This study reveals significant variability in DCD liver utilization rates across countries, with acceptance rates ranging from 18.9% to 74.2%. Nations with more widespread adoption of machine perfusion strategies-both in situ normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) and ex situ hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE)-demonstrated higher utilization rates. Despite differences in donor selection criteria, ischemia times, and procurement techniques, the 1- and 5-year graft survival rates remained similar across participating countries, suggesting that broader acceptance of DCD livers does not compromise outcomes. The findings indicate that standardized liver assessment protocols during perfusion could help optimize organ utilization and mitigate discard rates.
Eden J, Sousa Da Silva R, Cortes-Cerisuelo M, et al. Utilization of livers donated after circulatory death for transplantation – An international comparison. J Hepatol. 2023;78(5):1007-1016. doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2023.01.025
