A model to predict severe HCV-related disease following liver transplantation

Hepatitis C and kidney disease: A narrative review

Hepatitis-C (HCV) infection can induce kidney injury, mostly due to formation of immune-complexes and cryoglobulins, and possibly to a direct cytopathic effect. It may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) as a part of systemic vasculitis, and augments the risk of AKI due to other etiologies. It is responsible for mesangiocapillary or membranous glomerulonephritis, and accelerates the progression of chronic kidney disease due to other causes. HCV infection increases cardiovascular and liver-related mortality in patients on regular dialysis. HCV-infected patients are at increased risk of acute post-transplant complications. Long-term graft survival is compromised by recurrent or de novo glomerulonephritis, or chronic transplant glomerulopathy. Patient survival is challenged by increased incidence of diabetes, sepsis, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and liver failure. Effective and safe directly acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are currently available for treatment at different stages of kidney disease. However, the relative shortage of DAAs in countries where HCV is highly endemic imposes a need for treatment-prioritization, for which a scoring system is proposed in this review. It is concluded that the thoughtful use of DAAs, will result in a significant change in the epidemiology and clinical profiles of kidney disease, as well as improvement of dialysis and transplant outcomes, in endemic areas.

Risk stratification of allograft failure secondary to hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation

AIM

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation decreases survival rates. Improved understanding of the multiple factors influencing HCV recurrence could aid decision-making for donor-recipient pairing and maximize transplant outcomes. The aim of this study was to create a model based on pretransplant variables to stratify patients at risk of HCV-related allograft failure.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 154 liver transplant recipients with HCV at Cleveland Clinic.

RESULTS

Among the study population, 54 recipients (35.1%) experienced HCV recurrence, histologically defined as moderate to severe hepatitis and/or bridging fibrosis to cirrhosis. The multivariate analysis found donor age (≥60 years, P < 0.002), donor body mass index (≥30 kg/m² , P < 0.05), African American recipient (P < 0.01) and genotype 1 (P < 0.02) as risk factors for HCV-related allograft failure. When these four factors were scored as a combined index (no factor [n = 15], one factor [n = 76], two factors [n = 43] and three or more factors [n = 20]), the HCV recurrence-free survival showed good stratification according to the scores: 93.3% with no factor, 79.3% with one factor, 52.0% with two factors and 24.4% with three or more factors at 3 years after transplant (P < 0.0001). Moreover, this risk index also identified the patient group at high risk of HCV recurrence after acute rejection.

CONCLUSION

While the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents has been changing the paradigm of HCV treatment, the natural history of recipients with HCV as shown in this study would help estimate the risk of HCV-related allograft failure in those who do not tolerate such new treatment.

Rapidity of fibrosis progression in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C is influenced by toll-like receptor 3 polymorphism

Liver transplantation activates the innate immune system through toll-like receptors (TLRs), potentially leading to allograft rejection and graft failure. We evaluated the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TLR genes with the severity of hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). This is a two-center study of 176 adult patients who received a first LT from deceased donors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis. Eleven polymorphisms were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and melting curves analyses: TLR1 (Asp248Ser and Ser602Ile), TLR2 (Arg753Gln), TLR3 (Leu412Phe), TLR4 (Asp299Gly), TLR5 (Arg392Stop), TLR6 (Ser249Pro), TLR7 (Gln11Leu), TLR8 (Met1Val), and TLR9 (-1237T/C and -1486C/T). The CC genotype of TLR3 Leu412Phe in liver recipients was associated with severe recurrence (odds ratio (OR) = 2.01, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.02-3.93, p = 0.04). We also analyzed this polymorphism in 72 of their donors but no association was found with severity of HCV recurrence (p = 0.89). Multivariate analysis showed donor age older than 40 yr (OR=2.93; 95% CI = 1.49-5.8, p = 0.002) and the TLR3 Leu412Phe CC genotype (OR=2.02, 95%CI=1.01-4.05, p = 0.046) were independently associated with severe HCV recurrence. Our results show that the TLR3 Leu412Phe CC genotype is independently associated with severity of hepatitis C recurrence after LT.

Superior Patient and Graft Survival in Adult Liver Transplant with Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin Induction: Experience with 595 Patients

OBJECTIVES

The use of induction therapy in liver transplant is debatable. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of different induction protocols in liver transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analyses using the University of Washington Transplant Database from January 2005 to May 2012 for adult (≥ 18 y old) primary liver transplant patients. All patients received induction therapy. Maintenance immunosuppressive agents were tacrolimus or tacrolimus-mycophenolate mofetil. Primary endpoints were acute cellular rejection, patient survival, and graft survival. In patients with chronic hepatitis C, the degree of histologic inflammation or fibrosis at 1 year was assessed. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate variables associated with both patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

We identified 595 patients: 322 patients received rabbit antithymocyte globulin and 273 received interleukin 2 receptor blocker. Acute cellular rejection was higher in patients who received interleukin 2 receptor blocker than in patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin (27% vs 18%; P < .03). Both patient survival at 1 year (95% vs 90%), 3 years (92% vs 87%), and 5 years (86% vs 80%) and graft survival at 1 year (93% vs 88%), 3 years (90% vs 86%), and 5 years (83% vs 78%) were superior with rabbit antithymocyte globulin than with the interleukin 2 receptor blocker (P < .002). In patients with hepatitis C virus, type of induction therapy did not have any effect on the timing of hepatitis C virus recurrence. At 1 year after transplant, 33.3% in the rabbit antithymocyte globulin group had grade 3/4 inflammation and 10.2% had stage 3/4 fibrosis, compared with 16.8% and 4.8% in the interleukin 2 receptor blocker group (P ≤ .002 and not significant). Female recipient, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, hepatocellular carcinoma, and high preoperative serum creatinine levels were associated with less favorable patient and graft survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Rabbit antithymocyte globulin is associated with lower rejection rate and improved patient and graft survival in liver transplant. Type of therapy affects the degree of histologic hepatitis C virus recurrence.

How important is donor age in liver transplantation?

The age of liver donors has been increasing in the past several years because of a donor shortage. In the United States, 33% of donors are age 50 years or older, as are more than 50% in some European countries. The impact of donor age on liver transplantation (LT) has been analyzed in several studies with contradictory conclusions. Nevertheless, recent analyses of the largest databases demonstrate that having an older donor is a risk factor for graft failure. Donor age is included as a risk factor in the more relevant graft survival scores, such as the Donor Risk Index, donor age and Model for End-stage Liver Disease, Survival Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation, and the Balance of Risk. The use of old donors is related to an increased rate of biliary complications and hepatitis C virus-related graft failure. Although liver function does not seem to be significantly affected by age, the incidence of several liver diseases increases with age, and the capacity of the liver to manage or overcome liver diseases or external injuries decreases. In this paper, the importance of age in LT outcomes, the role of donor age as a risk factor, and the influence of aging on liver regeneration are reviewed.

Pathological Roles of Interleukin-22 in the Development of Recurrent Hepatitis C after Liver Transplantation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate and analyze the role of interleukin-22-producing CD4 positive cells (IL-22) in the pathogenesis of Hepatitis C Virus recurrence after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (HCV-OLT).

METHODS

15 HCV-OLT, 15 age- and gender- matched non-HCV post-OLT (OLT) and 15 hepatitis C virus infected (HCV) patients were enrolled into our study from the liver transplantation and research center at Beijing 302 Hospital. We determined the frequencies of IL-22 using flow cytometry and expression of IL-22 mRNA using PCR in peripheral blood and liver tissue. We also divided HCV-OLT patients into rapid fibrosis progression (RFP) and slow fibrosis progression (SFP), examined IL-22 cells and analyzed the correlations between IL-22 frequencies and liver injury, fibrosis and clinical parameters. Moreover, we investigated the role of IL-22 in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs).

RESULTS

The levels of serum IL-22, frequencies of IL-22 producing cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and expression of IL-22 mRNA and protein in the liver in the HCV-OLT group were significantly higher than that in the HCV and OLT groups. Furthermore, eight (53.3%) patients developed RFP after two years; another three patients were diagnosed liver cirrhosis. The frequencies of IL-22 were much higher in RFP compared with SFP, while no significant difference existed between OLT and SFP. Intrahepatic IL-22 positive cells were located in fibrotic areas and significantly correlated with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibrosis staging scores, not with grading scores and HCRVNA. In vitro, IL-22 administration prevented HSCs apoptosis, promoted HSCs proliferation and activation, up-regulated the expression of HSC-sourced growth factors including α-SMA, TGF-β and TIMP-1, and increased the production of liver fibrosis markers including laminin, hyaluronic acid and collagen type IV.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral and intrahepatic IL-22 is up-regulated and plays a pathological role in exacerbating liver fibrosis by activating HSCs in HCV-OLT patients, which may predict RFP and serve as an attractive target for anti-fibrotic therapy.

Analysis of Post-Liver Transplant Hepatitis C Virus Recurrence Using Serial Cluster of Differentiation Antibody Microarrays

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection of the liver allograft after transplantation is universal, with some individuals suffering severe disease recurrence. Predictive markers of recurrent disease severity are urgently needed. In this study, we used a cluster of differentiation (CD) microarray to predict the severity of HCV recurrence after transplantation.

METHODS

The CD antibody microarray assays of live leukocytes were performed on peripheral blood taken in the first year after transplantation. The results were grouped into phases defined as; Pre-transplant (day 0), Early (day 3 to week 2), Mid (week 4 to week 10), and Late (week 12 to week 26). Hepatitis C virus severity was based on fibrosis stages in the first 2 years (F0-1 mild and F2-4 severe).

RESULTS

Serial blood samples from 16 patients were taken before and after liver transplantation. A total of 98 assays were performed. Follow-up was 3 years or longer. Comparing recurrence severity, significantly greater numbers of CD antigens were differentially expressed on the pretransplant samples compared to any posttransplant timepoints. Five differentially expressed CD antigens before transplantation (CD27 PH, CD182, CD260, CD41, and CD34) were significantly expressed comparing severe to mild recurrence, whereas expression of only CD152 was significant in the late phase after transplantation. No relationship was observed between the donor or recipient interleukin-28B genotypes and HCV recurrence severity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that circulating leukocyte CD antigen expression has utility in assessing recurrent HCV disease severity after liver transplantation and serves as a proof of principle. Importantly, pretransplant CD antigen expression is most predictive of disease outcome.

Management of liver transplantation waiting list for decompensated cirrhosis in a Spanish tertiary hospital: differences between hepatitis C virus recipients and other etiologies

BACKGROUND

Decompensated cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main indications for liver transplantation (LT) in Spain. Recurrence of HCV after LT is the main cause of graft loss and death in HCV-positive recipients. Advanced donor age determines a more aggressive recurrence of HCV and a shorter survival. In this setting, in our liver unit, grafts from younger donors are allocated to HCV-positive recipients. The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of allocation of grafts in HCV-positive recipients versus other etiologies and the impact on waiting list time, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score progression until LT, need of admission in a hospital, survival until LT.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study from the cohort of patients included in the waiting list for LT owing to decompensated cirrhosis in the Hospital Gregorio Marañón from January 2008 to June 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients were included; 63 patients (69.23%) received LT; 19 (20.88%) retired from the waiting list: 6 because of improvement, 11 (12.08%) because of death. In both groups, the age of recipients was similar (HCV 52 y vs other 53 y; P = .549). HCV patients were included in the waiting list with lower MELD score than other etiologies (HCV 16.1 vs other 19.4; P = .010); nevertheless, MELD score was similar at the time of LT in both groups (HCV 18.9 vs other 19.4; P = .675). Time on waiting list was significantly longer in HCV patients (198 d vs 86 d; P = .002) and they were admitted in hospital more days (30 d vs 12 d; P = .03). Donor age in the HCV group was significantly lower (64.3 y vs 54.7 y; P = .006). The intention-to-treat survival analysis did not show differences between the groups (log rank = 0.504).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV patients with decompensated cirrhosis receive grafts from younger donors. HCV patients remain waiting longer for an optimal organ and suffer MELD deterioration and more days admitted in hospital. These differences in allocation of grafts did not affect final survival. In our experience, designating younger organs to HCV-positive patients does not penalize neither HCV recipients nor recipients with other etiologies.

Recurrent HCV after liver transplantation-mechanisms, assessment and therapy

Chronic HCV infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation. However, as a result of HCV recurrence, patient and graft survival after liver transplantation are inferior compared with other indications for transplantation. HCV recurrence after liver transplantation is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. The development of HCV-related fibrosis is accelerated after liver transplantation, which is influenced by a combination of factors related to the virus, donor, recipient, surgery and immunosuppression. Successful antiviral therapy is the only treatment that can attenuate fibrosis. The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has changed the therapeutic landscape for the treatment of patients with HCV. DAAs have improved tolerability, and can potentially be used without PEG-IFN for a shorter time than previous therapies, which should result in better outcomes. In this Review, we describe the important risk factors that influence HCV recurrence after liver transplantation, highlighting the mechanisms of fibrosis and the integral role of hepatic stellate cells. Indirect and direct assessment of fibrosis, in addition to new antiviral therapies, are also discussed.

Impact of anti-thymocyte globulin during immunosuppression induction in patients with hepatitis C after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Induction immunosuppression with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) provides potential benefits after liver transplantation (LT). However, its use in patients with LT and hepatitis C (HCV) is controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the 1- and 2-year patient survival and HCV recurrence rate in patients receiving ATG during the induction phase of immunosuppression (IPI) after LT.

METHODS

A total of 49 patients undergoing their first LT for HCV were randomized to receive ATG during IPI. Patient survival and HCV recurrence were determined at 1 and 2 years. The frequency of acute cellular rejection (ACR), infections, and neoplasms was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were randomized to receive ATG (Arm-1) and 23 to standard induction therapy (Arm-2). Those given ATG had lower HCV recurrence (26.9 vs 73.9 %, p = 0.001). The 1- and 2-year patient survival rates were similar for both arms (p = 0.33). Infections occurred in 46.1 % subjects in Arm-1 and 34.7 % in Arm-2 (p = 0.562). There was a greater proportion of fungal infections in Arm-1 (19.2 vs 0 %, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

ATG during the IPI was associated with lower frequency of recurrence of HCV in patients undergoing LT. This, however, did not affect the 1- and 2-year survival and the frequency of ACR, infections, or neoplasms.

Reduced fibrosis in recurrent HCV with tacrolimus, azathioprine and steroids versus tacrolimus: randomised trial long term outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Early results of a randomised trial showed reduced fibrosis due to recurrent HCV hepatitis with tacrolimus triple therapy (TT) versus monotherapy (MT) following transplantation for HCV cirrhosis. We evaluated the clinical outcomes after a median 8 years of follow-up, including differences in fibrosis assessed by collagen proportionate area (CPA).

DESIGN

103 consecutive liver transplant recipients with HCV cirrhosis receiving cadaveric grafts were randomised to tacrolimus MT (n=54) or TT (n=49) with daily tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg divided dose), azathioprine (1 mg/kg) and prednisolone (20 mg), the last tailing off to zero by 6 months. Both groups had serial transjugular biopsies with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. Time to reach Ishak stage 4 was the predetermined endpoint. CPA was measured in all biopsies. Factors associated with HCV recurrence were evaluated. Clinical decompensation was the first occurrence of ascites/hydrothorax, variceal bleeding or encephalopathy.

RESULTS

No significant preoperative, peri-operative or postoperative differences between groups were found. During 96 months median follow-up, stage 4 fibrosis was reached in 19 MT/11 TT with slower fibrosis progression in TT (p=0.009). CPA at last biopsy was 12% in MT and 8% in TT patients (p=0.004). 14 MT/ three TT patients reached HVPG≥10 mm Hg (p=0.002); 10 MT/three TT patients, decompensated. Multivariately, allocated MT (p=0.047, OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 10.3) was independently associated with decompensation: 14 MT/ seven TT died, and five MT/ four TT were retransplanted.

CONCLUSIONS

Long term immunosuppression with tacrolimus, azathioprine and short term prednisolone in HCV cirrhosis recipients resulted in slower progression to severe fibrosis assessed by Ishak stage and CPA, less portal hypertension and decompensation, compared with tacrolimus alone. ISRCTN94834276--Randomised study for immunosuppression regimen in liver transplantation.

Association of genetic variants with rapid fibrosis: progression after liver transplantation for hepatitis C

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of hepatitis C, the main indication for liver transplantation in the United States, leads to rapid fibrosis progression and worse outcomes compared to other indications. While clinical variables play a role, they are insufficient to explain all inter-patient variability in posttransplant fibrosis progression. Genetic factors associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) outcomes have been identified, but limited studies have been conducted in the context of HCV-related liver transplantation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine candidate genes related to the immune response and rate of fibrosis in subjects undergoing liver transplantation for HCV.

METHODS

One hundred twelve recipients with detailed posttransplant fibrosis and clinical information were genotyped using 25 single nucleotide variants (SNVs), including five SNVs within the IL28B gene region. Associations between SNVs and rapid fibrosis progression were performed controlling for pertinent clinical variables and haplotype analyses for the IL28B gene were completed.

RESULTS

Significant multivariable associations were found for rs8099917 (IL28B), rs1991401 (DDX5), rs4969168 (SOC3), and rs7976497 (MLEC). The minor allele was protective against rapid fibrosis progression for the IL28B SNV (G allele), MLEC SNV (T allele), and DDX5 SNV (G allele). For the SOC3 SNV, the minor allele (A) increased the risk for rapid fibrosis progression. Additionally, two recipient haplotype structures for IL28B were significantly associated with rapid fibrosis progression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that recipient genetic factors play a role in posttransplant HCV-related fibrosis progression. Molecular studies of these pathways may elucidate the pathogenesis of posttransplant fibrosis progression and provide risk prediction markers.

Pharmacology and toxicology of mycophenolate in organ transplant recipients: an update

This review aims to provide an update of the literature on the pharmacology and toxicology of mycophenolate in solid organ transplant recipients. Mycophenolate is now the antimetabolite of choice in immunosuppressant regimens in transplant recipients. The active drug moiety mycophenolic acid (MPA) is available as an ester pro-drug and an enteric-coated sodium salt. MPA is a competitive, selective and reversible inhibitor of inosine-5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an important rate-limiting enzyme in purine synthesis. MPA suppresses T and B lymphocyte proliferation; it also decreases expression of glycoproteins and adhesion molecules responsible for recruiting monocytes and lymphocytes to sites of inflammation and graft rejection; and may destroy activated lymphocytes by induction of a necrotic signal. Improved long-term allograft survival has been demonstrated for MPA and may be due to inhibition of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 or fibroblast proliferation. Recent research also suggested a differential effect of mycophenolate on the regulatory T cell/helper T cell balance which could potentially encourage immune tolerance. Lower exposure to calcineurin inhibitors (renal sparing) appears to be possible with concomitant use of MPA in renal transplant recipients without undue risk of rejection. MPA displays large between- and within-subject pharmacokinetic variability. At least three studies have now reported that MPA exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics, with bioavailability decreasing significantly with increasing doses, perhaps due to saturable absorption processes or saturable enterohepatic recirculation. The role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is still controversial and the ability of routine MPA TDM to improve long-term graft survival and patient outcomes is largely unknown. MPA monitoring may be more important in high-immunological recipients, those on calcineurin-inhibitor-sparing regimens and in whom unexpected rejection or infections have occurred. The majority of pharmacodynamic data on MPA has been obtained in patients receiving MMF therapy in the first year after kidney transplantation. Low MPA area under the concentration time from 0 to 12 h post-dose (AUC0-12) is associated with increased incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection although AUC0-12 optimal cut-off values vary across study populations. IMPDH monitoring to identify individuals at increased risk of rejection shows some promise but is still in the experimental stage. A relationship between MPA exposure and adverse events was identified in some but not all studies. Genetic variants within genes involved in MPA metabolism (UGT1A9, UGT1A8, UGT2B7), cellular transportation (SLCOB1, SLCO1B3, ABCC2) and targets (IMPDH) have been reported to effect MPA pharmacokinetics and/or response in some studies; however, larger studies across different ethnic groups that take into account genetic linkage and drug interactions that can alter a patient's phenotype are needed before any clinical recommendations based on patient genotype can be formulated. There is little data on the pharmacology and toxicology of MPA in older and paediatric transplant recipients.

Hepatitis C recurrence: the Achilles heel of liver transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common indication for liver transplantation worldwide; however, recurrence post transplant is almost universal and follows an accelerated course. Around 30% of patients develop aggressive HCV recurrence, leading to rapid fibrosis progression (RFP) and culminating in liver failure and either death or retransplantation. Despite many advances in our knowledge of clinical risks for HCV RFP, we are still unable to accurately predict those most at risk of adverse outcomes, and no clear consensus exists on the best approach to management. This review presents a critical overview of clinical factors shown to influence the course of HCV recurrence post transplant, with particular focus on recent data identifying the important role of metabolic factors, such as insulin resistance, in HCV recurrence. Emerging data for genetic markers of HCV recurrence and their usefulness for predicting adverse outcomes will also be explored.

Antiviral interventions for liver transplant patients with recurrent graft infection due to hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND

Antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation is controversial due to unresolved balance between benefits and harms.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the therapeutic benefits and harms of different antiviral regimens in patients with hepatitis C re-infected grafts after liver transplantation.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 1, 2013), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded to February 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) comparing various antiviral therapies (alone or in combination) in the treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence in liver transplantation for the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors collected the data independently. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the fixed-effect and the random-effects models based on available case-analysis. In the presence of only trials for a dichotomous outcome, we performed the Fisher's exact test.

MAIN RESULTS

Overall, 17 trials with 736 patients met the inclusion criteria for this review. All trials had high risk of bias. Five hundred and one patients randomised in 11 trials provided information for various comparisons in this systematic review after excluding post-randomisation drop-outs and patients from trials that did not report any of the outcomes of interest for this review. The comparisons for which outcomes were available included pegylated (peg) interferon versus control; peg interferon plus ribavirin versus control; ribavirin plus peg interferon versus peg interferon; peg interferon (1.5 μg/kg/week) plus ribavirin versus peg interferon (0.5 μg/kg/week) plus ribavirin; amantadine plus peg interferon plus ribavirin versus peg interferon plus ribavirin; interferon versus control; interferon plus ribavirin versus control; ribavirin versus interferon; and ribavirin versus placebo. Long-term follow-up was not available in these trials. There were no significant differences in mortality, retransplantation, graft rejections requiring retransplantation or medical treatment, or fibrosis worsening between the groups in any of the comparisons in which these outcomes were reported. Quality of life and liver decompensation were not reported in any of the trials. There was a significantly higher proportion of participants who developed serious adverse events in the ribavirin plus peg interferon combination therapy group than in the peg interferon monotherapy group (1 trial; 56 participants; 17/28 (60.7%) in the intervention group versus 5/28 (17.9%) in the control group; RR 3.40; 95% CI 1.46 to 7.94). There was no significant difference in proportion of participants who developed serious adverse events or in the number of serious adverse events between the intervention and control groups in the other comparisons that reported serious adverse events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Considering the lack of clinical benefit, there is currently no evidence to recommend or refute antiviral treatment for recurrent liver graft infection with hepatitis C virus. Further randomised clinical trials with low risk of bias and low risk of random errors with adequate duration of follow-up are necessary.

Antiviral prophylaxis for the prevention of chronic hepatitis C virus in patients undergoing liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether prophylactic antiviral therapy is indicated to improve patient and graft survival in patients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of different prophylactic antiviral therapies for patients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic HCV infection.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 1, 2013), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded to February 2013.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised clinical trials irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status and comparing various prophylactic antiviral therapies (alone or in combination) in the prophylactic treatment of patients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic HCV infection.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors collected the data independently. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the fixed-effect and the random-effects models based on available case analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 501 liver transplant recipients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic HCV infection were randomised in 12 trials to various experimental interventions and control interventions. The proportion of genotype I varied between 49% and 100% in the seven trials that reported the genotype. Only one or two trials were included under each comparison. All the trials were of high risk of bias. Ten trials including 441 liver transplant recipients provided data for this review.There were no significant differences in the 90-day mortality (1 trial; 81 participants; 5/35 (adjusted proportion: 14.2%) in interferon group versus 5/46 (10.9%) in control group; RR 1.31; 95% CI 0.41 to 4.19); mortality at maximal follow-up (2 trials; 105 participants; 7/47 (adjusted proportion: 14.8%) in interferon group versus 10/58 (17.2%) in control group; RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.36 to 2.08); long-term mortality (1 trial; 81 participants; HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.13 to 1.56); mortality at maximal follow-up (1 trial; 54 participants; 1/26 (3.9%) in pegylated interferon group versus 2/28 (7.1%) in control group; RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.05 to 5.59); 90-day mortality (1 trial; 115 participants; 5/55 (9.1%) in pegylated interferon plus ribavirin group versus 3/60 (5.0%) in control group; RR 1.82; 95% 0.46 to 7.25); 90-day mortality (3 trials; 53 participants; 3/37 (adjusted proportion: 4.3%) in HCV antibody group versus 1/16 (6.3%) in placebo group; RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.15 to 3.11); or 90-day mortality (2 trials; 31 participants; 2/14 (adjusted proportion: 16.2%) in HCV antibody high-dose group versus 1/17 (5.9%) in HCV antibody low-dose group; RR 2.75; 95% CI; 0.30 to 25.35). There were no significant differences in the retransplantation at maximal follow-up (2 trials; 105 participants; 2/47 (adjusted proportion: 4.0%) in interferon group versus 2/58 (3.4%) in control group; RR 1.17; 95% CI 0.22 to 6.2); 90-day retransplantation (1 trial; 18 participants; 1/12 (8.3%) in HCV antibody group versus 0/6 (0%) in control group; RR 1.71; 95% CI 0.09 to 32.93); or 90-day retransplantation (1 trial; 12 participants; 1/6 (17.7%) in HCV antibody high-dose group versus 0/6 (0%) in HCV antibody low-dose group; RR 3.00; 95% CI 0.15 to 61.74). There were no significant differences in serious adverse events, graft rejection, worsening of fibrosis, or HCV recurrence between intervention and control groups in any of the comparisons that reported these outcomes. None of the trials reported quality of life, liver decompensation, intensive therapy unit stay, or hospital stay. Life-threatening adverse events were not reported in either group in any of the comparisons.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no evidence to recommend prophylactic antiviral treatment to prevent recurrence of HCV infection either in primary liver transplantation or retransplantation. Further randomised clinical trials with adequate trial methodology and adequate duration of follow-up are necessary.

Intravenous interferon administered during liver transplantation is not effective in preventing hepatitis C reinfection

BACKGROUND

Post-transplant hepatitis C is a major challenge after liver transplantation (LT). Antiviral therapy is associated with lower efficacy in the post-transplant setting.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effect of intravenous interferon (IFN) during the anhepatic phase of LT on hepatitis C viral load.

METHODS

Fifteen consecutive subjects undergoing liver transplant for hepatitis C cirrhosis were enrolled in the study, ten of which received study drug and five subjects served as controls. Cases received weight-based ribavirin and subcutaneous IFN at time of incision followed by intravenous IFN at the start of the anhepatic phase. Adverse events and viral levels were recorded. Repeated measures ANOVA was employed to test for differences over time, between the groups, and time by group interaction.

RESULTS

All subjects had genotype 1 virus. Hepatitis C viral load was lower at week 4 in cases compared to controls (769,004 ± 924,082 IU/ml and 2,329,896 ± 3,731,749 IU/ml, respectively), but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.50). Three subjects developed adverse events related to IFN including pulmonary edema, rejection, and neutropenia.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous IFN administered during the anhepatic phase of liver transplant did not prevent graft reinfection and was associated with manageable adverse events. This regimen could be further studied if direct acting antiviral agents alone are insufficient for treating post-transplant hepatitis C.

Analysis of the recurrence of hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation: results of the Andalusian liver registry

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the factors related to recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We undertook a multicenter, prospective, observational study of OLT patients transplanted due to HCV at four Andalusian transplantation centers from 2005 to 2007. Patients were excluded if their survival was less than 1 month. The analysis included 110 pre-, peri-, and posttransplant variables that could affect HCV recurrence. We also examined the influence of cardiovascular risk factors and immunosuppression on HCV.

RESULTS

Among 121 HCV patients, 83 (69%) experienced a histologically significant recurrence of HCV, including 13 (16%) who died compared with 5 of 38 (13%) who did not show a severe recurrence of HCV (P = .3). The mean follow-up was 44 months (range, 4 to 64 months). The mean time to appearance of the relapse was 9 months (range, 1 to 40 months) with no differences according to the type of immunosuppression. Of all study variables, donor age (> 52 years) showed a trend for greater recurrence (P = .1). The use of powerful immunosuppression (three or more drugs), either as induction or as sustained therapy, during the first posttransplantation year was significantly associated with a greater relapse rate (P < .01), albeit with no significant difference according to the type of calcineurin inhibitor. Mycophenolate mofetil was not associated with a greater posttransplantation viral load or earlier relapse, although its use in multiple immunosuppression schedules was associated with a greater relapse rate (P < .01). Survival of patients with recurrent HCV was reduced, although not significantly. Multivariate analysis showed a 4.4 times greater risk for developing de novo diabetes mellitus (DM) among patients with a severe relapse of HCV.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an important trend toward a greater recurrence rate of HCV among patients who received powerful immunosuppression protocols, particularly during the first 12 months. Special attention should be given to the risk for de novo DM among HCV-positive patients.

Digital image analysis of collagen assessment of progression of fibrosis in recurrent HCV after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Histological assessment of fibrosis progression is currently performed by staging systems which are not continuous quantitative measurements. We aimed at assessing a quantitative measurement of fibrosis collagen proportionate area (CPA), to evaluate fibrosis progression and compare it to Ishak stage progression.

METHODS

We studied a consecutive cohort of 155 patients with recurrent HCV hepatitis after liver transplantation (LT), who had liver biopsies at one year and were subsequently evaluated for progression of fibrosis using CPA and Ishak staging, and correlated with clinical decompensation. The upper quartile of distribution of fibrosis rates (difference in CPA or Ishak stage between paired biopsies) defined fast fibrosers.

RESULTS

Patients had 610 biopsies and a median follow-up of 116 (18-252) months. Decompensation occurred in 29 (18%) patients. Median Ishak stage progression rate was 0.42 units/year: (24 (15%) fast fibrosers). Median CPA fibrosis progression rate was 0.71%/year (36 (23%) fast fibrosers). Clinical decompensation was independently associated by Cox regression only with CPA (p=0.007), with AUROCs of 0.81 (95% CI 0.71-0.91) compared to 0.68 (95% CI 0.56-0.81) for Ishak stage. Fast fibrosis defined by CPA progression was independently associated with histological de novo hepatitis (OR: 3.77), older donor age (OR: 1.03) and non-use/discontinuation of azathioprine before 1 year post-LT (OR: 3.85), whereas when defined by Ishak progression, fast fibrosers was only associated with histological de novo hepatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

CPA fibrosis progression rate is a better predictor of clinical outcome than progression by Ishak stage. Histological de novo hepatitis, older donor age and non-use/discontinuation of azathioprine are associated with rapid fibrosis progression in recurrent HCV chronic hepatitis after liver transplantation.

Recurrent diseases following liver transplantation: current concepts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic end-stage liver disease. The posttransplant setting is complex, and an improved long-term graft and patient survival adds to the complexity. There are often multiple causes of graft dysfunction and the associated morbidity and disorder are varied. This review focuses on the current concepts of several recurrent diseases, emphasizing the interpretation of the posttransplant liver biopsies in long-term survivors as challenging and clinically more relevant then ever. It confirms the importance and the necessity of clinico-pathologic correlation in the posttransplant setting.

RECENT FINDINGS

The long-term graft and patient survival following liver transplantation has improved significantly over the past decade. The spectrum of histopathologic patterns seen in liver biopsies and our understanding of them have evolved and expanded considerably, so much so, that both pathologists and clinicians alike now recognize new and emerging disease patterns not previously encountered in the nontransplant setting.

SUMMARY

Typical histopathologic features are usually easily identified and interpreted in liver biopsies. There are, however, a number of atypical histopathologic patterns, especially in the setting of recurrent diseases, often modified by immunosuppression, or altered by other immune-mediated processes, autoimmunity, or hepatotoxicity. Several conditions and entities, especially in the late posttransplant setting, including atypical allograft rejection, idiopathic posttransplant hepatitis, the spectrum of changes seen in recurrent hepatitis C, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, and de-novo disease occurrence, to name a few, have all been recognized in the past several years.

Living-donor liver transplantation and hepatitis C

Hepatitis-C-virus- (HCV-) related end-stage cirrhosis is the primary indication for liver transplantation in many countries. Unfortunately, however, HCV is not eliminated by transplantation and graft reinfection is universal, resulting in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally graft decompression. In areas with low deceased-donor organ availability like Japan, living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is similarly indicated for HCV cirrhosis as deceased-donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in Western countries and accepted as an established treatment for HCV-cirrhosis, and the results are equivalent to those of DDLT. To prevent graft failure due to recurrent hepatitis C, antiviral treatment with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin is currently considered the most promising regimen with a sustained viral response rate of around 30% to 35%, although the survival benefit of this regimen remains to be investigated. In contrast to DDLT, many Japanese LDLT centers have reported modified treatment regimens as best efforts to secure first graft, such as aggressive preemptive antiviral treatment, escalation of dosages, and elongation of treatment duration.

Cholestatic hepatitis C following liver transplantation: an outcome-based histological definition, clinical predictors, and prognosis

Cholestatic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a rare form of recurrent HCV following liver transplantation (LT) without specific diagnostic criteria. An outcome-based method to improve its diagnosis and a description of its prognosis are needed. All 1-year post-LT protocol liver biopsy samples and biopsy samples initially reported to show cholestatic HCV from patients transplanted with HCV between February 2002 and December 2009 were reviewed for the inflammation grade, the fibrosis stage, and 4 cholestatic HCV features: ductular proliferation, canalicular cholestasis with or without intracellular cholestasis, hepatocyte swelling with or without lobular disarray, and sinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis. We used patient and graft survival to define histological criteria for cholestatic HCV, and compared the clinical features of these patients to those of patients with minimal or significant post-LT fibrosis. One hundred seventy-nine patients were analyzed, the median age was 56 years, and 73% were male. Patients with 3 or more of the 4 cholestatic HCV criteria had significantly worse survival (log-rank P < 0.001) regardless of the fibrosis stage, and this was used as our novel definition of cholestatic HCV. Using this definition, we found that 27 patients (15%) had cholestatic HCV, 53 (30%) had significant fibrosis (stage ≥ 2/4), and 99 (55%) had minimal fibrosis (stage < 2/4). The final model for clinical predictors of cholestatic HCV included donor age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.37 per decade, P = 0.04] and previous rejection (Banff grade ≥ 5; OR = 4.19, P = 0.002). Total bilirubin was the strongest laboratory predictor of cholestatic HCV (area under the curve = 0.93), whereas the HCV viral load was not a significant predictor. The final model of post-LT survival included the pathology group {cholestatic HCV [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.07, P < 0.001] and significant fibrosis (HR = 2.53, P = 0.02)}, donor age (HR = 1.49 per decade, P < 0.001), and cold ischemia time (HR = 1.11 per hour, P = 0.02). In conclusion, we propose diagnostic criteria for cholestatic HCV that include specific criteria (the presence of at least 3 of the 4 histopathological features on biopsy) and other supportive and exclusionary criteria. Older donor age and rejection increase the risk of cholestatic HCV, and an elevation in the total bilirubin level may help to identify these patients. These criteria must be validated prospectively.

Liver transplantation in the setting of chronic HCV

Recurrent HCV disease is the most common cause of graft loss and patient mortality in HCV-infected liver transplant (LT) recipients. Risk factors for more severe recurrence that are potentially modifiable are older donor age, prolonged cold ischaemia time, prior treated acute rejection, CMV hepatitis, IL28B donor genotype, and post-LT insulin resistance. The most effective means of preventing HCV recurrence is eradicating HCV prior to LT. Select wait-list candidates with compensated or mildly decompensated disease can be considered for antiviral treatment with peginterferon, ribavirin (and protease inhibitor if genotype 1). For the majority of LT patients, HCV treatment must be delayed until post-transplant. Treatment is generally undertaken if histologic severity reaches grade 3 or 4 necroinflammation or stage ≥2 fibrosis, or if cholestatic hepatitis. Achievement of sustained viral response (SVR) post-LT is associated with stabilization of fibrosis and improved graft survival. SVR is attained in ~30% of patients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin. Poor tolerability of therapy is a limitation. Combination therapy with telaprevir or boceprevir added to peginterferon and ribavirin is anticipated to increase efficacy but with higher rates of adverse effects and challenges in managing drug-drug interactions between the protease inhibitors and calcineurin inhibitors/sirolimus.

Elderly recipients of hepatitis C positive renal allografts can quickly develop liver disease

Our institution explored using allografts from donors with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) for elderly renal transplantation (RT). Thirteen HCV- elderly recipients were transplanted with HCV+ allografts (eD+/R-) between January 2003 and April 2009. Ninety HCV- elderly recipients of HCV- allografts (eD-/R-), eight HCV+ recipients of HCV+ allografts (D+/R+) and thirteen HCV+ recipients of HCV- allografts (D-/R+) were also transplanted. Median follow-up was 1.5 (range 0.8-5) years. Seven eD+/R- developed a positive HCV viral load and six had elevated liver transaminases with evidence of hepatitis on biopsy. Overall, eD+/R- survival was 46% while the eD-/R- survival was 85% (P = 0.003). Seven eD+/R- died during follow-up. Causes included multi-organ failure and sepsis (n = 4), cancer (n = 1), failure-to-thrive (n = 1) and surgical complications (n = 1). One eD+/R- died from causes directly related to HCV infection. In conclusion, multiple eD+/R- quickly developed HCV-related liver disease and infections were a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality.

Racial differences in fibrosis progression after HCV-related liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Black recipients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have decreased patient and graft survival compared with white recipients, a finding that is primarily limited to black recipients of livers from white donors. The cause(s) for these discrepant outcomes are unclear but may be related to HCV disease recurrence. The rates of HCV-related disease recurrence and liver fibrosis progression among black and white liver transplant recipients have not been investigated.

METHODS

In this study, we compared liver fibrosis progression between 105 black and 364 white recipients after HCV-related LT in a multisite cohort study and assessed the impact of donor race.

RESULTS

At 6, 12, and 24 months after LT, there was a significantly higher percentage in the black recipient/white donor (B/W) group with severe fibrosis, defined as stage 3 or 4 (F3/F4), compared with all other recipient/donor race combinations. The adjusted odds ratio of developing F3/F4 for the B/W group was 2.54 (1.49-4.69; reference group, white recipient/white donor). Black recipients with black donors demonstrated a similar rate of progression to F3/F4 as white recipients. Patient survival was also decreased in the B/W group compared with other recipient/donor race combinations.

CONCLUSION

African American recipients with white donors have more severe fibrosis progression after HCV-related LT. The mechanisms responsible for accelerating fibrosis progression in this high-risk race-mismatched group need to be investigated.

HCV in liver transplantation

HCV-related cirrhosis represents the leading indication for liver transplantation in the Western countries. HCV reinfection after liver transplantation occurs in virtually all patients transplanted for HCV-related liver disease Histological evidence of chronic HCV infection develops in 50 to 90 % of patients by 12 months after liver transplantation, and cirrhosis occurs in about 20 % of patients within 5 years after transplant. Several studies have evaluated host, viral, and transplant-related factors that might be associated with the severity of HCV recurrence. Among host factors, immunosuppression is one of the major factors that accounts for accelerated HCV recurrence and it has been an area of extensive research and controversy. Donor age, steatosis, and immunogenetic factors are also relevant in determining the outcome in patients transplanted for HCV-related cirrhosis. A major step to prevent complications of HCV recurrence related to the rapid fibrosis is the posttransplant antiviral treatment. Two strategies have been tried: pre-emptive or other strategies as soon as possible after liver transplantation or elective therapy once there is histological evidence of recurrent hepatitis C. Retransplantation due to graft failure from recurrent hepatitis C is rarely an option in the era of organ shortage as it is associated with poor outcome, but many case needs to be considered early in the evolution of disease. New antivirals may change the outcome dramatically of patients transplanted for HCV cirrhosis.

A Randomized Multicenter Study Comparing a Tacrolimus-Based Protocol with and without Steroids in HCV-Positive Liver Allograft Recipients

Allograft reinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs universally in liver transplant recipients. Corticosteroids can contribute to HCV recurrence. This randomized study evaluated HCV recurrence in HCV-positive liver allograft recipients using steroid-free immunosuppression. All patients received tacrolimus (TAC) at an initial dose of 0.10–0.15 mg/kg. The steroid-free arm (TAC/daclizumab (TAC/DAC, n = 67)) received daclizumab induction, and the steroid arm (TAC/steroid (TAC/STR, n = 68)) received a steroid bolus (≤ 500mg) followed by 15–20 mg/day with discontinuation after month 3. Median HCV viral load at month 12, the primary endpoint, was similar at 5.46 (0.95–6.54) IU/mL with TAC/DAC and 5.91 (0.95–6.89) IU/mL with TAC/STR. Small numerical differences in the estimated rate of freedom from HCV recurrence (19.1 versus 13.8%) and freedom from biopsy proven rejection (78.4 versus 66.1%) were observed between TAC/DAC and TAC/STR. Patient survival estimates were significantly lower with TAC/DAC than with TAC/STR (83.1 versus 95.5%; 95% CI, −0.227 to −0.019%), and graft survival was numerically lower (80.1 versus 91.1%, P = NS). Completion rates (45 versus 82%) indicated poorer tolerability with TAC/DAC than with TAC/STR. Steroid-free immunosuppression had no real impact on HCV viral load. HCV recurrence was higher with TAC/STR. Results are inconclusive due to the unexpected lower completion rates in the TAC/DAC arm.

Spanish society of liver transplantation (SETH) consensus recommendations on hepatitis C virus and liver transplantation

In November 2010, the Spanish Society of Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático, SETH) held a consensus conference. One of the topics of debate was liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis C. This document reviews (i) the natural history of post-transplant hepatitis C, (ii) factors associated with post-transplant prognosis in patients with hepatitis C, (iii) the role of immunosuppression in the evolution of recurrent hepatitis C and response to antiviral therapy, (iv) antiviral therapy, both before and after transplantation, (v) follow-up of patients with recurrent hepatitis C and (vi) the role of retransplantation.

Steroid-free living donor liver transplantation for HCV--a multicenter prospective cohort study in Japan

This prospective, non-randomized, multicenter cohort study analyzed the safety and efficacy of a steroid-free immunosuppressive (IS) protocol for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients in Japan. Of 68 patients enrolled from 13 transplant centers, 56 fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria; 27 were assigned the steroid-free IS protocol (Fr group) and 29 the traditional steroid-containing IS protocol (St group). Serum HCV RNA levels increased over time and were higher in the St group until postoperative day 90 (POD 14, p=0.013). Preemptive anti-HCV therapy was started in a higher percentage of recipients (59.3%) in the Fr group than in the St group (31.0%, p=0.031), mainly due to early HCV recurrence. The incidence of HCV recurrence at one yr was lower in the Fr group (22.2%) than in the St group (41.4%; p=0.066). The incidence of acute cellular rejection was similar between groups. New onset diabetes after transplant, cytomegalovirus infection, and renal dysfunction were significantly less frequent in the Fr group than in the St group (p=0.022, p<0.0001, p=0.012, respectively). The steroid-free IS protocol safely reduced postoperative morbidity and effectively suppressed both the HCV viral load in the early post-transplant period and HCV recurrence in HCV-positive LDLT recipients.

Immunosuppression and HCV recurrence after liver transplantation

HCV related liver disease is the most common indication for liver transplantation. Recurrence of HCV infection is universal and has a substantial impact on patient and graft survival. Immunosuppression is a major factor responsible for the accelerated recurrence and compressed natural history of recurrent HCV infection. Accumulating experience has provided data to support certain strategies for immunosuppressive regimens. From the available evidence, more severe recurrence results from repeated bolus corticosteroid therapy and anti-lymphocyte antibodies used to treat rejection. Low dose and slow tapering of steroids are better than high dose maintenance and/or rapid tapering. Recent meta-analyses favour steroid-free regimens but these are complicated to interpret as the absence of steroids may simply represent less immunopotency. There is no difference in HCV recurrence between tacrolimus and cyclosporine regimens, but tacrolimus increases graft and patient survival in HCV transplanted patients. There may be a beneficial effect of maintenance azathioprine given for 6 months or longer. There is no conclusive evidence for benefit of mycophenolate and interleukin-2 receptor blockers. Few data are available for mTOR inhibitors. Better evidence is needed to establish the optimal immunosuppressive regimen for HCV recipients and more randomized trials should be performed.

Liver transplantation for hepatitis C from donation after cardiac death donors: an analysis of OPTN/UNOS data

Donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver transplantation is increasing largely because of a shortage of organs. However, there are almost no data that have specifically assessed the impact of using DCD livers for HCV patients. We retrospectively studied adult primary DCD liver transplantation (630 HCV, 1164 non-HCV) and 54 129 donation after brain death (DBD) liver transplantation between 2002 and 2009 using the UNOS/OPTN database. With donation after brain death (DBD) livers, HCV recipients had significantly inferior graft survival compared to non-HCV recipients (p < 0.0001). Contrary to DBD donors, DCD livers used in HCV patients showed no difference in graft survival compared to non-HCV patients (p = 0.5170). Cox models showed DCD livers and HCV disease had poorer graft survival (HR = 1.80 and 1.28, p < 0.0001, respectively). However, the hazard ratio of DCD and HCV interaction was 0.80 (p = 0.02) and these results suggest that DCD livers on HCV disease do not fare worse than DCD livers on non-HCV disease. The graft survival of recent years (2006-2009) was significantly better than that in former years (2002-2005) (p = 0.0482). In conclusion, DCD liver transplantation for HCV disease showed satisfactory outcomes. DCD liver transplantation can be valuable option for HCV related end-stage liver disease.

Risk factors for infection after liver transplantation

Infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation. Risk factors relate to transplantation factors, donor and recipient factors. Transplant factors include ischaemia-reperfusion damage, amount of intra-operative blood transfusion, level and type of immunosuppression, rejection, and complications, prolonged intensive care stay with dialysis or ventilation, type of biliary drainage, repeat operations, re-transplantation, antibiotics, antiviral regimen, and environment. Donor risk factors include infection, prolonged intensive care stay, quality of the donor liver (e.g. steatosis), and viral status. For the recipient the most important are MELD score >30, malnutrition, renal failure, acute liver failure, presence of infection or colonisation, and immune status for viruses like cytomegalovirus. In recent years it has become clear that genetic polymorphisms in innate immunity, especially the lectin pathway of complement activation and in Toll-like receptors importantly contribute to the infection risk after liver transplantation. Therefore, the risk for infections after liver transplantation is a multifactorial problem and all factors need attention to reduce this risk.

Liver transplantation and hepatitis C

Hepatitis-C-virus- (HCV-) related end-stage cirrhosis is the primary indication for liver transplantation in many countries. Unfortunately, however, HCV is not eliminated by transplantation and graft reinfection is universal, resulting in fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally graft decompensation. The use of poor quality organs, particularly from older donors, has a highly negative impact on the severity of recurrence and patient/graft survival. Although immunosuppressive regimens have a considerable impact on the outcome, the optimal regimen after liver transplantation for HCV-infected patients remains unclear. Disease progression monitoring with protocol biopsy and new noninvasive methods is essential for predicting patient/graft outcome and starting antiviral treatment with the appropriate timing. Antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is currently considered the most promising regimen with a sustained viral response rate of around 30% to 35%, although the survival benefit of this regimen remains to be investigated. Living-donor liver transplantation is now widely accepted as an established treatment for HCV cirrhosis and the results are equivalent to those of deceased donor liver transplantation.

Potent antifibrotic activity of mTOR inhibitors sirolimus and everolimus but not of cyclosporine A and tacrolimus in experimental liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Recurrence of chronic hepatitis C and progressive fibrosis in liver transplants is frequent and impairs both graft and patient survival. Whether or not the choice of immunosuppression affects progression of fibrosis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the potential of the commonly used immunosuppressants to halt experimental liver fibrosis progression.

METHODS

To induce liver fibrosis, rats underwent bile duct ligation and treatment with sirolimus (2mg/kg), everolimus (3mg/kg), tacrolimus (1mg/kg), and cyclosporin A (10mg/kg) daily for 5 weeks. Fibrosis, inflammation, and portal pressure were evaluated by histology, hydroxyproline levels, morphometry, hemodynamics, and hepatic gene expression.

RESULTS

Sirolimus and everolimus decreased fibrosis up to 70%, improved portal pressure, reduced ascites, and showed potent down-regulation of pro-fibrogenic genes, paralleled by a strong increase in matrix degradation (collagenase) activity; in contrast, tacrolimus and cyclosporine A had no or even aggravating effects on liver fibrosis in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

mTOR inhibition by sirolimus and everolimus in experimental liver fibrosis associates with significantly less fibrosis progression and portal hypertension than treatment with calcineurin inhibitors tacrolimus and cyclosporine A. These data suggest that the selection of the immunosuppressant could impact the recurrence of fibrosis in liver allografts.

Results of a two-center study comparing hepatic fibrosis progression in HCV-positive liver transplant patients receiving cyclosporine or tacrolimus

A 2-center retrospective analysis was performed in 60 patients undergoing liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related disease (cyclosporine in 20, tacrolimus in 40). Mean (±SEM) follow-up was 23.6 ± 22.5 and 22.3 ± 13.7 months in patients receiving cyclosporine or tacrolimus, respectively. Clinically indicated biopsies were performed in 15/20 cyclosporine patients (75%) and 22/40 tacrolimus patients (55%; P = .17). The Ishak fibrosis score was significantly lower in cyclosporine-treated patients versus tacrolimus-treated patients (mean 1.7 ± 0.4 vs 3.1 ± 0.4; P = .023), as was percentage of fibrosis grade Ishak ≥4 (7% vs 41%; P = .028). The mean time to moderate fibrosis (Ishak score ≥3) was 38.2 ± 15.1 months in cyclosporine patients (4/15) and 23.5 ± 12.6 months in tacrolimus patients (14/22); the difference was not statistically significant (P = .09). This retrospective study suggests that cyclosporine-based immunosuppression is associated with less severe hepatic fibrosis in HCV-positive liver transplant recipients compared with tacrolimus-based regimens, but a larger prospective comparative trial is necessary to confirm these findings.

Molecular pathways differentiate hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence from acute cellular rejection in HCV liver recipients

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence (HCVrec) are common complications after liver transplantation (LT) in HCV patients, who share common clinical and histological features, making a differential diagnosis difficult. Fifty-three liver allograft samples from unique HCV LT recipients were studied using microarrays, including a training set (n = 32) and a validation set (n = 19). Two no-HCV-ACR samples from LT recipients were also included. Probe set intensity values were obtained using the robust multiarray average method (RMA) method. Analysis of variance identified statistically differentially expressed genes (P ≤ 0.005). The limma package was used to fit the mixed-effects models using a restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model was fit with HCVrec versus ACR as the dependent variable predicted. N-fold cross-validation was performed to provide an unbiased estimate of generalization error. A total of 179 probe sets were differentially expressed among groups, with 71 exclusive genes between HCVrec and HCV-ACR. No differences were found within ACR group (HCV-ACR vs. no-HCV-ACR). Supervised clustering analysis displayed two clearly independent groups, and no-HCV-ACR clustered within HCV-ACR. HCVrec-related genes were associated with a cytotoxic T-cell profile, and HCV-ACR-related genes were associated with the inflammatory response. The best-fitting LASSO model classifier accuracy, including 15 genes, has an accuracy of 100% in the training set. N-fold cross-validation accuracy was 78.1%, and sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were 50.0%, 90.9%, 71.4% and 80.0%, respectively. Arginase type II (ARG2), ethylmalonic encephalopathy 1 (ETHE1), transmembrane protein 176A (TMEM176A) and TMEM176B genes were significantly confirmed in the validation set. A molecular signature capable of distinguishing HCVrec and ACR in HCV LT recipients was identified and validated.

The impact of sirolimus on hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

While some immunosuppression strategies may accelerate hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT), the impact of sirolimus (SRL) is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of biopsy-proven HCV recurrence and patient survival using known and suspected risk factors for HCV recurrence as covariates.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 141 consecutive patients, including 88 who received de novo SRL therapy, who had undergone a first LT for HCV cirrhosis was conducted. Known and suspected risk factor covariates including transplant era, donor and recipient age, Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, cold ischemia time, immunosuppressive drugs and steroid treatment rejection rates were used in the assessment.

RESULTS

Overall, 72.3% of the cohort developed biopsy-proven HCV recurrence. The incidence of HCV recurrence was not significantly different for patients treated with SRL (75% versus 69.8%; P=0.5). There was no difference found for time to recurrence, nor did mean activity or fibrosis scores differ at the time of initial recurrence. However, on follow-up using serial biopsies in patients with recurrence, the mean activity and fibrosis scores were significantly lower in the SRL group. Donor age and acute rejection episodes were the only factors affecting the HCV recurrence rate (expB 1.02 [95% CI 1.01 to 1.03]); P=0.03; and expB 2.8 [95% CI 1.8 to 4.3]; P<0.01], respectively). SRL treatment did not alter patient survival rates. Among patients treated with SRL-based immunosuppression, higher drug area under the curve levels were associated with a trend to lower disease activity and fibrosis at diagnosis; however, higher SRL levels were associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (P=0.038).

CONCLUSION

Results of the present analysis suggest that de novo SRL-based immunosuppression can be safely used in patients undergoing LT for HCV-associated liver disease; however, SRL-based immunosuppression did not significantly affect the timing or severity of post-transplant HCV recurrence. HCV recurrence in SRL-treated patients had lower progressive activity and fibrosis levels on serial biopsy.

Digital image analysis of liver collagen predicts clinical outcome of recurrent hepatitis C virus 1 year after liver transplantation

Clinical outcomes of recurrent hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation are difficult to predict. We evaluated collagen proportionate area (CPA), a quantitative histological index, at 1 year with respect to the first episode of clinical decompensation. Patients with biopsies at 1 year after liver transplantation were evaluated by Ishak stage/grade, and biopsy samples stained with Sirius red for digital image analysis were evaluated for CPA. Cox regression was used to evaluate variables associated with first appearance of clinical decompensation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also used. A total of 135 patients with median follow-up of 76 months were evaluated. At 1 year, median CPA was 4.6% (0.2%-36%) and Ishak stage was 0-2 in 101 patients, 3-4 in 23 patients, and 5-6 in 11 patients. Decompensation occurred in 26 (19.3%) at a median of 61 months (15-138). Univariately, CPA, tacrolimus monotherapy, and Ishak stage/grade at 1 year were associated with decompensation; upon multivariate analysis, only CPA was associated with decompensation (P = 0.010; Exp(B) = 1.169; 95%CI, 1.037-1.317). Area under the ROC curve was 0.97 (95%CI, 0.94-0.99). A cutoff value of 6% of CPA had 82% sensitivity and 95% specificity for decompensation. In the 89 patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, similar results were obtained. When both cutoffs of CPA > 6% and HVPG ≥ 6 mm Hg were used, all patients decompensated. Thus, CPA at 1-year biopsy after liver transplantation was highly predictive of clinical outcome in patients infected with hepatitis C virus who underwent transplantation, better than Ishak stage or HVPG.

Antiviral prophylactic intervention for chronic hepatitis C virus in patients undergoing liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether prophylactic antiviral therapy is indicated in patients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the benefits and harms of different prophylactic anti-viral therapies for patients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic HCV infection.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until August 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised clinical trials irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status and comparing various prophylactic antiviral therapies (alone or in combination) in the prophylactic treatment of patients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic HCV infection.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors collected the data independently. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the fixed-effect and the random-effects models based on available case analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 477 liver transplant recipients undergoing liver transplantation for chronic HCV infection were randomised in eleven trials to various interventions and controls. The proportion of genotype I varied between 49% to 88% in the five trials that reported the genotype. Only one or two trials were included under each comparison. All the trials were of high risk of bias. There was no significant differences in the patient survival, graft rejection, re-transplantation, or HCV recurrence between intervention and control groups in any of the comparisons that reported these outcomes. None of the trials reported liver decompensation, primary graft non-function, intensive therapy unit stay, hospital stay, or quality of life. Life-threatening adverse events were not reported in either group in any of the comparisons. Up to 91% of patients required reduction in dose and up to 36% of patients required cessation of treatment in the various comparisons because of adverse events or because of patient's choice to stop treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no evidence to recommend prophylactic antiviral treatment to prevent recurrence of HCV infection either in primary liver transplantation or re-transplantation. Further randomised clinical trials with adequate trial methodology and adequate duration of follow-up are necessary.

Post-liver transplant cholestatic hepatitis C: a systematic review of clinical and pathological findings and application of consensus criteria

Liver transplantation is currently the only definitive modality for the treatment of end-stage liver disease due to chronic hepatitis C. However, recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation is nearly universal. Cirrhosis may develop in 20% of recipients within 5 years, and recurrent hepatitis C may lead to graft failure, retransplantation, and even death. A subset of recipients may develop post-liver transplant cholestatic hepatitis C (PLTCHC), which is characterized by cholestasis, hepatocyte ballooning, and rapid progression to graft failure. We present a systematic review of PLTCHC that is focused on hepatitis C-infected liver transplant recipients. We compare the pathological definitions of PLTCHC, clinical factors, management strategies, and outcomes reported in studies. We found differences among studies in the types of histological criteria used to diagnose PLTCHC during liver biopsy and in the types of clinical information provided. Three of the 12 studies published after 2003 used the definition of PLTCHC published by the first International Liver Transplantation Society expert panel consensus conference on liver transplantation and hepatitis C. We propose that studies on PLTCHC use the consensus criteria for diagnosis and suggest clinical information that should be provided in future studies with the goal of improving our understanding and management of this deadly disease.

Hepatitis C recurrence is not adversely affected by the use of donation after cardiac death liver allografts

Many factors can worsen a recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT). We sought to determine whether the use of donation after cardiac death (DCD) livers affects HCV recurrence. From January 2000 to June 2008, 37 HCV patients underwent LT with DCD allografts. The outcomes and severity of HCV recurrence were analyzed along with those for 74 matched control patients with HCV who received donation after brain death (DBD) livers. The 2 groups had similar donor and recipient characteristics, immunosuppression regimens, rates of acute cellular rejection (ACR), and HCV profiles. DCD patients had a higher incidence of primary nonfunction (19% versus 3%, P = 0.006) and significantly higher peak aspartate aminotransferase levels in comparison with DBD subjects, suggesting a greater degree of ischemia/reperfusion injury. Although the survival rates were not significantly different, DCD recipients had lower 1- and 5-year patient survival rates (83% and 69% versus 84% and 78%, respectively, P = 0.75) and graft survival rates (70% and 61% versus 82% and 74%, respectively, P = 0.24). Three hundred fourteen protocol and clinically indicated liver biopsy procedures were performed within 6 years after transplantation, and mixed modeling analysis showed that fibrosis progression rates were similar for the 2 groups (0.6 fibrosis units/year according to the Ishak modified staging system). The rates of severe HCV recurrence (retransplantation or death due to recurrent hepatitis C and/or the development of stage 4/6 fibrosis or worse within 2 years) were similar [3 DCD patients (8%) versus 11 DBD patients (15%), P = 0.38], and cytomegalovirus infection (hazard ratio = 7.9, P = 0.002, 95% confidence interval = 2.1-28.9) and ACR (hazard ratio = 6.2, P = 0.002, 95% confidence interval = 2.0-19.7) were the only independent risk factors for severe recurrence. In summary, although there was a trend of poorer overall outcomes in DCD patients, the use of DCD livers did not appear to adversely affect HCV recurrence after LT.

ELISA-based detection of C4d after liver transplantation--a helpful tool for differential diagnosis between acute rejection and HCV-recurrence?

Hepatitis-C is the most common indication for liver transplantation. Recurrence of HCV is universal leading to graft failure in up to 40% of all patients. The differentiation between acute rejection and recurrent hepatitis-C is crucial as rejection treatments are likely to aggravate HCV-recurrence. Histological examination of liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis of acute rejection but has failed in the past to distinguish between acute rejection and recurrent hepatitis-C. In a retrospective study we have recently reported that C4d as a marker of the activated complement cascade is detectable in a hepatic specimen in acute rejection after liver transplantation and may serve as a valuable tool in differential diagnosis between ACR and HCV-recurrence. We performed a prospective analysis by ELISA measurement of C4d concentration in cryo-preserved liver biopsies of LTX patients who had either experienced acute rejection, hepatitis-C recurrence or displayed no pathological alterations (controls). Opposed to our immunohistologically based findings in paraffinized tissue we were unable to detect significant differences of C4d concentration in ELISA of cryo-preserved liver tissue. Consequently the role and potential value of C4d as a diagnostic marker may not be determined using ELISA-based tissue evaluation.

Antiviral therapy for recurrent liver graft infection with hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND

Antiviral therapy to treat recurrent hepatitis C infection after liver transplantation is controversial due to unresolved balance between benefits and harms.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the therapeutic benefits and harms of different antiviral regimens in patients with hepatitis C re-infected grafts after liver transplantation.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded until March 2009.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) comparing various antiviral therapies (alone or in combination) in the treatment of hepatitis C virus recurrence in liver transplantation were considered for the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors collected the data independently. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the fixed-effect and the random-effects models based on available case-analysis. In the presence of only trial for a dichotomous outcome, we performed the Fisher's exact test.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 425 liver transplant recipients with proven hepatitis C recurrence were randomised in twelve trials to various interventions and controls. The mean proportion of genotype I was 79.9% in the nine trials that reported the genotype. All the trials were of high risk of bias. One to two trials were included under each comparison including single drug or multidrug regimens of interferon, ribavirin, and amantadine. There was no significant difference in the mortality, graft rejection, or in re-transplantation between intervention and control in any of the comparisons that reported these outcomes. None of the trials reported liver decompensation or quality of life. Life-threatening adverse effects were not reported in either group in any of the comparisons. Up to 87.5% of patients required reduction in dose and up to 42.9% of patients required cessation of treatment in the various comparisons because of adverse effects or because of patient's choice to stop treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Considering the lack of clinical benefit and the frequent adverse effects, there is currently no evidence to recommend antiviral treatment for recurrent liver graft infection with HCV. Further randomised clinical trials with adequate trial methodology and adequate duration of follow-up are necessary.

Outcome of recurrent hepatitis C virus after liver transplantation in a randomized trial of tacrolimus monotherapy versus triple therapy

Less potent immunosuppression is considered to reduce the severity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation. An optimal regimen is unknown. We evaluated tacrolimus monotherapy versus triple therapy in a randomized trial of 103 first transplants for HCV cirrhosis. One hundred three patients who underwent transplantation for HCV were randomized to tacrolimus monotherapy (n = 54) or triple therapy with tacrolimus, azathioprine, and steroids (n = 49), which were tapered to zero by 3 to 6 months. Both groups had serial transjugular biopsies with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement. The time to reach Ishak stage 4 was the predetermined endpoint. All factors documented in the literature as being associated with HCV recurrence and the allocated treatment were evaluated for reaching stage 4 and HVPG >or= 10 mm Hg. No significant preoperative, perioperative, or postoperative differences, including the frequency of biopsies between groups, were found. During a mean follow-up of 53.5 months, 9 monotherapy patients and 6 triple therapy patients died, and 5 monotherapy patients and 4 triple therapy patients underwent retransplantation. Stage 4 fibrosis was reached in 17 monotherapy patients and 10 triple therapy patients (P = 0.04), with slower fibrosis progression in the triple therapy patients (P = 0.048). Allocated therapy and histological acute hepatitis were independently associated with stage 4 fibrosis. HVPG increased to >or=10 mm Hg more rapidly in monotherapy patients versus triple therapy patients (P = 0.038). In conclusion, long-term maintenance immunosuppression with azathioprine and shorter term prednisolone with tacrolimus in HCV cirrhosis recipients resulted in a slower onset of histologically proven severe fibrosis and portal hypertension in comparison with tacrolimus alone, and this was independent of known factors affecting fibrosis.

Differential transcriptome patterns for acute cellular rejection in recipients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation

Histopathological evaluation of the liver via biopsy remains the standard procedure for the diagnosis of both acute cellular rejection (ACR) and recurrent hepatitis C (RHC) after liver transplantation. Nevertheless, it is often difficult to diagnose ACR in hepatitis C virus-positive recipients because of changes in common and overlapping with RHC. The aim of this study was to identify potential target genes for ACR in recipients with RHC. We analyzed 22 liver biopsy samples obtained from 21 hepatitis C virus-positive recipients. The clinicopathological diagnosis based on biopsy examination was ACR-predominant with superimposed RHC in 9 samples (ACR group) and RHC without ACR (non-ACR group) in 13. Using oligonucleotide microarrays, we compared the transcriptional changes in the 2 groups and selected 2206 genes that were significantly modulated in ACR. We analyzed the regulatory networks in ACR with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software, and we confirmed with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction the reproducibility of caspase 8, apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase and bone morphogenetic protein 2 up-regulation in another group of validation samples, representing 2 genes from the core network as the target genes for ACR. Our results demonstrated novel transcriptome patterns for ACR with concurrent RHC that were distinct from those of recipients with only RHC, suggesting that gene expression profiling may be useful in the diagnosis of ACR in recipients with hepatitis C.