Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after living-related liver transplant

Exp Clin Transplant. 2015 Apr:13 Suppl 1:290-3. doi: 10.6002/ect.mesot2014.p136.

Abstract

Various types of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation methods have been used in liver transplant operations. The main indications are portopulmonary or hepatopulmonary syndromes and other cardiorespiratory failure syndromes that are refractory to conventional therapy. There is little literature available about extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, especially after liver transplant. We describe our experience with 2 patients who had living-related liver transplant. A 69-year-old woman had refractory aspergillosis pneumonia and underwent pumpless extracorporeal lung assist therapy 4 weeks after liver transplant. An 8-month-old boy with biliary atresia underwent urgent liver transplant; he received venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy on postoperative day 1. Despite our unsuccessful experience with 2 patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and pumpless extracorporeal lung assist therapy for liver transplant patients may improve prognosis in selected cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation* / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Living Donors*
  • Male
  • Multiple Organ Failure / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome