Hepatitis C in the liver transplant recipient: current understanding and treatment.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease is the leading indication for orthotopic liver transplantation worldwide. Recurrent HCV infection as defined by viremia after transplantation is nearly universal, with histologic evidence of recurrent hepatitis present in the majority. Although short-term survival appears to be similar to that in other causes of liver failure, it has recently been demonstrated that approximately 20-30% of HCV-positive patients develop allograft cirrhosis by 5 years. Therefore, it is possible to define disease outcomes within a relatively short period of follow-up. Identification of patients who are likely to develop progressive HCV-related allograft injury is important to optimize results of current antiviral therapy.
Rosen
Hugo R
HR
Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Program, Oregon Health and Sciences University, PO Box 1034, P3-GI, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd, Portland, OR 97207, USA. hugo.rosen@med.va.gov
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents