Virologic and clinical outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-HBV coinfected transplant recipients

Current status of liver transplantation for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in mainland China

According to the report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection exceeded 1.2 million individuals by the year 2022, with an annual increase of about 80000 cases. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among individuals co-infected with HIV reached 13.7%, almost twice the rate of the general population in China. In addition to the well-documented susceptibility to opportunistic infections and new malignancies, HIV infected patients frequently experience liver-related organ damage, with the liver and kidneys being the most commonly affected. This often leads to the development of end-stage liver and kidney diseases. Therefore, organ transplantation has emerged as an important part of active treatment for HIV infected patients. However, the curative effect is not satisfactory. HIV infection has been considered a contraindication for organ transplantation. Until the emergence of highly active anti-retroviral therapy in 1996, the once intractable replication of retrovirus was effectively inhibited. With prolonged survival, the failure of important organs has become the main cause of death among HIV patients. Therefore, transplant centers worldwide have resumed exploration of organ transplantation for HIV-infected individuals and reached a positive conclusion. This study provides an overview of the current landscape of HIV-positive patients receiving liver transplantation (LT) in mainland China. To date, our transplant center has conducted LT for eight end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with HIV, and all but one, who died two months postoperatively due to sepsis and progressive multi-organ failure, have survived. Comparative analysis with hepatitis B virus-infected patients during the same period revealed no statistically significant differences in acute rejection reactions, cytomegalovirus infection, bacteremia, pulmonary infections, acute kidney injury, new-onset cancers, or vascular and biliary complications.

Clinical outcomes of liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis B virus coinfected patients in China

BACKGROUND

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been able to improve the immune system function and survival of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. However, Patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are more likely to develop end-stage liver disease (ESLD) than those infected with HBV alone. Consequently, liver transplantation is often required for these patients. This study evaluates the outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) of HIV-HBV coinfected patients in China.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis on all HIV-HBV coinfected patients that underwent OLT from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 and their outcomes were compared to all HBV monoinfected patients undergoing OLT during the same period. Patient outcomes were determined, including cumulative survival, viral load, CD4 T-cell count and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The median follow-up of HIV recipients was 36 months after OLT (interquartile range 12-39 months). Almost all patients had stable CD4 T-cell count (> 200 copies/ul), undetectable HBV DNA levels, and undetectable HIV RNA load during follow-up. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year posttransplant survival rates were 85.7% for the HIV group (unchanged from 1 to 3 years) versus 82.2%, 81.2%, and 78.8% for the non-HIV group. Cumulative survival among HIV-HBV coinfected recipients was not significantly different from the HBV monoinfected recipients (log-rank test P = 0.692). The percentage of deaths attributed to infection was comparable between the HIV and non-HIV groups (14.3% vs. 9.32%, P = 0.665). Post OLT, there was no significant difference in acute rejection, cytomegalovirus infection, bacteremia, pulmonary infection, acute kidney injury, de novo tumor and vascular and biliary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation in patients with HIV-HBV coinfection yields excellent outcomes in terms of intermediate- or long-term survival rate and low incidence of postoperative complications in China. These findings suggest that OLT is safe and feasible for HIV-HBV coinfected patients with ESLD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300067631), registered 11 January 2023.

Overcoming barriers and stigma: new frontiers in solid organ transplantation for people with HIV

There is a growing need for solid organ transplantation (SOT) for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV are experiencing increased life expectancies and are, therefore, developing more comorbidities, including end-stage organ disease. In cases of advanced organ failure, SOT is often the best therapeutic option to improve quality of life and overall survival. As organ shortages persist, transplantation of organs from donors with HIV to recipients with HIV has become a potential therapeutic option. This article first reviews the current state of organ transplantation from donors without HIV to recipients with HIV (HIV D-/R+) by organ and discusses key lessons learned from these transplant trials, including those about drug-drug interactions, rejection, and opportunistic infections. It then explores transplantation from donors with HIV to recipients with HIV (HIV D+/R+), a new frontier. Finally, it investigates challenges of implementation, including public awareness and regulatory requirements, and explores future directions for SOT in people living with HIV.

Triple Threat: HDV, HBV, HIV Coinfection

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) only infects patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) due to its reliance on HBV surface proteins to form its envelope. With shared routes of transmission, HDV coinfection is estimated to occur in 15% of patients with HIV and HBV. However, HDV is often underdiagnosed and may be missed particularly in people living with HIV (PLWH) who are already on antiretroviral therapy with anti-HBV activity and coincidental HBV suppression. At the same time, HDV causes the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis and leads to faster progression of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, increased recognition and effective treatment are paramount, and as novel treatment options approach global markets, the study of their efficacy in PLWH should be pursued.

Liver Transplantation in People Living with HIV: Still an Experimental Procedure or Standard of Care?

Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment for various liver diseases, including acute liver failure, end-stage liver disease, and selected unresectable liver malignancies. Combination antiretroviral therapy has improved outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH), transforming the status of acquired immune deficiency syndrome from a fatal disease to a chronic and manageable condition. These powerful antiviral therapies have not only increased the number of HIV+ enlisted patients by improving their survival but also made the use of HIV+ organs a viable option. In this review, we summarise current knowledge on the peculiarities of liver transplantation in PLWH. In particular, we focus on the indications, contraindications, specific considerations for treatment, and outcomes of LT in PLWH. Finally, we present available preliminary data on the use of HIV+ liver allografts.

Outcomes of ABO-incompatible liver transplantation in end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are eligible for liver transplantation (LT) in Africa and Southeast Asia, particularly China. However, the outcome of HIV-HBV coinfected patients referred for ABO-incompatible LT (ABOi-LT) is unknown.

AIM

To clarify the outcome of ABOi-LT for HIV-HBV coinfected patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD).

METHODS

We report on two Chinese HIV-HBV coinfected patients with ESLD who underwent A to O brain-dead donor LT and reviewed the literature on HIV-HBV coinfected patients treated with ABO-compatible LT. The pretransplantation HIV viral load was undetectable, with no active opportunistic infections. Induction therapy consisted of two sessions of plasmapheresis and a single dose of rituximab in two split doses, followed by an intraoperative regimen of intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone, and basiliximab. Post-transplant maintenance immunosuppressive agents consisted of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone.

RESULTS

At the intermediate-term follow-up, patients showed undetectable HIV viral load, CD4(+) T cell counts greater than 150 cells/μL, no HBV recurrence, and stable liver function. A liver allograft biopsy showed no evidence of acute cellular rejection. Both patients survived at 36-42 mo of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of ABOi-LT in HIV-HBV recipients with good intermediate-term outcomes, suggesting that ABOi-LT may be feasible and safe for HIV-HBV coinfected patients with ESLD.

Retrospective-prospective study of safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antivirals in HIV/HCV-coinfected participants with decompensated liver disease pre- or post-liver transplant

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has transformed the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C (HCV) coinfected patients with advanced liver disease. STOP-Coinfection was a multicenter prospective and retrospective, open-label study using sofosbuvir-based DAA therapy to treat HIV/HCV-coinfected participants pre- or post-liver transplant (LT). Sixty-eight participants with end-stage liver disease (Child-Turcotte-Pugh score ≥7 and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score 6-29) were enrolled, 26 had hepatocellular carcinoma. Forty-two participants were treated pre-LT and 26 post-LT. All participants completed therapy without need for dose reduction or transfusion; eight required two or more courses of therapy. Ninety-three percent achieved a sustained virologic response and DAA therapy was well tolerated. Despite HCV cure, 12 end-stage liver disease participants required subsequent LT, 7 for decompensated liver disease. Thirteen participants died, 10 with decompensated liver disease pre-LT and three post-LT. Overall, transplant free survival was 42.8% at 4 years and post-LT survival was 87.9% at 5 years. We conclude that sofosbuvir-based DAA therapy is safe and highly effective in HCV-HIV patients with decompensated liver disease and post-LT, with post-LT survival rates comparable to other indications. This removes one of the last barriers to liver transplantation in this challenging cohort of recipients.

Consensus document of the Spanish Association for Study of the Liver on the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection (2020)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global public health problem. HBV vaccination is the most effective tool to reduce the incidence of HBV disease. Despite there has not been new clinical developments for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in the last few years, changing epidemiology and current insights on natural history, diagnostic tools and therapy indications make necessary an update of the former version of the consensus document of the Spanish Association for Study of the Liver on the treatment of hepatitis B infection published in 2012. The current document updates the management of chronic hepatitis B. The treatment of choice is the long-term administration of a nucleos(t)ide analogue with high barrier to resistance (entecavir, tenofovir or tenofovir alafenamide). Pegylated interferon may be an option in patients with non-advanced liver disease, but its applicability is limited due to the low efficacy and poor tolerability. All patients must be monitored for the risk of progression to advanced liver disease and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Long-term follow-up of beta cell replacement therapy in 10 HIV-infected patients with renal failure secondary to type 1 diabetes mellitus

The approach to transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients has been conservative due to fear of exacerbating an immunocompromised condition. As a result, HIV-positive patients with diabetes were initially excluded from beta cell replacement therapy. Early reports of pancreas transplant in patients with HIV described high rates of early graft loss with limited follow-up. We report long-term follow-up of islet or pancreas transplantation in HIV-positive type 1 diabetic patients who received a kidney transplant concurrently or had previously undergone kidney transplantation. Although 4 patients developed polyoma viremia, highly active antiretroviral therapy and adequate infectious prophylaxis were successful in providing protection until CD4+ counts recovered. Coordination with HIV providers is critical to reduce the risk of rejection by minimizing drug-drug interactions. Also, protocols for prophylaxis of opportunistic infections and strategies for monitoring and treating BK viremia are important given the degree of immunosuppression required. This series demonstrates that type 1 diabetic patients with well-controlled HIV and renal failure can be appropriate candidates for beta cell replacement, with a low rate of infectious complications, early graft loss, and rejection, so excellent long-term graft survival is possible. Additionally, patients with HIV and cardiovascular contraindications can undergo islet infusion.

Living donor domino liver transplantation in a hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus-coinfected hemophilia patient: a case report

Background

Outcome of the liver transplantation (LT) is worse in hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-coinfected patients compared to patients infected with HCV alone. We report the world’s first case of living donor domino liver transplantation (LDDLT) using a familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) liver in a coinfected recipient with HCV-related liver cirrhosis.

Case presentation

The recipient was a 43-year-old male with a CD4 cell count of 52/μL and undetectable HIV-RNA at the time of LT. He received a domino liver graft from a 41-year-old female with FAP. No acute cellular rejection or infection occurred after LT. HCV recurrence was confirmed histologically on the posttransplant day 34. Peginterferon/ribavirin therapy resulted in non-response; however, the patient achieved a sustained viral response with sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir (LDV). Currently, HCV and HIV testing are negative, and symptomatic de novo amyloidosis has not occurred.

Conclusions

LDDLT allows successful LT in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients; posttransplant HCV recurrence can be successfully treated with anti-viral therapy.

Organ transplantation in persons with HIV

: With current antiretroviral therapy, the lifespan of newly diagnosed persons with HIV (PWH) approaches that of uninfected persons. However, metabolic abnormalities related to both the disease and the virus itself, along with comorbidities of aging, have resulted in end-organ disease and organ failure as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Solid organ transplantation is a life-saving therapy for PWH who have organ failure, and the approval of the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act has opened and expanded opportunities for PWH to donate and receive organs. The current environment of organ transplantation for PWH will be reviewed and future directions of research and treatment will be discussed.

The role of hepatitis B core-related antigen in predicting hepatitis B virus recurrence after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a viral marker for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the relationship between HBcrAg and HBV recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is unclear.

AIM

To investigate the correlation of serum HBcrAg level with HBV recurrence post-LT to evaluate the prognostic role of the pre-LT HBcrAg level.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 357 CHB patients who received LT for a median of 36.6 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for markers associated with HBV recurrence were analysed.

RESULTS

48 patients (13.4%) had HBV recurrence after LT. HBcrAg, detectable HBV DNA, HCC and HCC recurrence were associated with HBV recurrence. In a multivariate analysis, HBcrAg level was independently associated with HBV recurrence, and the relationship between HBcrAg level and incident HBV recurrence was significant and graded (HR: 3.17 per unit; 95% CI: 1.97-5.11; P for trend < .001). Additionally, HBcrAg level was superior to HBV DNA level in predicting HBV recurrence by time-dependent ROC analysis. Patients with an HBcrAg ≥ 5.0 log U/mL had a significantly higher 5-year cumulative recurrence rate than those with an HBcrAg < 5.0 log U/mL (37.6% vs 6%, P < .001); the adjusted hazard ratio was 5.27 (95% CI 2.47-11.25, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

An elevated serum HBcrAg level was independently associated with the risk of HBV recurrence in patients with CHB after LT.

Solid Organ Transplantation in HIV-Infected Recipients: History, Progress, and Frontiers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

End-stage organ disease prevalence is increasing among HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Trial and registry data confirm that solid organ transplantation (SOT) is efficacious in this population. Optimizing access to transplant and decreasing complications represent active frontiers.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV+ recipients historically experienced 2-4-fold higher rejection. Integrase strand transferase inhibitors (INSTIs) minimize drug interactions and may reduce rejection along with lymphodepleting induction immunosuppression. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection has been associated with inferior outcomes, yet direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) may mitigate this. Experience in South Africa and the US HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act support HIV+ donor to HIV+ recipient (HIV D+/R+) transplantation. SOT is the optimal treatment for end-stage organ disease in HIV+ individuals. Recent advances include use of INSTIs and DAAs in transplant recipients; however, strategies to improve access to transplant are needed. HIV D+/R+ transplantation is under investigation and may improve access and provide insights for HIV cure and pathogenesis research.

Solid organ transplantation in the HIV-infected patient: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice

These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the management of transplantation in HIV-infected individuals. Transplantation has become the standard of care for patients with HIV and end-stage kidney or liver disease. Although less data exist for thoracic organ and pancreas transplantation, it is likely that transplantation is also safe and effective for these recipients as well. Despite what is typically a transient decline in CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, HIV remains well controlled and infection risks are similar to those of HIV-uninfected transplant recipients. The availability of effective directly active antivirals for the treatment of Hepatitis C is likely to improve outcomes in HIV and HCV co-infected individuals, a population previously noted to have decreased survival. Drug interactions remain an important consideration, and integrase inhibitor-based regimens are preferred due to the absence of interactions with calcineurin and mTOR inhibitors. Additionally, despite the use of more potent immunosuppression, rejection rates exceed those found in HIV-uninfected recipients. Ongoing research evaluating HIV-positive organ donors may provide support for utilizing these donors for HIV-positive patients in need of transplantation.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Organ Transplantation

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become a chronic disease with a near normal life span resulting in increased risk of organ failure. HIV organ transplantation is a proven and accepted intervention in appropriately selected cases. HIV-positive organ transplantation into HIV-positive recipients is in its nascent stages. Hepatitis C virus, high rates of organ rejection, and immune dysregulation are significant remaining barriers to overcome. This article provides an overview of the transplantation needs in the HIV population focusing on kidney and liver transplants.

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.

Hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus that can establish a persistent and chronic infection in humans through immune anergy. Currently, 3.5% of the global population is chronically infected with HBV, although the incidence of HBV infections is decreasing owing to vaccination and, to a lesser extent, the use of antiviral therapy to reduce the viral load of chronically infected individuals. The course of chronic HBV infection typically comprises different clinical phases, each of which potentially lasts for decades. Well-defined and verified serum and liver biopsy diagnostic markers enable the assessment of disease severity, viral replication status, patient risk stratification and treatment decisions. Current therapy includes antiviral agents that directly act on viral replication and immunomodulators, such as interferon therapy. Antiviral agents for HBV include reverse transcriptase inhibitors, which are nucleoside or nucleotide analogues that can profoundly suppress HBV replication but require long-term maintenance therapy. Novel compounds are being actively investigated to achieve the goal of HBV surface antigen seroclearance (functional cure), a serological state that is associated with a higher remission rate (thus, no viral rebound) after treatment cessation and a lower rate of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This Primer addresses several aspects of HBV infection, including epidemiology, immune pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and management.

Solid Organ Transplantation for HIV-Infected Individuals

Purpose of Review

The prevalence of end-stage organ disease is increasing among HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Individuals with well-controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART), without active opportunistic infections or cancer, and with specified minimum CD4 cell counts are appropriate transplant candidates. Infectious disease clinicians can improve access to transplantation for these patients and optimize management pre- and post-transplant.

Recent Findings

Clinical trials and registry-based studies demonstrate excellent outcomes for select HIV+ kidney and liver transplant recipients with similar patient and graft survival as HIV-uninfected patients. Elevated allograft rejection rates have been observed in HIV+ individuals; this may be related to a dysregulated immune system or drug interactions. Lymphocyte-depleting immunosuppression has been associated with lower rejection rates without increased infections using national registry data. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection has been associated with worse outcomes, however improvements are expected with direct-acting antivirals.

Summary

Solid organ transplantation should be considered for HIV+ individuals with end-stage organ disease. Infectious disease clinicians can optimize ART to avoid pharmacoenhancers, which interact with immunosuppression. The timing of HCV treatment (pre- or post-transplant) should be discussed with the transplant team. Finally, organs from HIV+ donors can now be considered for HIV+ transplant candidates, within research protocols.

Transplant Infectious Diseases: A Review of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients Published Data

The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) serves to collect data on organ transplants performed in the United States. Although the infectious diseases data are limited and include mostly pretransplant serologies and other nonspecific infection-related outcomes, this multicenter data collection allows for insightful national data and the ability to monitor trends over time. We reviewed the published concise reports for each organ type in SRTR reports containing data from 2005 to 2014, and summarized our findings with respect to cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV, general infection, and prophylaxis. Our review highlights a few developments. While rates of donor-recipient CMV serology combinations remain fairly constant over time, there are generally more seronegative donors and recipients among living donor transplants. There has been a reduction in PTLD for pediatric transplant recipients. There has also been a slight reduction in anti-HBV core antibody-positive donor organs and stable reporting of HCV-positive donor organs and HIV-positive recipients.

Management of hepatitis B in special populations

Special populations infected with chronic HBV include those with decompensated cirrhosis, coinfections (HIV, HCV, HDV), hemodialysis and renal failure, immunosuppressed including transplant patients, children and women in pregnancy. These populations differ in their natural history and risk for liver-related complications, the indications for anti-HBV therapy as well as the recommendations regarding the HBV drugs used, duration of therapy and anticipated endpoints. Reflecting the special populations with substantive changes in management in recent years, this review focuses on HBV-HIV coinfected patients, immunosuppressed patients at risk for reactivation, liver transplant recipients and pregnant women. Management of women in the context of pregnancy and post-partum requires consideration of risks to mother and fetus/infant, including the risk of mother-to-child transmission. HBV-HIV coinfected patients require initiation of treatment concurrent with their HIV therapy and the HBV drugs used must by selected to minimize HIV and HBV resistance long-term. Increasing recognition of the risk for HBV reactivation with immunosuppressive therapy has led to recommendations to use prophylactic HBV therapy in patients with moderate to high risk of reactivation. Liver transplant recipients with HBV require life-long therapy to prevent or treat HBV infection but with current therapies, graft and patient survival are excellent.

Cirrhosis and liver transplantation in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis B or C: an observational cohort study

This study assessed the likelihood of referral for liver transplantation assessment in a prospective cohort of patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis B or C with complications of cirrhosis. There were 141 co-infected patients from 11 UK centres with at least one complication of cirrhosis recorded (either decompensation or hepatocellular carcinoma) out of 772 identified with cirrhosis and/or HCC. Only 23 of these 141 (16.3%) were referred for liver transplantation assessment, even though referral is recommended for co-infected patients after the first decompensation episode.

HIV-Positive-to-HIV-Positive Liver Transplantation

Most countries exclude human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients from organ donation because of concerns regarding donor-derived HIV transmission. The Swiss Federal Act on Transplantation has allowed organ transplantation between HIV-positive donors and recipients since 2007. We report the successful liver transplantation from an HIV-positive donor to an HIV-positive recipient. Both donor and recipient had been treated for many years with antiretroviral therapy and harbored multidrug-resistant viruses. Five months after transplantation, HIV viremia remains undetectable. This observation supports the inclusion of appropriate HIV-positive donors for transplants specifically allocated to HIV-positive recipients.

Liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver transplantation is widely used to treat HIV patients with an end-stage liver disease, mainly decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The results are good especially in non-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients. In HIV-HCV-coinfected patients, 5-year post-liver transplantation survival is around 50-55%, negatively impacted by HCV recurrence. The results of PEG-IFN/RBV are poor in terms of efficacy and safety. In patients with genotype 1 infection, triple therapy (boceprevir or telaprevir) has increased sustained virological response (SVR) rate, but drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with immunosuppressive agents and high rates of adverse events lead to forsake these combinations. Herein, we provide new data and practical management regarding HIV-HCV liver transplantation patients using new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA).

RECENT FINDINGS

The second-generation DAA have good safety profile. In patients who are candidates for liver transplantation or are already recipients, the optimal therapeutic option is to combine the new DAA. Efficacy results have dramatically improved with greater than 90% of SVR rate in many studies enrolling HCV-monoinfected liver transplant recipients. Some concerns persist in terms of DDI.

SUMMARY

Even sparse, data regarding efficacy and safety of these regimens in HCV-HIV-coinfected liver transplantation will radically change the prognosis of this peculiar population.

Survival in HIV-positive transplant recipients compared with transplant candidates and with HIV-negative controls

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of liver and kidney transplantation on survival in HIV-positive transplant candidates and compare outcomes between HIV-positive and negative recipients.

DESIGN

Observational cohort of HIV-positive transplant candidates and recipients and secondary analysis comparing study recipients to HIV-negative national registry controls.

METHODS

We fit proportional hazards models to assess transplantation impact on mortality among recipients and candidates. We compared time to graft failure and death with HIV-negative controls in unmatched, demographic-matched, and risk-adjusted models.

RESULTS

There were 17 (11.3%) and 46 (36.8%) deaths among kidney and liver recipients during a median follow-up of 4.0 and 3.5 years, respectively. Transplantation was associated with survival benefit for HIV-infected liver recipients with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) greater than or equal 15 [hazard ratio (HR) 0.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05, 0.01; P < 0.0001], but not for MELD less than 15 (HR 0.7; 95% CI 0.3, 1.8; P = 0.43) or for kidney recipients (HR 0.6; 95% CI 0.3, 1.4; P = 0.23). In HIV-positive kidney recipients, unmatched and risk-matched analyses indicated a marginally significant HR for graft loss [1.3 (P = 0.07) and HR 1.4 (P = 0.052)]; no significant increase in risk of death was observed. All models demonstrated a higher relative hazard of graft loss or death in HIV-positive liver recipients; the absolute difference in the proportion of deaths was 6.7% in the risk-matched analysis.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplantation should be standard of care for well managed HIV-positive patients. Liver transplant in candidates with high MELD confers survival benefit; transplant is a viable option in selected candidates. The increased mortality risk compared with HIV-negative recipients was modest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.Gov; NCT00074386; http://clinicaltrials.gov/.

An Update on Heart Transplantation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients

Cardiovascular diseases have become a significant cause of morbidity in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Heart transplantation (HT) is a well-established treatment of end-stage heart failure (ESHF) and is performed in selected HIV-infected patients in developed countries. Few data are available on the prognosis of HIV-infected patients undergoing HT in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) because current evidence is limited to small retrospective cohorts, case series, and case reports. Many HT centers consider HIV infection to be a contraindication for HT; however, in the era of cART, HT recipients with HIV infection seem to achieve satisfactory outcomes without developing HIV-related events. Consequently, selected HIV-infected patients with ESHF who are taking effective cART should be considered candidates for HT. The present review provides epidemiological data on ESHF in HIV-infected patients from all published experience on HT in HIV-infected patients since the beginning of the epidemic. The practical management of these patients is discussed, with emphasis on the challenging issues that must be addressed in the pretransplant (including HIV criteria) and posttransplant periods. Finally, proposals are made for future management and research priorities.

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.

Detection of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Genomes and HBV Drug Resistant Variants by Deep Sequencing Analysis of HBV Genomes in Immune Cell Subsets of HBV Mono-Infected and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1) and HBV Co-Infected Individuals

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can infect cells of the lymphatic system. It is unknown whether HIV-1 co-infection impacts infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subsets by the HBV. Aims To compare the detection of HBV genomes and HBV sequences in unsorted PBMCs and subsets (i.e., CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD14+ monocytes, CD19+ B, CD56+ NK cells) in HBV mono-infected vs. HBV/HIV-1 co-infected individuals. Methods Total PBMC and subsets isolated from 14 HBV mono-infected (4/14 before and after anti-HBV therapy) and 6 HBV/HIV-1 co-infected individuals (5/6 consistently on dual active anti-HBV/HIV therapy) were tested for HBV genomes, including replication indicative HBV covalently closed circular (ccc)-DNA, by nested PCR/nucleic hybridization and/or quantitative PCR. In CD4+, and/or CD56+ subsets from two HBV monoinfected cases, the HBV polymerase/overlapping surface region was analyzed by next generation sequencing. Results All analyzed whole PBMC from HBV monoinfected and HBV/HIV coinfected individuals were HBV genome positive. Similarly, HBV DNA was detected in all target PBMC subsets regardless of antiviral therapy, but was absent from the CD4+ T cell subset from all HBV/HIV-1 positive cases (P<0.04). In the CD4+ and CD56+ subset of 2 HBV monoinfected cases on tenofovir therapy, mutations at residues associated with drug resistance and/or immune escape (i.e., G145R) were detected in a minor percentage of the population. Summary HBV genomes and drug resistant variants were detectable in PBMC subsets from HBV mono-infected individuals. The HBV replicates in PBMC subsets of HBV/HIV-1 patients except the CD4+ T cell subpopulation.

Hepatitis C virus-HIV-coinfected patients and liver transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the experience to date and unique challenges associated with liver transplantation in hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV-coinfected patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

The prevalence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is rising among HIV-infected individuals. With careful patient selection and in the absence of HCV infection, HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected liver transplant recipients have comparable posttransplant outcomes. However, in the presence of HCV infection, patient and graft survival are significantly poorer in HIV-infected recipients, who have a higher risk of aggressive HCV recurrence, acute rejection, sepsis, and multiorgan failure. Outcomes may be improved with careful recipient and donor selection and with the availability of new highly potent all-oral HCV direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Although all-oral DAAs have not been evaluated in HIV/HCV-coinfected transplant patients, HIV does not adversely impact treatment success in nontransplant populations. Therefore, there is great hope that HCV can be successful eradicated in HIV/HCV-coinfected transplant patients and will result in improved outcomes. Careful attention to drug-drug interactions with HIV antiretroviral agents, DAAs, and posttransplant immunosuppressants is required.

SUMMARY

Liver transplant outcomes are poorer in HIV/HCV-coinfected recipients compared with those with HCV-monoinfection. The new HCV DAAs offer tremendous potential to improve outcomes in this challenging population.

Clinical characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus patients being referred for liver transplant evaluation: a descriptive cohort study

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) is a treatment option for select human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with advanced liver disease. The aim of this study was to describe LT evaluation outcomes in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

All HIV-infected patients referred for their first LT evaluation at the Mount Sinai Medical Center were included in this retrospective, descriptive cohort study. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with listing.

RESULTS

Between February 2000 and April 2012, 366 patients were evaluated for LT, with 66 (18.0%) listed for LT and 300 (82.0%) not listed. Fifty-one patients (13.9%) died before completing evaluation and 85 (23.2%) were too early for listing. Reasons patients were declined for listing were psychosocial (15.8%), HIV-related (10.4%), loss to follow-up (9.6%), surgical/medical (6.0%), liver-related (4.4%), patient choice (3.4%), and financial (1.6%). Listed patients were more likely to have hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (43.1% vs. 17.1%; P < 0.0001) and less likely to have hepatitis B (6.2% vs. 15.7%; P = 0.04) or a psychiatric history (19.7% vs. 35.2%; P = 0.02) than those not listed. In multivariable analysis, HCC (odds ratio [OR] 5.79; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.97-11.28), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score at referral (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.11), and hepatitis B (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08-0.79) were associated with listing.

CONCLUSION

MELD score and HCC were positive predictors of listing in HIV-infected patients referred for LT evaluation and, therefore, timely referrals are vital in these patients. As MELD is a predictor for death while undergoing evaluation, rapid evaluation should be performed in HIV-infected patients with a higher MELD score.

Outcome and management of HCV/HIV coinfection pre- and post-liver transplantation. A 2015 update

Liver transplantation is increasingly performed in selected HIV-infected patients in most developed countries, with excellent results reported in patients with liver diseases unrelated to HCV. In contrast, survival in HCV/HIV-coinfected liver recipients is poorer than in HCV-monoinfected patients, due to more aggressive recurrence of HCV and consequent graft loss and death. Results from American, French, and Spanish cohort studies showed a 5-year survival rate of only 50-55%. Therefore, it is debated whether liver transplantation should be offered to HCV/HIV-coinfected patients. Studies have shown that the variables more consistently associated with poor outcome are: (1) the use of old or HCV-positive donors, (2) dual liver-kidney transplantation, (3) recipients with very low body mass index and (4) less site experience. However, the most effective factor influencing transplantation outcome is the successful treatment of HCV recurrence with anti-HCV. Survival is 80% in patients whose HCV infection resolves. Unfortunately, the rates of sustained virological response with pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin in coinfected recipients are low, particularly for genotype 1 (only 10%). Here we present a non-systematic review of the literature based on our own experience in different liver transplant scenarios. This review covers selection criteria in HIV-infected patients, pre- and post-LT management, donor selection, anti-HCV treatment, drug interactions with antiretrovirals and anti-HCV direct antiviral agents, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver retransplantation. Recommendations are rated. Finally, we explain how the introduction of new effective and more tolerable direct antiviral agents may improve significantly the outcome of HCV/HIV-coinfected liver recipients.

Hepatitis B Virus-HIV Coinfection: Forgotten but Not Gone

Owing to shared routes of transmission and common risk factors, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV is common. As AIDS-related opportunistic infections have declined with successful antiretroviral therapy (ART), liver-related mortality has emerged as the second leading cause of death among patients infected with HIV HIV infection negatively impacts the natural history of HBV, increasing the risks for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related mortality. With the availability of effective antiviral therapy active against both HIV and HBV and simplified treatment algorithms, it has become easier than ever to treat coinfected patients. However, the issues of suboptimal response, incomplete viral suppression, adverse effects of long-term antiviral treatment, and potential hepatotoxicity of ART remain major challenges.

Hepatitis B virus coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: A review

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Due to the shared modes of transmission, coinfection with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not uncommon. It is estimated that 10% of HIV-infected patients worldwide are coinfected with HBV. In areas where an HBV vaccination program is implemented, the HBV seroprevalence has declined significantly. In HIV/HBV-coinfected patients, HBV coinfection accelerates immunologic and clinical progression of HIV infection and increases the risk of hepatotoxicity when combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is initiated, while HIV infection increases the risk of hepatitis events, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease related to chronic HBV infection. With the advances in antiviral therapy, concurrent, successful long-term suppression of HIV and HBV replication can be achieved in the cART era. To reduce the disease burden of HBV infection among HIV-infected patients, adoption of safe sex practices, avoidance of sharing needles and diluent, HBV vaccination and use of cART containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine or lamivudine are the most effective approaches. However, due to HIV-related immunosuppression, using increased doses of HBV vaccine and novel approaches to HBV vaccination are needed to improve the immunogenicity of HBV vaccine among HIV-infected patients.

Advances in therapy for HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients in the liver transplant setting

Complications of cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) are increasing, and liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective treatment for those with liver decompensation or small hepatocellular carcinoma. However, for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, barriers to LT exist. This is related to the poorer survival rates post-LT (55% at 5 years) and, up until this year, the limited options for treating those coinfected LT recipients with progressive recurrent HCV disease, the commonest reason for reduced survival. The newly approved antiviral therapies sofosbuvir and simeprevir, with significantly improved efficacy and markedly better safety and tolerability in HIV and transplant patients, offer the opportunity to transform the outcomes of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with liver complications. Additional new therapies, anticipated within the year, are expected to further simplify the management of coinfected patients in the transplant setting.

Outcomes and management of viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in liver transplantation

Liver transplantation for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients with viral hepatitis co-infection is increasingly offered in many North American and European liver transplant centers. Prior studies have demonstrated acceptable post-transplant outcomes and no increased risk of HIV complications in patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, liver transplantation in HIV positive patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has poorer outcomes overall, requiring careful selection of candidates. This review aims to summarize the published literature on outcomes after transplant in HIV patients with HBV or HCV related end-stage liver disease and recommendations for management. In particular the pre-transplant factors impacting outcomes in HCV/HIV co-infected candidates and importance of multidisciplinary management will be discussed.

Human immunodeficiency virus and liver disease forum 2012

In the United States, more than 1.1 million individuals are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These patients exhibit a high frequency of coinfections with other hepatotropic viruses and ongoing fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis and liver-related mortality. Etiologies of liver disease include viral hepatitis coinfections, drug-related hepatotoxicity, fatty liver disease, and direct and indirect effects from HIV infection, including increased bacterial translocation, immune activation, and presence of soluble proteins, that modulate the hepatic cytokine environment. New treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) using direct-acting agents appear viable, though issues related to intrinsic toxicities and drug-drug interactions remain. Recent research suggests that acute HCV infection, unrecognized hepatitis D infection, and hepatitis E may all represent emergent areas of concern. Antiretroviral agents, including those used in recent years, may represent risk factors for hepatic injury and portal hypertension. Key issues in the future include systematic implementation of liver disease management and new treatment in HIV-infected populations with concomitant injection drug use, alcohol use, and low socioeconomic status.

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.

Solid organ transplants in HIV-infected patients

There is a growing need for kidney and liver transplants in persons living with HIV. Fortunately, with the significant advances in antiretroviral therapy and management of opportunistic infections, HIV infection is no longer an absolute contraindication for solid organ transplantation. Data from several large prospective multi-center cohort studies have shown that solid organ transplantation in carefully selected HIV-infected individuals is safe. However, significant challenges have been identified including prevention of acute rejection, management of drug-drug interactions and treatment of recurrent viral hepatitis. This article reviews the selection criteria, outcomes, and special management considerations for HIV-infected patients undergoing liver or kidney transplantation.