Viscoelastic Tests-Guided Therapy In Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND: Perioperative bleeding and transfusion are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to assess whether viscoelastic tests-guided therapy with the use of synthetic factor concentrates impact transfusion rates of hemocomponents in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation. METHODS: This is an interventional before-after comparative study. Patients undergoing liver transplantation before the implementation of a protocol using thromboelastometry and synthetic factor concentrates were compared to patients after the implementation. Primary outcome was transfusion of any hemocomponents. Secondary outcomes included: transfusion of red blood cells (RBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate or platelets, clinical complications, length of stay and in-hospital mortality.