Impact of MELD score implementation on liver allocation: experience at a Brazilian center

Introduction. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) is an accurate predictor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis, and has been used on liver allocation in Brazil since 2006. However, its impact on organ allocation, waiting list and post-transplant mortality is still poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess the impact of implementation of the MELD system on liver allocation and mortality after liver transplantation (LT) in Southern Brazil.Material and methods. Adult patients with chronic liver disease on the waiting list for primary deceased-donor LT were divided into two cohorts (pre- and post-MELD implementation) according to the date of waiting list placement. Disease severity, as assessed by MELD score at placement, was similar in both cohorts. Patients were followed for at least 18 months to assess the outcomes of interest (death/LT).Results. Higher MELD scores correlated with waiting list mortality, which increased 20% with each additional point (HR 1.2; 95%CI 1.14–2.26; p < 0.001). Waiting list mortality was 30.9% before and 21.7% after MELD implementation (nonsignificant). Transplant rate increased after MELD implementation (52 vs. 40%, p = 0.002). After excluding patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, mean MELD scores at LT were significantly higher in the MELD era (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between MELD scores at LT and post-LT survival. During 18-month follow-up, post-LT mortality rate was 25.4% before and 20% after MELD implementation (nonsignificant).Conclusion. MELD implementation was associated with a reduction in waiting list mortality. Although sicker patients received LT in the MELD era, post-transplant survival was similar in both periods

Liver retransplantation in adults: a 20–year experience of one center in southern Brazil

Introduction. Liver retransplantation (LReTx) is the therapeutic option for hepatic graft failure. Survival after LReTx is poorer than after primary liver transplantation. Given the organ shortage, it is essential to optimize the use of this resource.Objective. To evaluate rates, indications and patient survival after LReTx and identify factors associated with mortality following LReTx.Material and methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adults undergoing LReTx based on registry data from the Liver Transplantation Group (Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre), southern Brazil.Results. Between June 16, 1991 and July 19, 2011, 824 patients underwent 866 liver transplants. Forty-two procedures corresponded to LReTx (4.8% of all liver transplants performed). Thirty-eight patients who underwent a single LReTx procedure were included in this study. The leading indication for LReTx was hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) (31.6%), followed by primary nonfunction (PNF) (18.4%). The main indication for early LReTx was PNF (58.3%) and for late LReTx was HAT (38.5%). During the follow-up period, 26 patients (68.4%) died after LReTx. Patient survival at 1 and 3 years after LReTx was 44.7% and 44.7%, respectively. Patients infected with hepatitis C virus, serum albumin < 2.5 g/dL and receiving mechanical ventilation immediately before LReTx had a significantly lower survival rate than the other patients.Conclusion. Considering the increased mortality when the graft loss is delayed, it is necessary to define the minimum acceptable results to indicate LReTx and identify the patients who would most benefit from this treatment