Predictive Model and Risk Factors Associated with a Revised Definition of Early Allograft Dysfunction in Liver Transplant Recipients

Introduction Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a well-defined clinical syndrome that reflects overall graft function within the first week after transplant. The aim of this study was to further refine the definition for EAD. Method In this study, 1124 patients were included for analysis. Logistic regression was performed to identify markers of liver injury associated with 6-month patient and graft failure. Results Recursive partitioning identified cut-points for ALT/AST >3000/6000IU/dL observed within 1st week, with bilirubin ≥10mg/dL and INR ≥1.6 on postoperative day 7 for the revised EAD model. The incidence of updated EAD was 15% (164/1124). Multivariable analysis identified 8 risk factors associated with EAD: % macrosteatosis, donor location, donor weight, non-heart-beating donors, type of organ transplanted, recipient associated hepatocellular carcinoma, severity of post-reperfusion syndrome and the amount of transfused fresh frozen plasma. In the presence of EAD, the incidence of post-transplant renal replacement therapy and dialysis dependence increase. There was a significant association of the presence of EAD with 6-month mortality (12% versus 3%) and 6-month graft failure (8% versus 1%). Conclusion Higher AST/ALT level needed as cut-off in comparison to the old EAD definition. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.