Post Liver Transplantation Infection Risk Factors and Strategies of Prevention

Abstract

Summary L iver transplantation (OLT) is a life saving procedure for the treatment of many end-stage liver diseases. It has been performed since 1963. It is not indicated if an acceptable alternative is available or if contraindications are present. Infectious and acute rejection episodes are still major causes of morbidity and mortality. While advances in immunosuppression have decreased the incidence of rejection episodes, they have placed liver recipients at increased risk for typical and atypical infections. Approximately 80% of solid organ transplant recipients suffer at least one significant infection episode during the first year, especially the first three months, following the surgical procedure. Infection in the liver transplant patient is diagnosed in the same way as in the non-transplanted population either clinically, laboratory or through diagnostic imaging. However, it tends to be laborious work-up due to the wide differential diagnosis and the attenuation of clinical manifestations because of the immunosuppressive medication.