ADP‐dependent platelet function prior to and in the early course of pediatric Liver transplantation and persisting thrombocytopenia are positively correlated with ischemia/reperfusion injury

Summary Little is known about the role of platelets in relation to ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) of the liver graft especially in children. Thrombocyte function was prospectively analysed in 21 consecutive pediatric liver transplantation (pLT) patients by platelet aggregometry secondary to adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and the von Willebrand factor activator ristocetin (VWF:rco). Post‐OP serum levels of ALT were used to divide patients into groups with high (highHD, n = 8) and low (lowHD, n = 13) hepatocellular damage. Clinically, highHD‐patients showed impaired plasmatic coagulation and elevated serum bilirubin levels early after pLT when compared with lowHD‐patients. Further, platelet counts markedly decreased between pre‐OP and postreperfusion (postrep.) in the highHD group (P = 0.003) and did not recuperate by POD6. In lowHD individuals thrombocytopenia improved from both pre‐OP (P