Skin conditions in liver transplant recipients in a Singapore academic medical center: A retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Liver transplant recipients are at lifelong risk of immunosuppression-related cutaneous complications, such as malignancy and infection. Objective Our study aims to assess the epidemiology of dermatologic conditions among liver transplant recipients in an academic medical center in Singapore. Methods Medical records of liver transplant recipients on follow-up with gastroenterology and dermatology departments at the Singapore General Hospital between 2006 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A literature review was subsequently performed on the keywords “liver transplant” and “dermatology.” Results A total of 99 liver transplant recipients were identified in this study. Sixty-nine patients (70%) had at least 1 dermatologic condition. Inflammatory skin conditions were the most common (53%), followed by cutaneous infection (36%) and benign cutaneous tumors (30%). Malignant and premalignant lesions were the least common skin conditions reported (10%). Our study results concurred with many other studies reported worldwide, demonstrating a low cutaneous malignancy burden after liver transplantation. Limitations The study included a small population size in a single center and did not have a pre-existing protocol for pretransplant dermatologic surveillance. Conclusion Although the incidence of skin cancer after liver transplant in Singapore is low, the patients will benefit from long-term dermatology surveillance, given the long-term risks of infection and malignant skin conditions.