Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis recurrence after liver transplant.

Abstract

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the fastest growing indication for liver transplant (LT)worldwide and is deemed to be the foremost indication in the near future. Recurrence of NASH can occur post LT and has been observed to be a common phenomenon. Baseline metabolic co-morbidities and worsening of metabolic profile post LT are the principal drivers of NASH recurrence. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis. However, noninvasive methods including transient elastography (TE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seem to be promising. The implications of recurrent NASH on post LT outcomes, graft steatosis, progression to fibrosis, overall survival, and cardiovascular associations warrant careful evaluation. Control of metabolic parameters and weight gain along with tailored immunosuppression remain the cornerstone of management. Extrapolation of the ever-increasing armamentarium of NASH pharmacotherapy specifically in this population of recurrent NAFLD remains a challenge for the future.