Does the inactivation of leukocytes in blood transfusions during and following liver transplantation by gamma-irradiation have an impact on rejection and infection rate?

Background: Leukocytes transmitted in blood products exert a variety of immunological side-effects. Experience with bone marrow transplant recipients has shown that these can be induced even by very few cells. In liver transplant recipients, who usually receive large amounts of blood products, the effects of transfused leukocytes with regards to the rates of rejection and infection have not yet been investigated.

Does conversion of immunosuppressive monotherapy from cyclosporine A to tacrolimus improve bone mineral density in long-term stable liver transplant recipients?

The effects of converting cyclosporine A to tacrolimus on bone mineral density (BMD) have not yet been evaluated thoroughly in liver transplant patients. Interfering factors in this patient population often are concomitant glucocorticoid treatment or exposure to estrogens. Here, we investigated in a homogeneous population of 10 male liver transplant recipients the impact of converting low-dose cyclosporine A monotherapy to low-dose tacrolimus monotherapy on BMD by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.

Impact of changing immunosuppressive monotherapy from Cyclosporin A to Tacrolimus in long-term, stable liver transplant recipients.

A number of studies have reported a lower atherogenic lipid profile in liver transplant recipients under tacrolimus (FK506) than in those under cyclosporine A (CyA) immunosuppression. This has mainly been attributed to the steroid-saving effect of FK506. However, the effects of converting CyA to FK506 monotherapy on lipid metabolism have not been specifically investigated.

Outcome of patients with pre-existing portal vein thrombosis undergoing arterialization of the portal vein during liver transplantation.

Arterialization of the portal vein is being propagated as a technical possibility in liver transplant recipients with pre-existing portal vein thrombosis. In our own small series, portal vein arterialization (PVA) was carried out in four patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation. In three of these cases, the portal vein was anastomosed to the aorta via an interposed iliac artery, and in one case, directly to the hepatic artery.

Clinical value of MRC in the follow-up of liver transplant patients with a choledochojejunostomy.

Background: We investigated the clinical value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in liver transplant patients receiving choledochojejunostomy (CDJ).

Methods: Twenty-five MRCs were performed in 23 initially asymptomatic patients 19 months (mean) after liver transplantation with biliary reconstruction via CDJ. The images were evaluated by consensus (two investigators) for bile duct strictures and dilatations.