Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Short-Term Outcomes in Renal Transplantation

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus with 6 known genotypes. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the world is almost 3%. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, prevalence of hepatitis C virus positivity is reported to be from 1%-54% depending on the methods used for detection. Liver disease in kidney transplant recipients has been attributed to hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, ethanol, hemosiderosis, and drugs such as azathioprine and cyclosporine A. Hepatitis C virus infection is currently the maincause of chronic liver disease in this group, and it may affect allograft outcome. Whether hepatitis C virus infection after renal transplantation adversely affects graft and patient survival remains controversial. Several series have reported no impact on short- and long-term patient and graft survival. In fact, comparative studies using different immunosuppressive protocols are not available. The differences in the results of these studies may be explained by confounding factors, for example, differences in immunosuppressive protocols, study design, methodology of diagnosing hepatitis C virus infection, and differences in hepatitis C virus genotypes. Treatment protocols for hepatitis-C-virus–associated liver disease should be considered before renal transplantation. Nevertheless, transplantation is the best option for patients with hepatitis C virus with end-stage renal disease, and less hepatotoxic immunosuppressive agents may decrease the incidence of posttransplant liver disease in patients with hepatitis C virus. This review will discuss the studies with specific emphasis on the impact of hepatitis C virus infection on short-term outcome in renal transplantation