Perioperative administration of albumin in adult patients undergoing liver transplantation: A systematic review.

Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for mortality in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and in those undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), since it represents a biomarker of post-operative delayed functional recovery of the graft. Despite albumin infusion during and after OLT is frequently adopted in recipients with hypoalbuminemia, it remains unclear whether this procedure could improve post OLT clinical outcomes. Observational studies indicated that treatment with albumin after OLT might be beneficial in reducing ascites and acute kidney injury (AKI) development.

Real-world experience with long-term albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Background & Aims: Long-term albumin (LTA) is currently standard of care for patients with decompensated cirrhosis in many Italian hepatology centres. In this real-life study, we aimed to describe patient, logistical and treatment-related characteristics in daily clinical practice and to identify predictors of response.

Methods: We performed a multicentre, retrospective, observational study in patients with cirrhosis and ascites receiving LTA between 01/2016 and 02/2022 and followed until death, TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) placement, transplantation or 02/2023.

Sex disparities in acute-on-chronic liver failure: From admission to the intensive care unit to liver transplantation.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe clinical syndrome characterized by acute liver decompensation in patients with chronic liver disease, marked by systemic inflammation and systemic organ failure. In this review, we discussed sex-related disparities in the incidence, prognosis, and access to liver transplantation (LT) for patients with ACLF, particularly during Intensive Care Unit (ICU) management. Some studies have suggested that ACLF is more prevalent among male patients admitted to the ICU, and they have higher mortality rates than females.

The Equitable Benefit Approach to guide the assessment of medical and psychosocial factors in liver transplant candidacy.

Lack of available organs poses a significant challenge in meeting the needs of patients with life-threatening liver disease who could benefit from liver transplantation (LT). Psychosocial vulnerability markers have been linked to post-transplant outcomes, raising questions about their use in patient selection. However, their incorporation into selection criteria raises concerns about health equity and potential discrimination.