Comparison of abdominal adipose tissue versus body mass index (BMI) as a predictor of complications and survival in liver transplantation.

Introduction: Because of the obesity epidemic, more obese patients are on liver transplant (LT) waiting lists. The diseases associated with obesity may increase complications and limit survival after LT. However, there is no established measure or cut-off point to determine this impact and aid decision making.

Antibody response to the messenger RNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna) in liver transplant recipients.

Different reports have shown the clinical and serologic response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines in preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the general population, but few studies have examined these responses in transplant recipients. We assessed the vaccine immunogenicity of two doses (100 μg) of the mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna) administered with a 28-day interval in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) at follow-up at the Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital. LTRs without a history of COVID-19 infection were tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against the spike protein (S) a median of 43 days after receiving the second Moderna vaccine dose.

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on liver transplant recipients. A single center observational study.

Background: the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on liver transplant (LT) patients remains unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of LT patients during the lockdown period.

Methods: a web-based questionnaire was emailed to 238 LT patients undergoing regular follow-up at our unit between August and October 2020.

Validation of the Balance of Risk as a Predictor of Liver Transplant Survival in a Spanish Population.

Background: The Balance of Risk (BAR) score is a simple test that combines donor and recipient variables to predict liver transplant success. It has been validated in different publications, with cut-off points of between 15 and 18 points proposed depending on the region. The aim of this study is to test the validity of the BAR score and to find the optimal cut-off point for our population.