Authors
Harshavardhan Raoa, Harikumar R Nairb
aClinical fellow in Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy, Digestive diseases Institute, AIMS, Kochi;
bHepatic Hemodynamic Unit, Inselspital, University Hospital of Berne, Switzerland
Abstract
Incidence of Liver cirrhosis is exponentially increasing in Kerala due to genetic factors, sedentary lifestyle, dietary factors and alcoholism. Since metabolic syndrome is a common background for cirrhotic transformation, the role of internists and general practitioners in diagnosing and following up cirrhosis cases cannot be underestimated. Among many factors which result in poor post-transplant outcome, delayed referral has been identified as a major cause in India. There seems to be an unmet need in making these healthcare professionals aware of the “standard of care” practices and guidelines regarding when to refer a patient for transplant evaluation. This review attempts to highlight the central role of referral network in optimal timing of referral and consequent good post-transplant outcome.
Keywords: Compensated and decompensated liver failure, Liver transplantation outcome, Delayed referral, Followup