Outcomes in liver transplantation: does sex matter?

J Hepatol. 2015 Apr;62(4):946-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.11.023. Epub 2014 Nov 27.

Abstract

A growing literature has highlighted important differences in transplant-related outcomes between men and women. In the United States there are fewer women than men on the liver transplant waitlist and women are two times less likely to receive a deceased or living-related liver transplant. Sex-based differences exist not only in waitlist but also in post-transplant outcomes, particularly in some specific liver diseases, such as hepatitis C. In the era of individualized medicine, recognition of these differences in the approach to pre and post-liver transplant care may impact short and long-term outcomes.

Keywords: Hepatitis C virus; Liver allocation; Liver transplantation; MELD score; Quality of life; Sex; Waitlist outcome; Women’s health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • End Stage Liver Disease / surgery*
  • Female
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation* / methods
  • Liver Transplantation* / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Perioperative Period
  • Postoperative Complications* / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Sex Factors
  • Tissue and Organ Procurement / methods
  • Waiting Lists