Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis C status of heart transplant recipients
S Fagiuoli1, D K Cooper, N Zuhdi
1Department of Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Italy.
Insights
Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is more common after heart transplantation (HTx) than expected. Eight percent of patients developed HCV positivity, with some progressing to fatal liver failure, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplant Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses risks in immunocompromised patients.
- The incidence and impact of HCV in heart transplant recipients are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of HCV infection in patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTx).
- To characterize the clinical course and outcomes of HCV infection post-HTx.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 155 successful heart transplantation (HTx) patient records.
- HCV RNA testing, liver function tests, and liver biopsies were utilized.
- Outcomes including liver injury, chronic hepatitis, and mortality were assessed.
Main Results:
- One patient was HCV RNA positive pre-HTx; 12 patients (8%) developed post-HTx HCV positivity.
- HCV RNA positivity correlated with biochemical liver injury.
- Liver biopsies showed chronic hepatitis in all 8 patients tested; 2 died from liver failure.
Conclusions:
- HCV infection is a significant concern in heart transplant recipients.
- HCV post-HTx can range from transient to fatal chronic liver failure.
- Early detection and management strategies for HCV in HTx patients are crucial.
Abstract:
The records of 155 consecutive patients who underwent successful heart transplantation (HTx) were reviewed to document the incidence of hepatitis C (HCV) infection. One patient was HCV RNA positive pre-HTx, and 12 patients (8%) developed transient or permanent HCV positivity post-HTx. HCV RNA positivity was associated with biochemical features of liver injury. Liver biopsy was performed in 8, and demonstrated features of chronic hepatitis in all. Two patients died of chronic liver failure at 50 and 56 months post-HTx, respectively. Interferon therapy was given to three patients, two of whom converted to HCV negativity. This study suggests that HCV infection is more common than previously anticipated in HTx patients, and varies from a mild transient condition to a fatal chronic liver failure.