A Narrative Review of the Evaluation and Management of Liver Transplant Complications in the Emergency Department

Abstract

BackgroundLiver transplant recipients are prone to both short-term and long-term complications and may present to any emergency department. ObjectiveThis narrative review summarized key aspects of liver transplantation and reviewed the major complications that may result in emergency department presentation. DiscussionLiver transplantation is the only curative therapy for end-stage liver disease and the liver is the second most commonly transplanted solid organ. With nearly 100,000 living liver transplant recipients in the United States, these patients no longer present exclusively to transplantation centers. Critical complications may manifest with a variety of subtle signs and symptoms that must be considered by the emergency physician. Appropriate evaluation often includes laboratory analysis and imaging. Treatment may be time-sensitive and is variable depending on the specific complication. ConclusionsEmergency physicians in all settings must be prepared to evaluate and treat liver transplant recipients who present with potential graft- and life-threatening complications.