EFFECTS OF ORTHOTOPIC LIVER-TRANSPLANTATION ON BODY-COMPOSITION

Aims/Background: The effects of orthotopic liver transplantation on bo dy composition are unclear. We aimed to assess changes in body composi tion after transplantation using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and total body potassium. Methods: Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and to tal body potassium counting to assess muscle mass were performed in 55 patients before and up to 24 months after liver transplantation and t he results expressed as paired data before and at time intervals after transplantation. Results: The results showed that total body weight f ell by 3.6 +/- 1.3 kg (p < 0.02) at 1 month, with a maximal fall in le an tissue mass at 2-5 months of 4.8 +/- 1.2 kg (p < 0.003). Thereafter , no change in lean tissue mass was recorded, although there were incr eases at 12 and 24 months of total body weight (11.5 +/- 2.4 kg, 7.8 /- 3.1 kg; p < 0.03, respectively) and fat mass (12.9 +/- 2.2 and 10.5 +/- 2.7 kg; p < 0.003). A fall in total body potassium was seen at 1 month (118 +/- 12 mmol; p<0.003) and 2-5 months (176 +/- 9.9 mmol; p < 0.03), which mirrored the fall in lean mass. Conclusions: After liver transplantation there is an initial fall in body weight due to a loss of lean mass. Lean mass does not recover after transplantation, altho ugh there is an increase in fat mass that leads to the observed increa se in total body weight.