[Liver transplants in viral hepatitides]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Transplant Surgery
• Viral Hepatitis Research

Background:

• Cirrhosis secondary to viral hepatitis B (HBV) and viral hepatitis C (HCV) remains a significant indication for liver transplantation.
• Long-term outcomes and management strategies for liver transplant recipients with viral hepatitis-induced cirrhosis require ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the outcomes of liver transplantation for cirrhosis caused by HBV and HCV over a 30-year period.
• To assess patient survival, recurrence rates, and the impact of antiviral therapy in liver transplant recipients with viral hepatitis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 451 liver transplant cases performed between February 1983 and December 2012 at the Brno Transplantation Centre.
• Specific focus on 10 patients transplanted for HBV-related cirrhosis and 41 patients transplanted for HCV-related cirrhosis.
• Evaluation of patient survival, disease recurrence, and antiviral treatment efficacy.

Main Results:

• Ten patients (2.2%) underwent liver transplantation for HBV-related cirrhosis, with a 30% mortality rate.
• Forty-one patients (9%) underwent liver transplantation for HCV-related cirrhosis, with a 36.6% mortality rate.
• Among HCV patients, 51% received antiviral therapy, and 66% experienced recurrence post-transplant.

Conclusions:

• Liver transplantation for viral hepatitis-induced cirrhosis is feasible, but associated with significant challenges.
• HCV recurrence post-liver transplant is common and contributes to poorer outcomes compared to HBV.
• Further research into optimizing antiviral strategies and managing recurrence is crucial for improving long-term survival.