Risk factors of prolonged mechanical ventilation after liver transplantation: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background The risk factors of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) in patients after liver transplantation remain unclear. The aim was to evaluate the risk factors of PMV to guide clinical nursing programs for early extubation and reduction of PMV complications by a retrospective cohort study. Methods 505 patients were recruited to conduct a retrospective cohort study by a logistic regression model to determine risk factors for PMV patients after liver transplantation. Results 129 (25.5%) of 505 patients required PMV. The PMV-associated factors were significantly different between the PMV group and the non-PMV group, which included MELD score, ASA score and TP level. According to logistic regression analysis, MELD score ≥ 18 points, ASA score > 3, TP  3, TP < 60 g/L, et al, are independent risk factors for PMV.