AASLD/ILTS transplant course: Is there an extended donor suitable for everyone?

Key Points 1. The clinical success of liver transplantation coupled with the current era of organ shortage has caused many centers to expand their criteria for acceptable donors. 2. The definition of "Extended Criteria Donor" (ECD) is becoming better understood and quantified. 3. Recipient factors that portend poor outcome must be recognized and factored in as well. Grafts and recipients must be "matched" to manage and minimize the risk from ECDs. 4. Maintaining acceptable outcomes as ECD concepts evolve is paramount. 5. Absolute risk factors for poor graft function still exist and must be respected, but relative risk factors are now well identified, quantified, accepted, and managed as an alternative to high waiting list mortality. (Liver Transpl 2005.)