Use of prothrombin complex concentrates in liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors' conclusion
Although there are no randomised trials comparing use of PCC vs FP in LT, their efficacy and safety appear comparable.
Study context
- Population
- Adults undergoing liver transplantation (LT)all studies retrospective
- Comparison
- Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) vs no PCC / usual care in LT
- PCCn = 392
- Outcome
- RBC, plasma, or platelet units transfused
Methodological detailsrandom effects models, Seven studies reported PCC recipients: 392/1901 (21%); one grouped different factor concentrates: 576/939 (61%), Safety outcomes driven by one large study using PCC as rescue therapy
- Random effects models
- Seven studies reported PCC recipients: 392/1901 (21%); one grouped different factor concentrates: 576/939 (61%)
- Safety outcomes driven by one large study using PCC as rescue therapy
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
- Comparable mean number of red blood cell (RBC), plasma, or platelet units transfused with PCC exposure
Further pooled results
| Outcome | OR (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| RBC exposure (viscoelastic testing-based algorithms incorporating PCC vs usual care)I2=0% | 0.53 (0.32–0.86) | |
| FP exposure (viscoelastic testing-based algorithms incorporating PCC vs usual care)I2=50% | 0.35 (0.13–0.92) | |
| 0.10.31310Odds ratio (log scale) |
Platelet exposure (viscoelastic algorithms incorporating PCC vs usual care)
- Not reduced
Baseline characteristics
- PCC recipients had worse preoperative coagulopathy, MELD scores and comorbidities
Original publication
Use of prothrombin complex concentrates in liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Anaesth. Published 12 September 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →