검색
검색 팝업 닫기

Ex) Article Title, Author, Keywords

Review Article

Liver transplantation in Wilson’s disease: A systematic review

Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting the metabolism of copper that may present with neurological symptoms. In cases leading to hepatic failure, liver transplantation (LT) may be necessary. The aim of this paper is to examine the literature on LT cases related to WD in terms of disease characteristics, the neurological conditions of patients and survival rates. The keywords “Wilson and transplant*” were used to perform a title and abstract search across three databases...
Review Article

Impact of COVID-19 on the number of deceased donors and organ transplantation in Western countries

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has an impact on all facets of our health care system, including life-saving procedures. The COVID-19 in 2020 has a substantial impact on the transplant community. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the number of deceased donors and organ transplantation in Western countries by analyzing literature review. In Spain, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the Spanish donation ...
Original Article

Analysis of nationwide volume of liver transplantation in Korea during 2020 shows no definitive decrease during COVID-19 outbreak

Background: Recent outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has discouraged organ donation. To determine its impact on liver transplantation (LT) at Korean transplant centers, it is necessary to analyze the incidence and type of LT in each center. Methods: The number of deceased donor LT (DDLT) and living donor LT (LDLT) operations performed during the year 2020 were analyzed using the Korean Network for Organ Sharing (KONOS) database. Results: During the 21-year period from 2000 to 2020,...
How-I-Do-It

Minimal-incision donor right hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation

For living donors, the second most important concern after the donor safety is the cosmetic aspect of abdominal incision. The present study aimed to present the technical details of minimal-incision laparotomy (MIL) in a case of living donor right hepatectomy with an eight minutes video clip. The recipient was a 57-year-old patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and the donor was his 28-year-old daughter of the recipient. The epigastrium area was narrow and the subcostal cartilages were elongate...

Current Issue Vol.4 No.2, November, 2024

  • Editorial

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 37-38

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0028
  • Editorial

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 39-39

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0020
  • Editorial

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 40-41

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0021
  • Review Article

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 42-46

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0019

    Abstract : Pediatric organ transplantation has evolved significantly since the 1950s, with breakthroughs in immunosuppressive therapy in the 1980s. Worldwide, around 2,700 pediatric liver transplants are performed annually, with living donor transplants dominating in Japan due to cultural and legal limitations surrounding brain-dead organ donation. Regional disparities in transplant practices are evident, with brain-dead transplants being more common in North America and Europe, while living donor transplants prevail in Asia and the Middle East. Technological innovations such as machine perfusion and minimally invasive surgery have enhanced transplant outcomes and addressed the ongoing donor shortage. Despite excellent long-term survival rates, challenges persist, particularly with graft fibrosis, which affects over 60% of pediatric recipients within a decade post-transplant. A critical issue is the transition of pediatric transplant patients to adult care facilities, where nonadherence with immunosuppressive regimens is associated with a high mortality rate. As the number of pediatric transplant cases rises, the need for increased human and financial support becomes more pressing to ensure these patients receive comprehensive care throughout their lives.

  • Review Article

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 47-55

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0022

    Abstract : An uncommon and aggressive malignancy, perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, may arise in the bile ducts at the intersection of the right and left hepatic ducts. The implementation of surgical resection and transplantation has greatly enhanced the management of the condition, resulting in improved survival rates and enhanced quality of life for patients. Nevertheless, there are still obstacles to overcome, such as restricted therapeutic alternatives for later phases, possible onset of complications, and the scarcity of donor organs. For early-stage illness, surgical resection, typically a right hepatectomy, is the recommended treatment, whereas transplantation is specified for instances that cannot be resected. Liver transplantation provides extended longevity for some patients, but it necessitates lifelong immunosuppression and entails the possibility of recurrence. The choice between resection and transplantation is contingent upon several circumstances, including the stage of the disease, the health of the patient, and the availability of a living liver donor. For patients diagnosed with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, adopting an interdisciplinary strategy is essential to maximizing treatment success.

  • Original Article

    Graft-versus-host disease in liver transplantation: Experience in the Korean single center

    Hwa-Hee Koh , Deok-Gie Kim , Minyu Kang , Eun-Ki Min , Jae Geun Lee , Dong Jin Joo , Myoung Soo Kim

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 56-62

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0003

    Abstract : Background: This investigation delves into the intricacies of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the context of liver transplantation (LT), focusing on the experiences from a Korean single center. Despite GVHD’s relatively low incidence, its severe implications on patient mortality underscore the urgent need for advanced management and comprehension strategies. Methods: In a retrospective analysis at Severance Hospital, Korea, we reviewed 1,107 adult LT recipients from January 2009 to March 2023, excluding those who succumbed within 14 days post-transplantation, to scrutinize the manifestation, treatment, and outcomes of GVHD. Diagnostic approaches ranged from skin to colonoscopic biopsies, with interventions including high-dose corticosteroids and tailored immunosuppressive adjustments. Results: GVHD was diagnosed in 1.3% of the study cohort, predominantly identified through skin biopsies. Critical findings include the significant role of donor liver characteristics and recipient pre-transplant conditions in GVHD development. Notably, GVHD affected patients exhibited markedly lower survival rates at one year compared to their non-GVHD controls (21.4% vs. 90.2%, p

  • Original Article

    Outcomes of emergency pediatric ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation in Korea

    Sunghyo An1 , Jongman Kim1 , Sang Jin Kim2,3 , Soon-Young Kim4 , Jung-Bun Park4 , Youngwon Hwang4 , Dong-Hwan Jung5

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 63-70

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0009

    Abstract : Background: Emergency pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is vital for acute liver failure patients in life-threatening situations. However, we do not know the outcomes of emergency pediatric ABO-incompatible (ABOi)-LDLT, which is an alternative treatment for patients without ABO-compatible (ABOc) living liver donors. The purpose of our study is to compare the outcomes between emergency pediatric ABOi-LDLT and emergency pediatric ABOc-LDLT using data from the Korean Network for Organ Sharing (KONOS). Methods: We analyzed retrospective KONOS data for consecutive pediatric emergency LDLT patients between 2017 and 2021 in Korea. Results: The incidence of ABOc-LDLT and ABOi-LDLT was 83% (n=44) and 17% (n=9), respectively. The baseline, pre-transplant care, postoperative complications, and infectious complications of ABOi-LDLT did not differ from those of ABOc-LDLT. Graft survival and overall survival at 5 years in ABOi-LDLT were 100% and 100%, respectively, which was better than in ABOc-LDLT, but the survival difference between the two groups was not significant. No developed acute rejection in ABOi-LDLT patients. No factors in the multivariate analysis were related to patient mortality or graft failure. Neither graft failure nor death was associated with ABOi-LDLT. Conclusion: This study concludes that emergency pediatric ABOi-LDLT is safe and feasible for use in ALF patients as well as other urgent instances.

  • Original Article

    Chronological improvements of living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in Seoul National University Hospital

    Saran Ochir Gongor1 , Kwang-Woong Lee1,2 , Nam-Joon Yi1,2 , YoungRok Choi1,2 , Suk Kyun Hong1,2 , Jeong-Moo Lee2 , Jae-Yoon Kim2 , Kyung-Suk Suh1,2

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 71-79

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0008

    Abstract : Background: Challenging clinical circumstances and high demand for liver transplantation have led to a refinement in the recipient selection criteria. This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that surgical outcomes in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have improved over time with the shift from morphological to biological criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 942 adult HCC patients underwent LDLT at Seoul National University Hospital between 2000 and 2022. Study populations were divided into Group A (2000.01.01–2011.06.30, n=314) and Group B (2011.07.01–2022.06.30, n=628). Baseline characteristics, perioperative factors, and survival outcomes were compared. Results: Group B demonstrated higher recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to Group A (p=0.03). Additionally, Group B exhibited superior overall survival rates at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year intervals (95.9%, 87.9%, 84.6%, p

  • Original Article

    Validation of risk factors for graft-to-recipient weight ratio less than 0.8 graft in living donor liver transplantation with single center data

    Young Jin Yoo , Minyu Kang , Hwa-Hee Koh , Eun-Ki Min , Jae Geun Lee , Myoung Soo Kim , Dong Jin Joo , Deok-Gie Kim

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 80-85

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0011

    Abstract : Background: The use of small grafts, defined by a graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) less than 0.8, is possibly associated with an increased risk of graft loss in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study aims to validate risk factors for graft loss in LDLT with GRWR

  • Original Article

    Donor safety in living donors with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2: Experience of high-volume center in Asia

    Sung-Min Kim , Young-In Yoon , Deok-Bog Moon , Ki-Hun Kim , Chul-Soo Ahn , Tae-Yong Ha , Gi-Won Song , Dong-Hwan Jung , Gil-Chun Park , Shin Hwang , Sung-Gyu Lee

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 86-94

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0012

    Abstract : Background: As the prevalence of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease increases in recent years, the number of living donor liver transplantation from donor with high body mass index (BMI) is increasing. However, data on the effect of high BMI on outcomes in liver donors are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the influence of donor obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) on and clinical outcomes after donor right liver resection (DRLR). Methods: Records of all living donors who underwent DRLR between January 2015 and December 2020 at Asan Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed. We divided donors into obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2, n=41) and normal-weight (BMI ≤25 kg/m2, n=1,125) groups. To eliminate bias, matching was performed using the greedy method, and 34 donors involved in this study in each group. Results: After matching, preoperatively, the obese group had significantly higher preoperative levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (p=0.021), alanine aminotransferase (p=0.003), and a larger celiac artery depth ratio (p

  • Original Article

    Varied strategies for alcohol-related liver transplants in South Korea

    Hyun Hwa Choi1,2 , Kwang-Woong Lee2 , Bong-Wan Kim3 , Dong-Sik Kim4 , Gyu-Seong Choi5 , Hae Won Lee6 , Ho Joong Choi7 , Jaryung Han8 , Je Ho Ryu9 , Kwan Woo Kim10 , Man Ki Ju11 , Min-Su Park12 , Myoung Soo Kim13 , Seok-Hwan Kim14 , Seoung Hoon Kim15 , Shin Hwang16 , Sung Won Jung17 , Tae-Seok Kim18 , Woo Young Shin19

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 95-101

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0013

    Abstract : Backgrounds: Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is currently a major indication for liver transplantation (LT) in South Korea. Alcoholic recidivism is a primary concern after LT for ALD. However, it is unclear how patients who have received LT for ALD are managed regarding medical and psychological issues. Furthermore, management approaches vary across centers. This study aims to investigate how these management approaches differ among centers. Methods: We conducted a survey of 19 liver transplant centers in South Korea to gather detailed information on the management protocols and related issues of ALD in LT patients. Results: All 19 centers that responded to the survey had been performing LT for patients with ALD for more than 5 years. Nine out of the 19 centers (47%) stated that a minimum abstinence period of 1–6 months from alcohol was required before evaluating LT and enrolling on the transplant waiting list. Only 2 (10%) and 5 (26%) centers had protocols for assessing alcohol consumption while awaiting LT or for treating alcohol consumption after transplantation, respectively. Monitoring abstinence from drinking before and after LT mostly relied on direct interviews, and alcohol biomarkers were not used. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the importance of consistent patient management guidelines for ALD-LTs in South Korea.

  • Original Article

    Outcomes of living donor liver transplantation in patients with concurrent extrahepatic malignancy

    John Hee Park , Jongman Kim , Sunghyo An , Namkee Oh , Jinsoo Rhu , Gyu-Seong Choi , Jae-Won Joh

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 102-107

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0017

    Abstract : Background: Concurrently extrahepatic malignancy (EHM) has long been considered a relative contraindication to liver transplantation because of cancer recurrence. However, we were frequently challenged as living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) may be the only life-saving option available in the setting of end-stage liver disease, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with concurrent EHM. In this study, we aim to analyze the outcome of adult LDLT with concurrent EHM at the time of LDLT. Methods: Of 2,448 adults who underwent LDLT from May 1996 to January 2023 at our institution, we retrospectively analyzed data for 16 patients with an EHM treated within 6 months at the time of LDLT. Results: Among 16 patients, one patient died of postoperative liver failure, and another died 3 months post-surgery due to bowel perforation. The cumulative overall survival rates at 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year were 87.5%, 78.8%, and 68.9%, respectively. Five patients died during follow-up; only one patient died due to a cancer-related cause. None of the eight patients with low-risk EHM showed EHM recurrence after LDLT. EHM recurrence occurred in one patient with intermediate risk, and cancer progression was seen in one patient with high-risk EHM. Concurrent HCC was present in six patients, and HCC recurrence occurred in two (33.33%). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients with hematologic (n=5) and non-hematologic (n=11) EHM (p=0.891). Conclusion: Our study shows a high survival rate for LDLT in patients with concurrently EHM. Hence, we suggest that concurrent EHM should not be a contraindication to LDLT even when ‘minimum remission times’ have not yet elapsed.

  • Case Report

    Pre-operative sodium benzoate can rapid increase sodium level and induce central pontine myelinolysis after liver transplantation: Case report

    Luka Jashi1,3 , Kwang-Woong Lee1,2 , Nam-Joon Yi1,2 , YoungRok Choi1,2 , Jae-Yoon Kim1 , Suk-Kyun Hong1,2 , Kyung-Suk Suh1,2

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 108-111

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0007

    Abstract : Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a severe neurological complication observed after liver transplantation (LT), with a mortality rate exceeding 50%. This study presents a case report of a 43-year-old female patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis who underwent liver transplantation and subsequently developed CPM. The patient admitted with symptoms and signs of acute on chronic liver failure, such as hyponatremia, and hepatic encephalopathy Grade 3 Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 10. Sodium benzoate was started together with lactulose. Ammonia level was decreased and mentality was also improved. However, sodium level was increased up to 160 mmol/L. After liver transplantation, the patient become drowsier (GCS 6–9) even with good liver function. The brain magnetic resonance imaging at the post-LT 5th day showed CPM. The mentality was slowly improved after conservative management with low level of tacrolimus. This case gives a lesson that pre-operative sodium benzoate treatment can increase the risk of CPM by increasing sodium level in patients with severe hyponatremia. Therefore, careful monitoring of sodium level is important when sodium benzoate is prescribed.

  • Case Report

    Deceased donor liver transplantation for post-hepatectomy liver failure with fixed pupils

    Sunghyo An1 , Jongman Kim1 , Sungjun Jo1 , Namkee Oh1 , Eunmi Gil1,2 , Gaabsoo Kim3

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 112-116

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0015

    Abstract : Deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) raises ethical and social questions about liver transplantation for patients who are not expected to live. Patients with post-hepatectomy liver failure must have DDLT as soon as possible. Here, we detail a particular dilemma that the transplant team had while deciding whether to harvest liver from a deceased donor in the face of the recipient’s non-reactive, fully dilated pupils while they awaited a liver transplant in the intensive care unit. Despite having fixed dilated pupils during the neurologic evaluation, the patient eventually had effective DDLT, indicating that DDLT should not be done unless there is obvious brain death.

  • Case Report

    Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus infection in an immunocompromised liver transplant recipient and review of literature

    Ahneez Abdul Hameed1 , Bindu Mulakavalupil2 , Francesca Trovato2 , Anita Verma1

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 117-123

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0014

    Abstract : Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), known for its beneficial effects on gut and vaginal microflora, is considered a low-pathogenicity organism with the propensity to cause infection in immunocompromised patients. To our knowledge, no cases have been reported in liver transplant recipients (LTR). Here, we report the first case with L. rhamnosus intra-abdominal infection and pleural empyema in a LTR, along with review of the literature. The isolate found in peritoneal and pleural fluid cultures exhibited complete resistance to routinely prescribed antibiotics in LTR. The majority of infections documented in the literature occur in individuals with chronic health conditions, and are linked to high mortality rates. In conclusion, while L. rhamnosus is an opportunistic pathogen, this and previous documented examples underscore the need of heightened recognition of its potential as a pathogen, and its resistance in immunocompromised patients. In order to get a more favourable result, it is crucial to initiate tailored early antimicrobial therapy alongside efficient source control.

  • Case Report

    Successful living liver donation from a septuagenarian donor with cardiac diseases

    Jiyoung Baik1 , Jongman Kim1 , Eunjin Lee1 , Sunghyo An1 , Namkee Oh1 , Eunmi Gil1,2 , Gaabsoo Kim3

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 124-128

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0016

    Abstract : We present the case of a 74-year-old female who had a right hepatectomy performed laparoscopically to donate her liver to her a 40-year-old son who had alcoholic liver cirrhosis. She voluntarily cooperated, and thorough medical and psychological evaluations were carried out. The receiver underwent surgery in 296 minutes, while the donor took 158 minutes. With normal liver function, the donor and recipient were released from the hospital on days 10 and 14, respectively, after a smooth recovery. Three months following the living donor liver transplant, both the receiver and the living liver donor have not experienced any problems and are doing well.

  • Case Report

    Two cases of living donor liver transplantation for colorectal liver metastases in Korea

    Abdullah Alshamrani , Eunjin Lee , Youngju Rhu , Sunghyo An , Sungjun Jo , Namkee Oh , Jinsoo Rhu , Jongman Kim

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 129-133

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0018

    Abstract : Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly with patients often experiencing liver metastases. Surgical resection remains the standard treatment; however, many patients face ineligibility due to disease status, contributing to poor prognoses. Liver transplantation (LT) is a viable alternative for select patients with advanced disease. This case report details the clinical outcomes of two CRC patients with multiple liver metastases who successfully underwent living donor LT (LDLT). Both individuals had intricate medical histories and pre-existing liver issues. Patient 1, a 58-year-old male, received extensive pre-transplant interventions, including multiple radiofrequency ablations and pulmonary resections. Patient 2, a 50-year-old male, had cirrhosis alongside colorectal cancer with liver metastases and completed chemotherapy. The cases illustrate LDLT's viability and potential advantages for complex CRC cases with liver metastases. The patients’ intricate medical backgrounds necessitate thorough pre-transplant evaluations and vigilant post-transplant supervision. Moreover, these cases highlight the critical nature of ongoing follow-up for evaluating long-term survival and recognizing possible complications.

  • Case Report

    Portal vein interposition in living donor liver transplantation for a pediatric patient with hepatoblastoma invading the portal vein

    Jung-Man Namgoong1 , Shin Hwang1 , Gil-Chun Park1 , Hyunhee Kwon1 , Suhyeon Ha1 , Sujin Gang1 , Jueun Park1 , Kyung Mo Kim2 , Seak Hee Oh2

    Ann Liver Transplant 2024; 4(2): 134-140

    https://doi.org/10.52604/alt.24.0023

    Abstract : Liver transplantation is accepted as an effective therapeutic option for unresectable hepatoblastoma. We present a pediatric case of hepatoblastoma patient with portal vein (PV) tumor thrombosis (PVTT) that occluded the main PV completely despite aggressive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient was a 4-year and 2-month-old 17-kg boy suffering from hepatoblastoma with PVTT, which was partially regressed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Viable PVTT remained after right trisectionectomy and repetition of systemic chemotherapy. To remove the tumor completely, we performed living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using his father’s left liver graft. The native PV was completely occluded with PVTT and abundant pericholedochal collaterals developed. The native PV was meticulously dissected to fully expose the superior mesenteric vein-splenic vein confluence. This confluence portion was deeply clamped and opened to use as a viable PV inflow source. A cold-stored fresh external iliac vein homograft was anastomosed to the confluence portion as an end-to-end fashion and passed through the native retropancreatic PV tract after mechanical dilatation of the tract. Left liver graft implantation was performed using standard procedures of pediatric LDLT. The patient recovered uneventfully. He will undergo scheduled adjuvant chemotherapy. Customized design for PV reconstruction using interposition vein graft with viable PV inflow source can result in successful PV reconstruction with complete removal of PVTT.

The Korean Liver Transplantation Society

Vol.4 No.2
November 2024

pISSN 2765-5121
eISSN 2765-6098

Most Read

Most Keyword

Aims and Scope

Annals of Liver Transplantation (Ann Liver Transplant), the official publication of the Korean Liver Transplantation Society, is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal. The journal pursues its advancement through original articles, reviews, case reports, editorials, and letter to editor. The journal is concerned with clinicians and scientists in liver transplantation and also with those in other fields who are interested in liver transplantation. The aim of the journal is to make contribution to saving lives of patients undergoing liver transplantation through active communication and exchange of study information on liver transplantation and provision of education and training on the diseases. The Ann Liver Transplant serves as a platform for debate and reassessment, a trigger of innovation, and a major pedestal for promoting understanding, improving outcomes, and advancing knowledge and technique in liver transplantation.

Editorial Office