Weight gain is an early indicator of injury in ex vivo normothermic limb perfusion (EVNLP).

PURPOSE: There are no established criteria for discontinuing ex vivo normothermic limb perfusion (EVNLP) before irreversible damage occurs. This study evaluates weight gain as an indicator of injury during EVNLP. METHODS: Sixteen Yorkshire pig forelimbs were procured and preserved using EVNLP with a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC-201) or static cold storage. EVNLP continued until termination criteria were met: arterial pressure ≥ 115 mm Hg, compartment pressure > 30 mm Hg, or 20% reduction of oxygen saturation. Limb weight, contractility, hemodynamics, perfusate electrolytes, metabolites and gases were recorded. Muscles were biopsied 6-h, and muscle injury scores (MIS) calculated. Forearm compartment pressures and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography were recorded at endpoint. Outcomes were compared at 2%, 5%, 10%, and 20% limb weight gain. RESULTS: EVNLP lasted 20 ± 3 h. Weight gain was observed after 13 ± 5 h (2%), 15 ± 6 h (5%), 16 ± 6 h (10%), and 19 ± 4 h (20%). Weight correlated positively with MIS (ρ = 0.92, p < 0.0001), potassium (ρ = -1.00, p < 0.0001), pressure (ρ = 0.78, p < 0.0001), and negatively with contractility (ρ = -0.96, p = 0.011). At 5% weight gain, MIS (p < 0.0001), potassium (p = 0.03), and lactate (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher than baseline. Median muscle contractility was 5 [3-5] at 2% weight gain, 4 [1-5] at 5%, 3 [0-4] and 2 [0-2] at 10% and 20%, respectively. At 20% weight gain, contractility was significantly lower than baseline (p = 0.003). Percent weight gain correlated negatively with endpoint ICG hoof fluorescence (r = -0.712, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain correlated with microscopic muscle injury and was the earliest evidence of limb dysfunction. Weight gain may serve as a criterion for discontinuation of EVNLP.