Being accompanied to liver discharge clinic: An easy measure to identify potential liver transplant candidates among those previously considered ineligible

Abstract

BACKGROUND Patients with cirrhosis deemed ineligible for liver transplantation are usually followed in general hepatology or gastroenterology clinics, with the hope of re-evaluation once they meet the appropriate criteria. Specific strategies to achieve liver transplant eligibility for these patients have not been studied. AIM To assess clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with future liver transplant eligibility among patients initially considered ineligible. METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients with cirrhosis considered non-transplant eligible, but without absolute contraindications, who were scheduled in our transitional care liver clinic (TCLC) after discharge from an inpatient liver service. Transplant candidacy was assessed 1 year after the first scheduled TCLC visit. Data on clinical and sociodemographic factors were collected. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients were identified and the vast majority were Caucasian men with alcoholic cirrhosis. 46 patients (67%) presented to the first TCLC visit. Seven of 46 patients that showed to the first TCLC visit became transplant candidates, while 0 of 23 patients that no-showed did (15.2% vs 0%, P = 0.08). Six of 7 patients who showed and became transplant eligible were accompanied by family or friends at the first TCLC appointment, compared to 13 of 39 patients who showed and did not become transplant eligible (85.7% vs 33.3%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Patients who attended the first post-discharge TCLC appointment had a trend for higher liver transplant eligibility at 1 year. Being accompanied by family or friends during the first TCLC visit correlated with higher liver transplant eligibility at 1 year (attendance by family or friends was not requested). Patient and family engagement in the immediate post-hospitalization period may predict future liver transplant eligibility for patients previously declined.