New Studies Provide Beneficial Insights Expanding the Pool of Liver Grafts and Transplants

Donation After Cardiac Death May Broaden the Scope of Organ Donor Selection

BERLIN, April 1, 2011 - Findings from two new studies presented today at the
International Liver Congress(TM) confirm that there are options for
clinicians to expand the pool of liver grafts for use in patients with
liver disease.

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A UK retrospective study analysed liver transplant donation
after cardiac death (DCD) between May 2001 and October 2010.[1] 186 DCD
allografts were used for transplantation and included 19 paediatric
recipients. Overall the study found positive outcomes of transplant, with an
overall patient survival of 89.9%, 85.6% and 83.6% at one, three and five
years respectively.

The second Italian Liver Match cohort study, evaluated the
survival of liver grafts from HBcAb+ve donors in patients (recipients) with
hepatitis, by analysing data from 1477 adult liver transplantations from June
2007 to May 2009.[2] Of these, 1237 were HBcAb negative and 240 HBcAb
positive donors, with unadjusted two-year graft survival of 80 and 69 percent
respectively. The two-year study found HBcAb positive donor grafts survive
better when allocated to HBsAg positive recipients but have worse outcomes
when given to all categories of HBsAg negative recipients, regardless of
their HBcAb/HBsAb status. In addition, as graft loss was unrelated to
hepatitis HBV recurrence it is unlikely that this is due to insufficient HBV
prophylaxis.

Currently, the optimal use of hepatitis B core antibody
positive (HBcAb+ve) donor liver graft is mandatory in a number of European
countries such as Italy, but current recommendations are not supported by
strong evidence-based data. This study highlights that organ allocation needs
to be considered on a like for like basis and the potential need for
adjustment of current organ allocation policies in Mediterranean countries.

Daniele Prati, EASL's Scientific Committee Member and Press
Committee Chairman commented: "Too many patients continue to die while
waiting for a liver transplantation. Finding organ donors is an ongoing
challenge and any research that helps to expand the pool of available organs
is welcome. As clinicians we always want the best possible outcomes for our
patients and both studies provide encouraging results and additional viable
options.

Notes to Editors

About EASL

EASL is the leading European scientific society involved in
promoting research and education in hepatology. EASL attracts the foremost
hepatology experts and has an impressive track record in promoting research
in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in
European liver policy.

EASL's main focus on education and research is delivered through numerous
events and initiatives, including:

- The International Liver Congress(TM) (
www.easl.eu/_the-international-liver-congress/general-information )
which is the main scientific and professional event in hepatology worldwide

- Meetings (www.easl.eu/_events ) including Monothematic and
Special conferences, Post Graduate courses and other endorsed meetings that
take place throughout the year

- Clinical and Basic Schools of Hepatology (www.easl.eu/_education
), a series of events covering different aspects in the field of hepatology

- Journal of Hepatology (
https://www.easl.eu/members/journal-of-hepatology ) published monthly

- Participation in a number of policy initiatives at European level

About The International Liver Congress(TM) 2011

The International Liver Congress(TM) 2011, the 46th annual
meeting of the European Association for the study of the Liver, is being held
at the Internationales Congress Centrum, Berlin, Germany from March 30 -
April 3, 2011. The congress annually attracts over 7,500 clinicians and
scientists from around the world and provides an opportunity to hear the
latest research, perspectives and treatments of liver disease from principal
experts in the field.

References

[1] Angelico M et al. The Current Allocation Policy of Liver Grafts from
HBCAB Postive Donors Needs to be Improved: Evidence from the Liver-Match
Cohort Study. Presented at The International Liver Congress(TM) 2011.

[2] Jassem W et al. Liver Transplant After Cardiac Death Donation:
Single-Centre Long-term Results. Presented at the International Liver
CongressTM 2011.

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For further information on the studies, or to request an interview, please do not hesitate to contact the EASL Press Office on:, Email: easlpressoffice at cohnwolfe.com Dimple Natali: Onsite tel: +44-79-00-13-89-04, Vicky O'Connor Offsite tel: +44-207-331-5342