[Organ transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Results of a survey in German transplantation centres].
BACKGROUND
Despite considerable advances following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, organ transplantation is usually denied categorically for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, and it is presented in German transplantation law as a contraindication. Today, this should be questioned critically.


METHODS
A survey at all 87 German transplant centres was done concerning (1) how many HIV-positive patients were transplanted before and after February 2000, (2) willingness of the centres to transplant HIV-infected patients in the future, and (3) course of transplanted HIV patients so far.


RESULTS
With a response rate of 78%, 39% of the questioned centres were accepting HIV patients in the future for transplantation, and 39% rejected this. Twenty percent voted for individual case decision. Three centres had practiced liver transplantation in 11 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The decision to transplant HIV-positive patients in Germany is mostly based on individual cases and not refused in general. However, prospective studies on this issue are justified and needed.
Frühauf
N R
NR
Klinik für Allgemein- und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen.
Köditz
R
R
Radecke
K
K
Malagó
M
M
Lang
H
H
Broelsch
C E
CE
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D005858:Germany; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D016019:Survival Analysis
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents