The prognostic significance of serum aspartate transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in liver deceased donors

The impact of aspartate transaminases (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in serum of deceased donors on outcomes after liver transplantation (LT) is unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between donor highest AST value or first donor GGT value and graft survival. All consecutive patients who underwent a primary LT in a single center with available donor AST (N = 1253) and GGT value (N = 1152) were included. There was no significant association between donor AST and 90-day graft survival. We found a moderate association between GGT and 90-day graft survival. We found a significant interaction with a donor history of alcohol abuse (HAA). The risk of graft loss was associated with AST and GGT in donors with an HAA but remains unchanged in donors without HAA. There was no difference in graft survival according to donor AST or GGT with a cutoff >= 95th percentile (475 UI/l for AST and 170 UI/l for GGT). However, graft survival was significantly decreased when donors combined GGT >= 170 UI/l and HAA (61% at one year). Hepatic grafts from donors with high AST or high GGT but without alcohol history and no additional risk factors can be transplanted in low-risk recipient.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of AST and GGT levels in deceased donor serum on liver transplantation outcomes. They found no significant association between donor AST levels and 90-day graft survival, but a moderate association between GGT levels and 90-day graft survival. The study also noted a significant interaction with a donor history of alcohol abuse, impacting the risk of graft loss.