Long-term Prognosis and Recurrence of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis After Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease, with liver transplantation being the sole life-saving treatment for end-stage PSC-related liver disease. However, recurrence of PSC after liver transplantation is a common complication, with the risk factors for recurrence being controversial. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 45 patients who had undergone liver transplantation for PSC at our institute. The risk factors for PSC recurrence and graft failure after liver transplantation were analyzed. Results The graft survival rates were 55.4% at 5 years and 32.8% at 10 years after liver transplantation for PSC. PSC recurrence was diagnosed in 16 (40%) of 40 patients, at a median 30 months (range, 9-70 months) after liver transplantation. The cumulative incidence rate of PSC recurrence was 24.5% at 3 years, 39.3% at 5 years, and 45.8% at 6 years. Among the 16 patients diagnosed with PSC recurrence, the graft survival rate was 56.3% at 5 years, and 21.9% at 10 years after the recurrence. Active inflammatory bowel disease after liver transplantation was identified as an independent risk factor for PSC recurrence. Age younger than 30 years at the time of PSC diagnosis and bacteremia were factors significantly associated with graft failure after liver transplantation on multivariate analysis. Conclusions PSC frequently recurred and progressed to graft failure after liver transplantation for PSC. Maintaining an inactive status of inflammatory bowel disease might offer protection against PSC recurrence.