Association of iron overload with infectious complications in liver transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #liver-transplantation #iron-overload #ferritins #infections

Association of iron overload with infectious complications in liver transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhang et al., 2024 | J Int Med Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhang Jingpo, Yan Bingzheng, Shi Xin. Association of iron overload with infectious complications in liver transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Med Res. 2024-Mar;52(3):3000605241232920. doi:10.1177/03000605241232920

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to examine the possible association of iron overload with infectious complications and survival among liver transplant recipients. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases up to September 2022. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted to estimate the association of iron overload with infectious outcomes and overall survival after liver transplantation. RESULTS: Eight studies involving 2817 recipients met the inclusion criteria. Iron overload was strongly associated with an increased risk of infection after liver transplantation (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.03-2.68). An increase in the serum ferritin level was associated with an increased risk of infection after liver transplantation (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09-1.91). Iron overload was a significant predictor of worse overall survival (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.64). In addition, a high serum ferritin level was significantly associated with an increased risk of death (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.10-1.64). CONCLUSION: Iron overload may be associated with a higher risk of infectious complications and a worse prognosis among liver transplant recipients.

Key Findings

Eight studies involving 2817 recipients met the inclusion criteria. Iron overload was strongly associated with an increased risk of infection after liver transplantation (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.03-2.68). An increase in the serum ferritin level was associated with an increased risk of infection after liver transplantation (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.09-1.91). Iron overload was a significant predictor of worse overall survival (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.64). In addition, a high serum ferritin level was signi

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Iron Overload
  • Ferritins
  • Infections
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Transplant Recipients

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09