Long-term outcome in liver transplantation candidates with portopulmonary hypertension

Portopulmonary hypertension (PoPH) is diagnosed in 2-6% of liver transplantation (LT) candidates. We studied outcomes of candidates for LT suffering from PoPH. Data were collected retrospectively from a prospective registry. Pulmonary hemodynamic variables were collected at the time of PoPH diagnosis, at last evaluation before LT, and within 6 months and beyond 6 months after LT. Forty-nine patients (35 males, 48 ± 8 years) were analyzed (median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score 20). At baseline, mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was 44 ± 10 mm Hg (range 26-73 mm Hg), cardiac index was 3.5 ± 0.9 L/min/m² , and pulmonary vascular resistance was 5.6 ± 2.8 Wood units. Hemodynamic reassessment performed in 35 patients who were treated with pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies before LT resulted in significant decreases in both mPAP (36 ± 7 versus 47 ± 10 mm Hg, P < 0.0001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (3.0 ± 1.4 versus 6.1 ± 3.1 Wood units, P < 0.0001). Fourteen patients (29%) died without having had access to LT. Thirty-five patients underwent LT and were followed up for a median of 38 months. Eight patients (23%) died after LT including 5 due to PoPH (after 1 day to 6 months). Among survivors (n = 27), all patients treated with intravenous epoprostenol were weaned off post-LT, and endothelin receptor antagonist or phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors were continued in 15/27 patients (55%). At last evaluation, 20/27 patients (74%) had mPAP <35 mm Hg and 8 of them (30%) had mPAP <25 mm Hg. Overall survival estimates after LT were 80%, 77%, and 77% at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years, respectively.

Stabilization or reversibility of PoPH seems to be an attainable goal using the combination of pulmonary arterial hypertension-targeted therapies and LT in patients who are transplantation candidates. (Hepatology 2017;65:1683-1692).