Molecular and cellular aspects of hepatitis C virus reinfection after liver transplantation: how the early phase impacts on outcomes

Transplantation. 2009 Apr 27;87(8):1105-11. doi: 10.1097/TP.0b013e31819dfa83.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease postliver transplantation is associated with an accelerated course in comparison with that observed in the nonimmunosuppressed individual. Outcomes in transplantation for this indication have, therefore, been a major area of clinical interest in the field of liver transplantation. The factors underlying the rapid progression of HCV-related liver disease posttransplantation are complex and multifactorial. Nevertheless, recent data indicate a range of parameters assessable early posttransplantation that may be useful in the prediction of outcome of transplantation for this condition. This overview, therefore, concentrates on the early events occurring postliver transplantation in the HCV-infected patient, and the implications of these recent observations for the pathogenesis of the various forms of HCV-related allograft injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Graft Rejection
  • Hepacivirus / physiology
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / surgery*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / surgery
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Liver Transplantation / immunology
  • Liver Transplantation / mortality
  • Liver Transplantation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / virology
  • Recurrence
  • Reperfusion Injury / epidemiology
  • Survivors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Viremia / epidemiology
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents