Disparities in Liver Transplant Recipients Between 2014 and 2024 Using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Data

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

8-1-2025

Publication Title

Am J Transplant

Abstract

Purpose: Liver transplantation is a critical treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease. Previous studies have highlighted notable disparities in access to liver transplants and in transplant outcomes based on diagnosis, race, and gender. This study examines the differences in the representation of liver transplant recipients by diagnosis, gender, and race between 2014 and 2024. Methods: The national data regarding the state of liver transplantation was obtained through the website of Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network(OPTN) based on OPTN data. The patients were divided into the major groups, "2014" and "2024" liver transplant recipients. A chi-square test was used to compare the recipients’ characteristics across the two groups. Results: In 2024, a total of 10,528 liver transplants were performed, compared to 6,730 in 2014. In both years, a higher number of male patients received liver transplants than female patients. However, the gender gap in 2024 was significant smaller than in 2014 (P<0.001). A similar trend is observed when considering ethnicity. White individuals represented the largest percentage in both years, with 69.9% in 2014 and 65.9% in 2024 (P=0.002). There was a higher proportion of elderly recipients, with individuals over 65 years old representing 21.8% of transplant recipients in 2024, compared to 15.7% in 2014 (P<0.001). Additionally, there was a higher representation of patients under the age of 1 in 2024, accounting for 2.1% of recipients, compared to 1.4% in 2014. In both years, more than 90% of recipients were U.S. citizens, and over 94% received a liver from a deceased donor. The proportion of liver recipients with private insurance decreased from 52.3% in 2014 to 46.2% in 2024 (P <0.001). Indicating notable changes in liver transplant indications over the decade, the proportion of recipients with non-cholestatic cirrhosis decreased dramatically from 58.0% in 2014 to 23.3% in 2024 (P<0.00001), while the proportion with malignant neoplasm decreased significantly from 17.6% in 2014 to 10.4% in 2024 (P<0.0001). The proportion of liver transplant recipients testing negative for Hep C increased significantly from 60.3% in 2014 to 81.9% in 2024 (P<0.00001). Conclusions: Our findings offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of liver transplantation, pointing to changes in patient demographics, and disease etiology but also emphasize ongoing challenges in healthcare access and equity. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying causes of these trends and their implications for liver transplant outcomes. [Formula presented] CITATION INFORMATION: Aburumman R., Nabeel S. Disparities in Liver Transplant Recipients Between 2014 and 2024 Using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Data AJT, Volume 25, Issue 8 Supplement 1 DISCLOSURES: R. Aburumman: None.

Volume

25

Issue

8 Supplement 1

First Page

S935

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