Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Is Now the Most Common Indication for Liver Transplant Waitlisting Among Young American Adults

Background. Mortality from cirrhosis is increasing and is the highest among young adults with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The aim of this study was to describe rates of liver transplant (LT) waitlisting stratified by age, sex, and cirrhosis etiology. Methods. Retrospective population-based study from 2003 to 2018 using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database. Adults newly registered on the LT waitlist were included, and age at listing was dichotomized to +/- 40 y. Annual standardized incidence proportions of LT waitlisting by age group, sex, and etiology were calculated using census data. Changes in annual rates were described with Poisson regression. Results. A total of 209 399 unique individuals were included, 10 326 (5%) <40 y at listing. In those <40 y of age, listing increased most for ALD (4-fold increase) followed by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; 2-fold increase). Compared to young adult males, young females were more likely to be listed for ALD and less likely to be listed for NAFLD. In those >= 40 y of age, listings increased most for ALD (2-fold increase) and NAFLD (2-fold increase). Hepatitis C virus increased from 2003 to 2013 and declined post-2014 in the >= 40-y age group. Conclusions. LT waitlisting is increasing substantially in young Americans, driven primarily by ALD. These data support ongoing efforts to identify adolescents and young adults with early stages of ALD where interventions can be implemented to prevent the development of cirrhosis and liver-related complications.

Automated summary

This study found a significant increase in liver transplant waitlisting for young Americans with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Young females were more likely to be listed for ALD compared to young males, and less likely to be listed for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In individuals aged 40 and above, there was a substantial increase in waitlisting for ALD and NAFLD.