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Liver transplantation for acute hepatic failure
Transplantation Proceedings
|November 25, 2004
Summary
Liver transplantation offers a high survival rate for acute hepatic failure (AHF) patients. Living-related donor liver transplants are a viable option due to organ shortages.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplant Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute hepatic failure (AHF) carries a high mortality rate (40-90%) with conservative management.
- Hepatitis B infection is a primary cause of AHF in Asia.
- Liver transplantation is explored as a treatment for AHF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of liver transplantation in adult patients with acute hepatic failure.
- To assess outcomes and complications associated with liver transplantation for AHF.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 16 adult AHF patients undergoing liver transplantation over 6 years.
- Utilized both cadaveric (n=8) and living-related donor (n=8) grafts.
- Employing extracorporeal hemoperfusion and plasma exchange as bridge therapies.
Main Results:
- A 94% survival rate was achieved, with 15 of 16 patients alive at follow-up (2 months to 6 years).
- The primary cause of AHF was hepatitis B-related disease in 15 patients.
- Common complications included infection (62.5%), acute rejection (25%), and biliary issues (12.5%).
Conclusions:
- Liver transplantation is a highly effective treatment for acute hepatic failure.
- Living-related donor liver transplantation is a crucial option given organ scarcity and patient acuity.