Sex-based disparities in liver transplantation: Evidence from a nationwide Italian cohort.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although sex-based disparities in the liver transplantation (LT) setting have been acknowledged for several years, particularly by studies conducted in the USA, data from European countries are scarce.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, observational study on candidates identified for LT in Italy between January 2017 and December 2021 using national registry data with follow-up until June 2023. The primary aim was to assess sex-based differences in LT access, analyzing delisting, retransplantation, and mortality rates. Patients were monitored from waitlist admission to transplant, removal, or death, with competing risks modeled (Fine and Gray) multivariable analysis. Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, time-dependent Cox models, and stratified log-rank tests.

RESULTS

In total, 7,563 patients were included in the analysis, 5,575 (73.7%) of whom were men. Men had higher 1- and 2-year probabilities of undergoing LT compared with women for both liver cirrhosis (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.26,  = 0.02 and sHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.24,  = 0.03, respectively) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (sHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.36,  = 0.003 and sHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.08-1.35,  = 0.001, respectively). The wait list (WL) dropout rate in men did not differ significantly to that for women (12.6% 13.9%,  = 0.14) except when the indication to LT was HCC (10.6% 14.2%,  = 0.035). In addition, men had a lower wait list (WL) mortality rate compared with women (7.0% 8.5%,  = 0.04). Post-LT survival rates were similar for both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large Italian cohort, female standard allocation patients appeared to be at a disadvantage compared with men, because they received LT less frequently, but with similar post-LT outcomes.

IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS

Although sex-based disparities in the LT setting have been acknowledged for several years, particularly in studies conducted in the USA, few data are available in Europe. Our study provides an exhaustive overview regarding the disadvantage facing women outside the USA in accessing LT. By detailing these differences, it provides solid arguments for developing equitable health policy. Given that these differences are affected by the national scenario, having local data is crucial for defining possible targeted actions.