Retrospective Comparative Study on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Using the Melbourne Group Scale (MGS-2) Diagnostic Criteria

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are associated with poor postoperative survival. However, there are no standard criteria for diagnosis of PPCs. This retrospective study aimed to explore the reliability of the Melbourne Group Scale version 2 (MGS-2) for determining PPCs after OLT. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 121 patients were divided into 3 groups. In the PPC and non-PPC groups, PPCs were determined to be present or absent in accordance with both the MGS-2 and the conventional broad criteria for diagnosis of PPCs; in the potential-PPC group, PPCs were determined to be present only in accordance with the conventional broad criteria. The perioperative risk factors for PPCs and prognosis of patients in potential-PPC group were all compared with non-PPC groups and PPC groups. RESULTS: The preoperative characteristics of patients in the potential-PPC group were similar to those in non-PPC group. The length of intensive care unit stay (2.26±0.22 vs. 4.75±0.47 days; P=0.017), duration of hospitalization (33.33±1.70 vs. 48.78±2.53 days; P<0.001), and treatment cost (28.01±1.78 vs. 38.35±1.85×10 000 yuan; P=0.018) were significantly less in the potential-PPC group than in the PPC group. Furthermore, in accordance with the MGS-2 criteria for diagnosis of PPCs, patients with PPCs showed poorer overall survival rates than those without (P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The MGS-2 appears to be a more suitable and reliable tool for diagnosis of PPCs and to identify the post-OLT patients with poorer perioperative characteristics and prognosis.