Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in HCV-infected patients

J Hepatol. 2008 Jun;48(6):1008-17. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.03.003. Epub 2008 Apr 1.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. After allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT), HCV is known to be associated with transient hepatitis in the immediate post-transplant period, and a potential risk factor of veno-occlusive disease (SOS). Very recently, HCV-infected HCT recipients have been shown to be at higher risk of earlier cirrhosis, leading to greater morbidity and mortality. Long-term survivors after HCT are thus at a high risk for HCV-related complications and, as a consequence, the treatment of HCV infection becomes critical. We describe here the potential clinical complications in HCV-infected recipients, in the short, but also the long-term follow-up after HCT. The pathophysiology of liver fibrosis is discussed as well as the present recommended therapy in this particular population.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / physiopathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Risk Factors
  • Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects