Effects of intraoperative N-acetylcysteine in orthotopic liver transplantation.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant agent which has been shown to benefit patients with fulminant hepatic failure. We have examined its effect in patients with chronic liver disease undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation by giving NAC during operation. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 50 patients, NAC appeared to induce mild vasodilatation, improve oxygen delivery and consumption, and reduce base deficit, but data interpretation was difficult. There were no significant effects on mortality, morbidity or postoperative graft function.
Bromley
P N
PN
Department of Anaesthesia for Liver Transplantation, King's College Hospital, London.
Cottam
S J
SJ
Hilmi
I
I
Tan
K C
KC
Heaton
N
N
Ginsburg
R
R
Potter
D R
DR
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
D000975:Antioxidants; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine