Author information

• ¹Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1500 NW 12th Avenue, suite 1101, Miami, FL, 33136.
• ²Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Core Investigator, Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Health Care System.

Abstract

Recurrent primary biliary cholangitis (rPBC) occurs in up to 53% of LT recipients transplanted for PBC and negatively impacts long term graft (Hazard ratio 2.01) and patient survival (hazard ratio 1.72)(1). In multiple cohort studies, use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) post transplantation has been associated with a reduced incidence of rPBC. Biliary complications are reported in 10-35% of all liver transplant (LT) recipients and are clearly associated with increased morbidity and mortality(2). The term "biliary complications" encompasses a wide range of problems, including sludge, stones, casts, bile leaks, bilomas, anastomotic and non-anastomotic strictures and hemobilia. Conflicting data exist with respect to the benefit of UDCA post-LT to prevent biliary complications in general.