Treatment of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common indication for liver transplantation in the United States and Europe, and more than 20,000 patients worldwide have undergone transplantation for complications of chronic hepatitis C. In North America, HCV accounts for 15% to 50% of the liver transplants performed in United States transplant programs. To maximize the long-term survival of liver transplant recipients who have HCV infection, eradication of infection is the ultimate goal. Pretransplant antiviral therapy with the goal of achieving viral eradication before transplantation is a consideration in some patients, especially those who have mildly decompensated liver disease. This article focuses on the management of liver transplant recipients who have HCV infection at the time of transplantation. Prophylactic and preemptive therapies, as well as treatment of established recurrent disease, are the strategies reviewed.
Biggins
Scott W
SW
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, S357, Box 0538 San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Terrault
Norah A
NA
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin