To assess trends in DCD liver transplantation practices and outcomes at a high-volume transplant center in Italy from January 2016 to December 2023.
Key Findings:
DCD liver transplantation outcomes have improved over time, with recent results comparable to DBD, including specific metrics.
The use of NRP and HOPE has enhanced organ viability and reduced complications, with quantifiable improvements.
Italian DCD donors, previously considered high-risk, now show similar performance to low-risk DBD donors, supported by recent data.
Interpretation:
The findings suggest that with improved management techniques and experience, DCD liver transplantation can be a viable option, potentially expanding the donor pool and improving patient outcomes significantly.
Limitations:
Single-center study may limit generalizability of results, particularly in diverse clinical settings.
Retrospective design may introduce bias in data collection and analysis, affecting the reliability of outcomes.
Conclusion:
The study supports the transition of DCD liver transplantation from marginal use to standard practice, highlighting the importance of evolving techniques and experience in improving transplant outcomes.
