Transfusion In Liver Transplantation Research Articles

Risk factors of massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation: consequences and a new index for prediction including the donor

Risk factors of massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation: consequences and a new index for prediction including the donor

Risk factors of massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation: consequences and a new index for prediction including the donor

BackgroundMassive blood transfusion (MBT) is a common occurrence in liver transplant (LT) patients. Recipient-related risk factors include cirrhosis, history of multiple surgeries and suboptimal donors. Despite advances in surgical techniques, anesthetic management and graft preservation have decreased the need for transfusions, this complication has not been completely eliminated. MethodsOne thousand four hundred and sixty-nine LT were performed at our institution between May 2003 and December 2020, and data was available regarding transfusion for 1198 of them. We divided the patients into two groups, with regards to transfusion of 6 or more units of packed red blood cells in the first 24 h posttransplant, and we analyzed the differences between the groups. ResultsOut of the 1198 patients, 607 (50.7%) met criteria for MBT. Survival was statistically lower at 1, 3, and 5 years when comparing the groups that had MBT to those that did not (92.6%, 85.2% and 79.7%, respectively, in the non MBT group, vs. 78.1%, 71.6% y 66.8%, respectively, in the MBT group). MBT was associated with a 1.5 mortality risk as opposed to non-MBT patients. Logistical regression analysis of our variables yielded the following results for a new model, including serum creatinine (OR 1.97), sodium (OR 1.73), hemoglobin (OR 1.99), platelets (OR 1.37), INR (OR 1.4), uDCD (OR 2.13) and split liver donation. ConclusionMassive blood transfusion impacts patient survival in a statistically significant way. The most significant risk factors are preoperative hemoglobin, INR and serum creatinine.

Advancing Prediction of Risk of Intraoperative Massive Blood Transfusion in Liver Transplantation With Machine Learning Models. A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

BackgroundLiver transplantation surgery is often accompanied by massive blood loss and massive transfusion (MT), while MT can cause many serious complications related to high mortality. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a model that can predict the demand for MT to reduce the waste of blood resources and improve the prognosis of patients.ObjectiveTo develop a model for predicting intraoperative massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation surgery based on machine learning algorithms.MethodsA total of 1,239 patients who underwent liver transplantation surgery in three large grade lll-A general hospitals of China from March 2014 to November 2021 were included and analyzed. A total of 1193 cases were randomly divided into the training set (70%) and test set (30%), and 46 cases were prospectively collected as a validation set. The outcome of this study was an intraoperative massive blood transfusion. A total of 27 candidate risk factors were collected, and recursive feature elimination (RFE) was used to select key features based on the Categorical Boosting (CatBoost) model. A total of ten machine learning models were built, among which the three best performing models and the traditional logistic regression (LR) method were prospectively verified in the validation set. The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) was used for model performance evaluation. The Shapley additive explanation value was applied to explain the complex ensemble learning models.ResultsFifteen key variables were screened out, including age, weight, hemoglobin, platelets, white blood cells count, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, direct bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, urea. Among all algorithms, the predictive performance of the CatBoost model (AUROC: 0.810) was the best. In the prospective validation cohort, LR performed far less well than other algorithms.ConclusionA prediction model for massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation surgery was successfully established based on the CatBoost algorithm, and a certain degree of generalization verification is carried out in the validation set. The model may be superior to the traditional LR model and other algorithms, and it can more accurately predict the risk of massive blood transfusions and guide clinical decision-making.

Calcium Chloride Requirement and Postreperfusion Rebound During Massive Transfusion in Liver Transplantation

The administration of citrated blood products during massive transfusion requires calcium salt administration to prevent citrate toxicity and to maintain ionized calcium values. The literature does not provide adequate guidance for the amount of calcium required during massive transfusions during liver transplantation. This study was conducted to provide guidance on calcium salt replacement during a massive transfusion in liver transplant patients, with a focus on the phase of transplantation during which citrate metabolism was minimal. An observational retrospective chart review. An academic single-institution study of hospitalized patients. One hundred thirty-two patients after liver transplantation. The study authors observed documented measurements of ionized calcium and observed the ratio of calcium salts to citrated bank blood products in patients undergoing liver transplantation with complete data sets. They also observed the effect of continuous venovenous hemofiltration on the distribution of ionized calcium values. Prereperfusion, an average of 1.09 g CaCl2/L of citrated blood was administered to maintain ionized calcium in the normal range. Postreperfusion, less CaCl2 was administered, and a rebound of ionized calcium occurred. Prereperfusion, continuous venovenous hemofiltration reduced the number of ionized calcium values outside of 2 standard deviations, meaning fewer values were critically low. With massive transfusions up to 67 liters (approximately 13 blood volumes), 1.09 g CaCl2/L citrated blood maintained ionized calcium in the normal range in the absence of citrate metabolism. This ratio may have value in empiric treatment when ionized calcium measurements are unavailable, and massive transfusion rates exceed metabolic capacity.

Hemoderivative Transfusion in Liver Transplantation: Comparison Between Recipients of Grafts From Brain Death Donors and Recipients of Uncontrolled Donors After Circulatory Death

Intraoperative bleeding during liver transplantation has been correlated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality and decrease in patient and graft survival. Between January 2006 and December 2016 we performed 783 orthotopic liver transplants. After applying exclusion criteria, we found liver grafts from donors after circulatory death (DCD, group A) were used in 69 patients and liver grafts from donors after brain death (group B) were used in 265 patients. No difference was found in terms of sex, body mass index, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, indication for transplantation, intensive care unit stay, and Child-Pugh score. The mean transfusion of hemoderivates was as follows: red blood cell 9 (0-28) units in group A vs 6 (0-20) units in group B (P=.004) and fresh frozen plasma 10 (0-29) units in group A vs 9.5 (0-23) in group B (P=.000). The only 2 factors related to massive blood transfusion (>6 units of red blood cell) were uncontrolled DCD condition (odds ratio=2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-4.31; P=.004), and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (odds ratio=2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-4.55; P=.001). Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 81.3%, 70.2%, and 68.9% in group A vs 89%, 83.7%, and 78% in group B (P=.070). The use of liver grafts from DCDs is associated with increased necessity of transfusion of hemoderivates in comparison with the use of liver grafts from donors after brain death.

Thromboelastography does not reduce transfusion requirements in liver transplantation: A propensity score-matched study

Study objectiveTo compare total blood product requirements in liver transplantation (LT) assisted by thromboelastography (TEG) or conventional coagulation tests (CCTs). DesignRetrospective observational study. SettingA tertiary care referral center for LT. PatientsAdult patients undergoing LT from deceased donor. InterventionHemostasis was monitored by TEG or CCTs and corresponding transfusion algorithms were adopted. MeasurementsNumber and types of blood products (red blood cells, RBC; fresh-frozen plasma, FFP; platelets, PLT) transfused from the beginning of surgery until the admission to the intensive care unit. MethodsWe compared data retrospectively collected in 226 LTs, grouped according to the type of hemostasis monitoring (90 with TEG and 136 with CCTs, respectively). Confounding variables affecting transfusion needs (recipient age, sex, previous hepatocellular carcinoma surgery, Model for End Stage Liver Disease - MELD, baseline hemoglobin, fibrinogen, creatinine, veno-venous by pass, and trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) were managed by propensity score match (PSM). Main resultsThe preliminary analysis showed that patients in the TEG group received fewer total blood products (RBC + FFP + PLT; p = 0.001, FFP (p = 0.001), and RBC (p = 0.001). After PSM, 89 CCT patients were selected and matched to the 90 TEG patients. CCT and TEG matched patients received similar amount of total blood products. In a subgroup of 39 patients in the top MELD quartile (MELD ≥25), the TEG use resulted in lower consumption of FFP units and total blood products. Nevertheless, due to the low number of patients, any meaningful conclusion could be achieved in this subgroup. ConclusionsIn our experience, TEG-guided transfusion in LT does not reduce the intraoperative blood product consumption. Further studies are warranted to assess an advantage for TEG in either the entire LT population or the high-MELD subgroup of patients.

Blood product transfusion in liver transplantation in First Clinical Hospital of Mongolia

Background: Liver transplantation is a well-accepted treatment of end-stage liver diseases. Seven-eight liver transplants have been performed from 2011 to June of 2019 in First Clinical Hospital of Mongolia. Numerous advances in perioperative manage ment, like expertise in surgical techniques, better preoperative optimization, intraoperative monitoring and management, chang es in immunosuppression regime and advances in postoperative management, not only increased the number of this procedure but also the outcome. The role of the anesthesiologist is to provide safe anesthesia and maintain an acceptable hemodynamic performance, ensuring sufficient perfusion to the vital organs. Estimation of the amount of blood products required during liver transplantation can help provision of adequate blood supply, minimize transfusion associated complications and plan for preven tive measures in high risk patients. Methods: Our objective is to investigate some factors impact to perioperative blood product transfusion. We used data of pa tients who underwent liver transplantation between October 2011 and June 2019 at First Clinical Hospital of Mongolia, were reviewed. The all amount of blood product utilized during surgery and some factors, including pretransplant laboratory data, pre transplant clinical data were recorded. Results: We studied 77 patients who underwent liver transplantation. The mean±standard deviation amounts of red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma transfusion during surgery were 1.64±2.36 and 2.22±2.7 liters, respectively. The mean amount of red blood cells and albumin was significantly (P<0.003 and P<0.005) correlated with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score of patients. The mean amount of blood products utilized during operation was decreased from 2015 to 2019 except two retrans plantation patients. Conclusions: Some preoperative factors may predict blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing liver transplanta tion. Therefore, evaluation of patients before operation should be considered to provide adequate blood supply. Understanding preoperative factors associated with rate of transfusion may help us to best utilize the limited available blood resources.

Transfusional optimization in liver transplant using viscoelastic test guided therapy

Abstract Background Assess the reduction of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfusion in liver transplantation (LT) after the introduction of the thromboelastometry as intraoperative coagulation monitor. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study (n = 92), randomized into two groups: group A (control), in whom transfusion therapy was based on conventional laboratory tests (CLT), and group B (ROTEM), whose blood transfusion was performed as protocolized algorithms, guided by thromboelastometry (ROTEM). We analyzed packed red blood cells (PRBCs) units, transfused units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets units, fibrinogen and tranexamic acid. We used the Chi square test for the comparison of proportions and Student's t test to compare means when the distribution was normal. Otherwise, Mann–Whitney U test was performed. Results In group A 84.8% of patients required transfusion of PRBCs, with a median (IQR) of 4 (1.5–6), compared with 67.4% in group B with a median (IQR) of 2 (0–4) (p Conclusions The introduction of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurements in hemostatic therapy algorithms reduces the transfusion rate of FFP and PRBCs during liver transplantation. The using of ROTEM derived thresholds leads to detecting higher requirements of fibrinogen compared to conventional laboratory tests.

Optimización transfusional en el trasplante de hígado usando terapia guiada por pruebas viscoelásticas

BackgroundAssess the reduction of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfusion in liver transplantation (LT) after the introduction of the thromboelastometry as intraoperative coagulation monitor. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study (n=92), randomized into two groups: groupA (control), in whom transfusion therapy was based on conventional laboratory tests (CLT), and groupB (ROTEM), whose blood transfusion was performed as protocolized algorithms, guided by thromboelastometry (ROTEM). We analyzed packed red blood cells (PRBCs) units, transfused units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets units, fibrinogen and tranexamic acid. We used the chi square test for the comparison of proportions and Student's t test to compare means when the distribution was normal. Otherwise, Mann-Whitney U test was performed. ResultsIn groupA 84.8% of patients required transfusion of PRBCs, with a median (IQR) of 4 (1.5-6), compared with 67.4% in groupB with a median (IQR) of 2 (0-4) (P<.05). We also found differences in the following variables: FFP transfusion rate was 84.8% with a median (IQR) of 5 (2-12) IU in groupA and 56.5% (median (IQR) of 1 (0-4.5) in B (P<.001) and in the fibrinogen administration, that was 6.5% in groupA and 34.8% in groupB (P<.01). Backward stepwise logistic regression model showed associations between the clamping time, the preoperative hemoglobin, the portal hypertension (PHT) and being or not in the treatment group and the need for perioperative transfusion. We didn’t find significant differences in the incidence of complication during the early postoperative period between the two groups. ConclusionsThe introduction of thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurements in hemostatic therapy algorithms reduces the transfusion rate of FFP and PRBCs during liver transplantation. The using of ROTEM derived thresholds leads to detecting higher requirements of fibrinogen compared to conventional laboratory tests.

Impact of MELD Score–Based Organ Allocation on Mortality, Bleeding, and Transfusion in Liver Transplantation: A Before-and-After Observational Cohort Study

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD)-based allocation system on mortality, bleeding, and transfusion requirement in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). OLTs were studied for this observational study (before-and-after observational cohort study). One community hospital. The study comprised 686 patients who underwent 750 consecutive OLTs. None. Patients who underwent OLT in the MELD era had an adjusted lower 1-year mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.45 [0.24-0.83]) compared with patients who underwent OLT the pre-MELD era. No significant difference in 1-month mortality was observed. Other variables with a significant effect on 1-year mortality in multivariate analysis were preoperative international normalized ratio, intraoperative use of a phlebotomy, total intraoperative volume of crystalloid infused, and retransplantation. Blood loss was greater in the MELD era (median difference 200 mL; p < 0.001), as were red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate transfusions. More patients in the MELD era received at least 1 transfusion (27% v 20%; p = 0.024). The MELD allocation system did not affect 1-month mortality, but a decrease in 1-year mortality was demonstrated. Blood loss and transfusions increased during OLTs performed in the MELD era. The role of other variables should be explored further to explain postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Intraoperative cell salvage with autologous transfusion in liver transplantation.

Liver transplant (LT) is the primary treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. About 25000 LTs are performed annually in the world. The potential for intraoperative bleeding is quite variable. However, massive bleeding is common and requires blood transfusion. Allogeneic blood transfusion has an immunosuppressive effect and an impact on recipient survival, in addition to the risk of transmission of viral infections and transfusion errors, among others. Techniques to prevent excessive bleeding or to use autologous blood have been proposed to minimize the negative effects of allogeneic blood transfusion. Intraoperative reinfusion of autologous blood is possible through previous self-donation or blood collected during the operation. However, LT does not normally allow autologous transfusion by prior self-donation. Hence, using autologous blood collected intraoperatively is the most feasible option. The use of intraoperative blood salvage autotransfusion (IBSA) minimizes the perioperative use of allogeneic blood, preventing negative transfusion effects without negatively impacting other clinical outcomes. The use of IBSA in patients with cancer is still a matter of debate due to the theoretical risk of reinfusion of tumor cells. However, studies have demonstrated the safety of IBSA in several surgical procedures, including LT for hepatocellular carcinoma. Considering the literature available to date, we can state that IBSA should be routinely used in LT, both in patients with cancer and in patients with benign diseases.

Association between viscoelastic tests-guided therapy with synthetic factor concentrates and allogenic blood transfusion in liver transplantation: a before-after study

BackgroundPerioperative bleeding and transfusion are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to assess whether viscoelastic tests-guided therapy with the use of synthetic factor concentrates impact transfusion rates of hemocomponents in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation.MethodsThis is an interventional before-after comparative study. Patients undergoing liver transplantation before the implementation of a protocol using thromboelastometry and synthetic factor concentrates were compared to patients after the implementation. Primary outcome was transfusion of any hemocomponents. Secondary outcomes included: transfusion of red blood cells (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate or platelets, clinical complications, length of stay and in-hospital mortality.ResultsA total of 183 patients were included in the control and 54 in the intervention phase. After propensity score matching, the proportion of patients receiving any transfusion of hemocomponents was lower in the intervention phase (37.0 vs 58.4%; OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20–0.87; p = 0.019). Patients in the intervention phase received less RBC (30.2 vs 52.5%; OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.08–0.56; p = 0.002) and FFP (5.7 vs 27.3%; OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.43; p = 0.002). There was no difference regarding transfusion of cryoprecipitate and platelets, complications related to the procedure, hospital length of stay and mortality.ConclusionsUse of a viscoelastic test-guided transfusion algorithm with the use of synthetic factor concentrates reduces the transfusion rates of allogenic blood in patients submitted to liver transplantation.Trial registrationThis trial was registered retrospectively on November 15th, 2018 – clinicaltrials.gov – Identifier: NCT03756948.

Rational approach to transfusion in liver transplantation

For over 50 years patients with liver cirrhosis were considered to be at markedly increased risk of bleeding. This dogma was seemingly supported by abnormalities in standard laboratory tests (SLTs), such as the prothrombin time, that were interpreted as indicating a bleeding diathesis. However, publications from the last decade have revealed SLTs to be poor predictors of bleeding and it is now understood that stable patients with cirrhosis have a rebalanced haemostatic system and preserved thrombin generation. Viscoelastic tests (VETs), such as ROTEM® or TEG™ allow dynamic assessment of the entire coagulation process and provide a better illustration of the interactions between pro- and anticoagulants as well as platelets. Despite their documented success in reducing transfusion rates in liver transplantation more than 30 years ago, the adoption of VETs has been met with some resistance and has only recently gained significant momentum. Bleeding risk should be assessed in every patient undergoing invasive intervention and must consider markers of disease severity, underlying coagulation incompetence, anaemia and surgical factors. The recognition that bleeding in this patient cohort is predominantly linked to mechanistic factors such as portal hypertension, rather than primary coagulopathy, has led to a paradigm shift in their perioperative management. Cognizant of their detrimental effect, the use of large volumes of fresh frozen plasma to correct derangements in SLTs has given way to more refined haemostatic management with specific factor concentrates guided by VETs, coupled with measures to minimize portal venous pressure and meticulous surgical hemostasis.

Correlation between plasma fibrinogen and FIBTEM thromboelastometry during liver transplantation: a comprehensive assessment.

Thromboelastometry may reduce red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in liver transplantation (LT). Fibrinogen concentration is a primary determinant of FIBTEM maximum clot firmness (MCF), but several factors could affect the correlation between FIBTEM MCF and fibrinogen values. We aimed to investigate (1) the concordance between fibrinogen level and FIBTEM MCF and (2) the association of fibrinogen level and FIBTEM MCF with RBC transfusion during LT. A post hoc analysis of data from a randomized, multicentre, double-blind, saline/fibrinogen trial was used (NCT01539057). A total of 86 adult patients were included. The Lin concordance coefficient (LCC) between FIBTEM MCF and fibrinogen levels with the model formula 1·3679+0·05414* FIBTEM MCF was poor overall (LLC [95% CI]: 0·387 [0·340 to 0·432]) and moderate for the preperfusion period (LLC [95% CI]: 0·789 [0·747 to 0·824]), but very poor for the postreperfusion period (LLC [95% CI] 0·170 [0·105 to 0·233]). The model assessed for RBC transfusion for FIBTEM MCF showed an area under the curve of 0·788 [0·745-0·832]. Patients with FIBTEM MCF values <8mm had a significantly higher likelihood of receiving RBC than patients with higher values. (OR [95% CI]: 2·08 [1·30-3·33], P=0·002). FIBTEM MCF values over 10mm do not appear to reduce the likelihood of RBC transfusion. FIBTEM MCF is not a good indicator of plasma fibrinogen values after graft reperfusion. FIBTEM MCF >8mm during the LT procedure is associated with less RBC transfusion. FIBTEM MCF values over 10mm could lead to unnecessary fibrinogen administration.

Preoperative thrombelastography maximum amplitude predicts massive transfusion in liver transplantation

BackgroundMassive transfusion (MT) is frequently required during liver transplantation. Risk stratification of transplant patients at risk for MT is an appealing concept but remains poorly developed. Thrombelastography (TEG) has recently been shown to reduce mortality when used for trauma resuscitation. We hypothesize that preoperative TEG can be used to risk stratify patients for MT. Material and methodsLiver transplant patients had blood drawn before surgical incision and assayed via TEG. Preoperative TEG measurements were collected in addition to standard laboratory coagulation tests. TEG variables including R-time (reaction time), angle, maximum amplitude (MA), and LY30 (clot lysis 30 min after MA) were correlated to red blood cell units, plasma (fresh frozen plasma), cryoprecipitate, and platelets during the first 24 h after surgery and tested for their performance using a receiver-operating characteristic curve. ResultsTwenty-eight patients were included in the analysis with a median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score of 17; 36% received a MT. The TEG variables associated with MT (defined as ≥10 red blood cell units/24 h) were a low MA (P < 0.001) and low angle (P = 0.014). A high international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (P = 0.003) and low platelet count (P = 0.007) were also associated with MT. MA had the highest area under the curve (0.861) followed by international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (0.803). An MA of less than 47 mm has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 72% to predict a MT. MA was the only coagulation variable that correlated strongly to all blood products transfused. ConclusionsTEG MA has a high predictability of MT during liver transplantation. The use of TEG preoperatively may help guide more cost effective blood bank preparation for this procedure as only a third of patients required a MT.

Influence of autologous blood transfusion in liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis B on the function and hemorheology of red blood cells.

The present study aimed to characterize the function and hemorheology of red blood cells (RBCs) recovered during liver transplantation surgery in patients with hepatitis B and decompensation. A total of 15 hepatitis B patients with decompensation who underwent liver transplantation surgery were included in the present study. Blood samples were recovered during the liver transplantation surgery using an Autologous Blood Recovery System. The morphology and structure of RBCs were characterized and compared between pre-operative and recovered blood samples. In addition, the physiological functions of RBCs were measured and compared between pre-operative and recovered blood samples. No significant differences in the morphological score, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, Na+K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase, malondialdehyde and osmotic fragility were identified between RBCs in the pre-operative and recovered blood samples. The level of free hemoglobin in RBCs of the recovered blood samples was significantly higher than in the pre-operative blood samples (P<0.05). Medium- and high-shear blood viscosities in the recovered blood samples were significantly lower than those observed in the pre-operative blood samples (P<0.05). Casson viscosity in the recovered blood samples was significantly higher compared with the pre-operative blood samples. However, no significant differences (P>0.05) in the low-shear blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, relative blood viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation index or Casson yield stress were identified between recovered and pre-operative blood samples. These findings suggested that autologous blood transfusion in liver transplantation surgery in patients with hepatitis B and decompensation had no significant influence on the morphology, structure, function and hemorheology of RBCs.

Survey of hemostasis management and transfusion in liver transplantation

ObjectiveTo determine the management of haemostasis and transfusion practice in the field of liver transplantation in Spain. MethodsA questionnaire was developed for physicians in anaesthesiology of all centres performing liver transplantation in Spain. The information required made reference to the 12 months prior to its distribution, from January 1 to December 31, 2011. ResultsData were collected from 24 centres in which liver transplantation is performed in Spain. Only 46% reported that they had protocols or practice guidelines for the management of haemostasis, and 83% of hospitals responded that they knew the percentage of transfused patients, but only 57% knew the mean transfusion. Regarding the degree of satisfaction with the management of haemostasis/coagulation, 50% said they were not satisfied. Thromboelastometry was used as an additional method of preoperative monitoring in only 8% of the centres and intra-operatively in one-third. Less than half (46%) of the centres performed preoperative correction of coagulation deficits based on conventional tests. The mean number of packed red cells used was ≤4 in 57% of centres. Consumption of fresh frozen plasma was highly variable, while 100% of centres consumed less than 4 pools of platelets per patient. ConclusionsThere is a wide variability in the management of haemostasis and transfusion practice among Spanish centres. There are no guidelines or they are not widely used. The mean use of transfused blood products remain high. There was a decrease in centres using new methods of monitoring.

Plasma transfusion in liver transplantation: a randomized, double‐blind, multicenter clinical comparison of three virally secured plasmas

The clinical equivalence of plasma treated to reduce pathogen transmission and untreated plasma has not been extensively studied. A clinical trial was conducted in liver transplant recipients to compare the efficacy of three plasmas. A randomized, equivalence, blinded trial was performed in four French liver transplantation centers. The three studied (fresh-frozen) plasmas were quarantine (Q-FFP), methylene blue (MB-FFP), and solvent/detergent (S/D-FFP) plasmas. The primary outcome was the volume of plasma transfused during transplantation. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative blood loss, hemostasis variables corrections, and adverse events. One-hundred patients were randomly assigned in the MB-FFP, 96 in the S/D-FFP, and 97 in the Q-FFP groups, respectively. The median volumes of plasma transfused were 2254, 1905, and 1798 mL with MB-FFP, S/D-FFP, and Q-FFP, respectively. The three plasmas were not equivalent. MB-FFP was not equivalent to the two other plasmas, but S/D-FFP and Q-FFP were equivalent. The median numbers of transfused plasma units were 10, 10, and 8 units with MB-FFP, S/D-FFP, and Q-FFP, respectively. Adjustment on bleeding risk factors diminished the difference between groups: the excess plasma volume transfused with MB-FFP compared to Q-FFP was reduced from 24% to 14%. Blood loss and coagulation factors corrections were not significantly different between the three arms. Compared to both Q-FFP and S/D-FFP, use of MB-FFP was associated with a moderate increase in volume transfused, partly explained by a difference in unit volume and bleeding risk factors. Q-FFP was associated with fewer units transfused than either S/D-FFP or MB-FFP.

Coagulopathy Management in Liver Transplantation

Risk of bleeding and transfusion in liver transplantation is determined by age, severity of liver disease, as well as hemoglobin and plasma fibrinogen values. During the hepatectomy and the anhepatic phase, the coagulopathy is related to a decrease in clotting factors caused by surgical bleeding, facilitated by the increased portal hypertension and esophageal-gastric venous distension. Corrections of hematologic disturbances by administration of large volumes of crystalloid, colloid, or blood products may worsen the coagulopathy. Also, impaired clearance of fibrinolytic enzymes released from damaged cells can lead to primary fibrinolysis. At time of graft reperfusion further deterioration may occur as characterized by global reduction among all coagulation factors, decreased plasminogen activator inhibitor factors, and simultaneous generation of tissue plasminogen activator. In situations with inherent risk of bleeding, hypofibrinogenemia must be corrected. Concern about unwanted events is a major limitation of preventive therapy. There is some evidence for the efficacy of antifibrinolytic drugs to reduce red blood cell requirements. A guide for antifibrinolytic therapy are clot firmness in trhomboelastometry or alternatively, diffuse bleeding associated to a fibrinogen value less than 1 g/L. Because thrombin generation is limited in severe thrombocytopenia, platelet administration is recommended when active bleeding coexists with a platelet count below 50,000/mm3. When the administration of hemoderivates and antifibrinolytic drugs does not correct severe bleeding, consumption coagulopathy and secondary fibrinolysis should be suspected. Treatment of affected patients should be based upon correcting the underlying cause, mostly related to tissue hypoxia due to critical hypoperfusion.

Predictors of massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation for patients with benign end-stage liver disease

To identify the predictors of massive blood transfusion in liver transplantation for patients with benign end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The clinical data of 268 patients with ESLD mainly caused by hepatitis B who were to receive cadaver liver transplantation performed by 5 groups of anesthesiologists respectively were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the transfusion amount: massive blood transfusion (MBT) group (n = 120) receiving the blood transfusion of more than 12 units of red blood cells (RBCs) during the operation, and non-massive blood transfusion (NBT) group (n = 148). Univariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression were used. The influence of anesthesiologists on administration of blood cells was analyzed. During the liver transplantation, 98.13% of the patients received RBC transfusion of the mean dose of 13.32 units. Different group of anesthesiologists exerted no influence on the amount of RBC transfusion. Logistic regression showed that the preoperative MELD score, hemoglobin, platelet, interactional normalized ratio of prothrombin time, kaolin partial thromboplastin time, total protein, serum creatinine, total bilirubin, ascite, and severity of hepatitis were risk factors of MBT. Multivariable logistic regression showed that 2 independent predictors of MBT were identified: preoperative MELD score and hemoglobin. Accordingly, MBT during liver transplantation was predicted by 0.593 - 0.049 x preoperative hemoglobin + 0.137 x preoperative MELD score, with a cut off value of -0.67, a sensitivity of 84.1% and a specify of 71.2%. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves of prognostic score was 0.832. MBT during liver transplantation can be predicted by preoperative MELD score and hemoglobin value in patients with ESLD secondary to type B hepatitis.