Prolonged liver dysfunction caused by hemosiderosis in a renal transplant recipient.
BACKGROUND
Liver dysfunction is a frequent complication that arises in the period following kidney transplantations, often resulting in death. We reported a case proving hemosiderosis as a cause of prolonged liver dysfunction after cadaveric kidney transplantation.


METHODS
A 47-year-old man, who had been undergoing hemodialysis, was referred to our hospital on 2 November 1999. On the same day, cadaveric kidney transplantation was performed, and serum creatinine level reached a normal level within 2 weeks after surgery. However, serum transaminase gradually increased in the postoperative period. Serum ALT rose up to 116 IU/L on day 20 after the operation and 215 IU/L on day 30. Microscopic examination by needle biopsy revealed hemosiderosis of the liver. Recombinant human erythropoietin was administered and phlebotomy was performed. Liver function improved as a result.


CONCLUSIONS
Early histological diagnosis can be a useful marker in predicting the course of chronic liver disease.
Ogihara
Masahiko
M
Department of Urology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan. ogichan@fmu.ac.jp
Yanagida
Tomohiko
T
Kamata
Tatsuhiko
T
Nakamura
Takayuki
T
Suzuki
Kazuhiro
K
Haga
Nobuhiro
N
Suzuki
Takayuki
T
Yamaguchi
Osamu
O
D002102:Cadaver; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006486:Hemosiderosis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin