Liver transplantation for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: new challenges and new opportunities

World J Gastroenterol. 2014 May 14;20(18):5320-30. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i18.5320.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming rapidly one of the most common indications for orthotopic liver transplantation in the world. Development of graft steatosis is a significant problem during the post-transplant course, which may happen as a recurrence of pre-existing disease or de novo NAFLD. There are different risk factors that might play a role in development of graft steatosis including post-transplant metabolic syndrome, immune-suppressive medications, genetics and others. There are few studies that assessed the effects of NAFLD on graft and patient survival; most of them were limited by the duration of follow up or by the number of patients. With this review article we will try to shed light on post-liver transplantation NAFLD, significance of the disease, how it develops, risk factors, clinical course and treatment options.

Keywords: Liver cirrhosis; Liver transplantation; Metabolic syndrome; Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / diagnosis
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / genetics
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease / surgery*
  • Phenotype
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome