Chapter 25 - Long-term management and outcomes

Summary

The most common causes of death after the first year following liver transplantation are recurrent and de novo malignancy, return of the original liver disease in the graft, sepsis, cardiovascular disease, and chronic rejection. Review frequency varies between centers and depends partly on patient morbidity. The aim of follow-up is to screen for graft dysfunction and the late complications of liver transplantation. Complications of immune suppression may be related to the original etiology or unrelated and similar to other organs. Azathioprine (AZA) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) are often used as long-term maintenance immunosuppression. Up to 45% of liver transplant recipients have metabolic syndrome that includes excessive weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Biliary stricture and incisional hernia are the most common late surgical complications after liver transplantation. Psychosocial health should be considered as an important facet in the long-term management of liver transplant recipient.