Liver transplantation in patients with hepatitis B viral infection

Hepatitis B infection (HBV) causes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are both indications for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Outcome of OLT depends on the prevention of HBV reinfection and recurrence of the disease. At “Merkur” University Hospital, 13 of 390 liver transplantations were performed for HBV infection. The patients were treated with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) after OLT and lamivudine and entecavir before and after OLT. All patients became HBsAg- and HBV DNA -negative, but 3 of them became HbsAg positive within 1 year after OLT. The survival after OLT ranges from 1 month to 4 years. With the introduction of HBIG immunoprophylaxis and new efficient antiviral treatment, the risk of recidivism is only 10% and long-term survival is the same as in other indications for OLT . 

Key words:
antiviral agents; hepatitis B vaccines; immunization; liver transplantation