Respiratory and physical therapy in the intensive care unit after liver transplantation for acute-on-chronic liver failure: a case report

Submitted: January 2, 2024
Accepted: July 20, 2024
Published: September 10, 2024
Abstract Views: 222
PDF_EARLY VIEW: 79
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Authors

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe clinical condition for which liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative option. Due to the recipients' generally poor pre-operative clinical conditions and extensive surgery, post-LT respiratory disorders are very common and significantly contribute to related morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 49-year-old patient with ACLF grade 3 who has been taken care of by the Respiratory Physiotherapy Team since hospital admission. After the extubation, the patient was supported with non-invasive ventilation and mechanical in-exsufflation; meanwhile, early resistance and functional training were started. No adverse events occurred during physiotherapy sessions, and the patient returned home without respiratory support. Respiratory and physical therapy in the intensive care unit after LT were safe and feasible interventions for this patient. Given the high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and the high rehabilitation needs, we suggest that physiotherapy should be provided for ACLF recipients.

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Citations

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How to Cite

Tarello, Davide, Francesca Giogà, Andrea Lauterio, Chiara Becchetti, Giovanni Perricone, Giorgio Santi, Monica Ragazzi, Gianpaola Monti, and Marta Lazzeri. 2024. “Respiratory and Physical Therapy in the Intensive Care Unit After Liver Transplantation for Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Case Report”. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, September. https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2024.2898.