Current indications for combined liver and kidney transplantation in adults

Abstract A significant number of patients awaiting liver transplantation have associated renal failure. Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation (CLKT) is increasingly offered especially since the introduction of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD). Decision to perform CLKT is straightforward...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Transplantation reviews (Philadelphia, Pa.) Pa.), 2009-04, Vol.23 (2), p.111-119
Main Authors: Chava, Srinivas P, Singh, Balbir, Zaman, Muhammad B, Rela, Mohamed, Heaton, Nigel D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Humans
Kidney Transplantation - methods
Kidney Transplantation - statistics & numerical data
Kidney Transplantation - trends
Liver Transplantation - methods
Liver Transplantation - statistics & numerical data
Liver Transplantation - trends
Surgery
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Summary:Abstract A significant number of patients awaiting liver transplantation have associated renal failure. Combined Liver and Kidney Transplantation (CLKT) is increasingly offered especially since the introduction of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD). Decision to perform CLKT is straightforward when both organs suffer end-stage failure. However, the indications for CLKT are not well defined and there is controversy concerning some. We reviewed available data on PUBMED, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), Organ Procurement Transplantation Network (OPTN), European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) and discuss all current indications for CLKT. Conclusion: Overall long-term outcome following CLKT is acceptable. There is an urgent need to further refine our ability to identify the cases with reversible renal injury in the setting of end-stage liver disease to avoid unnecessary CLKT. Liver protects the kidney from disease recurrence and allograft loss in metabolic diseases. However, the use of liver allograft for immunological protection of kidneys in highly sensitised patients with positive cross-match and previously failed renal transplants is still experimental.
ISSN:0955-470X
1557-9816
DOI:10.1016/j.trre.2009.01.005