Chronic viral hepatitis and the management of chronic renal failure

Effective control measures to reduce the spread of HBV in dialysis units have had a major beneficial impact on the management of patients with chronic renal failure (Table 3). The exact impact of chronic HBV infection on graft and patient survival following RT remains unclear, and the outcome may depend in great part on the severity of the pre-RT liver disease. RT should only be offered to HBV-infected patients after careful consideration of all the pertinent data, including results of liver biopsy. Advances in HBV vaccination may further decrease the risk of infection in patients on HD. Our understanding of HCV is evolving rapidly, but the question of the risk of transmission of HCV within dialysis units is still unsettled and thus recommendations about isolation of HCV-infected patients are not possible. Although RT does not appear to be deleterious in many HCV-infected patients, histologic and clinical evidence of severe liver disease should also prompt caution in offering RT. Longer term studies are required to assess the ultimate effect of RT in patients with HCV. Clearly, subjective improvement of quality of life associated with successful RT compared to chronic dialysis should not be withheld lightly. Pending further experience, use of organs from anti-HCV-positive donors in non-emergent situations is best avoided. The role of antiviral agents in RT recipients with chronic viral hepatitis also remains to be defined. Improved supportive care of patients with chronic renal disease, including erythropoietin therapy, as well as improved tests for anti-HCV screening of donor blood will help to further diminish exposure to HCV in HD units.