Treatment of recurrent genotype 4 hepatitis C after liver transplantation: early virological response is predictive of sustained virological response. An AISF RECOLT-C Group Study
Journal Title: Annals of Hepatology - Year 2012, Vol 11, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction. Hepatitis C virus genotype 4 is predominant in the Middle East and Northern Africa, even if it has recently spread to Southern Europe. Data about the treatment of post-liver transplantation (LT) genotype 4 hepatitis C recurrence are scarce. We report a retrospective analysis of post-LT genotype 4 hepatitis C treatment in 9 Italian transplant centres, focusing on the overall survival rates and treatment outcome. Results. Among 452 recipients, we identified 17 HCV genotype 4 patients (16 males, 1 female) transplanted between 1998 and 2007. All patients received combined antiviral treatment with conventional doses of interferon (recombinant or pegylated) and ribavirin after histological diagnosis of hepatitis C recurrence. The observed overall survival after LT was 100% at 1 year and 83.3% at 5 years. More than 1/3(35.3%) of patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) and 40% (data available in 15 subjects) an early virological response (EVR), which was significantly associated with the achievement of SVR (overall accuracy: 85.7%; predictive values of EVR absence/presence 80/88.8%; chi-square p < 0.05). Conclusion. In conclusion, in post-LT genotype 4 hepatitis C treatment, SVR rates are similar to genotype 1. Patients who don’t show an EVR are not likely to achieve a SVR.
Authors and Affiliations
Romana Francesca, Alessandro Milani, Antonio Gasbarrini, Raffaella Zaccaria, Maria Donato, Lucia Miglioresi, Luisa Pasulo, Daniele Paolo, Pierluigi Toniutto, Stefano Fagiuoli, Maurizio Pompili
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