Role of cytokine gene polymorphisms in acute rejection and renal impairment after liver transplantation

Julie R. Jonsson, Cui Hong, David M. Purdie, Carmel Hawley, Nicky Isbel, Maree Butler, Glenda A. Balderson, Andrew D. Clouston, Nirmala Pandeya, Katherine Stuart, Catherine Edwards‐Smith, Darrell H. Crawford, Jonathon Fawcett, Elizabeth E. Powell – 30 December 2003 – Although immunosuppressive regimens are effective, rejection occurs in up to 50% of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), and there is concern about side effects from long‐term therapy.

Very early tracheal extubation without predetermined criteria in a liver transplant recipient population

Gianni Biancofiore, Anna Maria Romanelli, Maria L. Bindi, Giovanni Consani, Antonella Boldrini, Michele Battistini, Franco Filipponi, Franco Mosca, Antonio Vagelli – 30 December 2003 – This study of all patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at our center between January 1997 and December 1999 evaluated the feasibility and safety of very early tracheal extubation without previous selection.

Beneficial effects of converting liver transplant recipients from cyclosporine to tacrolimus on blood pressure, serum lipids, and weight

David A.J. Neal, Alexander E.S. Gimson, Paul Gibbs, Graeme J.M. Alexander – 30 December 2003 – Hypertension and hyperlipidemia are more prevalent after liver transplantation with cyclosporine as the primary immunosuppressive agent compared with tacrolimus. To determine whether blood pressure, serum lipid level, or weight improves when patients switch immunosuppression therapy, we retrospectively studied 26 liver transplant recipients with stable graft function who had been converted from cyclosporine to tacrolimus therapy with a median follow‐up of 8 months.

Influence of extracorporeal porcine liver perfusion on nonhuman primates: Minimizing hemolysis improves subsequent survival

Ryuta Nishitai, Iwao Ikai, Hiroaki Terajima, Akiyoshi Kanazawa, Osamu Takeyama, Takehiko Uesugi, Hiroshi Okabe, Nagato Katsura, Takakazu Matsushita, Satoshi Yamanokuchi, Koichi Matsuo, Shinichi Sugimoto, Tomohiro Shiotani, Yoshio Yamaoka – 30 December 2003 – The aim of this study is to detect and analyze risk factors of direct cross‐circulation between porcine liver and nonhuman primates before a clinical application of extracorporeal liver perfusion (ECLP) as a liver‐assist method. Porcine livers were perfused with baboon blood in an ECLP system.

Influence of tumor characteristics on the outcome of liver transplantation among patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

J. Ignacio Herrero, Bruno Sangro, Jorge Quiroga, Fernando Pardo, Maite Herraiz, Javier A. Cienfuegos, Jesus Prieto – 30 December 2003 – Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may recur after liver transplantation (LT), mainly in patients with multinodular and large tumors. However, factors predictive of outcome after LT in patients with small tumors remain ill defined.

Detection and treatment of coronary artery disease in liver transplant candidates

Brian G. Keeffe, Hannah Valantine, Emmet B. Keeffe – 30 December 2003 – Patients with end‐stage liver disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) being considered for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) present a difficult dilemma. The availability of multiple screening tests and newer treatment options for CAD prompted this review. Recent data suggest that the prevalence of CAD in patients with cirrhosis is much greater than previously believed and likely mirrors or exceeds the prevalence rate in the healthy population.

Subscribe to