To analyze the reasons of persistent pleural effusion complications after liver transplantation and to understand the risk factors, so as to effectively prevent and treat pleural effusion after liver transplantation.

From January 2015 to December 2016, the clinical data of fifty-two patients with liver transplantation in Zhongshan City People’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis was carried out for the difference between the continuous pleural effusion group and the non-drainage group after thoracic catheterization. Logistic multiple regression model was established to analyze the risk factors of persistent pleural effusion after thoracic catheterization and drainage after liver transplantation.

There were 48 cases (92.3%) of pleural effusion after operation, and 13 cases (25.0%) needed thoracic catheter drainage for persistent pleural effusion. Univariate analysis showed that pulmonary infection (P=0.005), thoracic infection (P=0.012), Salmonella infection (P=0.012), Staphylococcus epidermidis infection (P=0.013), Candida albicans infection (P<0.001), postoperative biliary complications (P=0.025), and abdominal catheter drainage (P=0.003) were the related factors of persistent pleural effusion after operation. Logistic regression analysis showed that pulmonary infection (OR=7.354,P=0.027), abdominal puncture and catheterization (OR=31.601,P=0.012) were risk factors for persistent pleural effusion after liver transplantation.

The occurrence of persistent pleural effusion can be effectively controlled by closely observing the condition after liver transplantation, actively preventing pulmonary infection and reducing abdominal puncture and catheter drainage.