Hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

NAFLD can occur after liver transplantation (LT), as recurrence or de novo hepatic steatosis (HS). We aimed to evaluate the literature on prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of post-LT HS. Systematic review with meta-analysis through a search on: PUBMED, Scopus, and Web-of-Science, from inception until the September 30, 2021. Forty studies were included, representing 6979 patients. The post-LT HS prevalence was 39.76% (95% CI, 34.06-45.46), with a rising kinetics (11.06% increase per decade, p=0.04), and a geographical distribution (15.10% more prevalent in American continent compared with Europe and Asia). Recurrent HS was up to 5-fold more likely than de novo HS [OR: 5.38 (2.69-10.76)]. Metabolic disturbances were stronger risk factors in the post-LT recipient [obesity: OR: 4.62 (3.07-6.96); metabolic syndrome: OR: 3.26 (2.03-5.25)] as compared with pre-LT recipients, with the exception of diabetes mellitus, which doubled the risk at any set [pre-LT diabetes mellitus: OR: 2.06 (1.58-2.68); post-LT diabetes mellitus: OR: 2.12 (1.73-2.59)]. Donor factors were not the relevant risk factors for post-LT HS and the only immunosuppressive drug associated with increased risk was sirolimus [OR: 1.68 (1.07-2.64)]. The prevalence of post-LT steatohepatitis was 28.82% (19.62-38.03) and the strongest risk factor was pre-LT NAFLD. Limited outcomes data suggest that post-LT HS did not increase the risk for liver cirrhosis or mortality in these studies. Two out of 5 patients submitted to LT will develop post-LT HS, being recurrent HS more common than de novo HS. Diabetes mellitus and post-LT metabolic syndrome are the strongest risk factors for HS and baseline NAFLD for steatohepatitis. All transplanted patients should be enrolled in lifestyle interventions to prevent post-LT metabolic syndrome, and sirolimus should be avoided in high-risk patients.

Automated summary

NAFLD can occur after liver transplantation as recurrent or de novo hepatic steatosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of post-LT HS. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including 40 studies representing 6979 patients. The prevalence of post-LT HS was 39.76%, with a rising kinetics and a geographical distribution. Recurrent HS was more likely than de novo HS, and metabolic disturbances were stronger risk factors in post-LT recipients. Donor factors were not significant, but sirolimus was associated with increased risk. The prevalence of post-LT steatohepatitis was 28.82%, and pre-LT NAFLD was the strongest risk factor. Limited outcomes data suggest that post-LT HS did not increase the risk for liver cirrhosis or mortality. Lifestyle interventions and avoidance of sirolimus are recommended.