Patients with hepatic decompensation were prospectively recruited from September 2010 to September 2012 to receive HSC
transplantation via the hepatic artery or the portal vein. Liver function was examined at 3, 6, and 12 months after
transplantation. Liver biopsy Results were analyzed using the Knodell score.
RESULTS: Eighty patients (58 males and 22 females) were enrolled in the study. The Child-Pugh score was grade B in 69 cases, and grade C in the remaining 11 cases. HSC
transplantation was performed via the portal vein in 36 patients and via the hepatic artery in 44 patients. ALT levels decreased while
serum albumin levels increased significantly in both groups at 6 and 12 months after HSC
transplantation (P<0.05 compared with pre-
transplantation levels). Total
bilirubin levels decreased significantly in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after HSC
transplantation (P<0.05 compared with pre-
transplantation levels). Additionally, prothrombin time decreased in both groups at 12 months after HSC
transplantation (P<0.05 compared with pre-
transplantation level). There were no significant differences in ALT, total
bilirubin and prothrombin time between the two groups either before or after
transplantation. Moreover, Knodell score decreased significantly at 6 and 12 months. Histological examination showed that liver cell
edema, degeneration,
necrosis, and
inflammation were significantly relieved at 3, 6, and 12 months after
transplantation. The incidence of portal vein
thrombosis, upper gastrointestinal
bleeding, and
hepatic encephalopathy were 1.25%, 3.75%, and 2.5% respectively. The one-year survival rate was 100%.
CONCLUSIONS: