Liver transplantation for metabolic liver diseases in adults: indications and outcome.

Abstract

Orthotopic liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for many patients with complications of end-stage liver disease. For metabolic liver diseases liver transplantation does not only replace the diseased organ, but also can potentially correct the metabolic defect. Results of liver transplantation for metabolic diseases have been encouraging. In Wilson's disease liver transplantation is considered an effective treatment for the fulminant form and for end-stage liver disease, associated with an excellent long-term outcome. However, it is still a matter of controversy whether liver transplantation should be considered in Wilson's disease patients with severe neurological impairment. Liver transplantation for hereditary haemochromatosis is relatively uncommon and is associated with a decreased post-transplantation patient survival, most likely due to infections and cardiac complications. Reduction of iron overload prior to liver transplantation in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis might be associated with a better outcome.

• Authors: Karl Heinz Weiss, Daniel Gotthardt, Jan Schmidt, Peter Schemmer, Jens Encke, Carina Riediger, Wolfgang Stremmel, Peter Sauer, Uta Merle
• Journal: Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association (Nephrol Dial Transplant) Vol. 22 Suppl 8 Pg. viii9-viii12 (Sep 2007) ISSN: 0931-0509 [Print] England
• PMID: 17890269 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Iron

Topics

• Adult
• Disease Progression
• Genetic Diseases, Inborn
• Hemochromatosis (therapy)
• Humans
• Iron (metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Liver Diseases (diagnosis, therapy)
• Liver Failure (therapy)
• Liver Transplantation (methods)
• Metabolic Diseases (diagnosis, therapy)
• Prognosis
• Treatment Outcome