Outcomes 18 months after the first human partial face transplantation.
BACKGROUND
We performed the first human partial face allograft on November 27, 2005. Here we report outcomes up to 18 months after transplantation.


METHODS
The postsurgical induction immunosuppression protocol included thymoglobulins combined with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. Donor hematopoietic stem cells were infused on postoperative days 4 and 11. Sequential biopsy specimens were taken from a sentinel skin graft, the facial skin, and the oral mucosa. Functional progress was assessed by tests of sensory and motor function performed monthly. Psychological support was provided before and after transplantation.


RESULTS
Sensitivity to light touch, as assessed with the use of static monofilaments, and sensitivity to heat and cold had returned to normal at 6 months after transplantation. Motor recovery was slower, and labial contact allowing complete mouth closure was achieved at 10 months. Psychological acceptance of the graft progressed as function improved. Rejection episodes occurred on days 18 and 214 after transplantation and were reversed. A decrease in inulin clearance led to a change in immunosuppressive regimen from tacrolimus to sirolimus at 14 months. Extracorporeal photochemotherapy was introduced at 10 months to prevent recurrence of rejection. There have been no subsequent rejection episodes. At 18 months, the patient is satisfied with the aesthetic result.


CONCLUSIONS
In this patient who underwent the first partial face transplantation, the functional and aesthetic results 18 months after transplantation are satisfactory.
Dubernard
Jean-Michel
JM
Department of Transplantology, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Université Lyon 1, Centaure Network, Lyon, France. jean-michel.dubernard@chu-lyon.fr
Lengelé
Benoit
B
Morelon
Emmanuel
E
Testelin
Sylvie
S
Badet
Lionel
L
Moure
Christophe
C
Beziat
Jean-Luc
JL
Dakpé
Stéphanie
S
Kanitakis
Jean
J
D'Hauthuille
Cédric
C
El Jaafari
Assia
A
Petruzzo
Palmina
P
Lefrancois
Nicole
N
Taha
Farid
F
Sirigu
Angela
A
Di Marco
Giovanni
G
Carmi
Esther
E
Bachmann
Danielle
D
Cremades
Sophie
S
Giraux
Pascal
P
Burloux
Gabriel
G
Hequet
Olivier
O
Parquet
Nathalie
N
Francès
Camille
C
Michallet
Mauricette
M
Martin
Xavier
X
Devauchelle
Bernard
B
D000328:Adult; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face / Q000502:physiology*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D054445:Facial Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D006650:Histocompatibility Testing; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents