Intraoperative terlipressin therapy reduces the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury after living donor liver transplantation

Risk factors for acute kidney injury after liver transplantation in intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication during the postoperative period following liver transplantation. Occurrence of AKI in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is associated with increased mortality and higher costs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate occurrences of moderate or severe AKI among patients admitted to the ICU after liver transplantation and investigate characteristics associated with this complication.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Single-center retrospective cohort study in a public hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

METHODS

Forty-nine patients admitted to the ICU between January 2015 and April 2017 were included. AKI was defined from a modified Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) score (i.e. based exclusively on serum creatinine levels).

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (36.7%) developed AKI KDIGO 2 or 3; mostly KDIGO 3 (16 out of the 18 patients). Lactate level within the first six hours after ICU admission (odds ratio, OR: 1.3; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.021-1.717; P = 0.034) and blood transfusion requirement within the first week following transplantation (OR: 8.4; 95% CI: 1.687-41.824; P = 0.009) were independently associated with development of AKI. Patients with AKI KDIGO 2 or 3 underwent more renal replacement therapy (72.2% versus 3.2%; P < 0.01), had longer hospital stay (20 days versus 15 days; P = 0.001), higher in-hospital mortality (44.4% versus 6.5%; P < 0.01) and higher mortality rate after one year (44.4% versus 9.7%; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Need for blood transfusion during ICU stay and hyperlactatemia within the first six postoperative hours after liver transplantation are independently associated with moderate or severe AKI. Developing AKI is apparently associated with poor outcomes.

Prophylactic Perioperative Terlipressin Therapy for Preventing Acute Kidney Injury in Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in the perioperative transplant period and is associated with poor outcomes. Few studies reported a reduction in AKI incidence with terlipressin therapy by counteracting the hemodynamic alterations occurring during liver transplantation. However, the effect of terlipressin on posttransplant outcomes has not been systematically reviewed.

Methods

A comprehensive search of electronic databases was performed. Studies reporting the use of terlipressin in the perioperative period of living donor liver transplantation were included. We expressed the dichotomous outcomes as risk ratio (RR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) using the random effects model. The primary aim was to assess the posttransplant risk of AKI. The secondary aims were to assess the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), vasopressors, effect on hemodynamics, blood loss during surgery, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of nine studies reporting 711 patients (309 patients in the terlipressin group and 402 in the control group) were included for analysis. Terlipressin was administered for a mean duration of 53.44 ± 28.61 h postsurgery. The risk of AKI was lower with terlipressin (0.6 [95% CI, 0.44-0.8]; P = 0.001). However, on sensitivity analysis including only four randomized controlled trials (I² = 0; P = 0.54), the risk of AKI was similar in both the groups (0.7 [0.43-1.09]; P = 0.11). The need for RRT was similar in both the groups (0.75 [0.35-1.56]; P = 0.44). Terlipressin therapy reduced the need for another vasopressor (0.34 [0.25-0.47]; P < 0.001) with a concomitant rise in mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance by 3.2 mm Hg (1.64-4.7; P < 0.001) and 77.64 dyne cm^-1.sec^-5 (21.27-134; P = 0.007), respectively. Blood loss, duration of hospital/ICU stay, and mortality were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Perioperative terlipressin therapy has no clinically relevant benefit.

Terlipressin has stood the test of time: Clinical overview in 2020 and future perspectives

Vasoactive drugs form the mainstay of therapy for two of the most important complications of liver disease: hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) and acute variceal bleed (AVB). With cumulative evidence supporting the use in cirrhosis, terlipressin has been recommended for the management of HRS and AVB. However, owing to the safety concerns, terlipressin was not approved by food and drug administration (FDA) until now. In this review, we discuss the pharmacology and the major practice-changing studies on the safety and efficacy of terlipressin in patients with cirrhosis particularly focusing on existing indications like AVB and HRS and reviewing new data on the expanding indications in liver disease. The references for this review were identified from PUBMED with MeSH terms such as "terlipressin," "hepatorenal syndrome," "varices, esophagal and gastric," "ascites" and "cirrhosis." Terlipressin, a synthetic analogue of vasopressin, was introduced in 1975 to overcome the adverse effects of vasopressin. Terlipressin is an effective drug for HRS reversal in patients with liver cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. There is documented mortality benefit with terlipressin therapy in HRS and AVB. Adverse effects are common with terlipressin and need to be monitored strictly. There is some evidence to support the use of this drug in refractory ascites, hepatic hydrothorax, paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction and perioperatively during liver transplantation. However, terlipressin is not yet recommended for such indications. In conclusion, terlipressin has stood the test of time with expanding indications and clear prerequisites for clinical use. Our review warrants a fresh perspective on the efficacy and safety of terlipressin.

Splanchnic and systemic circulation cross talks: Implications for hemodynamic management of liver transplant recipients

The interaction between splanchnic and systemic circulation has many hemodynamic and renal consequences during liver transplant. In a patient with liver cirrhosis, splanchnic vasodilatation causes arterial steal from the systemic circulation into the splanchnic bed, which decreases the effective blood volume. Moreover, rapid volume loading in these patients has less impact on the cardiac output because a higher proportion of infused fluid is shifted to the splanchnic area. Thus, in dissection phase, the traditional approach of volume loading to maintain intraoperative hemodynamic stability not only seems ineffective, but it may also aggravate surgical bleeding. Two approaches of volume therapy have been mentioned to maintain hemodynamic stability during liver transplantation: splanchnic volume reduction by volume restriction with or without phlebotomy to maintain low central venous pressure (CVP), and splanchnic decongestion using splanchnic vasoconstrictors. After reperfusion, an increase in the central blood volume was thought to have a deleterious effect on the new graft function; however, the precise central venous pressure value that causes hepatic congestion after reperfusion is unknown.

Incidence and Impact of Acute Kidney Injury after Liver Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis

Background: The study’s aim was to summarize the incidence and impacts of post-liver transplant (LTx) acute kidney injury (AKI) on outcomes after LTx. Methods: A literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases from inception until December 2018 to identify studies assessing the incidence of AKI (using a standard AKI definition) in adult patients undergoing LTx. Effect estimates from the individual studies were derived and consolidated utilizing random-effect, the generic inverse variance approach of DerSimonian and Laird. The protocol for this systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42018100664). Results: Thirty-eight cohort studies, with a total of 13,422 LTx patients, were enrolled. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence rates of post-LTx AKI and severe AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) were 40.7% (95% CI: 35.4%–46.2%) and 7.7% (95% CI: 5.1%–11.4%), respectively. Meta-regression showed that the year of study did not significantly affect the incidence of post-LTx AKI (p = 0.81). The pooled estimated in-hospital or 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality rates of patients with post-LTx AKI were 16.5% (95% CI: 10.8%–24.3%) and 31.1% (95% CI: 22.4%–41.5%), respectively. Post-LTx AKI and severe AKI requiring RRT were associated with significantly higher mortality with pooled ORs of 2.96 (95% CI: 2.32–3.77) and 8.15 (95%CI: 4.52–14.69), respectively. Compared to those without post-LTx AKI, recipients with post-LTx AKI had significantly increased risk of liver graft failure and chronic kidney disease with pooled ORs of 3.76 (95% CI: 1.56–9.03) and 2.35 (95% CI: 1.53–3.61), respectively. Conclusion: The overall estimated incidence rates of post-LTx AKI and severe AKI requiring RRT are 40.8% and 7.0%, respectively. There are significant associations of post-LTx AKI with increased mortality and graft failure after transplantation. Furthermore, the incidence of post-LTx AKI has remained stable over the ten years of the study.

Vasopressin and nitroglycerin decrease portal and hepatic venous pressure and hepato-splanchnic blood flow

BACKGROUND

Various methods are used to reduce venous blood pressure in the hepato-splanchnic circulation, and hence minimise blood loss during liver surgery. Previous studies show that combination of vasopressin and nitroglycerin reduces portal pressure and flow in patients with portal hypertension, and in this study we investigated this combination in patients with normal portal pressure.

METHOD

In all, 13 patients were studied. Measurements were made twice to confirm baseline (C1 and BL), during vasopressin infusion 4.8 U/h (V), and during vasopressin infusion combined with nitroglycerin infusion (V + N). Portal venous pressure (PVP), hepatic venous pressure (HVP), central haemodynamics and arterial and venous blood gases were obtained at each measuring point, and portal (splanchnic) and hepato-splanchnic blood flow changes were calculated.

RESULTS

Vasopressin alone did not affect PVP, whereas HVP increased slightly. In combination with nitroglycerin, PVP decreased from 10.1 ± 1.6 to 8.9 ± 1.3 mmHg (P < 0.0001), and HVP decreased from 7.9 ± 1.9 to 6.2 ± 1.3 mmHg (P = 0.001). Vasopressin reduced portal blood flow by 47 ± 19% and hepatic venous flow by 11 ± 18%, respectively. Addition of nitroglycerin further reduced portal- and hepatic flow by 55 ± 13% and 30 ± 13%, respectively. Vasopressin alone had minor effects on central haemodynamics, whereas addition of nitroglycerin reduced cardiac index (3.2 ± 0.7 to 2.7 ± 0.5; P < 0.0001). The arterial-portal vein lactate gradient was unaffected.

CONCLUSION

The combination of vasopressin and nitroglycerin decreases portal pressure and hepato-splanchnic blood flow, and could be a potential treatment to reduce bleeding in liver resection surgery.

Update on perioperative acute kidney injury

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we discuss the latest updates on perioperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and the specific considerations that are relevant to different surgeries and patient populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

AKI diagnosis is constantly evolving. New biomarkers detect AKI early and shed a light on the possible cause of AKI. Hypotension, even for a short duration, is associated with perioperative AKI. The debate on the deleterious effects of chloride-rich solutions is still far from conclusion. Remote ischemic preconditioning is showing promising results in the possible prevention of perioperative AKI. No definite data show a beneficiary effect of statins, fenoldepam, or sodium bicarbonate in preventing AKI.

SUMMARY

Perioperative AKI is prevalent and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Considering the lack of effective preventive or therapeutic interventions, this review focuses on perioperative AKI: measures for early diagnosis, defining risks and possible mechanisms, and summarizing current knowledge for intraoperative fluid and hemodynamic management to reduce risk of AKI.

Double-blind randomized controlled trial of the routine perioperative use of terlipressin in adult living donor liver transplantation

Perioperative terlipressin (Tp) during living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been shown to reduce intraoperative portal pressures and improve renal function. Its role and safety profile have never been evaluated in a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT). The aim was to evaluate the hemodynamic effects, clinical benefits, and safety of perioperative Tp infusion in adult LDLT. This was a single-center double-blind RCT. Consenting adults with chronic liver disease and low risk of posttransplant renal dysfunction undergoing their first LDLT were randomized. The study group (terlipressin group [TpG]) received an initial bolus of Tp during surgery followed by a Tp infusion for 72 hours in the postoperative period. The placebo group (PbG) received a saline infusion. The primary endpoint was portal pressure after arterial reperfusion. Multiple intraoperative and postoperative variables served as secondary endpoints. A total of 41 patients were enrolled in the trial (TpG, 21; PbG, 20). There were no significant differences in intraoperative portal pressures, blood loss, fluid requirement, vasopressor requirement, or urine output. Peak intraoperative and end of surgery lactate levels were significantly higher in the Tp group. There was no difference in postoperative liver function tests. Incidence of acute kidney injury as assessed by Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-Stage Kidney Disease criteria was lower in the Tp group (27% versus 60%; P = 0.04). The TpG had less postoperative ascites, a lower need for percutaneous interventions, and a shorter hospital stay. Incidence of bradycardia requiring pharmacological intervention and withdrawal from study was significantly higher in the TpG. In conclusion, this study has not demonstrated a reduction in postreperfusion portal pressure with Tp. However, Tp infusion reduced postoperative ascitic drain output resulting in less frequent percutaneous interventions and reduced hospital stay. Intraoperative hyperlactatemia and symptomatic bradycardia are major concerns. Its use should be restricted to patients with high-volume ascites, and it needs close monitoring during drug infusion. Liver Transplantation 23 1007-1014 2017 AASLD.

Impact of terlipressin infusion during and after live donor liver transplantation on incidence of acute kidney injury and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin serum levels: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Acute kidney injury (AKI) with liver transplantation (LT) is not uncommon. Impact of terlipressin infusion on AKI, hemodynamics, and plasma concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was studied.

METHODS

Patients (n=50) were randomized (NCT02059460, USA) into two equal groups: terlipressin vs Controls. Terlipressin (1-4 μg/kg/h) was administrated for 5 days. Intraoperative transesophageal Doppler for hemodynamic management. Renal functions, peak portal vein blood flow velocity (PPV), and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI) were recorded. Plasma NGAL (pNGAL) was measured baseline, 2 and 24 hours postreperfusion.

RESULTS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the main etiology. Age, sex, model of end-stage liver disease (MELD), and renal functions were comparable. Postoperative AKI incidence and NGAL concentrations were comparable (P>.05) between terlipressin and controls groups (44% vs 48% and 112.5±9 vs 93.1±8 ng/mL), respectively, but intraoperative NGAL in both groups increased significantly 2 hours postreperfusion (P<.05). The three NGAL readings were comparable (P>.05) between AKI (n=23) and non-AKI developers (n=27). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was maintained in both groups with less systemic vascular resistance (SVR) fluctuations with terlipressin. Median norepinephrine consumption was lower in terlipressin vs controls (8 vs 12 mg; P=.04). The PPV and HARI were not affected by terlipressin at any stage (P>.05).

CONCLUSION

Postliver transplant AKI was not prevented by terlipressin use nor predicted by NGAL levels.

Vasopressin-induced changes in splanchnic blood flow and hepatic and portal venous pressures in liver resection

BACKGROUND

To minimize blood loss during hepatic surgery, various methods are used to reduce pressure and flow within the hepato-splanchnic circulation. In this study, the effect of low- to moderate doses of vasopressin, a potent splanchnic vasoconstrictor, on changes in portal and hepatic venous pressures and splanchnic and hepato-splanchnic blood flows were assessed in elective liver resection surgery.

METHODS

Twelve patients were studied. Cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), mean arterial (MAP), central venous (CVP), portal venous (PVP) and hepatic venous pressures (HVP) were measured, intraoperatively, at baseline and during vasopressin infusion at two infusion rates (2.4 and 4.8 U/h). From arterial and venous blood gases, the portal (splanchnic) and hepato-splanchnic blood flow changes were calculated, using Fick's equation.

RESULTS

CO, SV, MAP and CVP increased slightly, but significantly, while systemic vascular resistance and heart rate remained unchanged at the highest infusion rate of vasopressin. PVP was not affected by vasopressin, while HVP increased slightly. Vasopressin infusion at 2.4 and 4.8 U/h reduced portal blood flow (-26% and -37%, respectively) and to a lesser extent hepato-splanchnic blood flow (-9% and -14%, respectively). The arterial-portal vein lactate gradient was not significantly affected by vasopressin. Postoperative serum creatinine was not affected by vasopressin.

CONCLUSION

Short-term low to moderate infusion rates of vasopressin induced a splanchnic vasoconstriction without metabolic signs of splanchnic hypoperfusion or subsequent renal impairment. Vasopressin caused a centralization of blood volume and increased cardiac output. Vasopressin does not lower portal or hepatic venous pressures in this clinical setting.

Modulation of splanchnic circulation: Role in perioperative management of liver transplant patients

Splanchnic circulation is the primary mechanism that regulates volumes of circulating blood and systemic blood pressure in patients with cirrhosis accompanied by portal hypertension. Recently, interest has been expressed in modulating splanchnic circulation in patients with liver cirrhosis, because this capability might produce beneficial effects in cirrhotic patients undergoing a liver transplant. Pharmacologic modulation of splanchnic circulation by use of vasoconstrictors might minimize venous congestion, replenish central blood flow, and thus optimize management of blood volume during a liver transplant operation. Moreover, splanchnic modulation minimizes any high portal blood flow that may occur following liver resection and the subsequent liver transplant. This effect is significant, because high portal flow impairs liver regeneration, and thus adversely affects the postoperative recovery of a transplant patient. An increase in portal blood flow can be minimized by either surgical methods (e.g., splenic artery ligation, splenectomy or portocaval shunting) or administration of splanchnic vasoconstrictor drugs such as Vasopressin or terlipressin. Finally, modulation of splanchnic circulation can help maintain perioperative renal function. Splanchnic vasoconstrictors such as terlipressin may help protect against acute kidney injury in patients undergoing liver transplantation by reducing portal pressure and the severity of a hyperdynamic state. These effects are especially important in patients who receive a too small for size graft. Terlipressin selectively stimulates V1 receptors, and thus causes arteriolar vasoconstriction in the splanchnic region, with a consequent shift of blood from splanchnic to systemic circulation. As a result, terlipressin enhances renal perfusion by increasing both effective blood volume and mean arterial pressure.