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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijaa.2349.8471.6419.35

Abstract

Brain dead patients are potential organ donors but the pathological changes associated with braindeath can affect graft survival. Among various effects of braindeath endocrine and autonomic changes are noteworthy. Central diabetes insipidus characterized by reduced level of anti-diuretic hormone in brain dead patients can result in hypernatremia which inturn may affect the survival of the transplanted liver graft. Managing hypernatremia with exogenous vasopressin replacement improves the liver graft function.Vasopressin also maintains haemodynamic stability and reduce excessive free water loss as urine. It is given as intravenous infusion at 0.01-0.04 U/min or maximum 2.4U/hour.

Keywords : Braindeath; Endocrine dysfunction; Anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin); Central diabetes insipidus; Hypernatremia; Liver transplantation; Liver graft survival; Vasopressin infusion.

Corresponding Author : G Balaji