Long-term care of the liver allograft recipient

Semin Liver Dis. 2009 Feb;29(1):102-20. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1192059. Epub 2009 Feb 23.

Abstract

As outcomes after liver transplant surgery continue to improve, management of the long-term consequences of the procedure and the associated immunosuppression become increasingly important. Liver allograft recipients have, compared with age and sex-matched controls, increased risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and death, for bone disease, and for some cancers. Early recognition and treatment of modifiable risk factors, especially of hypertension (present in up to 77% recipients), diabetes (in up to 22%), obesity (up to 40%), renal impairment (in up to 50%), and hyperlipidemia (in up to 66%) are necessary to maintain prolonged and healthy survival. Early recognition of de novo cancers (which occur in up to 26% recipients) indicates the need for additional monitoring for skin cancer and lymphoproliferative disorders, as well as cancers of the lung, colon, and upper gastrointestinal track. Early recognition of bone disease and appropriate intervention will allow introduction of strategies to reduce bone fracture. In this article, we review the evidence for the extent and treatment of these modifiable conditions in the allograft recipient.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy*
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Liver Transplantation / mortality
  • Long-Term Care*
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Osteoporosis / etiology
  • Osteoporosis / mortality
  • Osteoporosis / therapy*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Survivors*
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome