Evaluation of the trend of biochemical functions in the early period after cadaveric liver transplantation

Abstract

Background. Monitoring biochemical parameters to detect early complications after liver transplantation (LT) is important. Thus, we aimed to investigate parameter trends indicating liver function in patients who did not develop complications after cadaveric LT. Methods. A total of 266 cadaveric LT operations performed by a single center between 2007-2022 were included in the study. Patients with any early complications were excluded from the study. During the first 15 days, the parameters reflecting the patients' liver integrity and synthesis functions were evaluated. All parameters studied were evaluated at the same time of day and by a single laboratory. Results. Regarding synthesis functions, the coagulation parameters (prothrombin time and international normalized ratio) peaked on the first day and then decreased. Regarding tissue hypoxia, there was no significant change in lactate values. Total and direct bilirubin values also decreased after peaking on the first day. No significant change was observed in albumin, another liver synthesis value. Conclusions. Although an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total and direct bilirubin, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio, which was especially seen on the first day, is considered normal, values that do not decrease after the second day or lactate values that increase gradually should be a warning in terms of possible early complications.