Short-term outcomes of deceased donor renal transplants of HCV uninfected recipients from HCV seropositive nonviremic donors and viremic donors in the era of direct-acting antivirals

Challenging boundaries: Organ transplants from donors with Listeria central nervous system infections

Pretransplant mortality rates in the US remain high and are connected to effective organ donation and utilization. Thus, there is a need to maximize the utilization of available donors. In some cases, this has been safely achieved using organs from donors with infectious complications. For example, several studies describe the use of organs from donors with bacterial meningitis due to pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenza, and Escherichia coli, with good outcomes. Listeria is an aerobic and facultatively anaerobic, nonspore-forming, Gram-positive rod that can affect the central nervous system, causing meningitis and meningoencephalitis. Due to its virulence, ability to cause intracellular infection, and lack of clinical data, people dying with listeria may not be evaluated for organ donation, may not have organs recovered, or may have their organs recovered but not transplanted. Herein, we describe the outcomes of 7 solid organ transplant recipients who received organs from 2 donors with Listeria monocytogenes central nervous system infection.

Outcomes of kidney, liver, and simultaneous liver and kidney transplants from hepatitis c infected donors to hepatitis c naïve recipients: A large single center experience

BACKGROUND

With the introduction of direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs), the non-use rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donor organs (D+) has decreased significantly. We present the donor, recipient, and transplant allograft characteristics, along with recipient outcomes, in one of the largest cohorts of HCV-D+ transplants into HCV-naïve recipients (R-).

METHODS

Charts of HCV D+/R- kidney (KT), liver (LT), and simultaneous liver-kidney (SLKT) transplant recipients between January 2019 and July 2022 were reviewed. Primary outcomes of interest included waitlist times and 1-year graft failure. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, post-transplant complications, effectiveness of DAA therapy, and characteristics of patients who relapsed from initial DAA therapy.

RESULTS

Fifty-five HCV D+/R- transplants at our center [42 KT (26 nucleic acid testing positive [NAT+], 16 NAT-), 12 LT (eight NAT+, four NAT-), and one SLKT (NAT+)] had a median waitlist time of 69 days for KT, 87 days for LT, and 15 days for SLKT. There were no graft failures at 1 year. All viremic recipients were treated with a 12-week course of DAAs, of which 100% achieved end of treatment response (EOTR)-85.7% (n = 30) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) and 14.3% relapsed (n = 5; four KT, one LT). All relapsed recipients were retreated and achieved SVR. The most common post-transplantation complications include BK virus infection (n = 9) for KT and non-allograft infections (n = 4) for LT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has demonstrated no graft failures or recipient deaths at 1 year, and despite a 14.3% relapse rate, we achieved 100% SVR. Complications rates of D+/R- appeared comparable to national D-/R- complication rates. Further studies comparing D+/R- to D-/R- outcomes are needed.

The association of donor hepatitis C virus infection with 3-year kidney transplant outcomes in the era of direct-acting antiviral medications

To determine the effect of donor hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on kidney transplant (KT) outcomes in the era of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications, we examined 68,087 HCV-negative KT recipients from a deceased donor between March 2015 and May 2021. A Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of KT failure, incorporating inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for patient selection to receive an HCV-positive kidney (either nucleic acid amplification test positive [NAT+, n = 2331] or antibody positive (Ab+)/NAT- [n = 1826]) based on recipient characteristics. Compared with kidney from HCV-negative donors, those from Ab+/NAT- (aHR = 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1.10) and HCV NAT+ (aHR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73-1.08) donors were not associated with an increased risk of KT failure over 3 years after transplant. Moreover, HCV NAT+ kidneys were associated with a higher 1-year estimated glomerular filtration (63.0 vs 61.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, P = .007) and lower risk of delayed graft function (aOR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68-0.84) compared with HCV-negative kidneys. Our findings suggest that donor HCV positivity is not associated with an elevated risk of graft failure. The inclusion of donor HCV status in the Kidney Donor Risk Index may no longer be appropriate in contemporary practice.

Kidney transplant from HCV viremic donors to HCV-negative recipients and risk for de novo donor specific antibodies and acute rejection

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplantation from HCV-viremic donors into uninfected recipients is associated with excellent short-term outcomes. However, concerns regarding an increased risk for the development of de novo donor specific antibodies (DSA) and acute rejection have been raised in single center reports.

METHODS

A retrospective study of HCV-negative kidney-only transplant recipients between 2018 and 2020. Patients were grouped based on the donor HCV status into group 1; HCV-viremic donors, and group 2; HCV-negative donors. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), with weights derived from the propensity score, were used to estimate the effect of donors' HCV-viremia on the recipients. The primary objective was to compare the 1-year incidence of de novo DSA. Secondary outcomes included group comparison of the incidence of biopsy proven acute rejection (BPAR), 1-year patient and allograft survival, and 1-year renal allograft function.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were included in the HCV NAT+ group, and 440 in the HCV- negative group. One-year incidence of de novo DSA was higher in the HCV NAT+ group in the IPTW weighted analysis (19% vs. 9%, p = .02). In the unweighted analysis, BPAR occurred in 7% of recipients in the HCV NAT+ group, compared to 3% in the control group (p = .06). However, due to the low event rate in the in the IPTW weighted groups, a statistical significance test could not be performed. Average estimated GFR was higher in the HCV-viremic group at 3 months (61 vs. 53 ml/min/1.73 m² p = .002), but comparable at 6 (59 vs. 56 ml/min/1.73 m² , p = .31) and 12 months (60 vs. 55 ml/min/1.73 m² , p = .07). Patient and allograft survival were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplant from HCV-viremic donors was associated with an increased risk for the development of post-transplant de novo DSA in the first year after transplantation, but no difference in patient and graft survival.

Kidney transplant from hepatitis C viremic donors into aviremic recipients and risk for post-transplant BK and CMV infection

BACKGROUND

kidney transplantation from HCV-viremic donors to uninfected recipients is associated with excellent short-term outcomes. However, HCV viremia might be associated with an increased risk for post-transplant viral complications.

METHODS

We designed a retrospective study of HCV-negative kidney-only transplant recipients between 2018 and 2020. Recipients were grouped into group 1; HCV-negative donors, and group 2; HCV-viremic donors. Patients were matched 1:1 using propensity score. Primary objectives were to compare the incidence of CMV viremia ≥ 200 ml/IU, and BK viremia ≥1000 copies/ml between the groups. Secondary outcomes included group comparison of CMV disease, BK viremia ≥10,000 copies/ml, and one year patient and allograft survival.

RESULTS

The study included 634 patients in group 1, and 71 patients in group 2. 65 pairs of patients were matched. Incidence of CMV viremia (33.3% vs 40.0%, p = 0.4675), and BK viremia (15.9% vs 27.7%, P = 0.1353) did not differ significantly between groups in the matched cohort. Incidence of CMV disease (81.0% Vs 76.9%; p = 1.000), and BK viremia ≥10,000 copies/ml (9.5% vs 16.9%, p = 0.2987) were comparable between groups. There was no difference in the one-year patient or allograft survival between groups.

CONCLUSION

kidney transplant from HCV-viremic donors is not associated with increased risk for BK or CMV viremia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Willingness of Kidney and Liver Transplant Candidates to Receive HCV-Infected Organs

INTRODUCTION

Transplantation of organs exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) into uninfected patients has yielded excellent outcomes and more widespread adoption may lead to fewer discarded organs and more transplants. Patient perceptions may shed light on acceptability and likely the uptake of HCV+/HCV- transplantation, gaps in understanding, and perceived benefits/risks.

METHODS

We surveyed 435 uninfected kidney and liver transplant candidates at four centers about their attitude towards HCV-infected organs.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients willing to accept HCV-infected organs increased from 58% at baseline, to 86% following education about HCV, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), and HCV+/HCV- transplantation benefits/risks. More willingness to accept an organ from an intravenous drug user (P < 0.001), age >50 y old (P = 0.02), longer waiting time (P = 0.02), more trust in the transplant system (P = 0.03), and previous awareness of DAAs (P = 0.04) were associated with higher willingness to accept an HCV-infected organ. The most important reasons for accepting an HCV-infected organ were a decrease in waiting time (65%), lower mortality and morbidity risk while on the waiting list (63%), effectiveness of DAAs (54%), and a quicker return to higher functional status (51%).

CONCLUSIONS

Presenting patients with information about HCV+/HCV- transplantation in small doses that are calibrated to account for varying levels of health and numerical literacy is recommended.

Revolution in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection in current era

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem, particularly in developing part of the world. Significant advances have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Its management has been particularly revolutionized during the past two decades. In this review, we summarize the major advances in the diagnostic and management armamentarium for chronic HCV infection. The focus of the present review is on the newer directly acting anti-viral agents, which have revolutionized the management of chronic HCV infection. Management of uncomplicated chronic HCV infection and of specific complications and special at-risk populations of patients will be covered in detail. Despite the advent and approval of highly effective and well tolerable oral agents, still many challenges remain, particularly the affordability, the equitable distribution and access to later drugs. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate viral hepatitis including HCV by 2030 since its poses a major public health threat. There is an urgent need to ensure uniform and early access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities throughout the world if the later goal has to be realized.

Utilization of HCV viremic donors in kidney transplantation: a chance or a threat?

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in end-stage renal disease. The main issue which does not allow to utilize it fully is the number of organs available for transplant. Introduction of highly effective oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) enabled transplantation of HCV viremic organs to naive recipients. Despite an increasing number of reports on the satisfying effects of using HCV viremic organs, including kidneys, they are more often rejected than those from HCV negative donors. The main reason is the presence of HCV viremia and not the quality of the organ. The current state of knowledge points to the fact that a kidney transplant from an HCV nucleic acid testing positive (NAT+) donor to naive recipients is an effective and safe solution to the problem of the insufficient number of organs available for transplantation. It does not, however, allow to draw conclusions as to the long-term consequence of such an approach. This review analyzes the possibilities and limitations of the usage of HCV NAT + donor organs. Abbreviations: DAA: direct-acting antivirals; HCV: hepatitis C virus; NAT: nucleic acid testing; OPTN: Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network; KDIGO: Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes; Ab: antigen; eGFR: estimated glomerular filtration rate; D: donor; R: recipient; CMV: cytomegalovirus; HBV: hepatitis B virus; UNOS: United Network for Organ Sharing; PHS: Public Health Service; EBR/GZR: elbasvir/grazoprevir; SVR: sustained virologic response; RAS: resistance-associated substitutions; SOF: soforbuvir; GLE/PIB: glecaprevir/pibrentasvir; ACR: acute cellular rejection; AR: acute rejection; DSA: donor-specific antibodies; KTR: kidney transplant recipients; AASLD: American Association for the Study of Liver Disease; IDSA: Infectious Diseases Society of America; PPI: proton pump inhibitors; CKD: chronic kidney disease; GN: glomerulonephritis; KAS: The Kidney Allocation system.

Breakthroughs in hepatitis C research: from discovery to cure

In the 1970s, an unknown virus was suspected for documented cases of transfusion-associated hepatitis, a phenomenon called non-A, non-B hepatitis. In 1989, the infectious transmissible agent was identified and named hepatitis C virus (HCV) and, soon enough, the first diagnostic HCV antibody test was developed, which led to a dramatic decrease in new infections. Today, HCV infection remains a global health burden and a major cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. However, tremendous advances have been made over the decades, and HCV became the first curable, chronic viral infection. The introduction of direct antiviral agents revolutionized antiviral treatment, leading to viral eradication in more than 98% of all patients infected with HCV. This Perspective discusses the history of HCV research, which reads like a role model for successful translational research: starting from a clinical observation, specific therapeutic agents were developed, which finally were implemented in national and global elimination programmes.

Clinician and patient attitudes toward use of organs from hepatitis C viremic donors and their impact on acceptance: A contemporary review

BACKGROUND

The use of Hepatitis C (HCV) NAT positive allografts remains unusual and is clustered at few centers. We conducted a contemporary literature review to assess whether patient and clinician attitudes toward viremic organs impact acceptance.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases were reviewed to identify studies focused on evaluating patient and provider perceptions of HCV NAT positive organ use within the DAA era (January 2015-April 2021). Search included MeSH terms related to Hepatitis C, transplantation, and patient and clinician attitudes. Two investigators extracted study characteristics including information on willingness to accept viremic organs, HCV-specific outcomes knowledge, HCV-specific concerns, and factors that contributed to acceptance or non-acceptance.

RESULTS

Eight studies met all inclusion criteria. These included three pretransplant patient-directed studies, two post-transplant patient-directed studies, one pre- and post-transplant patient-directed study, and two clinician-directed studies. Common themes identified were concerns regarding HCV cure rates, viremic organ quality, DAA cost, stigma, and the possibility of HCV transmission to household members. The perception of decreased waitlist time was associated with viremic organ acceptance. Physician trust played a mixed role in acceptance patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of high cure rates, shorter waitlist times, and higher organ quality appear to have the highest impact on organ acceptance.

Access to hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral therapy in hepatitis C-positive donor to hepatitis C-negative recipient solid-organ transplantation in a real-world setting

BACKGROUND

Emerging data supports expanding the solid organ donor pool with transplantation from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donors into HCV-negative recipients. However, concerns exist regarding the ability to access direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) post-transplant in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective study evaluated DAA access rates, time to first dose, and patient cost in donor-derived HCV solid-organ transplant recipients utilizing an integrated specialty pharmacy process.

RESULTS

Among 91 patients, all accessed DAAs through prescription insurance (97%) or patient assistance programs (3%). Of those who received DAAs through insurance, only 65% received approval on initial insurance submission. Median time from transplant to first dose was 45d [IQR 34-66]. The on-site specialty pharmacy was used by 69% of patients. Copay assistance programs reduced the median monthly patient cost from $1914 [range $7-7536] to $0 [range $0-5].

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that access to DAAs in donor-derived HCV post-transplant is achievable and affordable; however, significant added administrative efforts may be required for insurance approval as well as obtaining copay assistance, which is a limited resource.

Kidney Transplantation From Hepatitis C Viremic Deceased Donors to Aviremic Recipients in a Real-world Setting

Background.

Transplantation of hepatitis C viremic (HCV+) deceased donor kidney transplants (DDKT) into aviremic (HCV–) recipients is a strategy to increase organ utilization. However, there are concerns around inferior recipient outcomes due to delayed initiation of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and sustained HCV replication when implemented outside of a research setting.

Methods.

This was a retrospective single-center matched cohort study of DDKT recipients of HCV+ donors (cases) who were matched 1:1 to recipients of HCV– donors (comparators) by age, gender, race, presence of diabetes, kidney donor profile index, and calculated panel-reactive antibody. Data were analyzed using summary statistics, t-tests, and chi-square tests for between-group comparisons, and linear mixed-effects models for longitudinal data.

Results.

Each group consisted of 50 recipients with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The 6-mo longitudinal trajectory of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate did not differ between groups. All recipients had similar rates of acute rejection and readmissions (all P > 0.05). One case lost the allograft 151 d posttransplant because of acute rejection, and 1 comparator died on postoperative day 7 from cardiac arrest. HCV+ recipients initiated DAA on average 29 ± 11 d posttransplant. Ninety-eight percent achieved sustained virologic response at 4 and 12 wks with the first course of therapy; 1 patient had persistent HCV infection and was cured with a second course of DAA.

Conclusions.

Aviremic recipients of HCV+ DDKT with delayed DAA initiation posttransplant had similar short-term outcomes compared with matched recipient comparators of HCV– donors.

Race, Education, and Gender Disparities in Transplantation of Kidneys From Hepatitis C Viremic Donors

BACKGROUND

Transplantation of kidneys from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic donors into HCV-negative patients followed by direct-acting antiviral therapy was an important breakthrough to increase the number of life-saving kidney transplants. Data suggest that these transplants offer several benefits; however, it is unknown whether adoption of this practice has been shared equitably, especially among disadvantaged groups.

METHODS

We evaluated United Network for Organ Sharing data on HCV-seronegative adult deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients from January 1, 2017, to June 12, 2020. We compared recipients of a kidney from an HCV antibody- (Ab-)/nucleic acid test- (NAT-), HCV Ab+/NAT-, and HCV NAT+ donor. The primary covariates were as follows: (1) race/ethnicity; (2) female sex; and (3) highest level of education. Models included variables associated with being offered an HCV NAT+ kidney. We fit mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression models with the center as a random effect to account for patient clustering.

RESULTS

Of 48 255 adult kidney-alone deceased-donor kidney transplant HCV-seronegative recipients, 1641 (3.4%) donors were HCV NAT+-, increasing from 0.3% (January 2017-June 2017) to 6.9% (January 2020-June 2020). In multivariable models, racial/ethnic minorities, women, and those with less education were significantly less likely to receive a kidney from an HCV NAT+ donor relative to an HCV Ab-/NAT- and HCV Ab+/NAT- donor. The disparities were most pronounced among Hispanic and Asian patients with less educational attainment (grade school, high school, or some college/tech school).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an increase in transplants from HCV NAT+ donors, we found substantial racial/ethnic disparities in transplantation of these kidneys. These data highlight how the benefits of a scientific breakthrough are often made less available to disadvantaged patients.

A review of kidney transplantation from HCV-viremic donors into HCV-negative recipients

The safety and efficacy of direct-acting antiviral therapies have allowed the transplantation of organs from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic donors into uninfected recipients. This novel strategy contrasts with the previous standard-of-care practice of limiting the transplantation of HCV infected-donor organs to HCV-infected recipients, or all too often, discarding viable organs. In this review, we summarize the published literature about the safety and feasibility of transplanting organs from HCV-viremic donors, the challenges that hinder wider adoption of this strategy, and future research needs.

Outcomes of hepatitis C virus nucleic acid testing positive donors in aviremic recipients with delayed direct-acting antiviral initiation

The use of allografts from hepatitis C virus (HCV) Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT)+ donors into HCV NAT- recipients has been reported to be efficacious in a handful of studies. However, these studies have not reflected real-world practice where the initiation of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) is dependent on insurance coverage. A single-center, retrospective chart review of HCV NAT- recipients who underwent solid organ transplantation (SOT) from a HCV NAT+ donor between April 1, 2019 and May 27, 2020 was conducted. Sixty-one HCV NAT- patients underwent SOT with a HCV NAT+ organ, with 59 transplant recipients included for evaluation: 22 kidney (KT), 18 liver (LiT), 10 heart (HT), nine lung (LuT). HCV transmission occurred in 100% of recipients. Average time to DAA initiation was POD 46.3 ± 25 days. SVR12 was achieved in 98% (56/57; two patients ineligible for analysis). Treatment failure occurred in one LuT on glecaprevir/pibrentasvir with P32del and Q80K mutations. No patients developed fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. Two patients died, secondary to anastomotic complication (LuT) and pulmonary embolism (HT). Clinically significant rejection was diagnosed and treated in two HT (one patient with ACR2 and one with ACR2/pAMR2) and one LiT (RAI 5/9). Six patients (10.2%) had documented adverse effects attributed to DAA therapy, primarily gastrointestinal.

A prospective multicenter pilot study of HIV-positive deceased donor to HIV-positive recipient kidney transplantation: HOPE in action

HIV-positive donor to HIV-positive recipient (HIV D+/R+) transplantation is permitted in the United States under the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act. To explore safety and the risk attributable to an HIV+ donor, we performed a prospective multicenter pilot study comparing HIV D+/R+ vs HIV-negative donor to HIV+ recipient (HIV D-/R+) kidney transplantation (KT). From 3/2016 to 7/2019 at 14 centers, there were 75 HIV+ KTs: 25 D+ and 50 D- (22 recipients from D- with false positive HIV tests). Median follow-up was 1.7 years. There were no deaths nor differences in 1-year graft survival (91% D+ vs 92% D-, P = .9), 1-year mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (63 mL/min D+ vs 57 mL/min D-, P = .31), HIV breakthrough (4% D+ vs 6% D-, P > .99), infectious hospitalizations (28% vs 26%, P = .85), or opportunistic infections (16% vs 12%, P = .72). One-year rejection was higher for D+ recipients (50% vs 29%, HR: 1.83, 95% CI 0.84-3.95, P = .13) but did not reach statistical significance; rejection was lower with lymphocyte-depleting induction (21% vs 44%, HR: 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.87, P = .03). In this multicenter pilot study directly comparing HIV D+/R+ with HIV D-/R+ KT, overall transplant and HIV outcomes were excellent; a trend toward higher rejection with D+ raises concerns that merit further investigation.

Hepatitis C viraemic organs in solid organ transplantation

Although rates of organ donation and solid organ transplantation have been increasing over the last few decades, demand for organs still greatly exceeds supply. Several strategies have been utilised to increase organ supply, including utilisation of high-risk (e.g. HCV antibody-positive) donors. In this context, organs from HCV antibody-positive donors have been used in recipients with chronic HCV since the early 1990s. Recently, transplantation of HCV-viraemic organs into HCV-naïve recipients has garnered significant interest, owing to the development of safe and highly effective direct-acting antivirals and increased experience of treating HCV in the post-transplant setting. Preliminary studies based largely in the US have shown excellent outcomes in kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplantation. This practice has the potential to significantly increase transplantation rates and decrease waitlist mortality; however, intentionally transmitting an infectious disease to recipients has important practical and ethical implications. Further, the generalisability of the US experience to other countries is limited by significant differences in HCV-viraemic donor populations. This review summarises the current data on this practice, discusses barriers to implementation, and highlights areas that warrant further study.

Trends in Discard of Kidneys from Hepatitis C Viremic Donors in the United States

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Kidneys from hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremic donors have become more commonly accepted for transplant, especially after effective direct-acting antiviral therapy became available in 2014. We examined the contemporary trend of kidney discard from donors with HCV seropositivity and viremia.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network were used to identify deceased donor kidneys recovered for transplant. The exposure was donor HCV antibody status in the first analyses, and donor HCV antibody and viremia status in the second analyses. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of these HCV exposure measures with kidney discard, adjusted for donor characteristics. Multilevel analyses were conducted to account for similar kidney discard pattern within clusters of organ procurement organizations and regions.

RESULTS

Among 225,479 kidneys recovered from 2005 to 2019, 5% were from HCV seropositive donors. Compared with HCV seronegative kidneys, the odds of HCV seropositive kidney discard gradually declined, from a multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.06 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 5.65 to 8.81) in 2014, to 1.20 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.42) in 2019. Among 82,090 kidneys with nucleic acid amplification test results in 2015-2019, 4% were from HCV viremic donors and 2% were from aviremic seropositive donors. Compared with HCV aviremic seronegative kidneys, the odds of HCV viremic kidney discard decreased from an aOR of 4.89 (95% CI, 4.03 to 5.92) in 2018, to 1.48 (95% CI, 1.22 to 1.81) in 2019. By 2018 and 2019, aviremic seropositive status was not associated with higher odds of discard (2018: aOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.45; and 2019: aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the decrease in kidney discard in recent years, kidneys from viremic (compared with aviremic seronegative) donors still had 48% higher odds of discard in 2019. The potential of these discarded organs to provide successful transplantation should be explored.

Kidney nonprocurement in solid organ donors in the United States

There are limited data on the nonprocurement of kidneys from solid organ donors. Analysis of Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files was undertaken on all deceased donors in the United States with at least 1 solid organ recovered. From 2000 to 2018, 21 731 deceased donor kidneys (averaging 1144 kidneys per year) were not procured. No kidneys were procured from 8% of liver donors, 3% of heart donors, and 3% of lung donors. Compared to donors with all kidneys procured, those with none procured were older and more likely obese, black, hypertensive, diabetic, hepatitis C positive, smokers, Public Health Service - Increased Risk designated, deceased after cardiac death, or deceased after cerebrovascular accident. Although these donors had lower quality kidneys (median Kidney Donor Risk Index (interquartile range) 1.9 (1.0) vs 1.2 (0.7)), there was substantial overlap in quality between nonprocured and procured kidneys. Nearly one third of nonprocurements were attributed to donor history. Donors with elevated terminal creatinine likely resulting from acute kidney injury (AKI) had higher odds of kidney nonprocurement. Nonprocurement odds varied widely across Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network regions, with a positive correlation between donor kidney nonprocurements and kidney discards at the donation service area level. These findings suggest current discard rates underestimate the underutilization of deceased donor kidneys and more research is needed to optimize safe procurement and utilization of kidneys from donors with AKI.

The incidence of cytomegalovirus infection after deceased-donor kidney transplantation from hepatitis-C antibody positive donors to hepatitis-C antibody negative recipients

BACKGROUND

Deceased-donor kidney transplantation (KT) from hepatitis C (HCV)-infected donors into HCV-uninfected recipients (HCV D+/R-) could become standard care in the near future. However, HCV viral replication by viral transmission might lead to a higher incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in these recipients.

METHODS

A national-registry-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data set. We assessed the incidence of CMV infection in HCV antibody (Ab) negative recipients receiving kidneys from HCV Ab positive (HCVAb D+/R-) and negative (HCVAb D-/R-) donors. The risk of CMV infection was analyzed by Cox regression analysis in a propensity score (PS) matched-cohort of HCVAb D+/R- (n = 950) versus HCVAb D-/R- (n = 950). Sensitivity analysis was also conducted in the entire cohort (n = 181 082).

RESULTS

The mean age at baseline was 54 years, 75% were male, and 55% of the patients were African American in PS-matched cohort. Compared to the HCVAb D-/R - patients, recipients with HCVAb D+/R - showed identical probability for the incidence of CMV infection (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.00, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.82-1.22). In the sensitivity analysis, compared to the HCVAb D-/R - patients, the HCVAb D+/R - group had a significantly lower risk of CMV infection in the unadjusted analysis (HR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.65-0.85), while this risk difference disappeared after the adjusted analysis (HR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.87-1.14).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CMV infection was similar in recipients who received HCVAb D + and HCVAb D - KT. Further studies are needed to assess this association in KT from HCV nucleic acid positive donors.

EASL recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C: Final update of the series☆

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, with approximately 71 million chronically infected individuals worldwide. Clinical care for patients with HCV-related liver disease has advanced considerably thanks to an enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as developments in diagnostic procedures and improvements in therapy and prevention. These therapies make it possible to eliminate hepatitis C as a major public health threat, as per the World Health Organization target, although the timeline and feasibility vary from region to region. These European Association for the Study of the Liver recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C describe the optimal management of patients with recently acquired and chronic HCV infections in 2020 and onwards.

Donor hepatitis C antibody positivity misclassifies kidney donor profile index in non-hepatitis C-infected donors: time to revise the kidney donor profile index - a retrospective cohort study

The kidney donor profile index (KDPI) defines an hepatitis C (HCV) positive donor based on HCV antibody (Ab) and/or nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) positivity, with donors who are not actively infected (Ab+/NAT-) also classified as HCV positive. From Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients dataset, we identified HCV-negative recipients, who received a kidney transplant from HCV Ab+/NAT- (n = 116) and HCV Ab-/NAT- (n = 25 574) donor kidneys. We then compared recipients' estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 months in matched cohorts, using combined exact matching (based on KDPI) and propensity score matching. We created two separate matched cohorts: for the first cohort, we used the allocation KDPI, while for the second cohort we used an optimal KDPI, where the HCV component of KDPI was considered negative in Ab+/NAT- patients. The mean ± SD age of the allocation KDPI-matched cohort at baseline was 59 ± 10 years, 69% were male, 61% were white. Recipients' eGFR at 6 months after transplantation was significantly higher in the HCV Ab+/NAT- group compared to the HCV Ab-/NAT- group (61.1 ± 17.9 vs. 55.6 ± 18.8 ml/min/1.73 m² , P = 0.011) in the allocation KDPI-matched cohort, while it was similar (61.8 ± 19.5 vs. 62.1 ± 20.1 ml/min/1.73 m² , P = 0.9) in the optimal KDPI-matched cohort. Recipients who received HCV Ab positive, but NAT-negative donor kidneys did not experience worse 6-month eGFR than correctly matched HCV Ab-/NAT- recipients.

The effect of pulsatile pump perfusion on hepatitis C transmission in kidney transplantation: A prospective pilot study

With increasing utilization of hepatitis C (HCV) viremic donor organs, there may be a role for kidney pump perfusion to reduce viral load and prevent HCV transmission. We performed a prospective pilot study of HCV viremic donors; one kidney from each donor pair was pumped with perfusate exchanges and viral load testing at least every 4 hours. Donor, recipient, and transplant characteristics were obtained with clinical outcomes. Linear regression was performed to quantify the association between pump time and perfusate viral load. Six HCV viremic donors for six pairs of aviremic recipients were included. Perfusate of the pumped kidneys showed detectable virus throughout the pump cycles. Although perfusate viral levels decreased with increasing pump times, this was not statistically significant (β = -.48, P = .36). All recipients had detectable HCV RNA postoperatively. The pumped cohort had an insignificantly reduced mean viral load compared to pumped recipients (1352 ± 2006 vs 26 170 ± 61 211, P = .09). Time to initiation of direct-acting antiviral was 32 ± 12 vs 26 ± 7 days (P = .17) and to undetectable levels was 66 ± 27 vs 55 ± 22 days (P = .82) for the pumped and unpumped cohorts, respectively. Pulsatile perfusion alone does not appear adequate to decrease HCV transmission. Future studies will need to explore additional ex vivo interventions to pumping.

HCV-infected solid organ donors, direct-acting antivirals and the current challenges

Introduction: The introduction of direct-acting antiviral therapy has generated tremendous interest in transplanting organs from HCV-infected donors, an option which has the potential to lower waiting times for solid organ transplantation (including kidneys). Safe, effective and pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents are currently available.Areas covered: We have identified studies from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database to review risks and benefits on solid organ transplantation from HCV-exposed donors in uninfected recipients.Expert opinion: The transmission of HCV with transplantation from anti-HCV positive kidneys without viremia is extremely uncommon whereas recent evidence (five clinical studies, n = 94 patients) shows the absence of HCV infection in HCV-naïve recipients who received kidneys from HCV RNA-positive donors and underwent early DAAs. The evidence regarding non-kidney solid organ transplantation from HCV-infected donors is more limited. One report showed the occurrence of dialysis-dependent kidney failure due to glomerulonephritis induced by acute HCV after liver transplant from a NAT-positive donor into an HCV-naïve recipient. Transplantation of kidneys and other solid organs from HCV-viremic donors into uninfected recipients has the potential to become the standard of care resulting in lower waitlist mortality. Further studies are needed urgently to establish clinical practice guidelines on this topic.

National Trends in Utilization and 1-Year Outcomes with Transplantation of HCV-Viremic Kidneys

BACKGROUND

Recent pilot trials have demonstrated the safety of transplanting HCV-viremic kidneys into HCV-seronegative recipients. However, it remains unclear if allograft function is impacted by donor HCV-viremia or recipient HCV-serostatus.

METHODS

We used national United States registry data to examine trends in HCV-viremic kidney use between 4/1/2015 and 3/31/2019. We applied advanced matching methods to compare eGFR for similar kidneys transplanted into highly similar recipients of kidney transplants.

RESULTS

Over time, HCV-seronegative recipients received a rising proportion of HCV-viremic kidneys. During the first quarter of 2019, 200 HCV-viremic kidneys were transplanted into HCV-seronegative recipients, versus 69 into HCV-seropositive recipients, while 105 HCV-viremic kidneys were discarded. The probability of HCV-viremic kidney discard has declined over time. Kidney transplant candidates willing to accept a HCV-seropositive kidney increased from 2936 to 16,809 from during this time period. When transplanted into HCV-seronegative recipients, HCV-viremic kidneys matched to HCV-non-viremic kidneys on predictors of organ quality, except HCV, had similar 1-year eGFR (66.3 versus 67.1 ml/min per 1.73 m², P=0.86). This was despite the much worse kidney donor profile index scores assigned to the HCV-viremic kidneys. Recipient HCV-serostatus was not associated with a clinically meaningful difference in 1-year eGFR (66.5 versus 71.1 ml/min per 1.73 m², P=0.056) after transplantation of HCV-viremic kidneys.

CONCLUSIONS

By 2019, HCV-seronegative patients received the majority of kidneys transplanted from HCV-viremic donors. Widely used organ quality scores underestimated the quality of HCV-viremic kidneys based on 1-year allograft function. Recipient HCV-serostatus was also not associated with worse short-term allograft function using HCV-viremic kidneys.