New updates in the world of hepatitis C virus infected organ transplantation.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

With the advent of direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, the use of organs from hepatitis C virus infected (HCV+) donors is gaining more traction. In this review, we aim to: provide an overview of recent literature that supports the use of HCV+ organs, outline ongoing challenges to the use of these organs, and highlight the areas within this field where active investigation is ongoing.

RECENT FINDINGS:

The present review describes clinical outcomes related to the transplantation of both HCV+ nonviremic and viremic organs and the distinction between hepatic and nonhepatic transplants. It also discusses the current debate pertaining to the ideal treatment strategy for donor-derived HCV infection, that is pre-emptive therapy versus prophylaxis therapy.

SUMMARY:

Data suggest that the use of HCV+ organs is an effective and relatively well tolerated strategy to combat the organ scarcity. However, clinicians must be vigilant to a signal of increased inflammation as HCV+ organ transplantation becomes more universal. Recent studies suggest that shorter courses of DAA may sufficiently treat donor-derived HCV infection, however the best treatment approach to minimize risk, cost, and toxicity is still under investigation.

• Authors: Katya Prakash, Saima Aslam
• Journal: Current opinion in organ transplantation (Curr Opin Organ Transplant) Vol. 25 Issue 4 Pg. 364-370 (08 2020) ISSN: 1531-7013 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 32520787 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Hepacivirus (drug effects, isolation & purification)
• Hepatitis C (drug therapy, epidemiology, virology)
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy, epidemiology, virology)
• Humans
• Living Donors (statistics & numerical data)
• Organ Transplantation (methods, statistics & numerical data)
• Tissue and Organ Procurement (methods)
• Viremia (drug therapy, epidemiology, virology)