Hepatitis C infection in kidney transplantation

Liver disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients. Twenty-five percent of long-term survivors after kidney transplantation will die because of liver failure. Hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infection are by far the most significant causes of chronic liver disease in this patient population. A comprehensive review is provided dealing with the clinical impact of HCV infection in different scenarios such as: hemodialisis, acute infection in kidney transplant patients, and the debated policy of performing kidney transplantation from HCV-positive kidney donors in positive recipients. Some related conditions such as diabetes and kidney-related HCV are discussed. Finally, an approach as well as a treatment proposal is provided by the authors.