Cited 1 times since 2018 (0.2 per year) source: EuropePMC Heart, lung & circulation, Volume 28, Issue 6, 8 2 2018, Pages 893-900 Prognostic Importance of Increased Right Ventricular Afterload in Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Recipients With Endstage Cirrhosis. Couperus LE, Vliegen HW, Sorgdrager BJ, den Dulk AC, Beeres SLMA, Sarton EY, Dubbeld J, Schalij MJ, Jukema JW, van Hoek B, Scherptong RWC

Background

Severely increased right ventricular (RV) afterload is considered a contra-indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study assesses the effects of mildly increased RV afterload on long-term outcome after OLT in relation to RV function.

Methods

139 OLT recipients (53±12years, 76% male) were included. Preoperative RV afterload was assessed invasively or, if not available, echocardiographically and categorised as normal, high-normal (mean pulmonary artery pressure [PAP] 20-25mmHg or echocardiographic systolic PAP 35-40mmHg) or mildly elevated (mean PAP 25-35mmHg or systolic PAP 40-50mmHg). The association between level of RV afterload, echocardiographic RV function and postoperative outcome was assessed.

Results

Right ventricular afterload was high-normal in 17% and mildly elevated in 12% of patients. Patients with elevated RV afterload had higher echocardiographic RV dimensions and left ventricular filling pressures. RV functional parameters were within normal range and not associated with RV afterload. Increased RV afterload was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative haemodynamic complications (8%, 17%, and 29% for normal, high-normal and mildly elevated RV afterload, respectively, p=0.03) and worse survival (8-year survival 74%, 41% and 37% respectively, p=0.01). Preoperative RV function was not associated with outcome after OLT.

Conclusions

Increased RV afterload was associated with increased haemodynamic complications and worse long-term survival in OLT recipients. Right ventricular function in patients with increased RV afterload was within normal range and not associated with postoperative outcome.

Heart Lung Circ. 2018 5;28(6):893-900