Autonomic neuropathy in end-stage cirrhotic patients and evolution after liver transplantation

Abstract

Autonomic neuropathy (AN), which is frequently observed in cirrhosis patients, has been associated with a higher mortality. We have prospectively evaluated the prevalence of AN, its relationship with the degree of liver dysfunction and circulatory disturbances, and the evolution of AN after liver transplantation (LT) in 62 end-stage liver cirrhosis patients. AN was evaluated by seven cardiovascular tests assessing sympathetic or parasympathetic function before and 6 months after LT. Patients were classified as showing absent (A), early (E), or definite dysfunction (D). AN appeared in 67.7% of cases (E: 24.2%, D: 43.5%) without relation to liver disease etiology. Parasympathetic dysfunction was more prevalent than sympathetic dysfunction (59.7% vs. 20.9%). AN was significantly related to Child-Pugh score. Hyperdynamic circulation was more marked in the D than the A group as shown by a greater cardiac output (CO)(9 vs. 7.3 L/min) and a lower peripheral resistance (SVR)(666 vs. 866 dyn.s.cm −5). Moreover, AN scores significantly correlated with CO and SVR. Overall the prevalence of AN decreased 6 months after LT (67.7 % vs 48%) due to a significant reduction in definite AN (43.5 vs. 14.8%; P < .05). AN improved in 70% of cases after LT. Sympathetic dysfunction remained in only one patient. We conclude that AN is frequent in liver transplant candidates; its severity is associated with the degree of liver failure. Systemic circulatory disturbances seem to correlate with the severity of AN. AN is clearly improved by LT. The evaluation of AN may contribute to a better selection of LT recipients.