ObjectiveTo investigate the changes and significance of urine kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1) in liver transplant recipients concurrent with early-stage acute kidney injury (AKI).MethodsThe clinical data of orthotopic liver transplantation in 50 cases was retrospectively analyzed.According to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria and whether there was AKI for recipients after operation,the recipients were divided into AKI group (27 cases) and non-AKI group (23 cases).Serum creatinine (SCr),urine creatinine (UCr) and urine KIM-1were determined at the scheduled time points,and relationship between urine KIM-1and AK1was analyzed.By using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC),the diagnostic accuracy of urine KIM-1for AKI was evaluated.ResultsThe level of SCr reached the highest in two groups at 24 h postoperation,that in AKI group was significantly higher than in non-AKI group (P＜0.05),and then gradually decreased to the preoperative level.The level of urine KIM-1was significantly increased immediately at the time of portal vein reperfusion in two groups,and that in AKI group reached the peak at 2nd h after portal vein reperfusion,significantly higher than in non-AKI group (P＜0.01),which continued 12 h after the portal vein reperfusion.The results showed that the sensitivity was 82.6％ and the specificity was 88.9％ when the urine KIM-114.19 ng/g Ucr was taken as the cutoff to the diagnosis of AKI two h after portal vein repeffusion.ConclusionThe level of urine KIM-1is a reliable biomarker to diagnose AKI after liver transplantation.The intraoperative changes of urine KIM-1may be helpful to early prediction of AKI,for recipients with preoperative normal renal function.

Objective To analyze and evaluate the efficacy of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and deceased
donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Methods The clinical data of prognosis and influencing factors of 320 children with liver transplantation were analyzed retrospectively. The 320 children were divided into LDLT group (n=252) and DDLT group (n=68) based on their operation styles. In LDLT group, all donors to recipients were immediate relatives within three generation. In DDLT group, all livers were obtained from cardiac death or brain death donors. The survival and incidence of complications were observed between two groups. Results The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates for recipients were 95.1%, 93.5% and 93.5% in LDLT group, and 92.3%, 92.3% and 82.4% in LDLT group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (Log-rank χ2=0.69,P=0.41). During the follow-up period,14 cases died (5.56%) in LDLT group, in which 8 deaths due to respiratory complication, 3 deaths due to multiple organ failure, and 3 deaths due to graft failure. In DDLT donor group, 5 cases died (7.35%), in which 1 death due to respiratory complication, 2 deaths due to multiple organ failure, 1 death due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and 1 case of unknown cause of death. There were no significant differences in portal vein thrombosis (PVT), outflow tract obstruction, biliary tract complications and pulmonary infection between the two groups (P>0.05). The ratio of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) was lower in LDLT group than that of DDLT group (1.98%vs. 10.29%,χ2=10.245,P<0.01). Conclusion Living donor liver transplantation is an effective method to treat end-stage liver disease.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the risk factors of splenic arterial steal syndrome (SASS) after orthotopic liver transplantation.

METHODSTwenty-four cases who confirmed SASS after liver transplantation in Tianjin First Central Hospital between June 2005 and June 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Another 96 cases were selected randomly from those patients of the same time with no complication of SASS patients postoperatively as control group. Clinical data of two groups including diameter of splenic artery and hepatic artery preoperatively, weight of graft, weight of recipients, cold/warm ischemia time, an hepatic period and operation time and so on were collected. Others including hepatic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), blood flow resistance index and portal vein average velocity (PVF) on the first day after liver transplantation, the day before diagnosis, the day when diagnosed, the 1, 3, 7 days after treatment in SASS group and on 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 14 days after liver transplantation in control group. Statistical analysis were made between two groups.

RESULTSThe splenic artery/hepatic artery ratio preoperatively and weight of donor liver,and the GRWR in SASS group and control group were 1.26 and 1.00, 1 032 g and 1 075 g, (1.40±0.30)% and (1.82±0.21)% respectively, with significantly statistical differences (Z=-6.40, Z=-2.22, t=-6.50; all P<0.05). The warm ischemia time, the cold ischemia time, the anhepatic period and operation time in SASS group and control group were 3.5 minutes and 4.0 minutes, 10.25 hours and 10.10 hours, 43 minutes and 45 minutes, 8.7 hours and 8.7 hours, with no significantly statistical differences (all P>0.05). RI of hepatic went up gradually in the early time after transplantation while dropped obviously when spleen artery spring coils embolization was received (P<0.01) and trended to stable two weeks later.

CONCLUSIONSSplenic artery/hepatic artery ratio and GRWR are the positive and negative risk factors respectively for SASS. The gradual rising of hepatic RI in the early time after transplantation may be the warning signal SASS and spleen artery spring coils embolization is the effective strategy for SASS after liver transplantation.

Cold Ischemia ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Hepatic Artery ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver ; surgery ; Liver Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spleen ; blood supply ; Splenic Artery ; pathology ; Vascular Diseases ; epidemiology ; Warm Ischemia

Objective To investigate the clinical and histopathologic characteristics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and prognostic features of anastomosing hemangioma.Methods Five cases of anastomosing hemangioma of the kidney and adrenal gland were collected, the clinical and radiologic features, histomorphology, immunophenotype and prognosis were analyzed with review of literature.Results Three patients were male and two were female with ages ranging from 47 to 77 years; three were located in adrenal gland and 2 originated from the kidney.Clinically, 4 tumors were incidentally identified, 1 presented as edema of lower extremity.By radiography, all presented as a well-demarcated, oval, solid and low-density mass.Grossly, the tumors ranged in maximum diameter from 1.6 to 2.5 cm ( mean 2.1 cm) .Microscopically, the tumors consisted of anastomosing sinusoidal capillary-sized vessels lined by a single layer of flattened, cubical to hobnail endothelial cells, setting in an pauci-cellular stroma of edematous and hyaline changes.Other commonly seen features included vaguely lobular growth pattern ( 3/5 ) , hemorrhage and thrombosis ( 5/5 ) , intravascular growth pattern ( 5/5 ) , eosinophilic intracytoplasmic hyaline globules ( 1/5 ) and extramedullary hematopoiesis ( 3/5 ).The tumor cells were typically bland-appearing and mitoses were scarce, with 1 case demonstrating cellular foci of tumor with slight pleomorphism and increased mitoses ( 2/50 HPF ).Immunohistochemical studies showed the tumor cells expressed endothelial cells markers.Follow-up information was available for all 5 patients and showed no evidence of tumor recurrence or metastasis within 6 to 52 months ( mean 30 months).Conclusions Anastomosing hemangioma is a rare, benign subtype of capillary hemangioma that predominantly affects the urologic organs and adrenal glands;it is needed to distinguish it histologically from a series of benign or malignant tumors that feature a richly vascular stroma.Careful attentions to its characteristic morphology with the judicious use of immunohistochemistry can help distinguish this tumor from its many mimickers.

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic and differential diagnostic features of glomus tumor of the kidney. Methods: Four cases of glomus tumor of the kidney were collected from the archives of Peking University Third Hospital, the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Ningbo Yinzhou Second Hospital and Zhejiang Provincial People′s Hospital between January 2012 to June 2017; the clinical and radiologic features, histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, ultrastucture and prognosis were analyzed and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Patients consisted of 2 men and 2 women with ages ranging from 37 years to 66 years (mean 55 years). Three patients had history of hypertensive disease (grade Ⅱ, 3 to 10 years). The tumors measured in maximum diameter from 3.0 cm to 4.0 cm (mean 3.6 cm) and showed gray-white to yellow and tan on cut surface. Macroscopical examinations showed all tumors were circumscribed but non-encapsulated. Histologically, 1 tumor presented as glomus tumor with extensive myxoid change, 1 as cellular and solid pattern glomus tumor, 1 as glomangioma with focal myopericytoma-like pattern and 1 as symplastic glomus tumor with areas resembling myopericytoma. The tumor cells in two cases showed scant cytoplasm and uniform, bland-appearing nuclei without mitoses. In one case, the tumor cells were epithelioid with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and relatively well-defined cell borders. There was an increased mitosis of 4/50 HPF; however, no evidence of atypical mitosis or nuclear atypia was noted. In the symplastic glomus tumor the tumor cells showed frequently nuclear pleomorphism without mitoses. By immunohistochemistry, all tumors showed strong and diffuse reactivities to at least 3 of the 4 muscle-associated markers (SMA, h-Caldesmon, MSA and Calponin), 3 tumors strongly and diffusely expressed collagen Ⅳ, 2 expressed CD34 and 1 focally expressed desmin; whereas markers including epithelial, neuroendocrine, nephrogenic, melanoma-associated, STAT6, S-100 protein, CD117 and β-catenin all were negative in all the 4 tumors. Ultrastuctural analysis was done in 2 cases and showed prominent cytoplasmic actin bundles and pericellular basement membrane, and lacking of rhomboid renin crystals in both tumors. The hypertension persisted after surgical resection for all the 3 patients with this medical history. Follow-up information (range: 6-64 months, mean: 44 months)showed that no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis was identified in all 4 patients. Conclusions Glomus tumor rarely occurs in the kidney and usually has a good prognosis. Careful attention to its morphology with the judicious use of immunohistochemistry and ultrastuctural analysis can be helpful for its diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

Objective:To investigate the surgical efficacy of split liver transplantation.Methods:Patients who underwent liver transplantation at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into split liver transplantation group ( n=60) and whole liver transplantation group ( n=765)according to graft types.In the split liver transplantation group, there were 23 males and 37 females, aged (52.5±10.2) years, and the body mass index was (22.4±3.3) kg/m 2. In the whole liver transplantation group, there were 630 males and 135 females, aged (51.2±9.6) years, and body mass index was (24.5±3.7) kg/m 2.The basic data of the two groups were matched 1∶1 using the propensity score matching method. The independent sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare the intraoperative and postoperative recovery of the two groups of donors and recipients. The overall survival rate and the graft survival rate of the two groups were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and the cumulative survival rate was compared by the Log-rank test. Results:Fifty-one well-matched pairs of data with similar baseline characteristics were obtained. The ratio of graft mass to recipient body weight in the matched split liver transplantation group was (1.78±0.55)%. Operation time( M(IQR))(10.8(1.5)hours vs. 8.0(1.9)hours, U=6.608, P<0.01) and cold ischaemia time(5.4(1.3)hours vs. 4.6(2.2)hours, U=2.825, P=0.005) were significantly longer in the split liver transplantation group than those in the whole liver transplantation group. Intra-operative anhepatic phase(53.0(15.0)minutes vs. 57.0(24.0)minutes, U=1.048, P=0.295),bleeding volume(1 000(1 400)ml vs. 1 200(1 200)ml, U=0.966, P=0.334) and intraoperative instillation of red blood cells(9.0(6.5)U vs. 11.0(11.0)U, U=1.732, P=0.083) were not significantly different between the two groups. However,the split liver transplantation group showed significantly longer postoperative intensive care unit stay(5.0(3.0)days vs. 4.0(4.0)days, U=2.677, P=0.007) and postoperative hospital stay(30.0(15.0)days vs. 26.0(15.0)days, U=2.237, P=0.025) and significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications(56.8%(29/51) vs. 36.6%(19/51), χ2=3.935, P=0.047) than the whole liver transplantation group. Furthermore,levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher on postoperative days 1,4 and 7 in the split liver transplantation group(all P<0.05) than in the whole liver transplantation group;however,there were no significant differences in these levels on postoperative days 14 and 28. The time to restoration of normal liver function in both groups(12.5(13.7)days vs. 9.0(12.5)days, U=1.607, P=0.108) was not statistically significant. Furthermore,the median follow-up time after surgery was 25.6 months in both groups. In postoperative years 1,2,3 and 5, the graft survival rates were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,70.3%,67.3% and 60.5% in the split liver transplantation group( P=0.171),respectively. The patient survival rates in post-operative years 1,2,3 and 5 were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,75.9%,70.3% and 63.3% in the split liver transplantation group,respectively( P=0.252). However,the differences of graft survival rates and patient survival rates between the two groups were not significant. Conclusion:Although it affects the early recovery of patients after liver transplantation,split liver transplantation has no effect on long-term survival rates and demonstrates surgical efficacy similar to that of whole liver transplantation.

Objective:To investigate the surgical efficacy of split liver transplantation.Methods:Patients who underwent liver transplantation at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into split liver transplantation group ( n=60) and whole liver transplantation group ( n=765)according to graft types.In the split liver transplantation group, there were 23 males and 37 females, aged (52.5±10.2) years, and the body mass index was (22.4±3.3) kg/m 2. In the whole liver transplantation group, there were 630 males and 135 females, aged (51.2±9.6) years, and body mass index was (24.5±3.7) kg/m 2.The basic data of the two groups were matched 1∶1 using the propensity score matching method. The independent sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare the intraoperative and postoperative recovery of the two groups of donors and recipients. The overall survival rate and the graft survival rate of the two groups were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and the cumulative survival rate was compared by the Log-rank test. Results:Fifty-one well-matched pairs of data with similar baseline characteristics were obtained. The ratio of graft mass to recipient body weight in the matched split liver transplantation group was (1.78±0.55)%. Operation time( M(IQR))(10.8(1.5)hours vs. 8.0(1.9)hours, U=6.608, P<0.01) and cold ischaemia time(5.4(1.3)hours vs. 4.6(2.2)hours, U=2.825, P=0.005) were significantly longer in the split liver transplantation group than those in the whole liver transplantation group. Intra-operative anhepatic phase(53.0(15.0)minutes vs. 57.0(24.0)minutes, U=1.048, P=0.295),bleeding volume(1 000(1 400)ml vs. 1 200(1 200)ml, U=0.966, P=0.334) and intraoperative instillation of red blood cells(9.0(6.5)U vs. 11.0(11.0)U, U=1.732, P=0.083) were not significantly different between the two groups. However,the split liver transplantation group showed significantly longer postoperative intensive care unit stay(5.0(3.0)days vs. 4.0(4.0)days, U=2.677, P=0.007) and postoperative hospital stay(30.0(15.0)days vs. 26.0(15.0)days, U=2.237, P=0.025) and significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications(56.8%(29/51) vs. 36.6%(19/51), χ2=3.935, P=0.047) than the whole liver transplantation group. Furthermore,levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher on postoperative days 1,4 and 7 in the split liver transplantation group(all P<0.05) than in the whole liver transplantation group;however,there were no significant differences in these levels on postoperative days 14 and 28. The time to restoration of normal liver function in both groups(12.5(13.7)days vs. 9.0(12.5)days, U=1.607, P=0.108) was not statistically significant. Furthermore,the median follow-up time after surgery was 25.6 months in both groups. In postoperative years 1,2,3 and 5, the graft survival rates were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,70.3%,67.3% and 60.5% in the split liver transplantation group( P=0.171),respectively. The patient survival rates in post-operative years 1,2,3 and 5 were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,75.9%,70.3% and 63.3% in the split liver transplantation group,respectively( P=0.252). However,the differences of graft survival rates and patient survival rates between the two groups were not significant. Conclusion:Although it affects the early recovery of patients after liver transplantation,split liver transplantation has no effect on long-term survival rates and demonstrates surgical efficacy similar to that of whole liver transplantation.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transfusion-free techniques on the prognosis of liver transplant patients.Methods:The recipients of adult liver transplantation at Tianjin First Central Hospital from August to December 2019 were included in the clinical observation. Liver transplantation without allogeneic blood transfusion was performed through anesthesia management techniques such as acute hemodilution or phlebotomy without volume replacement,maintaining decreased baseline central venous pressure and cell saver. According to the actual results,the patients were divided into two groups: transfusion-free group( n=21) and allogeneic transfusion group( n=28). There were 13 males and 8 females aged of (56.3±11.6) years in the transfusion-free group;and there were 16 males and 12 females aged (54.3±14.2)years in the allogeneic transfusion group. The transplant recipients who had not adopted transfusion management strategy from January to July 2019 were included as control group(27 males and 13 females,aged of (58.9±14.1)years). The clinical data of patients in perioperative period were collected to compare whether there were differences in the recovery of liver function and early complications among the three groups, one-way ANOVA test, rank-sum test, and χ 2 test were used for data analysis. Results:The amount of intraoperative blood loss in both the transfusion-free group and the transfusion group was less than that in the control group((454.2±271.3)ml vs.(673.6±333.4)ml vs.(890.3±346.7)ml; q=-6.342,-5.286,both P<0.05).The duration of stay in ICU of the transfusion-free group was less than that of the transfusion group and control group((36.4±9.1)hours vs.(44.3±14.9)hours vs.(58.2±21.1)hours; q=-4.432,-3.824,both P<0.05).The mean ALT level at 7 days after operation was significantly lower in the transfusion-free group than in the control group((56.8±32.1)U/L vs.(89.6±45.6)U/L; q=-3.358, P<0.05). Conclusions:The improvement of multi-disciplinary transfusion management technology aimed at transfusion-free liver transplantation can effectively reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and help to avoid surgical transfusion. Transfusion-free liver transplantation is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery,and its long-term clinical significance is worthy of further clinical research.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transfusion-free techniques on the prognosis of liver transplant patients.Methods:The recipients of adult liver transplantation at Tianjin First Central Hospital from August to December 2019 were included in the clinical observation. Liver transplantation without allogeneic blood transfusion was performed through anesthesia management techniques such as acute hemodilution or phlebotomy without volume replacement,maintaining decreased baseline central venous pressure and cell saver. According to the actual results,the patients were divided into two groups: transfusion-free group( n=21) and allogeneic transfusion group( n=28). There were 13 males and 8 females aged of (56.3±11.6) years in the transfusion-free group;and there were 16 males and 12 females aged (54.3±14.2)years in the allogeneic transfusion group. The transplant recipients who had not adopted transfusion management strategy from January to July 2019 were included as control group(27 males and 13 females,aged of (58.9±14.1)years). The clinical data of patients in perioperative period were collected to compare whether there were differences in the recovery of liver function and early complications among the three groups, one-way ANOVA test, rank-sum test, and χ 2 test were used for data analysis. Results:The amount of intraoperative blood loss in both the transfusion-free group and the transfusion group was less than that in the control group((454.2±271.3)ml vs.(673.6±333.4)ml vs.(890.3±346.7)ml; q=-6.342,-5.286,both P<0.05).The duration of stay in ICU of the transfusion-free group was less than that of the transfusion group and control group((36.4±9.1)hours vs.(44.3±14.9)hours vs.(58.2±21.1)hours; q=-4.432,-3.824,both P<0.05).The mean ALT level at 7 days after operation was significantly lower in the transfusion-free group than in the control group((56.8±32.1)U/L vs.(89.6±45.6)U/L; q=-3.358, P<0.05). Conclusions:The improvement of multi-disciplinary transfusion management technology aimed at transfusion-free liver transplantation can effectively reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and help to avoid surgical transfusion. Transfusion-free liver transplantation is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery,and its long-term clinical significance is worthy of further clinical research.

OBJECTIVE: To review the development of adult and pediatric liver transplantation in Tianjin First Center Hospital, and to enhance academic exchanges, improve technological innovation, and jointly promote the progress and maturity in the field of liver transplantation. METHODS: The development of liver transplantation in Tianjin First Center Hospital was analyzed. The clinical data of adult and pediatric liver transplantation from September 1998 to September 2018 were collected. The important events and technological innovation achievements of liver transplantation during the 20 years were summarized. RESULTS: The first clinical liver transplantation was attempted in Tianjin First Central Hospital in April 1980. The first long-term survival adult liver transplantation in China was completed in 1994 (11 years survival after the operation). The specialized team of liver transplantation was formally established in September 1998. The 20-year clinical exploration and progress reflected the characteristics of era changes and technological innovation during the rapid development of liver transplantation in China. Our center performed liver re-transplantation in January 1999, reduced-size pediatric liver transplantation in August 2000. In May 2001, we organized the formulation for the preventive and treatment plan for hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation. We performed combined liver and kidney transplantation in July 2002, split liver transplantation (SLT) in April 2004, the first domino liver transplantation (DLT) in August 2005. Pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was initiated in October 2006, adult LDLT was carried out in August 2007. In September 2007, the first living donor combined liver and kidney transplantation from the same donor in Asia was performed. The first domino+living donor double grafts liver transplantation in the world was performed in January 2009. In March 2011, we performed laparoscopically assisted right hepatic lobe liver transplantation (LDLT) with middle hepatic vein. In May 2014, living donor laparoscopic left lateral lobe procurement was successfully established. In April 2016, simultaneous liver, pancreas and kidney multi-organ transplantation was completed. Domino donor-auxiliary liver transplantation was performed in February 2017. In December 2017, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-supported liver transplantation in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension was successfully completed. Liver transplantation combined with partial splenectomy was established in April 2018. Cross-domino liver transplantation (hypersensitive kidney transplantation with auxiliary liver transplantation+pediatric liver transplantation) was performed in May 2018. During the 20 years, the team has performed or assisted other centers in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen to carry out more than 10 000 cases of liver transplantations. A total of 7 043 cases of various types of liver transplantation were performed in the single center of the hospital (6 005 adult liver transplantations and 1 038 pediatric liver transplantations). Concerning adult liver transplantation, the cumulative 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rate from September 1998 to March 2003 were 83.1%, 73.0% and 69.0%, from April 2003 to March 2009 were 85.3%, 76.2% and 72.1% and from April 2009 to September 2018 were 87.5%, 79.2% and 75.1%, respectively. The cumulative 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rate for pediatric liver transplantation were 93.5%, 92.2% and 90.2%, respectively. The nucleoside (acid) analogue combined with low dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) was developed to prevent the recurrence of hepatitis B after liver transplantation, this plan has reduced the recurrence rate of hepatitis B and the 5-year re-infection rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) after liver transplantation significantly. The risk assessment system for tumor recurrence after liver transplantation was established and individual treatment method was established based on this assessment system. Continuous exploration and improvement of liver transplantation for liver cancer, liver re-transplantation, liver transplantation with portal vein thrombosis, SLT, DLT and multi-organ combined transplantation have significantly improved the clinical efficacy of patients and the post-operative survival rate. CONCLUSIONS The liver transplantation team of Tianjin First Center Hospital has carried out a scientific and technological exploration on the key problems and technical difficulties of clinical liver transplantation. This work strongly has initiated and promoted the rapid development of liver transplantation in China. The restrictive barrier of hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation has been overcome. The risk prevention and control system of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation has been established. A series of innovative achievements that can be popularized have been achieved in the field of complex liver transplantation and expansion of donor liver source. The iterative progress and sustainable development of liver transplantation have been realized.
China ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation