The cause of death for actress Michelle Trachtenberg, whose body was discovered in her Upper West Side home, remains undetermined, as reported by the New York City chief medical examiner’s office. A source informed NBC New York that the 39-year-old actress had recently undergone a liver transplant. It is unclear if any complications arose from the surgery.
Experts in liver disease state that post-transplant complications like infections or blood clots are not uncommon, but patient outcomes are generally positive, with a five-year survival rate exceeding 75%. Dr. Danielle Brandman, the medical director for liver disease and transplantation at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, mentioned that signs of the liver functioning properly are usually apparent before a patient is discharged from the hospital.
Serious potential complications following the transplant surgery include heart attacks, artery or vein issues around the new liver leading to liver failure, and elevated potassium levels caused by post-surgery medications that can affect heart rhythms, according to Dr. Elliot Tapper, an associate professor of hepatology at the University of Michigan. Dr. Tapper emphasized the challenges faced by patients recovering from such an extensive procedure.
Liver transplants are typically reserved for individuals with irreversible liver damage, with around 10,000 transplants performed annually in the U.S. and 24,000 individuals on the waiting list at any given time. The specific reasons behind Trachtenberg’s need for the transplant are unknown.
Nationwide, alcohol-related liver disease is the primary reason for liver transplants, accounting for 41% of cases in 2023, followed by fatty liver disease at 20%, a condition often associated with obesity and diabetes. Other less common reasons for transplants include liver cancer, viral hepatitis, and autoimmune disorders.
In recent years, fans of Trachtenberg, known for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” had expressed concerns about her health and appearance on social media. Trachtenberg responded over a year ago, reassuring her followers that she was doing well. The doctors interviewed highlighted the increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease and alcohol-related liver issues among young adults due to lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, and alcohol consumption.
Healthy livers are becoming less common in the nation due to the rising cases of fatty liver disease and alcohol-related problems. The need for liver transplants is growing, particularly among individuals in their 20s and 30s, according to the experts. Lifestyle choices and societal trends play a significant role in this concerning health issue.
Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue due to inflammation and swelling. This scarring hinders the liver’s ability to perform essential functions such as filtering toxins from the blood, aiding in digestion, and converting food into energy. Individuals in the advanced stage of the disease, known as end-stage liver disease, may exhibit symptoms like confusion, weight loss, and yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes.
The majority of liver transplants are sourced from deceased donors, although a small number of patients receive a portion of a healthy person’s liver. Recipients typically require lifelong medication to prevent their immune system from rejecting the donor organ, a phenomenon referred to as “rejection.” The highest risk of rejection occurs within the initial six months post-transplantation. Monitoring liver enzymes in the blood helps identify rejection, and prompt intervention is crucial to address the issue before it escalates.
Dr. Brian Lee, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist affiliated with Keck Medicine of USC, stresses the importance of early referral by healthcare providers for patients with liver disease to improve transplant outcomes. Delayed or lack of referral can result in preventable deaths from liver disease. Taking preventive measures, such as reducing alcohol consumption, limiting sugar intake, and incorporating physical activity, can reduce the risk of developing liver disease and the need for a transplant. Dr. Tapper underscores the significance of minimizing the need for liver transplants through proactive health measures.
