A nationwide survey of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive recipients was performed in Japan. A total of 514 recipients are reported and included in the study. The cumulative patient survival rate at 5 and 10 years was 72% and 63%, respectively. Of the 514 recipients, 142 patients (28%) died until the end of the observation, among which the leading cause was recurrent hepatitis C (42 cases). According to Cox regression multivariate analysis, donor age (>40), non-right liver graft, acute rejection episode, and absence of a sustained virologic response were independent prognostic factors. Of the 514 recipients, 361 underwent antiviral treatment mainly with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin (preemptive treatment in 150 patients and treatment for confirmed recurrent hepatitis in 211). The dose reduction rate and discontinuation rate were 40% and 42%, respectively, with a sustained virologic response rate of 43%. In conclusion, patient survival of HCV-positive recipients after LDLT was good, with a 10-year survival of 63%. Right liver graft might be preferable for HCV-positive recipients in an LDLT setting.
Keywords: hepatitis C virus; living donor liver transplantation; nationwide survey.
© 2014 Steunstichting ESOT.