Published in Transplantation
International (September 2007), the current study analyzed the outcome after
liver re-transplantation for recurrent hepatitis C in 18 patients (group 1) and
compared their outcomes with HCV positive patients undergoing liver re-transplantation
for initial non-function (group 2, n = 11) and patients with liver re-transplantation
for other indications (group 3, n = 169).
Results
•
5-year patient
survival following re-transplantation for groups 1, 2, and 3 was 59%, 84%, and
60%, respectively.
•
Increased
alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum bilirubin, as well as white cell count
and MELD score at the day of re-transplantation were associated with impaired
patient outcome.
Conclusion
According
to the study authors, "Five-year survival after re-transplantation in patients
with recurrent hepatitis C is similar to that in patients undergoing liver re-transplantation
for other indications."
They also noted, "Our analysis showed
MELD score, bilirubin, ALT levels and white cell counts pre-orthotopic liver transplantation
are important predictive factors for outcome."
The authors concluded,
"This observational study may help select patients and identify the optimal
time-point for liver re-transplantation in hepatitis C virus positive patients
in the future."
Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, und Transplantationschirurgie
Universitätsklinikum Charité, Campus Virchow - Klinikum, Humboldt-
Universität, Berlin, Germany.
08/31/07
Reference M
Bahra, U P Neumann, D Jacob, and others. Outcome after Liver Re-transplantation
in Patients with Recurrent Chronic Hepatitis C. Transplantation International
20(9): 771-778. September 2007 (Epub July 6, 2007).
