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LabMELD‐based organ allocation increases total costs of liver transplantation: a single‐center experience
Author(s) -
Bruns Helge,
Hillebrand Norbert,
Schneider Tobias,
Hinz Ulf,
Fischer Lars,
Schmidt Jan,
Goldschmidt Andreas J.W.,
Schemmer Peter
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2011.01483.x
Subject(s) - medicine , liver transplantation , single center , liver disease , gastroenterology , transplantation , model for end stage liver disease , surgery
Bruns H, Hillebrand N, Schneider T, Hinz U, Fischer L, Schmidt J, Goldschmidt AJW, Schemmer P. LabMELD‐based organ allocation increases total costs of liver transplantation: a single‐center experience.
Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E558–E565. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: In 2006, model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD)‐based allocation was implemented in the Eurotransplant (ET) region. Sick patients, who in general require more resources, are prioritized. In this analysis, the effect of MELD on costs for liver transplantation (LTx) was assessed. Methods: Total costs for LTx before and after implementation of MELD were identified in 256 patients from January 2005–December 2007. Forty‐nine patients (Re‐LTx, HU listings, and 30‐d mortality) were excluded from further analysis. The costs of LTx in 207 patients have been correlated with their corresponding labMELD; 84 and 123 LTx before and after implementation of MELD were compared, and patient survival was monitored. Results: A positive correlation exists between labMELD and costs ( r 2 = 0.28; p < 0.05). Only nominal correlation existed between the Child–Pugh classification and costs. The labMELD scores can be stratified into four groups (I: 6–10, II: 11–18, III: 19–24, and IV: >24), with an increase of €15.672 ± 2.233 between each group (p < 0.05). Recipients’ labMELD at the time of LTx increased significantly in the MELD‐based allocation system. Costs increased by €11.650/patient (p < 0.05), while median survival decreased from 1219 to 869 d (p < 0.05). Conclusion: LabMELD‐based allocation increased total costs of LTx. In accordance with other studies, the sickest patients need the most resources.