Relationship between GH/IGF-1 Axis, Graft Recovery, and Early Survival in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation

High levels of IGF-1 have been reported in patients with initial poor function of the graft after liver transplantation ( LT). Correlation with other clinical variables or early survival has not been extensively investigated. Aim. To evaluate the GH/IGF1 profile as a function of liver recovery and patients' early survival after LT. Methods. 30 transplanted patients ( 23 survivors and 7 nonsurvivors), were retrospectively enrolled in the study. GH and IGF-1 serum levels were assessed at baseline, graft reperfusion, and 1, 7, 15, 30, 90, and 360 days after LT. Individual biochemical variables were also recorded. Results. After grafting, IGF-1 in blood linearly correlated with cholesterol (r = 0.6, P = 0.001). IGF-1 levels from day 15 after surgery were statistically higher in survivors as compared to nonsurvivors. ROC curves analysis identified an IGF-1 cut-off >90 mu g/L, from day 15 after surgery, as a good predictor of survival (sensitivity 86%, specificity 95%, and P < 0.001). Conclusions. After LT, GH levels correlate with the extent of cytolysis, while IGF-1 is an indicator of liver synthetic function recovery. IGF-1 levels >90 mu g/L (day 15-30) seem to be an indicator of short-term survival.