Liver transplantation in Latin America: Current status

The current status of liver transplantation in Latin America is reviewed. For an estimated population of 470 million people, approximately 1100 liver transplantations were performed in 2002, namely, 2.3 liver transplantations per million people per year (pmp). The top transplantation rates were in Argentina 4.5, Brazil 3.9, and Chile 3.6 pmp. In 2001, liver transplantations were not performed in 2 of 10 South American countries nor were liver transplantations performed in 5 of 6 Central American countries. In the Latin American countries performing this procedure, living donor liver transplantation has been performed to palliate the organ shortage for pediatric patients in most of these countries. However, only 3 countries have used the procedure for adult liver transplantation. The lack of adequate financial coverage, education, and organization are the main limiting factors to the development of liver transplantation in Latin America.