38 PROFILE OF PATIENTS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR CADAVERIC LIVER TRANSPLANT IN A PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITAL OVER AN ONE YEAR PERIOD

Abstract

Background: It is well known that patients with end stage liver disease with high model for end stage liver disease (MELD) and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) scores, associated complications are prone to high rates of morbidity and mortality during the waiting period for a donor organ. Objective: To analyze the profile of patients in the waiting list over a 1-year period and the outcome. Method: Retrospective study. Details of all patients listed for liver transplant at Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai from December 2010 to December 2011 were collected from the transplant register and analyzed. Sixtyseven patients were listed, out of which 11 patients underwent successful liver transplant (16.4%), 32 patients died during the year (47.76%), 19 patients are on follow-up (28.35%) and five patients were lost to follow-up (7.46%). Average waiting period ([in months]: alive—4.4 months; dead—3.4 months; lost follow-up—7 months; and transplant done—1.9 months). Conclusion: Higher CTP, MELD scores and associated complications have an adverse outcome during the waiting period for a donor liver. Creating greater awareness among the public would help in the increase of cadaver donors and decrease the waiting list mortality. 37