Risk Factors for Dysfunctional Liver Graft Response: A Case-Control Study

The purpose of this article was to identify recipient-, donor-, and graft-related risk factors associated with dysfunctional liver graft response following liver transplantation. A case-control study was developed based on medical records of adult liver transplant recipients were analyzed. Cases were defined by the occurrence of dysfunctional liver graft response within the first seven postoperative days or by death/retransplantation within 6 months. Controls had preserved graft function and survived without retransplantation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated risk factors. Recipient-related risk factors included younger age, renal dysfunction, higher body mass index, and reduced blood transfusion support. Donor-related factors included older age, male sex, and elevated serum sodium levels. Prolonged warm and cold ischemia times were also associated with dysfunction. These findings supported the development of the proposed nursing diagnosis, "Risk for Dysfunctional Liver Graft Response." The dysfunctional liver graft response is a multifactorial phenomenon involving recipient, donor, and graft-related factors. These findings contribute to highlight the relevance of nursing involvement throughout transplantation pathways.