Influence of cold ischemia time on complement activation, neopterin, and cytokine release in liver transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether a cold ischemia time (CIT) of >12 hours influences the activation of complement as well as the plasma concentrations of neopterin, interleukin (IL)-6, or IL-8 in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).


METHODS
Eighteen consecutive patients undergoing OLT using a veno-venous bypass technique were divided into 2 groups: duration of CIT >12 hours (group 1; n = 11), and CIT <12 hours (group 2; n = 7). Blood samples were drawn preoperatively, 1 minute before, and 120 minutes after reperfusion.


RESULTS
Preoperatively, complement split products, neopterin, IL-6, and IL-8 levels did not differ between the groups. At 120 minutes after reperfusion, the concentrations of C3a, SC5b-9, neopterin, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly increased in both groups compared with the preoperative values or the levels determined 1 minute before reperfusion (P < .05). Patients in group 1 showed significantly higher IL-8 levels at 120 minutes after reperfusion (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Complement is activated and pro-inflammatory cytokines released after reperfusion in OLT using a veno-venous bypass technique, but only IL-8 plasma levels were influenced by the duration of CIT. Therefore, alterations following prolonged CIT seem to not be complement-mediated.
Schmidt
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A
Department of Anesthesiology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, D-55131 Mainz, Germany.
Tomasdottir
H
H
Bengtsson
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A
D003080:Cold Temperature; D003167:Complement Activation; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000097:blood; D007511:Ischemia; D008099:Liver; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D019798:Neopterin / Q000097:blood*; D009926:Organ Preservation; D013997:Time Factors
D016207:Cytokines; D007378:Interleukins; D019798:Neopterin