Extended criteria donors: opportunities and advances

Abstract

In recent years, remarkable advancements have been achieved in the field of liver transplantation, offering renewed hope and better outcomes for individuals with end-stage liver disease or acute liver failure who rely on orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) as their sole treatment option. Nevertheless, the scarcity of suitable donor organs continues to present a major hurdle for patients in need of liver transplants. Tragically, the demand for donor livers surpasses the limited supply, leaving numerous patients at risk of mortality while awaiting transplantation. In response to the persistent challenge of organ donation, scientists and medical experts are actively investigating the potential of extended criteria donors (ECDs) as a potential solution. ECDs encompass a wide range of potential donors, including older individuals and those with medical conditions or viral infections, who may not meet the conventional criteria for organ acceptance.