Liver transplantation. Experience with 100 cases

West J Med. 1991 Nov;155(5):494-9.

Abstract

Between March 1988 and November 1989, 100 liver transplants were performed on 90 patients at Pacific Presbyterian (now California Pacific) Medical Center in San Francisco. The immunosuppressive regimen was a combination of prophylactic Minnesota antilymphocyte globulin, cyclosporine, and low-dose corticosteroids. Rejections were treated with OKT3, a monoclonal antibody, or corticosteroids. Of the 100 transplants, 32 were done on 30 children, 18 of whom weighed less than 10 kg and 9 of whom received livers that had been surgically reduced in size to fit the recipient. The overall patient survival at 2 years was 85%. Of 100 liver transplants, treatment was given for 80 (80%) for at least 1 episode of rejection. At least 1 episode of serious infection occurred in 34 of the 60 adult patients and 25 of the 30 children. Of the entire group, 2% had hepatic artery thrombosis, and 12% had biliary complications that necessitated reoperation. The quality of life has been good, with a follow-up from 1 to almost 3 years (mean = 22 months). Comparing these data with those of other published series shows a decreased incidence of surgical complications and a lower rate of fungal and viral infections. We attribute this to the reduction of steroid dosage during convalescence without jeopardizing patient or graft survival.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation* / mortality
  • Liver Transplantation* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Quality of Life
  • Reoperation
  • Survival Rate