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C Lumbreras

Publications and source records attributed to C Lumbreras.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Randomized trial of fluconazole versus nystatin for the prophylaxis of Candida infection following liver transplantation.

A prospective, randomized, multicenter study addressed the safety and efficacy of fluconazole therapy in 143 liver transplant patients. Seventy-six patients received daily oral fluconazole (100 mg), and 67 received nystatin (4 X 10(6) U) during the first 28 days after transplantation. Candida colonization occurred in 25% and 53% of patients in the fluconazole and nystatin groups, respectively (P = .04), and 13% and 34% of patients in the respective groups had Candida infections (P = .022). Of these patients, 10.5% in the fluconazole group and 25.3% in the nystatin group had superficial candidal infections (P = .024). Invasive candidiasis developed in 2 patients in the fluconazole group (2.6%) and 6 in the nystatin group (9.0%) (P = .12). There was no increased hepatotoxicity, cyclosporine interaction, or emergence of clinically relevant resistant Candida strains attributable to fluconazole. Thus, oral fluconazole (100 mg) is safe and reduces Candida colonization and infection after liver transplantation.

Adult↗

Infectious complications following pancreatic transplantation: incidence, microbiological and clinical characteristics, and outcome.

The infectious complications following pancreatic transplantation in 34 consecutive recipients were analyzed during a mean follow-up of 39 months. Twenty-seven recipients (79%) developed a mean of 2.1 serious infectious complications. Three of the six deaths (overall mortality, 18%) were infection related. Thirty-three percent of severe infectious episodes were caused by bacteria (72% by gram-positive cocci) and 26% by fungi (87% by Candida species); severe cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection accounted for 33% of infectious complications. CMV disease and organ involvement occurred most frequently in the donor-seropositive/recipient-seronegative group (36%), followed by the donor-seronegative/recipient-seropositive group (25%). In four patients (12%) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) developed, directly resulting in two deaths. PTLD developed in two of the three EBV-seronegative and two of the 31 EBV-seropositive recipients. Infections due to herpes simplex and zoster viruses and Pneumocystis carinii (2, 3, and 1, respectively) developed in 6 patients. The use of OKT3 for rejection therapy was associated with symptomatic CMV disease and EBV-related PTLD. In summary, severe infectious complications are the main cause of morbidity and death among patients who undergo pancreas transplantation. Aggressive antimicrobial prophylactic regimens are required to decrease the effects of such complications.

Adolescent↗

Prospective randomized trial of efficacy of ganciclovir versus that of anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin to prevent CMV disease in CMV-seropositive heart transplant recipients treated with OKT3.

We compared the efficacy of ganciclovir versus that of cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin for the prevention of CMV disease in 31 CMV-seropositive heart transplant recipients who had received early immunoprophylaxis with OKT3 monoclonal antibodies. The incidence of CMV disease and visceral involvement was much higher in the CMV immunoglobulin group than in the ganciclovir group (40 versus 6%, respectively; P = 0.03). No adverse effects were found in the CMV immunoglobulin group, but 19% of the patients in the ganciclovir group developed mild leukopenia or a mild increase in their serum creatinine levels.

Adult↗

Histological diagnosis of cytomegalovirus hepatitis in liver allografts.

AIMS--To determine the incidence of histologically documented cytomegalovirus (CMV) hepatitis following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and to assess the effectiveness of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation (ISH) in detecting CMV. To describe the histological pattern most frequently associated with CMV hepatitis in order to select the biopsy group in which these modern techniques are most effective. METHODS--A prospective histological study was carried out on 853 biopsy specimens, obtained from 191 liver allografts (160 patients). Specimens were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemically (avidin-biotin complex) using monoclonal antibodies directed against early and late CMV antigens. A retrospective selection was made of 23 specimens with viral inclusion bodies in cytomegalic cells (group A) to characterise the most frequently associated histological pattern, and of 34 other specimens without viral inclusion bodies (group B) but with the same microscopic features as group A. Re-cuts from both specimen groups were studied using immunohistochemistry and ISH with a CMV specific complementary DNA probe. RESULTS--CMV infection was confirmed in 35 specimens (29 by immunohistochemistry, 23 by presence of inclusion bodies in haematoxylin and eosin stained sections, 16 by ISH) from 27 patients (incidence 16.9%). CMV hepatitis was diagnosed within 46 +/- 19 (range 21-114) days posttransplant. Twenty on (91.3%) of the 23 biopsy specimens with inclusion bodies (group A) displayed heterogeneous inflammatory foci disseminated throughout the hepatic lobule. Nineteen specimens (82.6%) were positive by immunohistochemistry and 14 (60.9%) by ISH. In eight (23.5%) of the 34 group B specimens CMV infection was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (n = 6) or ISH (n = 2). Another 12 (35.3%) of the group B specimens negative on staining with haematoxylin and eosin, immunohistochemistry and ISH came from allografts in which previous or subsequent biopsy specimens were CMV positive. CONCLUSIONS--Demonstration of cytomegalic inclusion bodies in haematoxylin and eosin sections is sufficient for a diagnosis of CMV hepatitis. The routine use of immunohistochemistry in all allograft biopsy specimens in more sensitive than demonstration of inclusion bodies by staining with haematoxylin and eosin but may yield false negative results because of the focal distribution of positive cells. ISH was less sensitive than staining with haematoxylin and eosin and/or immunohistochemistry. A histological picture of "disseminated focal hepatitis" without viral inclusion bodies selects a group of allograft biopsy specimens in which immunohistochemistry and/or ISH may improve detection of CMV.

Biopsy↗

[Liver transplantation using grafts from donors over 65].

OBJECTIVE: Donors age 50 years was an exclusion criteria in past decades. The increase of patients in the waiting list has determined the acceptance of older donors (over 65 years old). We analyze our results in liver transplantation using donors over 65 years. PATIENTS: From 1986 to may 1994, we performed 381 OLT. In five cases (1.3%) the OLT was performed using donors over 65 years of age (66, 67, 68, 70 and 71). The selection criteria for donors and recipients were similar to the other transplanted patients. Immunosuppression included cyclosporine or FK-506, prednisone and azathioprine. RESULTS: There were no primary graft failures and preservation damage, biochemical and clinical evolution were not different to the procedures using younger donors. Three grafts presented non-corticoresistant acute rejection. After a follow-up of 11.6 mo (range 4-37 mo) only one graft was lost (Kaposi's sarcoma in the liver). Four grafts and four patients are in excellent biochemical and clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS: Donor age should not be an exclusion criteria. Grafts from older donors (over 65 years old) may be considered safe and will permit to increase the number of OLT.

Adult↗

A case of testicular nocardiosis and literature review.

A case of epididymo-orchitis due to Nocardia asteroides in a liver transplant recipient is reported. Nocardiosis is an extremely rare cause of epididymo-orchitis. Four other cases published in the English language medical literature are reviewed. All patients were immunocompromised, and other organs were affected simultaneously. Clinically the infection presented as a painful enlargement of the testicle with few inflammatory signs. Mortality was high (3/5), and in the two survivors long-term sulfonamide therapy was combined with orchiectomy. Nocardiosis should be considered in the diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis in the immunocompromised host.

Adult↗

Clinical significance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in liver transplant recipients. Role of serology and HCV RNA detection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was studied in 60 liver transplant recipients. Antibodies to HCV were tested by both a second-generation ELISA test and a four-recombinant immunoblot assay (4-RIBA) just before the transplant and every three months thereafter. HCV RNA detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at least three times after the transplant in all the patients. Thirty-nine patients tested negative by ELISA before LT (group A), 14 patients tested positive by both serological tests (group B), and seven tested positive only by ELISA (group C). Posttransplant hepatitis was diagnosed in 11/14 in group B in comparison with 3/39 in group A (P < 0.001) and 1/7 in group C (P < 0.05). HCV RNA was detected in the sera of 14/14 patients in group B but in only 1/7 in group C and 6/39 in group A. Only 2/15 patients developed posttransplant hepatitis in the absence of HCV RNA detection. These data suggest that HCV is the major cause of hepatitis after LT. Patients HCV seropositive by RIBA test before the transplant formed a group of high-risk patients for developing viremia and hepatitis afterwards.

Adult↗

Etiopathogenesis and prognosis of centrilobular necrosis in hepatic grafts.

The incidence, contributing etiopathogenetic factors, and prognostic significance of centrilobular necrosis were investigated in 270 hepatic transplants to 215 immunosuppressed patients in whom 837 biopsies were performed. Twenty-six (9.6%) grafts demonstrated centrilobular necrosis in one or more biopsy specimens. The immunological, clinical, histopathological, and evolutionary features of this patient group (group A) were compared with a control group of patients who had undergone 92 consecutive transplants with no necrosis (group B). Group A was younger (p < 0.01), had a higher average of warm and cold-ischemia time (p < 0.05), a higher incidence (p < 0.001) and earlier appearance of acute rejection episodes (p < 0.01), and a closer association with evolution to chronic rejection (A: 53.8% vs B: 13.1%, p < 0.001). Survival rates for grafts and patients with necrosis at 12 and 30 months were significantly lower (p < 0.001). The 26 grafts were distributed into three chronological subgroups according to when necrosis appeared: (1) First week--All these grafts were lost (four through primary graft nonfunction and one due to protal recurrent thrombosis); (2) Second week--seven grafts with associated acute rejection, with three evolving to chronic rejection; (3) After the second week (116 +/- 82 days)--five with isolated necrosis, two with associated acute rejection, four with associated ductopenia, and three with associated acute rejection and ductopenia. In 11 grafts the necrosis persisted and evolved to chronic rejection. In conclusion, these findings indicate that centrilobular necrosis is a histopathological sign associated with poor prognosis in most hepatic grafts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[The treatment of acute liver failure due to fulminating hepatitis by total or partial orthotopic liver transplantation. The clinical results].

Indications for liver transplant in acute fulminating hepatitis (AFH) are predominantly affected by the high mortality of this spontaneous evolution (80-100%). At present patients with AFH have priority for transplant since they form part of the 0 emergency group according to the National Transplant Organisation. During the period between 1986 and the end of February 1992, a total of 254 liver transplants were performed in 202 patients (52 retransplants). In 26 patients (12.8%) (16 females and 10 males) the indication was fulminating acute hepatitis. Etiology was unknown in 20 patients, secondary to hepatitis B in 4 and to hepatitis A in 1, and was caused by isonazide ingestion in 1 case. The age limits were 3-60 years (X = 31.5 years). An isogroup graft was performed in 16 patients (61.5%), compatible in 3 (11.6%) and incompatible in 7 (26.9%). Due to anthropometric differences, a partial graft was used in 7 patients (26.9%); in 2 of the latter the graft was taken from the same donor ("split-liver"). Placement was always orthotopic with resection of the retrohepatic vena cava in 25 patients and its preservation in 1 (left lobe of split-liver). Peroperative (30 days) mortality was 23% (6/26); 2 due to cerebral death, 2 due to sepsis, 1 due to multisystemic insufficiency (MSI) and 1 due to acute pancreatitis. Four patients (15.3%) died some time after transplant; 1 after 5 months due to broncho-pulmonary complications, 1 after 7 months due to subacute hepatitis, 1 after 3 months due to respiratory failure and the last after 5 months due to anoxic encephalopathy and lung infection. Ten patients (39.4%) were re-transplanted; 4 following chronic rejection, 4 due to primary graft no function, 1 due to arterial thrombosis and 1 due to recurrent hepatitis (with cirrhosis). Two of the latter patients died intraoperatively due to coagulopathy and hemorrhage, and 3 following surgery (1 due to sepsis, 1 due to respiratory complications and 1 due to respiratory insufficiency). Two patients underwent a second re-transplant (1 due to chronic rejection and 1 due to recurrent hepatitis) and of these 1 died peroperatively due to sepsis and MSF. Overall mortality was therefore 61.5% (16/26) and the actuarial survival rate of 17 patients (10 living + 7 postoperative deaths) was 68% at 12 months and 52.9% at 36 months. Even if peroperative mortality is relatively high, liver transplant is currently the elective treatment for fulminating acute hepatitis.

Adolescent↗

[Endocarditis due to penicillin-sensitive and -resistant pneumococci: the current perspectives on the disease].

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinic characteristics and therapeutic aspects of endocarditis by Streptococcus pneumoniae sensitive and resistant to penicillin. METHODS: Twelve cases of pneumococcal endocarditis evaluated in 4 Spanish hospitals over the last 10 years were studied, analyzing their clinical characteristics and the existence of resistance to penicillin. The features were compared with a series of 98 cases found in a review of the literature. RESULTS: All the patients were males, most being alcoholics. The course of the disease was acute (2 weeks) in all the cases and evolved with great aggressivity: cardiac failure (9 patients), myocardial abscess (7 patients), multiple arterial embolisms (5 patients), septic arthritis (4 patients). Three patients had simultaneous pneumococcal meningitis but only one had pneumonia. The valve most affected was the aortic (9 cases). Three cases were due to strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae with moderate resistance to penicillin (CMI 0.5-1 micrograms/ml). Global mortality was 42%. All the patients receiving inadequate antibiotic treatment died. Vancomycin and cefotaxime appear to be effective in the treatment of cases produced by strains of pneumococcus with intermediate sensitivity to penicillin. There were no apparent differences in mortality between the cases of endocarditis by pneumococcus sensitive or moderately resistant to penicillin. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal endocarditis continues to condition a high mortality similar to that produced in previously made series. The classic relation with meningitis and pneumonia is infrequent today. The appearance of strains resistant to penicillin may increase the incidence of this infection and further worsen prognosis.

Adult↗

Liver transplantation in chronic viral B and C hepatitis.

Liver transplantation is a valid treatment in chronic viral B and C hepatitis. But disease recurrence is very frequent in HBV hepatitis after the procedure, and its prevention and treatment are unresolved problems. Hepatitis C recurrence in the graft seems also to be common, and further studies of its pathobiology are needed.

Adolescent↗