Shawn J. Pelletier, Julia C. Iezzoni, Traves D. Crabtree, Young S. Hahn, Robert G. Sawyer, Timothy L. Pruett – 30 December 2003 – Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Factors that reliably predict allograft injury from HCV have not been identified. Demographics, clinical data, and histopathological characteristics of recipients with and without persistently elevated serum transaminase levels (PEST) were compared.

Scott Nyberg – 30 December 2003

Isabel Cirera, Miguel Navasa, Antoni Rimola, Juan Carlos García‐Pagán, Luis Grande, Juan Carlos Garcia‐Valdecasas, Josep Fuster, Jaime Bosch, Juan Rodes – 30 December 2003 – Massive ascites after liver transplantation, although uncommon, usually represents a serious adverse event. The pathogenesis of this complication has not been adequately investigated. To determine the incidence, characteristics, and pathogenic factors of massive ascites after liver transplantation (ascitic fluid > 500 mL/d for >10 days), the charts of 378 liver transplant recipients were reviewed.

Jeffrey L. Platt – 30 December 2003

30 December 2003

30 December 2003

Michael B. Ishitani – 30 December 2003 – Background Pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) has a low mortality. Some children, however, have an adverse outcome defined as a prolonged ventilatory support requirement and protracted pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay. The aim of this study was to determine if that adverse outcome related to the child's condition pre‐OLT and/or the development of a pleural effusion or diaphragmatic dysfunction. Methods The study included 210 children with a median age at transplantation of 45.5 months (range 0.2‐252 months).

Javier Vaquer, Queralt Jordano, William M. Lee, Andres T. Blei – 30 December 2003

Fabien Zoulim – 30 December 2003

Markus H. Heim – 30 December 2003