Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Could Predict Graft Quality in Adult Liver Donors

Background The use of livers from donors with expanded criteria, where monitoring the degree of hepatic steatosis (HS) is crucial, has increased in recent years to address the shortage of available grafts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of monitoring regional hepatic oxygen saturation (rSO2) using the INVOS somatic oximeter in the assessment of liver donors. Methods An observational, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted of adult patients undergoing liver transplantation at our center between 08/01/2020 and 06/01/2022. We measured rSO2 by placing the sensor on the donor skin and on the liver surface. Results The rSO2 measurements on the donor skin were obtained in 27 patients (93.1%), while the measurements on the donor liver were taken in 18 patients (62.1%). We found a statistically significant relationship between the rSO2 values measured on the donor liver and the degree of steatosis ( p = 0.001). rSO2 values > 57% measured on the donor liver were associated with HS < 30% (S: 92%; E: 75%). Donors with lower preoperative GOT values had statistically significantly higher rSO2 values measured on the skin ( p = 0.046). Conclusions Hepatic rSO2 measurements obtained with the NIRS device in liver donors were associated with relevant donor graft characteristics, particularly the degree of HS.