Metabolic profile of patients post-liver transplantation: A tertiary center experience.

Introduction: The prevalence of medical complications such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, weight gain and diabetes has been rising along with increased life expectancy after livertransplantation. These metabolic complications lead to cardiovascular complications and increased late morbidity and mortality. Post-transplant risk stratification and aggressive treatment of metabolic complications, including modification of risk factors is imperative to prevent serious complications. Methods: We retrospectively studied 180 consecutive liver transplant recipients at Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Kochi, Kerala. We gathered demographic and biochemical data, pre-transplant Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, etiology of liver disease, daily glucose kinetics, type of insulin, requirement for diabetes medications at 12 months, immunosuppression therapy (including steroids), was assessed. Results: Of the 180 patients identified, 121 had complete data and were included in the analysis. Male:Female ratio was 4:1.15% had pre-existing diabetes. Nearly, 14% developed post-transplant diabetes. Nearly, 30% of the post-transplant patients became normoglycemic at 6 months post-transplant. Diabetes, family history of diabetes and excess body weight at baseline were the risk factors for incidence of metabolic syndrome. Detailed analysis of the results will be discussed during the conference. Conclusion: New onset diabetes after transplantation and metabolic syndrome are associated with increased risks of graft rejection, infection, cardiovascular disease and death. Whilst the pathophysiology remains unclear, being vigilant for this important complication and starting hyperglycemic management in a timely fashion may reduce the incidence of and morbidity associated with these metabolic complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]