Pulmonary Hypertension Improves After Orthotopic Liver Transplant in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease

Abstract

Objectives: Pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in chronic liver disease patients that has prognostic significance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant. We also evaluated pulmonary artery pressure changes after transplant surgery.

Materials and Methods: The records of adult patients with chronic liver disease who underwent orthotopic liver transplant at our center between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical and demographic variables and laboratory data were noted. Transthoracic Doppler echo cardiographic examination reports were obtained. Using continuous-wave Doppler examination, systolic pulmonary artery pressure values were calculated. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure >= 30 mm Hg. Among 208 adult patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant, 203 who had Doppler echocardiographic examination were enrolled.

Results: The mean age of patients was 42.1 +/- 14.1 years (range, 16-67 y), and 143 (70.4%) were men. During preoperative assessment, pulmonary hypertension was identified in 47 patients (23.2%), of whom 10 displayed systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 50 mm Hg. Compared with preoperative values of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (46.8 +/- 8.4 mm Hg), a significant reduction in mean values (to 39.3 +/- 13.3 mm Hg) was observed post operatively (P=.007).

Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in adult chronic liver disease patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant. A significant improve ment occurs in systolic pulmonary artery pressure values following transplant surgery. Regarding the prevalence and prognostic significance of pulmonary hypertension, all patients with chronic liver disease should be evaluated with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography before transplant.