A successful liver transplantation for refractory hepatic veno-occlusive disease originating from cord blood transplantation

Am J Transplant. 2002 Sep;2(8):796-800. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-6143.2002.20815.x.

Abstract

An 11-month-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) underwent umbilical cord blood transplantation (CBT) from an unrelated donor after a first complete remission. Despite the prophylactic use of low molecular weight heparin, prostaglandin E1 and ursodeoxycholic acid, hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred on the 29th day after CBT. Furthermore, neither defibrotide nor antithrombin-III improved the hepatic coma and coagulopathy due to the hepatic VOD. On the 42nd day after CBT, he underwent living related liver transplantation (LRLT) with a left lateral segment graft from his father. He received tacrolimus for the prevention of rejection and graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) and also received aggressive antifungal and antiviral prophylaxis. Although he showed signs of acute rejection on postoperative days 5 and 10, the postoperative course was uneventful in general. At present, 17 months after LRLT, the patient shows stable liver function and no signs of either GVHD or a relapse of ALL. In conclusion, LRLT can be seen as a feasible option for the treatment of a hepatic VOD after CBT, though aggressive prophylaxis for infection and the anticipation of acute rejection are of importance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / etiology*
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy