Treatment of hepatitis B and C following liver transplantation |
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Authors: | Craig A Sponseller MD Sanjay Ramrakhiani MD |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 3635 Vista Avenue at Grand Boulevard, 63110-0250 St. Louis, MO, USA |
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Abstract: | Advanced liver disease from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading indication for orthotopic liver
transplantation (OLT) worldwide. Our understanding of recurrent liver disease related to HBV and HCV in the setting of OLT
has evolved rapidly in the past decade. Recurrent viral hepatitis may lead to graft failure, death, or the need for retransplantation.
Until about a decade ago, HBV was considered a contraindication to OLT due to its frequent recurrence and development of associated
liver disease. Medical therapy with hepatitis B immune globulin and nucleoside analogues has diminished the risk of HBV recurrence
and led to improvement in patient and graft survival. Consequently, OLT is now considered to be the standard of care in patients
with end-stage liver disease related to HBV. HCV recurrence after OLT is almost universal. Although short-term survival in
patients undergoing OLT for HCV is similar to survival for those transplanted for other indications, recurrent HCV may have
an impact on long-term patient and graft survival. A specific and effective therapy has not been defined for recurrent HCV
following transplantation, but the combination of interferon and ribavirin appears promising. Optimal strategies to eradicate
these viruses or to slow disease progression are continually being investigated in light of the disparity between supply and
demand in a diminishing organ pool for OLT candidates. |
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