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Project

Liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease.

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is the major indication for liver transplantation (LTx) at UZ Leuven and in Europe. Only patients with at least six months of abstinence are eligible for LTx, but the assessment of abstinence or active alcohol use is an unresolved diagnostic challenge for the transplant team. In recent years several alcohol use biomarkers have been developed, however validation studies in patients with liver disease are scarce. Furthermore, detailed insight in factors determining the outcome of these patients after LTx is important to further improve the screening process and outcome of LTx for ALD. In order to address these issues, we started the Alcohol Biomarker Study at the University Hospitals of Leuven and Maastricht. In this study, we assess the combined diagnostic accuracy of multiple alcohol use biomarkers (ethyl glucuronide in scalp hair, fingernail and urine, blood phosphaditylethanol and carbohydrate deficient transferrin) in well-characterized patients/LTx candidates with ALD cirrhosis. Furthermore, we are performing an in-depth analysis of our cohort of 410 patients transplanted for ALD at UZ Leuven so far. The validation and implementation of new alcohol biomarkers together with the identification of prognostic factors in LTx for ALD is highly relevant for the UZ Leuven and Maastricht liver transplantation programs with direct impact on clinical care.

Date:23 Jun 2021 →  Today
Keywords:Liver, Transplantation, Alcohol, Alcoholic Liver Disease, Alcohol Use Biomarkers
Disciplines:Hepatology
Project type:PhD project