The correlation of serum hyaluronan of liver donors with posttransplant liver function

Abstract Primary organ non-function occurs in 2–17% of patients after liver transplantation (LTX). Liver function tests focus on hepatocytes, underestimating the importance of non-parenchymal cells such as endothelium. Liver endothelium metabolises hyaluronan (HA). The function of endothelium can be estimated by measuring the concentration of HA in serum. We evaluated two organ donor groups, the first with HA levels below 200 pg/l and the second with HA levels above 200 pg/l. Both groups degraded more than 60 % of HA during the first 6 h after reperfusion. Determination of hyaluronic acid in patients after LTX gives valuable information about the functional state of liver endothelium. It does not necessarily parallel the release of transaminases. In this study, there was no correlation between the levels of HA in the donor and posttransplant liver function. High HA in organ donors are most likely a consequence of different degrees of trauma and a higher release of HA into the circulation rather than impaired endothelial function.