Obesity and liver transplantation
Subhashini Ayloo1, John Armstrong1, Scott Hurton1
1Subhashini Ayloo, John Armstrong, Scott Hurton, Michele Molinari, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y9, Canada.
World Journal of Transplantation
|October 1, 2015
Summary
Obesity is a growing concern for liver transplant (LT) candidates. This review examines outcomes for obese patients undergoing LT and discusses weight management strategies and future research needs.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Surgery
- Bariatric Medicine
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of overweight and obese patients (OPs) on liver transplant (LT) waiting lists.
- Obesity remains a relative contraindication for LT despite advances in bariatric medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review outcomes of OPs undergoing LT.
- To evaluate weight reduction treatments before, during, and after LT.
- To identify controversies and research gaps in managing obesity for LT.
Main Methods:
- Literature appraisal of existing studies on LT outcomes in OPs.
- Review of bariatric and weight management interventions relevant to LT.
- Discussion of current knowledge limitations and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Outcomes of obese patients undergoing LT are variable and require careful consideration.
- Various weight management strategies exist but their efficacy and safety in the LT context need further investigation.
- Significant controversies and limitations exist in the current literature regarding obesity and LT.
Conclusions:
- Further research is crucial to optimize outcomes for obese patients undergoing LT.
- Development of evidence-based guidelines for weight management in LT candidates is needed.
- Addressing obesity in LT recipients requires a multidisciplinary approach.
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