Management of the liver transplant patient.
Liver transplantation is currently the definitive treatment of end-stage liver disease. This article reviews the complex multidisciplinary care of the liver transplant recipient beginning immediately after transplantation but extending into the long term. The presentation, evaluation and treatment of common post-transplant complications are outlined. Importantly, immunosuppression strategies along with the issues of acute and chronic rejection are discussed in detail with an emphasis on how practice has evolved over time. The spectrum of infectious problems is systematically presented, based on the time since transplantation and the institution of immunosuppression. Finally, the substantial challenges of recurrent disease and long-term medical comorbidities are addressed as these are clearly the primary issues that threaten the longevity and wellbeing of the liver transplant recipient.
Gelb
Bruce
B
Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Feng
Sandy
S
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents