Hepatitis C in transplant recipients of solid organs, other than liver

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent in candidates for, and recipients of, solid organ transplants. HCV infection can lead to diminished patient and allograft survival in the long-term in recipients of kidney transplants. Outcomes in recipients of other solid organ transplants (lung, heart, small bowel, pancreas, pancreas-kidney) are not well established. Large, well-designed, prospective studies are needed to answer these questions. Interferon therapy for HCV before transplantation can lead to improved outcomes. Therefore, transplant candidates should be considered for and offered interferon therapy before embarking on organ transplantation. Posttransplant interferon therapy can be complicated by acute allograft rejection and is not recommended, except with advanced liver disease.