Hematology/oncology clinics of North America
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Hemostasis is intimately related to liver function, because most coagulation factors are synthesized by liver parenchymal cells and the liver's reticuloendothelial system serves an important role in the clearance of activation products. The extent of coagulation abnormalities depends upon the degree of disturbed liver function. Acute or chronic hepatocellular diseases may display decreases in the vitamin K-dependent factors (prothrombin; factors VII, IX, and X; proteins C and S), whereas other parameters remain normal. ⋯ This is especially noted during the anhepatic phase and when the donor liver is perfused by the recipient's blood. Postoperative recovery is quick, provided the graft is not rejected. Postoperatively, there may be an initial hypercoagulable state, which could be related to the thrombosis occasionally encountered.