Hemodynamic Monitoring During Liver Transplantation for Patients on Perioperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Support: A Narrative Review.
Stefano Tigano, Giulio Casolaro, Amedeo Bianchini, Enrico Bernardi, Cristiana Laici, Linda Ramahi, Giovanni Vitale, Antonio Siniscalchi
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Indications for liver transplants are increasing worldwide due to the growing number of transplants performed on patients with significant cardiovascular and respiratory risk factors. Additional support for this trend comes from the growing use of marginal organs, which is made possible by donations made after circulatory death (DCD). Liver transplantation (LT) in such high-risk patients may be challenging and may require perioperative Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). There is a lack of evidence on the best hemodynamic monitoring techniques for patients undergoing ECMO support during the perioperative period of LT. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the hemodynamic monitoring standards of patients supported by ECMO before, during, and after LT. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive research was conducted through the PubMed database, and 153 articles regarding patients who needed perioperative ECMO support were found. Among these, 18 articles were finally included in our analysis as the authors specified hemodynamic monitoring techniques and data. The articles included case reports, letters to the editor, and correspondence. Results: We identified 20 cases of patients supported by ECMO as a planned preoperative strategy (9 patients), as a rescue therapy during surgery (7 patients), and as a postoperative support (4 patients). Cardiac catheterism and echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal) were the authors' most cited hemodynamic monitoring techniques. Conclusions: Data on hemodynamic monitoring methods used to manage patients supported by ECMO during the whole perioperative period of LT are poor and derived from descriptive low-quality studies. However, a multimodal approach that includes continuous monitoring of pulmonary pressures and echocardiography can increase diagnostic accuracy and improve the decision-making process to manage this complex patient population.
期刊介绍:
The journal’s main focus is on reviews as well as clinical and experimental investigations. The journal aims to advance knowledge related to problems in medicine in developing countries as well as developed economies, to disseminate research on global health, and to promote and foster prevention and treatment of diseases worldwide. MEDICINA publications cater to clinicians, diagnosticians and researchers, and serve as a forum to discuss the current status of health-related matters and their impact on a global and local scale.