FRI093 Severe Hypertriglyceridemia Post Liver Transplant- A Multifactorial Disorder

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: A.R. Saand: None. A.R. Drinnon: None. F. Mubeen: None. J. Shakil: None. Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a known complication in solid organ transplant patients. In addition to increasing cardiovascular complications and mortality risk, these metabolic abnormalities also increase the risk of allograft atherosclerosis and vasculopathy. Although medications used in post-transplant management have a well-documented effect of worsening lipid profile, multiple factors may be contributing in the development of severe HTG. Case Description: We describe a 68-year-old male with elevated triglycerides (TG) of 3957 mg/dL on hospital admission for pneumomediastinum. He received liver transplant 2 years prior due to alcohol-related liver cirrhosis. He had normal TGs prior to the transplant. Immunosuppressant regimen included tacrolimus (TAC) and methylprednisone. Lipoprotein electrophoresis was normal. Intravenous insulin infusion was initiated with moderate improvement however, upon transition to oral medications: fenofibrate, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and rosuvastatin, TGs continued to increase. Reinitiating insulin infusion showed no improvement. TAC was switched to cyclosporin with transient decrease in TGs. Upon discharge amylase and lipase levels remained normal despite TG elevation. When readmitted for an unrelated reason, his TGs were elevated at 2218 mg/dl. Plasmapheresis was initiated but was complicated by anaphylaxis with angioedema requiring intubation. After partial plasmapheresis, TGs significantly decreased and soon returned to normal. Post-discharge, the patient was changed back to previous TAC dosage due to cyclosporin related renal injury. His steroid dose was reduced and icosapent was added, resulting in no further recurrence of HTG. Discussion: Following liver transplant, about 15-40% recipients have increased cholesterol levels and about 40% have HTG. Although, immunosuppressant-induced dyslipidemia is seen frequently, additional risk factors have been identified. A retrospective study of 85 patients post liver transplant showed HTG developed early within the first month in about 67% patients and persisted throughout the first year. Some common factors predictive of HTG post liver transplant include pre-liver transplant hepatocellular disease and post-transplant renal dysfunction. A study in pediatric patients post liver transplant observed that changes in lipoprotein and HDL subfraction post-transplant may lead to hypertriglyceridemia. Our case suggests that HTG may be multifactorial given the persistent elevation of TGs despite the change in immunosuppressant regimen. Patient factors as well as genetic characteristics of the donor liver may be potential causes. Recognizing this variation in patient populations may be extremely important due to high risk for pancreatitis and cardiovascular events. Early identification and management may prevent complications. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023