Metabolic complications in liver transplant recipients

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia according to the most widely accepted definitions now used, is one of the most common post-transplant complications, with a prevalence of 44%-58%. The MS, together with the immunosuppression, is considered the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in transplant recipients, which in turn accounts for 19%-42% of all deaths unrelated to the graft. The presence of MS represents a relative risk for the development of CVD and death of 1.78. On the other hand, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), considered as the manifestation of the MS in the liver, is now the second leading reason for liver transplantation in the United States after hepatitis C and alcohol. NAFLD has a high rate of recurrence in the liver graft and a direct relation with the worsening of other metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance or diabetes mellitus. Consequently, it is vitally important to identify and treat as soon as possible such modifiable factors as hypertension, overweight, hyperlipidaemia or diabetes in transplanted patients to thus minimise the impact on patient survival. Additionally, steroid-free regimens are favoured, with minimal immunosuppression to limit the possible effects on the development of the MS.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome; Liver transplantation; Immunosuppressions; Risk factors; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Core tip: The metabolic syndrome is a very frequent complication after liver transplantation; indeed, over half transplant patients will eventually develop it. It is also a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, one of the main causes of long-term death after transplantation. The identification and early treatment of such factors as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and diabetes is crucial to achieve a positive impact on long-term survival of liver transplant patients.