Greater hemodynamic instability with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution than University of Wisconsin solution during the reperfusion period in living donor liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: University of Wisconsin (UW) and histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solutions are the 2 most commonly used liver preservation solutions. The aim of this study was to compare cardiovascular stability, acid-base status, and potassium concentrations between patients who received grafts preserved in either UW or HTK solution in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 87 patients who underwent living donor OLT were divided into 2 groups: UW (n = 28) and HTK (n = 59). Group HTK was subdivided into group NF-HTK (n = 31; nonflushed before reperfusion) and group F-HTK (n = 28; flushed before reperfusion). We determined mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate every minute for 5 minutes after reperfusion and the maximum change in these values and incidence of postreperfusion syndrome (PRS). Body temperature, cardiovascular and acid-base parameters, as well as potassium concentrations were compared at 5 minutes before and 5 and 30 minutes after reperfusion.

RESULTS: The maximum decreases in MAP within 5 minutes after reperfusion were significantly greater in both the NF-HTK and the F-HTK groups. The rate of PRS was significantly greater in the NF-HTK compared with the UW group. Flushing with HTK solution decreased the rate of PRS; there was no significant difference between the F-HTK and UW groups. All serial changes in body temperature, cardiovascular and acid-base parameters, as well as potassium concentrations were similar among the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PRS was greater using HTK compared with UW solution during the reperfusion period. Therefore, careful hemodynamic management is advised when using HTK solution.