Liver Transplantation in Brazil between 2010 and 2021: 30-day Survival

Abstract

Introduction: In Brazil, the Unified Health System is responsible for more than 95% of liver transplants, providing a more equal service essential to health. However, there is a shortage of organs due to the growing demand and challenges to achieve the success of the procedure, due to the severity of the underlying diseases that impact on post-surgery survival. Objective: To investigate the rate of liver transplantation in all federative units of Brazil between 2010 and 2021, as well as to evaluate its relationship with survival of patients undergoing the procedure. Methodology: This is an epidemiological, observational, analytical study of the non-concurrent cohort type, with data obtained from the Hospital Information System regarding hospitalizations that underwent liver transplantation, in all units of the federation (UF) of Brazil between January 2010 and December 2021. Results: A total of 17,254 liver transplants were performed in the country, at a total cost of R$ 1,657,439,379.00 financed by SUS in patients with a mean age of 53.78 years. Females had a lower probability of survival than male patients. Regarding the 15-day hospital stay, patients without a diagnosis of liver failure had a survival probability of 86.4% (95%CI = 85.7 - 87.2) and patients with a diagnosis of liver failure had a survival probability of 81.7% (95%CI = 80.0 - 83.4). The lethality described was 12.29% and there was no difference in survival regarding age (p=0.13), length of hospital stay (p=0.31), alcoholic liver disease (p=0.14) and fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver (p=0.22). The probability of survival was statistically similar among transplant recipients who received liver from a deceased or living donor. Conclusion: The number of donors remains insufficient in the face of the extensive waiting list. The impact of baseline conditions on survival after surgery shows a higher negative outcome in patients with liver failure and in the female sex.