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Impact of Allograft Steatosis on Cardiovascular Outcomes

  • Liver Transplantation (D Mulligan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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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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Correspondence to Kymberly D. Watt.

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Conflict of Interest

Kymberly Watt, Praveena Narayanan, and Izzy Manhal declare no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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The importance and the interesting nature of these recently published articles were determined based on the novelty of their findings and their clinical relevance to the topic of this article.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Liver Transplantation

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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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