Long-term follow-up of HCV-infected hematopoietic SCT patients and effects of antiviral therapy

Bone Marrow Transplant. 2012 Sep;47(9):1217-21. doi: 10.1038/bmt.2011.238. Epub 2011 Dec 12.

Abstract

This prospective study was initiated in 1993 with the aim to study late effects and responses to antiviral therapy in a cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. A total of 195 patients were included from 12 centers. In all, 134 patients had undergone allogeneic and 61 autologous hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). The median follow-up from HSCT is currently 16.8 years and the maximum 27.2 years. Overall 33 of 195 patients have died of which 6 died from liver complications. The survival probability was 81.6% and the cumulative incidence for death in liver complications was 6.1% at 20 years after HSCT. The cumulative incidence of severe liver complications (death from liver failure, cirrhosis and liver transplantation) was 11.7% at 20 years after HSCT. In all, 85 patients have been treated with IFN; 42 in combination with ribavirin. The sustained response rate was 40%. The rates of severe side effects were comparable to other patient populations and no patient developed significant exacerbations of GVHD. Patients receiving antiviral therapy had a trend toward a decreased risk of severe liver complications (odds ratio=0.33; P=0.058). HCV infection is associated with morbidity and mortality in long-term survivors after HSCT. Antiviral therapy can be given safely and might reduce the risk for severe complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hematologic Diseases / surgery
  • Hematologic Diseases / virology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Survival Analysis
  • Survivors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents