Liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease: selection and outcome.

There is clear consensus that patients with alcoholic cirrhosis should be considerated for liver transplantation, barring complicating medical or psychosocial problems. Short-term and long-term survival rates are comparable to patients receiving transplants for other conditions, and the relapse rate to alcohol use averages 15%, with troublesome drinking seen uncommonly. To date, no nationally accepted selection criteria have been established and proved effective in predicting long-term sobriety and compliance. To maximize the outcome of liver transplantation in patients with alcoholic liver disease, an approach to the selection of candidates is outlined herewith. 1. Minimum pretransplant sobriety period of 6 months. 2. Assessment of overall psychosocial support and stress. 3. Assessment of comorbid psychiatric conditions that may impair ability to comply with the transplant protocol during and after transplantation. 4. Assessment of past and present compliance with medical treatment. 5. Acceptance of problem with alcohol and willingness to sign an alcohol contract. 6. Willingness to participate in alcohol rehabilitation treatment program. 7. Willingness to participate in liver support groups to improve understanding of the condition and obtain social support. 8. Willingness to undergo random toxicology screening to assess compliance with sobriety.