Impact of anti-hepatitis Bc-positive grafts on the outcome of liver transplantation for HBV-related cirrhosis

Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a highly complex and challenging field of clinical practice. Although it was originally developed in western countries, it has been further advanced in Asian countries through the use of living donor liver transplantation. This method of transplantation is the only available option in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to the lack of deceased organ donation. As a result of this clinical situation, there is a growing need for guidelines that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for evidence-based management throughout the entire process of liver transplantation, covering both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. In addition, the development of these guidelines has been a collaborative effort between medical professionals from various countries in the region. This has allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to a more comprehensive and effective set of guidelines.

Was antiviral prophylaxis necessary after kidney transplantation utilizing HBcAb+ donors? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines lack consensus on whether antiviral prophylaxes should be administered after kidney transplantation from HBcAb+ donors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of de novo HBV (DNH) infection, as well as graft and patient survival.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to December 31, 2023. We included relevant studies that assessed clinical outcomes following transplantation utilizing HBcAb+ kidneys. Summary measures of effect and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for prevalence, risk factors, as well as graft and patient survival were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included for the final analysis. The DNH incidence was at 0.36% (9/2516) with low heterogeneity (I2 = 6%). HBsAb+ recipients (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.25-2.38), HBcAb+ recipients (OR: 3.11, 95%CI: 0.91-10.66, P = 0.071), and recipients not receiving any antiviral prophylaxis (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 0.15-10.58) were not associated with higher DNH risk. Specifically, HBsAb-/HBcAb+ recipients had the highest DNH incidence (4.65%), followed by HBsAb-/HBcAb- (0.49%), HBsAb+/HBcAb- recipients (0.45%), and HBsAb+/HBcAb+ (0%). Furthermore, recipients receiving HBcAb+ kidneys had comparable graft survival (HR: 1.06, 95%CI: 0.94-1.19, P = 0.55) and patient survival (HR:1.16, 95%CI: 0.98-1.38, P = 0.090) compared with recipients receiving HBcAb- kidneys.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplantation utilizing HBcAb+ kidneys contributed to comparable graft and patient survival with an extremely low risk of HBV transmission. Antiviral prophylaxes may only be administered in HBsAb-/HBcAb+ recipients.

Clinical Significance and Remaining Issues of Anti-HBc Antibody and HBV Core-Related Antigen

Currently, hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antibody (anti-HBc antibody) and HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) are widely used as serum markers for diagnosis based on the HBV core region. This review focused on anti-HBc antibodies and HBcrAg and aimed to summarize the clinical significance of currently used assay systems and the issues involved. While anti-HBc is very significant for clinical diagnosis, the clinical significance of quantitative assay of anti-HBc antibody has been reevaluated with improvements in diagnostic performance, including its association with clinical stage and prediction of carcinogenesis and reactivation. In addition, concerning the new HBcrAg, a high-sensitivity assay method has recently been established, and its diagnostic significance, including the prediction of reactivation, is being reevaluated. On the other hand, the quantitative level of anti-HBc antibody expressed in different units among assay systems complicates the interpretation of the results. However, it is difficult to standardize assay systems as they vary in advantages, and caution is needed in interpreting the assay results. In conclusion, with the development of highly sensitive HBcrAg and anti-HBc antibody, a rapid and sensitive detection assay system has been developed and used in clinical practice. In the future, it is hoped that a global standard will be created based on the many clinical findings.

HBV-positive and HIV-positive organs in transplantation: A clinical guide for the hepatologist

Organ transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients with end-stage organ disease, a severe condition associated with a high risk of waitlist mortality. It is primarily limited by a shortage of available organs. Maximising available donors can increase access to transplantation. Transplantation from donors positive for HBV and HIV has increased in many countries. However, antiviral therapies need to be readily available for recipients after transplantation to prevent possible reactivation of the virus following the administration of immunosuppressive therapies. Furthermore, the intentional transmission of a virus has practical, ethical, and clinical implications. In this review, we summarise the current research, focusing on grafts from donors positive for the HBV surface antigen, antibodies against the HBV core antigen, and HIV, to help hepatologists and physicians interested in transplantation to select the best antiviral and/or prophylactic regimens for after transplantation.

Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infection: 2018 Guidelines from the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver Disease and Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important public health problem in Canada. In keeping with evolving evidence and understanding of HBV pathogenesis, the Canadian Association for the Study of Liver Disease periodically publishes HBV management guidelines. The goals of the 2018 guidelines are to (1) highlight the public health impact of HBV infection in Canada and the need to improve diagnosis and linkage to care, (2) recommend current best-practice guidelines for treatment of HBV, (3) summarize the key HBV laboratory diagnostic tests, and (4) review evidence on HBV management in special patient populations and include more detail on management of HBV in pediatric populations. An overview of novel HBV tests and therapies for HBV in development is provided to highlight the recent advances in HBV clinical research. The aim and scope of these guidelines are to serve as an up-to-date, comprehensive resource for Canadian health care providers in the management of HBV infection.

Deceased donor liver transplant: Experience from a public sector hospital in India

BACKGROUND

Deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) is an uncommon procedure in India. We present our experience of DDLT from a public sector teaching hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all DDLT was performed from April 2012 till September 2016. Demographics, intraoperative, donor factors, morbidity, and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 305 liver transplants were performed, of which 36 were DDLT (adult 32, pediatric 4; 35 grafts; 1 split). The median age was 42.5 (1-62) years; 78% were men. The median donor age was 28 (1-77) years; 72.2% were men. About 45% of organs were procured from outside of Delhi and 67% of all grafts used were marginal. Three of 38 liver grafts (7.8%) were rejected due to gross steatosis. Commonest indication was cryptogenic cirrhosis (19.4%). The median model for end-stage liver disease sodium and pediatric end-stage liver disease scores were 23.5 (9-40) and 14.5 (9-22), respectively. Median warm and cold ischemia times were 40 (23-56) and 396 (111-750) min, respectively. Major morbidity of grade III and above occurred in 63.8%. In hospital (90 days), mortality was 16.7% and there were two late deaths because of chronic rejection and biliary sepsis. The overall survival was 77.8% at median follow up of 8.6 (1-54) months.

CONCLUSIONS

DDLT can be performed with increasing frequency and safety in a public sector hospital. The perioperative and long-term outcomes are acceptable despite the fact that most organs were extended criteria grafts.

Extended Criteria Donors in Liver Transplantation

Mortality rates on the liver transplant waiting list are increasing. The shortage of organs has resulted in higher utilization of extended criteria donors (ECDs), with centers pushing the limits of what is acceptable for transplantation. Donor quality is more appropriately represented as a continuum of risk, and careful selection and matching of ECD grafts with recipients may lead to excellent outcomes. Although there is no precise definition for what constitutes an ECD liver, this review focuses on frequently cited characteristics, including donor age, steatosis, donation after cardiac death, and donors with increased risk of disease transmission.

The Management of Hepatitis B in Liver Transplant Recipients

Liver transplant (LT) is now an established indication for patients with chronic hepatitis B, mainly because of the development and use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and oral antivirals for prophylaxis. The combination of low-dose HBIG and antivirals has been considered the standard prophylaxis regimen to prevent post-LT recurrence of hepatitis B. The important remaining issues are related to the long-term cost of HBIG and the risk of escape hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants. Strategies for prevention of HBV after LT are constantly improving. With the availability of new nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, new post-LT strategies also should emerge.

Expanded criteria donors

The greatest challenge facing liver transplantation today is the shortage of donor livers. Demand far exceeds supply, and this deficit has driven expansion of what is considered an acceptable organ. The evolving standard has not come without costs, however, as each new frontier of expanded donor quality (i.e., advancing donor age, donation after cardiac death, and split liver) may have traded wait-list for post-transplant morbidity and mortality. This article delineates the nature and severity of risk associated with specific deceased donor liver characteristics and recommends strategies to maximally mitigate these risks.

De novo hepatitis B virus infection from anti-HBc-positive donors in pediatric living donor liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection from hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive donors in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 46 recipients without pre-liver transplantation (LT) HBV infection evidence who underwent LDLT from October 2006 to May 2011 in our center. HBV markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs), anti-HBc, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody (anti-HBe) were determined in both donors and recipients before LT and in recipients after LT. HBV DNA titer was measured if the recipients were strongly suspected of de novo HBV infection.

RESULTS

Without prophylaxis, de novo HBV infection occurred in 11 of 46 recipients (23.9%) 6-36 months after LT. All 11 patients received grafts from anti-HBc-positive donors. The donors' baseline status and the characteristics of recipients at the time of transplantation were not associated with the acquisition of de novo hepatitis B infection. The overall 2-year survival rate of patients from anti-HBc-positive donors was 84.2%. Two de novo HBV-infected patients who had YMDD mutation were given adefovir combined with lamivudine, and their liver function gradually improved during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-HBc-positive donors can significantly increase the incidence of de novo HBV infection in HBsAg-negative recipients. Administration with adefovir in patients who are resistant to lamivudine seems to be an effective and safe way for de novo HBV infection.

Allografts positive for hepatitis B surface antigen in liver transplant for disease related to hepatitis B virus

OBJECTIVES

Liver grafts from hepatitis B surface antigen-negative and anti-core antibody-positive donors are safe for liver transplant. However, the use of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver donors in liver transplants is controversial. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of liver transplants using hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver grafts to patients with diseases related to hepatitis B virus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients who had a deceased-donor liver transplant using hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver grafts. All patients had end-stage liver disease secondary to hepatitis B virus infection. Recipients had oral entecavir and intravenous or intramuscular injection of hepatitis B immune globulin for >1 year after the transplant.

RESULTS

Two patients died from severe perioperative pneumonia, and the other 21 patients were followed for 9 to 38 months after transplant. All 21 patients remained hepatitis B surface antigen-positive. A repeat liver transplant was performed in 1 patient at 5 months after the initial transplant because of biliary ischemia. There were 3 patients who died from recurrent liver cancer at 9, 14, and 18 months after transplant. There were 18 patients (78%) who survived and 17 grafts (74%) that survived.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplant using hepatitis B surface antigen-positive liver grafts is safe for patients with end-stage liver disease secondary to hepatitis B virus infection.

Immunoprophylaxis against and prevention of recurrent viral hepatitis after liver transplantation

The reinfection of the hepatic allograft with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus can have important sequelae that result in poor long-term patient and graft survival. Although a response to treatment with antiviral medications can improve these outcomes, not all patients tolerate these medications or experience viral eradication. Avoiding reinfection of the graft is the most effective means of improving the long-term outcomes for these patient populations. This review is focused on the prevention of viral hepatitis reinfection after liver transplantation.

De Novo Superinfection of Hepatitis B Virus in an Anti-HBs Positive Patient with Recurrent Hepatitis C Following Liver Transplantation

A 60-year-old woman with end stage liver cirrhosis caused by genotype 2 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection received an orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The patient was negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and positive for the anti-hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) prior to and one and a half months following the OLT. Due to reactivation of hepatitis C, treatment with interferon-alpha and Ribavirin started two months following the OLT and resulted in a sustained virological response. We performed a liver biopsy because a biochemical response was not achieved. Surprisingly, liver pathology showed HBsAg-positive hepatocytes with a lobular hepatitis feature, which had been negative in the liver biopsy specimen obtained one and a half months post-OLT. High titers of both HBsAg and HBeAg were detected, while anti-HBs antibodies were not found. Tests for IgM anti-hepatitis B core antibody and anti-delta virus antibodies were negative. The serum HBV DNA titer was over 1×10⁷ copies/mL. A sequencing analysis showed no mutation in the "a" determinant region, but revealed a mixture of wild and mutant strains at an overlapping region of the S and P genes (S codon 213 (Leu/Ile); P codons 221 (Phe/Tyr) and 222 (Ala/Thr)). These findings suggest that de novo hepatitis B can develop in patients with HCV infection during the post-OLT period despite the presence of protective anti-HBs.

Liver grafts from anti-hepatitis B core positive donors: a systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission after liver transplantation of grafts from HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc positive donors is well established, the growing organ shortage favours the use of such marginal grafts. We systematically evaluated the risk of HBV infection after liver transplantation with such grafts and the effect of anti-HBV prophylaxis.

METHODS

We performed a literature review over the last 15 years identifying 39 studies including 903 recipients of anti-HBc positive liver grafts.

RESULTS

Recurrent HBV infection developed in 11% of HBsAg-positive liver transplant recipients of anti-HBc positive grafts, while survival was similar (67-100%) to HBsAg-positive recipients of anti-HBc negative grafts. De novo HBV infection developed in 19% of HBsAg-negative recipients being less frequent in anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive than HBV naive cases without prophylaxis (15% vs 48%, p<0.001). Anti-HBV prophylaxis reduced de novo infection rates in both anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive (3%) and HBV naive recipients (12%). De novo infection rates were 19%, 2.6% and 2.8% in HBsAg-negative recipients under hepatitis B immunoglobulin, lamivudine and their combination, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver grafts from anti-HBc positive donors can be safely used, preferentially in HBsAg-positive or anti-HBc/anti-HBs positive recipients. HBsAg-negative recipients should receive prophylaxis with lamivudine, while both anti-HBc and anti-HBs positive recipients may need no prophylaxis at all.

Reactivation of hepatitis B with reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen after chemotherapy and immunosuppression

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HBV infection may reactivate in the setting of immunosuppression, although the frequency and consequences of HBV reactivation are not well known. We report 6 patients who experienced loss of serologic markers of hepatitis B immunity and reappearance of HBsAg in the serum as a result of a variety of acquired immune deficiencies.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2005, six patients with reactivation of hepatitis B were seen in consultation by the Liver Diseases Branch at the Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health. The course and outcome of these 6 patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

All 6 patients developed reappearance of HBsAg and evidence of active liver disease after stem cell transplantation (n = 4), immunosuppressive therapy (n = 1), or change in human immunodeficiency virus antiretroviral regimen (n = 1), despite having antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) or antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) without HBsAg before. All 6 patients developed chronic hepatitis B, 2 patients transmitted hepatitis B to their spouses, and 1 patient developed cirrhosis. The diagnosis of hepatitis B reactivation was frequently missed or delayed and often required interruption of the therapy for the underlying condition. None of the patients received antiviral prophylaxis against HBV reactivation.

CONCLUSIONS

Serologic evidence of recovery from hepatitis B infection does not preclude its reactivation after immunosuppression. Screening for serologic evidence of hepatitis B and prophylaxis of those with positive results by using nucleoside analogue antiviral therapy should be provided to individuals in whom immunosuppressive therapy is planned.

[How can the number of liver transplantations be increased?]

The number of patients suitable for liver transplantation is progressively increasing due to the excellent results achieved with this procedure, giving rise to a growing imbalance in the number of candidates on the waiting list and the number of donors. This situation has prompted transplant teams to search for alternatives to increase the number of liver grafts. On the one hand, the criteria for donation have been broadened to include donors with advanced age, liver steatosis, hepatitis B and C viruses, neoplasms, and benign underlying diseases. On the other hand, new transplant techniques have been used with grafts from split livers, living donors, sequential or domino transplants and non-heart-beating donors. Other options such as xenotransplantation and hepatocyte transplants currently lack clinical applicability.

Anti-HBs re-seroconversion after liver transplantation in a patient with past HBV infection receiving a HBsAg positive graft

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is an important therapeutic option for HBV-related end-stage-liver disease, yet it is often hampered by a scarcity of organ availability. One option to increase organ availability is the use of virologically compromised organs from HBV-infected donors. Transplantation of anti-HBcore positive grafts has been associated with a low risk of HBV recurrence if adequately treated with nucleoside analogs, irrespective of concomitant HBV-specific immunoglobulin therapy. Experience using HBsAg positive grafts is, however, very limited.

METHODS

Here, the analysis of the cellular and humoral HBV-specific immunity of a subject with past HBV infection (anti-HBs and anti-HBc positive) receiving an HBsAg positive liver graft is reported.

RESULTS

Nine months post-OLT, the patient experienced a spontaneous anti-HBs re-seroconversion allowing the discontinuation of HBIG. The data show a concurrent increase in the cellular and humoral immunity at times of reduced viral antigenemia, demonstrating effective immune control of HBV post-OLT.

CONCLUSIONS

These data support the use of marginal organs in this setting, providing a potential strategy to further alleviate organ shortage.

Hepatitis C and liver transplantation: enhancing outcomes and should patients be retransplanted

Hepatitis C (HCV)-related end-stage liver disease is the most common indication for liver transplantation. Safe expansion of the donor pool with improved rates of deceased donation and more widespread use of living and extended criteria donation are likely to decrease wait list mortality. In addition, improved antiviral treatments and a better understanding of the delicate balance between under- and over-immunosuppression in this population are needed. Finally, when recurrent advanced fibrosis occurs, the criteria for patient selection for retransplantation remain widely debated. This article reviews the literature on these topics and the work being done in each area to maximize outcomes in patients receiving transplants for HCV-related cirrhosis.

Expanding donor options: marginal, living, and split donors

One of the most important factors in the increasing number of liver transplantations performed in the United States is the growing acceptance of marginal grafts, which are defined as organs at increased risk for poor function or failure that may subject the recipient to greater risks of morbidity or mortality. Based on encouraging results, a growing number of liver transplantation centers are broadening their criteria for transplantation of marginal grafts. This article discusses the use of the extended criteria donor liver, split-liver, and living-donor liver transplantation.

[The prophylaxis against post-liver-transplant hepatitis B re-infection]

OBJECTIVE

To review the prophylaxis against post-liver transplantation hepatitis B reinfection with anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin and nucleoside analogues.

METHOD

A bibliographic search was carried out using Pubmed, entering the following key words: hepatitis B and liver transplantation and (hepatitis B hyperimmune globulin and lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil) up to June 2006. The initial search was filtered using the terms clinical trial, randomized clinical trial and review. The data contained in selected studies were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 53 works were found. Prophylaxis with anti-HB immunoglobulin and lamivudine is the best strategy for avoiding recurrence of the hepatitis B virus in patients undergoing hepatic transplants; achieving very low reinfection rates (0-10%) with follow up periods of between 1-5 years. There is a great degree of variability (dose, duration and method of HBIg administration) in the prophylactic protocols reviewed. The use of low doses of anti-HB immunoglobulin (administered intravenously followed by intramuscular administration, or administered intramuscularly from the anhepatic stage), and lamivudine in patients who receive transplants with a low risk of recurrence, shows prophylactic efficacy comparable to the use of high doses of anti-HB immunoglobulin. Furthermore, it implies a considerable reduction in costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of suitably designed clinical trials is required to design a more cost-effective protocol and reduce variability.

Incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of late infection in solid organ transplant recipients: data from the RESITRA study group

Information describing the incidence and clinical characteristics of late infection (LI) in solid organ transplantation (SOT) is scarce. The aim of this study was to define the incidence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for LI (>6 months) as compared with infection in the early period (<6 months) after SOT. By the online database of the Spanish Network of Infection in Transplantation (RESITRA) we prospectively analyzed 2702 SOT recipients from September 2003 to February 2005. Univariate and multivariate analysis using logistic regression were performed to calculate the risk factors associated with the development of LI. A total of 131 patients developed 176 LI episodes (8%). Global incidence of LI was 0.4 per 1000 transplant-days, ranging from 0.3/1000 in kidney transplants to 1.4 in lung transplants. Independent risk factors for LI in were: acute rejection in the early period (OR 1.5; CI 95%: 1.1-2.3), chronic graft malfunction (OR 2; CI 95%: 1.4-3), re-operation (OR 1.9; CI 95%: 1.3-2.8) relapsing viral infection apart from CMV (OR 1.9; CI 95%: 1.1-3.5), previous bacterial infection (OR 1.8; CI 95%: 1.2-2.6) and lung transplantation (OR 4.5; CI 95%: 2.6-7.8). Severe LI occurs in a subgroup of high-risk SOT recipients who deserve a more careful follow-up and could benefit from prolonged prophylactic measures similar to that performed in the early period after transplantation.

Should antihepatitis B virus core positive or antihepatitis C virus core positive subjects be accepted as organ donors for liver transplantation?

Since the introduction of liver transplantation as a routine surgical procedure for the treatment of end-stage liver disease, there has been an increasing gap between the number of available grafts and the number of patients on the waiting list. This has led transplant centers to expand the donor pool by different means. One of them has been the introduction of living donor liver transplantation. Other strategies include using less than optimal allografts from deceased donors, the so-called marginal donors, which include the use of grafts from older subjects, livers with moderate amounts of steatosis, or from donors with markers of past or current infection with hepatitis viruses who have absent or minimal liver biochemical or histologic injury. In this review, we will focus on the current use of allografts from donors with antihepatitis B core antibody and/or antibodies against hepatitis C virus in cadaveric and living donor liver transplantation.

Can Donors With Prior Hepatitis Be Safely Used for Heart Transplantation?

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation represents a significant life-saving and increased quality-of-life intervention for patients with refractory cardiac failure. Successful transplantation requires continuous immunosuppression to avoid immune rejection. Unfortunately, persistent viral infections in donors may be transmitted to recipients in the process of heart transplantation. With the severe shortage of available organs and significant waiting list mortality there is a rationale for considering use of organs from donors with evidence of prior hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C infection.

METHODS

Published literature articles were searched using Medline, PaperChase and further review of references in relevant articles on issues related to hepatitis B and hepatitis C and heart transplantation.

RESULTS

Donor and recipient testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C is important for relative risk assessment. Nucleic acid testing for hepatitis B DNA and hepatitis C RNA represent emerging technologies, which may add valuable information to traditional serologic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart transplant recipient risk may be modified by vaccination against hepatitis B before transplantation. There is currently no available vaccine for hepatitis C. Recently described effective treatments for hepatitis B and hepatitis C provide further rationale for reconsideration of using hearts from donors with evidence of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C infection.

Use of anti-HBc positive allografts in adult liver transplantation: toward a safer way to expand the donor pool

The use of livers from anti-hepatitis B core (HBc) positive donors can alleviate donor shortage. Nineteen of 367 (6%) adults receiving anti-HBc positive allografts [three were hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) negative, hepatitis B antibody (HBsAb) positive; four were HBsAg positive and 12 were not exposed to hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection] were retrospectively reviewed. In HBsAg negative recipients, immunoprophylaxis (IP) was guided by viral serology and immunohistochemistry (IH) of day 0 and day 7 liver biopsies. If IH was negative, IP was stopped. None of three HBsAg negative, HBsAb positive recipients infected; one (replicating) of four HBsAg positive recipients reinfected and seven of eight (87.5%) HBsAg, HBsAb negative recipients, who did not receive long-term IP, infected after a median time of 2 years (range 1-5); one patient died of liver failure. Four HBsAg, HBsAb negative recipients, receiving life-long IP, remained infection free. Anti-HBc positive donor livers must be directed selectively first to HBsAg positive recipients, next to recipients having HBV antibodies and finally to HBV-naive recipients. Identification of both donor and recipient risk factors for HBV infection before transplantation allows indiscriminate use of antiviral prophylaxis. The necessity for IP therapy should be guided by HBV-DNA testing of donor liver tissue and serum. IH of early liver biopsies is an unreliable marker for predicting antiviral treatment requirements.

Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection from hepatitis B core antibody-positive donor graft using hepatitis B immune globulin and lamivudine in living donor liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatic grafts from hepatitis B surface antigen-negative and anti-core antibody (HBcAb)-positive donors have been shown to transmit hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Recently, it has been reported that combined hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) and lamivudine therapy is effective in the prevention of hepatitis B recurrence after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this report, we assessed the efficacy of combined HBIG and lamivudine therapy in preventing HBV transmission by graft with HBcAb-positive donors.

METHODS

We studied 22 patients who had undergone LDLT with allografts from HBcAb-positive living donors at Gunma University Hospital and Kyushu University Hospital. Long-term combined HBIG and lamivudine therapy were administrated to all recipients. Serum samples from the donor and recipient were tested for HBcAb, HBV DNA, and hepatitis B surface antibody. Liver biopsies from grafts were tested for HBV DNA.

RESULTS

All recipients were HBcAb negative before LDLT. All of the donor livers were HBV DNA positive at the time of LDLT. All of the recipients had HBsAb titers greater than 300 mIU/ml 4 weeks after LDLT, and remained 100 mIU/ml thereafter. None of the recipients have become infected with HBV with a follow-up of 25-86 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Perioperative combined HBIG and lamivudine therapy can prevent HBV infection in recipients who receive liver grafts from HBcAb-positive donors.

Transplantation of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive livers into hepatitis B virus-positive recipients and the role of hepatitis delta coinfection

The scarcity of liver donors requires consideration of grafts from sources not previously used. Allografts from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-carriers without a significant liver disease have been proposed for liver transplant recipients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combination prophylaxis schemes against HBV post-liver transplantation (LT) recurrence are currently available; the efficacy of those schemes in HBV-related cirrhosis and HCC must be assessed. This report describes the allocation of HBsAg-positive grafts in three HBsAg-positive recipients, with HBV-related cirrhosis and evolving HCC lesions, two of them with hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) coinfection. Patients were administered anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulins (HBIGs) and lamivudine in order to prevent HBV recurrence. In spite of anti-HBV prophylaxis, HBV infection did persist after LT in all patients (no serum clearance of HBsAg). HBV replication assessed by serum HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) presence was detected in the first month after LT in the 3 recipients. A prompt HDV reinfection with a clinical and histological pattern of hepatitis was observed in the 2 HBV / HDV coinfected recipients. In 1 of them, an evolving chronic hepatitis required a second LT. The non-HDV-infected patient showed an uneventful follow-up, but the lack of the neutralizing effect of HBIGs and the high risk of escape mutants forced the addition of adefovir-dipivoxil to lamivudine, in order to prevent viral variants and hepatitis recurrence. In conclusion, allografts from HBsAg-positive donors in HBsAg-positive recipients are associated with the persistence of the HBsAg after LT due to the failure of HBIG prophylaxis, even if lamivudine does inhibit virion production. This condition favors HDV replication and HDV hepatitis recurrence in coinfected patients. The allocation of HBsAg-positive grafts in HBsAg-positive recipients could be justified only in recipients without HDV coinfection and a combined prophylaxis with lamivudine and adefovir-dipivoxil is currently the best way to manage escape mutants in these recipients.

MELD Scores Do Not Predict Patient Morbidity While on the Liver Transplant Waiting List

The goals of this study were to assess waitlist morbidity in terms of the frequency of health care services utilized by patients while on the liver transplant (LTX) waiting list and to determine whether that utilization can be predicted by the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD). Sixty-three noncomatose subjects were followed from waitlist placement until death, change in status, LTX, or study discontinuance. Health care events included doctor/clinic visits, labs, outpatient/inpatient tests and procedures, and hospital/intensive care unit days. Listing MELD scores and LTX MELD scores were examined against the number of health care event occurrences within 60 days of listing and 60 days of LTX, respectively, as were changes in MELD scores between listing and LTX and differences in the number of occurrences between the two time points. The only significant correlations noted were between LTX MELD scores and number of hospital days near LTX (r = .360, P = .046) and between LTX MELD scores and the sum total number of occurrences near LTX (r = .370, P = .044). These results suggest that MELD scores do not appear to predict morbidity in terms of health care utilization in patients awaiting LTX. Developing a system capable of predicting waitlist morbidity may lead to the implementation of medical interventions aimed at circumventing foreseeable complications and/or crises in patients awaiting LTX.

Does lamivudine prophylaxis eradicate persistent HBV DNA from allografts derived from anti-HBc-positive donors?

Transplantation of livers from anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive donors into anti-HBc-negative recipients is associated with a high rate of viral transmission. We report a prophylaxis regimen based on virologic evaluation of the donor. Liver and serum from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative, anti-HBc-positive donors were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. All anti-HBc-negative recipients were given a single dose of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) during the anhepatic phase of transplantation and were placed on maintenance lamivudine monotherapy. Recipients were followed up longitudinally monitoring intrahepatic HBV DNA as well as serologic HBsAg and HBV DNA by PCR. Between January 1999 and August 2001, 14 anti-HBc-negative recipients received liver transplants from anti-HBc-positive donors. All donor serum was negative for HBV DNA. In total, nine of 14 (64%) livers had detectable HBV DNA; 1 patient was initially PCR-negative and low levels of HBV DNA were detected in a posttransplantation liver biopsy. Mean follow-up was 33 months (range, 22 to 51), and patient and graft survival were each 93%. One case of de novo hepatitis B occurred in a patient noncompliant with lamivudine, although all other serial serum HBsAg assay results were negative. Single-dose HBIG followed by maintenance lamivudine monotherapy prevented de novo hepatitis B in compliant patients. For the cohort of compliant patients that were initially HBV DNA-positive, 7 of 8 (88%) now have undetectable virus in the hepatic allograft by PCR analysis. Nevertheless, there is no evidence to suggest that viral eradication occurs. Accordingly, all patients are maintained on continued lamivudine prophylaxis.

Outcomes of hepatitis C- and hepatitis B core antibody-positive grafts in orthotopic liver transplantation

The use of hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)- and hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV+) liver grafts for transplantation in selected populations has not affected patient and graft survival. We reexamined the clinical outcomes of using these HBcAb+ and HCV+ grafts at our institution, in addition to studying recipients of combined HBcAb+/HCV+ grafts. We identified 377 patients who underwent transplantation for either hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, or received both HBcAb+ and HCV+ grafts. Patient and graft survival at 5 years posttransplantation was 73% and 71%, respectively, in the HBcAb+ grafts compared with 81% and 75% in the HBcAb- grafts (P =.65; P =.94). For HCV+ grafts, patient and graft survival at 5 years posttransplantation was 89% and 73%, respectively, compared with 69% and 59% in the HCV- grafts; (P =.22; P =.77). The 5-year patient and graft survival rate in those who received combined HBcAb+/HCV+ grafts was 74% and 69%, respectively, and there was no statistical difference compared with the HBcAb+ and HCV+ grafts (P =.76; P =.90). The 5-year patient and graft survival rate in patients who received dual HBV prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) and lamivudine was 88% and 84%, respectively, which was significantly higher than for patients who received single prophylaxis or no prophylaxis (P <.01; P =.02). Our study supports previous observations that patient and graft survival is not affected with the use of HBcAb+ and HCV+ grafts, and that dual prophylaxis with HBIg and lamivudine offers substantial survival benefits. Furthermore, the use of combined HBcAb+/HCV+ grafts did not impact patient or graft survival. This provides a potential new pool of donor livers that can be used for transplantation in select patients.

Extended criteria for organ acceptance. Strategies for achieving organ safety and for increasing organ pool

The terms extended donor or expanded donor mean changes in donor acceptability criteria. In almost all cases, the negative connotations of these terms cannot be justified. Factors considered to affect donor or organ acceptability have changed with time, after showing that they did not negatively affect graft or patient survival per se or when the adequate measures had been adopted. There is no age limit to be an organ donor. Kidney and liver transplantation from donors older than 65 years can have excellent graft and patient actuarial survival and graft function. Using these donors can be from an epidemiological point of view the most important factor to esablish the final number of cadaveric liver and kidney transplantations. Organs with broad structural parenchyma lesion with preserved functional reserve and organs with reversible functional impairment can be safely transplanted. Bacterial and fungal donor infection with the adequate antibiotic treatment of donor and/or recipient prevents infection in the latter. The organs, including the liver, from donors with infection by the hepatitis B and C viruses can be safely transplanted to recipients with infection by the same viruses, respectively. Poisoned donors and non-heart-beating donors, grafts from transplant recipients, reuse of grafts, domino transplant and splitting of one liver for two recipients can be an important and safe source of organs for transplantation.

The use of virologically compromised organs in liver transplantation

The present organ donor crisis has led to accepted use of organs from donors infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although capable of transmitting disease, these grafts offer opportunities to expand the donor pool for certain populations. Anti-HBc positive grafts can be used if care is taken to provide prophylaxis. Good quality grafts from HCV+ donors may be used in recipients who are themselves HCV+ with good outcomes.

Nucleoside analogues and other antivirals for treatment of hepatitis B in the peritransplant period

Chronic HBV infection is a common cause of advanced liver disease that is associated with substantial mortality. Furthermore, chronic hepatitis B was historically a controversial indication for liver transplantation because of a low post-transplant survival, with graft infection being the major contributor to adverse outcomes. The initial use of hepatitis B immune globulin as prophylaxis, followed later by combined therapy with lamivudine, markedly reduced viral recurrence and improved the survival of patients transplanted for acute or chronic hepatitis B with liver failure. Lamivudine alone can also be used for long-term prophylaxis against de novo HBV infection that can be transmitted by organs from donors positive for anti-HBc or anti-HBs. When used in patients with decompensated chronic hepatitis B with cirrhosis, lamivudine has been shown to improve clinical manifestations, prolong pretransplant survival, and defer, or even obviate, the need for transplantation. Despite prophylaxis, viral mutations with breakthrough reinfection may occur and lead to liver failure. The recently approved adefovir dipivoxil, which is active against lamivudine-resistant mutation, and other nucleoside analogs that are in various phases of development, offer hope as rescue therapy for viral recurrence. Other therapeutic alternatives in the future may include gene therapy and immune interventions.

The utility of marginal donors in liver transplantation

The shortage of organs has led centers to expand their criteria for the acceptance of marginal donors. The combination of multiple marginal factors seems to be additive on graft injury. In this review, the utility of various marginal donors in patients requiring liver transplantation will be described, including older donors, steatotic livers, non-heart-beating donors, donors with viral hepatitis, and donors with malignancies. The pathophysiology of the marginal donor will be discussed, along with strategies for minimizing the ischemia reperfusion injury experienced by these organs. Finally, new strategies for improving the function of the marginal/expanded donor liver will be reviewed.

MELD score predicts 1-year patient survival post-orthotopic liver transplantation

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is an important predictor in patients awaiting orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, the model's association with posttransplant patient survival is unclear. We studied 1-year patient survival in 404 adult patients who underwent OLT at the University of California Los Angeles. The hazard rates of patient survival according to the MELD strata and United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) statuses were assessed by Proportional Hazard Cox regression analysis. The difference in survival for MELD strata and UNOS status were compared using the Cox model. There was a significant difference in 1-year patient (P =.0006) survival using different MELD strata, whereas there was a trend according to UNOS status (P =.051). Increased rate of death was observed in recipients of OLT with higher MELD scores (> 36, hazard ratio 3.9; 95% CI 1.55, 10.27) and more urgent UNOS status (2A; hazard ratio, 1.99; 95% CI 1.07, 3.7). The MELD stratum is better associated with 1-year patient survival in liver transplant recipients than UNOS statuses. Patient survival was worse with higher MELD scores.