Intraoperative evaluation of EuroCollins and University of Wisconsin preservation solutions in patients undergoing hepatic transplantation

The effects of cold liver preservation with two solutions, EuroCollins and University of Wisconsin, were compared in terms of hepatic function and hemodynamic parameters obtained intraoperatively during orthotopic liver transplantation. Data from 101 consecutive liver transplants were analyzed retrospectively, comparing 50 grafts preserved with EC with 51 preserved with UW solution. Hepatic hemodynamics parameters included portal venous and hepatic arterial flows, determined with an electromagnetic flowmeter. Vascular pressures, blood gases and pH measurements were obtained directly from the portal vein, hepatic vein, and peripheral artery. Serial measurements of serum glucose, SGOT, and SGPT were performed following reperfusion. Preservation related graft failure occurred in 4 of 50 patients in the EC group, but not in any of 51 patients in the UW group. Cold Ischemia time (hours +/- SEM) was significantly prolonged in UW group (7.23 +/- 1.4 vs. 5.21 +/- 0.9). Rate of temperature change (degrees C/hour +/- SEM) after reperfusion was similar in both groups (EC = 0.62 +/- 0.35, UW = 0.71 +/- 0.4). Peak serum SGOT, SGPT, and glucose levels following reperfusion were significantly higher in the EC group, as was PRBC and FFP administration. Systemic hemodynamics in both groups of patients were similar. However, UW-preserved grafts demonstrated a significantly higher hepatic artery resistance, with no other differences in hepatic hemodynamics seen. UW solution appears to extend cold ischemia time without adversely affecting liver function. However, the etiology and clinical significance of the increased hepatic artery resistance seen in UW-stored liver grafts are unknown.