Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the effect of hypernatremia in donors on perioperative recovery of liver function in the recipients undergoing liver transplantation.
Methods Clinical data of 73 liver transplant recipients were analyzed retrospectively. According to the serum levels of sodium in donors, all recipients were divided into hypernatremia group (donor serum sodium ≥150 mmol/L, n=19) and non-hypernatremia group (donor serum sodium < 150 mmol/L, n=54). Serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, albumin, total bilirubin (TB), serum creatinine, prothrombin time and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the recipients were detected at 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 d after liver transplantation. The time of postoperative use of liver-protecting drugs in the recipients, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, the average length of hospital stay and the incidence rate of postoperative complications were statistically compared and analyzed.
Results Compared with the non-hypernatremia group, the serum levels of TB, ALT, AST, HGF and MELD scores of the recipients in the hypernatremia group at the postoperative 1, 3 and 7 d were significantly higher (all P < 0.05), whereas the serum albumin level was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The prothrombin time in the hypernatremia group was significantly longer than that in the non-hypernatremia group at 3 and 7 d after operation (both P < 0.05). In the hypernatremia group, the time of postoperative use of liver-protecting drugs and the length of ICU stay were 9 (7-13) d and 11 (8-13) d, significantly longer than 4 (3-9) d and 7 (3-9) d in the non-hypernatremia group (both P < 0.05). The average length of hospital stay, serum creatinine level and incidence rate of postoperative complications did not significantly differ between two groups (all P>0.05). All recipients were recovered and discharged.
Conclusions The hypernatremia in donors exert no significant effect on the perioperative liver function of the recipients, whereas it can prolong the postoperative recovery time of liver function of the recipients.