Risk factors for early bleeding complications after lung transplantation - a retrospective cohort study

Risk factors for early bleeding complications after lung transplantation are not well described. Our aim was to evaluate coagulation test results and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as risk factors for bleeding after lung transplantation. We analyzed a single-center cohort of bilateral lung transplants between January 2009 and August 2015. Predictors of severe postoperative bleeding (bleeding requiring reoperation within 48 h of transplantation) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. The effect of bleeding on survival was assessed using a Cox proportional-hazards model. Twenty-nine (4.5%) of 641 patients experienced severe postoperative bleeding. Postoperative fibrinogen levels (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.995, P = 0.001; per mg/dl increase) and pre- and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR = 14.41% 95% CI 5.4-40.19, P < 0.001 and OR = 4.25, 95% CI 1.0-11.09, P = 0.002, respectively) were associated with an increased risk of severe postoperative bleeding. Severe postoperative bleeding was associated with decreased survival within 60 days after transplantation (adjusted HR = 5.73, 95% CI 2.52-13.02, P < 0.001). Low postoperative fibrinogen levels, and pre- and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were risk factors for bleeding after lung transplantation.