Complement activation during liver transplantation.

Twelve patients with end-stage liver disease undergoing liver transplantation were studied regarding complement activation and formation of anaphylatoxins (C3a and C5a) and terminal C5b-9 complement complexes (TCC) after reperfusion of the grafted liver. Blood samples for complement variables (C1INH, C3, C4, C5, C3a, C5a, and TCC) were drawn preoperatively, before the anhepatic phase, 1 min before, and 2, 15, and 60 min after the start of reperfusion of the grafted liver. Activation of complement was observed during the operation. The C1INH, C3, C4, and C5 plasma concentrations decreased during the entire operation while the anaphylatoxin C3a and the terminal C5b-9 complement complex increased after the reperfusion of the grafted liver. Activation of complement with the formation of biologically active substances like anaphylatoxins and terminal C5b-9 complement complexes may be one explanation for circulatory complications often seen in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation.