Risk Factors for Postoperative Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation After Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation after pediatric liver transplant may influence pulmonary functions, and postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Here, we determined its incidence and risk factors after pediatric liver transplant at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 121 children who underwent liver transplant between April 2007 and April 2017 (305 total liver transplant procedures were performed during this period). Prolonged mechanical ventilation was defined as postoperative tracheal extubation after 24 hours. RESULTS: Mean age at transplant was 6.2 ± 5.4 years and 71/121 children (58.7%) were male. Immediate tracheal extubation was achieved in 68 children (56.2%). Postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation was needed in 12 children (9.9%), with mean extubation time of 78.0 ± 83.4 hours. Reintubation was required in 13.4%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of preoperative hepatic encephalopathy (odds ratio of 0.130; 95% confidence interval, 0.027-0.615; P = .01), high aspartate amino transferase levels (odds ratio of 1.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.002; P = .02), intraoperative usage of more packed red blood cells (odds ratio of 1.001; 95% confidence interval, 1.000-1.002; P = .04), and longer surgery duration (odds ratio of 0.723; 95% confidence interval, 0.555-0.940, P = .01) were independent risk factors for postoperative prolonged mechanical venti-lation. Although mean length of intensive care unit stay was significantly longer (12.6 ± 13.6 vs 6.0 ± 0.6 days; P = .001), mortality was similar in children with and without postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation was needed in 9.9% of our children. Predictors of postoperative prolonged mechanical ventilation after pediatric liver transplant at our center were preoperative presence of hepatic encephalopathy, high aspartate amino transferase levels, intraoperative usage of more packed red blood cells, and longer surgery duration.

Immediate Tracheal Extubation After Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: We examined whether immediate tracheal extubation among pediatric liver transplant recipients was safe and feasible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of pediatric liver transplant recipients at Baskent University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. We grouped children who were extubated in the operating room versus those extubated in the intensive care unit. RESULTS: In our study group of 81 pediatric patients, median age was 4 years (range, 4 mo to 16 y) and 44 (54%) were male. Immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room was performed in 39 patients (48%). Children who remained intubated (n = 42) had more frequent massive hemorrhage (14% vs 0%; P = .015), received larger amounts of packed red blood cells (19.3 vs 10.2 mL/kg; P < .001), and had higher serum lactate levels (9.0 vs 6.9 mmol/L; P = .001) intraoperatively. All children with open abdomens postoperatively remained intubated (n = 7). Patients extubated in the operating room received less vasopressors (1 [3%] vs 12 [29%]; P = .002) and antibiotics (11 [28%] vs 22 [52%]; P = 0.041) and developed infections less frequently postoperatively (3.0 [8%] vs 15.0 [36%]; P = .003). Children extubated in the operating room had shorter mean stay in the intensive care unit (2.0 vs 4.5 days; P < .001). Hospital mortality was higher in children who remained intubated (12% vs 0%; P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate tracheal extubation was well tolerated in almost half of our patients and did not compromise their outcomes. Patients who remained intubated had longer intensive care unit stays and higher hospital mortalities. Therefore, we recommend immediate tracheal extubation in the operating room after pediatric liver transplant among those children without intraoperative requirements for massive blood transfusion, high-dose vasopressors, high serum lactate levels, and open abdomen.

Early Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury Among Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury after pediatric liver transplant is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Here, we evaluated children with acute kidney injury early posttransplant using KDIGO criteria to determine incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of all patients < 16 years old who underwent liver transplant from April 2007 to April 2017 were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 117 study patients, 69 (59%) were male and median age at transplant was 72 months (range, 12-120 mo). Forty children (34.2%) had postoperative acute kidney injury, with most having stage 1 disease (n = 21). Compared with children who had acute kidney injury versus those who did not, preoperative activated partial thromboplastin time (median 35.6 s [interquartile range, 32.4-42.8 s] vs 42.5 s [interquartile range, 35-49 s]; P = .007), intraoperative lactate levels at end of surgery (median 5.3 mmol/L [interquartile range, 3.3-8.6 mmol/L] vs 7.9 mmol/L [interquartile range, 4.3-11.2 mmol/L]; P = .044), and need for open abdomen (3% vs 15%; P= .024) were significantly higher. Logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative high activated partial thromboplastin time (P= .02), intraoperative lactate levels at end of surgery (P = .02), and need for open abdomen (P = .03) were independent risk factors for acute kidney injury. Children who developed acute kidney injury had significantly longer intensive care unit stay (7.1 ± 8.5 vs 4.4 ± 5.4 days, P= .04) and mortality (12.8% vs 1.8%; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative acute kidney injury occurred in 34.2% of pediatric liver transplant recipients, with patients having increased mortality risk. High preoperative activated partial throm-boplastin time, high intraoperative end of surgery lactate levels, and need for open abdomen were shown to be associated with acute kidney injury after pediatric liver transplant.

Predictors of Immediate Tracheal Extubation in the Operating Room After Pediatric Liver Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric orthotopic liver transplant recipients frequently need mechanical ventilation during the immediate posttransplant period. However, intensive care unit beds are costly and scarce; therefore, anticipating which patients will require postoperative mechanical ventilation support is important. In addition, immediate postoperative extubation may reduce the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications and improve patient outcomes after orthotopic liver transplant. Here, we aimed to determine the predictors of need for mechanical ventilation after orthotopic liver transplant in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 57 pediatric patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant (performed by the same team at Baskent University Hospital from April 1996 to August 2009). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they required postoperative mechanical ventilation or not. Collected data included demographic features; comorbidities; cause of liver failure; perioperative laboratory values; intraoperative hemodynamic parameters; use and volume of crystalloids, colloids, and blood products; albumin levels; portal vein clamping time, requirement of inotropes/vasopressors; and anesthesia duration. RESULTS: Mean age and body weight of patients were 25.0 ± 23.1 months and 10.8 ± 5.3 kg, respectively. Of 57 patients, 26 (46%) needed postoperative mechanical ventilation. Compared with those who did not require postoperative mechanical ventilation, patients who required mechanical ventilation had growth failure (P = .03), higher mean intraoperative lactate level (P = .03), and higher mean intraoperative fresh frozen plasma/erythrocyte suspension (P = .049) and intraoperative vasopressor (P = .022) requirements. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that growth failure (odds ratio = 37; P = .03) and higher intraoperative lactate level (odds ratio = 1.5; P = .03) were predictors of the need for mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: About 46% of our pediatric orthotopic liver transplant recipients required mechanical ventilation postoperatively. Growth failure and higher intraoperative lactate levels were associated with need for postoperative mechanical ventilation.

Distal Limb Reperfusion During Percutaneous Femoral Arterial Cannulation for Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in an Adult Patient.

Ischemia and compartment syndrome may be seen, especially in the distal limb, after femora-femoral cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Several techniques have been used to decrease the rate of complications. Arterial hypoxemia may be prevented by reperfusion with distal limb. Prophylactic superficial femoral artery cannulation results in ease in operation and prevents perfusion. In the present case, we present prophylactic superficial femoral artery cannulation for limb reperfusion.

Rituximab Therapy for Rejection in Pediatric Heart Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Humoral rejection is the B-cell-mediated production of immunoglobulin G antibody against the transplanted heart. Antibody-mediated rejection may be resistant to standard immunosuppressive therapy and is associated with high mortality and graft loss. Rituximab can be used to treat antibody-mediated rejection in heart transplant recipients. This retrospective study describes our experience with rituximab treatment in children with heart transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present 7 pediatric patients with antibody-mediated rejection who were treated with plasma exchange and rituximab therapy. Rituximab was given at a dose of 375 mg/m2 by slow infusion in the intensive care unit after 5 days of plasmapheresis, in addition to a conventional regimen consisting of steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. The peripheral blood count and sodium, potassium, serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured in all patients before and after treatment. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated with plasma exchange and rituximab. We repeated this therapy in 5 patients because of refractoriness or recurrent rejection. After diagnoses of antibody-mediated rejection, 4 patients died within 6 months (mortality rate of 57.1%). We did not observe any adverse effects or complications related to rituximab. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab can be used in humoral rejection after pediatric heart transplant. However, the success of the treatment is controversial, and further study is needed to find an effective treatment for antibody-mediated rejection and steroid-resistant cellular rejection in children.

Effect of Graft Weight to Recipient Body Weight Ratio on Hemodynamic and Metabolic Parameters in Pediatric Liver Transplant: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze how graft-weight-to-bodyweight ratio in pediatric liver transplant affects intraoperative and early postoperative hemodynamic and metabolic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed data from 130 children who underwent liver transplant between 2005 and 2015. Recipients were divided into 2 groups: those with a graft weight to body weight ratio > 4% (large for size) and those with a ratio ≤ 4% (normal for size). Data included demographics, preoperative laboratory findings, intraoperative metabolic and hemodynamic parameters, and intensive care follow-up parameters. RESULTS: Patients in the large-graft-for-size group (>4%) received more colloid solution (57.7 ± 20.1 mL/kg vs 45.1 ± 21.9 mL/kg; P = .08) and higher doses of furosemide (0.7 ± 0.6 mg/kg vs 0.4 ± 0.7 mg/kg; P = .018). They had lower mean pH (7.1 ± 0.1 vs 7.2 ± 0.1; P = .004) and PO2 (115.4 ± 44.6 mm Hg vs 147.6 ± 49.3 mm Hg; P = .004) values, higher blood glucose values (352.8 ± 96.9 mg/dL vs 262.8 ± 88.2 mg/dL; P < .001), and lower mean body temperature (34.8 ± 0.7°C vs 35.2 ± 0.6°C; P = .016) during the neohepatic phase. They received more blood transfusions during both the anhepatic (30.3 ± 24.3 mL/kg vs 18.8 ± 21.8 mL/kg; P = .013) and neohepatic (17.7 ± 20.4 mL/kg vs 10.3 ± 15.5 mL/kg; P = .031) phases and more fresh frozen plasma (13.6 ± 17.6 mL/kg vs 6.2 ± 10.2 mL/kg; P = .012) during the neohepatic phase. They also were more likely to be hypotensive (P < .05) and to receive norepinephrine infusion more often (44% vs 22%; P < .05) intraoperatively. More patients in this group were mechanically ventilated in the intensive care unit (56% vs 31%; P = .035). There were no significant differences between the groups in postoperative acute renal dysfunction, graft rejection or loss, infections, length of intensive care stay, and mortality (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: High graft weight-to-body-weight ratio is associated with adverse metabolic and hemodynamic changes during the intraoperative and early postoperative periods. These results emphasize the importance of using an appropriately sized graft in liver transplant.

Perioperative Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support During Heart Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Heart transplant is the only definitive treatment of end-stage heart failure. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be used as a bridge to heart transplant. This technique may be used after heart transplant for conditions refractory to medical treatment like primary graft failure. Previously, we reported our experience with patients who received extracorporeal support as a bridge to emergency heart transplant. In this study, we present our perioperative experience with heart transplants in which extracorporeal support was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively screened the data of 31 patients who were seen at our center between January 2014 and June 2016. We screened for patients who were admitted tothe intensive care unit before transplant and who required venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for circulatory support and postoperative patients who required extracorporeal support. Patient demographics and characteristics, clinical data, and extracorporeal support data were collected from our electronic database and patient medical records. RESULTS: There were 14 patients who required perioperative extracorporeal support. Preoperative support was performed in 3 patients before transplant, and postoperative support was performed in 11 patients after transplant. The mean age was 37.7 years in patients within the preoperative group and 29.7 years in patients within the postoperative group. One patient with preoperative support and 5 with postoperative support were pediatric patients. The main indication for transplant was dilated cardiomyopathy in both groups (100% and 63.7%). Overall mortality rates were 33% in the preoperative group and 63.7% in the postoperative group. CONCLUSIONS: For patients on heart transplant wait lists who are worsening despite optimal medical therapy, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is a safe and viable last resort. In addition, extracorporeal support can be used during the posttransplant period as salvage therapy in heart recipients with hemodynamic deterioration. In our experience, preoperative extracorporeal support had lower mortality rates compared with postoperative support.

Incidence and Patient Outcomes in Renal Replacement Therapy After Orthotopic Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of renal replacement therapy after orthotopic liver transplant and to evaluate and analyze patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 177 consecutive patients at a tertiary care unit who underwent orthotopic liver transplant between January 2010 and June 2016. Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit after orthotopic liver transplant and who required renal replacement therapy were included. RESULTS: A total of 177 (79 adult, 98 pediatric) orthotopic liver transplants were performed during the study period. Of these, 35 patients (19%) required renal replacement therapy during the early posttransplantation period. After excluding 5 patients with previous chronic renal failure, 30 patients (17%; 20 adult [25% ], 10 pediatric [10% ]) with acute kidney injury required renal replacement therapy. The mean patient age was 31.1 ± 20.0 years, with a mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease score of 16.7 ± 12.3. Of the patients with acute kidney injury who underwent renal replacement therapy, in-hospital mortality was 23.3% (7 of 30 patients), and 40% remained on dialysis. No significant difference was seen in mortality between early versus delayed initiation of renal replacement therapy in patients with stage 3 acute kidney injury (P = .17). CONCLUSIONS: Of liver transplant recipients who present with acute kidney injury, 19% require renal replacement therapy, and in-hospital mortality is 20% in the early postoperative period.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support as a Bridge to Heart Transplant: Report of 3 Cases.

Heart transplant is the only definitive treatment of end-stage heart failure. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be used as a bridge to heart transplant. Among 31 patients who underwent heart transplant between January 2014 and June 2016, we present our experiences with 3 patients who received venoarterial extracorporeal support as a bridge to heart transplant. The first patient was a 51-year-old male with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Transplant was performed after 6 days of extracorporeal support, and the patient was discharged and alive at follow-up. Patient 2 was a 12-yearold girl with dilated cardiomyopathy who presented with cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal support was initiated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She had full neurologic recovery and remained on the wait list. She received a transplant 22 days after resuscitation. She survived and was alive at day 220 posttransplant. The third patient was a 50-year-old male with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy requiring venoarterial extracorporeal support. Percutaneous balloon atrial septostomy was performed for left ventricle venting. He underwent transplant on day 28 after intensive care unit admission. He died 29 days after release from the hospital. Regarding patients on heart transplant wait lists who are worsening despite optimal medical therapy, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is a safe and viable last resort.

A Randomized Controlled Comparison of the Internal Jugular Vein and the Subclavian Vein as Access Sites for Central Venous Catheterization in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To compare internal jugular vein and subclavian vein access for central venous catheterization in terms of success rate and complications. DESIGN: A 1:1 randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Baskent University Medical Center. PATIENTS: Pediatric patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Two hundred and eighty children undergoing central venous catheterization were randomly allocated to the internal jugular vein or subclavian vein group during a period of 18 months. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the first-attempt success rate of central venous catheterization through either approach. The secondary outcomes were the rates of infectious and mechanical complications. The central venous catheterization success rate at the first attempt was not significantly different between the subclavian vein (69%) and internal jugular vein (64%) groups (p = 0.448). However, the overall success rate was significantly higher through the subclavian vein (91%) than the internal jugular vein (82%) (p = 0.037). The overall frequency of mechanical complications was not significantly different between the internal jugular vein (25%) and subclavian vein (31%) (p = 0.456). However, the rate of arterial puncture was significantly higher with internal jugular vein (8% vs 2%; p = 0.03) and that of catheter malposition was significantly higher with subclavian vein (17% vs 1%; p < 0.001). The rates per 1,000 catheter days for both positive catheter-tip cultures (26.1% vs 3.6%; p < 0.001) and central-line bloodstream infection (6.9 vs 0; p < 0.001) were significantly higher with internal jugular vein. There were no significant differences between the groups in the length of ICU and hospital stays or in-hospital mortality rates (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Central venous catheterization through the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein was not significantly different in terms of success at the first attempt. Although the types of mechanical complications were different, the overall rate was similar between internal jugular vein and subclavian vein access. The risk of infectious complications was significantly higher with internal jugular vein access.

Neurologic Complications After Cardiac Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac transplant is the best available therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure. Neurologic complications occur at a rate of 30% to 70% in patients undergoing cardiac transplant, and they affect mortality and morbidity of these patients. Risk factors for neurologic complications include immunosuppressive medication toxicity, infections, brain lesions, and metabolic disorders. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of neurologic complications in adult patients undergoing cardiac transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 70 patients who underwent cardiac transplant between 2004 and April 2016. We recorded the demographic data, neurologic symptoms, neurologic examination findings, laboratory test results, brain imaging study results, and treatments received of the patients. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients enrolled, 55 were male and 15 were female patients. The age range was 18 to 63 years, and the mean age was 42.4 years. Twelve patients had encephalopathy, 4 had neuropathic pain, 3 had tremor, 2 had ischemic cerebrovascular accident, 7 had posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, and 1 had drop foot. Encephalopathy usually developed secondary to other neurologic disorders. The incidence of neurologic complications in adult patients undergoing cardiac transplant was 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic complications are common after cardiac transplant. We observed an incidence of 30% for neurologic complications in our clinic, with encephalopathy being the most common complication. Encephalopathy most commonly developed secondary to posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

Late Intensive Care Unit Admission in Liver Transplant Recipients: 10-Year Experience.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated late intensive care unit admission in liver transplant recipients to identify incidences and causes of acute respiratory failure in the postoperative period and to compare these results with results in patients who did not have acute respiratory failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively screened the data of 173 consecutive adult liver transplant recipients from January 2005 through March 2015 to identify patients with late admission (> 30 d posttransplant) to an intensive care unit. Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with and without acute respiratory failure. Acute respiratory failure was defined as severe dyspnea, respiratory distress, decreased oxygen saturation, hypoxemia or hypercapnia on room air, or need for noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. Demographic, laboratory, clinical, and respiratory data were collected. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores; lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays; and hospital mortality were assessed. RESULTS: Among 173 patients, 37 (21.4%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, including 22 (59.5%) with acute respiratory failure. The leading cause of acute respiratory failure was pneumonia (n = 19, 86.4%). Patients with acute respiratory failure had significantly lower levels of albumin before intensive care unit admission (P = .003). In patients with acute respiratory failure, severe sepsis and septic shock were more frequently observed and tracheotomy was more frequently performed (P = .041). CONCLUSIONS: Acute respiratory failure developed in 59.5% of liver transplant recipients with late intensive care unit admission. The leading cause was pneumonia, with this group of patients having higher requirements for invasive mechanical ventilation and tracheotomy, longer stays in an intensive care unit, and higher mortality.

Acute Respiratory Failure in Cardiac Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of acute respiratory failure in cardiac transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac transplant recipients >15 years of age and readmitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac transplant between 2005 and 2015 were included. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included in the final analyses. Patients with acute respiratory failure and without acute respiratory failure were compared. The most frequent causes of readmission were routine intensive care unit follow-up after endomyocardial biopsy, heart failure, sepsis, and pneumonia. Patients who were readmitted to the intensive care unit were further divided into 2 groups based on presence of acute respiratory failure. Patients' ages and body weights did not differ between groups. The groups were not different in terms of comorbidities. The admission sequential organ failure assessment scores were higher in patients with acute respiratory failure. Patients with acute respiratory failure were more likely to use bronchodilators and n-acetylcysteine before readmission. Mean peak inspiratory pressures were higher in patients in acute respiratory failure. Patients with acute respiratory failure developed sepsis more frequently and they were more likely to have hypotension. Patients with acute respiratory failure had higher values of serum creatinine before admission to intensive care unit and in the first day of intensive care unit. Patients with acute respiratory failure had more frequent bilateral opacities on chest radiographs and positive blood and urine cultures. Duration of intensive care unit and hospital stays were not statistically different between groups. Mortality in patients with acute respiratory failure was 76.5% compared with 0% in patients without acute respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of cardiac transplant recipients were readmitted to the intensive care unit. Patients presenting with acute respiratory failure on readmission more frequently developed sepsis and hypotension, suggesting a poorer prognosis.

Acute Respiratory Failure in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single Intensive Care Unit Experience.

OBJECTIVES: Frequency of pulmonary complications after renal transplant has been reported to range from 3% to 17%. The objective of this study was to evaluate renal transplant recipients admitted to an intensive care unit to identify incidence and cause of acute respiratory failure in the postoperative period and compare clinical features and outcomes between those with and without acute respiratory failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively screened the data of 540 consecutive adult renal transplant recipients who received their grafts at a single transplant center and included those patients admitted to an intensive care unit during this period for this study. Acute respiratory failure was defined as severe dyspnea, respiratory distress, decreased oxygen saturation, hypoxemia or hypercapnia on room air, or requirement of noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Among the 540 adult renal transplant recipients, 55 (10.7%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, including 26 (47.3%) admitted for acute respiratory failure. Median time from transplant to intensive care unit admission was 10 months (range, 0-67 mo). The leading causes of acute respiratory failure were bacterial pneumonia (56%) and cardiogenic pulmonary edema (44%). Mean partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fractional inspired oxygen ratio was 174 ± 59, invasive mechanical ventilation was used in 13 patients (50%), and noninvasive mechanical ventilation was used in 8 patients (31%). The overall mortality was 16.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Acute respiratory failure was the reason for intensive care unit admission in almost half of our renal transplant recipients. Main causes of acute respiratory failure were bacterial pneumonia and cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Mortality of patients admitted for acute respiratory failure was similar to those without acute respiratory failure.

Percutaneous Dilational Tracheotomy in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Solid-organ transplant recipients may require percutaneous dilational tracheotomy because of prolonged mechanical ventilation or airway issues, but data regarding its safety and effectiveness in solid-organ transplant recipients are scarce. Here, we evaluated the safety, effectiveness, and benefits in terms of lung mechanics, complications, and patient comfort of percutaneous dilational tracheotomy in solid-organ transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records from 31 solid-organ transplant recipients (median age of 41.0 years [interquartile range, 18.0-53.0 y]) who underwent percutaneous dilational tracheotomy at our hospital between January 2010 and March 2015 were analyzed, including primary diagnosis, comorbidities, duration of orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit and hospital stays, the time interval between transplant to percutaneous dilational tracheotomy, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, tracheotomy-related complications, and pulmonary compliance and ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen. RESULTS: The median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score on admission was 24.0 (interquartile range, 18.0-29.0). The median interval from transplant to percutaneous dilational tracheotomy was 105.5 days (interquartile range, 13.0-2165.0 d). The only major complication noted was left-sided pneumothorax in 1 patient. There were no significant differences in ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen before and after procedure (170.0 [interquartile range, 102.2-302.0] vs 210.0 [interquartile range, 178.5-345.5]; P = .052). However, pulmonary compliance results preprocedure and postprocedure were significantly different (0.020 L/cm H2O [interquartile range, 0.015-0.030 L/cm H2O] vs 0.030 L/cm H2O [interquartile range, 0.020-0.041 L/cm H2O); P = .001]). Need for sedation significantly decreased after tracheotomy (from 17 patients [54.8%] to 8 patients [25.8%]; P = .004]). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous dilational tracheotomy with bronchoscopic guidance is an efficacious and safe technique for maintaining airways in solidorgan transplant recipients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation, resulting in possible improvements in ventilatory mechanics and patient comfort.

Perioperative Characteristics of Siblings Undergoing Liver or Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Reasons for chronic liver and kidney failure may vary; sometimes more than 1 family member may be affected, and may require a transplant. The aim of this study was to examine the similarities or differences between the perioperative characteristics of siblings undergoing liver or kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 6 pairs of siblings who underwent liver transplant and 4 pairs of siblings who underwent kidney transplant at Baskent University Hospital between 1989 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Collected data included demographic features; comorbidities; reasons for liver and kidney failure; perioperative laboratory values; intraoperative hemodynamic parameters; use and volume of crystalloids, colloids, blood products, cell saver system, and albumin; duration of anesthesia; urine output; and postoperative follow-up data. RESULTS: The mean age of the 6 sibling pairs who underwent liver transplant was 16.3 ± 12.2 years. All 12 patients had Child-Pugh grade B cirrhosis, with mean disease duration of 7.8 ± 3.9 years. There were no significant differences between siblings with respect to intraoperative blood product transfusion, crystalloid and colloid fluid replacements, hypotension frequency, blood gas analyses, urinary output, duration of anhepatic phase, inotropic agent administration, postoperative laboratory values, need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors, occurrence of acute renal failure and infections, and duration intensive care unit stay (P > .05). The mean age of the 4 sibling pairs who underwent kidney transplant was 21.3 ± 6.4 years, with mean duration of renal insufficiency of 2.2 ± 1.6 years. There were no significant differences between siblings with respect to intraoperative crystalloid and colloid fluid administration, duration of anesthesia, intraoperative mannitol and furosemide administration, and postoperative laboratory values (P > .05). CONSLUSIONS: In conclusion, the 6 sibling pairs who underwent liver transplant and 4 sibling pairs who underwent kidney transplant in our cohort had similar perioperative characteristics.

Accuracy of continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring in living-liver donors during transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Hemodynamic monitoring is vital during liver transplant surgeries because distinct hemodynamic changes are expected. The continuous noninvasive arterial pressure (CNAP) monitor is a noninvasive device for continuous arterial pressure measurement by a tonometric method. This study compared continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring with invasive direct arterial pressure monitoring in living-liver donors during transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 40 patients analyzed while undergoing hepatic lobectomy for liver transplant. Invasive pressure monitoring was established at the radial artery and continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring using a finger sensor was recorded simultaneously from the contralateral arm. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures from the 2 methods were compared. Correlation between the 2 methods was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 5433 simultaneous measurements were obtained. For systolic arterial blood pressure, 55% continuous noninvasive arterial pressure measurements were within 10% direct arterial measurement; the correlation was 0.479, continuous noninvasive arterial pressure bias was -0.3 mm Hg, and limits of agreement were 32.0 mm Hg. For diastolic arterial blood pressure, 50% continuous noninvasive arterial pressure measurements were within 10% direct arterial measurement; the correlation was 0.630, continuous noninvasive arterial pressure bias was -0.4 mm Hg, and limits of agreement were 21.1 mm Hg. For mean arterial blood pressure, 60% continuous noninvasive arterial pressure measurements were within 10% direct arterial measurement; the correlation was 0.692, continuous noninvasive arterial pressure bias was +0.4 mm Hg, and limits of agreement were 20.8 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 monitoring techniques did not show acceptable agreement. Our results suggest that continuous noninvasive arterial pressure monitoring is not equivalent to invasive arterial pressure monitoring in donors during living-donor liver transplant.

Postoperative effects of intraoperative hyperglycemia in liver transplant patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intraoperative hyperglycemia on postoperative outcomes in orthotopic liver transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ethics committee approval was obtained, we retrospectively analyzed the records of patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant from January 2000 to December 2013. A total 389 orthotopic liver transplants were performed in our center, but patients aged < 15 years (179 patients) were not included in the analyses. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their maximum intraoperative blood glucose level: group 1 (patients with intraoperative blood glucose level < 200 mg/dL) and group 2 (patients with intraoperative blood glucose level > 200 mg/dL). Postoperative complications between the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: There were 58 patients (37.6%; group 1, blood glucose < 200 mg/dL) who had controlled blood glucose and 96 patients (62.3%; group 2, blood glucose > 200 mg/dL) who had uncontrolled blood glucose. The mean age and weight for groups 1 and 2 were similar. There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding the duration of anhepatic phase (P = .20), operation time (P = .41), frequency of immediate intraoperative extubation (P = .14), and postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (P = .06). There were no significant differences in frequency of patients who had postoperative infectious complications, acute kidney injury, or need for hemodialysis. Mortality rates after liver transplant were similar between the 2 groups (P = .81). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative hyperglycemia during orthotopic liver transplant was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection, acute renal failure, or mortality.

Anesthetic management in pediatric orthotopic liver transplant for fulminant hepatic failure and end-stage liver disease.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the anesthetic management and short-term morbidity and mortality in pediatrics patients who underwent an orthotopic liver transplant for fulminant hepatic failure or end-stage liver disease in a university hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of children who underwent orthotopic liver transplant from May 2002 to May 2012. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: group fulminant hepatic failure (n=22) and group end-stage liver disease (n=19). Perioperative data related to anesthetic management and intraoperative events were collected along with information related to postoperative course and survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS: Mean age and weight for groups fulminant hepatic failure and end-stage liver disease were 8.6 ± 2.7 years and 10.8 ± 3.8 years (P = .04) and 29.2 ± 11.9 kg and 33.7 ± 16.9 kg (P = .46). There were no differences between the groups regarding length of anhepatic phase (65 ± 21 min vs 73 ± 18 min, P = .13) and operation time (9.1 ± 1.6 h vs 9.5 ± 1.8 h, P = .23). When compared with the patients in group fulminant hepatic failure, those in group end-stage liver disease more commonly had a Glasgow Coma score of 7 or less (32% vs 6%, P = .04). Compared with patients in group fulminant hepatic failure, those in group end-stage liver disease were more frequently extubated in the operating room (31.8% versus 89.5% P < .001). Postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (2.78 ± 4.02 d vs 2.85 ± 10.21 d, P = .05), and the mortality rates at 1 year after orthotopic liver transplant (7.3% vs 0%, P = .09) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: During pediatric orthotopic liver transplant, those children with fulminant hepatic failure require more intraoperative fluids and more frequent perioperative mechanical ventilation than those with end-stage liver disease.