Impact of MELD score implementation on liver allocation: experience at a Brazilian center



Document title: Impact of MELD score implementation on liver allocation: experience at a Brazilian center
Journal: Annals of hepatology
Database: PERIÓDICA
System number: 000416157
ISSN: 1665-2681
Authors: 1
2
1
2
2
1
Institutions: 1Universidade Federal de Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Brasil
2Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. Brasil
Year:
Volumen: 12
Number: 3
Pages: 440-447
Country: México
Language: Inglés
Document type: Estadística o encuesta
Approach: Analítico
English abstract Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) is an accurate predictor of mortality in patients with cirrhosis, and has been used on liver allocation in Brazil since 2006. However, its impact on organ allocation, waiting list and post-transplant mortality is still poorly characterized. This study aimed to assess the impact of implementation of the MELD system on liver allocation and mortality after liver transplantation (LT) in Southern Brazil. Material and methods. Adult patients with chronic liver disease on the waiting list for primary deceased-donor LT were divided into two cohorts (pre-and post-MELD implementation) according to the date of waiting list placement. Disease severity, as assessed by MELD score at placement, was similar in both cohorts. Patients were followed for at least 18 months to assess the outcomes of interest (death/LT). Results. Higher MELD scores correlated with waiting list mortality, which increased 20% with each additional point (HR 1.2; 95%CI 1.14-2.26; p < 0.001). Waiting list mortality was 30.9% before and 21.7% after MELD implementation (nonsignificant). Transplant rate increased after MELD implementation (52 vs. 40%, p = 0.002). After excluding patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, mean MELD scores at LT were significantly higher in the MELD era (p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between MELD scores at LT and post-LT survival. During 18-month follow-up, post-LT mortality rate was 25.4% before and 20% after MELD implementation (nonsignificant). Conclusion. MELD implementation was associated with a reduction in waiting list mortality. Although sicker patients received LT in the MELD era, post-transplant survival was similar in both periods
Disciplines: Medicina
Keyword: Gastroenterología,
Diagnóstico,
Pronóstico,
Enfermedad hepática terminal,
Trasplantes,
Hígado,
Mortalidad,
Sobrevivencia,
Cirrosis
Keyword: Gastroenterology,
Diagnosis,
Prognosis,
End-stage liver disease,
Liver,
Transplantation,
Mortality,
Survival,
Cirrhosis
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