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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Visualization and Analysis of Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in Hepatic Microcirculation: Application to an Acute Hepatitis Model
10:40

Visualization and Analysis of Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in Hepatic Microcirculation: Application to an Acute Hepatitis Model

Published on: August 4, 2012

The oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve in liver cirrhosis

Thierry Clerbaux1, Bruno Detry1, Andre Geubel2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Divisions of Pneumology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.

Chest
|February 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Cirrhotic patients show increased dispersion in oxygen saturation, indicating altered hemoglobin-oxygen binding. This may be influenced by factors beyond standard blood gas parameters.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Cirrhosis affects oxygen transport.
  • Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) candidates require precise physiological assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve (ODC) in stable cirrhotic patients awaiting OLT.
  • To identify factors influencing ODC in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study comparing 50 cirrhotic patients with 50 healthy controls.
  • Whole blood ODC tracing under standard conditions.
  • Measurement of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3 DPG), plasma ions, and arterial blood gases.

Main Results:

  • Mean ODC was similar between groups.
  • Cirrhotic patients exhibited significantly greater dispersion of PO2 values for given oxygen saturation levels (SO2%).
  • P50 in cirrhotic patients was influenced by chloride, inorganic phosphate, and 2,3 DPG, but not by sodium, potassium, or calcium.

Conclusions:

  • Increased ODC dispersion in cirrhosis may stem from altered enzymes, hypothyroidism, medications (diuretics, propranolol), or plasma ion disturbances.
  • ODC characterization should include shape, position, and dispersion; factors beyond standard parameters influence ODC position.
Abstract

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