Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Reduced Complications after Arterial Reconnection in a Rat Model of Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Published on: November 7, 2020
Predictors of postoperative infectious complications in liver transplant recipients: experience of 185 consecutive
Seungjin Lim1,2, Eun Jung Kim1,2, Tae Beom Lee3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea.
Background/Aims:
Infections following liver transplant (LT) remain a major cause of mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate risk factors for infection and to review clinical characteristics.
Methods:
Medical records of patients who underwent LT from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors of infection. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to predict prognosis of infected and non-infected groups.
Results:
Of 185 recipients, 89 patients experienced infectious complications. The median follow-up period was 911 days (range, 9 to 2,031). The infected group had higher 1-year mortality (n = 22 [24.7%] vs. n = 8, [8.3%], p = 0.002), and longer postoperative admission days (mean: 53.7 ± 35.8 days vs. 28.3 ± 13.0 days, p < 0.001), compared to the non-infected group. High preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (odds ratio [OR], 1.057; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010 to 1.105; p = 0.016), deceased-donor type (OR, 5.475; 95% CI, 2.442 to 12.279; p < 0.001), and acute rejection (OR, 3.042; 95% CI, 1.241 to 7.454; p = 0.015) were independent risk factors associated with infection. Intra-abdominal infection (n = 35, 20.8%) was the major infectious complication. Among identified bacteria, Enterococcus species (28.4%) were major pathogens, followed by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species.
Conclusions:
High preoperative MELD score, deceased-donor type, and acute rejection were risk factors associated with infection. To prevent infections following surgery, it is important to determine the appropriate time of operation before the recipient has a high MELD score.
Insights
Infections after liver transplant (LT) are common. High preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, deceased-donor type, and acute rejection increase infection risk, impacting patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Post-liver transplant (LT) infections are a significant cause of mortality.
- Identifying infection risk factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate risk factors for infection in liver transplant recipients.
- To review the clinical characteristics and outcomes of infected patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for 185 liver transplant recipients (2010-2014).
- Binary logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to identify risk factors and predict prognosis.
Main Results:
- 89 patients (48.1%) experienced infectious complications.
- Infected patients had higher 1-year mortality (24.7% vs. 8.3%) and longer hospital stays.
- Independent risk factors for infection included high preoperative Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, deceased-donor type, and acute rejection.
Conclusions:
- High preoperative MELD score, deceased-donor type, and acute rejection are significant risk factors for post-LT infection.
- Optimizing surgical timing based on MELD score is essential for infection prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:15Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:12What is an Experiment?
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management