Document Type
Clinical Science Research
Date of Poster
2020
Date of Submission
May 2020
Abstract
The present study was to bridge this gap in knowledge by evaluating the relationship between depression, liver disease and weight change after LT. Weight gain after liver transplantation (LT) is common, particularly in patients transplanted for NASH cirrhosis, and is associated with reduced survival. In non-LT patients, presence and sub-optimal management of depression is closely associated with weight gain and obesity. The impact of depression as predictor of post-LT weight gain is currently not known. Method:All adult patients receiving LT between 7/2007 to 7/2017 were included in the analysis. Patients with graft failure or death within 6 months after LT were excluded. Baseline weight was weight 2 weeks after LT to avoid contribution of peri-transplant edema. Screening for depression was performed by a psychologist or psychiatrist using DSM-IV/V guidelines. Antidepressant use was quantified through chart review. Results: The presence of depression did not affect weight change in patients transplanted for HCV and alcoholic cirrhosis; however, in patients transplanted for NASH cirrhosis depression was positively associated with 60 months post-LT weight gain. Patients receiving treatment for depression, the weight gain was mitigated, whereas in patients with NASH cirrhosis and depression not on anti-depressants the weight gain was significantly more profound at each follow up.Conclusion: Presence and under-treatment of depression are associated with more profound weight gain in patients transplanted for NASH cirrhosis, likely reflecting poor coping mechanisms. Additional trials with aggressive screening and treatment of depression in patients transplanted for NASH cirrhosis are essential to mitigate post-LT weight gain
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VCU School of Medicine GME Resident and Fellow Research Day Posters