Implementation of a Bleeding Management Algorithm in Liver Transplantation: A Pilot Study

The aims of the study were to compare the consumption of blood products before and after the implementation of a bleeding management algorithm in patients undergoing liver transplantation and to determine the feasibility of a multicentre, randomized study.

Liver transplantation remains the only curative therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease, but it carries a high risk of surgical bleeding.

Retrospective study of patients treated before (group 1) and after (group 2) implementation of a haemostatic algorithm guided by viscoelastic testing, including use of lyophilized coagulation factor concentrates (prothrombin complex and fibrinogen concentrates). Primary outcome was the number of units of blood products transfused in 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included hospital stay, mortality, and cost.

Data from 30 consecutive patients was analysed; 14 in group 1 and 16 in group 2. Baseline data were similar between groups. Median total blood product consumption 24 h after surgery was 33 U (IQR: 11-57) in group 1 and 1.5 (0-23.5) in group 2 (p = 0.028). Significantly fewer units of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate were transfused in group 2 versus group 1. There was no significant difference in complications, hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality between groups. The cost of haemostatic therapy was non-significantly lower in group 2 versus group 1 (7,400 vs. 15,500 USD; p = 0.454).

The haemostatic management algorithm was associated with a significant reduction in blood product use during 24 h after liver transplantation. This study demonstrated the feasibility and provided a sample size calculation for a larger, randomized study.