Natural history of hepatitis B and outcomes after liver transplantation

HBV infection is the single most common cause of cirrhosis globally although the prevalence rate is influenced by geographic region. The natural course of HBV infection and the clinical outcome is dependent on the interplay between host, virus, and environmental factors. Understanding the natural history of HBV infection is important in determining treatment strategies. OLT is the ultimate cure for patients with HBV-related liver failure or HCC. The use of HBIG and new antiviral agents has resulted in significant decrease in HBV re-infection rate and survival of patients transplanted for hepatitis B in recent years is comparable to that of patients transplanted for other liver disease.