Hélem de Sena Ribeiro

Metabolic syndrome after liver transplantation: prevalence and predictive factors

OBJECTIVES Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder in which obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia coexist. This study assessed the prevalence of MetS and its associated factors in patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx). METHODS Post-OLTx patients were assessed for the presence of MetS according to the diagnostic criteria proposed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/American Heart Association (NHLBI/AHA). Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical, anthropometric, and dietary variables were collected to identify predictors for MetS using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Among the 148 patients assessed, the prevalence of MetS was 50% (IDF criteria) and 38.5% (NHLBI/AHA criteria). For both the IDF and the NHLBI/AHA classifications, the independent factors associated with MetS were older age, shorter time since transplantation, and history of excessive weight prior to OLTx. Other predictors for MetS by IDF criteria were alcohol abuse as the indication for OLTx, physical activity reduction as the cause of weight gain after transplantation, and calcium intake below recommended levels. The presence of MetS (NHLBI/AHA) was also associated with decreased intake of potassium, fiber, and folic acid. CONCLUSIONS MetS is highly prevalent among post-OLTx patients and it is predicted by older age, shorter time since transplantation, alcohol abuse as the cause of cirrhosis, excessive weight prior to OLTx, and some potentially modifiable factors such as physical activity reduction after OLTx and low intake of calcium, potassium, fiber, and folic acid.

Body composition and overweight of liver transplant recipients.

Background. Overweight is often used as a description after liver transplantation (LTx), but studies on body composition of patients submitted to LTx have only been devoted to early postoperative periods; there is little information regarding abdominal obesity after LTx. The aim of this study was to assess body composition, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference and verify the prevalence and risk factors for excessive weight, obesity, and abdominal obesity in long-term survivors of LTx. Methods. Post-LTx patients with at least 1 year post-LTx were assessed for their body composition (by bioimpedance), BMI, and waist circumference. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical and dietetic variables were collected to assess risk factors using linear and logistic regression analyses. Results. We evaluated 143 patients (51±13 years; 59.4% male; median time since LTx: 4 years). The majority of patients had excessive weight, considering BMI, (58.1%). Considering body composition, 69.9% of patients were overweight and 37.8% obese. Some degree of abdominal obesity was seen in 88% of patients. Independent risk factors for overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity after LTx included greater BMI before liver disease, weight gain since LTx, family history of overweight, smoking, working, being married, having less time since transplantation, a lower calcium intake, and less sleeping hours. Conclusions. The majority of patients are overweight or obese after LTx, and many of the associated risk factors are modifiable. Thus, patients, especially those who already have identified risk factors for overweight and obesity, undergoing LTx should be encouraged to engage in lifestyle changes early.

Prospective evaluation of metabolic syndrome and its components among long‐term liver recipients

Survival after liver transplantation (LTx) has increased. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is widely reported in patients in the early years after LTx; few studies have researched this condition in relatively long‐term liver recipients. To describe, prospectively, the prevalence of MS, its components and its associated factors in relatively long‐term liver recipients.

INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETES, HYPERTENSION AND OBESITY AFTER LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

AIM Metabolic disorders are widely described in patients after liver transplantation (LTx). MATERIAL AND METHODS Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity incidence and risk factors were assessed in 144 post-LTx patients at least one year after transplantation (59% male; median age 54 y; median time since transplantation 4 y). Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis according to demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical, anthropometric and dietetic variables. RESULTS The incidence of hypertension was 18.9%; diabetes, 14.0% and obesity, 15.9%. Risk factors for the incidence of hypertension were abdominal obesity (OR: 2.36; CI: 1.02-5.43), family history of hypertension (OR: 2.75; CI: 1.06-7.19) and cyclosporine use (OR: 3.92; CI: 1.05-14.70). Risk factor for incidence of diabetes were greater fasting glucose levels (mg/dL) pre-LTx (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.01-1.06) and on the diagnosis of alcoholic cirrhosis as an indication of LTx (OR: 2.54; CI: 0.84-7.72). The incidence of obesity after LTx was related to lower milk consumption (mL) (OR: 1.01; CI: 1.001-1.01; P < 0.05), greater donor BMI (kg/m(2)) (OR: 1.34; CI: 1.04-1.74; P < 0.05), greater BMI prior to liver disease (kg/m(2)) (OR: 1.79; CI: 1.36-2.36; P < 0.01) and a per capita income twice the minimum wage (OR: 5.71; CI: 4.51-6.86; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION LTx was associated with significantly increased rates of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, the incidences of these disorders were related to immunosuppressive therapy and have risk factors that are common in the general population.

Functional status and heart rate variability in end-stage liver disease patients: Association with nutritional status

OBJECTIVES Muscle dysfunction and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) are common in patients with advanced liver disease, and both are related to poor outcomes. Malnutrition is also highly prevalent in these patients, however, the association between the malnutrition and HRV has not yet been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term HRV, functional and nutritional statuses in patients with advanced liver disease. METHODS The nutritional and functional statuses were determined by subjective global assessment, handgrip strength (dynamometer, JAMAR) and gait speed during a 6-minute walk text (6MWT), respectively. The cardiac workload index (CWI) was used to evaluate the cardiac response to the 6MWT. The time domain (SD of all normal-to-normal intervals [SDNN]) and very-low, low-, and high-frequency domains of short-term HRV were evaluated with RS800 CX (Polar, Finland) and Cardioseries software (Brazil). RESULTS The study evaluated 42 patients with liver disease (62% men) and malnutrition was found in 62% of this population. The malnourished participants presented with reduced functional status, 41% decreased SDNN, and 14% greater CWI compared with well-nourished individuals (P < 0.05). Additionally, the CWI was negatively associated to SDNN (r = 0.414; P < 0.05) and gait speed (r = 0.598; P < 0.05), especially in malnourished individuals (r = 0.650; P < 0.05). These data indicate that malnourished patients with liver disease have higher cardiovascular risk related to reduced functional status, which may be associated to poor outcomes during the course of the disease before and after transplant. Another relevant aspect is that the 6MWT associated to HRV could be a useful tool to screen liver disease patients who have a higher risk for cardiovascular complications.

Prevalence and factors associated with dyslipidemia after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE to determine the prevalence of abnormal total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) and to identify predictors of these disorders. METHODS cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia in patients undergoing LTx. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, anthropometric and dietetic data were collected to determine the association with dyslipidemia using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS 136 patients were evaluated, 68.1% of which had at least one type of dyslipidemia. The triglyceride level was high in 32.4% of cases, with low HDL in 49.3% of patients and high LDL levels in only 8.8%. High total cholesterol was observed in 16.2% of the study population and was associated with the recommendation for transplantation due to ethanolic cirrhosis (OR = 2.7) and a greater number of hours slept per night (OR = 1.5). CONCLUSION many patients presented dyslipidemia after transplantation, demonstrating the need for interventions in relation to modifiable factors associated with dyslipidemias that can mitigate or prevent these disorders.

Weight loss during cirrhosis is related to the etiology of liver disease

CONTEXT Malnutrition is widely described in patients waiting for liver transplantation (LTx). However, risk factors associated with weight loss during liver disease have not yet been well studied. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess weight loss and its risk factors during liver disease and up to the first appointment after transplantation. Patients who underwent LTx were retrospectively assessed for weight loss during liver disease while on the waiting list for LTx. The usual weight of the patients before disease and their weight on the first outpatient appointment after transplant were considered. Demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical variables were collected to assess risk factors using a linear regression analysis. We retrospectively evaluated 163 patients undergoing LTx between 1997 and 2008. RESULTS Patients lost in average 7.7 ± 12.4 kg while ill. Variables independently associated with weight loss by multiple linear regression analyses were as follows: former smoker (P = 0.03), greater body mass index (P<0.01), overweight before liver disease (P = 0.02) and indication for LTx (P = 0.01). Among these indications, patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had lost significantly more weight (P<0.01), and those with hepatitis C virus (P = 0.01) and autoimmune hepatitis (P = 0.02) had lost significantly less weight. CONCLUSIONS Patients experienced weight loss during liver disease independent of age, sex, schooling and income; however, the etiology of liver disease was related to weight loss.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HYPERKALEMIA AFTER LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

ABSTRACT Background: There is a lack of data regarding hyperkalemia after liver transplantation. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of hyperkalemia after liver transplantation and its associated factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated 147 consecutive post-transplant patients who had at least one year of outpatient medical follow up. The data collection included gender, age, potassium values, urea, creatinine, sodium and medication use at 1, 6 and 12 months after. Hyperkalemia was defined as serum potassium concentrations higher than 5.5 mEq/l. Results: Hiperkalemia was observed in 18.4%, 17.0% and 6.1% of patients 1, 6 and 12 months after tranplantation, respectively. Older age (p=0.021), low creatinine clearance (p=0.007), increased urea (p=0.010) and hypernatremia (p=0.014) were factors associated with hyperkalemia, as well as the dose of prednisone at six months (p=0.014). Conclusion: Hyperkalemia was prevalent in less than 20% of patients in the 1st month after liver transplantation and decreased over time. Considering that hyperkalemia does not affect all patients, attention should be paid to the routine potassium intake recommendations, and treatment should be individualized.

Cardiovascular risk in patients submitted to liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing liver transplantation according to the Framingham score, and to evaluate possible associations with traditional and non-traditional risk factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in which patients undergoing liver transplantation were stratified by cardiovascular risk according to the Framingham score. Demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, and anthropometric variables were collected to assess the association with cardiovascular risk factors using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were evaluated, of which 46.1% showed medium or high risk for the occurrence of cardiovascular events over ten years. The mean percentage risk of evaluated patients was of 9.5 ± 7.8%. Male gender (OR: 4.97; CI: 1.92-12.85; p < 0.01), older age (OR: 1,09; CI: 1.04-1.13; p < 0.01), and higher BMI at the moment of assessment (1.09; CI: 0.99-1.20; p = 0.03) were factors associated with medium and high cardiovascular risk. A higher percentage of cardiovascular risk was also associated with cyclosporine use (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The probability of occurrence of cardiovascular events in the assessed patients undergoing liver transplantation was higher than that in the Brazilian population. Special attention should be paid to this population, especially in relation to potentially modifiable factors associated to higher BMI and cyclosporine use.

P1-127 Spatial and temporal dynamics of dengue fever cases in Araraquara city, Brazil

Background Dengue fever represents a serious public health issue in Brazil. Araraquara is a city, in state of São Paulo that has been having serious outbreaks of dengue fever in the last decade, in spite of its relatively good social and economical conditions. This study mapped and analysed spatial and time distribution of the cases of dengue fever in Araraquara. Methods Registered and confirmed cases of years 2007 and 2008 from the National System of Diseases Notification (SINAN) were geo-referenced using a street based map and a Geographic Information System (GIS). To analyse spatial temporal distribution pattern of dengue fever cases, density Kernel were used on the events according to epidemiological week. Results In 2007, 335 cases were confirmed, and in 2008, 1233 new cases. Spatial analysis presented occurrence of dengue fever cases almost all around the urban area of the municipality of Araraquara. Important spatial variations on the distribution pattern along the epidemiological weeks were identified. In the two analysed years, most areas that presented high concentration of cases in a specific week tended to have fewer cases on the following week. However, in some areas of the city were identified clusters of dengue fever that remained in the same place. Conclusion The results showed that, at a local intra urban level, the analysis of cases per epidemiological week can be an way to identify spatial and time important differences on the incidence of the disease and possible factors associated.