There is growing evidence that liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment for acute-on-chronic liver failure grade-3 (ACLF-3). This study examines whether and how this evidence translates into practice by analyzing the variability in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, listing strategies and LT activity for ACLF-3 patients across transplant centers in Europe.

Consecutive patients who were admitted to the ICU with ACLF-3, whether or not they were listed and/or transplanted with ACLF-3 between 2018 and 2019 were included across 20 transplantation centers.

351 patients with ACLF-3 were included: 33 had been listed prior to developing ACLF-3 and 318 had not been listed at the time of admission to the ICU. There was no correlation between the number of unlisted ACLF-3 patients admitted to the ICU and the number listed or transplanted whilst in ACLF-3 across centers. In contrast, there was a correlation between the number of patients listed and the number transplanted whilst in ACLF-3. 21% of patients who were listed whilst in ACLF-3 died on the waiting list or were delisted. The percentage of LT for ACLF-3 patients varied from 0%-29% of patients transplanted with decompensated cirrhosis across centers (average = 8%), with an I²index of 68% (95% CI: 49%-80%), showing substantial heterogeneity among centers. The one-year survival for all patients with ACLF-3 was significantly higher in centers that listed and transplanted more ACLF-3 patients (>10 patients) than in centers that listed and transplanted fewer: respectively 36% vs. 20%, p = 0.012.

Patients with ACLF-3 face inequity of access to LT across Europe. Wait-listing strategies for ACLF-3 patients influence their access to LT and, ultimately, their survival.