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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Re: Signs of a Failed Liver Transplant?
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Re: Signs of a Failed Liver Transplant?
by HFHSM.D.-D.M., Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By HFHSM.D.-D.M. on October 09, 1998 at 15:51:16:
In Reply to: Signs of a Failed Liver Transplant? posted by John on October 05, 1998 at 22:57:55:
What are the signs of a failed liver transplant? I understand
increased bili and other enzymes, at what point are they fatal?
Is congestive heart failure, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, low
or non-exisitent b/p, hr, etc a progressive necessity?
I need answers and would really appreciate your help.
I think what I'm trying to find out is what would signify imminent death?
Thank you
John
__
Dear John:
I find your question very concerning. I am somewhat confused by the question and I do not want to give you an inaccurate response.
An abnormal bilirubin or elevated liver enzymes are potentially signs that the liver is not working perfectly but they are not signs of a failed liver in and of themselves. If lab values become abnormal after a liver transplant, we typically want to figure out why they have become so. Often patients can live for years or longer with mildly abnormal laboratories and some patients have mildly abnormal laboratories but a liver that is functioning without any problems at all. Certainly and elevated bilirubin or transaminases are not fatal in and of themselves.
There are many signs that a liver is failing. It is somewhat difficult for me to go through them in detail because it would be easy to overreact to some of the symptoms I give you. Moreover, the decision that a liver is failing is a complex one and your physicians really need to be involved in making that decision. However, I might point out that many of the signs of a failing transplanted liver are similar to the signs that patients have when their original liver failed.
Im not certain what you mean, when you ask, Is congestive heart failure, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, low or non-exisitent b/p, hr, etc a progressive necessity? If you are asking are these findings necessary be for it is established that a liver is failing, the answer is NO. In fact, some of these findings are more consistent with a patient who is critically ill.
I hope this information is helpful to you. My sense is that you are really asking about a specific patient or situation. Perhaps if you gave me more information, I could tell you a little more. We have an active transplant program at Henry Ford and I can tell you that communication between patients and transplant physicians is critical. It may be appropriate for you to sit down with transplant physicians with whom you interact to get specific answers. Good luck with your situation. If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can post them through MEDHELP or contact us directly at Henry Ford. The direct number to our liver clinic is: (313) 556-8865.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
In Reply to: Signs of a Failed Liver Transplant? posted by John on October 05, 1998 at 22:57:55:
What are the signs of a failed liver transplant? I understand
increased bili and other enzymes, at what point are they fatal?
Is congestive heart failure, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, low
or non-exisitent b/p, hr, etc a progressive necessity?
I need answers and would really appreciate your help.
I think what I'm trying to find out is what would signify imminent death?
Thank you
John
__
Dear John:
I find your question very concerning. I am somewhat confused by the question and I do not want to give you an inaccurate response.
An abnormal bilirubin or elevated liver enzymes are potentially signs that the liver is not working perfectly but they are not signs of a failed liver in and of themselves. If lab values become abnormal after a liver transplant, we typically want to figure out why they have become so. Often patients can live for years or longer with mildly abnormal laboratories and some patients have mildly abnormal laboratories but a liver that is functioning without any problems at all. Certainly and elevated bilirubin or transaminases are not fatal in and of themselves.
There are many signs that a liver is failing. It is somewhat difficult for me to go through them in detail because it would be easy to overreact to some of the symptoms I give you. Moreover, the decision that a liver is failing is a complex one and your physicians really need to be involved in making that decision. However, I might point out that many of the signs of a failing transplanted liver are similar to the signs that patients have when their original liver failed.
Im not certain what you mean, when you ask, Is congestive heart failure, aspiration pneumonia, sepsis, low or non-exisitent b/p, hr, etc a progressive necessity? If you are asking are these findings necessary be for it is established that a liver is failing, the answer is NO. In fact, some of these findings are more consistent with a patient who is critically ill.
I hope this information is helpful to you. My sense is that you are really asking about a specific patient or situation. Perhaps if you gave me more information, I could tell you a little more. We have an active transplant program at Henry Ford and I can tell you that communication between patients and transplant physicians is critical. It may be appropriate for you to sit down with transplant physicians with whom you interact to get specific answers. Good luck with your situation. If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can post them through MEDHELP or contact us directly at Henry Ford. The direct number to our liver clinic is: (313) 556-8865.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
