Pharmacological Management for Prevention and Treatment of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure
Abstract
Background: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following major liver resection. Despite advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care, treatment options for PHLF are limited. Pharmacological interventions targeting ischemia-reperfusion injury and portal flow modulation have gained interest as potential therapeutic strategies.
Summary: This review provides a clinically applicable overview of the current evidence on pharmacological management of PHLF. Perioperative glucocorticoids may reduce inflammatory complications and lower PHLF incidence, though patient selection is crucial. N-acetylcysteine demonstrates antioxidant effects in experimental models and omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, but both lack clinical efficacy. Somatostatin and terlipressin, which modulate portal hemodynamics, have shown promise in preclinical and early-phase clinical studies; however, randomized trials have yet to confirm their benefit in reducing PHLF. Nonselective β-blockers impair liver regeneration in preclinical models and are not recommended posthepatectomy. Early postoperative heparin administration and hyperinsulinemic-normoglycemic strategies have been associated with reduced PHLF but require further validation.
Key messages: While perioperative glucocorticoids may reduce PHLF risk in selected patients, other pharmacological agents show theoretical or preliminary promise, but cannot be routinely recommended based on…
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