The dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) genes of Plasmodium vivax, as antifolate resistance-associated genes were used for drug resistance surveillance. A total of 375 P. vivax isolates collected from different geographical locations in China in 2009-2019 were used to sequence Pvdhfr and Pvdhps. The majority of the isolates harbored a mutant type allele for Pvdhfr (94.5%) and Pvdhps (68.2%). The most predominant point mutations were S117T/N (77.7%) in Pvdhfr and A383G (66.8%) in Pvdhps. Amino acid changes were identified at nine residues in Pvdhfr. A quadruple-mutant haplotype at 57, 58, 61, and 117 was the most frequent (57.4%) among 16 distinct Pvdhfr haplotypes. Mutations in Pvdhps were detected at six codons, and the double-mutant A383G/A553G was the most prevalent (39.3%). Pvdhfr exhibited a higher mutation prevalence and greater diversity than Pvdhps in China. Most isolates from Yunnan carried multiple mutant haplotypes, while the majority of samples from temperate regions and Hainan Island harbored the wild type or single mutant type. This study indicated that the antifolate resistance levels of P. vivax parasites were different across China and molecular markers could be used to rapidly monitor drug resistance. Results provided evidence for updating national drug policy and treatment guidelines.
Antimalarials/pharmacology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Drug Combinations ; Drug Resistance/genetics* ; Folic Acid Antagonists/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Mutation ; Plasmodium vivax/genetics* ; Prevalence

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of liver transplantation in children with Alagille syndrome (ALGS). Methods Clinical data of 12 children with ALGS were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics of children with ALGS, pathological characteristics of liver tissues, characteristics of liver transplantation, postoperative complications and follow-up of children with ALGS were analyzed. Results JAG1 gene mutation and typical facial features was present in all 12 children. Jaundice was the most common initial symptom, which occurred at 7 (3, 40) d after birth. Upon liver transplantation, the Z scores of height and body weight were calculated as -2.14 (-3.11, -1.83) and -2.32 (-3.12, -1.12). Five children developed severe growth retardation and 4 children with severe malnutrition. Eight of 12 children were diagnosed with cardiovascular abnormalities. Pathological examination showed that the lobular structure of the diseased livers of 4 children was basically maintained, and 8 cases of nodular liver cirrhosis in different sizes including 1 case of single early moderately-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Three children were misdiagnosed with biliary atresia and underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Eight children underwent living donor liver transplantation, three children underwent cadaveric donor liver transplantation (two cases of split liver transplantation and one case of cadaveric total liver transplantation), and one child underwent domino liver transplantation (donor liver was derived from a patient with maple syrup urine disease). during the follow-up of 30.0(24.5, 41.7) months, the survival rates of the children and liver grafts were both 100%. During postoperative follow-up, the Z scores of height and body weight were calculated as -1.24 (-2.11, 0.60) and -0.83 (-1.65, -0.43), indicating that the growth and development of the children were significantly improved after operation. Conclusions Liver transplantation is an efficacious treatment for children with ALGS complicated with decompensated cirrhosis, severe itching and poor quality of life. For children with ALGS complicated with cardiovascular abnormalities, explicit preoperative evaluation should be delivered, and consultation with pediatric cardiologists should be performed if necessary.

Objective:To explore the characteristics and significance of Epstein-Barr virus-infected lymphocyte cell types in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD)after pediatric liver transplantation.Methods:From June 2013 to March 2021, retrospective data analysis was performed for 14 pediatric liver transplant recipients with PTLD.The determination of EBV-DNA in PBMC, plasma and TBNK lymphocyte cells was analyzed.Results:EBV-DNA in PBMC showed a high viral load(>10 4 copies/ml)and plasma EBV-DNA was >10 3 copies/ml( n=8). There were dominant B-cell-type infection( n=12)and T/NK-cell-type infection( n=2). After treatment, EBV-DNA in PBMC and plasma turned negative in 7 patients with a decline( n=6)and an increase( n=1). EBV-DNA in B lymphocyte became negative( n=10)with a decline( n=3). In one case, EBV-DNA increased in T, B and NK cells with a high viral load.The remainders recovered after treatment.One case of hemophagocytic syndrome died from a progression of PTLD. Conclusions:A large majority of EBV-related PTLD are dominated by B-cell-type infection and a few belong to T or NK-cell-type infection.Patients with T/NK-cell-type infection have a worse response to therapy and poorer prognosis than those with B-cell-type infection.Determination of EBV-infected lymphocyte cell types is of vital research value for treatment and prognosis.

Objective:To explore the potential immune mechanism of pediatric ABOi-LDLT presenting low humoral immune response to donor specific blood group antigen.Methods:From June 2013 to December 2020, clinical data were retrospectively reviewed for 29 patients of long-term surviving pediatric ABOi-LDLT.There were A to O ABOi-LDLT( n=10)and B to O ABOi-LDLT( n=19). Graft types included left lateral lobe( n=26)and left hemi-liver( n=3). The median age of liver transplantation was 10 months, the median weight 8.0 kg and the median follow-up time 41.9 months.The titers of donor specific blood group antibodies and non-donor specific blood group antibodies(IgG, IgM)were continuously monitored before transplantation and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 months post-transplantation.Protocol or event-based liver biopsy was performed to determine whether or not there was antibody-mediated rejection. Results:The titer of donor specific blood group antibody in recipients was significantly lower than that of non-donor specific blood group antibody( P<0.001). Among 18 protocol liver pathological biopsies, two cases were C4d positive for vascular endothelium.Five abnormal event-based liver biopsies were completed and one was C4d positive in bile duct endothelium.No pathological sign of typical blood group antibody mediated antigen-antibody complex mediated cascade immune reaction was detected in liver pathological biopsy.Typical pathological signs of blood group antibody mediated rejection were absent in protocol liver biopsy. Conclusions:Donor specific blood group antibody is expressed at a low level in pediatric ABOi-LDLT recipients.It presents as incomplete immune tolerance to donor specific blood group antigen.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of liver transplantation for acute liver failure (ALF) in children. Methods Clinical data of 15 children with ALF who underwent liver transplantation were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The proportion of ALF among children undergoing liver transplantation during the same period was calculated. The characteristics, postoperative complications and clinical prognosis of ALF children receiving liver transplantation were analyzed. Results In the same period, the proportion of ALF was 2.0% (15/743) among pediatric recipients undergoing liver transplantation. All 15 children had acute onset of ALF, and most of them were accompanied by fever, diarrhea and progressive yellowing of skin and sclera. Thirteen children were complicated with hepatic encephalopathy before operation (6 cases of stage Ⅳ hepatic encephalopathy), and two children were complicated with myelosuppression and granulocytopenia before liver transplantation. Ten children underwent living donor liver transplantation with relative donor liver, 4 received liver transplantation from donation after cardiac death (DCD), and 1 underwent Domino donor-auxiliary liver transplantation. Of 15 children, 12 recipients had the same blood type with their donors, 1 recipient had compatible blood type with the donor and 2 cases had different blood type with their donors. Among 15 children, 10 cases developed postoperative complications. Postoperative cerebral edema occurred in 5 cases, of whom 4 cases died of diffuse cerebral edema, and the remaining case was in a persistent vegetative state (eyes-open coma). Postoperative cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was seen in 5 cases. Two children presented with aplastic anemia and survived after bone marrow transplantation, 1 case died of CMV hepatitis and viral encephalitis, and 2 cases died of diffuse brain edema. One child developed graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after liver transplantation, and died of septic shock after bone marrow transplantation. Nine children survived and obtained favorable liver function during postoperative follow-up. Conclusions Liver transplantation is an efficacious treatment for ALF in children, which may enhance the survival rate. Brain edema is the main cause of death in ALF children following liver transplantation, and treatment such as lowering intracranial pressure, improving brain metabolism and blood purification should be actively performed. Liver transplantation should be promptly performed prior to the incidence of irreversible neurological damage in ALF children, which might prolong the survival and enhance long-term prognosis.

Objective To summarize the incidence, diagnostic and therapeutic experience of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 4 patients with HSOS after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence, clinical manifestations, imaging and pathological characteristics of HSOS after liver transplantation were collected, and the treatment methods and clinical outcomes of patients with HSOS were analyzed. Results The incidence of HSOS after liver transplantation was 0.8%(2/239), and the median time of onset was 4.5(1.7, 9.0) months after liver transplantation. The clinical manifestations of HSOS mainly included abdominal distension, ascites, hepatomegaly, increased bilirubin, and renal insufficiency in partial cases. Enhanced abdominal CT scan of 4 patients with HSOS showed uneven spot-like enhancement and the liver histopathological examination mainly showed the signs of hepatic sinusoidal dilatation complicated with congestion. Four patients were administered with an adjusted regime of immunosuppressant by replacing tacrolimus (Tac) with ciclosporin and adding anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. One patient received transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). After treatment, the symptoms of 3 patients were completely relieved, and 1 patient died. One of the 3 surviving patients died from pulmonary infection and gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions HSOS is a rare and fatal complication after liver transplantation. Timely diagnosis and treatment can avoid the incidence of graft failure and improve clinical prognosis of the patients.

Objective:To study the hepatic hemodynamics changes and pathophysiological mechanisms of the use of a functional shunt after auxillary liver transplantation to treat portal hypertension associated with a small-for-size graft.Methods:A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients with portal hypertension treated with functional shunting of small-volume grafts from a living donor liver at the Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from July 2014 to December 2018, and a total of 6 patients were included as the research objects, including 4 males and 2 females, with a median age of 35.5 (29.0-52.0) years old. Blood flow monitoring data were collected during and after operation, and the characteristics of liver hemodynamics were analyzed.Results:The portal venous blood flow of the remnant native liver gradually decreased to no flow. As a buffer response, the flow velocity of hepatic artery increased. The portal venous blood flow of the graft gradually increased in the early postoperative period and then gradually decreased from post-operation Day 5 to 10 due to gradual increase in portal venous resistance. However, the portal venous perfusion gradually increased from Day 10 after the operation, reached to a level and declined to a stable level about 1 month after the operation. The volume of abdominal drainage slowly decreased after the peak level at Day 5-10 after the operation, and disappeared completely at Day 30 after operation.Conclusions:When using auxiliary liver transplantation for functional shunting to treat portal hypertension, autologous residual liver can act as a guide buffer for the pressure gradient of portal vein hyperperfusion in liver transplantation, and reach a steady state of blood flow distribution about 1 month after surgery, while relying on autologous remnant liver hepatic artery buffer response prevents small liver syndrome.

Objective:To review our experience in the use of "Full right-Full left" split liver transplantation in adult-to adult or adult-to adult-size child.Methods:The clinical data of liver donors to 4 recipients of full right-full left split liver transplantation performed at Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University from January to December 2019 were reviewed. The surgical methods of split liver transplantation, cold ischemia time, operation time, intraoperative blood transfusion, and postoperative complications and prognosis were analyzed.Results:The 4 recipients of complete right hepatic-left hepatic split liver transplantation included 3 adults and 1 heavy child (45 kg). Their ages ranged from 14 to 48 years, and body weight ranged from 45 to 61 kg. The end-stage liver disease model score were 21, 12, 41, and 30 points. The ratios of graft mass to recipient's body mass ranged from 0.85% to 1.35%. The cold ischemia time was 457-650 min, and the operation time was 460-575 min. Early liver function recovered smoothly in all the 4 patients after transplantation, and no small liver syndrome occurred. Patients were followed up to 6 months after operation. One patient developed anastomotic biliary leak, which was cured by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic treatment. Another patient developed biliary stricture presenting with repeated biliary tract infection despite percutaneous transhepatic puncture biliary drainage. A third patient died six months from lung infection.Conclusion:In properly selected patients, using full right-full left hemiliver by split liver transplantation increased organ utilization and provided patients with increased treatment opportunities.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of using vascular graft interposition for lowering the complications of portal vein during pediatric liver transplantation.Methods:From June 1, 2013 to May 31, 2018, clinical data were collected for 297 children undergoing liver transplantation, including basic demographics, general preoperative status, preoperative tests, imaging findings, graft related profiles, surgical procedures and postoperative follow-ups, etc. Then the authors analyzed the effect of using interposition vessels upon lowering postoperative complications of portal vein reconstruction.Results:With a median age of 12 months, there were 153 boys (51.5%) and 144 girls (48.5%). The primary disease was mostly biliary atresia ( n=222, 74.7%). The median diameter of portal vein was 5 mm. There were 19 cases (6.4%) using vascular interposition. Among 20 cases of portal vein complications, there were portal vein stenosis ( n=17, 5.7%) and portal vein thrombosis ( n=3, 1.0%). After univariate analysis, binary Logistic regression analysis revealed that diameter of recipient's portal vein was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of portal vein complications after liver transplantation. Statistical analysis of children with portal vein diameter <4 mm ( n=90) was carried on and the results showed that there was no inter-group statistical difference ( χ2=3.061, P=0.080)on the occurrence of portal vein complications. Conclusions:Diameter of portal vein is an important factor affecting the strategic choice of portal vein reconstruction during pediatric liver transplantation and an independent risk factor for portal vein complications after liver transplantation. When the diameter of portal vein is ≤4 mm, using interposition vascular anastomosis shows no significant difference with other conventional modes.

To analyzed a case of pediatric patient with propionic acidemia combined with dilated cardiomyopathy retrospectively, who underwent living donor liver transplantation at the Liver Transplantation Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University in March 2019.A 2 years and 6 months female child was admitted to hospital for propionic acidemia.The pretransplant echocardiogram showed left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction, and thus dilated cardiomyopathy was considered.A living donor liver transplant was performed using her mother′s left latera-llobe.On the 14 months postoperatively, the child was on a liberated protein diet, but still required levocarnitine supplementation.Her hepatic and cardiac function returned normal, but growth retardation was still present.During the follow-up period, further propionic acidemia-related complications like metabolic decompensation, or any transplant-related complications were not reported.This case report suggested that liver transplantation is effective on pediatric propionic acidemia combined with cardiomyopathy, which reverses cardiomyopathy, improves cardiac function, relieves strict protein restriction, reduces the risk of metabolic decompensation, and significantly improves quality of life.