Abstracts of the 2025 Annual Meeting of the ALEH
More infoThe development of liver transplantation (LT) programs in Peru faces significant structural challenges, persistently low organ donation rates, a fragmented healthcare system, and limited access to specialized care. This study aims to examine national trends in liver transplantation in Peru between 2016 and 2024.
Materials and MethodsWe conducted a descriptive analysis of LT in Peru using national registry data from 2016 to 2024. Trends were stratified by donor type (living vs. deceased) and age group (adult vs. pediatric). Transplant rates per million population (pmp) were standardized with World Bank data. Recipient characteristics from 2019 to 2024 were also analyzed.
ResultsPeru has experienced fluctuations in LT rates. The highest rate was recorded in 2019 at 1.63 transplants per million population (pmp), followed by a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with rates of 0.52 pmp in 2020 and 0.69 pmp in 2021. However, a sustained recovery was observed, reaching 1.38 pmp by 2024. Pediatric LT remained consistently low, with a total of only 86 cases. A sub-analysis of the 2019–2024 period revealed that the mean age of LT recipients was 34.2 years (±25.0); 55% were male, and 99.5% of procedures were performed in Lima. The social security system (EsSalud) conducted 92.7% of all transplants, while MINSA was responsible for the remaining 7.3%.
ConclusionsLiver transplantation in Peru remains at persistently low levels. The pronounced geographic and institutional concentration of services, mainly in Lima and EsSalud, underscores substantial inequities in access to care.
