Influence of preoperative propranolol on cardiac index during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Liver transplantation is the best therapeutic option for end-stage liver disease. Non-selective beta-blocker medications such as propranolol act directly on the cardiovascular system and are often used in the prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding resulting from HP. The effects of propranolol on cardiovascular system of cirrhotic patients during liver transplantation are not known.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the influence of propranolol used preoperatively on cardiac index during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation.


METHODS
101 adult patients (73 male [72.2%]) who underwent cadaveric donor orthotopic liver transplantation by piggyback technique with preservation of the retrohepatic inferior vena cava performed at Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais were evaluated. There was no difference in severity between groups by the MELD system, p=0.70. The preoperative use of propranolol and the cardiac index outcome were compared during the anhepatic phase of liver transplantation in 5 groups (I: increased cardiac index, II: cardiac index reduction lower than 16%, III: cardiac index reduction equal to or greater than 16% and less than 31%, IV: cardiac index reduction equal to or greater than 31% and less than 46%, V: cardiac index reduction equal to or greater than 46%).


RESULTS
Patients in group I (46.4%) who received propranolol preoperatively were statistically similar to groups II (60%), III (72.7%), IV (50%) and V (30.8%), p=0.57.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of propranolol before transplantation as prophylaxis for gastrointestinal bleeding may be considered safe, as it was not associated with worsening of cardiac index in anhepatic phase of liver transplantation.
Department of Surgery, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Electronic address: seiberlich@gmail.com.
Emerson
E
Seiberlich
Department of Surgery, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Marcelo D
MD
Sanches
Hospital Life Center, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Bruno S
BS
Morais
Department of Surgery, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Jader F
JF
Maciel
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D002102:Cadaver; D058625:End Stage Liver Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D011433:Propranolol
Antagonista adrenérgico beta; Beta-adrenergic antagonist; Cardiac output; Débito cardíaco; Liver transplant; Propranolol; Transplante de fígado