Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Liver Transplant Recipients in Iran

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetSx) is common among liver transplant recipients. It contributes to morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of MetSx in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LTx) in Iran. METHODS: 202 liver transplant recipients of both sexes completed this study. Relevant information including age, sex, the underlying disease, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting serum levels of blood sugar (FBS), triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol were measured. The prevalence of MetSx was evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after LTx. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetSx was 36.6% after 1 month that decreased to 28.2% after 12 months of follow-up. The lowest prevalence of MetSx (27.7%) was observed 9 months after LTx. Our data showed a decrease in TG and an increase in HDL-C level and no significant changes in blood pressure, waist circumference and FBS during the study period. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetSx after LTx is high when compared to the normal population. It seems that a change in diet after transplantation may affect the prevalence of MetSx.