Risk Factors Analysis for New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus after Liver Transplantation-A National Population Based Study in Taiwan

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) after liver transplantation in a nation-wide population study. Methods: This study analyzed administrative claims data obtained from the Bureau of National Health Insurance in Taiwan. There were 1876 adult patients who received liver transplantation in 1999-2010. Results: NODM was reported in 141 (14% ) of 1004 liver transplantation recipients. The incidence was significantly higher in HCV-positive patients than in HBV. The trend incidence is lower in the recent 5 years (OR=0.5, p＜ 0.001). NODM-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients older than 50 years (p=0.021), and patients with Hepatitis C (p=0.001). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, HCV infection is the only independent predictor of NODM (HR=1.71, 95%CI=1.16~2.53, p=0.006). Conclusions: The results of the current study suggest that HCV infection have a potential role in the pathogenesis of NODM. Liver transplantation recipients with HCV infection or being older than 50 years should be monitored very closely to observe the development of NODM.