SIGNIFICANCE OF EARLY AMINOTRANSFERASE ELEVATION AFTER LIVER TRANSPLANTATION1

Abstract

We conclude that: (1) patient survival is influenced by IPRI only when it is extreme (ASTmax>5000 U/L), provided parameters of graft function are used in conjunction with aminotransferase values to assess the need for prompt retransplantation; (2) short-term graft survival is proportional to the extent of IPRI, but grafts that are not lost to PNF have equivalent 1- and 2-year survival irrespective of the magnitude of IPRI; (3) 40% of grafts with extreme IPRI are lost to PNF, but the same proportion also provide long-term function; and (4) for surviving grafts, long-term biochemical function as well as the incidence of biliary complications and of chronic rejection are unrelated to the extent of IPRI.