Early acute cellular rejection: no effect on late hepatic allograft function in man

Whereas early acute cellular rejection, even if successfully treated, seems to have an impact on late function and survival of kidney and heart transp lants, little quantitative data are available on its effect(s) on liver tra nsplants. Routine liver function tests, the functioning liver cell mass (ga lactose elimination capacity) and microsomal metabolic capacity (aminopyrin e breath test) were determined prospectively in 37 consecutive patients 1 y ear after liver transplantation. Of these, 19 (7 females and 12 males, 32-6 9 years of age) had previously required treatment for at least one biopsy p roven acute cellular rejection episode occuring a median 7 days after graft ing, while 18 (6 females and 12 males, 30-67 years of age) had not. The fun ctioning liver cell mass and microsomal metabolic capacity were both within normal limits for the majority of patients and did not differ significantl y between patients with and without previous acute cellular rejection episo des. In contrast to other solid organ transplants, early acute cellular rej ection episodes do not affect late function of liver allografts in man.