Effect of donor in brain death on liver transplantation

Abstract

Liver transplantation is one of the main treatments for acute and chronic liver failure currently. In recent years, with the lack of donor liver transplantation and the increasing number of patients, the major donator of liver transplant is brain dead patients. In brain-dead state, organ functions decline gradually. Changes in hemodynamics and immunity could lead to inflammation and alter hormone release. Organ survival and patients' prognosis can be unpredictable. The study of the above phenomenal mechanisms is still at an early stage. This article summarized the current liver transplant treatments by explaining the pathophysiology of donor organ damage and reviewing the prognosis. The aim of this article was to provide a perspective for future study on this topic. Key words: Brain death; Liver transplantation; Edge donor