| Theme | The Forefront of Hepatitis C Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Antiviral Treatment for Recurrent Hepatitis C after Liver Transplantation | |
| Publish Date | 2012/10 | |
| Author | Nobuhisa Akamatsu | Department of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University / Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| Author | Yasuhiko Sugawara | Artificial Organ and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo |
| [ Summary ] | The outcome of liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced cirrhosis is reported to be worsened when compared to other indications. Anti-HCV treatment after liver transplantion is crucial to improve outcomes for HCV positive recipients. In Western countries, antiviral treatment with pegylated-interferon / ribavirin for 12 months after the confirmation of disease recurrence by liver biopsy is prevalent. On the other hand, in Japan where living-donor liver transplantation is predominantly performed, a modified strategy employing preemptive approachs, including dose escalation and treatment elongation is preferred. In spite of numerous reports on anti-HCV treatment after liver transplantation, it is still unclear whether antiviral treatment may improve patient and graft survival in the long term. | |