Causes and trends in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma among men and women who received liver transplants in the U.S., 2010-2019

Abstract

Background and aims The national Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) reported the major indication for liver transplants in 2018 was for other/unknown causes. This study was undertaken to examine all causes and trends in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among adults who received liver transplants in the past 10 years.

Epidemiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Since many patients with NASH have obesity and other related comorbidities, these patients are at an increased risk of death while awaiting a liver. [136] , [137] , [138] , [139] , [140] , [141] Furthermore, these patients can develop fatty liver or steatohepatitis when they receive a transplanted liver which can potentially impact their post-transplant course. [136] , [137] , [138] , [139] , [140] , [141] …”

Hepatopulmonary Syndrome: A Nationwide Analysis of Epidemiological Trends and Outcomes From 2012 to 2018

“…The lower percentage of mortality compared to other prospective studies may stem from early diagnosis, improved management and better follow-up for HPS. Furthermore, an increase in LT over the past decade may also have had a role to play [ 33 ]. It is also worth noting that inpatient mortality for HPS may be different from mortality secondary to HPS in the general population.…”

Chronic liver disease: Global perspectives and future challenges to delivering quality health care

“…Several articles included in this collection report research related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common liver disease worldwide, affecting one-quarter of the population [ 2 ]. Wang and colleagues report that liver transplant trends in the United States reflect the emergence of NAFLD as an important cause for end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma [ 3 ]. However, Hirose and colleagues report a 19-year follow-up study of biopsy-proven NAFLD patients in Japan where the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and disease prognosis were similar in lean NAFLD and obese NAFLD, suggesting that risk stratification in NAFLD should therefore not be solely based on one’s body-mass index [ 4 ].…”