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Technique of Porcine Liver Procurement and Orthotopic Transplantation using an Active Porto-Caval Shunt
Published on: May 7, 2015
Lignocaine metabolism and liver function testing in primary graft failure following orthotopic liver transplantation
J M Potter1, M Wright, S V Lynch
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD.
Objective:
To report the use of lignocaine and the measurement of its metabolite, monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX), as a dynamic test of liver function.
Clinical Features:
The conversion of lignocaine to MEGX has been used serially as a test of liver function in a liver transplant recipient for whom retransplantation was necessary because of primary non-function (PNF) of the initial graft. MEGX concentrations were markedly depressed with individual episodes of PNF, cardiac failure and rejection in this patient.
Conclusion:
The test provided useful additional supportive information in assessment of the patient and management of intercurrent problems following liver transplantation.
