Use of steatotic donor livers for transplantation: Do they affect outcome?

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe exact effect of donor steatosis on post‐transplant outcome is not well established. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of different grades of deceased donor liver steatosis on recipient outcome and to validate performance of the MEAF score in conjunction with graft steatosis.MethodsAdult recipients of 228 livers were studied. Livers were divided into three groups according to grade of steatosis; S0, no steatosis (n = 152); S1, minimal to mild steatosis <33% (n = 62); S2, moderate to severe steatosis 33%–66% (n = 14). Donor, recipient data and outcomes of transplantation were evaluated.ResultsModerate to severe steatosis (S2) was associated with older donors and higher donor BMI. Postoperative laboratory values were significantly higher in S2. Incidence of EAD did not differ significantly with no PNFs. MEAF score correlated well with EAD. S0 had a significant shorter ICU stay. Mortality did not differ significantly. Median MEAF score was higher for S2 than S0 and S1 (5.80 versus 4.73 and 4.49).ConclusionSteatosis was associated with older, more obese donors, but did not adversely affect the postoperative outcomes. Steatotic graft recipients had more renal impairment and longer ICU stay. MEAF score might be an accurate method for assessing the early graft function in conjunction with steatosis.