Relationship between GH/IGF-1 Axis, Graft Recovery, and Early Survival in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation

Background. High levels of IGF-1 have been reported in patients with initial poor function of the graft after liver transplantation (LT). Correlation with other clinical variables or early survival has not been extensively investigated. Aim. To evaluate the GH/IGF-1 profile as a function of liver recovery and patients' early survival after LT. Methods. 30 transplanted patients (23 survivors and 7 nonsurvivors), were retrospectively enrolled in the study. GH and IGF-1 serum levels were assessed at baseline, graft reperfusion, and 1, 7, 15, 30 , 90, and 360 days after LT. Individual biochemical variables were also recorded. Results. After grafting, IGF-1 in blood linearly correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.6, P = 0.001). IGF-1 levels from day 15 after surgery were statistically higher in survivors as compared to nonsurvivors. ROC curves analysis identified an IGF-1 cut-off >90 μg/L, from day 15 after surgery, as a good predictor of survival (sensitivity 86%, specificity 95%, and P < 0.001). Conclusions. After LT, GH levels correlate with the extent of cytolysis, while IGF-1 is an indicator of liver synthetic function recovery. IGF-1 levels >90 μg/L (day 15–30) seem to be an indicator of short-term survival.