[Liver transplantation in Denmark. First-year experiences]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Transplant Surgery
• Immunology

Context:

• The Danish Liver Transplantation program commenced in October 1990.
• The initial 12 months saw 21 liver transplantations performed.
• Patient demographics included women, men, and children, with one requiring re-transplantation.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the initial outcomes and feasibility of the Danish Liver Transplantation program.
• To assess patient survival rates and complication incidence in early liver transplant recipients.
• To establish a benchmark for minimum program activity based on initial results.

Summary:

• 21 liver transplantations were performed in the first year, with varied patient demographics and indications including elective procedures and emergency cases for fulminant liver failure.
• Early mortality occurred in 3 emergency patients and 1 elective patient due to complications like graft dysfunction, sepsis, and CMV infection.
• 40% of patients experienced acute rejection, but 15 were discharged with normal liver function, and 11 returned to previous activities, indicating comparable results to international centers.

Impact:

• The study demonstrates that the Danish Liver Transplantation program achieved results comparable to leading international centers within its first year.
• It highlights the importance of maintaining a minimum activity level of 21 transplants annually for program viability and expertise.
• The findings provide valuable data for the ongoing development and optimization of liver transplantation services.