Neurological monitoring in liver transplantation: innovative approaches and perioperative strategies for managing brain complications.

Purpose of review: Neurologic disorders in acute and chronic liver disease present a significant challenge in the perioperative management of patients undergoing liver transplantation. Neurologic examination is often limited in comatose or sedated patients, so instrumental monitoring of brain function is essential for prompt diagnosis and management of conditions that could cause brain injury. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent findings and provide an outlook for future developments.

Recent findings: Encephalopathic patients undergoing liver transplantation are at risk of developing brain injury and neurological complications before, during, and after the procedure. Noninvasive brain monitoring systems, compared with invasive ones, have been recently investigated and applied during the perioperative period of liver transplantation. Perioperative evaluation of cerebral autoregulation derangements can guide optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure, thereby avoiding the risks of ischemia and brain edema. Ultrasound measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter can help exclude the presence of intracranial hypertension, a frequent and dangerous consequence of acute liver failure. The application of automated quantitative pupillometry in liver failure patients allows for a more precise evaluation of the severity of brain injury. Quantitative electroencephalography monitoring, along with portable instruments, facilitates easier identification and monitoring of perioperative seizures.

Summary: Neurological monitoring in liver transplantation is crucial for the early detection and management of neurological complications that may arise due to metabolic disturbances, acute liver failure, or the effects of immunosuppressive medications. Timely monitoring allows for optimal patient management, reducing the risk of permanent neurological damage and improving overall transplant outcomes.