BACKGROUNDThere have been many studies investigating the impact of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score on predicting post-transplant outcome. But it is unclear whether MELD is correlated to intraoperative fluid therapy and coagulation status. We investigated the relationship between the severity of liver diseases as measured by MELD score and intraoperative fluid requirements and the changes of coagulation characteristics.

METHODSNinety patients were included in this retrospective study. The patients were stratified into three groups according to the MELD scores: < 15 (low), 15 - 25 (medium) and > 25 (high). Intraoperatively, volume was restored with allogeneic and/or salvaged red blood cells (RBC), fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), platelet and other types of fluids according to hemodynamic data, hematocrit, and clotting data. Intraoperative coagulation data, blood requirements and other fluids administered were compared among the 3 groups.

RESULTSBefore surgery, in addition to the three variables used to calculate MELD scores in other baseline laboratory values, including ratio of activated partial thromboplastin time (R-APTT), D-Dimer, hematocrit, platelet and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly different among the 3 groups. The blood loss increased with increasing MELD. The volume of RBC (allogeneinc, salvaged and total), FFP, platelet and the total volume of transfusion were also significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.01). The requirements for prothrombin complex and fibrinogen showed a similar pattern. During operation, the changing trends of each coagulation variable were different. Compared with baseline, during each intraoperative stage, INR and R-APPT increased in the low MELD group. While in the medium MELD and high MELD groups, INR did not changed significantly during the operation, and R-APPT significantly increased only after reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONSThis study provided some useful information for perioperative management of patients undergoing liver transplantation. Careful preoperative planning and resource preparation are crucial for patients with high MELD scores. Close communication between surgeon, anesthesiologist and the transfusion staff of blood bank before and during surgery should be stressed.