Integration of Palliative Care in End-Stage Liver Disease and Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have a life-limiting illness that causes multiple distressing symptoms and negatively affects quality of life (QOL). This population traditionally has not had much attention within the palliative care community. DISCUSSION: This article provides an evidence-based review of palliative care issues that patients with ESLD and those awaiting liver transplant face, including approaches to prognosis, symptom management, advance care planning, and end-of-life care. CONCLUSION: Tremendous opportunity exists to integrate palliative medicine into the care of these patients.