Proposed management algorithm for severe hypoxemia after liver transplantation in the hepatopulmonary syndrome.

ABSTRACT: The hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is defined as the triad of liver disease, intrapulmonary vascular dilatation, and abnormal gas exchange, and is found in 10-32% of patients with liver disease. Liver transplantation is the only known cure for HPS, but patients can develop severe posttransplant hypoxemia, defined as a need for 100% inspired oxygen to maintain a saturation of ≥85%. This complication is seen in 6-21% of patients and carries a 45% mortality. Its management requires the application of specific strategies targeting the underlying physiologic abnormalities in HPS, but awareness of these strategies and knowledge on their optimal use is limited. We reviewed existing literature to identify strategies that can be used for this complication, and developed a clinical management algori

SUBMITTER: Nayyar D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5132094 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature