A retrospective study of fluid therapy for 100 patients of liver transplantation

Objective: To review the evolution of fluid therapy (IOFT) during liver transplantation (LTX) based on clinical experience in our institute over 7 years. Methods: All patient records (n = 130) of LTX from 1996 to 2003 were examined. After excluding patients with co-morbidities 100 cases were found suitable for IOFT analysis. All patients had undergone LTX and follow-up under the same surgical team. Based on IOFT records we tried to identify distinct patterns of practice evolving over 7 years. Intraoperalive hemodynamics (IOHD) and long-term outcome records were examined. Results: Retrospectively, 3 types of IOFT were found. Group A (n= 18, period 1996-1997) received high amounts of crystalloids; group B (n= 24, period 1998-2000) received high amounts of plasma and albumin; and group C (n = 58, period 2001-2003) received lower amounts of albumin and plasma and recommended amounts of 6% hy-droxyethyl starch 200/0. 5 (HES) and high amounts of vasoprcssors. Intraoperatively, group A exhibited the highest levels of central venous and pulmonary artery pressures in the neo-hepatic stage (P<0. 05). Postoperatively, the patients in group C had the shortest time to extubation; the values for group A,B,C were (15.8±11), (17. 3±10. 2) and (7. 98±3. 2) h respectively( P<0. 05). At the end of one-year follow-up, the patients in group C had the lowest mortality (group A, B, C were 27. 78%, 29. 17% and 6. 25% respectively; P<0. 05). Conclusion: In our institute over the years the use of crystalloids, albumin and plasma during IOFT of LTX is gradually replaced to a large extent by HES. The improvements in IOHD and long term outcomes are likely to be related to improved surgical experience of our team. Nevertheless, the shift in IOFT practices might be associated with an beneficial effect on IOHD or long term outcome. Treatment with proper amount of liquid and vasoactive drugs may be a better method of fluid therapy.

A retrospective study of fluid therapy for 100 patients of liver transplantation