Korean J Transplant.  2022 Nov;36(Supple 1):S164. 10.4285/ATW2022.F-2853.

Survival outcomes and prognostic factors following liver transplantation in Malaysia: overcoming challenges in a single center with 19 years of experience

• Kamarudin R
• VM L
• FK J
• Mokhtar S
• P M
• Subramaniam M

• KMID: 2535680
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4285/ATW2022.F-2853

Abstract

Background
Since the first solid organ transplantation in Malaysia in 1970, we have come a long way in the development of the liver transplant program spanning close to two decades of experience. Selayang Hospital is the designated national center for both hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and liver transplantation. This is the first review undertaken to evaluate our experience since the program has been established Methods: A retrospective review of all transplants performed in our institution between (2002–2021) Data were retrieved from the existing computer database as well as patient health care notes. A total of 116 patients were included. The main outcome measures analyzed were survival and factors that contributing the survival.
Results
A Total of 116 patients were transplanted in the period of 19 years. Overall (living donor liver transplantation [LDLT] and deceased donor liver transplantation [DDLT]) first and fifth year survival rate for both the LDLT and DDLT of (73.9% and 69.9%, P=0.695) for first and fifth year respectively. Data analysis using Kaplan-Meier for individual LDLT vs. DDLT was (76.2% and 73.4%) for the first year and (66.3% and 70.9%) for the fifth year respectively. In the first 10 years of transplant (early phase) survivor probability for first year and fifth year is (77.8% and 71.1%) vs. later phase (71.4% and 69.3%, P=0.496) The factors that contributed to the survival posttransplantation is young age at transplantation (P=0.339) and low model for end-stage liver disease score (P=0.34).
Conclusions
The rate of LT is still relatively low in comparison with our neighboring countries. Nevertheless, our study has demonstrated an acceptable overall first and fifth year survival rate for both the LDLT and DDLT respectively. With the increased public-doctor awareness, the availability of required resources and improved surgical techniques as well as a coordinated LT program, we can achieve and sustain a better LT care with good overall survival outcome in the near future.