Real-time direct measurement of human liver allograft temperature from recovery to transplantation.

Temperature is a key parameter in organ preservation that has been consistently linked to primary nonfunction (PNF). In this communication, and for the first time anywhere, continued and direct measurements of human liver intraparenchymal temperatures are reported in six clinical cases of orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT). These measurements cover the entire transplantation procedure and include the full transport phase. In contrast with long-held beliefs, these data demonstrate that liver allograft temperatures reach and stabilize at near 0 degrees C, instead of 4 degrees C, during transport using standard protocols. Furthermore, these low temperatures do not appear to contribute to graft failure when negative factors such as long preservation, the presence of hepatic steatosis, or advanced donor age are present. The clinical and experimental implications of these findings, together with other relevant elements derived from the direct and continuous monitoring of human liver allograft intraparenchymal temperatures, are discussed.