High frequency of central memory regulatory T cells allows detection of liver recipients at risk of early acute rejection within the first month after transplantation.

Several studies have analyzed the potential of T regulatory cells (Treg cells) as biomarkers of acute rejection (AR). The aim of the present multicenter study was to correlate the percentage of peripheral Treg cells in liver graft recipients drawn at baseline up to 12 months after transplantation with the presence of AR. The percentage of central memory (cm) Treg cells (CD4(+)CD25(high)CD45RO(+)CD62L(+)) was monitored at pre-transplant and at 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months and 1 year post-transplantation.

Intracellular IFN-γ and IL-2 expression monitoring as surrogate markers of the risk of acute rejection and personal drug response in de novo liver transplant recipients.

Biomarker monitoring is needed in transplantation to reflect individual response to immunosuppressive drugs and graft outcome. We evaluated intracellular expression and soluble production of interferon-(IFN)-γ and interleukin-(IL)-2 as predictive biomarkers of acute rejection (AR) and personal drug response. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profiles were determined in 47 de novo liver recipients treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone.

Control of blood pressure in liver transplant recipients.

Background: Increased blood pressure (BP) is common after liver transplantation. However, there is scarce information on its control.

Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study, we determined BP according to the recommended international standards in 921 liver transplant patients during one routine outpatient visit to assess their grade of control of BP.

How long should initiation of calcineurin inhibitors be delayed to protect renal function in liver transplantation?

Background And Aim: Delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) in liver transplantation (OLT) seeks to protect renal function, although the optimal length of the delay is not well established. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects on renal function of CNI initiation on different days after OLT.

Methods: We reviewed the charts of 260 OLT recipients.

[Liver transplantation in patients with HIV infection].

During the few last years, after the introduction of high activity antiretroviral therapy (HAART), liver diseases, particularly those related to HCV infection, have emerged as one of the most important causes of mortality in patients with HIV infection. Consequently, liver transplantation is increasingly indicated in this population. Post-transplantation survival in HIV-positive patients with non-hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver diseases is adequate and similar to that in HIV-negative patients.

[Hyponatremia as a possible mortality factor in cirrhotic patients hospitalised in the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen State Hospital, 2003- 2005].

Introduction: In the decompensated hepatic cirrhosis the development of complications such as bleeding in the digestive tracts, encephalopathy, ascites and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is well-known; another important complication is the development of dilutional hyponatremia resulting from severe circulatory and renal dysfunction and which different papers have linked to a higher mortality rate. The main purpose of the present study is to determine if hyponatremia is an independent prognosis factor in the mortality of cirrhotic patients.

Material And Methods: A retrospective study of cases and controls was carried out.