When to Refer Patients for Liver Transplant

Many patients with cirrhosis are referred for transplant consideration late in the disease process or never referred at all. Financial and social constraints are often factors in delays, but misconceptions among clinicians about the criteria, timing, and urgency of referrals may be factors as well. To address possible misconceptions, the authors of this review — a writing group affiliated with the American Society of Transplantation — offer simplified guidance for clinicians.