Effect of hyperbilirubinemia on the accuracy of continuous non-invasive hemoglobin measurements in liver transplantation recipients

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of hyperbilirubinemia on the accuracy of continuous non-invasive hemoglobin (SpHb) measurements in liver transplantation recipients. Overall, 1465 SpHb and laboratory hemoglobin (Hb) measurement pairs (n = 296 patients) were analyzed. Patients were grouped into normal ( 3.0 mg/dL) hyperbilirubinemia groups based on the preoperative serum total bilirubin levels. Bland–Altman analysis showed a bias of 0.20 (95% limit of agreement, LoA: − 2.59 to 3.00) g/dL, 0.98 (95% LoA: − 1.38 to 3.35) g/dL, and 1.23 (95% LoA: − 1.16 to 3.63) g/dL for the normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe groups, respectively. The four-quadrant plot showed reliable trending ability in all groups (concordance rate > 92%). The rates of possible missed transfusion (SpHb > 7.0 g/dL for Hb < 7.0 g/dL) were higher in the hyperbilirubinemia groups (2%, 7%, and 12% for the normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe group, respectively. all P < 0.001). The possible over-transfusion rate was less than 1% in all groups. In conclusion, the use of SpHb in liver transplantation recipients with preoperative hyperbilirubinemia requires caution due to the positive bias and high risk of missed transfusion. However, the reliable trending ability indicated its potential use in clinical settings.