Hepatitis C in transplant recipients of solid organs, other than liver.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent in candidates for, and recipients of, solid organ transplants. HCV infection can lead to diminished patient and allograft survival in the long-term in recipients of kidney transplants. Outcomes in recipients of other solid organ transplants (lung, heart, small bowel, pancreas, pancreas-kidney) are not well established. Large, well-designed, prospective studies are needed to answer these questions. Interferon therapy for HCV before transplantation can lead to improved outcomes. Therefore, transplant candidates should be considered for and offered interferon therapy before embarking on organ transplantation. Posttransplant interferon therapy can be complicated by acute allograft rejection and is not recommended, except with advanced liver disease.
Wells
Jennifer T
JT
Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, H6/516, CSC 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Lucey
Michael R
MR
Said
Adnan
A
D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D006085:Graft Survival; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000254:growth & development*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000821:virology*