Exercise Capacity Impairment Can Predict Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Liver Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transplantation Surgery
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Postoperative respiratory complications (PRCs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following liver transplantation (LT).
• Understanding the incidence and predictors of PRCs is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of PRCs after LT.
• To evaluate simple exercise capacity measures as independent predictors of PRCs.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 100 adult LT patients.
• Assessed exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and 6-minute step test (6MST).
• Collected data on lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and pre/intraoperative factors.

Main Results:

• 44% of patients experienced at least one PRC.
• Poor 6MST and 6MWT results were associated with PRCs.
• Longer preoperative cold ischemia time increased PRC likelihood (OR 1.008 per minute).
• Longer preoperative walking distance reduced PRC likelihood (OR 0.589 per 50m).

Conclusions:

• The incidence of PRCs after LT is high.
• Prolonged cold ischemia time and poor preoperative 6MWT performance are independent predictors of PRCs in LT patients.