Rebuilding and Rediscovering: Life after a Liver Transplant

Dr.Ajitabh Srivastava, 4 mins read

The life expectancy after liver transplants in India and the world today is higher than it has been before, with a majority of patients leading a better quality of life after liver transplants. If you or a loved one are in line for a liver transplant or have got one, this article will provide ample information about what the future may hold, near and far. , and how you can live a wholesome and better life post liver transplant.

A liver transplant is a treatment rather than a cure for liver failure, and remains a complex procedure, especially after the transplant has been done. There can be problems after a liver transplant is done.  Some patients will need to admit themselves into the hospital during the first year itself. 

These issues can be a result of infections, a recurring disease, or cancer, even problems in other parts of the body may cause complications. 

Immunosuppression after liver transplant 

Patients need to take immunosuppressant drugs post-transplant to reduce the risk of rejection but this can cause complications with the immune system. The immune system relies on white blood cells known as T and B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies that protect the body from infections. Immunosuppressant drugs decrease the amount of T and B lymphocytes produced by hindering the production of DNA, and genetic material within the cells, which prevents the cells from dividing and multiplying. Lesser white blood cells mean a weakened immune system unable to reject the transplanted organ.

The side effects of immunosuppression include

a weakened immune system, which means being prone to contracting more infections, more easily. Immunosuppressant drugs may also complicate the production of other blood cells in the bone marrow. Lesser red blood cells may open the door to anemia while a reduction of platelets could cause blood clotting issues. 

Other possible side effects are kidney damage, high blood pressure or hypertension, increased blood fats, diabetes, and osteoporosis. 

Again, your transplant team will monitor the concentration of medications in your blood to help avoid or manage any complications.

Rejection of new liver 

The immune system keeps foreign bodies from harming your body; it keeps you safe from viruses, bacteria, and other organisms. Without immunosuppressants that weaken the immune system, it may view your new liver as an invader that needs to be attacked. 

This is known as ‘rejection’. Some immune response is common and occurs in a majority of liver transplants, mostly within ten days but can also happen at any time.

Rejection soon after surgery is known as ‘acute rejection, and it does not mean that your new liver won’t work, but your doctors must take care of it and stop rejection as soon as possible.

‘Chronic rejection’ occurs sometime after transplantation and can be noticed by a gradual loss of liver function, which may take years.

To prevent rejection, you’ll be given medication to make your immune system less aggressive. You’ll have to take immunosuppressants for the rest of your life.

The symptoms of rejection you should look out for include a high fever, abdominal pain, or, flu-like symptoms like aches, chills, aches, fatigue, headaches, feeling nauseated, vomiting, itchiness, and breathlessness. 

It is also possible that you won’t see any clear symptoms, so make sure you attend your appointments whenever you are asked to, just to keep an eye out for other signs of rejection.

Fortunately, chronic liver rejection affects very few people and medication is available to control chronic rejection. 

Infections after liver transplant 

Infections inside your body that were otherwise harmless may get activated after a transplant or your new liver may carry one. Usually, these infections won’t affect a healthy person but can cause problems for immunosuppressed people.

Most people will likely contract an infection in the first few months after the transplant when high doses of immunosuppressants are administered. 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a form of herpes, is quite common and usually occurs during the first-month post-transplant.

Herpes Simplex viruses (HSV), Varicella–zoster virus (VZV), chickenpox (varicella), and shingles (herpes zoster) are other common infections. 

Cardiovascular risk 

Individuals who have undergone a liver transplant are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Immunosuppressants increase appetite and have been linked with the development of hypertension and excessive blood fats, weight gain, and type 2 diabetes. 

Lifestyle changes 

A liver transplant is a major life event, a huge physical and emotional change that can put anyone under great stress. It’s common to experience a host of emotions and psychological problems after a transplant. This makes support from family and friends so important, who can help you with positive support and encouragement.

On the other hand, the people who have received a liver transplant will also receive a tremendous psychological boost; after all, another chance at life can’t be a thing to fret over, can it?

Stay healthy, eat well, attend your appointments, exercise, get ample sleep, take your medicines and keep your medical team in the loop.  If you are looking to get a liver transplant done for your loved ones but if you are doubtful about the average life after a liver transplant or maximum life after a liver transplant, book an appointment today with us, consult the liver transplant specialist and clear your doubts.   

Also, Read: What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?