Study of respiratory function in patients with liver cirrhosis subjected to liver transplant, with emphasis on the behavior of intrapulmonar shunt

Objective : To evaluate changes in respiratory function in individuals with liver cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation, emphasizing the behavior of the shunt. Methods : We analyzed 51 patients with cirrhosis without co-morbidity lung and / or heart failure preoperatively and 6 months after liver transplantation. Therefore, the selected individuals underwent clinical examination, measurement of respiratory function -with measures of Total Lung Forced Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV 1 ) and Diffusion of Carbon Monoxide (DCLO) - Arterial blood gases in ambient air and supplemental oxygen at 100%, and research shunt method of microbubble-enhanced Doppler echocardiography. Results : Volumes and pulmonary flows were within the normal range preoperatively and postoperatively (mean 85.0% to 93.0% for FVC and FEV1). There was, moreover, a significant increase (p<0.001), DLCO, PaO 2 in room air and in use of 100% oxygen, and reducing shunt detection. Conclusions : Capabilities and pulmonary flows were not affected by liver transplantation. There were, however, significant improvements in DLCO, PaO 2 levels as well as reduced detection shunt.