Preoperative application of rhIL-11 improves thrombocytopenia in patients with hepatic cirrhosis

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of preoperative application of recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) on thrombocytopenia in hepatic cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism and reduce perioperative platelet transfusion.Methods Hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism (n=45),who were ready for splenectomy,were divided into two groups:group A and group B.RhIL-11 (50 μg/kg/d) were given in group A (n=23) for 10 days before operation.The platelet count changes,the effect of platelet transfusion,the incidence of platelet increase after operation,changes of heptic and renal function,formation rate of portal vein thrombosis and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment of application of rhIL-11,platelet count in group A was significantly higher than that in group B,while frequency and amount of platelet transfusion was lower than that in group B,which had significant differences(P0.05);the incidence of platelet increase after operation of group A and B were 12.5% and 16.2% respectively,with no statistical difference.The resumption of each liver enzyme indicator was not affected;the formation rate of portal vein thrombosis in two groups were 21.4% and 18.6%,respectively,without significant difference;however,the incidence of fluid retention,red-eye,joint pain,headache in group A was higher than that of group B.Conclusions Preoperative application of rhIL-11 in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis patients with hypersplenism before operation can effectively increase the platelet count,reduce perioperative platelet transfusion and have no significant impact on restoration of liver function after operation.