Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

Liver TX for hepatitis C cirrhosis in a low prevalence population: risk factors and status at evaluation

Espen Melum1, Erik Schrumpf, Kristian Bjøro

  • 1Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|April 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

In Norway, few Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients undergo liver transplantation (LTX). Most evaluated patients with HCV cirrhosis have risk factors, indicating disease progression is a key factor for LTX consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis is a leading indication for liver transplantation (LTX) globally.
  • HCV infection prevalence is notably lower in Norway compared to other countries with published LTX data.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of HCV-infected patients referred for LTX in Norway.
  • To identify risk factors associated with rapid HCV disease progression in patients evaluated for LTX.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 51 HCV-infected patients referred for LTX evaluation between 1990 and 2005 was studied.
  • Clinical status, biochemical parameters, and risk factors were recorded.
  • Patients were followed until January 2005, irrespective of transplantation status.

Main Results:

  • Intravenous drug abuse (28%) and contaminated IgG (15%) were primary infection routes.
  • 88% of patients had risk factors for rapid HCV progression.
  • Listed patients had significantly higher MELD scores (18.4) than unlisted patients (12.1).
  • 24 patients received LTX with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 81%, 68%, and 68%, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • Norway has evaluated a limited number of HCV patients for LTX.
  • Nearly all HCV patients evaluated for LTX in Norway exhibit risk factors for cirrhosis development.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...