The impact of MELD allocation on simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation.
Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) allocation has improved the process for ranking patients on the liver transplant list. One unintended consequence has been an increase in the number of simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplants. Some have argued that the system unfairly advantages patients with kidney disease and that some kidneys are being prematurely placed in SLK transplantation. This review summarizes the MELD score, assessment of kidney function in cirrhosis, the impact of kidney function in liver disease, and changes in kidney function status in liver transplant recipients in the MELD era. Finally, recommendations regarding who should receive SLK transplants are reviewed.
Thompson
Julie A
JA
Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 420 Delaware Street SE MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Lake
John R
JR
D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000601:surgery*; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000601:surgery*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement