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Colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms is associated with in increased mortality in liver transplant
Philip G Ferstl1, Natalie Filmann2, Eva-Maria Heilgenthal1
1Department for Internal Medicine I / Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Objectives:
Rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) is a major health problem in patients with liver cirrhosis. The impact of MDRO colonization in liver transplantation (LT) candidates and recipients on mortality has not been determined in detail.
Methods:
Patients consecutively evaluated and listed for LT in a tertiary German liver transplant center from 2008 to 2018 underwent screening for MDRO colonization including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). MDRO colonization and infection status were obtained at LT evaluation, planned and unplanned hospitalization, three months upon graft allocation, or at last follow-up on the waiting list.
Results:
In total, 351 patients were listed for LT, of whom 164 (47%) underwent LT after a median of 249 (range 0-1662) days. Incidence of MDRO colonization increased during waiting time for LT, and MRDO colonization was associated with increased mortality on the waiting list (HR = 2.57, p<0.0001. One patients was colonized with a carbapenem-resistant strain at listing, 9 patients acquired carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) on the waiting list, and 4 more after LT. In total, 10 of these 14 patients died.
Conclusions:
Colonization with MDRO is associated with increased mortality on the waiting list, but not in short-term follow-up after LT. Moreover, colonization with CRGN seems associated with high mortality in liver transplant candidates and recipients.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization increases mortality risk for liver transplant candidates on the waiting list. However, MDRO colonization did not significantly impact short-term survival post-liver transplant, though carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria pose a high risk.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) presents a significant challenge in patients with liver cirrhosis.
- The specific impact of MDRO colonization on mortality in liver transplantation (LT) candidates and recipients requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the impact of MDRO colonization on mortality in liver transplant candidates and recipients.
- To analyze the incidence and outcomes of MDRO colonization during the LT waiting period and post-transplant.
Main Methods:
- Screening for MDRO colonization (MRSA, MDRGN, VRE) in 351 LT candidates from 2008-2018.
- Monitoring colonization status at LT evaluation, during hospitalizations, and post-transplant.
- Analyzing mortality rates associated with MDRO colonization.
Main Results:
- MDRO colonization incidence increased during the LT waiting time.
- MDRO colonization was significantly associated with increased mortality on the waiting list (HR = 2.57, p<0.0001).
- Colonization with carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGN) was associated with high mortality in 10 out of 14 affected patients.
Conclusions:
- MDRO colonization is linked to higher mortality risk for patients awaiting liver transplantation.
- Short-term survival after liver transplant is not significantly affected by MDRO colonization.
- Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria colonization appears to be a critical factor for high mortality in liver transplant candidates and recipients.
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