Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in the liver transplant setting

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Bacterial infections are life-threatening in decompensated liver cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure.
• Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are increasingly prevalent in these patients, worsening prognosis.
• MDRO infections also impact graft and patient survival post-liver transplantation, particularly early post-operatively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review MDRO infections in liver disease patients before and after liver transplantation.
• To discuss epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, and novel therapies for MDRO infections.
• To examine the role of MDRO infections in liver transplant prioritization for severe cases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of MDRO infections in liver disease and transplantation.
• Analysis of epidemiological data and identified risk factors.
• Synthesis of current prevention strategies and emerging therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• MDRO infections are a significant complication in liver cirrhosis and post-transplant settings.
• Risk factors for MDRO infections have been identified, informing preventive measures.
• Novel therapeutic strategies and their impact on patient survival are under investigation.

Conclusions:

• MDRO infections pose a substantial challenge in liver disease management and liver transplantation.
• Effective prevention and treatment strategies are essential to improve patient and graft survival.
• Consideration of MDRO status is important for prioritizing liver transplantation in critically ill patients.