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1
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Urgent Liver Transplantation for Acute Liver Failure in Pregnant Women: The Optimum Timing for Delivery. Transplantation 2023; 107:172-180. [PMID: 36042543 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of acute liver failure (ALF) in pregnant women due to an etiology unrelated to pregnancy (pregALF) that leads to liver transplantation (LT) has rarely been reported. The objective was to report the outcome of pregnant women and fetus and propose a strategy for the timing of delivery and of LT in these patients. METHODS Five consecutive pregnant patients with ALF were admitted to our center between 1986 and 2018 and underwent an LT. A systematic review of case reports concerning patients with pregALF who underwent LT was extracted from the literature. RESULTS Three with gestational ages (GA) at admission of 15, 22, and 31 weeks of gestation (WG) were transplanted after delivery (n = 1) or intrauterine demise (n = 2) and 2 with GA of 16 and 23 WG before delivery. One infant survived in each group. Among the 32 cases published previously, 11 (34%) had been transplanted after delivery (median GA:31 [28-33]); 10 of these 11 infants were alive at birth. The other 21 mothers were transplanted before delivery (GA:21 WG [18-22]). The median GA at delivery was 30 WG [27.75-37]. Twelve of 21 infants were alive at birth. One-year survival among the ALF patients in our series and in the literature was 100%. Overall, the perinatal survival rate was low (64.8%). CONCLUSIONS In pregnant patients presenting with ALF not related to the pregnancy, the LT lifesaving procedure had an excellent outcome. Overall, 65% of the infants were alive at delivery with major mortality in those fetus <22 WG despite continued pregnancy.
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2
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Wang EY, Perni UC, Gregg AR. Genetic Screening and Teratogenic Exposures: Considerations in Caring for the Uterus Transplant Patient. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 65:76-83. [PMID: 35045028 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Counseling the uterus transplant patient requires an enhanced knowledge of unique genetic challenges that include an understanding of the spectrum of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Patients should understand their options for genetic screening and testing including preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, genetic screening, and diagnostic testing. This patient population is potentially at risk for fetal anomalies due to the increased susceptibility to infections, such as cytomegalovirus. There are management strategies to minimize this risk. The risk of teratogenicity from mycophenolate is eliminated by a washout period before embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Y Wang
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Uma C Perni
- Women's Health Institute, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Anthony R Gregg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Columbia, South Carolina
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3
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Romano DN, Mokuolu DC, Katz DJ, DeMaria S. Orthotopic liver transplant in the pregnant recipient: A systematic review of preoperative management and maternal and fetal outcomes. Clin Transplant 2021; 35:e14269. [PMID: 33615548 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Severe liver dysfunction requiring transplantation is a major event at any stage of life, but for those requiring liver transplantation while pregnant, two lives hang in the balance. Available evidence on this relatively rare event consists solely of case reports and have yet to be reviewed or synthesized. We performed a systematic literature review and analyzed reports of 22 patients who underwent liver transplantation during pregnancy. This review describes the reported etiologies of hepatic failure in pregnant patients requiring transplantation, perioperative anesthetic management techniques, and the maternal and fetal clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana N Romano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Liver Transplant Anesthesiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Debbie C Mokuolu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel J Katz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel DeMaria
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Liver Transplant Anesthesiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Ziogas IA, Hayat MH, Tsoulfas G. Obstetrical and gynecologic challenges in the liver transplant patient. World J Transplant 2020; 10:320-329. [PMID: 33312893 PMCID: PMC7708880 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v10.i11.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of childbearing agewomen undergo liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. Transplantation in this patient subgroup poses a significant challenge regarding the plans for future fertility, particularly in terms of immunosuppression and optimal timing of conception. Intrapartum LT is only rarely performed as the outcome is commonly dismal for the mother or more commonly the fetus. On the other hand, the outcomes of pregnancy in LT recipients are favorable, and children born to LT recipients are relatively healthy. Counseling on pregnancy should start before LT and continue after LT up until pregnancy, while all pregnant LT recipients must be managed by amultidisciplinary team, including both an obstetrician and a transplant hepatologist. Additionally, an interval of at least 1-2 years after successful LT is recommended before considering pregnancy. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus are reported more commonly during the pregnancies of LT recipients than in the pregnancies of non-transplant patients. As adverse fetal outcomes, such asmiscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, or ectopic pregnancy, may occur more often than in the non-transplant population, early planning or delivery either through a planned induction of labor or cesarean section is critical to minimize the risk of complications. No significant long-term physical or phycological abnormalities have been reported in children born to LT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Ziogas
- Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Muhammad H Hayat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
| | - Georgios Tsoulfas
- Department of Surgery, Papageorgiou University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54622, Greece
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5
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Rahim MN, Long L, Penna L, Williamson C, Kametas NA, Nicolaides KH, Heneghan MA. Pregnancy in Liver Transplantation. Liver Transpl 2020; 26:564-581. [PMID: 31950556 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy after liver transplantation (LT) is increasingly common and is a frequent scenario that transplant physicians, obstetricians, and midwives encounter. This review summarizes the key issues surrounding preconception, pregnancy-related outcomes, immunosuppression, and breastfeeding in female LT recipients. Prepregnancy counseling in these patients should include recommendations to delay conception for at least 1-2 years after LT and discussions about effective methods of contraception. Female LT recipients are generally recommended to continue immunosuppression during pregnancy to prevent allograft rejection; however, individual regimens may need to be altered. Although pregnancy outcomes are overall favorable, there is an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. Pregnancy in this cohort remains high risk and should be managed vigilantly in a multidisciplinary setting. We aim to review the available evidence from national registries, population-based studies, and case series and to provide recommendations for attending clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mussarat N Rahim
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Long
- Department of Obstetrics, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Penna
- Department of Obstetrics, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nikos A Kametas
- Fetal Medicine Research Unit, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kypros H Nicolaides
- Fetal Medicine Research Unit, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Bartnik CM, Maheshwari RN, Subramanian RM. Beating the Odds: A Full-Term Delivery After Liver Transplantation of a Pregnant Hyperthyroid Patient at 19 Weeks' Gestation for Propylthiouracil-Induced Acute Liver Failure. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:3995-3999. [PMID: 30577302 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) for acute liver failure is an uncommon occurrence in the setting of pregnancy given the risk of fetal demise, and rarely is it undertaken with a viable fetus. Maternal hyperthyroidism increases fetal risk in the setting of LT, particularly in the setting of thyrotoxicosis. We report the first case of propylthiouracil-induced acute liver failure in a hyperthyroid patient in her second trimester resulting in LT. The multidisciplinary management led to a favorable outcome for the patient and the subsequent delivery of a healthy infant at 38-weeks' gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Bartnik
- Division of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - R M Subramanian
- Division of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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7
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Pandey CK, Karna ST, Pandey VK, Tandon M. Acute liver failure in pregnancy: Challenges and management. Indian J Anaesth 2015; 59:144-9. [PMID: 25838585 PMCID: PMC4378074 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5049.153035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) in pregnancy negatively affects both maternal and foetal outcome. The spectrum of liver disease in pregnancy may range from mild asymptomatic transaminitis to fatal and irreversible deterioration in liver functions leading to significant morbidity and even mortality. In this comprehensive review, we searched articles published as review articles, clinical trials, and case series in the Medline from 1970 to 2012. The overall outcome of ALF in pregnancy depends on the aetiology, timely diagnosis, prompt management, and early referral to a centre equipped in managing medical or obstetric complication. The foetal outcome is affected by the stage of pregnancy in which the mother has a deterioration of the liver function, with a worst prognosis associated with first or second-trimester liver failure. When ALF complicates pregnancy, liver transplantation is the one of the viable options. Management protocols need to be individualised for each case keeping in mind the risk versus benefit to both the mother and the foetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Kant Pandey
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunaina Tejpal Karna
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kant Pandey
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish Tandon
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
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8
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Mendizabal M, Rowe C, Piñero F, Gonzalez-Campaña A, Fauda M, Tomás Arufe D, Pía Raffa M, Barreiro M, Keller R, Cacheiro F, Beruti E, Andriani O, Oscar Silva M, Podestá LG. Successful orthotopic liver transplantation and delayed delivery of a healthy newborn in a woman with fulminant hepatic failure during the second trimester of pregnancy. Ann Hepatol 2014; 13:288-292. [PMID: 24552872 DOI: 10.1016/s1665-2681(19)30893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2025]
Abstract
Severe liver dysfunction during pregnancy implies a serious risk for both mother and fetus, and represents a technical and ethical challenge for treating physicians. We report a case of a previously healthy 32-year old woman who was admitted to our hospital with idiopathic fulminant hepatic failure and underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) at gestation week 21. Patient's and fetus' immediate postoperative course were relatively uneventful until week six after OLT, when the mother developed oligohydramnios and preeclampsia. At pregnancy week 27, after inducing baby's lung maturation, a cesarean section was performed with the delivery of an otherwise healthy girl. After 3 years of follow-up, mother and child are leading normal lives with no complications related either to pregnancy or to OLT. We describe the case of a successful emergency liver transplant in a woman during the second trimester of pregnancy, demonstrating that OLT can be a viable option to preserve the life of the mother and an otherwise unviable fetus. Intrauterine baby's growths until the attainment of a viable gestational age was feasible despite the mother's fulminant hepatic failure and liver transplant surgery.
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9
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Liver Transplantation during Pregnancy for Acute Liver Failure due to HBV Infection: A Case Report. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2013; 2013:356560. [PMID: 24383021 PMCID: PMC3872232 DOI: 10.1155/2013/356560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatic failure during pregnancy is a life-threatening situation for the mother and fetus and might need a super-urgent liver transplantation. Many pregnancies with positive outcomes are reported after a previous liver transplantation before the pregnancy, but only a few of them are mentioned with transplantation during pregnancy. In these few cases, fetal outcome is mostly adverse. Experience with liver failure during pregnancy and its management is still deficient and needs to be approved. For sure, patients need to be treated in highly qualified centers in a multidisciplinary approach. We present a case of successful super-urgent liver transplantation during the second trimester of pregnancy after acute hepatic failure due to an acute hepatitis B infection with positive maternal and fetal outcome. Liver transplantation during pregnancy due to an acute liver failure can be a life-saving procedure for the mother and fetus. An early initiated maternal therapy with antiviral drugs and immunoglobulins seems to be safe and able to prevent fetal infection and immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation seems to be well tolerated. Nevertheless, fetal outcome differs widely and long-term outcome is deficiently known.
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10
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Kanogawa N, Kanda T, Ohtsuka M, Nakamura M, Miyamura T, Yasui S, Arai M, Maruyama H, Fujiwara K, Shozu M, Oda S, Miyazaki M, Yokosuka O. Acute Liver Failure Occurring during the First Trimester of Pregnancy Successfully Treated with Living Donor Liver Transplantation. Case Rep Transplant 2013; 2013:309545. [PMID: 24368963 PMCID: PMC3867862 DOI: 10.1155/2013/309545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) during pregnancy remains difficult to treat, and despite advances in treatment, liver transplantation must be selected as treatment option in certain cases. We report a 30-year-old woman with ALF of unknown etiology, occurring during the first trimester of pregnancy. Her condition was complicated by consciousness disturbance and coagulopathy due to ALF, but she was successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation 7 days after dilatation and curettage. At 9-month followup, she was in good medical condition. Liver transplantation has been reported as one of the treatment options for ALF during pregnancy with the prognosis varying depending on the trimester, from living donor or deceased donor liver transplantation. Of importance is that clinicians always think of emergent liver transplantation as a therapeutic option in ALF even in the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Kanogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohtsuka
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Masato Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Shin Yasui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Makoto Arai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Maruyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Makio Shozu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Shigeto Oda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Masaru Miyazaki
- Department of General Surgery, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
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11
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Liver transplantation for acute liver failure at 11-week gestation with successful maternal and fetal outcome. Case Rep Transplant 2012; 2012:484080. [PMID: 23227416 PMCID: PMC3513828 DOI: 10.1155/2012/484080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) during pregnancy is very uncommon. Pregnancy-specific liver conditions like hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome and acute fatty liver of pregnancy can cause ALF at term or postpartum, but, typically occur during the third trimester. Most of these patients recover spontaneously after delivery, but, on occasion, they require liver transplantation in the postpartum period. However, ALF during the first and second trimester of pregnancy requiring antepartum liver transplantation is rare. Only fifteen cases of liver transplantation during pregnancy have been reported, and very few occurred during the first trimester. We report a Woman who developed acute liver failure during the first trimester of pregnancy and underwent successful liver transplantation at 11-week gestation, followed by successful delivery of the fetus at 30 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the earliest case of successful liver transplantation during pregnancy followed by successful fetal outcome. We discuss management of the patient and fetus before, during, and after liver transplantation and review the literature on antepartum liver transplant in pregnancy.
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12
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Greenberg M, Daugherty TJ, Elihu A, Sharaf R, Concepcion W, Druzin M, Esquivel CO. Acute liver failure at 26 weeks' gestation in a patient with sickle cell disease. Liver Transpl 2009; 15:1236-41. [PMID: 19790148 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for acute liver failure (ALF) during pregnancy is an uncommon occurrence with variable outcomes. In pregnancy-related liver failure, prompt diagnosis and immediate delivery are essential for a reversal of the underlying process and for maternal and fetal survival. In rare cases, the reason for ALF during pregnancy is either unknown or irreversible, and thus OLT may be necessary. This case demonstrates the development of cryptogenic ALF during the 26th week of pregnancy in a woman with sickle cell disease. She underwent successful cesarean delivery of a healthy male fetus at 27 weeks with concurrent OLT. This report provides a literature review of OLT in pregnancy and examines the common causes of ALF in the pregnant patient. On the basis of the management and outcome of our case and the literature review, we present an algorithm for the suggested management of ALF in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Greenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304-1510, USA
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13
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Jankovic Z, Stamenkovic D, Duncan B, Prasad R, Davies M. Successful outcome after a technically challenging liver transplant during pregnancy. Transplant Proc 2007; 39:1704-6. [PMID: 17580226 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2007.02.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 02/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the implications of liver transplantation (OLT) during pregnancy. We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with cryptogenic familial biliary cirrhosis that decompensated rapidly. OLT was performed using the donor iliac vein for a retrogastric portal vein conduit to the superior mesenteric vein and the donor iliac artery for an infrarenal aortic conduit. During the latter anastomosis, a viable fetus was noticed. Both donor and recipient were cytomegalovirus positive. Postoperative ultrasound revealed a 13.5-week-old viable fetus. The patient received tacrolimus, azathioprine, and prednisolone. The pregnancy progressed normally with the vaginal delivery of a healthy male infant after 36 weeks gestation. Nineteen months later, both the mother and child were well. This case demonstrated that even technically difficult OLT during pregnancy can have a successful outcome, raising the question of whether transplant patients of childbearing age should be routinely tested for pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Jankovic
- Department of Anesthesia, St. James University Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
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14
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Jarufe N, Soza A, Pérez-Ayuso RM, Poblete JA, González R, Guajardo M, Hernandez V, Riquelme A, Arrese M, Martínez J. Successful liver transplantation and delivery in a woman with fulminant hepatic failure occurring during the second trimester of pregnancy. Liver Int 2006; 26:494-7. [PMID: 16629654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2006.01246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe liver dysfunction occurring during pregnancy is an unusual but dramatic event that poses special technical and ethical issues because it involves two lives. METHODS AND RESULTS We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with cryptogenic fulminant hepatic failure who underwent successful orthotopic liver transplantation at 22 weeks of pregnancy. After a relatively uneventful post-operative course she delivered a normal offspring at the 27th week of gestation. There were no obstetrical complications and neonatal outcome was excellent. After a year of follow-up, the patient is doing well,and the newborn has exhibited normal psychomotor and weight/height development. CONCLUSION This case illustrates the challenge of treating fulminant hepatic failure during pregnancy and demonstrates that liver transplantation is a feasible therapeutic option for treatment of patients with this condition, allowing successful completion of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Jarufe
- Unidad de Higado y Departament de Gastroenterologia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Hold PM, Wong CF, Dhanda RK, Walkinshaw SA, Bakran A. Successful renal transplantation during pregnancy. Am J Transplant 2005; 5:2315-7. [PMID: 16095516 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2005.00993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the implications of performing a renal transplant on a patient who is already pregnant. This case study reports a successful outcome of pregnancy, diagnosed coincidentally following renal transplantation at 13 weeks gestation. The recipient was a 23-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease who received a live-related renal transplant from her father. Pregnancy was discovered at routine ultrasound scanning of the renal allograft at 5 days posttransplant and estimated at 13 weeks gestation. She received ciclosporin monotherapy as immunosuppression throughout the pregnancy, and was given valacyclovir as prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Renal function remained stable throughout the pregnancy, which progressed normally, resulting in the vaginal delivery of a healthy, liveborn male infant at 37 weeks gestation. This case study demonstrates that transplantation during pregnancy can have a successful outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe M Hold
- The Transplant Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
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16
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Eguchi S, Yanaga K, Fujita F, Okudaira S, Furui J, Miyamoto M, Kanematsu T. Living-related right lobe liver transplantation for a patient with fulminant hepatic failure during the second trimester of pregnancy: report of a case. Transplantation 2002; 73:1970-1. [PMID: 12131701 DOI: 10.1097/00007890-200206270-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
A 28-year-old pregnant Japanese woman developed fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with coma grade IV at 15 weeks' gestation and underwent emergency orthotopic living-related liver transplantation (LRLT) using the right hepatic lobe of her father. Blood type was identical. On postoperative day 2, she regained consciousness and was extubated. For fear of possible negative effects of exposure to various drugs and from x-ray examinations on the fetus as well as the maternal burden of a continuing pregnant state on the patient, artificial abortion was a treatment choice in this woman on posttransplant day 31. The patient was discharged and is currently doing well. Until the present, 11 pregnant women were reported to have liver transplantation during the second trimester of pregnancy, including 2 pregnant women with LRLT. This is the third case of LRLT, and the first successful case in which the right hepatic lobe was used for graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Eguchi
- Departments of Surgery II, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
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17
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Abstract
The first known posttransplantation pregnancy was in 1958 in a renal transplant recipient who had received a kidney from her identical twin sister. The first known posttransplantation pregnancy in a liver transplant recipient was in 1978. Information available from female kidney transplant recipients helped in the decision making involved in the management of this case, as well as those that followed. Over the last 20 years, issues specific to liver transplantation and pregnancy have been identified. Similar to the kidney transplant recipient population, when prepregnancy recipient graft function is stable and adequate, pregnancy appears to be well tolerated. Also similar to kidney transplant recipients, there has been no evidence of a specific malformation pattern among the children, and although prematurity and low birth weight occur, overall newborn outcomes have been favorable. Pregnancy in the setting of recurrent liver disease, such as recurrent hepatitis C, poses a potential problem among liver transplant recipients, as well as the possible adverse effects of immunosuppression on maternal kidney function. Also of significance, peripartum graft deterioration has more severe consequences in this transplant recipient population. Therefore, pregnancy must be considered carefully in this transplant recipient group. Since 1991, the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR) has studied the safety of pregnancy outcomes in solid-organ transplant recipients. The purpose of this review is to catalog studies in the literature, as well as to present current data from the registry with management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- V T Armenti
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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18
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Armenti VT, Moritz MJ, Davison JM. Drug safety issues in pregnancy following transplantation and immunosuppression: effects and outcomes. Drug Saf 1998; 19:219-32. [PMID: 9747668 DOI: 10.2165/00002018-199819030-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Successful pregnancy outcomes are possible after solid organ transplantation. While there are risks to mother and fetus, there has not been an increased incidence of malformations noted in the newborn of the transplant recipient. It is essential that there is closely coordinated care that involves the transplant team and an obstetrician in order to obtain a favourable outcome. Current data from the literature, as well as from reports from the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR), support the concept that immunosuppression be maintained at appropriate levels during pregnancy. At present, most immunosuppressive maintenance regimens include combination therapy, usually cyclosporin or tacrolimus based. Most female transplant recipients will be receiving maintenance therapy prior to and during pregnancy. For some agents, including monoclonal antibodies and mycophenolate mofetil, there is either no animal reproductive information or there are concerns about reproductive safety. The optimal (lowest risk) transplant recipient can be defined by pre-conception criteria which include good transplant graft function, no evidence of rejection, minimum 1 to 2 years post-transplant and no or well controlled hypertension. For these women pregnancy generally proceeds without significant adverse effects on mother and child. It is of note that the epidemiological data available to date on azathioprine-based regimens are favourable in the setting of a category D agent (i.e. one that can cause fetal harm). Thus, there is still much to learn regarding potential toxicities of immunosuppressive agents. The effect of improved immunosuppressive regimens which use newer or more potent (and potentially more toxic) agents will require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- V T Armenti
- Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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Armenti VT, Moritz MJ, Davison JM. Medical management of the pregnant transplant recipient. ADVANCES IN RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY 1998; 5:14-23. [PMID: 9477211 DOI: 10.1016/s1073-4449(98)70010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Retrospective analyses of pregnancies in female renal transplant recipients including case reports, center reports, and questionnaire surveys have, for the most part, reached similar conclusions. In the presence of adequate, stable graft function, these high-risk pregnancies are generally well tolerated, but the majority of the liveborn outcomes are premature and many of the newborns are low birthweight. Obstetrical complications such as preeclampsia and cesarean section occur in a significant proportion of cases. With improvements in methods of data acquisition and computer technology, the aim for the future must be enhanced communication between transplant centers on a prospective basis, perhaps comparing cases with patient profiles derived from analyzed databases such as the National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry (NTPR). Continued efforts to identify prepregnancy risk factors as well as optimal antenatal management strategies will help to further improve pregnancy outcomes in this population. Discussed in this review are reports from the literature as well as current data from the NTPR focusing on the medical management of pregnancy in the renal transplant recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- V T Armenti
- National Transplantation Pregnancy Registry, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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Wagoner LE. Management of the Cardiac Transplant Recipient: Roles of the Transplant Cardiologist and Primary Care Physician. Am J Med Sci 1997. [DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9629(15)40191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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21
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Wagoner LE. Management of the cardiac transplant recipient: roles of the transplant cardiologist and primary care physician. Am J Med Sci 1997; 314:173-84. [PMID: 9298043 DOI: 10.1097/00000441-199709000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac transplantation has become an accepted treatment for selected patients with end-stage heart failure. Despite a successful transplant, denervated transplanted hearts respond differently to cardiac drugs than nontransplanted hearts. The treatments for bradycardia, tachycardia, and hypotension are different than for nontransplanted hearts. Despite the improvement in long-term survival, a number of complications may occur posttransplantation. These complications include, allograft rejection, infection, allograft coronary artery disease, and malignancy. Additionally, posttransplant patients may have complications from the immunosuppressive agents cyclosporine, prednisione, and azathioprine. Such complications include drug interactions with commonly prescribed medications, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, and gastrointestinal complications. The purpose of this article is to discuss the management of the cardiac transplant recipient as it relates to the aforementioned complications. Management of the cardiac transplantation patient by the primary care physician will also be discussed, including indications for consultation by the primary care physician with the transplant center.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Wagoner
- Division of Cardiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH 45267-0542, USA
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22
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Abstract
Successful pregnancy outcomes are possible after liver transplantation. Although there are risks to the mother and fetus, there has not been an increased incidence of malformations noted in the newborn of liver recipients. Close, coordinated care involving the hepatologist, surgeon, and high-risk obstetrician is essential to ensure a favorable outcome. Immunosuppression peripartum should be maintained at appropriate levels. Of note, a small subset of recipients may suffer worsened graft function during pregnancy. Recurrent liver disease, especially viral hepatitis, and CMV infection appear to pose significant risks to mother and offspring, respectively, although the magnitude of the risks is unknown. It therefore would seem prudent to consider pregnancy only in female liver recipients who have passed at least 1 year with stable graft function. In addition, new immunosuppressive regimens further add to the lack of information regarding pregnancy safety. The NTPR is an ongoing database to collect information and pregnancy outcomes. That information should be helpful in counseling recipients and in pregnancy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- V T Armenti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA
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