Progression of hepatic damage during cold storage after procurement in a liver and kidney donor with HELLP syndrome

K J Woodside1, A S Knisely, A W Strauss

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0534, USA.

Transplantation
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

HELLP syndrome can cause rapid liver damage, even after organ procurement. Careful evaluation of liver grafts from these donors is crucial to prevent transplant complications.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • HELLP syndrome, a condition linked to preeclampsia, involves hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.
  • It is associated with fetal metabolic defects in fatty acid metabolism, leading to maternal liver toxicity.

Observation:

  • A case of a liver and kidney donor with HELLP syndrome was analyzed.
  • Liver biopsy before procurement showed minimal necrosis, but after cold storage, necrosis exceeded 30%.

Findings:

  • The donor liver exhibited significant progression of hepatic damage during cold storage.
  • The liver was not transplanted, while the kidneys were successfully engrafted.

Implications:

  • Organs from HELLP syndrome donors require meticulous assessment for cold ischemic injury.
  • This highlights the importance of donor selection and organ viability assessment in transplantation.
Abstract

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