Does the introduction of acuity circle policy change split liver transplantation practice?

Abstract

With the Acuity Circles (AC) policy aiming to reduce disparities in liver transplantation (LT) access, the allocation of high-quality grafts has shifted, potentially affecting the use and outcomes of split LT. Data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database (February 4, 2016, to February 3, 2024) were analyzed, including 1,470 candidates who underwent deceased donor split LT, with 681 adult and 789 pediatric cases. The study periods were divided into pre-AC (February 4, 2016, to February 3, 2020) and post-AC (February 4, 2020, to February 3, 2024). The study assessed changes in split LT volumes and examined the impact of center practices. Both adult and pediatric split LTs decreased in the initial three years post-policy change, followed by an increase in the final year, with an overall 11.9% and 13.9% decrease between the eras. Adult female split LT cases remained consistent, ensuring access for smaller recipients. High-quality "splittable" livers were increasingly allocated to high MELD patients (MELD-Na ≥30). Despite the overall decrease in case volume, adult split LT volume increased in newly active LDLT centers, with six centers increasing LDLT volume by over 50.0%. Pediatric split LT volumes decreased despite additional priorities for pediatric candidates. The number of split LTs decreased in the initial period after the AC policy introduction, but there was a consistent need for small female candidates. In the adult population, LDLT and split LT demonstrated a synergistic effect in boosting center transplant volumes, potentially improving access for female candidates who need small grafts.