Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Plural effusion is a common complication in patients with end-stage liver disease and after liver transplantation. Inappropriate measures may increase mortality after liver transplantation.
OBJECTIVE: To study the causes for pleural effusion after orthotopic liver transplantation.
METHODS: The clinical data of 36 cases of orthotopic liver transplantation who received treatment in the Organ Transplantation Center of the 309 Hospital of Chinese PLA between May 2009 and May 2010 were reviewed. Risk factors and incidence of pleural effusion early after transplantation were analyzed. t test was performed. Logistic regression analysis on significant statistical indices was also performed. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The rate of pleural effusion after orthotopic liver transplantation was 72.2% (26/36). Twenty-six cases (26/36, 72.2%) had pleural effusion in the right thoracic cavity and 13 cases (13/36, 1%) in bilateral thoracic cavities. Logistic regression analysis suggested that reoperation, postoperative pulmonary infection, the time of mechanical ventilation, the equilibrium after operation and the entity before operation were independent predisposing factors.