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Martinez-Perez S, McCluskey SA, Davierwala PM, Kalra S, Nguyen E, Bhat M, Borosz C, Luzzi C, Jaeckel E, Neethling E. Perioperative Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Management in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review of the Literature Merging Guidelines and Interventions. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:1015-1030. [PMID: 38185566 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the second most performed solid organ transplant. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical consideration for LT candidacy, particularly in patients with known CAD or risk factors, including metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease. The presence of severe CAD may exclude patients from LT; therefore, precise preoperative evaluation and interventions are necessary to achieve transplant candidacy. Cardiovascular complications represent the earliest nongraft-related cause of death post-transplantation. Timely intervention to reduce cardiovascular events depends on adequate CAD screening. Coronary disease screening in end-stage liver disease is challenging because standard noninvasive CAD screening tests have low sensitivity due to hyperdynamic state and vasodilatation. As a result, there is overuse of invasive coronary angiography to exclude severe CAD. Coronary artery calcium scoring using a computed tomography scan is a tool for the prediction of cardiovascular events, and can be used to achieve risk stratification in LT candidates. Recent literature shows that qualitative assessment on both noncontrast- and contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography can be used instead of calcium score to assess the presence of coronary calcium. With increasing prevalence, protocols to address CAD in LT candidates must be reconsidered. Percutaneous coronary intervention could allow a shorter duration of dual-antiplatelet therapy in simple lesions, with safer perioperative outcomes. Hybrid coronary revascularization is an option for high-risk LT candidates with multivessel disease nonamenable to percutaneous coronary intervention. The objective of this review is to evaluate existing methods for preoperative cardiovascular risk stratification, and to describe interventions before surgery to optimize patient outcomes and reduce cardiovascular event risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Martinez-Perez
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stuart A McCluskey
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Piroze M Davierwala
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Toronto, General Hospital, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjog Kalra
- Division of Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology Section, Peter Munk Cardiac Center Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elsie Nguyen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cardiothoracic Imaging Division Lead, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl Borosz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carla Luzzi
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elmari Neethling
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network and Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Bhatti S, Lizaola-Mayo B, Al-Shoha M, Garcia-Saenz-de-Sicilia M, Habash F, Ayoub K, Karr M, Ahmed Z, Borja-Cacho D, Duarte-Rojo A. Use of Computed Tomography Coronary Calcium Score for Coronary Artery Disease Risk Stratification During Liver Transplant Evaluation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:319-328. [PMID: 35535104 PMCID: PMC9077224 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is not considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, lifestyle characteristics commonly associated with increased ASCVD risk are highly prevalent in ESLD. Emerging literature shows a high burden of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with ESLD and a high ASCVD risk in liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Coronary artery calcium score (CAC) is a noninvasive test providing reliable CAD risk stratification. We implemented an LT evaluation protocol with CAC playing a central role in triaging and determining the need for further CAD assessment. Here, we inform our results from this early experience. Methods Patients with ESLD referred for LT evaluation were prospectively studied. We compared accuracy of CAC against that of CAD risk factors/scores, troponin I, dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to detect coronary stenosis ≥70 (CAD ≥ 70) per left heart catheterization (LHC). Thirty-day post-LT cardiac outcomes were also analyzed. Results One hundred twenty-four of 148 (84%) patients underwent CAC, 106 (72%) DSE/SPECT, and 50 (34%) LHC. CAC ≥ 400 was found in 35 (28%), 100 to 399 in 17 (14%), and <100 in 72 (58%). LHC identified CAD ≥ 70% in 8 of 29 (28%), 2 of 9 (22%), and 0 of 4, respectively. Two acute coronary syndromes occurred after LT in a patient with CAC 811 (CAD < 70%), and one with CAC 347 (CAD ≥ 70%). No patients with CAC < 100 presented with acute coronary syndrome after LT. When using CAD ≥ 70% as primary endpoint of LT evaluation, CAC ≥ 346 was the only test showing predictive usefulness (negative predictive value 100%). Conclusions CAC is a promising tool to guide CAD risk stratification and need for LHC during LT evaluation. Patients with a CAC < 100 can safely undergo LT without the need for LHC or cardiac stress testing, whereas a CAC < 346 accurately rules out significant CAD stenosis (≥70%) on LHC, outperforming other CAD risk-stratification strategies.
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Key Words
- ACS, Acute coronary syndromes
- ALD, alcoholic liver disease
- ASCVD, Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- ASCVD, atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease risk
- BMI, Body mass index
- CABG, Coronary angioplasty bypass surgery
- CAC, Coronary calcium score
- CAD, Coronary artery disease
- CKD, chronic kidney disease
- DSE/SPECT, Dobutamine stress echocardiogram or single-photon emission computed tomography
- ESLD, End-stage liver disease
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- IQR, Interquartile range
- LCx, left circumflex
- LHC, Left heart catheterization
- LT, liver transplantation
- MELD, model for end stage liver disease
- MESA, Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
- METs, Metabolic equivalents
- NPV, negative predictive value
- OM, obtuse marginal
- OPTN, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
- PCI, Percutaneous coronary intervention
- PDA, posterior descending artery
- POBA, plain old balloon angioplasty
- PPV, positive predictive value
- RCA, right coronary artery
- RI, ramus intermedius
- ROC, Receiver operating characteristic
- RPL, right posterolateral
- SD, Standard deviation
- VT, Ventricular tachycardia
- agatston score
- angiogram
- cardiac stress test
- cirrhosis
- end-stage liver disease
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabha Bhatti
- Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
| | - Blanca Lizaola-Mayo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85259, United States
| | - Mohammad Al-Shoha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
| | | | - Fuad Habash
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
| | - Karam Ayoub
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
| | - Michael Karr
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
| | - Zubair Ahmed
- Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
| | - Daniel Borja-Cacho
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Northwestern University, 676 N Saint Clair, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
| | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Cardiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Slot #567, Little Rock, AR, 70205, United States
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 916, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
- Address for correspondence: Andres Duarte-Rojo, MD, MS, DSc, Starzl Transplantation Institute and Center for Liver Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 916, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States. Tel.: +1 412 647-1170; fax: +1 412 647 9268
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Cardiovascular Evaluation of Liver Transplant Patients by Using Coronary Calcium Scoring in ECG-Synchronized Computed Tomographic Scans. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215148. [PMID: 34768667 PMCID: PMC8584855 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The goal of cardiac evaluation of patients awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is to identify the patients at risk for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in the peri- and postoperative periods by opportunistic evaluation of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in non-gated abdominal computed tomographs (CT). Methods: We hypothesized that in patients with OLT, a combination of Lee’s revised cardiac index (RCRI) and CAC scoring would improve diagnostic accuracy and prognostic impact compared to non-invasive cardiac testing. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated 169 patients and compared prediction of CVEs by both methods. Results: Standard workup identified 22 patients with a high risk for CVEs during the transplant period, leading to coronary interventions. Eighteen patients had a CVE after transplant and a CAC score > 0. The combination of CAC and RCRI ≥ 2 had better negative (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) for CVEs (NPV 95.7%, PPV 81.6%) than standard non-invasive stress tests (NPV 92.0%, PPV 54.5%). Conclusion: The cutoff value of CAC > 0 by non-gated CTs combined with RCRI ≥ 2 is highly sensitive for identifying patients at risk for CVEs in the OLT population.
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Prognostic Value of Computed Tomographic Coronary Angiography for Long-Term Major Adverse Cardiac Events after Liver Transplantation. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10143132. [PMID: 34300296 PMCID: PMC8303180 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10143132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Computed tomographic coronary angiography (CTCA) has prognostic value for early major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) after liver transplantation. However, the association between CTCA and long-term MACEs in liver transplant (LT) recipients remains unknown. We evaluated the association between CTCA and long-term MACEs within 5 years after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). A total of 628 LDLT recipients who underwent CTCA were analyzed between 2010 and 2012. MACEs were investigated within 5 years after LDLT. The factors associated with long-term MACEs in transplant recipients were evaluated. Only 48 (7.6%) patients developed MACEs. In the Fine and Gray competing risk regression, a coronary artery calcium score (CACS) of >400 combined with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (subdistribution hazard ratio: 5.01, 95% confidence interval: 2.37–10.58, p < 0.001), age (1.05, 1.01–1.10, p = 0.018), diabetes mellitus (2.43, 1.37–4.29, p = 0.002), dyslipidemia (2.45, 1.23–4.70, p = 0.023), and creatinine (1.19, 1.08–1.30, p < 0.001) were independently associated with long-term MACEs. CACS (>400) combined with obstructive CAD may be associated with MACEs within 5 years after LDLT, suggesting the importance of preoperative noninvasive CTCA in LT recipients. The evaluation of coronary artery stenosis on CTCA combined with CACS may have a prognostic value for long-term MACEs in LT recipients.
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Zorzi A, Brunetti G, Cardaioli F, D'Arcangelo F, Fabris T, Gambato M, Iliceto S, Martini A, Mattesi G, Peluso C, Polacco M, Sartori C, Lorenzoni G, Feltracco P, Angeli P, Burra P, Cillo U, Pontisso P. Coronary artery calcium on standard chest computed tomography predicts cardiovascular events after liver transplantation. Int J Cardiol 2021; 339:219-224. [PMID: 34181996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cardiac complications are a leading cause of mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) and pre-operative risk stratification is challenging. We evaluated whether coronary artery calcium (CAC) score calculated on a standard (non-thin layer, non-ECG gated) chest computed tomography (CT) predicted cardiac outcome after LT. METHODS We included a consecutive series of LT recipients who underwent pre-operative cardiac evaluation including stress-testing or cardiac catheterization in high-risk patients. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease or coronary revascularization were excluded. The CAC score was calculated from the chest CT routinely performed before LT. CAC values were not available at the time of pre-transplant cardiac evaluation and did not affect LT eligibility. The primary end-point included peri-operative arrhythmic cardiac arrest and sustained ventricular arrhythmias; heart failure, myocardial infarction and cardiac death within 1-year after LT. RESULTS The study population consisted of 301 patients (median age 56 years, 76% males). At chest CT, 49% had CAC = 0; 27% had CAC = 1-99, 15% had CAC = 100-399 and 9% CAC > 400. The primary end-point incidence increased from 7% in patients with CAC = 0 to 27% in patients with CAC > 400 (p = 0.007). At multivariable analysis including traditional risk factors, CAC remained an independent predictor of cardiac events (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS CAC score calculated on a standard chest CT stratified the risk of cardiac events in patients who underwent LT after negative pre-transplant cardiac evaluation. These findings suggest that evaluation of CAC from a standard chest CT performed for other reasons can be used as an early cardiac risk stratification tool before LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Zorzi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Brunetti
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesco Cardaioli
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Francesca D'Arcangelo
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Fabris
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Martina Gambato
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Martini
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Mattesi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Claudia Peluso
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Marina Polacco
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sartori
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Giulia Lorenzoni
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Feltracco
- Unit of Anestestesiology and Intensive Care in Complex Surgery and Transplants, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Gastroenterology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Umberto Cillo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
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Tiwari N, Margapuri J, Katamreddy A, Jubbal S, Madan N. Diagnostic accuracy of cardiac testing for coronary artery disease in potential liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2021; 32:100714. [PMID: 33521238 PMCID: PMC7820133 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background The incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Liver transplant (LT) patients is much higher than prior estimates and the morbidity and mortality are significant in this group of patients. Coronary angiography is the gold standard for detection of CAD, a non-invasive test that allows appropriate risk stratification would be preferred. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to assess the pooled diagnostic accuracy of various noninvasive cardiac imaging tests in detecting CAD in patients listed for LT. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing sensitivity and specificity of non-invasive tests to that of coronary angiography in diagnosing coronary artery disease in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Results Five studies (616 participants) evaluated myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI); five studies (1243 participants) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE); and three (87 participants), other tests. MPI had a pooled sensitivity of 0.62 (95% CI 0.37, 0.83), specificity of 0.60 (95% CI 0.39, 0.79), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 2.5 (95% CI 1.7, 5.64) and Area under the curve (AUC) 0.649. DSE had a pooled sensitivity of 0.25 (95%CI 0.09, 0.51), specificity of 0.68 (95% CI 0.44, 0.84) and DOR of 0.7 (95% CI 0.12, 3.84). Conclusions Our results show that both MPI and DSE are not effective screening tools for detecting CAD in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Future studies are needed to evaluate the role of real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) and coronary artery calcium score (CAC) with coronary CT angiography in patients with ESLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhish Tiwari
- Jacobi Medical Center-Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Adarsh Katamreddy
- Jacobi Medical Center-Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sandeep Jubbal
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Bonou M, Mavrogeni S, Kapelios CJ, Skouloudi M, Aggeli C, Cholongitas E, Papatheodoridis G, Barbetseas J. Preoperative Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease in Liver Transplant Candidates: Many Unanswered Questions in Clinical Practice. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11010075. [PMID: 33466478 PMCID: PMC7824885 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular (CV) complications represent the first non-graft-related cause of death and the third overall cause of death among patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). History of coronary artery disease is related to increased CV mortality following LT. Although it is of paramount importance to stratify CV risk in pre-LT patients, there is no consensus regarding the choice of the optimal non-invasive cardiac imaging test. Algorithms proposed by scientific associations include non-traditional risk factors, which are associated with increased cardiac risk profiles. Thus, an individualized pre-LT evaluation protocol should be followed. As the average age of patients undergoing LT and the number of candidates continue to rise, the “3 W” questions still remain unanswered, Who, Which and When? Who should be screened for coronary artery disease (CAD), which screening modality should be used and when should the asymptomatic waitlisted patients repeat cardiac evaluation? Prospective studies with large sample sizes are warranted to define an algorithm that can provide better risk stratification and more reliable survival prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bonou
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Sophie Mavrogeni
- Department of Cardiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, 17674 Athens, Greece;
| | - Chris J. Kapelios
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-213-2061032; Fax: +30-213-2061761
| | - Marina Skouloudi
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Constantina Aggeli
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - John Barbetseas
- Department of Cardiology, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (M.B.); (M.S.); (J.B.)
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Maliakkal BJ. Pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and implications on cardiovascular outcomes in liver transplantation. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:36. [PMID: 32632387 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2019.12.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Along with the obesity epidemic there has been a major increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence, paralleling a steady increase in cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular cancer (HCC) related to NAFLD. Currently, NAFLD (related HCC and cirrhosis) is the second most common cause for liver transplantation (LT) and it is projected to take the top spot in the next 3-5 years. Patients with NAFLD cirrhosis and HCC have a unique set of comorbidities which potentially increases their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. However, a review of the published data in NAFLD patients who undergo LT, does not paint a clear picture. While CVD is the most common cause of non-graft related mortality over the long-term, the short and intermediate-term survival post LT in NAFLD cirrhosis appears to be on par with other etiologies when age and comorbidities are factored. The cardiovascular complications are increased in the immediate post-transplant period but there is a shift from ischemic complications to arrhythmias and heart failure (HF). NAFLD recurs in 80-100% patients and occurs de novo in about 50% after LT, potentially impacting their long-term morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the available data on CVD in NAFLD patients before and after LT, explains what is currently known about the epidemiology and pathogenesis of CVD in NAFLD and posits strategies to improve wait-list and post-transplant survival.
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9
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West BH, Low CG, Bista BB, Yang EH, Vorobiof G, Busuttil RW, Budoff MJ, Elashoff D, Tobis JM, Honda HM. Significance of Coronary Artery Calcium Found on Non-Electrocardiogram-Gated Computed Tomography During Preoperative Evaluation for Liver Transplant. Am J Cardiol 2019; 124:278-284. [PMID: 31122618 PMCID: PMC6581589 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines to evaluate patients for coronary artery disease (CAD) during preoperative evaluation for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are conflicting. Cardiac catheterization is not without risk in patients with end-stage liver disease. No study to date has looked at the utility of non-electrocardiogram-gated chest computed tomography (CT) in the preliver transplant population. Our hypothesis was that coronary artery calcium scores (CACSs) from chest CT scans ordered during the liver transplant workup can identify patients who would benefit from invasive angiography. Nine hundred and fifty-three patients who underwent coronary angiography as part of their OLT workup were considered. Charts were randomly selected and reviewed for the presence of a chest CT performed before coronary angiography during the OLT workup. Agatston and Weston scores were calculated. CACS results were compared with coronary angiography findings. Nine of 54 patients were found to have obstructive CAD by angiography. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that an Agatston score of 251 and a Weston score of 6 maximized sensitivity and specificity for detection of obstructive coronary disease. An Agatston score <4 or Weston score <2 excluded the presence of obstructive CAD; using these thresholds, 13 patients (24%) or 15 patients (28%), respectively, could have theoretically avoided catheterization without missing significant CAD. In conclusion, our data identify the strength of CACS in ruling out coronary disease in patients being evaluated for OLT. Calcium scoring from non-electrocardiogram-gated CT studies may be integrated into preoperative algorithms to rule out obstructive CAD and help avoid invasive angiography in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H West
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Christopher G Low
- Department of Medical Education, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, California
| | - Biraj B Bista
- Department of Radiology, UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California
| | - Eric H Yang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gabriel Vorobiof
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ronald W Busuttil
- Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew J Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, California
| | - David Elashoff
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biostatistics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Department of Biomathematics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan M Tobis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Section of Interventional Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Henry M Honda
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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Kwon HM, Hwang GS. Cardiovascular dysfunction and liver transplantation. Korean J Anesthesiol 2018; 71:85-91. [PMID: 29619780 PMCID: PMC5903113 DOI: 10.4097/kjae.2018.71.2.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications have emerged as the leading cause of death after liver transplantation, particularly among those with advanced liver cirrhosis. Therefore, a thorough and accurate cardiovascular evaluation with clear comprehension of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is recommended for optimal anesthetic management. However, cirrhotic patients manifest cardiac dysfunction concomitant with pronounced systemic hemodynamic changes, characterized by hyperdynamic circulation such as increased cardiac output, high heart rate, and decreased systemic vascular resistance. These unique features mask significant manifestations of cardiac dysfunction at rest, which makes it difficult to accurately evaluate cardiovascular status. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge of heart and liver interactions, focusing on the usefulness and limitations of cardiac evaluation tools for identifying high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Mee Kwon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Laboratory for Cardiovascular Dynamics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gyu-Sam Hwang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Laboratory for Cardiovascular Dynamics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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11
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Soldera J, Camazzola F, Rodríguez S, Brandão A. Dobutamine stress echocardiography, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, invasive coronary angiography, and post-liver transplantation events: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Transplant 2018; 32:e13222. [PMID: 29436036 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The impact of coronary artery disease on the clinical course of patients enrolled for liver transplantation (LT) has changed over the years as these patients become older and sicker. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the value of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in predicting cardiac events post-LT in cirrhotic patients. A literature search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), BIREME (regional medical library of the Pan American Health Organization), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), Cochrane Library for Systematic Reviews, and OpenGrey Repository (www.opengrey.eu) electronic databases. A total of 322 records were retrieved for DSE, 90 for MPS, and 149 for ICA. In the final analysis, 11 records for DSE, 7 for MPS, and 8 for ICA were included. The relative risk and confidence interval for major adverse cardiac events were 30.2 (2.8-325.4) for DSE, 2.6 (1.09-6.1) for MPS, and 2.1 (1.0-2.3) for ICA, while the relative risk and confidence interval for all-cause mortality was 4.7 for DSE (1.8-12.0), 2.7 (1.25-5.9) for MPS, and 1.5 (0.89-3.2) for ICA. In conclusion, this meta-analysis found that DSE, MPS, and ICA do not satisfactorily predict increased risk of perioperative MACE or all-cause mortality among cirrhotic patients listed for LT, among small and heterogenous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Soldera
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Fábio Camazzola
- School of Medicine, Universidade de Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Santiago Rodríguez
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ajacio Brandão
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Liver Transplantation Group, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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12
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Zhao X, Zhang HW, Li S, Zhang Y, Xu RX, Zhu CG, Wu NQ, Guo YL, Qing P, Li XL, Liu G, Dong Q, Sun J, Li JJ. Association between plasma proprotein convertase subtisilin/kexin type 9 concentration and coronary artery calcification. Ann Clin Biochem 2017; 55:158-164. [PMID: 28166668 DOI: 10.1177/0004563217695351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been reported to be related to several risk factors and diseases such as inflammatory markers and coronary artery disease. The aim of present study was to investigate whether plasma PCSK9 concentration was associated with coronary artery calcification. Methods A total of 403 consecutive untreated patients with angina-like chest pain, who received electron beam computed tomography, were enrolled and a coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was also measured. The baseline clinical characteristics were collected and blood sample was taken after 12-h fasting. The plasma PCSK9 concentrations were determined by ELISA in all patients, and the relationship between plasma PCSK9 concentrations and CACS was investigated. Results Patients with coronary artery calcification (CACS > 0) had significant higher plasma PCSK9 concentrations compared with those (CACS = 0) without coronary artery calcification (258.58 ± 69.53 ng/mL vs. 202.53 ± 52.17 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Patients with highest PCSK9 concentrations had the highest CACS. Multivariable linear regression analysis suggested that PCSK9 was independently associated with coronary artery calcification ( P = 0.002) after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, the area under the curve for the plasma PCSK9 concentration in predicting coronary artery calcification was 0.736 (95% CI: 0.687–0.785, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 70%. Conclusion A positive association between plasma PCSK9 concentration and coronary artery calcification in untreated patients with angina-like chest pain was observed in our study, suggesting that further investigation may be needed in order to confirm our primary findings and explore the clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhao
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Wen Zhang
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Li
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Xia Xu
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Zhu
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na-Qiong Wu
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Guo
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Qing
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Li
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Geng Liu
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Dong
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- Division of Dyslipidaemia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fu Wai Hospital, National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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13
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Hogan BJ, Gonsalkorala E, Heneghan MA. Evaluation of coronary artery disease in potential liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl 2017; 23:386-395. [PMID: 27875636 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in the management of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) have resulted in a significant increase in survival in recent years. Cardiac disease is now the leading cause of early mortality, and the stress of major surgery, hemodynamic shifts, and the possibilities of hemorrhage or reperfusion syndrome require the recipient to have good baseline cardiac function. The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing in LT candidates, especially in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In assessing LT recipients, we suggest a management paradigm of "quadruple assessment" to include (1) history, examination, and electrocardiogram; (2) transthoracic echocardiogram; (3) functional testing; and (4) where appropriate, direct assessment of CAD. The added value of functional testing, such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing, has been shown to be able to predict posttransplant complications independently of the presence of CV disease. This approach gives the assessment team the greatest chance of detecting and preventing complications related to CAD. Liver Transplantation 23 386-395 2017 AASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Hogan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Enoka Gonsalkorala
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Combination with Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring for the Preoperative Cardiac Evaluation of Liver Transplant Recipients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4081525. [PMID: 28164120 PMCID: PMC5259617 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4081525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the best treatment option for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, fulminant liver failure, and end-stage liver diseases. Even though advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care have improved postoperative outcomes, perioperative cardiovascular complications are a leading cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation. Ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiomyopathy are the most common cardiovascular diseases and could be negative predictors of postoperative outcomes in liver transplant recipients. Therefore, comprehensive cardiovascular evaluations are required to assess perioperative risks and prevent concomitant cardiovascular complications that would preclude good outcomes in liver transplant recipients. The two major types of cardiac computed tomography are the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). CCTA in combination with the CACS is a validated noninvasive alternative to coronary angiography for diagnosing and grading the severity of CAD. A CACS > 400 is associated with significant CAD and a known important predictor of posttransplant cardiovascular complications in liver transplant recipients. In this review article, we discuss the usefulness, advantages, and disadvantages of CCTA combined with CACS as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for preoperative cardiac evaluation and for maximizing the perioperative outcomes of liver transplant recipients.
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15
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Choi JM, Lee YK, Yoo H, Lee S, Kim HY, Kim YK. Relationship between Stroke Volume Variation and Blood Transfusion during Liver Transplantation. Int J Med Sci 2016; 13:235-9. [PMID: 26941584 PMCID: PMC4773288 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraoperative blood transfusion increases the risk for perioperative mortality and morbidity in liver transplant recipients. A high stroke volume variation (SVV) method has been proposed to reduce blood loss during living donor hepatectomy. Herein, we investigated whether maintaining high SVV could reduce the need for blood transfusion and also evaluated the effect of the high SVV method on postoperative outcomes in liver transplant recipients. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 332 patients who underwent liver transplantation, divided into control (maintaining <10% of SVV during surgery) and high SVV (maintaining 10-20% of SVV during surgery) groups. We evaluated the blood transfusion requirement and hemodynamic parameters, including SVV, as well as postoperative outcomes, such as incidences of acute kidney injury, durations of postoperative intensive care unit and hospital stay, and rates of 1-year mortality. RESULTS Mean SVV values were 7.0% ± 1.3% in the control group (n = 288) and 11.2% ± 1.8% in the high SVV group (n = 44). The median numbers of transfused packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasmas in the high SVV group were significantly lower than those in control group (0 vs. 2 units, P = 0.003; and 0 vs. 3 units, P = 0.033, respectively). No significant between-group differences were observed for postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Maintaining high SVV can reduce the blood transfusion requirement during liver transplantation without worsening postoperative outcomes. These findings provide insights into improving perioperative management in liver transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Moon Choi
- 1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Lee
- 2. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwanhee Yoo
- 1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukyung Lee
- 1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Yeong Kim
- 2. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hangang Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Kug Kim
- 1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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