al reported a series of 156 patients older than 60 (the oldest being 76) who underwent LT [4]. The 3-year survival rate was 65% and the authors concluded that “Advanced Age per se is Not a Contraindication to Liver Transplantation” provided that respiratory and cardiovascular function is adequate.
"There is no standard age limit to be transplanted. Each transplant program sets its own practice. For example, one program may not accept anyone older than 80 years of age; another may have no age limit. A few medical conditions might rule out a transplant.
One reason for this is that older adults with liver disease often have many other health challenges which make recovery from transplant surgery more difficult. However, researchers have recently reported successful liver transplants in older adults—even in people who are in their 80's.
Increasing age was found to be associated with both increased pre-transplant mortality and an increased risk of post-transplant mortality[21-23]. However, when transplant-related survival benefit is considered, there is no significant difference across different age groups.
You may be disqualified from having a liver transplant if you have: Current alcohol or drug abuse problems. Uncontrolled infection that will not go away with a transplant. Metastatic cancer or bile duct cancer.
al reported a series of 156 patients older than 60 (the oldest being 76) who underwent LT [4]. The 3-year survival rate was 65% and the authors concluded that “Advanced Age per se is Not a Contraindication to Liver Transplantation” provided that respiratory and cardiovascular function is adequate.
Wait for a match
The waiting period for a deceased donor transplant can range from less than 30 days to more than 5 years. How long you will wait depends on how badly you need a new liver.
Those who don't recover may die within days. Chronic liver failure is a more gradual process. People can live with cirrhosis for months or years while waiting for a liver transplant, although the need becomes more urgent when complications, such as portal hypertension, begin to develop.
Most patients can return to work within 3 to 6 months after a transplant. Playing sports and getting healthy exercise, socializing, and traveling for business and pleasure are all possible. The Center's expectation is that people who undergo liver transplantation can and do go on to lead "normal" lives.
This informal policy, often called "the 6-month rule," can be traced to the 1980s. The thinking was that six months of abstinence gave a patient's liver time to heal and, thus, avoid a transplant. If that didn't work, the patient would have proven they can stay sober and would not return to drinking after a transplant.
Rejection happens in up to 30 in 100 patients. The risk of rejection is highest in the first 6 months after a transplant. After this time, your body's immune system is less likely to recognise the liver as coming from another person. Chronic rejection happens in 2 in 100 patients.
Most patients are hospitalized for seven to 10 days after liver transplant. Afterward, they generally recuperate at home and typically return to work or school after about three months.
Why might I need a liver transplant? You can't live without a working liver. If your liver stops working properly, you may need a transplant. A liver transplant may be recommended if you have end-stage liver disease (chronic liver failure).
Some of the main complications and risks of a liver transplant are: your body attacking the new liver (rejection) the new liver not working properly (graft failure) a blockage or leak in one of your bile ducts – bile is a liquid produced inside the liver that passes out through small tubes called bile ducts.
Medical Grounds
Alcoholics historically have been considered unsuitable for liver transplantation because of their presumed high risk of relapse to excessive drinking after transplantation.
Recent findings: This article reviews four specific conditions that commonly arise on the wait-list that may render a candidate too sick for transplant: advancing age, sarcopenia, acute on chronic liver failure, and nonliver-related medical comorbidities.
Throughout the United States, patients waiting for liver transplants are prioritized based on the severity of their illness, as measured by what's called the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. The score uses blood tests to determine how urgently you need a liver transplant within the next three months.
Advice for patients while waiting
While waiting on the list patients are advised to stay as healthy as possible by eating a healthy balanced diet, taking regular exercise, completely avoiding alcohol, not smoking etc. An average waiting time for a liver transplant is 149 days for adults and 86 days for children.
If you donate part of your liver, the rest grows back to most of its original size within weeks. It then continues to grow slowly to reach its full size over the next year. You can give this lifesaving gift to a relative, a friend or even a stranger.
People needing liver or heart transplants often need to wait nine or more months.
Chronic liver failure may be caused by a variety of conditions. The most common cause of chronic liver failure is scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). When cirrhosis occurs, scar tissue replaces typical liver tissue and the liver doesn't function properly. Cirrhosis is the most frequent reason for a liver transplant.
Patients who have untreated psychiatric or mental disorders may be disqualified for treatment if the disorder prevents the patient from caring for themselves. For example, a schizophrenic patient who is not taking medication and is having delusions would not be considered a good candidate for an organ transplant.
Mayo Clinic in Florida has one of the shortest wait times to transplant of all adult liver transplant programs in the country.