Penn Medicine’s liver transplant program is leading health care beyond the limits of conventional medicine by offering patients more options to improve their lives every day. Patients who choose Penn for their liver transplant have access to the most advanced care available.
Our team has special expertise in treating types of liver disease that may require liver transplantation, which includes but is not limited to the conditions listed below.
Types of Liver Disease That May Lead to Transplantation
Acute and Chronic Hepatitis
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a communicable disease of the liver caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It is transmitted person to person through consumption of contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A is best prevented by getting vaccinated. Rarely do such patients evolve into acute liver failure necessitating consideration of liver transplantation.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus and transmitted through bodily fluid. Hepatitis B is best prevented by getting vaccinated.
Hepatitis C
Approximately 2.4 million people are living with Hepatitis C in the US. Hepatitis C is a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver and is can be spread by blood to blood contact. While Hepatitis C has a very effective cure rate, a small proportion of people with hepatitis C develop liver failure requiring a liver transplant.
Our comprehensive, long-term approach to the management of hepatitis C brings together the largest group of liver specialists in the region. We are experienced in treating hepatitis C in patients with advanced liver disease awaiting transplantation as well as those who require treatment after transplant. We monitor patients closely after transplant, and we initiate treatment for hepatitis C at an early stage to maximize the long-term health of every liver transplant recipient.
Our liver program is home to a dedicated viral hepatitis center where patients with hepatitis C and other viral infections of the liver are treated by liver and infectious disease experts.
Other Types of Liver Disease
In addition to hepatitis, bile duct and liver cancers, and metabolic diseases,
Liver Cancer and Bile Duct Cancer
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Patients with cholangiocarcinoma who meet UNOS criteria for liver transplantation may be eligible for MELD exception.
- Penn Transplant Institute currently has an approved protocol for this type of transplant.
The care of the patient with liver cancer and bile duct cancer includes a multidisciplinary team approach involving members from transplant and oncology.
Metabolic Diseases
Metabolic diseases treated with liver transplantation include:
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Alcoholic Related Liver Disease is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol which damages the liver leading to a buildup of fats, inflammation and scarring. Alcohol is the second most common cause of cirrhosis in the United States. The damage from over consumption of alcohol can lead to irreversible liver failure requiring a liver transplant.
We also treat many patients with heart, kidney or lung disease that may require a double organ transplant.
Liver transplant is a successful therapy for liver failure. For more information please call 215-662-6200 or fill out our online form.