Liver transplantation using an organ donor with HELLP syndrome.

BACKGROUND

The shortage of organs for liver transplantation has forced transplant centers to expand the donor pool by using donors traditionally labeled as marginal. One such example is liver transplantation using a donor with HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets), a disorder of late pregnancy that involves the liver as one of the target organs.

METHODS

Two patients who died from complications of HELLP syndrome were evaluated for attempted multi-organ procurement. Donor characteristics, gross and microscopic liver findings, and procurement and transplant outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

One of the liver allografts was successfully transplanted; the other was not procured because of poor macroscopic appearance.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to successfully transplant the liver from a donor that succumbs to HELLP syndrome, provided there is adequate recovery of liver function before procurement.