Prediction of Whole Liver Graft Weight Based on Biometric Variables in Paediatric and Adult Liver Donors.

Abstract

Background/objectives: In paediatric liver transplantation, donor-recipient compatibility depends on graft size. We explored whether the graft weight can be predicted using the donor's biometric parameters.

Methods: We used seven easily available biometric variables in 142 anonymised paediatric and adult donors, with data collected between 2016 and 2022. The whole or partial liver was transplanted in our hospital from these donors. We identified the variables that had the strongest correlation to our response variable: whole liver graft weight.

Results: In child donors, we determined two linear models: using donor weight and height on the one hand and using donor weight and right liver span on the other hand. Both models had a coefficient of determination R² = 0.86 and p-value < 10^-5. We also determined two models in adult donors using donor weight and height (R² = 0.33, p < 10^-4) and donor weight and sternal height (R² = 0.38, p < 10^-4). The models proved valid based on our external dataset of 245 patients from two institutions.

Conclusions: In clinical practise, our models could provide rapidly accessible estimates to determine whole graft dimension compatibility in liver transplantation in children and adults. Determining similar models predicting the left lobe and lateral segment weight could prove invaluable in paediatric transplantation.