Varied strategies for alcohol-related liver transplants in South Korea
10.52604/alt.24.0013
- Author:
Hyun Hwa CHOI
;
Kwang-Woong LEE
;
Bong-Wan KIM
;
Dong-Sik KIM
;
Gyu-Seong CHOI
;
Hae Won LEE
;
Ho Joong CHOI
;
Jaryung HAN
;
Je Ho RYU
;
Kwan Woo KIM
;
Man Ki JU
;
Min-Su PARK
;
Myoung Soo KIM
;
Seok-Hwan KIM
;
Seoung Hoon KIM
;
Shin HWANG
;
Sung Won JUNG
;
Tae-Seok KIM
;
Woo Young SHIN
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Annals of Liver Transplantation
2024;4(2):95-101
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:s: Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is currently a major indication for liver transplantation (LT) in South Korea. Alcoholic recidivism is a primary concern after LT for ALD. However, it is unclear how patients who have received LT for ALD are managed regarding medical and psychological issues. Furthermore, management approaches vary across centers. This study aims to investigate how these management approaches differ among centers.
Methods:We conducted a survey of 19 liver transplant centers in South Korea to gather detailed information on the management protocols and related issues of ALD in LT patients.
Results:All 19 centers that responded to the survey had been performing LT for patients with ALD for more than 5 years. Nine out of the 19 centers (47%) stated that a minimum abstinence period of 1–6 months from alcohol was required before evaluating LT and enrolling on the transplant waiting list. Only 2 (10%) and 5 (26%) centers had protocols for assessing alcohol consumption while awaiting LT or for treating alcohol consumption after transplantation, respectively. Monitoring abstinence from drinking before and after LT mostly relied on direct interviews, and alcohol biomarkers were not used.
Conclusion:Our findings emphasize the importance of consistent patient management guidelines for ALD-LTs in South Korea.
