Abstract
Purpose of Review
Cardiovascular events are among the most consequential long-term outcomes in liver transplant recipients. While underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has been independently associated with unfavorable cardiovascular outcomes and increased mortality, it is unclear yet if the same holds true for allograft steatosis. We here review the available data on cardiovascular outcomes after liver transplant with specific focus on allograft steatosis.
Recent Findings
Two subtypes of hepatic allograft steatosis exist, recurrent and de novo, and both are common. Although the current data suggest an association between allograft steatosis and atherogenic lipid profile, they have yet to reveal a negative impact of allograft steatosis on cardiovascular outcomes or mortality.
Summary
Targeting the metabolic risk factors in this patient population mainly via weight loss can improve outcomes. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme might be protective against hepatic steatosis. More investigations into long-term outcomes of allograft steatosis with larger studies are needed.
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Abbreviations
- LT:
-
Liver transplant
- CV:
-
Cardiovascular
- NAFLD:
-
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAFL:
-
Non-alcoholic fatty liver
- NASH:
-
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- DM:
-
Diabetes mellitus
- HTN:
-
Hypertension
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Kymberly Watt, Praveena Narayanan, and Izzy Manhal declare no conflict of interest.
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Izzy, M., Narayanan, P. & Watt, K.D. Impact of Allograft Steatosis on Cardiovascular Outcomes. Curr Transpl Rep 5, 206–211 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40472-018-0205-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40472-018-0205-x