Cardiac and Neurologic Complications in the Late Period After Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Analysis of 4 Years.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to assess the cardiac and neurologic complications after liver transplantation in the late period.

METHOD AND PATIENTS: Medical records of 198 patients who had liver transplantation in the organ transplantation center of our university hospital between between February 2014 and October 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who were consulted by a physician from either the cardiology or neurology departments during their long-term follow-up after liver transplantation were included in the study.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (9 female; 30.0%) were evaluated by a cardiologist (n = 23; 76.7%) or a neurologist (n = 19; 63.3%) during their long-term-follow-up. The mean age was 55.0 ± 13.3. Atherosclerotic risk factors such as hypertension (n = 10; 33.3%), diabetes mellitus (n = 17; 56.7%), hyperlipidemia (n = 7; 23.3%), and coronary artery disease (n = 7; 23.3%) were highly prevalent. Chest pain (n = 5; 16.7%) was the most encountered symptom. Of these patients, 2 (6.7%) underwent coronary bypass surgery, whereas 1 (3.3%) patient was treated medically. Palpitation was the second most frequent cardiac symptom (n = 3; 10.0%). Atrial fibrillation paroxysm occurred in 2 patients. Headache (n = 4; 13.3%) was the most prevalent neurologic symptom. Transient ischemic attack occurred in 1 patient (3.3%), whereas 2 patients (6.7%) experienced stroke (1 ischemic and the other hemorrhagic). Seizures occurred in 2 patients (6.7%).

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up of liver transplant recipients might be challenging due to the diversity of symptoms and wide spectrum of cardiac and neurologic complications. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists and neurologists would help to improve early preventive measures and medical treatment strategies.