Accuracy of Anthropometric Formulas in Liver Volume Estimation: Comparative Study in Transplantation Context

Abstract. The annually increasing need for liver transplantation against the background of donor shortage determines the relevance of developing split transplantation, in which a divided organ is implanted into several recipients. The success of such interventions directly depends on the accuracy of preoperative volumetry of both the transplanted portion and the remaining parenchyma. Calculation errors of 8% or more are associated with high risks of post-transplant liver failure. In the absence of imaging capabilities, liver volume can be estimated using anthropometric formulas; however, their accuracy for the Russian population has not been previously studied.

The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the accuracy of formulas based on anthropometric parameters for calculating liver volume.

Material and methods. An observational crosssectional anatomical study of the liver was conducted in 102 deceased individuals of both sexes aged 18–59 years, divided into two age groups (18–44 years and 45–59 years). The reference liver volume was determined using the fluid displacement method. Volume was calculated using 14 anthropometric formulas. Accuracy was assessed by the mean absolute error (MAE), with subsequent ranking of the formulas by accuracy. Additionally, the median absolute error (MeAE) was calculated, followed by comparison of error distributions using the Mann–Whitney test. To identify the relationship between anthropometric parameters (height, body weight, BMI) and morphometric characteristics of the liver (weight, volume), correlation analysis was performed, with the strength of association assessed using the Chaddock scale.

Results. In males, a marked positive correlation was found between liver weight and BMI in both groups (r=0.65 and r=0.58). In females, this association was moderate (18– 44 years, r=0.48) and weak (45–59 years, r=0.35). An increase in BMI by one unit was accompanied by an increase in liver weight of 9–12 g. High accuracy (MAE ≥ 100 mL) and statistically significant asymmetry in error distribution (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. The most accurate formulas for calculating liver volume in the Russian population are those by Yu H.C., et al. (2004) and Hashimoto T., et al. (2006). Sex and age are significant factors influencing liver weight and volume, which should be taken into account when selecting formulas based on anthropometric parameters.

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