Dependence of platelet function on underlying liver disease in orthotopic liver transplantation.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to explore the platelet function during the perioperative period of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) due to the underlying liver disease.

Methods: The blood coagulation parameters, platelet surface markers and the determination of platelet aggregation were analyzed in 34 patients who underwent OLT. Blood samples were drawn preoperatively, anhepatic, 10 min and 1 hour after reperfusion, 1 day, 3 and 7 days postoperatively.

Renal transplantation normalized hydrogen peroxide production of neutrophils within the first day.

Background: Hemodialysis patients are in a state of oxidant stress. In renal transplantation reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be important factors of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Neutrophils produce ROS as part of the host defense against invading bacteria.

Platelet P-selectin and GPIIb/IIIa expression after liver transplantation and resection.

Platelet dysfunction contributes to haemostatic defects, possibly leading to bleeding complications. We hypothesised that liver transplantation and liver resection, together with portal clamping time, might be a potential stimulus for platelet activation. Therefore, we determined the expression of platelet GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin, representing important platelet activation markers, and the thrombopoietin (TPO) serum level after transplantation and resection.

Reduced P-selectin expression on circulating platelets after prolonged cold preservation in renal transplantation.

The uremic state in patients with terminal renal insufficiency is accompanied by a bleeding tendency connected with platelet dysfunction. Prolonged cold ischemia and inflammatory interactions between leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells contribute to ischemia-/reperfusion (I/R) injury and may impair long-term graft survival. We evaluated the influence of the duration of cold preservation time on the expression of platelet GPIIb/IIIa and P-selectin and on the formation of leukocyte-platelet complexes after kidney transplantation.