Treatment of recurrent hepatitis C following liver transplantation.
Cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus infection is now the most common indication for liver transplantation in Western Europe and the United States. In the absence of effective prophylaxis, recurrent hepatitis C virus infection is almost inevitable. Although the natural history and intermediate-term outcome of recurrent infection with hepatitis C virus are now better documented, factors that may influence the recurrence of hepatitis and consequent progression of graft disease remain unclear. Interferon used as a single agent for the treatment of recurrent infection has proven unsatisfactory. Early intervention for recurrent infection with the combination of interferon and ribavirin appears promising, and this approach may prevent or delay progression of hepatitis C virus-related graft disease after liver transplantation.
Bizollon
T
T
Hepatology Unit, Hôtel-Dieu, 69288 Lyon Cedex 02, France.
Ducerf
C
C
Baulieux
J
J
Trepo
C
C
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons