Diagnosis and treatment of posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases in liver transplant recipients: a single-center experience

  Objective  To summarize the incidence, diagnosis and treatment experience of posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD) in the liver transplant recipients.

  Methods  Clinical data of 734 liver transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence, clinical symptoms, laboratory and imaging data of PTLD in liver transplant recipients were collected. The pathological results and treatment methods of PTLD recipients were analyzed. The prognosis of PTLD recipients was evaluated.

  Results  The incidence of PTLD in liver transplant recipients was 2.2% (16/734). The median time of onset after operation was 8(3, 46) months. The main clinical manifestations of PTLD were fever and lymph nodes enlargement. Some patients developed anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, abnormal liver function and digestive system symptoms, etc. Among 16 PTLD recipients, 1 case showed abnormal increase in blood concentration of tacrolimus, 6 cases of elevated transaminase levels, 14 cases of increased Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load and 5 cases of increased cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA load. Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) showed hypermetabolism of ¹⁸F-flurodeoxyglucose in the enlarged lymph nodes of 13 recipients. CT scan of the neck and abdomen indicated multiple lymph node enlargement in the corresponding area of 2 recipients. Lymph nodes enlargement of 1 recipient showed on ultrasound only. All 16 PTLD recipients received pathological examination. In situ hybridization showed that EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) was positive in 13 recipients. Reducing the immunosuppressant level was the basal treatment plan for PTLD recipients, and it can be combined with rituximab-targeted therapy and chemotherapy according to different pathological types of PTLD. Surgery and radiotherapy were used for enlarged lymph nodes. One recipient died of transplant liver failure due to PTLD treatment.

  Conclusions  Administration of immunosuppressants after liver transplantation can increase the risk of PTLD. The incidence of PTLD is higher in pediatric liver transplant recipients than in adults. Early diagnosis and reasonable treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of PTLD recipients.