Spectrum of complications in post liver transplant patients: A study of 30 cases

OBJECT: To study the complications encountered in post liver transplant patients performed due to different etiologies leading to end stage liver disease. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort and observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. From Dec 2001-July 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on all patients having cadavaric liver transplantation outside Oman. All patients were followed up for at least 18 months after enrolling in the study. They all had certain routine tests at the start of the study and were repeated according to the requirement of the individual patients. All patients had tacrolimus as an immunosuppressive agent. Patients with hepatitis B had hepatitis B immunoglobulin, alongwith lamivudine for relapse prophylaxis. RESULTS: Complications of liver transplantation was observed in 21 patients, out of total 30 patients. Thirteen patients developed new onset diabetes mellitus, among them 7 had other complications as well. Eight patients had different hepatic complications and 7 had non hepatic problems. Total 5 patients expired during our follow up. CONCLUSION: The complications of liver transplantation can be controlled and managed if diagnosed promptly and treated early.