Risk for relapse of alcohol use after liver transplantation for alcoholic liver disease : A review and proposal of a set of risk assessment criteria

Background : Liver transplantation for end stage alcoholic liver disease is becoming an increasingly frequent procedure. Within this context assessing the risk on relapse in alcohol use is a major issue. However, up to now, there is a clear lack in validated criteria that can be used to assess future relapse risk. Method : Literature review based upon Medline search identify- ing all new studies that have been published after the latest meta- analysis on this subject (2007-2009). Results : Five new original studies were identified. They provide new evidence for the prospective validity of different criteria ; pre- transplant abstinence duration, diagnosis of alcohol dependence versus abuse, level of social support, additional psychiatric co morbidity. Conclusions : These criteria seem promising as to the prediction of relapse in alcohol after livertransplantation. Based upon these results a new comprehensive assessment scale is proposed. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2010, 73, 247-251).