Hepatopulmonary syndrome: use of extracorporeal life support for life-threatening hypoxia following liver transplantation.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome is an uncommon complication of nonacute liver failure, and in rare cases, hypoxia may be the presenting sign of liver dysfunction. The condition, once thought to be a contraindication, is improved in most cases by transplantation. There is a significant risk of postoperative, hypoxia-related morbidity and mortality in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome. We present a case of life-threatening hypoxia following liver transplantation for liver failure and associated hepatopulmonary syndrome, with successful management using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Fleming
Geoffrey M
GM
Monroe Carell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232-9075, USA. geoffrey.fleming@vanderbilt.edu
Cornell
Timothy T
TT
Welling
Theodore H
TH
Magee
John C
JC
Annich
Gail M
GM
D002648:Child; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D020065:Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male