[Psychiatric assessment of alcoholic patients on a waiting list for liver transplantation: which prognostic criteria are empirically proven?]

Nervenarzt. 2013 Sep;84(9):1075-80. doi: 10.1007/s00115-012-3665-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Liver disorders are the most frequent somatic complications of alcoholism. As 10‑20% of alcoholic patients will develop liver cirrhosis, this is the most frequent reason for premature death in alcoholic patients. Liver transplantation is now an accepted therapy for alcoholic liver cirrhosis but psychiatric assessment is usually required for patients entering a waiting list for transplantation. Prognostic criteria are controversially discussed, especially the so-called 6-month rule. Numerous studies and recent meta-analyses have indicated that duration of alcoholism, family history, age, sex, comorbid substance use and psychiatric disorders, noncompliance and social instability are outcome predictors. The 6-month criterion is not well proven but some studies are indicative. Possible therapeutic interventions for alcoholic patients on a waiting list are discussed.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Comorbidity
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic* / diagnosis
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic* / psychology
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic* / surgery
  • Liver Transplantation / psychology*
  • Liver Transplantation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders* / psychology
  • Mental Disorders* / surgery
  • Patient Compliance / psychology*
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Selection*
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Waiting Lists*