Haemostatic Studies during Clinical Pig Liver Perfusion

Abstract

Rö, J. S. & Flatmark, A. 1970. Haemostatic Studies during Clinical Pig Liver Perfusion. Possible Complication of Intravascular Coagulation. Scand. J Gastroent. 5, 315-320. Haemostatic studies were performed on a 22-year-old girl with hepatic coma treated by 2 consecutive pig liver perfusions. Accumulation of platelets and leukocytes in the livers was observed by microscopic examination of both livers and samples of arterial blood and return blood from one perfused liver. The number of circulating platelets and leukocytes decreased, the activity of factor V increased, and elimination of an inhibitor of coagulation probably occurred during the perfusions. Changes in factors consumed during coagulation could indicate moderate intravascular coagulation. Therefore the use of protamine sulphate and/or antifibrinolytic drugs after perfusion is questionable.