Occurrence Of Postreperfusion Syndrome Research Articles

Intravenous Ascorbic Acid for the Prevention of Postreperfusion Syndrome in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Liver transplantation is the last therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS), defined as a fall in mean arterial pressure of more than 30% within the first 5 minutes after reperfusion of at least 1 minute, can occur in liver transplantation as a deep hemodynamic instability with associated hyperfibrinolysis immediately after reperfusion of the new graft. Its incidence has remained unchanged since it was first described in 1987. PRS is related to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, whose pathophysiology involves the release of several mediators from both the donor and the recipient. The antioxidant effect of ascorbic acid has been studied in resuscitating patients with septic shock and burns. Even today, there are publications with conflicting results, and there is a need for further studies to confirm or rule out the usefulness of this drug in this group of patients. The addition of ascorbic acid to preservation solutions used in solid organ transplantation is under investigation to harness its antioxidant effect and mitigate I/R injury. Since PRS could be considered a manifestation of I/R injury, we believe that the possible beneficial effect of ascorbic acid on the occurrence of PRS should be investigated. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the benefits of ascorbic acid over saline in the development of PRS in adult liver transplantation. We plan to conduct a single-center randomized controlled trial at the Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Spain. A total of 70 participants aged 18 years or older undergoing liver transplantation will be randomized to receive either ascorbic acid or saline. The primary outcome will be the difference between groups in the incidence of PRS. The randomized controlled trial will be conducted under conditions of respect for fundamental human rights and ethical principles governing biomedical research involving human participants and in accordance with the international recommendations contained in the Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent revisions. The enrollment process began in 2020. A total of 35 patients have been recruited so far. Data cleaning and analysis are expected to occur in the first months of 2024. Results are expected around the middle of 2024. We believe that this study could be particularly relevant because it will be the first to analyze the clinical effect of ascorbic acid in liver transplantation. Moreover, we believe that this study fills an important gap in the knowledge of the potential benefits of ascorbic acid in the field of liver transplantation, particularly in relation to PRS. European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database 2020-000123-39; https://tinyurl.com/2cfzddw8; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05754242; https://tinyurl.com/346vw7sm. DERR1-10.2196/50091.

Factors associated with mechanical ventilation longer than 24 h after liver transplantation in patients at risk for bleeding

BackgroundThis risk analysis aimed to explore all modifiable factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (lasting > 24 h) after liver transplantation, based on prospectively collected data from a clinical trial.MethodsWe evaluated 306 candidates. Ninety-three patients were excluded for low risk for transfusion (preoperative haemoglobin > 130 g.l−1), and 31 patients were excluded for anticoagulation therapy, bleeding disorders, familial polyneuropathy, or emergency status. Risk factors were initially identified with a log-binomial regression model. Relative risk was then calculated and adjusted for age, sex, and disease severity (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] score).ResultsEarly tracheal extubation was performed in 149 patients (84.7%), and 27 patients (15.3%) required prolonged mechanical ventilation. Reoperations were required for 6.04% of the early extubated patients and 44% of patients who underwent prolonged ventilation (p = 0.001). A MELD score > 23 was the main risk factor for prolonged ventilation. Once modifiable risk factors were adjusted for MELD score, sex, and age, three factors were significantly associated with prolonged ventilation: tranexamic acid (p = 0.007) and red blood cell (p = 0.001) infusion and the occurrence of postreperfusion syndrome (p = 0.004). The median (IQR) ICU stay was 3 (2–4) days in the early extubation group vs. 5 (3–10) days in the prolonged ventilation group (p = 0.001). The median hospital stay was also significantly shorter after early extubation, at 14 (10–24) days, vs. 25 (14–55) days in the prolonged ventilation group (p = 0.001). Eight patients in the early-extubation group (5.52%) were readmitted to the ICU, nearly all for reoperations, with no between-group differences in ICU readmissions (prolonged ventilation group, 3.7%). Conclusion.We conclude that bleeding and postreperfusion syndrome are the main modifiable factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay, suggesting that trials should explore vasopressor support strategies and other interventions prior to graft reperfusion that might prevent potential fibrinolysis.Trial Registration.European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT 2018–002510-13,) and on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01539057).

Can Hypothermic Oxygenated Perfusion Mitigate Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Ex-Situ Split Grafts? – A Comparative Study with Living Donation in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

Abstract Background The gold standard in pediatric split liver transplantation (SLT) is living donation (LD) providing high-quality grafts with short static cold storage (SCS). Aims This study investigates the protective effect of hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) on ex-situ partial grafts from deceased donors in comparison to standard ex-situ Static-Split and LD SLT. Methods We included all consecutive HOPE-Split, Static-Split and LD SLT performed from 2018-2022 at a single center. The primary endpoint was early ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) based on reperfusion biopsy (graded from none/0 to severe/4), the occurrence of post reperfusion syndrome (PRS, drop≥30% of systolic arterial pressure) and post-LT transaminase release. Results A total of 46 SLT (14 HOPE-Split, 17 Static-Split, and 15 LD) were included. With a median perfusion duration of 100min, HOPE-Split had a significant decrease of SCS compared to Static-Split (473 min vs 538 min; p=0.02) with similar total preservation time (p=0.13). This translated into lower rates of mild to severe IRI (grade≥2; p=0.03) and significantly reduced neutrophilic infiltrate than Static-Split (p=0.04; Fig.1). The PRS was also reduced in HOPE-Split (0% vs 35%, p=0.02) with less transaminase release. Despite prolonged SCS (473 vs 117min, p<0.001), HOPE-Split was comparable to LD regarding grade≥2 IRI (64 vs 40%; p=0.17) and PRS (0 vs 6.7% p=0.34), with however higher transaminase release (571 vs 244 UI/L/100g; p=0.004). Overall, 3-months surgical complications, graft and recipient survival did not differ among groups. Conclusions HOPE allowed improved preservation of ex-situ split grafts compared to static cold storage, resulting in similar early IRI profiles then LD grafts. Preservation with HOPE may offer a promising strategy to improve outcomes and expand selection criteria in split LT for pediatric recipients.

Postreperfusion Syndrome in Liver Transplant: A Risk Factor for Acute Kidney Failure: A Retrospective Analysis

The maximum expression of hemodynamic instability during liver transplant is the so-called postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) that increases both overall mortality and postoperative complications. It was first defined by Aggarwal et al in 1987, but the results are still conflicting when establishing the relationship between PRS and acute kidney failure (AKF). We conducted a retrospective observational study of transplant recipients with deceased-donor liver grafts between January 2002 and December 2018. We analyzed the incidence of PRS and its potential negative impact over kidney function. A total of 551 transplants were analyzed. PRS was recorded in 130 patients (23.6%). The incidence of AKF was 61.5%. A total of 111 patients required kidney replacement therapy (32.7%). Regarding the severity of AKF, 128 patients were classified as acute kidney injury (AKI) 1 (23.2%), 76 as AKI 2 (13.8%), and 135 as AKI 3 (24.5%). In the group with PRS, 75.4% (n=98) developed AKF vs 57.2% (n=241) in the group without PRS. In the multivariate analysis we found a relationship between PRS and AKF with an odds ratio of 2.18 (95% CI, 1.30-3.64; P=.003), once adjusted by the length of the anhepatic phase, donor age, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, history of ascites, and need for early surgical reintervention. The incidence of AKF decreased (44.5%) ever since the implementation of delayed calcineurin inhibitors therapy and piggyback surgical technique, but a clear influence of the occurrence of PRS on the development of AKF is still observed, with an OR of 3.78 (95% CI, 1.92-7.43; P < .001), once adjusted by albumin and hemoglobin levels, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and Child classification.

Stress burden related to postreperfusion syndrome may aggravate hyperglycemia with insulin resistance during living donor liver transplantation: A propensity score-matching analysis.

We investigated the impact of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) on hyperglycemia occurrence and connecting (C) peptide release, which acts as a surrogate marker for insulin resistance, during the intraoperative period after graft reperfusion in patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using propensity score (PS)-matching analysis. Medical records from 324 adult patients who underwent elective LDLT were retrospectively reviewed, and their data were analyzed according to PRS occurrence (PRS vs. non-PRS groups) using the PS-matching method. Intraoperative levels of blood glucose and C-peptide were measured through the arterial or venous line at each surgical phase. Hyperglycemia was defined as a peak glucose level >200 mg/dL, and normal plasma concentrations of C-peptide in the fasting state were taken to range between 0.5 and 2.0 ng/mL. After PS matching, there were no significant differences in pre- and intra-operative recipient findings and donor-graft findings between groups. Although glucose and C-peptide levels continuously increased through the surgical phases in both groups, glucose and C-peptide levels during the neohepatic phase were significantly higher in the PRS group than in the non-PRS group, and larger changes in levels were observed between the preanhepatic and neohepatic phases. There were higher incidences of C-peptide levels >2.0 ng/mL and peak glucose levels >200 mg/dL in the neohepatic phase in patients with PRS than in those without. PRS adjusted for PS with or without exogenous insulin infusion was significantly associated with hyperglycemia occurrence during the neohepatic phase. Elucidating the association between PRS and hyperglycemia occurrence will help with establishing a standard protocol for intraoperative glycemic control in patients undergoing LDLT.

P0627INTRAOPERATIVE DIALYSIS DURING LIVER TRANSPLANTATION IS SAFE AND BENEFICIAL

Abstract Background and Aims Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLt) is a technically complex surgical procedure associated with a major risk of hemodynamic instability and metabolic derangement, especially in patients with coexisting renal dysfunction. It remains uncertain if intraoperative renal replacement therapy (ioRRT) during OLt could be beneficial and in which subset of patients. Method A retrospective observational study of all adult patients undergoing intraoperative renal replacement therapy during OLt in our center from January 2010 till December 2018. IoRRT consisted of dialysis performed with the use of mobile Genius® single-pass batch dialysis system. Results 1319 OLts were conducted during the study period and 129 patients (9,8%) were treated with intraoperative dialysis. Seven patients with incomplete documentation were excluded from the study. The mean age of the cohort was 47,8±14,7 years, and 73 (60%) of patients were men. The mean calculated MELD score was 33,7±12,5. 41 procedures (33,6%) were retransplantations and 7 patients underwent simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation. 18 (14,7%) recipients had fulminant liver failure. 66 (54,1%) of patients were admitted to Intensive Care Unit before transplantation. The mean preoperative serum creatinine level was 2,95±1,15 mg/dl and 95 (78%) patients were undergoing renal replacement therapy or had creatinine level ≥2 mg/dl preoperatively. Others required emergent ioRRT due to intraoperative complications and development of significant hyperkalemia or acidosis. The mean preoperative serum potassium concentration was 4,23±0,68 mmol/l and the mean bicarbonate level was 19,8±4,5 mmol/l. Intraoperative dialysis was performed without anticoagulation. The mean surgical time was 400±90,6 minutes and the mean ioRRT duration remained 308 ±109 minutes. Dialysis circuit clotting occurred in 9 (7,3%) cases. There were no other adverse events of ioRRT. Achieved mean arterial bicarbonate and potassium levels after graft reperfusion were 18,5±3,6 and 3,8±0,95 mmol/l, respectively. In 111 cases dialysis was initiated at least 15 minutes before reperfusion. 13% of this subgroup (16 pts) experienced post-reperfusion syndrome (defined as a decrease in the mean arterial pressure of more than 30% of the baseline, occurring within first 5 minutes after the reperfusion of the graft and lasting at least 1 minute). Conclusion Our data suggests that intraoperative dialysis in severely ill patients with high MELD score is safe and effective. Lower than expected post-reperfusion syndrome occurrence needs to be confirmed in a study designed with appropriate control group.

Intraoperative Dialysis During Liver Transplantation

BackgroundOrthotopic liver transplantation (LT) is a technically complex surgical procedure associated with a major risk of hemodynamic instability and metabolic derangement, especially in patients with coexisting renal dysfunction. Some centers have applied intraoperative renal replacement therapy (ioRRT) to support patients with preoperative renal failure and prevent critical complications. Although there is a strong theoretical rationale for this treatment, there remains a paucity of definite data demonstrating its benefits. MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study of all adult patients undergoing intraoperative dialysis in our center from January 2010 till December 2016. ResultsThe study group consisted of 88 patients with a mean MELD score of 31.4. Six patients underwent simultaneous liver and kidney transplantation. Forty-four (50%) recipients were admitted to the intensive care unit before transplantation, and 19 (21.6%) needed mechanical ventilation. Twenty-eight (31.8%) of the procedures were retransplantations, and 40 (45.4%) patients had been undergoing renal replacement therapy before LT. The mean preoperative serum creatinine was 2.82 ± 1.13 mg/dL.The majority of patients (54.5%) was operated on using the veno-venous bypass technique. The mean arterial blood pH and potassium levels after reperfusion were 7.2 ± 0.12 and 4.04 ± 0.95 mmol/L, respectively. Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) occurred in 11 (13.9%) patients in whom dialysis started at least 15 minutes before reperfusion. Dialysis circuit clotting occurred in 9.1% of cases. There were no other adverse events of ioRRT. ConclusionOur data suggests that intraoperative dialysis in severely ill patients with a high MELD score is safe and effective. Lower than expected PRS occurrence needs to be confirmed in a study with a control group.

The early stage of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a risk factor for postreperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation? A retrospective observational study

Objectives: Despite normal or high cardiac output at rest, cirrhotic patients often exhibit abnormal cardiac function when subjected to stress. During the pretransplant cardiac workup, the diagnosis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy would be easily missed without the aid of some supportive criteria because most patients have normal rest echocardiography. The period of highest hemodynamic instability during liver transplantation occurs after revascularization of the liver graft and is called postreperfusion syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate if patients at risk for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy have a higher risk for postreperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation. The secondary purpose of the study was to assess if the supportive criteria used for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy evaluation correlate with the severity of the liver disease. Material and Methods: The study group included 52 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation for cirrhosis. The variables recorded were: demographic data, MELD and MELD Na scores, the length of the QT interval corrected for heart rate, plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), cold and warm ischemia times, vasopressor use, transfusional requirements and the occurrence of postreperfusion syndrome during transplantation. Results: The patients were divided into 2 subgroups based on the occurrence of the postreperfusion syndrome. There was no statistically significant difference in BNP levels, length of QTc interval, MELD or MELD Na scores between the subgroups. BNP levels were correlated with QTc interval length (p=0.005), MELD and MELD Na scores (p=0.025 and p=0.001). The correlation between QTc interval length and the severity scores was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study showed that postreperfusion syndrome was not correlated with the severity of the liver disease or with the presence of risk factors indicating cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. From the supportive criteria studied, only BNP levels correlate with the severity of the liver disease.

Sympathetic withdrawal is associated with hypotension after hepatic reperfusion

Post-reperfusion syndrome (PRS), severe hypotension after graft reperfusion during liver transplantation, is an adverse clinical event associated with poorer patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether alterations in autonomic control in liver transplant recipients prior to graft reperfusion are associated with the subsequent development of PRS. Heart rate variability (HRV), systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP) variability, and baroreflex sensitivity of 218 liver transplant recipients were evaluated using 5 min of ECG and arterial blood pressure signals 10 min before graft reperfusion along with other clinical parameters. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of PRS occurrence. Seventy-seven patients (35 %) developed PRS while 141 did not. There were significant differences in SBP (110 ± 16 vs. 119 ± 16 mmHg, P < 0.001) and the ratio of low frequency power to high frequency power (LF/HF) of HRV (1.0 ± 1.4 vs. 2.1 ± 3.7, P = 0.003) between the PRS group and No-PRS group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, predictors were LF/HF (odds ratio 0.817, P = 0.028) and SBP (odds ratio 0.966, P < 0.001). Low LF/HF and SBP measured before hepatic graft reperfusion were significantly correlated with subsequent PRS occurrence, suggesting that sympathovagal imbalance and depressed SBP may be key factors predisposing to reperfusion-related severe hypotension in liver transplant recipients.

Epinephrine and phenylephrine pretreatments for preventing postreperfusion syndrome during adult liver transplantation

Acute hypotension after reperfusion of the liver graft occurs frequently during liver transplantation. A randomized, prospective trial was performed to test the effects of epinephrine and phenylephrine pretreatments for attenuating postreperfusion syndrome (PRS). Ninety-three adult liver recipients were randomly allocated to receive an intravenous bolus of 10 μg of epinephrine, 100 μg of phenylephrine, or normal saline (the control group) at the time of graft reperfusion. The occurrence of PRS, the use of vasoactive drugs, and the postoperative courses were compared. The epinephrine and phenylephrine groups showed PRS less frequently (39% and 48%) than the control group (77%, P = 0.006) as well as higher mean arterial pressures (MAPs) immediately after reperfusion (P < 0.05). An overshoot of MAP was observed in one-third of the pretreated patients with minimal heart rate changes. Only 2 patients in each pretreatment group showed an increase in MAP that was greater than 20% of the baseline value. The intraoperative epinephrine and dopamine requirements were significantly lower in both pretreatment groups. Perioperative laboratory data, postoperative stays, and in-hospital mortality rates were similar for the 3 groups. In conclusion, pretreatment with 10 μg of epinephrine or 100 μg of phenylephrine significantly reduces the occurrence of PRS and vasopressor requirements without immediate or delayed adverse effects in adult liver transplantation.

Nafamostat Mesilate Attenuates Postreperfusion Syndrome during Liver Transplantation

Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS), an acute decrease in blood pressure after reperfusion of the liver graft, occurs frequently during liver transplantation surgery. We supposed that the activation of the kallikrein-kinin system leading to extensive systemic vasodilatation was a possible cause. The effect of pretreatment with nafamostat mesilate (NM), a broad spectrum serine protease inhibitor, on the occurrence of PRS was evaluated. Sixty-two adult liver recipients were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 0.02 mg/kg of NM (NM group, n = 31) or an equal volume of normal saline (control group, n = 31) just before reperfusion of the liver graft. Occurrence of PRS and intraoperative use of vasoactive drugs were compared between the two groups. Postoperative recovery was also compared. PRS was significantly less frequent (48% vs. 81%, p = 0.016) requiring less vasopressors in the NM group compared to the control group. The NM group also showed faster recovery of the mean arterial pressure. Perioperative laboratory values were similar between the two groups. Pretreatment with 0.02 mg/kg of NM immediately before reperfusion decreases the frequency of PRS and vasopressor requirements during the reperfusion period in liver transplantation.

Causes of postreperfusion syndrome in living or cadaveric donor liver transplantations

ObjectiveThe postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) occurence was evaluated in patients undergoing liver transplantation in our institution to determine the relationship between PRS and associated variables. MethodOf the 185 consecutive liver transplants, pediatric patients, patients with uncompleted data or retransplantations were excluded. The remaining 145 adult patients having 77 cadaveric and 68 living donor right lobe liver transplantations were studied. PRS was defined as a decrease in mean arterial pressure >30% below the baseline value. Logistic regression was used for statistical analyses. A P value <.05 was considered as significant. ResultsTotal rate of PRS occurence was 48.9% (71 patients) for the 145 patients. Logistic regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between the PRS and four of the variables: shorter duration of the anhepatic period, higher mean calcium requirement, higher mean heart rate difference from anhepatic to reperfusion period and lower central venous pressure at the dissection period during operations (P < .05). We could not demonstrate any significant effect of the operation type-surgical technique and duration of operations, blood and fresh frozen plasma volume transfused, demographic variables of the recipients, donor liver factors, other haemodynamic and metabolic variables at specific time periods (P > .05). ConclusionIn conclusion, it is important that PRS does not seem to occur in a predictable manner in this study except for the increased calcium requirements during the operations in PRS experienced patients. The clinical parameters as graft ischemia time, the type of the operation, demographic variables of the recipient, hemodynamic or metabolic variables and transfusion needs during the operations seemed to have no contribution to PRS occurrence.

The Comparison of Coagulation Status in the Cadaveric Donor and Living-Related Liver Transplantation

Background: Orthotopic liver transplantation is widely regarded as the only effective treatment for many acute or chronic end-stage liver diseases. However, the shortage of cadaveric organs is one of the most crucial limitations to the liver transplantation. Recently, in our hospital, living-related liver transplantation (LR LT) cases have remarkably increased during the last two years. Because there are differences in the surgical procedure and graft volume betweerthe cadaveric donor liver transplantation (Cd LT) and LRLT, the intraoperative coagulation status may be different, too. With the knowledge of coagulation status, the anesthetic management of liver transplantation will be improved. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was performed on 36 patients, who underwent an orthotopic liver transplantation between October 1999 and April 2001. Seventeen patients received a Cd LT and 19 patients underwent a LRLT. We compared the two groups in th aspects of coagulation related parameters; 1) ischemic time, 2) venovenous bypass (VVB) flow,3) the percentages of occurrence of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS), 4) the ratio of activated clotting time (ACT) exceeding 200 seconds after reperfusion, 5) the rato of hyperfibrinolysis, LY60 > 20%, on a thromboelastograph (TEG) after reperfusion, and 6) the amounts of transfusion and fluid administration before and after reperfusion. Results: The ischemic time was shorter in the LR LT group than the Cd LT group (115.4 25.4 min versus 409.2 115.6 min). The VVB flow was greater in the Cd LT group than the LR LT group. The ratio of occurrence of PRS was also lower in the LR LT group (11 %) than the Cd LT group (53%). The percentage of ACT exceeding 200 seconds after reperfusion was only 11% in the LR LT group, but 59% in the Cd LT group. The percentages of LY60 > 20% on the TEG after reperfusion were not statistically different in each group, but the percentage of tranexamic acid administration due to persistent, severe hyperfibrinolysis was higher in the Cd LT group than the LR LT group. The amounts of transfusion and fluid administration were signficantly smaller in the LR LT group compared to those in the Cd LT group. Conclusions: We found that there were many differences in the coagulation srtus between the Cd LT and the LR LT groups. Therefore, anesthesiologists should onsider these differences and manage each case of liver transplantation properly.

Response to clamping of the inferior vena cava as a factor for predicting postreperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation.

Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) is an important cause of hemodynamic deterioration during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We retrospectively studied 94 patients who had undergone OLT in an effort to establish whether the hemodynamic response to clamping of the inferior vena cava (IVC) could be used to predict hemodynamic behavior on reperfusion of the grafted liver. PRS was defined as a decrease in the mean arterial pressure of more than 30% below the baseline value for more than 1 min during the first 5 min after reperfusion of the graft. The patients were divided into two groups: those who developed PRS (PRS group) and those who did not (non-PRS group). We analyzed hemodynamic response before (dissection stage) and after (anhepatic stage) clamping of the IVC. Based on multivariate analysis methods (logistic regression), the percentage of change in the vascular resistance index from before clamping to after clamping of the IVC was an indicator of the risk of developing PRS, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.04 for each unit of change (ENTER method, P = 0.01). In the non-PRS group, clamping of the IVC was followed by a 47.1% decrease in the cardiac index, compared with a 27.9% decrease in the PRS group (P < 0.05). The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) increased by 49% in the PRS group, as opposed to 85.7% in the non-PRS group (P < 0.05). PRS occurred in only 17.5% of patients in whom the SVRI increased by more than 50%. We conclude that the integrity of the vasoconstrictive response (increase in the peripheral vascular resistance greater than 50%) as measured immediately after clamping of the IVC correlates with occurrence of PRS.

Response to Clamping of the Inferior Vena Cava as a Factor for Predicting Postreperfusion Syndrome During Liver Transplantation

Postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) is an important cause of hemodynamic deterioration during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).We retrospectively studied 94 patients who had undergone OLT in an effort to establish whether the hemodynamic response to clamping of the inferior vena cava (IVC) could be used to predict hemodynamic behavior on reperfusion of the grafted liver. PRS was defined as a decrease in the mean arterial pressure of more than 30% below the baseline value for more than 1 min during the first 5 min after reperfusion of the graft. The patients were divided into two groups: those who developed PRS (PRS group) and those who did not (non-PRS group). We analyzed hemodynamic response before (dissection stage) and after (anhepatic stage) clamping of the IVC. Based on multivariate analysis methods (logistic regression), the percentage of change in the vascular resistance index from before clamping to after clamping of the IVC was an indicator of the risk of developing PRS, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.04 for each unit of change (ENTER method, P = 0.01). In the non-PRS group, clamping of the IVC was followed by a 47.1% decrease in the cardiac index, compared with a 27.9% decrease in the PRS group (P < 0.05). The systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) increased by 49% in the PRS group, as opposed to 85.7% in the non-PRS group (P < 0.05). PRS occurred in only 17.5% of patients in whom the SVRI increased by more than 50%. We conclude that the integrity of the vasoconstrictive response (increase in the peripheral vascular resistance greater than 50%) as measured immediately after clamping of the IVC correlates with occurrence of PRS. (Anesth Analg 1997;84:254-9)