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K Rolles

Publications and source records attributed to K Rolles.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

A prospective randomized clinical trial of liver preservation using high-sodium versus high-potassium lactobionate/raffinose solution.

High-sodium as opposed to high-potassium lactobionate/raffinose preservation solution offers potential advantages in improving the quality of liver storage by reducing potassium-induced vasoconstriction and preventing hyperkalaemia on reperfusion. In our study we evaluated in a prospective trial (encompassing 40 consecutive cadaver donor hepatic retrievals and subsequent transplants) the efficacy of a high-sodium formulation versus the standard high-potassium solution. Quality of preservation was assessed by clinical indices of liver function in the intraoperative and early postoperative phases, including measurements of requirements for blood and blood products and potassium, circulating liver enzymes and bilirubin. Frequencies of acute rejection episodes and primary non-function were also recorded. No significant differences were evident in any of the measured parameters. Thus a sodium-based solution can be used for hepatic preservation, advancing the possibility that it may be possible to develop a single storage solution for clinical multi-organ donor operations.

Adult↗

Cyclosporin associated headache.

Despite successful orthoptic liver transplantation some patients develop a recurrent headache that interferes with their quality of life. To estimate the frequency of this symptom 34 patients who had undergone orthoptic liver transplantation were questioned about the history and character of any headache. Six patients described a recurrent headache typical of migraine only since transplantation. In two patients the pain improved after reduction of cyclosporin dosage and thereby plasma cyclosporin concentration.

Cyclosporine↗

Hepatic venular stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Fibrous stenosis of hepatic venules and other features of venous outflow obstruction, including zone 3 congestion and hemorrhage, are sometimes seen after orthotopic liver transplantation. similar changes associated with endothelial damage have recently been ascribed to azathioprine toxicity and may be forerunners of chronic rejection. Other potential causative agents such as viral hepatitis have yet to be considered. We reviewed 49 liver biopsy specimens from 21 consecutive patients after orthotopic liver transplantation, in whom full data including further follow-up biopsy samples were available. Hepatic venous stenosis was identified in seven patients who had received azathioprine and two additional patients in whom this change could not be ascribed to azathioprine. Stenosis was always associated with zone 3 hemorrhage and congestion and was first noted between 5 and 30 days after transplantation in all but two cases; in these two patients they were first noted after 72 and 133 days. Cellular rejection, including endotheliitis involving terminal hepatic venules, was found in five of the seven patients who had received azathioprine. Chronic (ductopenic) rejection was not seen during a follow-up period of between 97 and 540 days. In three of the nine patients with hepatic venular stenosis, zone 3 changes persisted, and in two of these azathioprine could not be held responsible. Of the 12 patients without hepatic venular stenosis, 10 had received azathioprine. Two of these 12 patients had peliosis-like foci but no other vascular abnormalities. Both also had moderate cellular rejection. Hepatic venular stenosis was found in 43% of patients after liver transplantation; this was usually associated with azathioprine administration and concomitant cellular rejection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Effect of hypothermic storage in liver allograft preservation solutions on vasoactivity and prostacyclin synthesis by the rabbit aorta, in vitro.

Primary graft dysfunction following orthoptic liver transplantation has been ascribed to thrombotic and ischemic complications in a high proportion of cases. It has been suggested that hypothermic storage of livers in preservation solutions elicits damage to the vascular endothelium. Since the endothelium controls vasoactivity and hemostasis via release of endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin (PGI2), storage injury to the endothelium may predispose the allograft to thrombosis, ischemia and impaired perfusion. In order to test this, the effect of long-term hypothermic storage in modified University of Wisconsin solution (UW), kidney perfusion solution (KPS) and minimum essential medium (MEM) on phenylephrine (PE)-stimulated contraction and acetylcholine (ACh)-stimulated relaxation, as well as PGI2 release by rabbit aortic rings was investigated. Following cold storage for 24, 48 and 72 h, PE and ACh dose response curves were unaffected by storage in MEM, UW or KPS. Following hypothermic storage for 24 h and 48 h, PGI2 release (stimulated with PE, ACh, arachidonate, fluoride, calcium ionophore and phorbol ester) was not significantly altered from zero time responses. These results demonstrate that hypothermic storage of rabbit aortic rings in both UW and KPS do not influence two key endothelial functions (the release of EDRF or PGI2) which in turn indicates that endothelial damage associated with reperfusion following hypothermic storage is not causally related to alterations in EDRF and PGI2 release.

Animals↗

Impact of aprotinin on blood transfusion requirements in liver transplantation.

A retrospective study was carried out to ascertain the blood bank provision required to support a liver transplant programme and to assess the effect of intraoperative aprotinin on blood product requirements in liver transplant recipients with cirrhosis. Sixty patients with end-stage liver disease underwent 62 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants between October 1988 and January 1991. The total and intraoperative requirements of red cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) were analysed for three groups of liver transplant recipients, those without cirrhosis (n = 15), those with cirrhosis (n = 25) and those with cirrhosis who received intraoperative aprotinin (n = 20). Fifteen without cirrhosis had mean total requirements of 15 units of red cells, 18 units of platelets and 16 units of FFP. Twenty patients with cirrhosis who received intraoperative aprotinin had broadly similar requirements. However, blood product requirements for 25 patients with cirrhosis were significantly greater (46 units of red cells, 41 units of platelets, 43 units of FFP, excluding the seven patients with primary biliary cirrhosis). We conclude that a liver transplant programme can be supported by a teaching hospital blood bank. The use of intraoperative aprotinin significantly reduces blood product requirements.

Adult↗

Pulmonary platelet aggregates: possible cause of sudden peroperative death in adults undergoing liver transplantation.

AIMS: To determine if massive pulmonary platelet thromboembolism is a common cause of peroperative death following liver transplantation; and to compare the incidence of this event with patients dying after non-transplantation procedures. METHODS: Necropsy tissues from all patients dying within 10 days of operation during the past three and a half years were studied (six liver transplantations and 13 unrelated operations). Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections of all tissues were examined. Additional sections of lung tissue were immunostained for constituents of thrombus (fibrin and platelets). RESULTS: At necropsy the lungs from all six liver transplant recipients were heavy with a rubbery texture and little oedema fluid. Those from non-transplantation patients appeared normal or very oedematous. Microscopic examination showed that there were numerous platelet aggregates occluding pulmonary capillaries in all six transplant recipients, but in only three of the non-transplant patients. These thrombi were numerous in patients dying during surgery and the number was underestimated in routine sections because of the surrounding capillary congestion. Detection was improved by immunostaining for platelets with factor XIIIA and platelet glyco-protein IIIa. CONCLUSIONS: Massive platelet thromboembolism is a likely cause of death in patients dying unexpectedly following recent liver transplantation. Non-transplantation patients dying during surgery who show similar appearances usually have conditions known to have a high risk of thrombosis or embolism (cement hypotension syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation). The cause of this extensive platelet activation in liver transplant recipients is uncertain and may be multifactorial. The unusual rubbery consistency of the lungs on macroscopic examination could alert the pathologist to the underlying condition. Immunostaining for platelets improves the detection microscopically.

Adult↗

Liver transplantation during pregnancy.

We present a case of successful liver transplantation during the midtrimester of pregnancy, showing that pregnancy itself is not a contraindication to liver transplantation with life-threatening illness. Improvements in anaesthetic and surgical technique will enhance the possibility of foetal survival.

Adult↗

Liver transplantation in 100 children: Cambridge and King's College Hospital series.

OBJECTIVE: To review the results of the Addenbrooke's and King's College Hospital children's liver transplantation programme. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the first 100 children to receive liver grafts at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, from December 1983 to March 1990. SETTING: Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, and King's College Hospital, London. SUBJECTS: 153 children assessed for liver transplantation, of whom 22 died before a donor became available and 31 were considered unsuitable. 100 children received grafts, of whom 27 had second grafts. RESULTS: One year actuarial patient survival was 71%, with 57% one year graft survival. In the last two years survival rates had improved considerably, with 86% of patients and 63% of grafts surviving for at least one year. Sixty five children were alive 12 to 86 months after transplantation; 63 were well and leading normal active lives and 56 had entirely normal liver function. Children's growth and development were essentially normal, with many showing remarkable catch up growth. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplantation offers children with terminal liver disease a high chance of a return to full quality life and normal development. Improved surgical and medical care have progressively improved survival. The timing of transplantation is critical but has been constrained particularly by the availability of donors and resources.

Adolescent↗

The effect of cold storage of rat thoracic aortic rings in organ preservation solutions--a study of receptor-linked vascular prostacyclin synthesis.

An important aspect of organ preservation is the maintenance of intrinsic dilator and antithrombotic mechanisms of blood vessels. Blood vessels synthesize prostacyclin (PGI2), a potent vasodilator and inhibitor of platelet adhesion and aggregation. PGI2 synthesis is controlled by complex mechanisms including adrenoceptor-linked calcium influx and protein kinase C. Since organ preservation solutions may influence these mechanisms, we investigated the effect on in vitro PGI2 synthesis of cold storage of rat aortic rings in lactobionate-raffinose solution (LRS) and hypertonic citrate kidney preservation solution (KPS) on in vitro PGI2 synthesis. Acute incubation of aortic tissue in both preservation solutions at 37 degrees C (compared with minimal essential medium) completely inhibited PGI2 synthesis when stimulated with noradrenaline (NA), phorbol ester (a protein kinase C activator), NaF (a G protein activator), or A23187. Following storage of aortic rings at 4 degrees C (for up to 72 hr) in LRS and KPS, subsequent washing and incubation in MEM, PGI2 synthesis was initially markedly enhanced in response to NA when compared with tissues stored in MEM. These enhanced responses disappeared, and PGI2 synthesis returned to normal following 1 hr incubation of tissues in MEM at 37 degrees C. These data demonstrate that cold storage in preservation fluids exerts minimal deleterious effects, not only on PGI2 synthesis, but possibly on other key processes (calcium homeostasis, protein kinase C activity) in blood vessels.

Adenosine↗

Surveillance for CMV infection in orthotopic liver transplant recipients.

Infection with cytomegalovirus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following orthotopic liver transplantation. In order that preventive strategies may be devised, a detailed assessment of risk factors for infection and disease is required. We have prospectively assessed 46 orthotopic liver transplant recipients for CMV excretion from multiple sites in order to determine incidence of, and risk factors for, CMV infection and disease. Risk factors for posttransplant CMV infection were donor CMV seropositivity, an increased volume of peritransplant whole-blood transfusion and an increased dose of extra steroid therapy to treat rejection episodes. These findings implicate, respectively, transfer of virus with donor organ, transfer of virus with blood transfusion, and stimulation of reactivation of latent virus in recipients through augmented immunosuppression. The possible ways of preventing or ameliorating these effects are discussed.

Adult↗

Liver transplantation in tyrosinaemia type 1: the dilemma of timing the operation.

Four children with tyrosinaemia type 1 received liver transplants. The metabolic disorder was corrected and all four had normal liver function on an unrestricted diet. Two children, transplanted at age five and seven years, proved to have occult hepatocellular carcinoma and both subsequently developed pulmonary metastases. One child was well 32 months after removal of a single pulmonary metastasis but the other child died with multiple metastases. The two younger children, transplanted at age 19 and 21 months, were well 28 and 44 months after operation, one after a second liver transplant. Our experience confirms the high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in this disease and the potential value of early liver transplantation.

Age Factors↗

The intra-operative use of trasylol (aprotinin) in liver transplantation.

Aprotinin has been reported to reduce blood loss in difficult cases requiring cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and more recently in liver transplantation. Over a 9-month period we compared the effects of an intra-operative infusion of aprotinin on transfusion requirements and coagulation profiles in 12 patients undergoing liver transplantation for end-stage cirrhosis with an equal number of consecutive transplants in patients with similar pathology who did not receive aprotinin. Transfusion of blood and blood products was reduced to one-third in the aprotinin-treated group. Operative time was also significantly reduced, as was ICU stay post-operatively. Aprotinin profoundly inhibits fibrinolysis and this is likely to be the major effect by which blood loss is reduced. Thromboelastography revealed severe fibrinolytic changes in the anhepatic stage in 4 of 6 controlled patients; this accelerated in 3 following reperfusion of the new graft. By contrast, only 1 patient of 12 in the aprotinin-treated group showed fibrinolytic activity in the anhepatic period, and none showed evidence of fibrinolysis following reperfusion of the new graft.

Aprotinin↗

Hepatocellular ballooning after liver transplantation: a light and electronmicroscopic study with clinicopathological correlation.

The histopathological features of orthotopic liver grafts were studied in 107 serial specimens from 25 patients, to assess the prevalence, possible pathogenesis and prognostic implications of hepatocellular ballooning. Ballooned hepatocytes were found in 46 (54%) of 85 biopsies taken five or more days after transplantation from 16 patients. They were not found in any of the protocol biopsies taken at the time of the operation. Ballooning usually appeared in the second week after transplantation, and in most patients persisted to the time of the latest biopsy studied. The affected cells were always found in acinar zone 3, and sometimes also in other zones. Forty-four of the 46 biopsies with ballooning were taken during a period of clinical and biochemical cholestasis. In 13 of the 16 patients the degree of ballooning paralleled the severity of the cholestasis. Electronmicroscopy of affected hepatocytes showed conspicuous dilatation of the cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum rather than the classical features of cholestasis. It was therefore concluded that ballooning was associated with but not directly caused by bile retention. There was no obvious association between ballooning and cellular rejection, sepsis, immunosuppressive therapy or parenteral nutrition. The most severe early ballooning was associated with serum transaminase levels over 1000 IU/l within 48 h of transplantation, suggesting that ischaemia was one of the pathogenetic factors. Hepatocellular ballooning did not in itself appear to have sinister short-term prognostic implications.

Adolescent↗