Effect of race upon organ donation and recipient survival in liver transplantation

The influence of the race of a donor on organ donation and the outcome of liver transplantation were assessed. Specifically, researchers evaluated the number of livers donated by each race; the outcomes of transplantation; and the types of liver disease that resulted in a need for transplantation. White non-Hispanic Americans donated more organs than black or Hispanic Americans. Survival was similar for black recipients with liver transplants from white donors, and for white recipients with transplants from black donors. The most common liver disease necessitating transplantation in both blacks and whites was postnecrotic cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the formation of connective tissue in areas surrounding the lobes of the liver; degeneration of the parenchymal cells, which carry out the functions of the liver; and abnormal structural changes and fatty accumulation in the liver. The disease results in loss of function of liver cells and obstruction of blood flow through this organ. Blacks rarely developed the primary biliary form of cirrhosis (which is characterized by liver enlargement, jaundice, and intense itching), or primary sclerosing cholangitis (which is characterized by inflammation of the bile ducts). The number of organs donated by blacks was low, but proportional to the number of black recipients. The reasons why fewer blacks and Hispanics donate organs are discussed. Race should not be used as a criteria for selecting organ donors. In addition, educational programs concerning organ donation and transplantation should be provided to black and Hispanic Americans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)