Long-term outcome following liver transplantation for paracetamol overdose

Paracetamol overdose (POD) is a major cause of acute liver failure (ALF) requiring liver transplantation in the United Kingdom. To characterize the early and late outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for POD in the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit over a 14-year period (1992-2006). Data were obtained from a prospective database combined with case-note review. Of 127 liver transplants performed for ALF, 44 were for POD. The median age was 30 (range 18-51). In 18 patients (63.7%), POD was associated with alcohol/other drugs, nine (20.5%) had a staggered overdose and four patients (9.1%) accidentally overdosed. Nineteen patients (43.2%) had a history of previous overdose/psychiatric illness. Post-transplant mortality during the index admission was 30% (13 patients), whilst five patients died during follow-up. The actuarial 5-year patient survival was 54.5%, whilst graft survival was 49.5%. Some 23% of the patients were re-transplanted: primary nonfunction (1), hepatic artery thrombosis (3) and chronic rejection (2). Three patients had a subsequent transplant; three patients had two further transplants. Nine patients (35%) continue to have social/psychiatric issues. OLT for POD is associated with significant early and late morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach is required to identify the suitable candidates, in whom transplantation should be pursued promptly.