Continuous Monitoring Boosts Liver Assessment
A new biochemical sensor could provide a more complete picture of donor liver health
Objective: To evaluate a point-of-care monitoring platform for continuous biochemical assessment of donor livers during transplantation.
Approach: Monitoring System: The system continuously measures pH, glucose, and lactate in perfusion fluid and bile, transmitting results wirelessly.Study Design: The technology was tested during machine perfusion of seven human donor livers, comparing results with standard clinical analyzers.Key Findings: Continuous monitoring detected short-lived biochemical changes missed by routine intermittent sampling. In one discarded liver, rising bile lactate indicated deteriorating graft function before conventional indicators. Simultaneous analysis of perfusion fluid and bile provides a broader biochemical picture. Interpretation: The analyses were exploratory and not intended for clinical decision-making.
Limitations: The study had a small sample size. Limited follow-up necessitates larger prospective studies for clinical relevance. Conclusion: Continuous biochemical monitoring is technically feasible and may enable longitudinal assessment for organ preservation and transplantation.
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