The effects of underlying inflammatory bowel disease on the outcomes of primary sclerosing cholangitis liver transplant recipients

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) influences primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) severity, however, the impact of IBD on PSC liver transplantation (LT) outcomes is poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the impact of IBD in modulating PSC LT outcomes.

Methods

Using UNOS data from 2010 through 2021, we identified PSC LT candidates with and without (±) IBD. We used adjusted competing-risk regression analysis to evaluate waitlist outcomes, Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess graft survival, and Cox proportional hazards modeling to identify factors associated with graft survival.

Results

Out of 5,586 PSC candidates added to the waitlist, 3,652 patients had IBD. Older age (SHR 1.01; 95 %CI 1.01–1.02) and initial MELD/PELD (SHR 1.03; 95 %CI 1.02–1.04) were associated with increased risk of waitlist mortality, while private insurance (SHR 0.00; 95 %CI 0.00–0.01) with reduced risk. PSC-IBD LT recipients had increased prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (4.8 % vs 3.4 %, p=0.005). Longer donor cold ischemia times (HR 1.06; 95 %CI 1.03–1.09), presence of recipient diabetes (HR 1.52; 95 %CI 1.13–2.05), and employment (HR 0.75, 95 %CI 0.60–0.94) had an increased risk of graft failure among PSC patients with IBD, not seen in those without IBD.

Conclusion

Regardless of IBD, LT for PSC results in excellent outcomes. Certain clinicodemographic factors impacted waitlist and recipient mortality highlighting potential targets to enhance outcomes.