[Liver transplantation--present and future].

The outcome of liver transplantation for HBV-related liver disease has been dramatically improved by the introduction of hepatitis B immune globulin and antiviral drug such as lamivudine. On the other hand, prophylaxis against HCV recurrence has not been established. As for hepatocellular carcinoma, Milan criteria predict acceptable posttransplant outcome. MELD scores, calculated from serum creatinine, bilirubin, and PT-INR, have been shown to be effective in predicting patient survival 1) on the waiting list and 2) following transplantation. ABO-incompatible liver transplantation has been associated with poor patient survival, especially when the recipients are adults. Intraportal infusion of methylprednisolone, prostaglandin E1, and gabexate mesilate, however, has been reported to be effective. It has been reported that 12.4% of the living liver donor experienced postoperative complication, and therefore, more effort should be made to increase brain-dead donor.