Individuals with liver disease, including hepatitis, or diabetes (or a strong family history of the disease) are generally ineligible to donate a liver.
Here's a breakdown of the reasons why certain conditions preclude liver donation:
-
Liver Disease: Donating a liver that is already diseased, damaged, or infected is not possible because the recipient requires a healthy, functional organ. This includes conditions like:
- Hepatitis (various forms)
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
-
Diabetes (or strong family history): Diabetes can negatively impact liver health and increase the risk of complications for both the donor and the recipient. A strong family history suggests a higher likelihood of developing diabetes in the future, potentially affecting the long-term health of the donated liver.
-
Other Medical Conditions: Beyond liver disease and diabetes, other factors can disqualify a potential liver donor. These include:
- Active infections
- Severe heart or lung disease
- Active cancer (excluding certain brain tumors)
- Substance abuse
- HIV
It's important to note that transplant centers conduct thorough evaluations of potential donors to determine their suitability. This evaluation involves extensive medical testing and a review of the individual's medical history to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient.