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Pancreatitis following liver transplantation
J A Alexander1, A J Demetrius, J S Gavaler
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pennsylvania 15261.
Transplantation
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Hepatitis B infection significantly increases the risk of pancreatitis after liver transplantation. This study found clinical pancreatitis in 14% of hepatitis B-positive patients, suggesting viral infection may cause pancreatic inflammation post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of chronic liver disease and a leading indication for liver transplantation.
- Pancreatitis is a known complication following liver transplantation (OLTx), but its association with specific etiologies of liver disease requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of clinical and biochemical pancreatitis in patients undergoing OLTx for hepatitis B-related liver disease compared to those without active hepatitis B infection.
- To investigate the potential link between hepatitis B virus infection and the development of pancreatitis post-liver transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 27 patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg+) and 24 hepatitis B surface antigen-negative (HbsAg-) patients who underwent OLTx.
- Assessment of clinical pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia (biochemical pancreatitis) in the post-OLTx period.
- Correlation of pancreatitis occurrence with hepatitis B infection status and acute hepatitis B infection of the liver allograft.
Main Results:
- Hyperamylasemia occurred significantly more frequently in HbsAg+ patients (6/27) compared to HbsAg- patients (0/24) (P < 0.05).
- Clinical pancreatitis was observed in 14% (4/27) of HbsAg+ patients, with no cases reported in HbsAg- patients (0/24).
- All cases of clinical pancreatitis in HbsAg+ patients were associated with acute hepatitis B infection of the liver allograft.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatitis is more prevalent in liver transplant recipients with active hepatitis B viral liver disease compared to those with inactive disease.
- Hepatitis B virus infection of the liver allograft may contribute to the development of pancreatitis in some liver transplant recipients.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering hepatitis B infection as a potential cause of pancreatitis post-liver transplantation.