Faculty Collaboration Database

Beta tryptase levels are not elevated in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2003 Sep;9(9):980-2

Date

08/28/2003

Pubmed ID

12942461

DOI

10.1053/jlts.2003.50160

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0042381384   3 Citations

Abstract

Reperfusion syndrome during liver transplantation and anaphylaxis are clinical syndromes that share similarities in physiological responses. The liver and intestine contain a variety of immunologically active cells, including mast cells. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possibility that mast-cell degranulation occurs routinely during transplantation and thereby contributes to hemodynamic instability and coagulopathy. Beta tryptase, an enzyme released by mast cells during degranulation, is a reliable marker for mast-cell-mediated events. Six patients undergoing liver transplantation had beta tryptase levels assayed in blood immediately before and after reperfusion of the liver. No patient showed an increase in beta tryptase levels at 15 or 60 minutes after reperfusion. In conclusion, it is unlikely that clinically significant mast-cell degranulation occurs routinely in patients undergoing liver transplantation.

Author List

Woehlck HJ, Johnson CP, Roza AM, Adams MB

Authors

Christopher P. Johnson MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Allan M. Roza MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Harvey J. Woehlck MD Professor in the Anesthesiology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anaphylaxis
Cell Degranulation
Humans
Liver Transplantation
Mast Cells
Reperfusion Injury
Serine Endopeptidases
Tryptases