With the availability of effective antiviral regimen for HCV, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in western countries and it is becoming the most frequent indication for liver transplantation in US. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD worldwide, parallels the rising prevalence of DM and Obesity, which are known risk factors for NAFLD. The clinical burden of this global epidemic on non-liver transplant candidates is unknown. Therefore, the Aim of this study is to determine the prevalence in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pre-transplant data of candidates who received transplant (i.e. heart, lung, kidney) during the study period (Jan 2014 – Dec 2014). We included all adults (> 18 years old) and we excluded re-transplants, polycystic kidney/liver and living donors. Using our transplant registry, data extracted included diagnosis, age, gender, race/ethnicity. Diagnosis of NAFLD was based on absence of EtOH use and presence of hepatic steatosis on imaging. The BMI cutoff for lung/heart and kidney at our institution is 32 and 35 respectively. Results: The study population (n=175) included lung (n=38), heart (n=43) and kidney (n=94). The age range was 18 – 75 years, male 62% and predominantly Caucasian (65%). There was a significant variation in the presence of NAFLD among the study population: Lung 8% vs Heart 12% vs Kidney 22% (p=0.027). There was no variation in gender, age or ethnicity. Conclusion: NAFLD is under-recognized and under-diagnosed in the non- hepatic organ transplant population. In order to reduce the liver related morbidity and mortality associated with global NAFLD epidemic, a heightened awareness is needed among healthcare providers involved in the care of this transplant population.

CITATION INFORMATION: Kemmer N, Alsina A. Fatty Liver in Non-Hepatic Organ Transplantation. Am J Transplant. 2016;16 (suppl 3).

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