Predictors of high intraoperative blood loss derived by simple and objective method in adult living donor liver transplantation

Intraoperative Cardiac Arrests in Asian Recipients of Liver Transplantation-Second Report After Learning Curve

BACKGROUND

Although surgical competency and anesthesia for liver transplantation (LT) have evolved significantly in the past decades, intraoperative cardiac arrest (ICA) is still an event that brings a poor prognosis to the recipient. We report a second-decade experience of ICA as a follow-up study of our first report at our institution.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of the medical records and the Liver Transplant Program database of our institution. LT from January 2011 to June 2023 were included. Of the 1735 LT cases, a total of 1730 cases were included, excluding three non-Asian and two simultaneous heart and liver transplants (1598 adult LT, 132 pediatric LT).

RESULTS

The ICA incidence during adult LT was 0.7% (11/1598) which is significantly lower compared to our first report (1.5%; 14/919) (p = 0.042). ICA occurred only in adult recipients. Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS, six cases) and bleeding (four cases) were the primary causes in most cases and most ICA occurred after reperfusion (10/11). The mortality rates within 24 h, 30 days, and 1 year were 27.3%, 45.5%, and 54.5%, respectively. The survival curve did not show a significant difference from our first report (p = 0.570), and the survival rate of the ICA group was significantly lower compared to the non-ICA group. (p = 0.000) CONCLUSION: The incidence of ICA has decreased, but the main causes of ICA as PRS and bleeding after reperfusion have not changed. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the survival curves from the first report. Because ICA is still fatal, efforts to reduce its incidence should be continued.

Successful ABO-Incompatible Living Donor Liver Transplantation in a Patient with an Anaphylactic Reaction to Fresh Frozen Plasma During Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation (ABOi LDLT) is a complex procedure involving the reduction of anti-A and anti-B antibodies by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to prevent acute antibody-mediated rejection. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is often used as replacement fluid during TPE.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report an ABOi LDLT case in which the patient experienced an anaphylactic reaction to FFP during TPE. Additional TPE was performed using 5% albumin as replacement fluid. ABOi LDLT was successfully performed by adapting the transfusion strategy to avoid FFP and cryoprecipitate and to administer washed platelets.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of careful preoperative assessment, multidisciplinary coordination, and individualized approaches in ABOi LDLT, especially when the patient has an anaphylactic reaction to FFP.

Preoperative Intrathecal Morphine is Associated With Reduced Postoperative Pain, Agitation, and Delirium In Living Donor Kidney Transplantation Recipients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium after organ transplantation can lead to increased length of hospital stay and mortality. Because pain is an important risk factor for delirium, perioperative analgesia with intrathecal morphine (ITM) may mitigate postoperative delirium development. We evaluated if ITM reduces postoperative delirium incidence in living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) recipients.

METHODS

Two hundred ninety-six patients who received LDKT between 2014 and 2018 at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Recipients who received preoperative ITM (ITM group) were compared with those who did not (control group). The primary outcome was postoperative delirium based on the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit results during the first 4 postoperative days.

RESULTS

Delirium occurred in 2.6% (4/154) and 7.0% (10/142) of the ITM and control groups, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14; P = .031), recent smoking (OR: 7.87, 95% CI: 1.43-43.31; P = .018), preoperative psychotropics (OR: 23.01, 95% CI: 3.22-164.66; P = .002) were risk factors, whereas ITM was a protective factor (OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06-0.89; P = .033).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative ITM showed an independent association with reduced post-LDKT delirium. Further studies and the development of regional analgesia for delirium prevention may enhance the postoperative recovery of transplant recipients.

Intraoperative Factors Modifying the Risk of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Living Donor Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The relationship between intraoperative anesthetic management and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after liver transplantation is not fully understood. We aimed to determine the intraoperative contributors to PPC.

METHODS

The retrospectively collected cohort included 605 patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation. PPCs comprised respiratory failure, respiratory infection, pulmonary edema, atelectasis (at least moderate degree), pneumothorax, and pleural effusion (at least moderate degree). The presence and type of PPC were evaluated by 2 pulmonary physicians. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between perioperative variables and PPC risk.

RESULTS

Of the 605 patients, 318 patients (52.6%) developed 486 PPCs. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that PPC risk decreased with low tidal volume ventilation (odds ratio [OR] 0.62 [0.41-0.94], P  = 0.023) and increased with greater driving pressure at the end of surgery (OR 1.08 [1.01-1.14], P  = 0.018), prolonged hypotension (OR 1.85 [1.27-2.70], P  = 0.001), and blood albumin level ≤3.0 g/dL at the end of surgery (OR 2.43 [1.51-3.92], P  < 0.001). Survival probability at 3, 6, and 12 mo after transplantation was 91.2%, 89.6%, and 86.5%, respectively, in patients with PPCs and 98.3%, 96.5%, and 93.4%, respectively, in patients without PPCs (hazard ratio 2.2 [1.3-3.6], P  = 0.004). Graft survival probability at 3, 6, and 12 mo after transplantation was 89.3%, 87.1%, and 84.3%, respectively, in patients with PPCs and 97.6%, 95.8%, and 92.7%, respectively, in patients without PPCs (hazard ratio 2.3 [1.4-3.7], P  = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that tidal volume, driving pressure, hypotension, and albumin level during living donor liver transplantation were significantly associated with PPC risk. These data may help determine patients at risk of PPC or develop an intraoperative lung-protective strategy for liver transplant recipients.

Sudden mode change of permanent pacemaker during living donor liver transplantation - A case report

BACKGROUND

Pacemakers assist circulation by generating electrical impulses. Patients with pacemakers scheduled to undergo surgery are vulnerable to device-related complications. Therefore, careful perioperative management is required to prevent undesirable events.

CASE

A 66-year-old man with alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma was referred for liver transplantation. The pacemaker was inserted preoperatively to manage sick sinus syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Overall liver transplantation was performed without any adverse events. However, the pacemaker suddenly failed to provide regular pacing rhythm during abdominal closure. Fortunately, the native heart rate was maintained above 70 beats per minute and blood pressure did not fluctuate after pacing failure. After retrospective analysis, the duration setting of preoperative pacemaker reprogramming (24 h) was revealed as the cause of unexpected pacing failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesiologists should be alert in patients with pacemakers because minor errors may lead to inadvertent failure of pacing or severe hemodynamic instability.

Forced-air prewarming prevents hypothermia during living donor liver transplantation: a randomized controlled trial

Despite various intraoperative thermal strategies, core heat loss is considerable during liver transplantation and hypothermia is common. We tested whether forced-air prewarming prevents hypothermia during liver transplantation. Adult patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation were randomly assigned to non-prewarming group (n = 20) or prewarming group (n = 20). Patients in prewarming group underwent 30-min forced-air warming before anesthetic induction. During surgery, core temperature was measured in the pulmonary artery. The primary outcome was intraoperative hypothermia (< 36.0 °C). The secondary outcomes included plasma lactate concentration. Intraoperative hypothermia risk was significantly lower in prewarming group than in non-prewarming group (60.0% vs. 95.0%, P = 0.020). The difference in hypothermia incidence between groups was greater in the post-induction phase (20.0% vs. 85.0%, P < 0.001) than in the anhepatic or post-reperfusion phase, suggesting that prewarming mainly acts on preventing post-induction core-to-peripheral heat redistribution. Hypothermia duration was significantly shorter in prewarming group (60 [0-221] min vs. 383 [108-426] min, P = 0.001). Lactate concentration decreased during 3 h after graft reperfusion in prewarming group, whereas it continuously increased in non-prewarming group (- 0.19 [- 0.48 to 0.13] mmol/L vs. 1.17 [3.31-0.77] mmol/L, P = 0.034). In conclusion, forced-air prewarming decreases the incidence and duration of intraoperative hypothermia with potential clinical benefit while mainly acting by preventing the core-to-peripheral heat redistribution.Clinical trial registration: Registered at the Clinical Research Information Service ( https://cris.nih.go.kr , [KCT0003230]) on 01/10/2018.

Cardiovascular manifestation of end-stage liver disease and perioperative echocardiography for liver transplantation: anesthesiologist’s view

Liver transplantation (LT) is the curative therapy for decompensated cirrhosis. However, anesthesiologists can find it challenging to manage patients undergoing LT due to the underlying pathologic conditions of patients with end-stage liver disease and the high invasiveness of the procedure, which is frequently accompanied by massive blood loss. Echocardiography is a non-invasive or semi-invasive imaging tool that provides real-time information about the structural and functional status of the heart and is considered to be able to improve outcomes by enabling accurate and detailed assessments. This article reviews the pathophysiologic changes of the heart accompanied by cirrhosis that mainly affect hemodynamics. We also present a comparative review of the diagnostic criteria for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy published by the World Congress of Gastroenterology in 2005 and the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium in 2019. This article discusses the conditions that could affect hemodynamic stability and postoperative outcomes, such as coronary artery disease, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, portopulmonary hypertension, hepatopulmonary syndrome, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, patent foramen ovale, and ascites. Finally, we cover a number of intraoperative factors that should be considered, including intraoperative blood loss, rapid reaccumulation of ascites, manipulation of the inferior vena cava, post-reperfusion syndrome, and adverse effects of excessive fluid infusion and transfusion. This article aimed to summarize the cardiovascular manifestations of cirrhosis that can affect hemodynamics and can be evaluated using perioperative echocardiography. We hope that this article will provide information about the hemodynamic characteristics of LT recipients and stimulate more active use of perioperative echocardiography.

Liver transplantation of a patient with extreme thrombocytopenia - A case report

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) planned for liver transplantation (LT) often show severe thrombocytopenia, but there is a lack of evidence in deciding the threshold for prophylactic platelet transfusion.

CASE

A 47-year-old female with acute liver failure was referred for LT. Despite daily transfusion of platelets, platelet counts remained under 10,000/µl. During LT, 2 units of single donor platelets (SDP) were transfused. Although platelet counts remained extremely low (3,000-4,000/µl) no diffuse oozing was observed and the blood loss was 860 ml. Postoperatively, there was no sign of active bleeding or oozing, and the patient received only 1 unit SDP transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

CLD patients may have severe thrombocytopenia. However, primary hemostasis may not be significantly hindered due to the existence of rebalanced hemostasis. Prophylactic platelet transfusion in these patients should not be decided based on platelet counts only, but also take other coagulation tests and clinical signs into consideration.

Postoperative outcomes of purely laparoscopic donor hepatectomy compared to open living donor hepatectomy: a preliminary observational study

Purpose

To lessen the physical, cosmetic, and psychological burden of donors, purely laparoscopic donor hepatectomy (PLDH) has been proposed as an ideal method for living donors. Our study aimed to prospectively compare the effect of PLDH and 2 other types of open living donor hepatectomy (OLDH) on postoperative pain and recovery.

Methods

Sixty donors scheduled to undergo donor hepatectomy between March 2015 and November 2017 were included. Donors were divided into 3 groups by surgical technique: OLDH with a subcostal incision (n = 20), group S; OLDH with an upper midline incision (n = 20), group M; and PLDH (n = 20), group L. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain and analgesic requirement during postoperative day (POD) 3. Other variables regarding postoperative recovery were also analyzed.

Results

Although pain relief during POD 3, assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) score and analgesic requirement, was similar among the 3 groups, group L showed lower VAS scores and opioid requirements than group M. Moreover, group L was associated with a rapid postoperative recovery evidenced by the shorter hospital length of stay and more frequent return to normal activity on POD 30.

Conclusion

This pilot study failed to verify the hypothesis that PLDH reduces postoperative pain. PLDH did not reduce postoperative pain but showed faster recovery than OLDH.

Changes in the allocation policy for deceased donor livers in Korea: perspectives from anesthesiologists

Background

The allocation policy for deceased donor livers in Korea was changed in June 2016 from Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scoring system-based to Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system-based. Thus, it is necessary to review the effect of allocation policy changes on anesthetic management.

Methods

Medical records of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) from December 2014 to May 2017 were reviewed. We compared the perioperative parameters before and after the change in allocation policy.

Results

Thirty-seven patients underwent DDLT from December 2014 to May 2016 (CTP group), and 42 patients underwent DDLT from June 2016 to May 2017 (MELD group). The MELD score was significantly higher in the MELD group than in the CTP group (36.5 ± 4.6 vs. 26.5 ± 9.4, P < 0.001). The incidence of hepatorenal syndrome was higher in the MELD group than in the CTP group (26 vs. 7, P < 0.001). Packed red blood cell transfusion occurred more frequently in the MELD group than in the CTP group (5.0 ± 3.6 units vs. 3.4 ± 2.2 units, P = 0.025). However, intraoperative bleeding, vasopressor support, and postoperative outcomes were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Even though the patient’s objective condition deteriorated, perioperative parameters did not change significantly.

C-reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio and Acute Kidney Injury after Radical Cystectomy among Elderly Patients: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Background

The C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio is a useful index used to represent patient inflammation and nutritional status. Elderly patients are at the highest risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). We clarified the impact of the preoperative CRP/albumin ratio on AKI and evaluated the impact of postoperative AKI on end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among elderly cystectomy patients.

Methods

We included elderly patients ≥ 65 years of age who underwent radical cystectomy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to identify risk factors for AKI. Propensity score-matched analysis and conditional logistic regression analysis were performed to elucidate the impact of the CRP/albumin ratio on AKI. The incidence of ESRD was compared between the non-AKI and AKI groups at 12 months after radical cystectomy.

Results

AKI occurred in 110 patients (32.2%). The CRP/albumin ratio and 6% hydroxyethyl starch amount were risk factors for postoperative AKI. The optimal cut-off value for the CRP/albumin ratio predicting AKI was 0.1. After propensity score matching, the AKI incidence in the CRP/albumin ratio ≥ 0.1 group was higher than that in the CRP/albumin ratio < 0.1 group (46.7% vs. 20.6%, P < 0.001), and a CRP/albumin ratio ≥ 0.1 was associated with a higher AKI incidence (odds ratio = 4.111, P < 0.001). The ESRD incidence was higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (7.3% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.017).

Conclusion

A CRP/albumin ratio ≥ 0.1 was associated with an increased incidence of AKI, which was associated with higher ESRD incidence among elderly cystectomy patients.

Liver transplantation in an adult patient with hepatocellular carcinoma following liver cirrhosis as a complication of the Fontan procedure -A case report

Background

Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) is a hepatic disorder caused by hemodynamic changes and systemic venous congestion following the Fontan procedure. FALD includes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), both of which may require liver transplantation (LT). However, the Fontan circulation, characterized by elevated central venous pressure and reduced cardiac output, is a challenging issue for surgeons and anesthesiologists.

Case

We report a living-donor LT for the treatment of HCC. The patient was a 24-year-old male who underwent the Fontan procedure for pulmonary atresia and right ventricle hypoplasia. We focused on maintaining enough blood volume for cardiac output without causing pulmonary edema, as the patient is not well adapted to changes in volume. Owing to a multidisciplinary approach, the surgery was successfully performed without fatal adverse events.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case of isolated LT in a recipient who became an adult after having undergone the Fontan procedure.

Domino living donor liver transplantation of familial amyloid polyneuropathy patient - A case report

Background

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) is caused by mutation in a gene transcribing transport protein produced mainly by the liver. Liver transplantation is required to stop FAP progression, but the pathology causes anesthetic management challenges.

Case

We report a case of domino living donor liver transplantation in an FAP patient. No intraoperative events occurred; however, during postoperative day 1 in the intensive care unit (ICU), the FAP patient underwent multiple cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sessions due to pulseless electrical activity following a sudden drop in blood pressure and ventricular tachycardia. Despite ICU management, the patient died after the third CPR session.

Conclusions

Various anesthetic management techniques should be considered for FAP patients. Anesthetic management was carefully assessed with the use of isoflurane, isoproterenol, and an external patch. The cause of deterioration in the ICU is unclear, but further investigation is needed to prevent and better manage postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Visceral adiposity is an independent risk factor for high intra-operative blood loss during living-donor liver transplantation; could preoperative rehabilitation and nutritional therapy mitigate that risk?

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Blood loss during liver transplantation (LT) is one of the major concerns of the transplant team, given the potential negative post-transplant outcomes related to it. Blood loss was reported to be higher in certain body compositions, such as obese patients, undergoing LT. Therefore, we aimed to study the risk factors for high blood loss (HBL) during adult living donor liver transplant (ALDLT) including the body composition markers; visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (VSR), skeletal muscle index and intramuscular adipose tissue content. In June 2015, an aggressive perioperative rehabilitation and nutritional therapy (APRNT) program was prescribed in our institute for the patients with abnormal body composition.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 394 patients who had undergone their first ALDLT between 2006 and 2019. Risk factors for HBL were analyzed in the total cohort. Differences in blood loss and risk factors were analyzed in relation to the APRNT.

RESULTS

Multivariate risk factor analysis in the total cohort showed that a high VSR (odds ratio (OR): 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-3.29, P = 0.009), was an independent risk factor for HBL during ALDLT, as well as a history of upper abdominal surgery, simultaneous splenectomy and the presence of a large amount of ascites. After the introduction of the APRNT, a significantly lower blood loss was observed during the ALDLT recipient operation (P = 0.003). Moreover, the significant difference in blood loss observed between normal and high VSR groups before the application of the APRNT (P < 0.001), was not observed with the APRNT (P = 0.85). Likewise, before the APRNT, only high VSR was a risk factor for HBL by multivariate analysis (OR: 2.34, CI: 1.33-4.09, P = 0.003). Whereas with the APRNT, high VSR was no longer a significant risk factor for HBL even by univariate analysis (OR: 0.89, CI: 0.26-3.12, P = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

Increased visceral adiposity was an independent risk factor for high intraoperative blood loss during ALDLT recipient operation. With APRNT, high VSR was not associated with high blood loss. Therefore, APRNT might have mitigated the risk of high blood loss related to high visceral adiposity.

Perioperative risk factors of progressive chronic kidney disease following liver transplantation: analyses of a 10-year follow-up single-center cohort

Purpose

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing due to improved survival after liver transplantation (LT). Risk factors of kidney injury after LT, especially perioperative management factors, are potentially modifiable. We investigated the risk factors associated with progressive CKD for 10 years after LT.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 292 adult patients who underwent LT at a tertiary referral hospital between 2000 and 2008. Renal function was assessed by the e stimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. The area under the curve of serial eGFR (AUC_eGFR) was calculated for each patient to assess the trajectory of eGFR over the 10 years. Low AUC_eGFR was considered progressive CKD. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between the variables and AUC_eGFR.

Results

Multivariable analysis showed that older age (regression coefficient = -0.53, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (regression coefficient = -6.93, P = 0.007), preoperative proteinuria (regression coefficient = -16.11, P < 0.001), preoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (regression coefficient = -14.35, P < 0.001), postoperative AKI (regression coefficient = -3.86, P = 0.007), and postoperative mean vasopressor score (regression coefficient = -0.45, P = 0.034) were independently associated with progressive CKD.

Conclusion

More careful renoprotective management is required in elderly LT patients with DM or preexisting proteinuria. Postoperative AKI and vasopressor dose may be potentially modifiable risk factors for progressive CKD.

Predictors of blood loss in lung transplant surgery-a single center retrospective cohort analysis

Background

This retrospective study aims to identify clinical predictors of intraoperative blood loss during lung transplantation. While for other surgical specialties predictors of blood loss have been identified such as previous likewise located surgery, poor preoperative health status of patients, blood coagulation status, and use of extra corporeal circulation, predictors of blood loss during lung transplantation are not yet established.

Methods

A total of 326 lung transplants were performed between January 2000 and February 2014 at a tertiary hospital. The primary aim was to associate blood loss with the following potential predictors: pulmonary arterial hypertension, pre- or intraoperative extracorporeal life support (ECLS), previous thoracic surgery, previous lung transplant, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Postoperative complications and 30-day mortality were secondary endpoints of the study.

Results

Median estimated blood loss during lung transplant was 1,500 mL (IQR, 1,000-2,875 mL). Pre- and intraoperative ECLS (P=0.02, P<0.001) independently increased blood loss by 59% and 107%, respectively. The higher blood loss during re-transplant marginally missed the significance level (P=0.05). Pulmonary arterial hypertension, previous thoracic surgery and high CCI were not associated with increased blood loss. As secondary outcomes, postoperative complications were more common in patients with a higher blood loss (P=0.04) but was not associated with higher 30-day mortality (P=0.18).

Conclusions

Pre- and intraoperative ECLS were significant risk factors for higher blood loss during lung transplantation. Higher blood loss was associated with higher incidence of postoperative complications but not with a higher 30-day mortality.

Living-donor liver transplantation following cardiopulmonary bypass: A case report

RATIONALE

Liver transplantation is an increasingly common treatment for patients with liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver transplantation in patients with heart disease can pose a significant challenge to the transplant teams.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma 3 years ago and had received 3 times transarterial chemoembolization.

DIAGNOSES

The patient was diagnosed as end-stage liver disease due to hepatocellular carcinoma and was scheduled to undergo living-donor liver transplantation. The preoperative echocardiogram revealed mass in the right atrium and the inferior vena cava.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent mass removal under cardiopulmonary bypass followed by liver transplantation.

OUTCOMES

A month later, she was discharged without any complications.

LESSONS

There have only been a few reported cases of anesthetic liver transplantation after a cardiopulmonary bypass. The successful experience described in this case report suggests that some patients may be eligible to undergo a liver transplantation after a cardiopulmonary bypass.

Seroconversion of red blood cell antibody in ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation -a case report

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation usually requires blood transfusion, and a red blood cell (RBC) antibody screen is essential for the prevention of a hemolytic reaction. Since proper ABO-compatible grafts are lacking, ABO-incompatible living donor liver transplantation (ABO-i LDLT) with desensitization is a feasible therapy. Desensitization includes intravenous rituximab injection and plasmapheresis before surgery.

CASE

A 60-year-old female was diagnosed with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and planned for ABO-i LDLT. She tested positive in a RBC antibody screen over two years; however, she tested negative for the test after desensitization. Clinicians noted the seroconversion during induction, and thus, a delay in the preparation of adequate packed RBC was unavoidable.

CONCLUSIONS

Even when the latest RBC antibody screen is negative after immunosuppression, clinicians should consider the possibility of a prior positive result to promote safer medical treatment and management.

Safety of coagulation factor concentrates guided by ROTEM™-analyses in liver transplantation: results from 372 procedures

Background

Most centres use fresh frozen plasma (FFP) based protocols to prevent or treat haemostatic disturbances during liver transplantation. In the present study, we used a rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM™, TEM, Munich, Germany) guided haemostasis management with fibrinogen concentrates, prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC), platelet concentrates and tranexamic acid without FFP usage and determined the effect on 30 day mortality.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis with 372 consecutive adult liver transplant patients performed between 2007 and 2011.

Results

Thrombelastometry guided coagulation management resulted in a transfusion rate for fibrinogen concentrates in 50.2%, PCC in 18.8%, platelet concentrates in 21.2%, tranexamic acid in 4.5%, and red blood cell concentrates in 59.4%. 30 day mortality for the whole cohort was 14.2%. The univariate analyses indicated that nonsurvivors received significantly more fibrinogen concentrates, PCC, red blood cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, and infusion volume, and had a higher MELD score. However, association with mortality was weak as evidenced by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Further univariate analyses demonstrated, that up to 8 g of fibrinogen did not increase mortality compared to patients not receiving the coagulation factor. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that platelet concentrates (p = 0.0002, OR 1.87 per unit), infused volume (p = 0.0004, OR = 1.13 per litre), and MELD score (p = 0.024; OR 1.039) are independent predictors for mortality. Fibrinogen concentrates, PCC, and red blood cell concentrates were ruled out as independent risk factors.

Conclusions

ROTEM™ guided substitution with fibrinogen concentrates and PCC does not negatively affect mortality after liver transplantation, while the well-known deleterious effect associated with platelet concentrates was confirmed.

Intensive Care of Pulmonary Complications Following Liver Transplantation

Chronic liver disease has been associated with pulmonary dysfunction both before and after liver transplantation. Post-liver transplantation pulmonary complications can affect both morbidity and mortality often necessitating intensive care during the immediate postoperative period. The major pulmonary complications include pneumonia, pleural effusions, pulmonary edema, and atelectasis. Poor clinical outcomes have been known to be associated with age, severity of liver dysfunction, and preexisting lung disease as well as perioperative events related to fluid balance, particularly transfusion and fluid volumes. Delineating each and every one of these pulmonary complications and their associated risk factors becomes paramount in guiding specific therapeutic strategies.

A retrospective analysis of re-exploration after living donor right lobe liver transplantation: incidence, causes, outcomes, and risk factors

Despite technical difficulties, right lobe liver grafting is preferred in living donor liver transplantation because of the graft size. Re-exploration after living donor right lobe liver transplantation (LRLT) has never been separately analyzed. We aimed to analyze the incidence, causes, outcomes, and risk factors of re-exploration after LRLT. We reviewed medical records of 1016 LRLT recipients from October 2003 to July 2017 and identified recipients who underwent re-exploration within hospital stay. Separate analyses were also performed according to cause of re-exploration. The overall incidence of re-exploration was 17.0% (173/1016). The most common cause of re-exploration was bleeding (50%). Overall re-exploration was associated with clinical outcome, but different results were shown on analyses according to cause of re-exploration. Risk factors of re-exploration were underlying hepatocellular carcinoma and operative duration [Odds ratio (OR), 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.12; P = 0.03, and OR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.001-1.004; P = 0.0023, respectively]. Re-exploration after LRLT is relatively common, and is strongly associated with mortality and graft failure.

Incidence and clinical significance of hyperfibrinolysis during living donor liver transplantation

: We evaluated the incidence and clinical significance of hyperfibrinolysis during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using viscoelastic coagulation tests. We retrospectively reviewed adult LDLT recipients from February 2010 to February 2015. Hyperfibrinolysis was defined when clot lysis index [LY60 = (MA - A60)/MA × 100, %] was less than 85, where A60 is the clot amplitude at 60 min after maximum amplitude (MA) occurred. Viscoelastic coagulation tests were performed six times (T1: immediately after anesthetic induction, T2: end of preanhepatic phase, T3: 1 h after anhepatic phase, T4: 5 min after reperfusion, T5: 1 h after reperfusion, and T6: 3 h after reperfusion). One hundred-ten recipients were included in final analysis. Hyperfibrinolysis was uncommon in preanhepatic phase (0% at T1 and 4.5% at T2) and aggravated during anhepatic phase and peaked immediately after reperfusion, 18% at T3 and 71% at T4. However, hyperfibrinolysis nearly disappeared 1 h after reperfusion and did not recur; 0.9% at T5 and 0% at T6. Hyperfibrinolysis was not predicted from preoperative demographics and coagulation profiles. However, the degree of coagulation profile derangements and intraoperative blood loss was greater in the hyperfibrinolysis group. During LDLT, hyperfibrionlysis frequently occurred at anhepatic phase and immediately after reperfusion, but it was resolved during postreperfusion phase.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Implications of intraoperative hypotension

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a minimally invasive technique for renal stone removal but can cause renal parenchymal injury. Renal stones can also affect renal function. We evaluated the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) after PNL.The study cohort included 662 patients who underwent PNL. Patient characteristics, preoperative laboratory values, intraoperative data, and stone characteristics were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for AKI after PNL. Postoperative outcomes such as hospitalization, intensive care unit admission rate and stay duration, and chronic kidney disease were also evaluated.Of the total study series, there were 107 (16.2%) cases of AKI after PNL (AKI group), and 555 (83.8%) patients who showed no injury (no-AKI group). The risk factors for AKI after PNL were found to be a higher preoperative serum uric acid level [odds ratio (OR) = 1.228; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.065-1.415; P = .005], longer operation time (OR = 1.009; 95% CI = 1.004-1.014; P < .001), and intraoperative hypotension (OR = 12.713; 95% CI = 7.762-20.823; P < .001). Hospitalization and intensive care unit stay duration were significantly longer in the AKI group (8.7 ± 5.2 vs 6.6 ± 2.8 days, P < .001; 0.34 ± 1.74 vs 0.07 ± 0.48 days, P = .002, respectively). Chronic kidney disease was also significantly higher in the AKI group (63.6% vs 32.7%, P = .024).As intraoperative hypotension is an important risk factor for AKI after PNL, which leads to poor postoperative outcomes, it should be prevented or managed vigorously during PNL.

Intraoperative management of liver transplant recipients having severe renal dysfunction: results of 42 cases

Purpose

Whereas continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been utilized during liver transplantation (LT), there was a lack of evidence to support this practice. We investigated the adverse events at the perioperative periods in recipients of LT who received preoperative CRRT without intraoperative CRRT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who received LT between December 2009 and May 2015. Perioperative data were collected from the recipients, who received preoperative CRRT until immediately before LT, because of refractory renal dysfunction.

Results

Of 706 recipients, 42 recipients received preoperative CRRT. The mean (standard deviation) Model for end-stage liver disease score were 49.6 (13.4). Twenty-six point two percent (26.2%) of recipients experienced the serum potassium > 4.5 mEq/L before reperfusion and treated with regular insulin. Thirty-eight point one percent (38.1%) of recipients were managed with sodium bicarbonate because of acidosis (base excess < −10 mEq/L throughout LT). All patients finished their operations without medically uncontrolled complications such as severe hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.5 mEq/L), refractory acidosis, or critical arrhythmias. Mortality was 19% at 30 day and 33.3% at 1 year.

Conclusion

Although intraoperative CRRT was not used in recipients with severe preoperative renal dysfunction, LT was safely performed. Our experience raises a question about the need for intraoperative CRRT.

A data-driven patient blood management strategy in liver transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Blood utilization during liver transplant has decreased, but remains highly variable due to many complex surgical and physiologic factors. Previous models attempted to predict utilization using preoperative variables to stratify cases into two usage groups, usually using entire blood units for measurement. We sought to develop a practical predictive model using specific transfusion volumes (in ml) to develop a data-driven patient blood management strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective evaluation of primary liver transplants at a single institution from 2013 to 2015. Multivariable analysis of preoperative recipient and donor factors was used to develop a model predictive of intraoperative red-blood-cell (pRBC) use.

RESULTS

Of 256 adult liver transplants, 207 patients had complete transfusion volume data for analysis. The median intraoperative allogeneic pRBC transfusion volume was 1250 ml, and the average was 1563 ± 1543 ml. Preoperative haemoglobin, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, preoperative haemodialysis and preoperative international normalized ratio together yielded the strongest model predicting pRBC usage. When it predicted <1250 ml of pRBCs, all cases with 0 ml transfused were captured and only 8·6% of the time >1250 ml were used. This prediction had a sensitivity of 0·91 and a specificity of 0·89. If predicted usage was >2000 ml, 75% of the time blood loss exceeded 2000 ml.

CONCLUSION

Patients likely to require low or high pRBC transfusion volumes were identified with excellent accuracy using this predictive model at our institution. This model may help predict bleeding risk for each patient and facilitate optimized blood ordering.

Impact of intraoperative blood transfusion on long-term outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of intraoperative blood transfusion on the long-term outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHOD

Adult patients who had non-salvage liver transplantation at our centre between January 2005 and December 2012 for hepatocellular carcinomas that were within the University of California, San Francisco criteria and could not be resected or ablated were divided into groups with and without intraoperative blood transfusion. Comparisons were made between groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. Sixty-two (62.6%) patients received intraoperative blood transfusion. Patients without transfusion were younger (54 versus 56 years; P = 0.04) and had a lower Model for End-stage Liver Disease score (11 versus 14; P < 0.001). Most of them had stage-I tumours (64.9 versus 37.1%; P = 0.007) and fewer of them had postoperative complications of grade IIIA or above in the Clavien-Dindo classification (21.6 versus 48.4%; P = 0.008). The groups were comparable in hospital mortality (3.2 versus 2.7%; P = 1.00), 5-year overall survival (90.8 versus 89.2%; P = 0.611) and 5-year disease-free survival (90.5 versus 89.2%; P = 0.835). On multivariate analysis, postoperative complications of grade IIIA or above were associated with worse survival (hazard ratio, 7.108; 95% confidence interval, 1.455-34.712; P = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative blood transfusion was shown to have no significant impact on the long-term outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma, whereas postoperative complications of grade IIIA or above were associated with worse recipient survival.

Early Vs Late Liver Retransplantation: Different Characteristics and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

East Asia is a known endemic area for hepatitis B, and living donor liver transplantation is mainly performed. Liver retransplantation (ReLT) is expected to become an increasing problem because of a shortage of organs. This study aimed to compare early and late ReLT with consideration of specific circumstances and disease background of East Asians.

METHODS

Between October 1996 and January 2015, 51 patients underwent ReLT; we performed a retrospective analysis of data obtained from medical records of the patients. Clinical characteristics, indication, causes of death, survival rate, and prognostic factors were investigated.

RESULT

The survival rate for early ReLT (n = 18) was 51.5% and that for late ReLT (n = 33) was 50.1% at 1 year postoperatively. Continuous venovenous hemodialysis and the use of mechanical ventilators were more frequent, and pre-retransplant intensive care unit stay and prothrombin time was longer in early ReLT than in late ReLT. Operation time was longer and the amount of intraoperative blood loss was greater in late ReLT than in early ReLT. Multivariate analysis showed that a higher C-reactive protein level increased mortality in early ReLT (P = .045), whereas a higher total bilirubin level increased the risk of death in late ReLT (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with early ReLT are likely to be sicker pre-retransplantation and require adequate treatment of the pretransplant infectious disease. On the other hand, late ReLT is likely to be technically more difficult and should be decided before the total bilirubin level increases substantially.

Comparison of the effect of high versus low mean arterial pressure levels on clinical outcomes and complications in elderly patients during non-cardiothoracic surgery under general anesthesia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative blood pressure (BP) is a concern in daily clinic anesthesia and contributes to the differences in clinical outcome. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the effect of high vs. low mean arterial pressure (MAP) levels on clinical outcomes and complications in elderly patients under general anesthesia (GA).

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled, open-label, assessor-blinded clinical trial, 322 patients aged more than 65 years will be randomized for a low-level MAP (60-70 mmHg) or high-level MAP (90-100 mmHg) during non-cardiothoracic surgery under GA. The primary outcome will be the incidence of postoperative delirium. The secondary outcomes will include the delirium duration days, intraoperative urine volume, intraoperative blood loss, specific postoperative complications, and all-cause 28-day mortality.

DISCUSSION

Results of this trial will help clarify whether BP management is beneficial for elderly patients under GA and will make clear whether the effect of high-level MAP can reduce the postoperative complication compared to low-level MAP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02857153 . Registered on 15 July 2016.

Anesthetic management during the first combined heart-liver transplant performed in Korea: a case report

Herein, we describe the anesthetic management during the first combined heart-liver transplant (CHLT) performed in Korea. Though CHLT is a rare procedure, accumulating evidence suggests that it is a feasible option for patients with coexisting heart and liver failure. A 45-year-old female patient presented with severe cardiac dysfunction requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and secondary congestive hepatopathy. The patient underwent consecutive heart and liver transplantation using extracorporeal circulatory devices—heart transplant with cardiopulmonary bypass, and liver transplant with peripheral ECMO. In this case report, we focus on the specific anesthetic considerations for CHLT pertaining to the challenges associated with dual pathophysiology.

Massive haemorrhage in liver transplantation: Consequences, prediction and management

From its inception the success of liver transplantation has been associated with massive blood loss. Massive transfusion is classically defined as > 10 units of red blood cells within 24 h, but describing transfusion rates over a shorter period of time may reduce the potential for survival bias. Both massive haemorrhage and transfusion are associated with increased risk of mortality and morbidity (need for dialysis/surgical site infection) following liver transplantation although causality is difficult to prove due to the observational design of most trials. The blood loss associated with liver transplantation is multifactorial. Portal hypertension secondary to cirrhosis results in extensive collateral circulation, which can bleed during hepatectomy particular if portal pressures are increased. Avoiding volume loading and maintenance of a low central venous pressure together with the use of vasopressors have been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion during liver transplantation, but may increase the risk of renal impairment post-operatively. Coagulation defects may be present pre-transplant, but haemostasis is often re-balanced due to a deficit in both pro- and anti-coagulation factors. Further derangement of haemostasis may develop in the anhepatic and neohepatic phases due to absent hepatic metabolic function, hyperfibrinolysis and platelet sequestration in the donor liver. Point-of-care tests of coagulation such as the viscoelastic tests rotation thromboelastometry/thromboelastometry allow and more accurate and rapid assessment of these derangements in coagulation and guide the use of factor replacement and antifibrinolytics. Transfusion protocols guided by these tests have been shown to reduce transfusion rates compared with conventional coagulation tests, but have not shown improvements in mortality or morbidity. Pre-operative factors associated with massive transfusion include previous surgery, re-do transplantation, the aetiology and severity of liver disease. Intra-operatively the use of piggy-back technique and avoiding veno-veno bypass has been shown to reduced blood loss.

Efficacy and Safety of Stroke Volume Variation-Guided Fluid Therapy for Reducing Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements During Radical Cystectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Radical cystectomy, which is performed to treat muscle-invasive bladder tumors, is among the most difficult urological surgical procedures and puts patients at risk of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion. Fluid management via stroke volume variation (SVV) is associated with reduced intraoperative blood loss. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of SVV-guided fluid therapy for reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.This study included 48 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, and these patients were randomly allocated to the control group and maintained at <10% SVV (n = 24) or allocated to the trial group and maintained at 10% to 20% SVV (n = 24). The primary endpoints were comparisons of the amounts of intraoperative blood loss and transfused red blood cells (RBCs) between the control and trial groups during radical cystectomy. Intraoperative blood loss was evaluated through the estimated blood loss and estimated red cell mass loss. The secondary endpoints were comparisons of the postoperative outcomes between groups.A total of 46 patients were included in the final analysis: 23 patients in the control group and 23 patients in the trial group. The SVV values in the trial group were significantly higher than in the control group. Estimated blood loss, estimated red cell mass loss, and RBC transfusion requirements in the trial group were significantly lower than in the control group (734.3 ± 321.5 mL vs 1096.5 ± 623.9 mL, P = 0.019; 274.1 ± 207.8 mL vs 553.1 ± 298.7 mL, P <0.001; 0.5 ± 0.8 units vs 1.9 ± 2.2 units, P = 0.005). There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes between the two groups.SVV-guided fluid therapy (SVV maintained at 10%-20%) can reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing radical cystectomy without resulting in adverse outcomes. These findings provide useful information for optimal fluid management during radical cystectomy.

High Stroke Volume Variation Method by Mannitol Administration Can Decrease Blood Loss During Donor Hepatectomy

Optimal fluid management to reduce blood loss during donor hepatectomy is important for maximizing donor safety. Mannitol can induce osmotic diuresis, helping prevent increased intravascular volume status. We therefore evaluated the effect of high stroke volume variation (SVV) method by mannitol administration and fluid restriction on blood loss during donor hepatectomy.In this prospective study, 64 donors scheduled for donor right hepatectomy were included and allocated into 2 groups. In group A, the SVV value of each patient was maintained at 10% to 20% during hepatic resection with 0.5 g/kg mannitol administration and fluid restriction at a rate of 2 to 4 mL/kg/h. In group B, the SVV value was maintained at <10% by fluid administration at a rate of 6 to 10 mL/kg/h without diuretic administration during surgery. Intraoperative blood loss was estimated by the loss of red cell mass. Surgeon satisfaction scores and postoperative outcomes, including acute kidney injury, abnormal chest radiographic findings, and hospital stay duration, were also assessed.SVV during hepatectomy was significantly higher in group A than in group B (11.0 ± 1.7 vs 6.5 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). The red cell mass loss was significantly lower in group A than in group B (145.4 ± 107.6 vs 307.9 ± 110.7 mL, P < 0.001). Surgeon satisfaction scores were higher in group A than in group B (2.8 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.6, P < 0.001). The incidence of acute kidney injury, abnormal chest radiographic findings, and duration of hospital stay did not significantly differ between the 2 groups.Maintenance of high SVV by mannitol administration is effective and safe for reducing blood loss during donor hepatectomy.

Excessive intraoperative blood loss independently predicts recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation

Background

Several studies have investigated the effect of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) on recurrence of tumors. However, the independent effect of IBL on oncological outcome after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear.

Methods

A total of 479 patients who underwent LT for HCC from January 2001 to December 2012 at our institution were enrolled in this retrospective study. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods were used to assess the recurrence rate, as well as its risk factors. Stratified analysis was performed to further examine the effect of IBL on HCC recurrence according to different characteristics of tumors. We also investigated the independent risk factors for excessive IBL using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The median follow-up was 28 months (range, 1–131 months). Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log-rank test according to IBL at per liter intervals showed that IBL > 4 L was significantly associated with a higher recurrence rate (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified that IBL > 4 L (P < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.32, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.60–3.36) was an independent risk factor for post-LT HCC recurrence, as well as age < 60 years, exceeding Milan criteria, α-fetoprotein levels > 400 ng/mL, and micro- and macrovascular invasion. IBL > 4 L (P < 0.001; HR = 2.45, 95 % CI = 1.64–3.66) was also independently associated with early (within 1 year) recurrence after LT. Furthermore, a significant correlation between IBL > 4 L and vascular invasion (P = 0.019) was found. IBL > 4 L was independently associated with HCC recurrence for patients with vascular invasion, but not for patients without vascular invasion. Finally, we found that the presence of ascites, model for end-stage liver disease score, and operation time were independent risk factors for IBL > 4 L.

Conclusions

Excessive IBL is an independent predictor of HCC recurrence after LT, especially in patients with vascular invasion.

A critical analysis of early death after adult liver transplants

INTRODUCTION

The 15% mortality rate of liver transplant recipients at one yr may be viewed as a feat in comparison with the waiting list mortality, yet it nonetheless leaves room for much improvement. Our aim was to critically examine the mortality rates to identify high-risk periods and to incorporate cause of death into the analysis of post-transplant survival.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis on United Network for Organ Sharing data for all adult recipients of liver transplants from January 1, 2002 to October 31, 2011. Our analysis included multivariate logistic regression where the primary outcome measure was patient death of 49,288 recipients.

RESULTS

The highest mortality rate by day post-transplant was on day 0 (0.9%). The most significant risk factors were as follows: for one-d mortality from technical failure, intensive care unit admission odds ratio (OR 3.2); for one-d mortality from graft failure, warm ischemia >75 min (OR 5.6); for one-month mortality from infection, a previous transplant (OR 3.3); and for one-month mortality from graft failure, a previous transplant (OR 3.7).

CONCLUSION

We found that the highest mortality rate after liver transplantation is within the first day and the first month post-transplant. Those two high-risk periods have common, as well as different, risk factors for mortality.

Vecuronium requirements according to the operative phase during living donor liver transplantation under desflurane anesthesia

INTRODUCTION

The requirements of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent during liver transplantation show conflicting results. We sought to evaluate the requirements according to the operative phase and find extrahepatic factors that influence neuromuscular blocking agent requirements.

METHODS

We enrolled 35 patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation. Continuous infusion of vecuronium was adjusted every 15 minutes for consistent neuromuscular blockade aimed at T1/Tc of 0.10 monitored with a neuromuscular transmission module. We compared the mean infusion dose in each phase, and investigated whether it is correlated with preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score, graft-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), or time to recovery of first twitch response to train-of-four (TOF) stimulation.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between vecuronium doses during each phase (P < .001): 0.48 ± 0.16 μg/kg/min, preanhepatic; 0.38 ± 0.14 μg/kg/min, anhepatic and 0.26 ± 0.07 μg/kg/min, neohepatic phase. There was a significant positive correlation between vecuronium infusion dose in the preanhepatic phase and CTP scores (P = .006, correlation coefficient = 0.465). There was also a significant negative correlation between the time to recovery of first twitch response of TOF stimulation and vecuronium infusion dose in the preanhepatic phase (P = .001, correlation coefficient = -0.546). The infusion dose during the preanhepatic phase was not associated with the MELD score, and that of neohapatic phase not with GRWR.

CONCLUSIONS

The vecuronium infusion dose requirement during the anhepatic decreased compared with that in the preanhepatic phase. It further decreased during the neohepatic phase compared with the previous phases. Vecuronium infusion dose reduction is suggested especially during the neohepatic phase for early extubation. The dose during the preanhepatic phase is suggested to be determined considering the CTP score and the time to recovery of the TOF response.

Blood transfusion requirement during liver transplantation is an important risk factor for mortality

BACKGROUND

Blood loss during liver transplantation is not incorporated into the dominant models for post-transplant survival. Our objective was to investigate blood transfusion requirement as a risk factor for mortality after liver transplantation, and to further analyze risk factors for intraoperative blood transfusion requirement and hepatectomy time.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 233 consecutive liver transplant recipients over a span of 3 years by a single experienced surgeon. Mean follow-up was 2.5 years. Independent risk factors for patient survival after liver transplantation were identified using Cox proportion hazard regression. Independent risk factors for intraoperative blood transfusion requirement and hepatectomy time were identified using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Two factors were identified as significant predictors in multivariate analysis for survival after liver transplantation: hepatocellular carcinoma (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.2) and intraoperative blood transfusion requirement per unit (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.02). Threshold analysis revealed that intraoperative blood transfusion volume ≥28 units or 85(th) percentile (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.7) was a significant risk factor for patient survival. Four covariates were identified as significant risk factors for intraoperative blood requirement: warm ischemia time (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.18), bilirubin (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.08), previous surgery (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.9), and hepatectomy time (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.02). The only risk factor for prolonged hepatectomy time was previous major abdominal surgery (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.7 to 9.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative blood transfusion requirement is an important risk factor for mortality after liver transplantation. The strongest risk factors for intraoperative blood transfusion requirement are warm ischemia time and bilirubin levels. Intraoperative blood loss and its risk factors should be incorporated into models to predict survival after liver transplantation.

Risk factors and outcomes of massive red blood cell transfusion following living donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVES

To identify the factors influencing blood loss and secondary blood transfusion and to investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent a massive blood transfusion (MBT) following living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary adult-to-adult right hepatic lobe LDLT were included in the study, and were divided into the MBT group [≥6 red blood cell (RBC) units in 24 h] and the non-massive blood transfusion (NMBT) group (<6 RBC units in 24 h). All potential risk factors, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and long-term survival rate of the patients in the two groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The data of 181 eligible patients were retrospectively analyzed. A decreased long-term survival rate, a higher incidence of postoperative infection and prolonged ICU stay were observed in the MBT group. No significant difference was observed in survival rate between patients having platelet transfusion>2 units and ≤2 units. Hemoglobin<100 g/L, platelet counts<70×10(9)/L, fibrinogen level<1.5 g/L and history of upper abdominal surgery were found to be independent risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood transfusion during LDLT can be predicted using preoperative variables. Massive RBC transfusion may lead to poor long-term survival, higher postoperative infection rate and prolonged ICU stay. Platelet transfusion may not be a risk factor for long-term survival.