Long-Term Follow-Up of Liver Transplantation for Budd-Chiari Syndrome With Antithrombotic Therapy Based on the Etiology

BACKGROUND: Because myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) are a frequent cause of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), treatment directed toward altering platelet production and function may be more rational and effective than anticoagulation after liver transplantation. METHODS: We reviewed data on 25 patients who received liver transplantation for BCS at our institution from 1987 to 2007. Posttransplant antithrombotic treatment was based on the cause of BCS: 17 patients with MPDs received hydroxyurea/aspirin; 5 received warfarin; and 3 (2 whose hypercoagulable disorder was corrected and 1 with sarcoidosis) received no therapy. RESULTS: Both graft survival (88% at 5 years) and patient survival (92% at 5 years) were superior in the BCS group compared with the 2609 patients who received liver transplants for other indications. Vascular complications included three instances of hepatic artery stenosis (NS compared with non-BCS liver recipients), one of portal vein thrombosis (nonsignificant [NS]), and one of portal vein stenosis (NS). All 25 patients underwent multiple liver biopsies with no bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: Using hydroxyurea and aspirin to treat patients with BCS caused by an MPD seems to be safe and effective and avoids the risks of anticoagulation with warfarin.