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How Does USA Compare to Other Countries in Pediatric Liver Transplantation

May 22, 2019 7:00 am

A recent study (B Fischler et al. JPGN 2019; 68: 700-05) compared the similarities and differences in allocation experience among 15 countries based on a survey completed by a representative hepatologist in each country.

Key findings:

The number of liver transplants was 4 to 9 million inhabitants younger than 18 years for 13 of the 15 respondents. USA had the 5th highest rate at ~7 per million inhabitants (Figure 2)
USA had the 3rd highest donation rate per million inhabitants, ~26 per million. Spain had highest rate at 35 per million. This is partly related to Spain allocating all nonugent pediatric cadaveric donors to pediatric candidates.
USA had the 3rd lowest rate of living-related liver transplantation percentage in children < 2 yrs, approximately 10%. Both Turkey and Poland had rates near 90%.
USA had one of the lowest rates of %split liver transplantations for children <2 yrs, less than 10%. Italy, Netherlands, and New Zealand had rates near 90%.
USA had the 4th highest waitlist mortality for children <2 yrs, approximately 11%

My take: This study indicates that the rate of split liver transplants and living related liver transplants are much lower in USA than in other countries. This is likely to reduce donor pool and contribute to increased waiting list mortality.

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