OPTN/SRTR 2015 Annual Data Report: Liver

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transplantation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• 2015 marked a significant year for liver transplantation in the United States.
• Previous years saw increasing waitlists and mortality, particularly for patients with Hepatitis C virus infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze key developments and trends in adult and pediatric liver transplantation in the US during 2015.
• To assess changes in waiting list dynamics, transplant volumes, and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national liver transplant data from 2015.
• Comparison of 2015 data with previous years to identify trends.

Main Results:

• The US performed the largest number of liver transplants to date in 2015.
• Reductions observed in median waiting time, waitlist mortality, and number of candidates on the waiting list.
• Decreased numbers of new candidates and transplants for Hepatitis C virus infection; increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic cirrhosis.
• Continued improvement in graft survival rates for adult and pediatric liver recipients.
• Pediatric liver transplants remained high, with a record number of living donor transplants.

Conclusions:

• 2015 demonstrated positive trends in liver transplantation, including increased volume and improved outcomes.
• Shifting disease etiologies necessitate ongoing adaptation in transplant strategies.
• Sustained improvements in graft survival highlight advancements in transplant care for both adults and children.