Treatment for recurrent hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation.

Cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the current leading indication for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the world. This series reports our program's experience with the treatment of HCV infection after the development of histological hepatitis. Between March 2002 and June 2008, patients with recurrent HCV were selected for treatment if the liver biopsy showed at least the F2 degree of Metavir score. HCV viral load was measured at 4, 12 and 24 weeks as well as at the end of treatment and at 6 months thereafter for patients who became HCV RNA negative (sustained virological response [SVR]). In this period, we performed 287 liver transplantations in 279 patients, including 117 (42%) who had HCV cirrhosis as the indication for OLT of whom 25 were eligible for antiviral treatment. Twelve patients completed treatment, 7 remain on treatment, and 6 were discontinued. The principal collateral effect was anemia. Only 1 patient had an episode of acute cellular rejection, which responded to adjustment of immunosuppression. Antiviral treatment in transplanted patients was feasible and did not seem to induce severe immunological effects. Adjuvant therapies to reduce cytopenias are frequently required, principally erythropoietin. The best results were observed with the pegylated interferon alfa (PEG) plus ribavirin (RBV) group: 38.9% of SVR. We recommend antiviral treatment of eligible patients with confirmed HCV recurrence using PEG plus RBV.

Living donor liver transplantation for acute liver failure: a single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the principal therapy for acute liver failure (ALF). The mortality on the waiting list for deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is high, principally in countries where donation rates are low. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) seems an option for the treatment of ALF, although some ethical issues need to be considered. Herein we have evaluated LDLT results among patients with ALF and discussed the ethical aspects of procedures performed in emergency situations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From March 2002 to October 2008, we performed 301 liver transplantations, including 103 from living donors. ALF was responsible for 10.6% of all transplantations; LDLT was only considered for pediatric recipients among whom 7 children displayed ALF. RESULTS: One patient died on postoperative day 33 due to hepatic artery thrombosis. One patient died at 2 months after transplantation due to biliary sepsis, resulting in an overall survival rate of 71%. The average time for donor discharge was 5 days. No mortality or major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of children with ALF undergoing LDLT was comparable to published data. Furthermore, despite the fact that the available time to prepare the donors was limited, no serious complications were observed in the postoperative period. Thus, using living donors for children with ALF is an effective, safe alternative that can be extremely useful in countries with low donation rates.