| Theme |
The Forefront of Hepatitis C Treatment |
| Title |
Antiviral Treatment for Recurrent Hepatitis C after Liver Transplantation |
| 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. |