Influence of UW solution on in vitro platelet aggregability

Bleeding problems in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), starting immediately after reperfusion of the graft, are complicating the outcome of transplantation. Platelets may be involved in this situation, but there is still a lack of information about the influence of UW solution on platelet function. We evaluated the effect of UW solution on in vitro platelet aggregability in healthy volunteers using whole blood electrical aggregometry and concluded, that UW solution causes impaired platelet aggregability and may contribute to bleeding problems during OLT. The mechanism of impairment remains unclear, since central pathways as well as membrane receptors seem to be involved. Furthermore, our data support the necessity of extended flushing of the liver graft after reperfusion.