Objective:To assess the relationship between pre-transplantation ?-fetoprotein messenger(AFP) RNA expression in peripheral blood with tumor recurrence and survival rate in HCC patients.Methods: Thirty-one HCC patients receiving in situ liver transplantation from Feb.2003 to Feb.2004 were included in this study.Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine the expression level of AFP RNA in peripheral blood of all patients.All the cases were followed up for tumor recurrence and survival rate.The SPSS 12.0 software was used to analyze the relationship between AFP mRNA expression with tumor recurrence and survival rate.Results: Ten of the 31 patients were positive of AFP mRNA,with the quantity being 57 to 10 400 copies/?g RNA (median value: 360 copies/?g RNA).Patients' Child-pugh grade,tumor size,tumor number,and tumor Edmond grade were not related to pre-transplantation AFP mRNA expression.Patients of pTNM Ⅲ-Ⅳ stages had a significantly higher AFP mRNA expression than those of pTNM Ⅰ-Ⅱ stages(P=0.001);patients with vascular invasion had a significantly higher expression than those without(P=0.029).Patients who were negative of AFP mRNA before transplantation had a significantly higher survival rate than those positive of AFP mRNA.Conclusion: The results suggest that the pre-transplantation levels of AFP mRNA in peripheral blood may be a risk factor for recurrence and/or metastasis after transplantation in HCC patients;it may also be an indicator for extra-hepatic micrometastasis before transplantation and can be used for predicting prognosis.

Objective To investigate the anti-apoptosis effects of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a mouse model of liver ischemia-reperfusion ( IR ) injury and to analyze the possible mechanisms . Methods A cell model of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury was established after transfecting mouse liver AML12 cells with HO-1 small interfering RNA ( siRNA) . Real-time PCR and Western blot assay were performed to detect the changes of HO-1, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and caspase-3 at the cellular level. The mouse models of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury were established with/without pretreatments with cobalt proporphyrin (CoPP), CoPP+znic proporphyrin ( ZnPP) and/or ZnPP. The levels of aspartate transaminase ( AST) and alanine transaminase ( ALT) in serum samples were measured. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the chan-ges of caspase-3. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of HO-1 and Bcl2 at protein level. The pathological changes of liver tissues were observed under light microscope. The apoptosis of hepatocytes was observed by using Tunel assay. Results Decreased expression of HO-1 and Bcl2 and increased expres-sion of caspase-3 were observed in the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by pre-transfecting the AML12 cells with HO-1 siRNA. Compared with the IR injury group, the CoPP pretreatment group showed lower lev-els of AST and ALT (P<0. 05) and alleviated pathological damages in liver tissues. Moreover, the expres-sion of caspase-3 was inhibited, but the expression of HO-1 and Bcl2 were enhanced. Less apoptotic cells was detected by the Tunel assay (P<0. 05). However, these protective effects could be suppressed by adding ZnPP. Conclusion HO-1 has anti-apoptotic effects in the in vitro model of hypoxia/reoxygenation. CoPP can upregulate the expression of HO-1 and play the role of anti-apoptosis in a mouse model of liver is-chemia-reperfusion injury.

Objective To analyze and compare the dosage,blood concentration and metabolic characteristics of Tacrolimus (Tac) for pediatric patients who underwent living related liver transplantation (LRLT) or donation after cardiac death liver transplantation (DDLT).Methods The clinical data of 75 liver transplantation pediatric patients from October 2012 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the different source of donors,the recipients were divided into two groups:LRLT group (40 cases) and DDLT group (35 cases).Results (1) Under the condition of same initial Tac dosage,the Tac dosage in LRLT group was less than in DDLT group during the first 28 days post-transplantation (P＞ 0.05).However,the Tac dosage in DDLT group was significantly higher than in LRLT group on the second and third months after sugery (P =0.000).(2) Correlation analysis revealed that graft-recipient body weight ratio (GRWR) was correlated with Tac dosage (mg·kg-1 ·d-1) on the 14th day postoperative (LRLT group:r=0.579,P＜0.05;DDLT group:r =0.583,P＜0.05) and Tac concentration/dosage ratio (LRLT group:r =-0.607,P＜0.05;DDLT group:r=-0.680,P＜0.05).Conclusion Tac has a satisfactory anti-rejection effect on liver transplantation pediatric patients while the metabolism varied with each individual.There is a positive correlation between the early Tac dosage and the GRWR in both groups.It is necessary to set individualized Tac administration regimen according to the metabolic characteristics and GRWR.

Objective To summarize our experience of harvesting and using the organs of donors after cardiac death.MethodsForm March 2010 to October 2011,56 potential donors were diagnosed with cardiac death,who conformed to the classification of Maastricht Ⅲ criteria.There were 40 failure cases whose family refused to donate,and one failure case who suffered from serious infection.Finally,the success ratio of donation after cardiac death was 26.8％ (15/56).Twelve livers and 22 kidneys were transplanted into 12 and 20 recipients respectively.ResultsTwelve cases of liver transplantations had acceptable outcomes. The grafts of 4 cases out of 20 cases of kidney transplantations were removed after transplantation,and other recipients had acceptable outcomes.ConclusionCitizens organ donation after cardiac death can expand the number of suitable organs,but we need to strictly control the criteria for potential donors.

Objective To probe the correlation between preoperative pulmonary dysfunction and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients of orthotopic liver transplantation. Methods From August 2008 to June 2009, 71 orthotopic liver transplantation patients were studied. Preoperative pulmonary function and its relationship with postoperative pulmonary complications were analyzed.Results Preoperatively 65 out of 71 patients had abnormal lung functions, suffering from pulmonary diffusing capacity reduction (65 cases, 91.5% ), followed by reduction of restrictive ventilation function (30 cases, 42. 2% ), small airway function reduction ( 28 cases, 39.4% ), and obstructive ventilatory function reduction (21 cases, 29. 6% ). The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was 56. 3% including: pulmonary atelectasis, pneumonia, acute respiratory failure. The incidence of posttransplantation pulmonary complications in patients with pulmonary restrictive or obstructive ventilation function reduction was higher than in normal group (x2 = 6.703, P= 0.010; x2 = 4.768, P = 0.029), and there was significant difference in pulmonary complication rate between groups of moderate and severe diffusing capacity reduction and mild reduction and normal range (x2 = 8.478, P = 0.004 ).Conclusions Preoperative pulmonary function abnormality in patients before liver transplantation such as pulmonary ventilatory function reduction (VCmax ＜ 80% or FEV1.0 ＜ 80% ) and moderate to severe pulmonary diffusing capacity reduction (TLCOSB ＜ 60% ) predicts higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Objective To describe the feasibility of biliary reconstruction methods and to explore the preventing and curing methods for biliary complications. Methods A total of 77 cases of living donor liver transplantation were included in our study for retrospective analysis. The operation types included right lobe contain middle hepatic vein (n=29), right lobe without middle hepatic vein (n=45), left lobe (n=1) and left lateral lobe transplantation (n=1). The biliary reconstruction was performed by duct-to-duct and Roux-en-Y epaticojejunostomy. Results Fifty-four grafts had 1 bile duct and 23 had multiple ones. The duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction was performed for 75 adult cases and T-tube drainage was used in 63 patients. Meanwhile, the conventional Roux-en-Y epaticojejunostomy was utilized for 2 pediatric patients. Total biliary complication incidence was 36.4% (28/77) and the complications included bile leakage (10.4%, 8/77) and biliary stricture (26.0%, 20/77).The rate of biliary complication was remarkably different between single hepatic duct group and multiple group (P<0.05). All the 8 patients suffering from bile leakage were cured by percutaneous bile drainage guided by ultrasound. By percutaneous balloon cholangioplasty and placing stent through the T-tube tract or endoscopic retrograde balloon cholangioplasty, the liver function of biliary stricture cases got better and most cases were cured. Conclusion Protecting the blood supply of bile duct at the cutting surface and harvesting one bile duct stump as much as possible can reduce biliary complication effectively. Radiate intervention treatment such as percutaneous balloon cholangioplasty and endoscope treatment etc. are effective for treatment of biliary complications.

Objective To determine the clinical value of MRCP for peroperative evaluation of donor biliary system in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Methods A total of 60 living donors for the LDLT were enrolled in this study. Of the 60 donors with a mean age of 32.2 (19-60), 50were male and 10 female. MRCP was performed before and cholangiography was done during the right lobectomy in these donors. The results of MRCP were compared with those of cholangiography to determine the value of MRCP for typing the biliary system in the donors. Results The preoperative MRCP showed that 40 donors were of type Ⅰ biliary tract, 12 of type Ⅱ , 5 of type Ⅲ and 3 of other types. The intraoperative cholangiography showed that the accordance rate of MRCP was 97.4%,91% and 89% for type Ⅰ , type Ⅱ and other types, respectively. The overall rate of accuracy of MRCP was 95% (57/60). Conlusion MRCP can show types of biliary tract in living donors for liver transplantation to provide evidence for plan of surgery.

Objective To study the prognosis of patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis who using controlled cardiac death liver donor in situ liver transplantation. Methods Seven cases of transplants which used liver donated after cardiac death were done in our center. The preoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. The prognosis of these patients was observed. Results Except one recipient died of upper gastrointestinal bleeding at the 9th day after surgery, the remaining 6 patients were followed up for more than 12 months (mean 15.7 months) and the prognosis was satisfactory.Conclusion Patients can get good prognosis after the liver transplants with donated liver after cardiac death which meets the Maastricht Classification type Ⅲ.

Objective: To study the use of high flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNCO) on the respiratory function of patients with acute lung injury after liver transplantation. Methods: This is a randomized controlled interventional study. Among 200 adults who underwent liver transplantation from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015 in the Department of Transplant Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, 80 patients who did not meet the criteria for acute lung injury were excluded. Of the remaining 120 patients who were included in the study, they were divided into the HFNCO group and the nasal catheter group by the random number table method, with 60 patients in each group. The respiratory rate (RR), oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂) and PaCO₂ were recorded immediately after extubation, 2 h after extubation, 1st day after extubation and 2nd day after extubation. The reintubation rate and duration of ICU stay were compared. Results: The incidence of acute lung injury after liver transplantation was 60.0%(120/200). There was no reintubation in the HFNCO group, and 6 patients (10.0%) in the nasal catheter group were reintubated. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The RR of the HFNCO group was lower than that of the nasal catheter group [(19.4±4.5) breaths/min vs. (21.7±5.1) breaths/min], [(18.9±4.2) breaths/min vs. (22.5±4.4) breaths/min], [(19.0±3.7) breaths/min vs. (23.2±4.7) breaths/min] (all P<0.05) 2 h after extubation, on the 1st and 2nd day after extubation. The oxygenation index of the HFNCO group was significantly higher than that of the nasal catheter group [(242.6±65.0)mmHg vs. (206.6±44.2)mmHg], [(245.6±70.4)mmHg vs. (211.1±62.8)mmHg], [(238.2±62.8)mmHg vs. (210.4±57.1)mmHg] (all P<0.05). There was no statistically difference in the PaCO₂ and the duration of ICU stay between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Compared with the conventional nasal catheter oxygen inhalation, HFNCO was more effective in improving oxygenation index, reducing RR, improving respiratory function and reducing reintubation rate in patients with acute lung injury after liver transplantation. HFNCO is a more suitable oxygen therapy for patients with acute lung injury after liver transplantation.

Objective:To study the use of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guided transnasal ileus tube placement in management of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) after liver transplantation.Methods:From January 2015 to December 2019, a total of 30 patients who developed ACS after liver transplantation who were admitted to the Transplantation Intensive Care Unit of Tianjin First Central Hospital were retrospectively studied. According to the way of decompression, these patients were divided into the study group and the control group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional abdominal decompression, while patients in the study group were treated with DSA guided transnasal ileus tube placement based on management principles developed in conventional abdominal decompression. Changes in intra-abdominal pressure, treatment efficacy rates and liver functions were monitored in the two groups up to 7 days after abdominal decompression.Results:There were 23 males and 7 females, aged (53.4±11.6) years. After treatment, the IAP, portal venous blood flow velocity, bile drainage volume, ALT and AST in the study group were significantly better when compared with the findings before treatment: [IAP: (7.13±3.87) vs (22.73±2.09) mmHg, portal vein blood flow velocity: (34.76±10.31) vs (21.45±6.47) cm/s, bile drainage volume: (198.43±19.94) vs (80.72±9.52) ml/d, ALT: (158.92±67.56) vs (278.73±99.17) U/L, AST: (79.36±15.63) vs (196.71±89.05) U/L], ( P<0.05). After treatment, when compared with the control group, the IAP, portal vein blood flow velocity, bile drainage and TBil in the study group were significantly better [IAP: (7.13±3.87) vs (13.47±6.19) mmHg, portal vein blood flow velocity: (34.76±10.31) vs (24.98±8.54) cm/s, bile drainage: (198.43±19.94) vs (108.73±21.30) ml/d, TBil: (258.85±91.95) vs (343.69±89.45) μmol/L], ( P<0.05). In the control group, the IAP significantly decreased on the fourth day after treatment, ( P<0.05); compared with the significant difference in the study group on the second day after treatment ( P<0.05). After 7 days of treatment, the efficacy rate of the control group was 46.7% (7/15), compared to 86.7% (13/15) in the study group. The difference between the two groups was significant (χ 2=5.400, P<0.05). Conclusion:DSA guided transnasal ileus tube placement for treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome after liver transplantation resulted in a better treatment efficacy rate than conventional treatment.