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.

Sources:

• Nature Communications