Analysis of postrevascularization syndrome after orthotopic liver transplantation: the experience of an Australian liver transplantation center.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We investigated the causes and examined patient outcomes following the postrevascularization syndrome (PRS) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx).

METHODS

PRS was defined as a fall in the mean arterial pressure at 5 min after revascularization to less than 70% of the baseline and lasting for 5 min. Data from 100 adult patients who underwent OLTx between January 1998 and September 2000 were analyzed. Analyzed data included donor and recipient demographic data, recipient operative and postoperative courses, and recipient outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (29%) exhibited PRS during OLTx (PRS group). There was a higher incidence of older donors (>50 years) in the PRS group (48% vs 23%; P < 0.05). Postrevascularization hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis were observed in both the PRS and non-PRS groups. Transaminase and lactate levels after revascularization were significantly higher in the PRS group ( P < 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels on day 7 tended to be higher in the PRS group; although the difference was not significant (p > or = 0.05). Serum creatinine was significantly elevated on day 7 in the PRS group ( P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that PRS following OLTx tended to be more common in liver allografts from older donors and was associated with posttransplantation liver and renal dysfunction.