Metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation: short-term prevalence and pre- and post-operative risk factors

The metabolic syndrome is a common condition among liver transplanted patients and contributes to morbidity and mortality by favouring the development of cardiovascular diseases.

This prospective study assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the first year after orthotopic liver transplantation, the associated pre-operative and post-operative risk factors and the influence of nutritional factors.

84 cirrhotic patients (75% male, mean age 53.9±9.3 years) were evaluated at baseline and after liver transplantation. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to 2004 Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria. Nutritional habits were assessed using 3-day food records.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome before orthotopic liver transplantation was 14/84 (16.6%); at 3, 6 and 12 months post-orthotopic liver transplantation it was 27/84 (32.1%), 30/84 (35.7%), and 32/81 (39.5%), respectively. Diabetes, family history of diabetes, and excess body weight at baseline independently correlated with incidence of metabolic syndrome. After orthotopic liver transplantation, patients with metabolic syndrome showed a higher increase in the intake of total energy and saturated fats and a higher prevalence of complications, especially cardiovascular events, than subjects without metabolic syndrome.

Occurrence of metabolic syndrome is an early phenomenon after liver transplantation. Pre-operative and post-operative factors predispose patients to metabolic syndrome, which may be reduced by controlling modifiable risk factors, such as body weight and dietary intake.