Hepatitis C and its impact on renal transplantation
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Published on: November 7, 2020
Jose M Morales1, Fabrizio Fabrizi2
1Research Institute, Immunology Department, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Avenida de Cordoba s/n, 28401, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection complicates renal transplantation, impacting graft survival. Novel interferon-free therapies offer improved outcomes for patients with chronic liver disease and end-stage renal disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a primary cause of chronic liver disease post-renal transplantation.
- Dialysis is a common route for HCV acquisition in patients awaiting transplantation.
- HCV infection negatively affects kidney graft acceptance and patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex relationship between renal transplantation, HCV infection, and liver disease.
- To highlight advancements in treating HCV in renal transplant recipients.
- To analyze clinical outcomes and donor-related factors in HCV-positive kidney transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on HCV infection in renal transplant recipients.
- Analysis of current and emerging therapeutic strategies for HCV.
- Evaluation of clinical complications, graft, and patient survival data.
- Assessment of outcomes for kidney transplants from HCV-positive donors.
Main Results:
- Interferon-free therapies show promise in altering the natural history of HCV post-transplantation.
- Direct-acting antiviral agents represent a significant therapeutic advance.
- HCV infection is associated with increased risks of liver disease, graft dysfunction, and reduced survival.
- Transplantation from HCV-positive donors presents unique considerations and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of HCV is crucial for improving outcomes in renal transplant recipients.
- Novel antiviral therapies are transforming HCV treatment paradigms in this population.
- Careful patient selection and management are essential when considering kidney allografts from HCV-positive donors.
Abstract:
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of chronic liver disease that occurs after renal transplantation. Such infection is often acquired during dialysis while patients wait to undergo renal transplantation. Renal transplantation is considered the best treatment option for patients with HCV infection and end-stage renal disease, although acceptance of a kidney graft by the host immune system and patient survival are lower compared to patients who test negative for HCV. The approval of interferon-free therapies could substantially change the natural history of HCV infection after renal transplantation. This Review discusses the interplay between renal transplantation, HCV infection, and liver disease. We emphasize the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including use of the newly identified direct-acting antiviral agents for treating hepatitis C among infected patients. We next analyse the most common clinical complications subsequent to HCV infection and the impact on graft and patient survival. Finally, we evaluate the consequences of kidney transplantation from HCV-positive donors.
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