Changes in Criteria for Indication of Deceased Donor Liver Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Strict indication and selection criteria for deceased donor liver transplantation have been established as "Indication criteria for deceased donor liver transplant recipients and related selection criteria." The number of deceased donor liver transplant donors exceeded 100 in 2023. Accordingly, the indication criteria for deceased donor liver transplant recipients have changed since January 2024. First, the eligibility evaluation for deceased donor liver transplantation for decompensated liver failure was changed from a Child-Pugh score ≥10 points to ≥7 points. Therefore, the number of deceased donor liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma is expected to increase. Second, deceased donor liver transplantation was indicated in cases of early graft failure occurring less than 1 year after living or deceased donor liver transplantation. Investigation of the impact of deceased donor liver transplantation for other liver diseases and the prognosis of liver transplantation for early graft failure is necessary. When treating a patient who is expected to be at the limit of medical treatment, reviewing these criteria and considering whether liver transplantation is indicated are necessary. We hope that maximum number of patients with end-stage liver disease will recover through liver transplantation by having doctors check the information on liver transplantation on the Japan Society of Hepatology website.