EARLY GRAFT FUNCTION AND CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN LEVEL IN LIVER TRANSPLANTED PATIENTS

Introduction: Heme-Oxygenase-1 catalyzes hemoglobin into bilirubin, iron, and carbon monoxide, a well known vasodilator. Heme- Oxygenase-1 expression and carbon monoxide production as measured by blood carboxyhemoglobin levels, increase in end stage liver disease patients. We hypothesized that there may be a correlation between carboxyhemoglobin level and early graft function in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries. Methods: In a descriptive retrospective study, 39 patients who underwent liver transplantation between the year 2005 and 2006 at KFSH RC, are included in the study. All patients received general anesthesia with isoflurane in 50% oxygen and air. Levels of oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin concentration inpercentage were recorded at preoperative time, anhepatic phase, end of surgery, ICU admission and 24 hr after surgery. The level of lactic acid, prothrombin time (PT), partial thrombin time (PTT), serum total bilirubin and ammonia were also recorded at ICU admission and 24 hr aftersurgery. The numbers of blood units transfused were recorded.