The impact of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score on deceased donor liver transplant outcomes in low volume liver transplantation center: a retrospective and singlecenter study
10.4174/astr.2021.101.6.360
- Author:
Doo-Ho LEE
1
;
Yeon Ho PARK
;
Seok Won CHOI
;
Kug Hyun NAM
;
Sang Tae CHOI
;
Doojin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research
2021;101(6):360-367
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:In June 2016, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was employed in South Korea instead of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. This study compared the outcomes of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) before and after the MELD system application.
Methods:This retrospective study reviewed 48 patients who underwent DDLT for end-stage liver disease at a single tertiary referral center between January 2014 and December 2018. The patients were categorized into the pre-MELD (22 patients) and post-MELD (26 patients) groups. The demographics, postoperative outcomes, and overall survival time were evaluated between the 2 groups.
Results:The 2 groups had no differences in age, sex, ABO type, etiology for liver transplantation, CTP-score, operation time, cold ischemic time, and amount of red blood cell transfusion, although their MELD score differed significantly (postMELD group, 36.2 ± 4.9; pre-MELD group, 27.7 ± 11.8; P < 0.001). The post-MELD group has longer intensive care unit stay (11.2 ± 9.5 days vs. 5.7 ± 4.5 days, P = 0.018) and hospital stay than the pre-MELD group (36.8 ± 26 days vs. 22.8 ± 9.3 days, P = 0.016). The 1-year survival rate was lower in the post-MELD group (61.5% vs. 86.4%, P = 0.029).
Conclusion:After MELD allocation, patients with high MELD scores had increased DDLT and consequently required a longer recovery time, which could negatively affect survival. According to the experience of a small-volume center, these problems were related to both severe organ shortages in South Korea and MELD allocation.
