Abstract

Liver transplantation (LT) for alcohol related hepatitis (AH) remains controversial. We convened a consensus conference to examine various aspects of LT for AH. The goal was not to unequivocally endorse LT for AH; instead it was to propose recommendations for programs that perform or plan to perform LT for AH. Criteria were established to determine candidacy for LT in the setting of AH and included the following: (1) AH patients presenting for the first time with decompensated liver disease that are non-responders to medical therapy without severe medical or psychiatric comorbidities (2) A fixed period of abstinence prior to transplantation is not required (3) Assessment with a multidisciplinary psychosocial team including a social worker and a addiction specialist/mental health professional with addiction and transplantation expertise. Supporting factors include lack of repeated unsuccessful attempts at addiction rehabilitation, lack of other substance use/dependency, acceptance of diagnosis/insight with commitment of patient/family to sobriety and formalized agreement to adhere to total alcohol abstinence and counseling. LT should be avoided in AH patients that are likely to spontaneously recover. Short- and long-term survival comparable to other indications for LT must be achieved. There should not be further disparity in LT either by indication, geography, or other sociodemographic factors. Treatment of alcohol use disorders should be incorporated into pre and post-LT care. The restrictive and focused evaluation process described in the initial LT experience for AH worldwide may not endure as this indication gains wider acceptance at more LT programs. Transparency in selection process is crucial with collection of objective data to assess outcomes and minimize center variation in listing. Oversight of program adherence is important to harmonize listing practices and outcomes.

View details for DOI 10.1002/lt.25681

View details for PubMedID 31743578