Viscoelastic Monitoring in Liver Transplantation. Issue 6 (3rd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Malleeswaran, Selvakumar; Sivajothi, Sivanesan; Reddy, Mettu Srinivas
• Is Part Of: Liver transplantation. Volume 28:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1090
• Page End: 1102
• Publication Date: 2021-12-03
• Subjects: Liver -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver Transplantation -- Periodicals; Foie -- Greffe -- Périodiques; 617.5560592
• DOI: 10.1002/lt.26352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1527-6465

Abstract

Abstract : Cirrhosis and liver transplantation (LT) surgery are associated with substantial alterations to the patient's coagulation status. Accurate monitoring of these changes during LT can help manage bleeding proactively and potentially reduce transfusion requirements. Unlike conventional coagulation tests (CCTs), viscoelastic monitoring (VEM) can provide an accurate, real‐time, point‐of‐care assessment of coagulation status during LT and hence has become an invaluable tool for anesthetists and intensive care physicians. However, it remains an enigmatic subject for transplantation surgeons who are more conversant with CCTs. This review discusses the principles of VEM, provides a primer to understanding and interpreting its output, and explains how it can be used to make real‐world clinical decisions during LT.