Variables Influencing the Outcome Following Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Effect of Intraoperative Blood Transfusion on Patient Outcome in Hepatic Transplantation

“…In addition, some studies have reported a detrimental effect of intraoperative blood loss and massive transfusion requirements after liver transplantation. 2,3,7,8 In a previous study, we conducted an analysis of several factors on the need for blood transfusion. 12 These factors were recipient's age at the time of transplantation, sex, Child's classification, UNOS status, preoperative hematocrit, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, and fibrinogen level.…”

“…Previous studies demonstrating an adverse effect of transfusion requirements on outcome were conducted during an earlier era of OLT and examined the effects of massive intraoperative transfusion of blood and blood products. 2,3,8 A more recent study also divided patients into a group of "bleeders" who received 10 U or more of RBCs. 7 The present study compared patients receiving no RBCs with a group who received at least 1 U of RBC intraoperatively, and the study population did not contain a large proportion of bleeders.…”

“…The concept that increased blood loss, and hence, a greater transfusion requirement during the transplantation, affects survival agrees with other data. 2,3,7 Although blood loss is not the only factor that influences survival, it does point to the need for attention to detail during the procedure.…”

“…[2][3][4][5][6][7] According to these studies, factors that have increased the risk of death or graft loss for patients…”

“…1 While attempts have been made to identify factors affecting patient and graft survival, no set of uniform predictive variables has been described. [2][3][4][5] The effect of intraoperative blood loss and transfusions on survival after liver transplantation has been assessed by several different centers, with most data showing a correlation between blood use and postoperative morbidity and mortality rates.…”