Impact of human immunodeficiency virus on survival after liver transplantation: analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing database. Transplantation. 2008;85:359-368. [PMID: 18301332 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181605fda]

Similar survival but higher and delayed hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in HIV-positive compared to negative cirrhotics undergoing liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) represents the best therapeutic option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Although HIV infection does not seem to lower survival rates, HCV and HCC recurrence appear more harmful.

AIMS

To compare the overall survival after LT; evaluate the impact of anti-HCV direct-acting agents (DAA); assess the rate of HCC recurrence in HIV-positive and negative patients.

METHODS

Subjects with HCV/HBV infection who underwent LT for HCC or ESLD from 2012 to 2019 were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Study population included 299 individuals, 31 (10.4%) were HIV-positive. Overall mortality was similar (16.1% versus 19.0%, p = 0.695). HCC recurrence was observed in 6 HIV-positive (19.4%) and in 17 negative subjects (6.3%, p = 0.022). Time to relapse was 831 days in HIV-positive and 315 days in negative patients (p = 0.046). Cox model found a significant role for HIV in univariate analysis but, after adjusting for variables, extra-hepatic tumor was the only factor associated to recurrence (aHR 56.379, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-LT survival improved after DAA availability and HIV has no impact on mortality. A higher and delayed rate of HCC recurrence was observed in co-infected individuals: surveillance protocols should be strengthened along time in this population.

Changing Landscape of Liver Transplantation in the Post-DAA and Contemporary ART Era

Combination anti-retroviral therapy has drastically improved solid organ transplantation outcomes in persons living with HIV. DAA therapy has led to the successful eradication of HCV. While recent data have suggested improvement in outcomes in HIV/HCV-coinfected liver transplant recipients, temporal trends in patient survival within pre- and post-DAA eras are yet to be elucidated. The UNOS database was utilized to identify deceased donor liver transplant recipients between 1 January 2000 and 30 September 2020 and stratify them by HIV and HCV infection status. A total of 85,730 patients met the inclusion criteria. One-year and five-year patient survival improved (93% and 80%, respectively) for all transplants performed post-2015. For HIV/HCV-coinfected recipients, survival improved significantly from 78% (pre-2015) to 92% (post-2015). Multivariate regression analyses identified advanced recipient age, Black race, diabetes mellitus and decompensated cirrhosis as risk factors associated with higher one-year mortality. Liver transplant outcomes in HIV/HCV-coinfected liver transplant recipients have significantly improved over the last quinquennium in the setting of the highly effective combination of ART and DAA therapy. The presence of HIV, HCV, HIV/HCV-coinfection and active HCV viremia at the time of transplant do not cause higher mortality risk in liver transplant recipients in the current era.

A Brazilian university hospital position regarding transplantation criteria for HIV-positive patients according to the current literature

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was considered a contraindication for solid organ transplantation (SOT) in the past. However, HIV management has improved since highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) became available in 1996, and the long-term survival of patients living with HIV has led many transplant programs to reevaluate their policies regarding the exclusion of patients with HIV infection.Based on the available data in the medical literature and the cumulative experience of transplantation in HIV-positive patients at our hospital, the aim of the present article is to outline the criteria for transplantation in HIV-positive patients as recommended by the Immunocompromised Host Committee of the Hospital das Clínicas of the University of São Paulo.

Successful direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment of HCV/HIV-coinfected patients before and after liver transplantation

Objectives

The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to investigate safety and efficacy of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in the rare subgroup of patients with HCV/HIV-coinfection and advanced liver cirrhosis on the liver transplant waiting list or after liver transplantation, respectively.

Methods

When contacting 54 German liver centers (including all 23 German liver transplant centers), 12 HCV/HIV-coinfected patients on antiretroviral combination therapy were reported having received additional DAA therapy while being on the waiting list for liver transplantation (patient characteristics: Child-Pugh A (n = 6), B (n = 5), C (n = 1); MELD range 7–21; HCC (n = 2); HCV genotype 1a (n = 8), 1b (n = 2), 4 (n = 2)). Furthermore, 2 HCV/HIV-coinfected patients were denoted having received DAA therapy after liver transplantation (characteristics: HCV genotype 1a (n = 1), 4 (n = 1)).

Results

Applied DAA regimens were SOF/DAC (n = 7), SOF/LDV/RBV (n = 3), SOF/RBV (n = 3), PTV/r/OBV/DSV (n = 1), or PTV/r/OBV/DSV/RBV (n = 1), respectively. All patients achieved SVR 12, in the end. In one patient, HCV relapse occurred after 24 weeks of SOF/DAC therapy; subsequent treatment with 12 weeks PTV/r/OBV/DSV achieved SVR 12. One patient underwent liver transplantation while on DAA treatment. Analysis of liver function revealed either stable parameters or even significant improvement during DAA therapy and in follow-up. MELD scores were found to improve in 9/13 therapies in patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation; in only 2 patients a moderate increase of MELD scores persisted at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

DAA treatment was safe and highly effective in this nation-wide cohort of patients with HCV/HIV-coinfection awaiting liver transplantation or being transplanted.

Transplant Drug Interactions and a Word of Caution for the HIV Provider. A Case Report

Electronic medical record platforms fail to support provider alerts when a drug is discontinued. Protease inhibitors, often boosted by ritonavir or cobicistat, increase the serum concentration of calcineurin inhibitors. This case demonstrates acute liver transplant rejection in an HIV-positive recipient due to a failure to recognize the loss of protease inhibitor interaction with his immunosuppressive regimen.

The Times, They are a-Changing: HOPE for HIV-to-HIV Organ Transplantation

HIV-infected persons who achieve undetectable viral loads on antiretroviral therapy currently have near-normal lifespans. Liver disease is a major cause of non-AIDS-related deaths, and as a result of longer survival, the prevalence of end-stage renal disease in HIV is increasing. HIV-infected persons undergoing organ transplantation generally achieve comparable patient and graft survival rates compared to their HIV-uninfected counterparts, despite a nearly threefold increased risk of acute rejection. However, the ongoing shortage of suitable organs can limit transplantation as an option, and patients with HIV have higher waitlist mortality than others. One way to solve this problem would be to expand the donor pool to include HIV-infected individuals. The results of a South Africa study involving 27 HIV-to-HIV kidney transplants showed promise, with 3- and 5-year patient and graft survival rates similar to those of their HIV-uninfected counterparts. Similarly, individual cases of HIV-to-HIV liver transplantation from the United Kingdom and Switzerland have also shown good results. In the United States, HIV-to-HIV kidney and liver transplants are currently permitted only under a research protocol. Nevertheless, areas of ambiguity exist, including streamlining organ allocation practices, optimizing HIV-infected donor and recipient selection, managing donor-derived transmission of a resistant HIV strain, determining optimal immunosuppressive and antiretroviral regimens, and elucidating the incidence of rejection in HIV-to-HIV solid organ transplant recipients.

A frailty index predicts post-liver transplant morbidity and mortality in HIV-positive patients

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that frailty acts as a measure of health outcomes in the context of LT. The aim of this study was to explore frailty index across LT, as a measure of morbidity and mortality. This was a retrospective observational study including all consecutive 47 HIV+patients who received LT in Modena, Italy from 2003 to June 2015.

METHODS

frailty index (FI) was constructed from 30 health variables. It was used both as a continuous score and as a categorical variable, defining 'most frail' a FI > 0.45. FI change across transplant (deltaFI, ΔFI) was calculated as the difference between year 1 FI (FI-Y1) and pre-transplant FI (FI-t0). The outcomes measures were mortality and "otpimal LT" (defined as being alive without multi-morbidity).

RESULTS

Median value of FI-t0 was 0.48 (IQR 0.42-0.52), FI-Y1 was 0.31 (IQR 0.26-0.41). At year five mortality rate was 45%, "optimal transplant" rate at year 1 was 38%. All the patients who died in the post-LT were most frail in the pre-LT. ΔFI was a predictor of mortality after correction for age and MELD (HR = 1.10, p = 0.006) and was inversely associated with optimal transplant after correction for age (HR = 1.04, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We validated FI as a valuable health measure in HIV transplant. In particular, we found a relevant correlation between FI strata at baseline and mortality and a statistically significant correlation between, ΔFI and survival rate.

Long-term Outcomes After Liver Transplantation Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Recipients

BACKGROUND

Early outcomes after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) + liver transplantation (LT) are encouraging, but data are lacking regarding long-term outcomes and comparisons with matched HIV- patients.

METHODS

We examined outcomes among 180 HIV+ LT, and compared outcomes to matched HIV- counterfactuals (Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients 2002-2011). Iterative expanding radius matching (1:10) on recipient age, race, body mass index, hepatitis C virus (HCV), model for end-stage liver disease score, and acute rejection; and donor age and race, cold ischemia time, and year of transplant. Patient survival and graft survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methodology and compared using log-rank and Cox proportional hazards. Subgroup analyses were performed by transplant era (early: 2002-2007 vs. modern: 2008-2011) and HCV infection status.

RESULTS

Compared to matched HIV- controls, HIV+ LT recipients had a 1.68-fold increased risk for death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.68, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.28-2.20; P < 0.001), and a 1.70-fold increased risk for graft loss (aHR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.31-2.20; P < 0.001). These differences persisted independent of HCV infection status. However, in the modern transplant era risk for death (aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.52-2.35; P = 0.79) and graft loss (aHR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.42-1.88; P = 0.77) were similar between monoinfected and uninfected LT recipients. In contrast, independent of transplant era, coinfected LT recipients had increased risk for death (aHR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.43-3.53; P < 0.001) and graft loss (aHR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.33-3.22; P = 0.001) compared to HCV+ alone LT recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that outcomes among monoinfected HIV+ LT recipients have improved over time. However, outcomes among HIV+ LT recipients coinfected with HCV remain concerning and motivate future survival benefit studies.

Role of liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, drug-induced hepatotoxicity related to combined anti-retro-viral therapy, alcohol related liver disease and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease appear to be the leading causes. It is therefore, anticipated that more HIV-positive patients with ESLD will present as potential transplant candidates. HIV infection is no longer a contraindication to liver transplantation. Key transplantation outcomes such as rejection and infection rates as well as medium term graft and patient survival match those seen in the non-HIV infected patients in the absence of co-existing HCV infection. HIV disease does not seem to be negatively impacted by transplantation. However, HIV-HCV co-infection transplant outcomes remain suboptimal due to recurrence. In this article, we review the key challenges faced by this patient cohort in the pre- and post-transplant period.

Management of HIV/AIDS in older patients-drug/drug interactions and adherence to antiretroviral therapy

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are living longer with their disease, as HIV has become a chronic illness managed with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). This has led to an increasing number of patients greater than 50 years old living successfully with HIV. As the number of older adults with HIV has increased, there are special considerations for the management of HIV. Older adults with HIV must be monitored for drug side effects and toxicities. Their other non-HIV comorbidities should also be considered when choosing a cART regimen. Older adults with HIV have unique issues related to medication compliance. They are more likely than the younger HIV patients to have vision loss, cognitive impairment, and polypharmacy. They may have lower expectations of their overall health status. Depression and financial concerns, especially if they are on a fixed income, may also contribute to noncompliance in the aging HIV population.

Liver transplantation for the referring physician

Liver transplantation has become the treatment of choice for nearly all causes of end-stage liver disease, fulminant liver failure, and selected primary hepatic malignancies. The demand for liver transplantation has persistently outmatched the availability of donor organs leading to the development of novel strategies to expand the donor pool. The authors review the process of liver transplant evaluation, methods used to address the donor shortage, and disease-specific outcomes and challenges and discuss posttransplant care.

Outcomes of living versus deceased donor liver transplantation for acute liver failure in the United States

Clinical outcomes for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for acute liver failure (ALF) in the United States remain to be determined. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined post-liver transplantation outcomes of adults with ALF undergoing LDLT and deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in the United States. We analyzed Organ and Procurement and Transplantation Network data for adults with ALF who were listed for liver transplantation as status 1 or 1A and who underwent LDLT (N = 21) or DDLT (N = 2316) between October 1987 and April 2011. We found no strong evidence that the survival probabilities for adults with ALF who underwent LDLT were inferior to those who underwent DDLT (P = .764). In adults with ALF who underwent LDLT, 1- and 5-year survival probabilities were both 71%; for DDLT these probabilities were 79% and 71%, respectively. In adults with ALF, 1- and 5-year liver graft survival probabilities, respectively, were 62% and 57% for LDLT, and 74% and 66% for DDLT. In these series of adults with ALF who were listed as status 1 or 1A, patient and graft survival rates for LDLT were similar to those for DDLT. Our findings suggest that if deceased donor livers are unavailable, LDLT is an acceptable option in experienced centers for adults with ALF.

Pros and cons of liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus infected recipients

Before the introduction of combined highly active antiretroviral therapy, a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serological status represented an absolute contraindication for solid organ transplant (SOT). The advent of highly effective combined antiretroviral therapy in 1996 largely contributed to the increased demand for SOT in HIV-positive individuals due to increased patients’ life expectancy associated with the increasing prevalence of end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Nowadays, liver failure represents a frequent cause of mortality in the HIV-infected population mainly due to coinfection with hepatitis viruses sharing the same way of transmission. Thus, liver transplantation (LT) represents a reasonable approach in HIV patients with stable infection and ESLD. Available data presently supports with good evidence the practice of LT in the HIV-positive population. Thus, the issue is no longer “whether it is correct to transplant HIV-infected patients”, but “who are the patients who can be safely transplanted” and “when is the best time to perform LT”. Indeed, the benefits of LT in HIV-infected patients, especially in terms of mid- and long-term patient and graft survivals, are strictly related to the patients’ selection and to the correct timing for transplantation, especially when hepatitis C virus coinfection is present. Aim of this article is to review the pros and cons of LT in the cohort of HIV infected recipients.

Human immunodeficiency virus: what primary care clinicians need to know

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has evolved from an illness that consistently led to death to a chronic disease that can be medically managed. Primary care clinicians can provide beneficial care to the individual patient and potentially decrease the transmission of HIV to others through appropriate HIV screening and recognition of clinical clues to both chronic and acute HIV. Most patients who take combination antiretroviral therapy experience immune reconstitution and resume normal lives. These patients benefit from the care of an experienced primary care clinician in addition to a clinician with HIV expertise. Primary care clinicians have expertise providing preventive care, including counseling regarding healthier lifestyle choices and managing cardiovascular risk factors, osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes, all of which have become increasingly important for individuals with HIV as they age. This article reviews the many important roles of primary care clinicians with regard to the HIV epidemic and care of patients with HIV.

Organ Transplantation in HIV Patients: Current Status and New Directions

Combination antiretroviral therapy has resulted in longer life expectancies in persons living with HIV; however, end organ disease and death from organ failure have become growing issues for this population. With effective therapies for viral suppression, HIV is no longer considered an absolute contraindication to organ transplantation. Over the past decade, studies of transplantation in patients with HIV have had encouraging results such that patients with organ failure are pursuing transplantation. This review focuses on the current status of organ transplantation for HIV-infected persons.

Management of recurrent hepatitis C in orthotopic liver transplant recipients

End-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma from chronic hepatitis C are the most common indications for orthotopic liver transplantation and the incidence of both are projected to increase over the next decade. Recurrent hepatitis C virus infection of the allograft is associated with an accelerated progression to cirrhosis, graft loss, and death. This article presents an overview of the natural history of hepatitis C virus recurrence in liver transplant recipients and guidance on optimal management strategies.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus infected adults: A report of two cases

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a group of rare disorders characterized by ductopenia, the progressive destruction and disappearance of intrahepatic bile ducts leading to cholestasis. Described in association with medications, autoimmune disorders, cancer, transplantation, and infections, the specific mechanisms of disease are not known. To date, only 4 cases of VBDS have been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. We report 2 additional cases of HIV-associated VBDS and review the features common to the HIV-associated cases. Presentation includes hyperbilirubinemia, normal liver imaging, and negative viral and autoimmune hepatitis studies. In HIV-infected subjects, VBDS occurred at a range of CD4+ T-cell counts, in some cases following initiation or change in antiretroviral therapy. Lymphoma was associated with two cases; nevirapine, antibiotics, and viral co-infection were suggested as etiologies in the other cases. In HIV-positive patients with progressive cholestasis, early identification of VBDS and referral for transplantation may improve outcomes.

Orthotopic liver transplantation in human-immunodeficiency-virus-positive patients in Germany

Objectives. This summary evaluates the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) of HIV-positive patients in Germany. Methods. Retrospective chart analysis of HIV-positive patients, who had been liver-transplanted in Germany between July 1997 and July 2011. Results. 38 transplantations were performed in 32 patients at 9 German transplant centres. The reasons for OLT were end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and/or liver failure due to hepatitis C (HCV) (n = 19), hepatitis B (HBV) (n = 10), multiple viral infections of the liver (n = 2) and Budd-Chiari-Syndrome. In July 2011 19/32 (60%) of the transplanted patients were still alive with a median survival of 61 months (IQR (interquartile range): 41–86 months). 6 patients had died in the early post-transplantation period from septicaemia (n = 4), primary graft dysfunction (n = 1), and intrathoracal hemorrhage (n = 1). Later on 7 patients had died from septicaemia (n = 2), delayed graft failure (n = 2), recurrent HCC (n = 2), and renal failure (n = 1). Recurrent HBV infection was efficiently prevented in 11/12 patients; HCV reinfection occurred in all patients and contributed considerably to the overall mortality. Conclusions. Overall OLT is a feasible approach in HIV-infected patients with acceptable survival rates in Germany. Reinfection with HCV still remains a major clinical challenge in HIV/HCV coinfection after OLT.

Outcome of HCV/HIV-coinfected liver transplant recipients: a prospective and multicenter cohort study

Eighty-four HCV/HIV-coinfected and 252-matched HCV-monoinfected liver transplant recipients were included in a prospective multicenter study. Thirty-six (43%) HCV/HIV-coinfected and 75 (30%) HCV-monoinfected patients died, with a survival rate at 5 years of 54% (95% CI, 42-64) and 71% (95% CI, 66 to 77; p = 0.008), respectively. When both groups were considered together, HIV infection was an independent predictor of mortality (HR, 2.202; 95% CI, 1.420-3.413 [p < 0.001]). Multivariate analysis of only the HCV/HIV-coinfected recipients, revealed HCV genotype 1 (HR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.32-6.76), donor risk index (HR, 9.48; 95% CI, 2.75-32.73) and negative plasma HCV RNA (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.62) to be associated with mortality. When this analysis was restricted to pretransplant variables, we identified three independent factors (HCV genotype 1, pretransplant MELD score and centers with <1 liver transplantation/year in HIV-infected patients) that allowed us to identify a subset of 60 (71%) patients with a similar 5-year prognosis (69%[95% CI, 54-80]) to that of HCV-monoinfected recipients. In conclusion, 5-year survival in HCV/HIV-coinfected liver recipients was lower than in HCV-monoinfected recipients, although an important subset with a favorable prognosis was identified in the former.

Outcomes of liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a controversial indication for liver transplantation (LT) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients because of reportedly poor outcomes. This prospective, multicenter US cohort study compared patient and graft survival for 89 HCV/HIV-coinfected patients and 2 control groups: 235 HCV-monoinfected LT controls and all US transplant recipients who were 65 years old or older. The 3-year patient and graft survival rates were 60% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 47%-71%] and 53% (95% CI = 40%-64%) for the HCV/HIV patients and 79% (95% CI = 72%-84%) and 74% (95% CI = 66%-79%) for the HCV-infected recipients (P < 0.001 for both), and HIV infection was the only factor significantly associated with reduced patient and graft survival. Among the HCV/HIV patients, older donor age [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.3 per decade], combined kidney-liver transplantation (HR = 3.8), an anti-HCV-positive donor (HR = 2.5), and a body mass index < 21 kg/m(2) (HR = 3.2) were independent predictors of graft loss. For the patients without the last 3 factors, the patient and graft survival rates were similar to those for US LT recipients. The 3-year incidence of treated acute rejection was 1.6-fold higher for the HCV/HIV patients versus the HCV patients (39% versus 24%, log rank P = 0.02), but the cumulative rates of severe HCV disease at 3 years were not significantly different (29% versus 23%, P = 0.21). In conclusion, patient and graft survival rates are lower for HCV/HIV-coinfected LT patients versus HCV-monoinfected LT patients. Importantly, the rates of treated acute rejection (but not the rates of HCV disease severity) are significantly higher for HCV/HIV-coinfected recipients versus HCV-infected recipients. Our results indicate that HCV per se is not a contraindication to LT in HIV patients, but recipient and donor selection and the management of acute rejection strongly influence outcomes.

Liver transplantation trends in the HIV population

There is a paucity of information on the utilization patterns of liver transplantation (LT) for HIV-positive individuals. The aim of this study is to examine the trends in LT of HIV patients in the US. This study was a retrospective analysis using the UNOS database (1999-2008). There were 135 HIV-positive patients. There was a steady increase in the number of LT recipients over time as well as regional variation. Ethnic minorities accounted for 33.3% and there was no ethnic difference in survival. Though LT for HIV-positive patients is on the rise, significant variations exist in patient demographics, geographic location, and insurance payer.

Liver transplantation for patients with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus coinfection with special reference to hemophiliac recipients in Japan

Liver transplantation for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains challenging. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV has reduced mortality from opportunistic infection related to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome dramatically, while about 50% of patients die of end-stage liver cirrhosis resulting from HCV. In Japan, liver cirrhosis frequently develops after HCV-HIV coinfection resulting from previously transfused infected blood products for hemophilia. The problems of liver transplantation for those patients arise from the need to control calcineurin inhibitor with HAART drugs, the difficulty of using interferon after liver transplantation with HAART, and the need to control intraoperative coagulopathy associated with hemophilia. We review published reports of liver transplantation for these patients in the updated world literature.

Liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients

With the successful introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now regarded as a chronic illness with excellent long-term outcomes. However, chronic exposure to viral etiologies (ie, chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C) and drug-induced toxicity secondary to cART have resulted in increasing rates of mortality and morbidity due to end-stage liver disease. HIV disease is no longer considered an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation (LT) by most transplant centers worldwide. Because the burden of liver disease in this cohort is likely to increase, this review addresses the key etiologies and the management strategies available for HIV-positive patients undergoing LT.

Living donor liver transplantations in HIV- and hepatitis C virus-coinfected hemophiliacs: experience in a single center

BACKGROUND

Although almost all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Japanese hemophiliacs are coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), the outcome of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in such patients in terms of survival rate, perioperative complications, and recovery of coagulation activity is poorly understood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Six HIV-positive hemophiliacs underwent LDLT for HCV-associated advanced cirrhosis. The mean CD4 T-cell count at transplantation was 376±227/μL.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 66%, 66%, and 50%, respectively. Fatal perioperative bleeding related to hemophilia was not observed. Two patients died within 6 months after transplantation due to graft failure. HIV infection was well controlled in all patients who survived longer than 6 months. Two patients (genotype 2a and 2+3a) achieved a sustained viral response and both of them were alive at the end of follow-up period, whereas one patient (genotype 1a+1b) died of decompensated cirrhosis 4 years after transplantation due to recurrent HCV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV/HCV-coinfected hemophiliacs can safely undergo LDLT. Hemophilia was clinically cured after successful transplantation. A good outcome can be expected as long as postoperative hepatitis C is controlled with interferon/ribavirin combination therapy.

Increasing burden of liver disease in patients with HIV infection

Introduction of effective combined antiretroviral therapy has made HIV infection a chronic illness. Substantial reductions in the number of AIDS-related deaths have been accompanied by an increase in liver-related morbidity and mortality due to co-infection with chronic hepatitis B and C viruses. Increases in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and drug-induced hepatotoxicity, together with development of hepatocellular carcinoma, also potentiate the burden of liver disease in individuals with HIV infection. We provide an overview of the key causes, disease mechanisms of pathogenesis, and recommendations for treatment options including the evolving role of liver transplantation.

Liver transplant outcomes in HIV-infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis with synthetic cohort

OBJECTIVES

The relative success of liver transplantation in those with HIV compared to HIV-uninfected individuals remains a point of intense debate. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of liver transplantation in HIV-hepatitis co-infected patients using a meta-analysis and individual patient data meta-analysis as a synthetic cohort.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, AIDSLINE (inception to 2010), AMED, CINAHL, TOXNET, Development and Reproductive Toxicology, Hazardous Substances Databank, Psych-info and relevant conferences. We included cohort studies and individual case-reports evaluating survival of co-infected transplant patients. We abstracted data on cohort and case demographics and outcomes. We pooled cohorts using a random-effects analysis and created a synthetic cohort of cases using individual patient data. We confirmed this with the pooled cohort analysis.

RESULTS

We included 15 cohort studies and 49 case series with individual patient data. At 12 months, 84.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 81.1-87.8%] of patients had survived. Within the HIV-infected population evaluated, HIV-hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection was associated with optimal survival. In an adjusted model, individuals positive for HBV were 8.28 (95% CI 2.26-30.33) times more likely to survive when compared to those without HBV. Further, individuals with an undetectable HIV viral load at the time of transplantation were 2.89 (95% CI 1.41-5.91) times more likely to survive when compared to those with detectable HIV viremia. Hepatitis C virus was not a predictor of patient survival when adjusted for by other key predictors [0.54 (95% CI 0.17-1.80)].

Liver transplantation in HCV/HIV positive patients

Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, the incidence of liver diseases secondary to co-infection with hepatitis C has increased. Although data on the outcome of liver transplantation in HIV-infected recipients is limited, the overall results to date seem to be comparable to that in non-HIV-infected recipients. Liver transplant centers are now accepting HIV-infected individuals as organ recipients. Post-transplantation HIV replication is controlled by HAART. Hepatitis C re-infection of the liver graft, however, remains an important problem because cirrhotic changes of the liver graft may be more rapid in HIV-infected recipients. Interactions between the HAART components and immunosuppressive drugs influence drug metabolism and therefore meticulous monitoring of drug blood level concentrations is required. The risk of opportunistic infection in HIV-positive transplant patients seems to be similar to that in HIV-negative transplant recipients.

Gender disparity in liver transplant waiting-list mortality: the importance of kidney function

Previous studies of men and women on the liver transplantation (LT) waiting list, without taking transplantation rates into account, have suggested a higher risk of mortality for women on the waiting list. The objective of this study was to compare men and women with respect to dying within 3 years of registration on the LT waiting list and to take into account both the immediate mortality risks and the transplantation rates. The analysis was based on Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) on the waiting list who were registered between February 2002 and August 2009. Competing risk survival analysis was performed to assess the gender disparity in waiting-list mortality; 42,322 patients and 610,762 person-months of waiting-list experience were included in the analysis. The risk of dying within 3 years of listing was 19% and 17% in women and men, respectively (P < 0.0001). Among patients with kidney disease and especially those not on dialysis with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 and <30 mL/minute/1.73 m(2), women had a substantially higher risk of dying on the waiting list within 3 years of registration versus men (26% versus 20%, P = 0.001). This disparity was related to lower transplantation rates in women (transplantation rate ratio = 0.68, P < 0.0001). Controlling for eGFR and other variables related to mortality risk, we found that the overall female-male disparity disappeared. In conclusion, among patients with ESLD and kidney dysfunction who are not on dialysis, there is a substantial gender disparity in LT waiting-list mortality. Our analysis suggests as an explanation the fact that women have lower transplantation rates than men in this group. The lower transplantation rates can be explained in part by the fact that Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores tend to be lower for women versus men because they are based on serum creatinine rather than the glomerular filtration rate.

Solid organ transplantation in HIV-infected individuals: an update

In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the survival of patients with HIV has improved. Increasing morbidity and mortality are now related to chronic liver and kidney disease. Transplantation in HIV patients has been reported for nearly two decades and outcomes have generally improved in the HAART era. This review summarises the published experiences with liver and kidney transplantation in HIV patients.

Update on liver transplantation

Indications for liver transplant are expanding and most patients can expect a long-term successful outcome. Who should receive this life-saving gift and how should they be managed in an era of diminishing donors and increasing demand?

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in HIV/HCV co-infected patients: Clinical review

Nearly one fourth of individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the US and Western Europe. With the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy and the consequent reduction in opportunistic infections, resulting in the prolongation of the life span of HIV-infected patients, HCV co-infection has emerged as a significant factor influencing the survival of HIV patients. Patients with HIV/HCV co-infection have a faster rate of fibrosis progression resulting in more frequent occurrences of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism of interaction between the two viruses is not completely understood. The treatment for HCV in co-infected patients is similar to that of HCV mono-infection; i.e., a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The presence of any barriers to anti-HCV therapy should be identified and eliminated in order to recruit all eligible patients. The response to treatment in co-infected patients is inferior compared to the response in patients with HCV mono-infection. The sustained virologic response rate is only 38% for genotype-1 and 75% for genotype-2 and -3 infections. Liver transplantation is no longer considered a contraindication for end-stage liver disease in co-infected patients. However, the 5 year survival rate is lower in co-infected patients compared to patients with HCV mono-infection (33% vs 72%, P = 0.07). A better understanding of liver disease in co-infected patients is needed to derive new strategies for improving outcome and survival.

Outcome of liver transplantation for drug-induced acute liver failure in the United States: analysis of the United Network for Organ Sharing database

Acute liver failure (ALF) is an uncommon but potentially lethal drug-related adverse effect that often leads to liver transplantation (LT) or death. A retrospective cohort study was performed with the United Network for Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files. Recipients who underwent LT for drug-induced acute liver failure (DIALF) from 1987 through 2006 were analyzed. A total of 661 patients transplanted for DIALF were included in the analysis. The 4 leading implicated drug groups were acetaminophen (n = 265; 40%), antituberculosis drugs (n = 50; 8%), antiepileptics (n = 46; 7%), and antibiotics (n = 39; 6%). One-year estimated survival probabilities were 76%, 82%, 52%, 82%, and 79% for acetaminophen, antituberculosis drugs, antiepileptics, antibiotics, and others, respectively. The lower rate of survival among those exposed to antiepileptics was observed mainly in children. Of the 22 patients less than 18 years old who had ALF due to antiepileptics, 73% died within the first year. The difference in overall survival between acetaminophen-related and non-acetaminophen-related ALF was not statistically significant. Patients with acetaminophen-related ALF required dialysis prior to LT at a significantly higher rate than all other drug groups (27% versus 3%-10%, P < 0.0001). According to Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the independent pretransplant predictors of death after LT were being on life support, DIALF due to antiepileptic drugs at age less than 18, and elevated serum creatinine. In conclusion, the leading drug groups causing LT due to DIALF in the United States were acetaminophen, antituberculosis drugs, antiepileptics, and antibiotics. Children who had ALF due to antiepileptics had a substantially higher risk of death after LT in comparison with other drugs. Patients transplanted for acetaminophen-related ALF required dialysis at a significantly higher rate. Being on life support, DIALF due to antiepileptics (at age less than 18), and elevated serum creatinine were independent pretransplant predictors of poor survival after LT for DIALF.

Hot topics in HIV and hepatitis coinfection: noninvasive diagnosis of liver disease, liver transplantation, and new drugs for treatment of hepatitis coinfection

Although liver biopsy still remains the globally accepted gold standard for assessing liver disease, the more recent introduction of noninvasive markers in form of blood tests as well as transient elastography have led to the development of new algorithms for assessing liver disease in HIV and hepatitis coinfected individuals. Other hot topics in coinfection include need and outcome for liver organ transplantation in the increasing number of HIV-infected patients with end-stage liver disease as well as development of new agents and strategies for treatment of hepatitis B or C coinfection.

Liver transplantation: an update 2009

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review we focus on three challenging aspects of liver transplantation: living donor liver transplant, transplantation in HIV-positive recipients and down-staging of hepatocellular carcinoma for liver transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

The adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation cohort study is providing valuable information on recipient and donor outcomes associated with living donor liver transplantation. The recipient outcomes with living donor liver transplantation are comparable to those with deceased donor liver transplantation for most diseases, but increased hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence has been reported with living donor liver transplantation. Donor morbidity is not infrequent and donor mortality remains a concern. Liver transplantation for HIV-positive recipients is associated with equivalent outcomes as HIV-negative recipients for selected recipients. Transplantation in coinfected recipients (HIV and HCV+) is associated with less favorable outcomes. Drug interaction between immunosuppression and highly active antiretroviral therapy is increasingly recognized and requires major modifications in dosing. Down-staging hepatocellular carcinoma to within transplant criteria is being used in some centers using loco-regional therapy. Waiting time after loco-regional therapy is currently the best predictor of recurrence. The role of newer chemotherapeutics is being tested as part of neoadjuvant therapy after resection or loco-regional therapy.

SUMMARY

Living donor liver transplantation is a viable strategy to increase transplantation and reduce death on the waiting list. Donor morbidity should be the subject of further efforts to minimize these risks. The increased recurrence risk with living donor liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma warrants further study. Careful coordination between transplant professionals and HIV experts is necessary to monitor issues of posttransplant care of the HIV-infected recipient. The role of loco-regional therapies in down-staging patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is expanding.

Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus through liver transplantation

In November 2007, a liver transplant recipient was confirmed to have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infection after the organ procurement agency notified our institution that the donor has been HIV and HCV positive. We reviewed medical records and the collected blood sample results for HIV and HCV testing. A 66 year old female with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis underwent liver transplantation. The donor was a male who had sex with men who received multiple blood transfusions during resuscitation. Preoperative testing for HIV and HCV antibodies were negative for both donor and recipient. Ten months later, HIV and HCV were identified with nucleic acid testing in the recipient and in the stored donor sera. This is the first reported case of HIV transmission from solid organ transplantation in 20 years, and the first ever reported case of simultaneously transmitted HIV and HCV. The current case represents a high risk donor with newly-acquired HIV and HCV who transmitted the diseases during the window period of the infections. In this era of organ shortages one option would be avoidance of any high-risk donor organs. Another option would be to continue the use of such organs with appropriate informed consent, acknowledging the limitations of current screening tests for HIV and HCV. This report should serve as a wake-up call to the transplant community to consider revamping organ donor screening for HIV and HCV using nucleic acid testing as well as reconsidering the ongoing use of high-risk donors.