Hypophosphataemia after major hepatectomy and the risk of post-operative hepatic insufficiency and mortality: An analysis of 719 Patients

Malcolm H. Squires, Gregory C. Dann, Neha L. Lad, Sarah B. Fisher, Benjamin M. Martin, David A. Kooby, Juan M. Sarmiento, Maria C. Russell, Kenneth Cardona, Charles A. Staley, Shishir K. Maithel

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22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Hypophosphataemia after a hepatectomy suggests hepatic regeneration. It was hypothesized that the absence of hypophosphataemia is associated with post-operative hepatic insufficiency (PHI) and complications. Methods: Patients who underwent a major hepatectomy from 2000-2012 at a single institution were identified. Post-operative serum phosphorus levels were assessed. Primary outcomes were PHI (peak bilirubin >7 mg/dl), major complications, and 30- and 90-day mortality. Results: Seven hundred and nineteen out of 749 patients had post-operative phosphorus levels available. PHI and major complications occurred in 63 (8.8%) and 169 (23.5%) patients, respectively. Thirty- and 90-day mortality were 4.0% and 5.4%, respectively. The median phosphorus level on post-operative-day (POD) 2 was 2.2 mg/dl; 231 patients (32.1%) had phosphorus >2.4 on POD2.Patients with POD2 phosphorus >2.4 had a significantly higher incidence of PHI, major complications and mortality. On multivariate analysis, POD2 phosphorus >2.4 remained a significant risk factor for PHI [(hazard ratio HR):1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-3.17; P = 0.048], major complications (HR:1.57; 95%CI:1.02-2.47; P = 0.049), 30-day mortality (HR:2.70; 95%CI:1.08-6.76; P = 0.034) and 90-day mortality (HR:2.51; 95%CI:1.03-6.15; P = 0.044). Similarly, patients whose phosphorus level reached nadir after POD3 had higher PHI, major complications and mortality. Conclusion: Elevated POD2 phosphorus levels >2.4 mg/dl and a delayed nadir in phosphorus beyond POD3 are associated with increased post-operative hepatic insufficiency, major complications and early mortality. Failure to develop hypophosphataemia within 72 h after a major hepatectomy may reflect insufficient liver remnant regeneration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)884-891
Number of pages8
JournalHPB
Volume16
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

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