Hemodynamics and vasoactive substance levels during renal congestion that occurs in the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation.

Aim: To explore hemodynamics and vasoactive substance levels during renal vein congestion that occurs in the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation.

Methods: New Zealand rabbits received ligation of the hepatic pedicle, supra-hepatic vena cava and infra-hepatic vena cava [anhepatic phase group (APH); n = 8], the renal veins (RVL; n = 8), renal veins and hepatic pedicle [with the inferior vena cava left open) (RVHP; n = 8)], or a sham operation (SOP; n = 8). Hemodynamic parameters (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures) and the levels of serum bradykinin (BK) and angiotensin II (ANGII) were measured at baseline (0 min), and 10 min, 20 min, 30 min, and 45 min after the surgery. Correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between hemodynamic parameters and levels of vasoactive substances.

Results: All experimental groups (APH, RVL, and RVHP) showed significant decreases in hemodynamic parameters (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures) compared to baseline levels, as well as compared to the SOP controls (P < 0.05 for all). In contrast, BK levels were significantly increased compared to baseline in the APH, RVL, and RVHP groups at all time points measured (P < 0.05 for all), whereas no change was observed in the SOP controls. There were no significant differences among the experimental groups for any measure at any time point. Further analyses revealed that systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures were all negatively correlated with BK levels, and positively correlated with ANGII levels in the APH, RVL, and RVHP groups (P < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion: In the anhepatic phase of orthotopic liver transplantation, renal vein congestion significantly impacts hemodynamic parameters, which correlate with serum BK and ANGII levels.