used, it should be applied intermittently rather than continuously.

Animals

Primary treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma by arterial chemoembolization.

Two hundred and ninety-one patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by chemoembolization (CE), using ethiodized oil, doxorubicin, and a gelatin sponge. Patients with thrombosis of either the portal vein or a main branch were excluded. The mortality rate in the first 2 months after treatment was 7% in noncirrhotic patients, 2.8% in patients with class A cirrhosis, 8% in patients with class B cirrhosis, and 37% in patients with class C cirrhosis. The tumor diameter remained the same in 55.3% of patients, was reduced by up to 50% in 20% of the patients, was reduced by more than 50% in 7.3% of the patients, and almost completely disappeared in 1.8% of the patients. The diameter of the tumor increased in 15.6% of patients. Forty-three patients underwent a resection or transplantation after chemoembolization. Histologic examination of the specimens revealed significant necrosis of the tumor. The long-term survival rate at 2 years was 49% for class A cirrhotics, 29% for class B cirrhotics, and 9% for class C cirrhotics. Complications included cholecystitis (10%), vasculitis (14%), renal decompensation (13%), an increase in ascites (14%), and jaundice (12%). Chemoembolization is an effective and safe initial treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. It is effective in producing tumor necrosis and reducing the size of the tumor. Improvement in survival was noted when patients who underwent chemoembolization were compared with an historical series of untreated patients, and resection and transplantation are kept as options.

Adolescent

Fipexide-induced fulminant hepatitis. Report of three cases with emergency liver transplantation.

Fipexide belongs to a new class of cognition activators and is noted for its lack of amphetamin-like side effects. We describe three patients who developed fulminant hepatic failure less than 2 months after beginning fipexide administration. The mean interval from the onset of jaundice to the onset of encephalopathy was 8 days. Emergency liver transplantation was undertaken when factor V was 20% of normal or less and coma developed. All patients were transplanted less than 1 week after the onset of encephalopathy. Two survived and one died immediately after transplantation. Histologic examination of the livers revealed massive liver cell necrosis, predominantly centrilobular, and a moderate inflammatory infiltrate within the portal spaces. We conclude that fipexide can induce massive liver cell necrosis and fulminant liver failure. As a result of this life-threatening complication, reconsideration of the indications for this drug is warranted.

Adolescent

Management strategies in resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Between 1960 and 1990, resection was performed in 23 of 122 patients who underwent surgical treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Local excision of the lesion alone was performed in 10 cases (43%). Hepatic resection for tumor extending to the secondary bile ducts or hepatic parenchyma was performed in 13 cases (57%): extended right hepatectomy (3), right hepatectomy (1), extended left hepatectomy (6), left hepatectomy (2), and left lobectectomy (1). In three other cases, resection by total hepatectomy and liver transplantation was performed, but these were not included in the analysis of results for resection. Significant operative complications occurred in only two cases (8.7%), and the operative mortality rate was zero. In four cases, complete excision of the tumor could not be achieved macroscopically (macroscopic curative resection rate 19/122; 15.6%). In nine cases, the margins of the resected specimens were free from tumor on histologic examination (microscopic curative resection rate, 9/122; 7.4%). In 10 cases, the resection margins were found to contain tumor on histologic examination. The overall survival rate was 87% at 1 year, 63% at 2 years, and 25% at 3 years (median survival, 24 months). The survival and freedom from recurrence rates for patients with free resection margins was superior to that for patients with involved resection margins or residual macroscopic disease. A potentially curative resection, with histologically negative margins and no recurrence to date, was achieved in seven patients using the following procedures: local excision for two type I lesions; left hepatectomy plus excision of segment 1 for two type IIIb lesions and one type IV lesion; right hepatectomy and right hepatectomy plus excision of segment 1 for two type IIIa lesions. These results indicate that improved survival in hilar cholangiocarcinoma can be achieved by resection, with minimal morbidity and zero mortality rates, if histologically free resection margins are obtained. To achieve this, we recommend the following procedures for each type of lesion, based on our experience and on anatomic considerations: local excision for type I; local excision plus resection of segment 1 for type II; local excision, resection of segment 1, and right or left hepatectomy for types IIIa and b; hepatectomy plus liver transplantation for type IV.

Adenoma, Bile Duct

Reinfection of liver graft by hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation.

We have investigated hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia before and after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). 38 patients were examined; 16 were anti-HCV positive and 22 anti-HCV negative pre-OLT in a RIBA-2 test (Ortho Diagnostic Systems Inc., Westwood, MA). HCV-RNA was detected using a modified nested polymerase chain reaction in 14/38 and 10/38 patients before and after OLT, respectively. 7 of these 14 subjects who were HCV-RNA positive before OLT were also positive for serum hepatitis B surface antigen. After OLT, six patients became HCV-RNA positive, likely as a result of transfusions, while four developed a probable recurrence of HCV infection. Infection of the liver graft by the same strain of HCV was indeed demonstrated by sequence analysis of a hypervariable domain (in the envelope region) in two cases. This establishes the possibility of HCV recurrence and shows the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction as the only assay currently capable of identifying HCV infection after OLT.

Base Sequence

The Paul Brousse liver transplant series 1989 to 1992: new trends in the last four years.

In the last four years, 551 liver transplantations have been performed at the Paul Brousse center, for a total of 840 liver transplantations performed from 1984 to 1992. Several changes have been observed in the field of liver transplantation in the past years. The field of immunosuppression was marked mainly by the advent of FK506 as a preventive treatment of rejection and as a treatment of cortico-resistant rejection. Results are still under analysis. From the surgical viewpoint, the main modification was the advent of UW solution, which extends cold ischemic time. However, our policy was to maintain the cold ischemic time at less than 12 hours. Primary indications for liver transplantations have changed with an increase in the rate of patients transplanted for cirrhosis related to hepatitis virus infection: from 24% in the period 1984-1988 to 42% in the period 1989-1992. The difference was due mainly to HCV-related cirrhosis, which increased from 8% to 20%. Alcoholic cirrhosis was a rare indication in the period 1989-1992 (3.4%); however, it was an increasing indication in the last 2 years. In order to improve the long-term results, major attention was given to the recurrence of initial liver disease. In patients transplanted for HBsAg-positive liver disease, long-term passive anti-HBs immunoprophylaxis was administered, which reduced the rate of HBV recurrence in patients without HBV replication before transplantation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Academic Medical Centers

[Pregnancy after hepatic transplantation. 17 pregnancies].

The number of orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT) is increasing and longterm survival is improving. More women recipients may choose to become pregnant. We report a one-center experience with the course and outcome of 17 pregnancies in 17 liver transplant out of 675 OLT since 1985. 10 women delivered of 10 healthy infants at 38 +/- 1.5 week's gestation. There was no preterm delivery and the mean birth weight was 2.990 +/- 370 g, birth weight was adequate for gestational age in any case. Four cesarean sections were performed for obstetrical indications. No congenital anomalies occurred in the children. Hypertension occurred in 2 out of twelve patients and appeared as the main complication to deal with. There was one case with graft function impairment at 37 weeks' gestation. One uncomplicated pregnancy is ongoing at 29 weeks' gestation. There were 4 spontaneous and 2 therapeutic abortions for impaired liver function. Pregnancy is successful in a large proportion of these patients but must be planned and managed as high-risk situations by an obstetrician and a specialist of the liver transplant. Pregnancy should be advised against in patients with poor liver function or active viral infection; a 12 months interval from OLT to pregnancy is since to be the minimal requirement. Post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy consisted of azathioprine, corticosteroids and ciclosporin A, and was maintained throughout pregnancy. Genetic counselling should be provided when the primary liver disease is inherited. This being said, as shown by the results of our study and those reported in the literature, pregnancy is not only feasible but also successful in a large proportion of OLT recipients.

Abortion, Spontaneous

Partial portacaval shunt: renaissance of an old concept.

BACKGROUND: Partial diversion of the portal system aims to reduce portal pressure sufficiently to prevent variceal hemorrhage but still maintain adequate hepatic portal flow. METHODS: Partial portacaval shunts were performed in 25 patients with cirrhosis with portal hypertension and esophageal varices, either as a primary procedure (n = 16) or for failure of endoscopic sclerotherapy (n = 9), with ringed polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses (8, 10, or 12 mm). RESULTS: All patients have now been followed up for at least 1 year. The operative mortality rate (2 months) was 4%. In 24 patients who survived beyond the initial perioperative period, there was no recurrence of variceal bleeding. Cumulative shunt patency (up to 4 years) is 96%. Acute encephalopathy was detected in two patients (8%), but no patients had signs of chronic encephalopathy. Intraoperative pressure measurements revealed a significant correlation between decreasing diameter of the graft and the percentage reduction of the portacaval pressure gradient. Selective angiography, performed 1 year after surgery, revealed that hepatopetal flow was maintained in 70% of patients with a 10 mm shunt. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to achieve a partial portacaval shunt, related to the diameter of the prosthesis, that preserves hepatopetal flow in the majority of patients and is associated with a very low incidence of shunt thrombosis. This effectively prevents recurrent variceal bleeding and significant postoperative encephalopathy. The performance of subsequent orthotopic liver transplantation is not compromised. The technique is recommended, either as a primary procedure or when sclerotherapy has failed, in patients with good liver function who are unlikely to require early liver transplantation (grade A and some grade B cirrhosis).

Adolescent

Liver transplantation by "face-à-face" venacavaplasty.

A modification of the technique of liver transplantation by the face-à-face venacavaplasty is described and the use in four patients reported. This technique enables livers with a small vena cava to be inserted in an anatomic fashion and should help increase the use of such grafts where disparity between vessel size exists.

Adult

[Liver transplantation in non-alcoholic cirrhosis in adults].

Liver transplantation has become the treatment of end-stage cirrhosis. The results of transplantation should be improved by a better knowledge of prognostic criteria in cirrhosis, which would help in timing the transplantation, and by a better prevention of graft reinfection with hepatitis viruses.

Adult

Passive immunoprophylaxis after liver transplantation in HBsAg-positive patients.

110 HBsAg-positive patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and received long-term anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) passive immunoprophylaxis with anti-HBs immunoglobulin. During a mean follow-up period of 20 months, all patients became HBsAg negative after transplantation but circulating HBsAg reappeared in 25 (22.7%). Overall 1-year survival was 83.6% and overall 2 year actuarial recurrence of HBsAg was 29% (59% after posthepatitis B cirrhosis, 13% after posthepatitis B-delta cirrhosis, and 0% after fulminant hepatitis B). Patients with HBV cirrhosis who were HBV-DNA positive had a much greater risk of HBsAg recurrence than patients who were HBV-DNA negative (96% vs 29% at 2 years). Reappearance of HBsAg was associated with evidence of HBV replication and abnormal histological findings in the graft. Long-term passive anti-HBV immunoprophylaxis significantly reduced HBV reinfection and improved survival in patients without evidence of active HBV replication before orthotopic liver transplantation.

Adolescent

Secondary surgery for liver trauma.

Over a 10-year period from 1980, 46 patients with liver injuries were referred after primary admission to other hospitals. Previous surgery had been performed in 40 cases and the predominant reasons for referral were uncontrollable bleeding and postoperative sepsis with biliary leakage. Of 30 such cases, 19 were treated by liver resection; all were of a limited nature and no major hepatectomies were performed. Only two deaths occurred in these patients and this low mortality rate supports our conservative approach to liver trauma. Other reasons for referral were late biliary stenosis, complicated penetrating injury and intrahepatic haematoma. Three cases were referred with postoperative hepatic failure; two responded to resection of infected necrotic tissue and liver transplantation was attempted in the third. Injuries to liver segments 6 and 7 were those most frequently referred for assistance with bleeding, and all patients were safely transferred after intra-abdominal packing. This injury is particularly suitable for resection by segmentectomy rather than a formal hepatectomy, which has been associated with a high mortality rate in trauma cases. Further patients with intractable injuries might be salvaged by liver transplantation.

Accidents, Traffic