The Current State of Liver Transplantation in the United States: Perspective From American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) Scientific Studies Committee and Endorsed by ASTS Council

Abstract

This article is a review of the salient points and a future prospective based on the 2014 Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)/Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) liver donation and transplantation data report recently published by the American Journal of Transplantation. Emphasis of our commentary and interpretation is placed on data relating to waitlist dynamics, organ utilization rates, the impact of recent advances in the treatment of hepatitis C, and the increases in end-stage renal disease among liver transplant candidates. Finally, we share our vision on potential areas of innovation that are likely to significantly improve the field of liver transplantation in the near future.

Keywords: Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR); disparities; donors and donation; editorial/personal viewpoint; liver transplantation/hepatology; obesity; organ allocation.