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Liver transplant recipients who relapse to alcohol have a poorer survival rate than abstinent patients, medical evidence suggests. Now, new research confirms that a urinary ethyl glucuronide (uEtG) test accurately detects alcohol consumption in liver transplant candidates and recipients. 'Assessing alcohol consumption is crucial in the selection of liver transplant candidates,' said Paolo Angeli of Italy's University of Padova.
Equally important is the ability to detect alcohol use in liver transplant recipients so early intervention for alcohol relapse can take place, he added. The study suggests that a combination of uEtG and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for alcohol consumption (AUDIT-c) are best in alerting doctors to alcohol consumption by patients undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation or who have received liver transplants.
Studies suggest that up to 49 percent of liver transplant recipients struggle with alcohol relapse, which may cause complications with the graft. In fact, medical evidence found that transplant recipients who relapse have a poorer survival rate than abstinent patients.
Who needs a liver transplant? Why?
A liver transplant is most commonly required by patients whose liver is failing due to cirrhosis or due to acute liver failure. Some patients with liver cancer are also candidates for liver transplant. Cancer often develops in those who have cirrhosis already and extensive surgery to remove the tumour is not possible in such cases. There are rarer indications like some genetic diseases as well. (Read: Top 6 natural remedies to keep your liver healthy)
Are there many cases where a transplant cannot be done even if a patient needs one?
A transplant cannot be done unless there is a donor. In most cases there is a living donor from the family who volunteers to undergo and operation to remove part of the liver which is transplanted into the patient. Occasionally, the family of a brain dead patient agrees to donate the organs but this is quite rare. (Read: Liver transplants: Frequently Asked Questions answered by a renowned liver transplant surgeon)
With inputs from IANS
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