Sarcopenia in liver transplantation: A review.

Background & Aims: The most recent definition of sarcopenia includes the presence of both low skeletal muscle mass and low skeletal muscle function. As sarcopenia has been associated with numerous poor outcomes in the general surgical population, investigation into its presence in the liver transplantation population is warranted. This review aims to synthesize the available data regarding sarcopenia and liver transplantation.

Methods: Data sourcing was completed by searching the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane.

Results: Perioperative sarcopenia has been associated with poorer survival, increased wait list mortality and increased length of stay. Although the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score is routinely used to predict post liver transplantation mortality and morbidity, literature suggests it does not reflect sarcopenic status.

Discussion: Sarcopenia is associated with poor liver transplantation outcomes. Future research should consider utilizing the recent working definition of sarcopenia and generating diagnostic reference values.