Acute respiratory distress syndrome after liver transplantation: etiology, prevention and management.

Abstract

ARDS is a serious multifactoral complication after liver transplantation with a high mortality and fatality. The most likely cause is fluid overload from crystalloid liquid infusion or massive transfusion. The other predisposing or contributing factors include sepsis, IV use of cyclosporine, fast tapering of corticosteroids, and gastric aspiration. Other factors such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), and reperfusion syndrome of the newly implanted liver may also contribute. Though the treatment should primarily be supportive in nature, it is helpful to understand the predisposing and contributing factors and to aid in prevention, management and treatment.