[Thromboelastography in liver transplantation, a comparison with conventional laboratory tests].

Background: The aim of our study was to compare the results of conventional tests and thromboelastography during liver transplantation and to determine their importance for blood loss.

Methods And Results: Thromboelastography and conventional laboratory tests were undertaken in 25 patients at the end of the anhepatic phase. Transfusion requirements correlated significantly only with prothrombin time and reaction time, R. These two tests likewise correlated significantly one with the other.

Conclusions: Lowered plasma levels of coagulation factors of the prothrombin complex influenced the blood losses in our patients. While not replacing conventional tests, thromboelastography can serve as an additional test for monitoring acute changes in hemostasis.