Liver Transplantation in a Patient With Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report

A A Case Rep. 2017 Sep 1;9(5):148-150. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000551.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired thrombophilic disorder characterized by autoantibodies to cell membrane phospholipids. While altered coagulation can complicate end-stage liver disease, there are few reports describing the perioperative management for liver transplantation in recipients with a preexisting hypercoagulable disorder, such as APS. We present a patient with a history of APS, Budd-Chiari syndrome with cirrhosis, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia who underwent liver transplantation complicated by hepatic artery thrombosis. Management included postoperative anticoagulation with a factor Xa inhibitor and, after repeat transplantation, transition to long-term anticoagulation therapy with eventual recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome / complications
  • Budd-Chiari Syndrome / therapy*
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • Hepatopulmonary Syndrome / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / therapy*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants