Liver Transplantations and Brain Dead Donors With Alcohol Abuse

Background and aim: Liver grafts from donors with chronic and active history of alcohol abuse are usually immediately ruled out for use in liver transplantation (LT). The aim of our study is to evaluate the use of those grafts. Methods: From 2011 to 2016, a study group (Group 1) composed of 5 adult LT patients transplanted with livers from donors with alcohol abuse, was compared with a control group (Group 2) of 10 randomly matched patients who received liver transplants. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared. Results: Among donors, serum gamma-glutamyl transferase values were significantly higher in Group 1. In recipients, post-LT laboratory exams showed significantly higher peak values of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase in Group 1; higher values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin in Group 1 were also recorded on day 0. Early allograft dysfunction occurred at higher rates in Group 1 (80% vs 20%, P =.025), with no differences in early rejection episodes or early surgical repeat interventions. All patients from both groups were alive after 20 ± 10 (range 6–35) months from LT. Conclusion: Despite higher rates of early allograft dysfunction, selected liver grafts from donors with alcohol abuse can be accepted for LT with good clinical results.