Liver transplantation and alcoholic liver disease: History, controversies, and considerations.

Alcohol consumption accounts for 3.8% of annual global mortality worldwide, and the majority of these deaths are due to alcoholic liver disease (ALD), mainly alcoholic cirrhosis. ALD is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT).

Model for End-Stage Liver Disease: Is Sex-Based Creatinine Correction a Viable Strategy for Black Females?

Background: The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) is based on objective variables, including serum creatinine (SCr). This study assesses the influence of skin color on MELD scores calculated using SCr or corrected creatinine (CrC) in female candidates for liver transplantation (LTx).

Methods: White and black women were eligible.

Impact of creatinine values on MELD scores in male and female candidates for liver transplantation.

Introduction: A systematic bias against women, resulting from the use of creatinine as a measure of renal function, has been identified in Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)-based liver allocation. Correction of this bias by calculation of female creatinine levels using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula has been suggested.

Material And Methods: A cohort of 639 cirrhotic candidates for first-time liver transplantation was studied.

Liver transplantation in HIV-positive patients: the position of the Brazilian groups.

Background: Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have generally been excluded from consideration for liver transplantation. Recent advances in the management and prognosis of these patients suggest that this policy must be reevaluated.

Aim: To identify the current position of Brazilian transplant centers concerning liver transplantation in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients with end-stage liver disease.

Retrospective study of the survival of patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an intensive care unit.

Objective: To evaluate clinical and evolutive characteristics of patients admitted in an intensive care unit after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, identifying prognostic survival factors.

Methods: A retrospective study of 136 patients admitted between 1995 and 1999 to an intensive care unit, evaluating clinical conditions, mechanisms and causes of cardiopulmonary arrest, and their relation to hospital mortality.

Results: A 76% mortality rate independent of age and sex was observed.