Background: Few transplant centers accept directed and non-directed living liver donors. The aims of this study were to compare the occupational and financial outcomes of directed and non-directed living liver donors to those who were biologically related to the candidate.

Methods: Directed and non-directed living liver donors that contacted the transplant center between 2010-2017 were matched to biologically related donors by age, gender, and duration since surgery. A structured interview was performed with directed and non-directed and biologically related donors after surgery.

Results: A total of 40 directed and non-directed living liver donors were evaluated. Thirteen donors were declined by the medical team, 4 withdrew, 2 of the transplant candidates received a deceased organ, and 21 donors proceeded to surgery (53%). The majority of directed- and non-directed donors were male (50%) with a mean age of 31.5 (SD=7.4).No donors reported being denied or experienced an increase in premiums for their health, disability or life insurance. One directed donor reported being terminated by their employer as a result of donating. One biologically related donor reported that her employer discussed possible termination but the transplant center intervened to prevent the termination. No significant between group differences were observed regarding the monies spent by donors for evaluation and recovery from surgery (Mann-Whitney U=97, p=0.545; median amount spent=$415, range of $0-45,500. No significant between group differences were observed with regard to the amount if monies received to cover expenses [Mann Whitney U=13, p=0.999]. Donors received a median of $1760 (range $0-14,000) from fundraising, donation related organizations, or the recipient's family. Directed and non-directed living liver donors were more likely to receive monies from the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) when compared to biologically related donors [Chi-Square=16.250, p<0.001]. One directed donor returned to work more quickly than recommended by the medical team due to financial reasons.

Conclusions: Although the sample was small, no significant differences between directed and non-directed living liver donors and biologically related donors were observed with regard to financial or occupational outcomes with the exception of receipt of NLDAC funds.

CITATION INFORMATION: Steel J., Dulovich M., Kingsley K., Ganesh S., Ola O., Lai A., Shen S., Zharichenko N., Nawaz S., Tevar A., Hughes C., Humar A. Occupational and Financial Outcomes of Directed and Non-Directed Living Liver Donors Am J Transplant. 2017;17 (suppl 3).

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