The Use of Grafts from HCV+ Patients in Transplantation: Are we There Yet?

AbstractUse of organs from donors previously or currently infected with hepatitis C virus is gaining interest in the transplantation realm.Purpose of ReviewHere we will outline the historical perspectives for discarding such organs, review the reasons for revitalized interest in their use, and highlight available data on the use of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic grafts in transplantation. We will summarize arguments supporting and against such practices and offer our recommendations.Recent FindingsHCV can now be safely and effectively treated post transplantation with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Several reports are highlighted in which HCV-viremic organ donation was performed, followed by DAA treatment. However, opinions abound on the appropriateness of this practice.SummaryUse of viremic organs requires further study and additional larger-scale data with longer-term follow-up, but overall appears safe. It is a viable method to expand the donor pool in both liver and non-liver organ transplantation, but must be carefully weighed with the risks.
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research