Liver transplantation in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients

Abstract

With the successful introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now regarded as a chronic illness with excellent long-term outcomes. However, chronic exposure to viral etiologies (ie, chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C) and drug-induced toxicity secondary to cART have resulted in increasing rates of mortality and morbidity due to end-stage liver disease. HIV disease is no longer considered an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation (LT) by most transplant centers worldwide. Because the burden of liver disease in this cohort is likely to increase, this review addresses the key etiologies and the management strategies available for HIV-positive patients undergoing LT.