Irreversible liver graft failure is a life-threatening complication. We reviewed the first 200 pediatric liver transplantations in Birmingham. Forty-one children developed primary graft failure, 9 of whom developed secondary graft failure. The main indications for graft failure were primary nonfunction (PRNF; 8 patients), vascular complications (VASC; 23 patients), and chronic rejection (CHRE; 19 patients). Thirty-two children underwent retransplantation (ReTx) (21 children received reduced grafts; 11 children, whole hepatic grafts). Patient survival was significantly worse for retransplant recipients compared with children receiving a single graft (63% v 76.5% actuarial patient survival at 1 year; P F .05). Primary graft 1-year actuarial survival was 74% in first grafts compared with 47% for regrafts (P F .05), but improved with time. The graft 1-year survival rate was 55% for whole grafts and 45% for reduced and/or split grafts in the first 100 grafts compared with 83% and 66% in the second 100 grafts, respectively (P F .01). Emergency ReTx within a month of transplantation was associated with more complications and a worse outcome (1-year survival rate, 37%) compared with patients who underwent ReTx later (1-year survival rate, 72%; P F .01). The incidence of primary graft failure decreased from 33% in the first 100 grafts to 16% in the second 100 grafts (P F .01), as did the incidence of PRNF, which decreased from 8% to 0% (P F .05). Although the rates of graft failure from VASC decreased from 15% to 8% (P ؍ .2) and CHRE decreased from 11% to 8% (P ؍ .6), neither reached statistical significance. The improved results overall are because of advances in surgical techniques, intensive care management, and graft preservation and refinements in immunosuppression. We conclude that ReTx for a child with primary graft failure is justified.
These encouraging results compare favourably with those of reduced-size and whole-liver transplantation and justify wider application of this technique, thereby optimizing donor resource use.
Objectives
To highlight important clinical aspects of Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). PMDS belongs to the group of differences of sex development. It is attributed to mutations in genes encoding for the anti-Müllerian hormone or its type II receptor (AMHR2) and inherited via an autosomal recessive transmission.
Case presentation
An 18-day-old male infant with known bilateral cryptorchidism, presented with left-sided obstructed inguinal hernia. The diagnosis of PMDS was considered during inguinal exploration as both testes together with uterus and fallopian tubes were recognized in the hernial sac. Histology confirmed the presence of Müllerian-derived tissues. Genetic testing revealed two different mutations of the AMHR2 gene, both with autosomal recessive transmission: a frequently encountered deletion of 27 pairs bases on exon 10 of this 11 exon gene and a novel deletion of 2 pairs bases on exon 6.
Conclusions
This case is notable being the rarest type of PMDS, that of transverse testicular ectopia and associated with a novel AMHR2 gene mutation.
Introduction
Pancreatic tumors are reported rarely in childhood and represent an extremely rare entity in Pediatric Oncology. One of the least common types of pediatric pancreatic tumor is acinar cell carcinoma (ACC). We aim to present a rare case of ACC and the difficulties we faced during diagnosis and treatment.
Patient and Methods
An 8-year old girl presented with jaundice. Workup revealed a tumor originating from the head of the pancreas with multiple metastatic lesions in her liver. Evaluation of tumor markers revealed elevated levels of AFP. Pathology report was indicative of acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas.
Results
After consulting the EXPeRT group (European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors), chemotherapy was initiated. Partial response was observed after the first 4 courses with decrease of AFP levels. While planning her surgery, AFP elevated and a second-line course of chemotherapy was administered. Our patient underwent Whipple’s Duodenopancreatectomy with partial metastasectomy. Although the postoperative period was uneventful, AFP continued to rise even after postoperative chemotherapy was administered. There were signs of metastatic disease progression. Our patient received a third-line regimen with no improvement. She received local radiotherapy and a next-line chemotherapy course. Local relapse and metastatic disease progression placed our patient in palliative care. She passed away nine months after the initial diagnosis.
Conclusions
Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare type of pediatric cancer with very challenging diagnosis and treatment. Cooperation at the European level and multicenter management of those rare cases is vital for the optimum outcome.
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