Neighborhood Disparities in Access to Live Donor Liver Transplant

Overview

This study investigates the impact of neighborhood segregation on access to live donor liver transplant (LDLT) among patients. It highlights significant disparities in LDLT access based on residential segregation and racial/ethnic composition, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

Background

Access to liver transplantation, particularly LDLT, is crucial for patients with liver disease, yet significant disparities exist based on social determinants of health. Racial and ethnic minorities often face barriers that limit their access to transplant services, exacerbating health inequities. Understanding the role of neighborhood segregation in these disparities is essential for improving access to life-saving treatments.

Data Highlights

The study utilized data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to analyze access to LDLT among patients in high versus low segregation neighborhoods.

Key Findings

• Increased segregation in both patient and transplant center neighborhoods correlates with lower access to LDLT.
• Patients from high-segregation neighborhoods are less likely to receive LDLT compared to those from low-segregation neighborhoods.
• Disparities in LDLT access vary by race and ethnicity, with minoritized groups facing greater barriers.
• Insurance type also influences access to LDLT, with variations observed across different demographic groups.
• Neighborhood segregation affects not only patient access but also the live donor pool available for LDLT.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the impact of neighborhood segregation on access to LDLT and advocate for policies that address these disparities. Enhancing community resources and support networks may improve health-seeking behaviors among marginalized populations.

Conclusion

Addressing the structural factors contributing to disparities in LDLT access is critical for improving outcomes for patients in high-segregation neighborhoods. Targeted interventions are necessary to ensure equitable access to this life-saving treatment.

Related Resources & Content

1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
2. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Access to Liver Transplant Referrals for Severe Alcohol-Related Hepatitis
3. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2020 -- Statistical Symposium Poster Presentations at the 46th Annual European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Meeting (P741-P743)
4. AASLD, 2025 -- AASLD and AST Announce Two New Practice Guidelines
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6. AASLD AST Practice Guideline on adult liver transplantation: Diagnosis and post-transplant management of non-graft-related complications
7. Comparative Outcomes of Living and Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
8. AASLD and AST Announce Two New Practice Guidelines | AASLD
9. AASLD AST Practice Guideline on adult liver transplantation: Diagnosis and management of graft-related complications - PubMed
10. Comparison of Vascular Complications Between Living-donor and Deceased-donor Liver Transplantation - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed
11. Temporal evolution of living donor liver transplantation survival—A United Network for Organ Sharing registry study - ScienceDirect
12. Racial and ethnic disparities in liver transplant access vary within and across transplant referral regions - PMC
13. Association of Community Socioeconomic Distress With Waitlist and Survival Outcomes in Liver Transplantation - PubMed
14. Continuous distribution - liver and intestine - OPTN
15. Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN) | HRSA