Medical Complications of Liver Transplantation

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Abstract
Liver transplantation poses enormous and complex medical problems. Of the infective complications, bacterial infections are the commonest overall, but the single commonest is cytomegalovirus and the most deadly are the fungal infections. Therapeutic options and possibilities for prophylaxis are improving. Rejection, both acute and chronic, is the other major cause of mortality, and the balance between immunosuppression and infection is difficult. Cyclosporin treatment contributes to renal impairment, hypertension, and multitudinous potential neurological problems. The risk of long-term neoplasia is unclear. Relatively more minor is the potential for osteoporosis and metabolic complications, such as diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. Hepatitis B disease has a sizable risk of recurrence, but the most recent prophylaxis regimes have improved relapse rates. Having survived the physical problems following transplantation, most of which occur in the first 6 months, there are considerable psychosocial adjustments to be made particularly in the case of children where growth and development may have been delayed. Despite all these difficulties, liver transplantation is an expanding and optimistic area with enormous potential.

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