A retrospective cohort study of socioeconomic deprivation and post-liver transplant survival in adults

The Area Deprivation Index is a granular measure of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation. The relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation and recipient survival following liver transplantation (LT) is unclear. To investigate this, the authors performed a retrospective cohort study of adults who underwent LT at the University of Washington Medical Center from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2020. The primary exposure was a degree of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation as determined by the Area Deprivation Index score. The primary outcome was posttransplant recipient mortality. In a multivariable Cox proportional analysis, LT recipients from high-deprivation areas had a higher risk of mortality than those from low-deprivation areas (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.03-3.18, p =0.04). Notably, the difference in mortality between area deprivation groups did not become statistically significant until 6 years after transplantation. In summary, LT recipients experiencing high socioeconomic deprivation tended to have worse posttransplant survival. Further research is needed to elucidate the extent to which neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation contributes to mortality risk and identify effective measures to improve survival in more socioeconomically disadvantaged LT recipients.

An Ethical Analysis of Obesity as a Contraindication to Pediatric Liver Transplant Candidacy

Childhood obesity is becoming more prevalent in the United States (U.S.) and worldwide, including among children in need of liver transplant. Unlike with heart and kidney failure, end stage liver disease (ESLD) is unique in that no widely available medical technology can re-create the life-sustaining function a failing liver. Therefore, delaying life-saving liver transplant for weight loss, for example, is much harder, if not impossible for many pediatric patients, especially those with acute liver failure. For adults in the U.S., guidelines consider obesity a contraindication to liver transplant. While formal guidelines are lacking in children, many pediatric transplant centers also consider obesity a contraindication to pediatric liver transplant. Variations in practice among pediatric institutions may result in biased and ad hoc decisions that worsen health care inequities. In this paper we define and report the prevalence of childhood obesity among children with ESLD, 2) review existing guidelines for liver transplant in adults with obesity, 3) examine pediatric liver transplant outcomes and 4) discuss the ethical considerations of utilizing obesity as a contraindication to pediatric liver transplant informed by the principles of utility, justice and respect for persons.

Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CEVUS) as a safe alternate means of assessing vesicoureteral reflux in pediatric kidney transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Although voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is currently the gold standard in VUR evaluation, there is ionizing radiation exposure. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CEVUS) uses ultrasound contrast agents to visualize the urinary tract and has been reported to be safe and effective in VUR evaluation in children. CEVUS application has yet to be specifically described in VUR evaluation in the pediatric kidney transplant population. The purpose of this study was to report the use of CEVUS and VCUG in evaluating and managing VUR in pediatric renal transplant patients.

METHODS

Retrospective review was conducted for pediatric kidney transplant patients (18 years and younger) who underwent VCUG or CEVUS to assess for transplant VUR from July 2019 through June 2021. Demographic information, reason for VUR evaluation, fluoroscopy time, and postimaging complications were evaluated. Costs of imaging modalities were also considered.

RESULTS

Eight patients were evaluated for transplant VUR during the study period. Of the 3 patients who underwent VCUG, all 3 had VUR (median grade 3). Median fluoroscopy time was 18 s and dose-area product was 18.7 uGy*m² . Of the 5 patients who underwent CEVUS, 4 had VUR (median grade 4). There were no complications for either modality. Based on clinical and radiographic findings, patients were recommended no intervention, behavioral modification, or ureteral reimplantation. The total cost of CEVUS was $800 less than that of VCUG.

CONCLUSION

CEVUS can provide an alternate means of safely evaluating VUR in kidney transplant patients with similar outcomes, potentially lower costs, and no exposure to ionizing radiation.

Use of DCD organs: Expanding the donor pool to increase pediatric transplantation

The number of children being listed for transplant continues to be greater than the number of available organs. In fact, over the past decade, rates of liver and kidney transplants in pediatric transplantation are essentially unchanged (Am J Transplant. 2020;20:193 and Am J Transplant. 2020;20:20). The use of DCD donors offers a potential solution to organ scarcity; however, the use of DCD organs in pediatric transplantation remains a rare event. Pediatric transplants done using carefully chosen DCD donor organs have shown to have outcomes similar to those seen with the use of donation after brain death (DBD) donors. Herein, we review the literature to examine the utilization of DCD livers and kidneys, outcomes of these allografts, and assess if DCD organs are a viable method to increase organ availability in pediatric transplantation.

An ethical analysis of obesity as a contraindication of pediatric kidney transplant candidacy

The inclusion of body mass index (BMI) as a criterion for determining kidney transplant candidacy in children raises clinical and ethical challenges. Childhood obesity is on the rise and common among children with kidney failure. In addition, obesity is reported as an independent risk factor for the development of CKD and kidney failure. Resultantly, more children with obesity are anticipated to need kidney transplants. Most transplant centers around the world use high BMI as a relative or absolute contraindication for kidney transplant. However, use of obesity as a relative or absolute contraindication for pediatric kidney transplant is controversial. Empirical data demonstrating poorer outcomes following kidney transplant in obese pediatric patients are limited. In addition, pediatric obesity is distributed inequitably among groups. Unlike adults, most children lack independent agency to choose their food sources and exercise opportunities; they are dependent on their families for these choices. In this paper, we define childhood obesity and review (1) the association and impact of obesity on kidney disease and kidney transplant, (2) existing adult guidelines and rationale for using high BMI as a criterion for kidney transplant, (3) the prevalence of childhood obesity among children with kidney failure, and (4) the existing literature on obesity and pediatric kidney transplant outcomes. We then discuss ethical considerations related to the use of obesity as a criterion for kidney transplant.

Identifying Liver Transplant Candidates at Risk of Wait List Removal Due to Nonadherence Using a Quality-of-Life Survey: A Competing Risk Analysis

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether the Liver Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Short Form or the Area Deprivation Index could be used to help identify liver transplant candidates at risk of delisting due to nonadherence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 358 adults (≥18 years old) listed for liver transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center from September 1, 2012, to August 30, 2017, who completed the Liver Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Short Form prior to listing. Wait list removal because of substance use or lack of attendance to clinical appointments was prospectively determined by a multidisciplinary transplant committee. A competing risk analysis was used to estimate risk of delisting for nonadherence.

RESULTS

Among 358 liver transplant candidates, delisting occurred in 23 patients (6.4%) for nonadherence, 205 (57.3%) for transplant, 79 (22.1%) because of death or too sick, and 51 (14.2%) for other reasons. In the multivariable competing risk analysis, Liver Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Short Form responses indicating "poor memory" (subdistribution hazard ratio: 3.53; 95% CI, 1.49-8.36; P = .004) and "poor future outlook" (subdistribution hazard ratio: 2.94; 95% CI, 1.07-8.07; P = .03) were associated with higher risk of delisting for nonadherence. Female sex (subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.31; 95% CI, 0.10-0.93; P = .04) and previous abdominal surgery (subdistribution hazard ratio: 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.92; P = .03) were associated with lower risk of delisting for nonadherence. The Area Deprivation Index was not associated with wait list removal.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Short Form responses indicating "poor memory" and "poor future outlook" were associated with increased risk of wait list removal due to nonadherence. Proactively identifying patients at high risk of nonadherence may help transplant programs better direct resources toward helping patients improve adherence and avoid delisting.

Gender and racial disparities in the transplant surgery workforce

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review explores trends in the United States (US) transplant surgery workforce with a focus on historical demographics, post-fellowship job market, and quality of life reported by transplant surgeons. Ongoing efforts to improve women and racial/ethnic minority representation in transplant surgery are highlighted. Future directions to create a transplant workforce that reflects the diversity of the US population are discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Representation of women and racial and ethnic minorities among transplant surgeons is minimal. Although recent data shows an improvement in the number of Black transplant surgeons from 2% to 5.5% and an increase in women to 12%, the White to Non-White transplant workforce ratio has increased 35% from 2000 to 2013. Transplant surgeons report an average of 4.3 call nights per week and less than five leisure days a month. Transplant ranks 1st among surgical sub-specialties in the prevalence of three well-studied facets of burnout. Concerns about lifestyle may contribute to the decreasing demand for advanced training in abdominal transplantation by US graduates.

SUMMARY

Minimal improvements have been made in transplant surgery workforce diversity. Sustained and intentional recruitment and promotion efforts are needed to improve the representation of women and minority physicians and advanced practice providers in the field.

Do funding sources influence long-term patient survival in pediatric liver transplantation?

BACKGROUND

Socioeconomic status has been associated with inferior outcomes after multiple surgical procedures, but has not been well studied with respect to pediatric liver transplantation. This study evaluated the impact of insurance status (as a proxy for socioeconomic status) on patient and allograft survival in pediatric first-time liver transplant recipients.

METHODS

Our retrospective analysis of the UNOS data base from January 2002 through September 2017 revealed 6997 pediatric patients undergoing first-time isolated liver transplantation. A mixed Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for donor, recipient, and program characteristics determined the RR of insurance status on allograft and patient survival. All results were considered significant at P < .05. All statistical results were obtained using R version 3.5.1 and coxme version 2.2-10.

RESULTS

Medicaid status had a significant negative impact on long-term survival after controlling for multiple covariates. Pediatric patients undergoing first-time isolated liver transplantation with Medicaid insurance had a RR of 1.42 [confidence interval: 1.18-1.60] of post-transplant death.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients undergoing first-time isolated liver transplantation have multiple risk factors that may impact long-term survival. Having Medicaid insurance almost doubles the chances of dying post-liver transplant. This patient population may require more global support post-transplant to improve long-term survival.

Extinguishing burnout: National analysis of predictors and effects of burnout in abdominal transplant surgery fellows

Burnout among surgeons has been attributed to increased workload and decreased autonomy. Although prior studies have examined burnout among transplant surgeons, no studies have evaluated burnout in abdominal transplant surgery fellows. The objective of our study was to identify predictors of burnout and understand its impact on personal and patient care during fellowship. A survey was sent to all abdominal transplant surgery fellows in an American Society of Transplant Surgeons-accredited fellowship. The response rate was 59.2% (n = 77) and 22.7% (n = 17) of fellows met criteria for burnout. Fellows with lower grit scores were more likely to exhibit burnout compared with fellows with higher scores (3.6 vs 4.0, P = .026). Those with burnout were more likely to work >100 hours per week (58.8% vs 27.6%, P = .023), have severe work-related stress (58.8% vs 22.4%, P = .010), consider quitting fellowship (94.1% vs 20.7%, P < .001), or make a medical error (35.3% vs 5.2%, P = .003). This national analysis of abdominal transplant fellows found that burnout rates are relatively low, but few fellows engage in self-care. Personal and program-related factors attribute to burnout and it has unacceptable effects on patient care. Transplant societies and fellowship programs should develop interventions to give fellows tools to prevent and combat burnout.

Decreased Incidence of Hepatic Artery Thrombosis in Pediatric Liver Transplantation Using Technical Variant Grafts: Report of the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation Experience

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate risk factors for hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) and examine the long-term outcomes of graft and patient survival after HAT in pediatric recipients of liver transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN

Using multicenter data from the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed on first-time pediatric (aged <18 years) liver transplant recipients (n = 3801) in the US and Canada between 1995 and 2016.

RESULTS

Of children undergoing their first liver transplantation, 7.4% developed HAT within the first 90 days of transplantation and, of those who were retransplanted, 20.7% developed recurrent HAT. Prolonged warm ischemia times increased the odds of developing HAT (OR, 1.11; P = .02). Adolescents aged 11-17 years (OR, 0.53; P = .03) and recipients with split, reduced, or living donor grafts had decreased odds of HAT (OR, 0.59; P < .001 compared with whole grafts). Fifty percent of children who developed HAT developed graft failure within the first 90 days of transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio, 11.87; 95% CI, 9.02-15.62) and had a significantly higher post-transplant mortality within the first 90 days after transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio, 6.18; 95% CI, 4.01-9.53).

CONCLUSIONS

These data from an international registry demonstrate poorer long-term graft and patient survival in pediatric recipients whose post-transplant course is complicated by HAT. Notably, recipients of technical variant grafts had lower odds of HAT compared with whole liver grafts.

Intraoperative Doppler sonogram in pediatric liver transplants: a pictorial review of intraoperative and early postoperative complications

A spectrum of vascular complications can be seen in pediatric liver transplant patients, including occlusion and hemodynamically significant narrowing of the vessels that provide inflow to or outflow from the graft. Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound (US) has the potential benefit of identifying vascular complications in pediatric liver transplant patients prior to abdominal closure. Importantly, intraoperative Doppler US can be used as a problem-solving tool in situations such as position-dependent kinking of the portal or hepatic veins, or in suspected vasospasm of the hepatic artery. Furthermore, this technique can be used for real-time reassessment after surgical correction of vascular complications. This pictorial review of intraoperative Doppler US in pediatric liver transplant patients illustrates normal findings and common vascular complications, including examples after surgical correction, in the perioperative period.

Body mass index as a predictor of outcomes among pediatric kidney transplant recipient

Controversies exist regarding the impact of obesity on patients undergoing kidney transplantation. We sought to estimate the association between BMI and patient outcomes (survival and graft function) among pediatric kidney transplant patients in the USA. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database (1987-2013), which revealed 13 014 pediatric patients (<18 years old) who underwent primary kidney transplantation. Patients were stratified into five BMI categories established by the World Health Organizations according to their Z score, which is based on age, gender and BMI. The -2, 0, and +2 categories were collapsed and served as the reference group, while the -3 (thin) and +3 (obese) categories were evaluated for differences in graft and patient survival. The survival rates between these categories were compared using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to adjust for recipient and donor characteristics to estimate the risk of graft loss and mortality associated with BMI. Logistic regression models were estimated to evaluate whether there was an association between BMI and DGF. There were no differences in overall patient (P=.1655) or graft (P=.1688) survival between the severely thin, normal, and obese patients. Adjusted models also revealed no statistically significant differences in graft or patient survival. There were no differences in the odds of DGF (both unadjusted and adjusted) among the three groups. The prevalence of obesity is increasing among children who present for kidney transplant in the USA. In this national study of pediatric kidney transplant recipients, there was no difference in graft or patient survival and no differences in rates of DGF among obese children compared to normal and underweight children undergoing kidney transplantation.

Donor Age Still Matters in Liver Transplant: Results From the United Network for Organ Sharing-Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients Database

OBJECTIVES

Individuals older than 60 years represent a large proportion of the organs available for orthotopic liver transplant. However, the use of organs from older donors remains controversial. We hypothesized that the use of older donors would not affect patient and graft survival due to significant improvements in donor-recipient management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the United Network for Organ Sharing database from February 2002 through December 2012, including non-HCV-infected adults (18 and older) who underwent primary orthotopic liver transplant. We compared patient and graft survival between 4 cohorts based on donor's age (< 60, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+ years) using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to adjust for recipient and donor characteristics to estimate the risk associated with organs from older donors.

RESULTS

We identified 35 788 liver transplant recipients. Unadjusted analyses indicated that both patient and graft survival were similar among recipients of donors older than 60 years but significantly inferior compared with those recipients who received a liver from a donor younger than 60 years. Multivariate regression revealed that all 3 categories of donor age > 60 years old were significantly associated with worse patient and graft survival. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was not an effective modifier of the association between donor age and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of liver grafts from elderly donors has a negative impact on both patient and graft survival. Recipient's Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score did not change survival based on donor age.

Outcomes of adult liver re-transplant patients in the model for end-stage liver disease era: is it time to reconsider its indications?

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the outcomes and utility of liver re-transplantation in non-hepatitis C patients, we sought to identify predictors that impact post-transplant patient and graft survival comparing primary liver transplant patients to those receiving subsequent allografts.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the United Network for Organ Sharing database from February 2002 through December 2012, including non-hepatitis C infected adults (18 yr and older) who underwent primary and repeat liver transplantation. Patient and graft survival were compared between the two groups using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate variables associated with both patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

We identified 33 176 primary transplant recipients and 2710 re-transplants. Re-transplantation patients were more likely to be on dialysis prior to transplant (18% vs. 10%), hospitalized (26% vs. 16%), in the intensive care unit (ICU) (34% vs. 13%), on a ventilator (17% vs. 3%), and had higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (27 vs. 21). Re-transplants also received livers with a lower donor risk index (DRI) (1.57 vs. 1.64). We estimated an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.7 for patient survival (95% CI: 1.56-1.84) and 1.61 (95% CI: 1.5-1.73) for graft survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver re-transplantation in non-hepatitis C patients, although life saving, has significantly inferior patient and graft survival compared to primary liver transplantation. Higher quality grafts are used inefficiently in a sicker patient population, suggesting that a more optimal strategy may include restricting their use to patients who obtain a longer term benefit.

A contemporary analysis of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease in surgical infants

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Despite advances in pediatric nutritional support and a renewed focus on management of intestinal failure, there are limited recent data regarding the risk of parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated liver disease in surgical infants. This study investigated the incidence of cholestasis from PN and risk factors for its development in this population.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all neonates in our institution who underwent abdominal surgery and required postoperative PN from 2001 to 2006. Cholestasis was defined as 2 conjugated bilirubin levels greater than 2 mg/dL over 14 days. Nonparametric univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used to model the likelihood of developing cholestasis. Median values with range are presented.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six infants met inclusion criteria, and patients received PN for 28 days (range, 2-256 days). The incidence of cholestasis was 24%. Cholestatic infants were born at an earlier gestational age (34 vs 36 weeks; P < .01), required a 3-fold longer PN duration (76 vs 21 days; P < .001), had longer inpatient stays (86 vs 29 days; P < .001), and were more likely to be discharged on PN. The median time to cholestasis was 23 days. Cholestasis was an early development; 77% of cholestatic infants developed cholestasis by 5 weeks of PN exposure. On multivariate regression, only prematurity was significantly associated with development of cholestasis (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, the development of PN-associated liver disease occurred early in the course of exposure to PN. These data help to define the time course and prognosis for PN-associated cholestasis in surgical infants.

Risk stratification of kidneys from donation after cardiac death donors and the utility of machine perfusion

There has been a dramatic increase in the utilization of kidneys from donors after cardiac death (DCD). While these organs represent an opportunity to expand the donor pool, the assessment of risk and optimal perioperative management remains unclear. Our primary aim was to identify risk factors for objective outcomes, and secondarily, we sought to determine what impact pulsatile machine perfusion (PMP) had on these outcomes. From 1993 to November 2008, 6057 DCD kidney transplants were reported to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, with complete endpoints for delayed graft function (DGF) and graft survival (GS). Risk factors were identified using a multivariable regression analysis adjusted for recipient factors. Age (50 yr) [OR 1.81, p < 0.0001] and cold ischemia time (CIT) (>30 h) [OR 3.22, p < 0.0001] were the strongest predictors of DGF. The use of PMP decreased the incidence of DGF only when donor age was >60 yr and improved long-term graft survival when donor age was >50 yr. Donor warm ischemia time >20 min was also found to correlate with increased DGF. While the incidence of DGF in DCD kidneys is significantly higher, the only factors the transplant surgeon can control are CIT and the use of PMP. The data suggest that the use of PMP in DCD kidneys <50 yr old provides little clinical benefit and may increase CIT.

Identifying the futile pediatric liver re-transplant in the PELD era

Survival following pediatric re-transplant is inferior to that following primary transplant. We analyzed UNOS data (1987-2007) to identify factors associated with poor outcomes following re-transplant in both the pre-PELD and PELD eras. There may be a combination of factors associated with a futile pediatric liver re-transplant. Identification of these factors may improve allograft allocation and survival following re-transplantation. Abstract:  Survival following pediatric liver re-transplant is distinctly inferior to that following primary transplant. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with futile pediatric liver re-transplants before and after introduction of the PELD criteria in February 2002. We analyzed the UNOS database (1987-2008) and identified pediatric patients requiring liver re-transplants before and after PELD criteria. Descriptive characteristics were evaluated and survival analyzed with Cox proportional hazards method. Analysis of 1248 children identified re-transplant survival in the PELD era was significantly better than the pre-PELD era. Multivariable analysis in the pre-PELD era identified number of re-transplants, African American race, ICU pretransplant, recipient weight, creatinine and bilirubin levels, donor age, and cold ischemia time to be significantly associated with poor survival. In the PELD era, ICU hospitalization, weight, and very high bilirubin levels were associated with poor survival. Kaplan-Meier analysis by risk groups demonstrated a significant difference in survival, with the highest risk group experiencing 40-50% one-yr survival. Survival following pediatric liver re-transplantation varies significantly by era and associated risk factors. There may be a combination of factors that predict a futile re-transplant. Pre-operative identification of these factors may improve allograft allocation and recipient survival following re-transplantation.

Impact of obesity on children undergoing liver transplantation

Controversies exist with respect to the mortality of patients undergoing liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index (BMI). For pediatric liver transplantation, weight is usually the only factor considered in survival analysis. A review of the United Network for Organ Sharing database (1987-2007) revealed 9701 pediatric patients (<18 years old) who underwent primary liver transplantation. Patients were stratified into 5 BMI categories established by the World Health Organization according to their Z score, which was based on age, gender, and BMI: -3, -2, 0, +2, and +3. The survival rates in these 5 categories were compared with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank testing. Patients with thinness (Z score = -2) and severe thinness (Z score = -3) had significantly (P < 0.0001) lower survival at 1 year (84.4%) versus the survival (88.7%) of the normal and overweight groups (Z score = 0 and Z score = + 2, respectively). For patients with obesity (Z score = +3), there was no significant difference in survival early after transplantation, but their mortality gradually increased in the later years after transplantation. By 12 years after liver transplantation, the obese group had significantly (P = 0.04) lower survival (72%) than the normal and overweight groups (77%). In conclusion, liver transplantation holds increased risk for obese pediatric patients. Thin pediatric patients experience early mortality after liver transplantation, and obese pediatric patients experience late mortality after liver transplantation. Transplant management can be modified to optimize the care of these patients.

The biopsied donor liver: incorporating macrosteatosis into high-risk donor assessment

To expand the donor liver pool, ways are sought to better define the limits of marginally transplantable organs. The Donor Risk Index (DRI) lists 7 donor characteristics, together with cold ischemia time and location of the donor, as risk factors for graft failure. We hypothesized that donor hepatic steatosis is an additional independent risk factor. We analyzed the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for all adult liver transplants performed from October 1, 2003, through February 6, 2008, with grafts from deceased donors to identify donor characteristics and procurement logistics parameters predictive of decreased graft survival. A proportional hazard model of donor variables, including percent steatosis from higher-risk donors, was created with graft survival as the primary outcome. Of 21,777 transplants, 5051 donors had percent macrovesicular steatosis recorded on donor liver biopsy. Compared to the 16,726 donors with no recorded liver biopsy, the donors with biopsied livers had a higher DRI, were older and more obese, and a higher percentage died from anoxia or stroke than from head trauma. The donors whose livers were biopsied became our study group. Factors most strongly associated with graft failure at 1 year after transplantation with livers from this high-risk donor group were donor age, donor liver macrovesicular steatosis, cold ischemia time, and donation after cardiac death status. In conclusion, in a high-risk donor group, macrovesicular steatosis is an independent risk factor for graft survival, along with other factors of the DRI including donor age, donor race, donation after cardiac death status, and cold ischemia time.

Liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index

Controversies exist regarding the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing liver transplantation at the extremes of the body mass index (BMI). A review of the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 1987 through 2007 revealed 73,538 adult liver transplants. Patients were stratified into 6 BMI categories established by the World Health Organization: underweight, <18.5 kg/m(2); normal weight, 18.5 to <25 kg/m(2); overweight, 25 to <30 kg/m(2); obese, 30 to <35 kg/m(2); severely obese, 35 to <40 kg/m(2); and very severely obese, > or =40 kg/m(2). Survival rates were compared among these 6 categories via Kaplan-Meier survival curves with the log-rank test. The underweight and very severely obese groups had significantly lower survival. There were 1827 patients in the underweight group, 1447 patients in the very severely obese group, and 68,172 patients in the other groups, which became the control. Groups with extreme BMI (<18.5 and > or =40) were compared to the control to assess significant differences. Underweight patients were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications (P < 0.002) and cerebrovascular accidents (P < 0.04). When compared with the control, the very severely obese patients had a higher number of infectious complications and cancer events (P = 0.02) leading to death. In 3 different eras of liver transplantation, multivariable analysis showed that underweight and very severe obesity were significant predictors of death. In conclusion, liver transplantation holds increased risk for patients at the extremes of BMI. Identifying these patients and instituting aggressive new policies may improve outcomes. Liver Transpl 15:968-977, 2009. (c) 2009 AASLD.