Noninvasive markers of liver steatosis and fibrosis after liver transplantation – Where do we stand?

Abstract

In the last two decades, advances in immunosuppressive regimens have led to fewer complications of acute rejection crisis and consequently improved short-term graft and patient survival. In parallel with this great success, long-term post-transplantation complications have become a focus of interest of doctors engaged in transplant medicine. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its individual components, namely, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension, often develop in the post-transplant setting and are associated with immuno-suppressive therapy. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to MetS and its individual components and is the liver manifestation of MetS. Therefore, it is not surprising that MetS and its individual components are associated with recurrent or “de novo” NAFLD after liver transplantation (LT). Fibrosis of the graft is one of the main determinants of overall morbidity and mortality in the post-LT period. In the assessment of post-LT steatosis and fibrosis, we have biochemical markers, imaging methods and liver biopsy. Because of the significant economic burden of post-LT steatosis and fibrosis and its potential consequences, there is an unmet need for noninvasive methods that are efficient and cost-effective. Biochemical scores can overestimate fibrosis and are not a good method for fibrosis evaluation in liver transplant recipients due to frequent post-LT thrombocytopenia. Transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter is a promising noninvasive method for steatosis and fibrosis. In this review, we will specifically focus on the evaluation of steatosis and fibrosis in the post-LT setting in the context of de novo or recurrent NAFLD.

Keywords: Steatosis; Fibrosis; Noninvasive methods; Transient elastography; Transplantation; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Core Tip: Fibrosis of the graft is one of the main determinants of overall morbidity and mortality in the post-transplantation period. In the assessment of post-transplantation steatosis and fibrosis, we have biochemical markers, imaging methods and liver biopsy. Because of the significant economic burden of post-transplantation steatosis and fibrosis and the potential consequences, there is an unmet need for noninvasive methods that are efficient and cost-effective.