Current Approach to Renal Transplantation Candidates and Potential Donors with Viral Hepatitis

Renal transplantation is the most beneficial treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), increasing life expectancy and improving quality of life. A better understanding of organ and tissue functions, the development of surgical techniques, and new and effective immunosuppressive and antimicrobial drugs increase the success of transplantation. However, the number of renal transplantations from living and cadaveric donors is not at the desired frequency. Among the leading causes of the restrictions for transplantation are both the recipients' and donors' chronic diseases. While hepatitis B and C infections are a significant problem affecting the number and success of renal transplantations, the innovation of hepatitis C virus treatments has improved outcomes. Thus, the recipient and donor hepatitis B and C virus infections are no longer considered as relative contraindications for renal transplantation. This review discusses the management of patients and donors with hepatitis B and hepatitis C in renal transplantation.