Seventh-day syndrome: a catastrophic event after liver transplantation: case report

Transplant Proc. 2015 May;47(4):1055-8. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2015.03.043.

Abstract

Seventh-day syndrome (7DS) is an early serious complication of liver transplantation, characterized by sudden failure of a previously normally functioning liver graft ∼1 week after the surgery. Although it is an uncommon event, it has major associated mortality. As its etiology is yet to be recognized, the only currently available treatment is retransplantation. We present 3 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation recipients who had an initial uneventful recovery after surgery followed by a dramatic rise of serum liver enzyme levels ∼7 days later and hepatic failure with subsequent graft loss and death despite high-dose immunosuppressive therapy. Histologic findings showed massive centrolobular hemorrhage and hepatocellular necrosis with reduced inflammation. It is essential to review and accumulate more clinical and laboratory information to better understand this syndrome and to better prevent and treat it.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy
  • Clinical Enzyme Tests
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Failure / blood
  • Liver Failure / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure / etiology*
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Syndrome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler