Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Steatotic Livers for Expansion of Donor Organ Pool

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Oct 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help certain donor livers that are not in the best condition for transplantation. The researchers are using a method called Normothermic Machine Perfusion (NMP), which helps to keep the liver functioning at normal temperatures while it is being prepared for transplant. Specifically, they are focusing on livers that have some fat buildup, known as steatosis, ranging from 30-60%. The goal is to see if this method can improve these livers enough to make them suitable for transplantation. If successful, it could eventually allow for the use of livers with even more fat, which would increase the number of available organs for patients needing a liver transplant.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be between 18 and 80 years old and be on the waiting list for a liver transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital. They should also have a MELD-Na score of 25 or lower, which helps assess the severity of liver disease. Participants will have their donor livers assessed using the NMP method, and those that meet certain health standards will go on to receive a transplant. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to provide a promising solution for expanding the pool of donor livers for transplantation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-80 years
• • Listed for liver transplantation at MGH
• • Calculated MELD-Na score \<= 25
• • Able to consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Status 1a
• • Cardiac or pulmonary disease
• • Prior liver transplant
• • Requiring pressors at the time of liver offer
• • MELD\<15 and asymptomatic from liver disease