Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease following liver transplantation: a clinical review

Clin Transplant. 2015 Sep;29(9):728-37. doi: 10.1111/ctr.12585. Epub 2015 Aug 11.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rapidly becoming the leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. While post-transplantation outcomes are similar to other indications for transplant, recent evidence has suggested that reduction in risk factors for post-transplant metabolic syndrome may impose a significant survival benefit in this patient population. Cardiovascular mortality is the leading cause of death following transplantation for NASH. While pre-transplant pharmacologic and surgical approaches have been utilized to reduce cardiovascular risk factors following transplantation, the effectiveness of these treatment approaches in the post-transplant setting is poorly defined. Studies are urgently needed in the treatment of this rapidly growing population.

Keywords: fatty liver disease; non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; transplantation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / diagnosis
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / etiology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / surgery*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome