Continuous versus Intermittent Infusion of Human Antithrombin III Concentrate in the Immediate Postoperative Period after Liver Transplantation

Antithrombin-III (AT-III) concentrates have been used in the immediate postoperative period after liver transplantation to prevent critical thrombosis. We aimed to investigate more appropriate method for AT-III concentrate administration to maintain plasma AT-III activity level within targeted range. In this randomized controlled trial, 130 adult patients undergoing living-donor liver transplantation were randomized to either intermittent group or continuous group. In intermittent group, 500 international units (IU) of AT-III concentrate were administered after liver transplantation and repeated every 6 hours for 72 hours. In continuous group, 3000 IU of AT-III was continuously infused for 71 hours after a loading dose of 2000 IU over 1 hour. Plasma AT-III activity level was measured at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 84 hours from the first AT-III administration. The primary outcome was the target (80-120%) attainment rate at 72 hours. Target attainment rates at other time points and associated complications were collected as secondary outcomes. A total of 107 patients were included in the analysis. The target attainment rates at 72 hours post-dose were 30% and 62% in intermittent group and continuous group, respectively. (p=0.003) Compared to intermittent group, patients in continuous group reached the target level more rapidly (12 vs. 24 hours, median time, p<0.001) and was more likely to remain in the target range until 84 hours. For maintaining the target plasma AT-III activity level after living-donor liver transplantation, continuous infusion of AT-III seemed to be more appropriate compared to the conventional intermittent infusion regimen.