Potential independent risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in the post liver transplant patients

Abstract

Background: Deficiency of native vitamin D [cholecalciferol, 25(OH)D3] is a common in patients with end stage liver failure. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the risk factors and their frequency associated with 25(OH)D3 deficiency after liver transplantation. Method: This study includes the patients with liver transplantation and carried out at the tertiary care center. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in those patients. Results: A total of 148 patients were entered the study. Chronic viral hepatitis was the most common reason for transplantation (66.2%). Postoperative follow-up period was shorter than 1 year in eightytwo patients (55.4 %). Post-transplant 25(OH)D3 levels were below 20 ng/mL in 93 (62.8 %) patients Post-transplant 25(OH)D3 deficiency was greater in patients with follow-up periods shorter than 1 year (p = <0.001), in those receiving immunosupression with mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, steroids and in those with low hematocrit rate and, albumin levels. On multivariate analysis, post-transplant follow-up period shorter than 1 year (OR: 6.18, 95% CI: 2.681-14.255, p<0.001) and steroid use in chronic immunosuppression (OR: 9.47, 95% CI: 1.165-77.009, p=0.035) were detected asindependent accompanying factors with 25(OH)D3 deficiency. Conclusions: The The risk of 25(OH)D3 deficiency in p atients receiving immunosuppressive treatment with steroids to prevent rejection or those in the first post-transplant year was high. Therefore, serum 25(OH)D3 levels of the patients after liver transplantation should be monitored regularly.