Clinical relevance of recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis after liver transplantation.

Review of the literature shows that recurrence of primary biliary cirrhosis occurs in about 10% of patients in the first few years after liver transplantation. The cumulative risk is expected to increase in time. The rate of recurrent disease may be affected by the immunosuppression used. Weaning from immunosuppression may initiate recurrence. Disease progression is slow and no reason for graft loss.