Respiratory changes and pulmonary complications following orthotopic liver transplantation

Abstract

In conclusion, we observed a worsening of LIS post-OLT, especially on the fourth postoperative day. The drop in this score implies a complicated course accompanied by a high mortality rate and increased medical expenses. Among the four components, oxygenation index and chest roentgenography score play an important and practical role. Measuring the AaD(O2) has its clinical merit, while the PEEP score and compliance of the respiratory system are of limited usefulness in this setting. The pleural effusions developed after OLT showed a trend towards increasing in amount until the sixth day and then gradually decreasing, except those cases with complications.