Risk Of Developing Liver Cancer After HCV Treatment

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Hep C virus RNA persists in liver explants awaiting liver transplantation

Hep C virus RNA persists in liver explants awaiting liver transplantation

October's issue of Gastroenterology reports that hepatitis C Virus RNA persists in liver explants of most patients awaiting liver transplantation treated with an interferon-free regimen.

Dr Xavier Forns and colleagues from Spain assessed the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in liver explants from 39 patients awaiting liver transplantation.

The patients were treated with an interferon-free regimen and had undetectable serum HCV RNA at the time of liver transplantation.

The team found that HCV RNA was detected in 67% of liver explants.

Patients with HCV RNA–positive explants had received shorter courses of treatment, and HCV RNA was undetectable in serum for shorter periods before transplantation compared to patients with HCV RNA–negative explants.

The team noted that levels of HCV RNA in explants were significantly higher in patients with a relapse of HCV infection than patients who responded to treatments.

Dr Forns' team comments, "Most patients with residual HCV-RNA in the explant achieved a sustained virologic response after receiving their liver transplant."


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