Socio-demographic features between candidates and recipients in a liver transplantation center in the São Paulo countryside

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize both liver transplantation candidates and recipients as to their social and economic aspects in a liver transplant program in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: We performed a prospective, monocentric, survey study, considering both candidates and recipients of liver transplantation. The sample consisted of 100 individuals, being 50 candidates and 50 liver transplant recipients, who were submitted to a structured interview. Results: Results showed that most of the 50 liver transplant candidates were CHILD B, with an average MELD of 15.3. Liver cirrhosis of alcoholic and viral cause was present in most patients. The mean progression of chronic liver disease was 8.62 ± 7.59 years. Average time since those patients were registered on the waiting list was 1064.7 ± 706.32 days. Regarding the 50 liver transplant recipients, the average time since the transplantation was 868.4 ± 761.88 days. Most of them made use of immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus. The majority of patients (50%) reported health problems, specially hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: The importance of a health care planning, approaching specific needs of patients and the need for other studies for expanding the knowledge on candidates and recipients should be emphasized.