Characteristics of candidates from the waiting list for liver transplantation in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Abstract: Liver transplantation (LT) is the most efective method of treatment of end-stage liver disease. Due to the low number of effective donors, the number of patients on the waiting list (WL) in the Republic of Moldova continues to increase. We aimed to analyze the particularities of the candidats from waiting list for liver transplantation according to demographic, etiological and clinical data. Materials and methods: In retrospective, observational, descriptive study have been included candidats from the waiting list for LT in period between February 2013 and April 2022. Variables analyzed were: age, gender, MELD-Na score, BMI, etiology of end-stage liver disease, mortality and transplantation rates from the waiting list. Results: 246 patients were included in the waiting list for LT during the baseline period. Only 61 (25%) of these were transplanted. The main indication for liver transplantation was advanced liver disease (ALD) of viral etiology in 80.7%. Males predominated (60.56%), with a mean age of 47.7 ± 9.6 years. The mean follow-up duration of patients was 816,49 days ± 880.405. The mean MELD-Na score at inclusion was 12.22 points. Conclusion: Advanced liver disease of viral etiology is the main indication for inclusion in the waiting list (WL) in our transplant center. These patients have a lower MELD-Na score at inclusion but a higher rate of decompensation and death on the waiting list.