Systematic review of randomized trials on vasoconstrictor drugs for hepatorenal syndrome

Lise L. Gluud, Kurt Christensen, Erik Christensen, Aleksander Krag – 25 January 2010 – Vasoconstrictor drugs may improve renal function in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), but the effect on mortality has not been established. We therefore performed a systematic review of randomized trials on vasoconstrictor drugs for type 1 or type 2 HRS. Mortality was the primary outcome measure. Eligible trials were identified through electronic and manual searches. Intention‐to‐treat random effects meta‐analyses were performed.

Expression and functional significance of Twist1 in hepatocellular carcinoma: Its role in vasculogenic mimicry

Tao Sun, Nan Zhao, Xiu‐lan Zhao, Qiang Gu, Shi‐wu Zhang, Na Che, Xing‐hui Wang, Jing Du, Yi‐xin Liu, Bao‐cun Sun – 25 January 2010 – The up‐regulation and nuclear relocation of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulator Twist1 have been implicated in the tumor invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The term vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the unique capability of aggressive tumor cells to mimic the pattern of embryonic vasculogenic networks. However, the relationship between Twist1 and VM formation is not clear.

Features of immune senescence in liver transplant recipients with established grafts

William Gelson, Matthew Hoare, Sarah Vowler, Arun Shankar, Paul Gibbs, Arne N. Akbar, Graeme J. M. Alexander – 25 January 2010 – Immune senescence is the normal process whereby the human immune system ages, but becomes less effective. We investigated whether liver transplant recipients have features of immune senescence.

Long‐term efficacy of stent placement for treating inferior vena cava stenosis following liver transplantation

Jae Myeong Lee, Gi‐Young Ko, Kyu‐Bo Sung, Dong Il Gwon, Hyun‐Ki Yoon, Sung‐Gyu Lee – 21 January 2010 – The aims of this study were to evaluate both the efficacy of stent placement for treating inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis and the patency of hepatic veins (HVs) following IVC stent placement. Fourteen hepatic transplant recipients underwent stent placement to treat IVC stenosis. The median interval between transplantation and stent placement was 32 days. Stents varied from 20‐36 mm in diameter and were 60‐120 mm long.

Pretransplant cryptococcosis and outcome after liver transplantation

Costi D. Sifri, Hsin‐Yun Sun, Thomas V. Cacciarelli, Brian Wispelwey, Timothy L. Pruett, Nina Singh – 21 January 2010 – The posttransplant outcomes and optimal management of patients with end‐stage liver disease who develop cryptococcosis prior to transplantation have not been defined. We discuss these issues in the context of successful liver transplantation and pretransplant cryptococcal disease.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis E in liver transplant recipients with pegylated interferon alpha‐2b

Elizabeth B. Haagsma, Annelies Riezebos‐Brilman, Arie P. van den Berg, Robert J. Porte, Hubert G. M. Niesters – 15 January 2010 – Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are known to run a self‐limiting course. Recently, chronic hepatitis E has been described in immunosuppressed patients after solid‐organ transplantation. Besides the general recommendation to lower the immunosuppressive medication in these patients, there is currently no specific treatment.

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