Saturday, September 12, 2009

Treatment of the Post- Liver Transplant Patient

Hepatitis C is the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. In patients who undergo liver transplantation secondary to hepatitis C, the reappearance of HCV RNA post transplantation is an almost universal occurrence.

The natural history of post transplantation hepatitis C appears to be rapid, with as many as 20% of recipients developing cirrhosis within 5 years of transplantation. Studies with IFN mono therapy in this setting have reported biochemical responses in up to 25% of patients, but virologic response is rare. One study reported a sustained response rate of 24% with a 6-month course of combination IFN and ribavirin. After loss of HCV RNA with combination therapy, ribavirin mono therapy has been used as maintenance therapy. Although combination therapy has not been associated with rejection, significant anemia secondary to hemolysis is common. Larger trials are needed to better address the issue of recurrence of hepatitis C after transplantation.

1 comment:

  1. I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of the
    liver already present. I started on antiviral medications which
    reduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virus
    became resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment from
    ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com) in March, 2020. Their
    treatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test after
    the 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazing
    treatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers

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