LIVER PRESERVATION WITH VASOSOL SOLUTION: A SINGLE CENTER COMPARISON WITH U.W. SOLUTION

Abstract

P43 Aims: The aim of the study was to review our experience with Vasosol (VSL), a novel preservation solution. We have previously reported our experience with VSL for machine perfusion and cold storage of kidneys. VSL utilizes elements of conventional University of Wisconsin (UW) solution with additional vasodilatory and antioxidant components including PGE1, Nitroglycerine. and N-acetylcysteine. Alpha-ketoglutarate is added as a mitochondrial stabilizer and L-arginine as a nitric oxide donor. Methods: Between 9/2001 and 3/2003 locally procured livers were blindly randomized to either UW or VSL. All livers were flushed in-situ and on the back table and cold stored at 4°C. Donor and Recipient data was collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: Sixteen VSL preserved livers were transplanted and compared to 25 UW controls. Donor and recipient variables are shown in the table below. Actual patient survival was 94% in the VSL and 80% in the UW group. Early synthetic function and hepatocellular injury was improved in the VSL group. The only graft lost in the VSL group was to initial nonfunction and compartment syndrome of a large liver in a small recipient. There was only one biliary stricture in the cohort (UW liver).FigureConclusions: In our experience, Vasosol was effective for liver preservation with significant improvements in early graft function and a trend towards improved survival. A large prospective multicenter trial is needed to verify these results.