Waitlist and posttransplant outcomes of pregnancy-related acute liver failure in the United States

Abstract

Data on the liver transplant (LT) outcomes of women with acute liver failure (ALF) due to liver diseases unique to pregnancy (P-ALF) are limited. Using United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) data (1987–2021), we analyzed waitlist and post-LT outcomes of ALF in women of childbearing age comparing P-ALF versus ALF due to liver diseases not unique to pregnancy. Baseline characteristics were compared between groups at the time of listing for LT. Of 3542 females aged 16–43 years and listed for LT for ALF, 84 (2%) listed for P-ALF were less likely to be Black (11 vs. 21%, p=0.033), have lower international normalized ratio (2.74 vs. 4.53 p<0.002), but more likely to have respiratory failure (56% vs. 41%, p<0.005), be on pressors (58% vs. 43%, p<0.005), and require dialysis (23% vs. 10%, p<0.001). The cumulative 90-day waitlist mortality (WLM) was lower in P-ALF vs. ALF due to liver diseases not unique to pregnancy (7.4 vs. 16.6%, p<0.001). Posttransplant survival rates at 5 years were similar (82% vs. 79%, p=0.89). In a Fine and Gray regression model controlled for listing year and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 90-day WLM was lower in P-ALF with a sub-HR of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.19–0.94, p=0.035). Of 84 women with P-ALF and listed for LT, 45 listed for hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets (HELLP) versus 39 for acute fatty liver of pregnancy had higher 90-day WLM (19.3% vs. 5.7% p<0.005). The 90-day WLM was about 10-fold higher in HELLP versus acute fatty liver of pregnancy with a sub-HR of 9.97 (95% CI: 1.64–60.55, p=0.013). In this UNOS database analysis of ALF among women of childbearing age, the waitlist outcome is better in women with P-ALF compared to women with ALF due to liver diseases not unique to pregnancy. Among women with P-ALF, the 90-day WLM is worse for HELLP versus acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Further studies are needed to improve the management of HELLP and prevent the development of ALF in this subgroup population.