Long-term Changes in Liver Enzymes and Coagulation factors Following Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Background: Changes in metabolic and hepatic parameters following weight loss therapeutic interventions, especially bariatric surgery, have been shown in various studies, however, the results of the reduction or increase in liver markers and enzymes have been highly controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in liver enzymes and coagulation parameters over five years after bariatric surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 40 consecutive morbid obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery at the two educational hospitals in Tehran between 2006 and 2016. In initial laboratory assessment, the serum levels of direct and total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALKp), as well as coagulation factors (PT and INR) were assessed and the tests were repeated about five years later. Results: The changes in all indices remained insignificant 5 years after bariatric surgery as compared to before operation. Regarding the findings in liver fibroscan, the mean Fibroscan score was 6.07 +/- 0.98 and the mean CAP score was 15.34 +/- 14.13. Conclusion: Liver function markers such as liver enzymes and coagulation factors turned to normal range over five years of bariatric surgery. In other words, changes in the above parameters occur in the short term after surgery leading compensatory recovery in long-term.