Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: indication of liver transplantation and recurrence after transplantation

• Grant number: 21/08001-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2021
• End date: August 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Roberta Chaves Araujo
• Grantee: Felipe Ramos Caprini
• Host Institution: Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da USP (HCMRP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most important causes of liver disease worldwide, with an estimated global prevalence of about 25%. Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by this condition should soon become the main indication for liver transplantation (TF). The prevalence of comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome is higher in NAFLD patients compared to the general population. Such metabolic conditions require an evaluation prior to surgery, as they may increase the chances of complications in the postoperative period, in addition to the recurrence of the disease after transplantation. In addition, patients transplanted for other etiologies can also develop hepatic steatosis, called NAFLD de novo. NAFLD is a challenging condition, with a high socioeconomic impact, which requires proper management in order to promote better care for this population. Objectives: here, the following points will be evaluated: (1) the frequency at which NAFLD configures the indication for liver transplantation; (2) the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients listed for TF due to cirrhosis secondary to NAFLD and mortality on the waiting list for liver transplantation in these patients; (3) NAFLD relapse rate and NAFLD incidence de novo; (4) the clinical-epidemiological characteristics, frequency of metabolic complications and survival of patients with and without NAFLD in the post-transplant period; (5) potential risk factors for the development of NAFLD in the post-transplant period. Methods: a retrospective study based on the review of medical records of patients assisted in the liver transplant outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto-USP (HCFMRP-USP). (AU)