Risk for immune-mediated graft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients with recurrent HCV infection treated with pegylated interferon

Rejection in Liver Transplantation Recipients

Rejection following liver transplantation continues to impact transplant recipients although rates have decreased over time with advances in immunosuppression management. The diagnosis of rejection remains challenging with liver biopsy remaining the reference standard for diagnosis. Proper classification of rejection type and severity is imperative as this guides management and ultimately graft preservation. Future areas of promise include non-invasive testing for detection of rejection to reduce the morbidity associated with invasive testing and further advances in immunosuppression management to reduce toxicities associated with immunosuppression while minimizing rejection related morbidity.

Morphologic and immunophenotypic evaluation of liver allograft biopsies with contemporaneous serum DSA measurements

BACKGROUND

Acute antibody mediated rejection is increasingly identified in liver allografts as a unique form of alloimmune injury associated with donor specific antibodies (DSA). This manifests pathologically as microvascular injury and C4d uptake. Despite the liver allograft's relative resistance to alloimmune injury, liver allografts are not impervious to cellular and antibody-mediated rejection.

METHODS

In this blinded control study, we evaluated CD163 immunohistochemistry and applied the Banff 2016 criteria for diagnosis of acute AMR on a group of indication allograft liver biopsies from DSA positive patients and compared them to indication biopsies from DSA negative controls.

RESULTS

Most DSA positive patients were females (75%, p = .027), and underwent transplantation for HCV infection. Significant histopathological predictors of serum DSA positivity were Banff H-score (p = .01), moderate to severe cholestasis (p = .03), and CD163 score > 2 (p = .029). Other morphologic features that showed a trend with DSA positivity include Banff portal C4d-score (p = .06), bile ductular reaction (p = .07), and central perivenulitis (p = .07). The odds of DSA sMFI ≥5000 was 12.5 times higher in those with a C4d score >1 than those with a C4d score ≤ 1 (p = .04). Incidence of definite for aAMR in the DSA positive cohort was 25% (n = 5), and 0% in the DSA negative cohort. A group of 5 DSA positive cases were not classifiable by the current scheme.

CONCLUSION

Sinusoidal CD163, Banff H-score, and diffuse C4d are predictors of serum DSA, and facilitate recognition of histopathological features associated with serum DSA and tissue-antibody interaction.

Alloimmune versus autoimmune hepatitis following liver transplantation

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COVID-19 and liver disease: mechanistic and clinical perspectives

Our understanding of the hepatic consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its resultant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved rapidly since the onset of the pandemic. In this Review, we discuss the hepatotropism of SARS-CoV-2, including the differential expression of viral receptors on liver cell types, and we describe the liver histology features present in patients with COVID-19. We also provide an overview of the pattern and relevance of abnormal liver biochemistry during COVID-19 and present the possible underlying direct and indirect mechanisms for liver injury. Furthermore, large international cohorts have been able to characterize the disease course of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis have particularly high rates of hepatic decompensation and death following SARS-CoV-2 infection and we outline hypotheses to explain these findings, including the possible role of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction. This finding contrasts with outcome data in pharmacologically immunosuppressed patients after liver transplantation who seem to have comparatively better outcomes from COVID-19 than those with advanced liver disease. Finally, we discuss the approach to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with cirrhosis and after liver transplantation and predict how changes in social behaviours and clinical care pathways during the pandemic might lead to increased liver disease incidence and severity.

Advances in Rejection Management: Prevention and Treatment

Extended survival of liver transplant recipients has brought rejection management to the forefront of liver transplant research. This article discusses T-cell-mediated rejection, antibody-mediated rejection, and chronic rejection. We focus on the prevention and then discuss treatment options. Future directions of rejection management include biomarkers of rejection, which may allow for monitoring of patients who are considered high risk for rejection and detection of rejection before there is any clinical evidence to improve graft and patient survival. With improved graft life and survival of liver transplant recipients, the new frontier of rejection management focuses on immunosuppression minimization, withdrawal, and personalization.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Transplantation: Pharmacotherapeutic Management of Immunosuppression Regimen

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in late 2019. Since then, COVID-19 has spread to more than 200 countries in the world, and a global pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO). At present, no vaccines or therapeutic regimens with proven efficacy are available for the management of COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, interferons, umifenovir, remdesivir, and interleukin antagonists, such as tocilizumab, have been recommended as potential treatment options in COVID-19. Transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant medications are at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. At the same time, with regard to receiving polypharmacy and immunosuppressants, treatment options should be chosen with more attention in this population. Considering drug-drug interactions and adverse effects of medications used for the treatment of COVID-19, such as QT prolongation, the dose reduction of some immunosuppressants or avoidance is recommended in transplant recipients with COVID-19. Thus, this narrative review describes clinically important considerations about the treatment of COVID-19 and immunosuppressive regimens regarding modifications, side effects, and interactions in adult kidney or liver allograft recipients.

Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines for the management of hepatitis C virus infection: 2019 update

The Drafting Committee for Hepatitis Management Guidelines established by the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) drafted the first version of the clinical practice guidelines for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 2012. Since then, we have been publishing updates as new drugs for hepatitis C become available and new indications for existing drugs are added. The new approval of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir prompted us to publish the seventh version of the guidelines in Japanese in March 2019. We also published the first English-language version of the JSH guidelines in 2013 and English versions of updates made to the Japanese-language guidelines in 2014 and 2016. In 2020, the Committee has decided to publish a new English version, covering general information about treatment for hepatitis C, drugs used, recommended treatments for chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, and special populations, such as patients who have renal impairment, are on dialysis, or have developed recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Furthermore, the Committee has released a separate publication covering the protective effect of antiviral therapy against hepatocarcinogenesis.

Expanding the donor pool: Hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus-positive donors in liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) remains the best option for patients with end-stage liver disease but the demand for organs from deceased donors continues to outweigh the available supply. The advent of highly effective anti-viral treatments has reduced the number of patients undergoing LT for hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) related liver disease and yet the number of patients waiting for LT continues to increase, driven by an increase in the patients listed with a diagnosis of cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease. In addition, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which was previously a contra-indication for LT, is no longer a fatal disease due to the effectiveness of HIV therapy and patients with HIV and liver disease are now developing indications for LT. The rising demand for LT is projected to increase further in the future, thus driving the need to investigate potential means of expanding the pool of potential donors. One mechanism for doing so is utilizing organs from donors that previously would have been discarded or used only in exceptional circumstances such as HCV-positive, HBV-positive, and HIV-positive donors. The advent of highly effective anti-viral therapy has meant that these organs can now be used with excellent outcomes in HCV, HBV or HIV infected recipients and in some cases uninfected recipients.

Impact of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus therapy on tacrolimus dosing in liver transplant recipients

INTRODUCTION

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have transformed hepatitis C virus (HCV) management post-liver transplant. As HCV clears during DAA treatment, hepatic metabolism improves, resulting in decreased tacrolimus concentrations that may require dose adjustment. The purpose of this study was to determine appropriate management of immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients during and following treatment of HCV.

METHODS

This study was a single-center retrospective analysis of 71 liver transplant recipients who were treated for HCV with DAAs. The primary outcome was change in dose-normalized tacrolimus concentrations from the start of DAA treatment to 12 weeks following therapy.

RESULTS

The mean change in log-transformed dose-normalized tacrolimus concentrations was a reduction of 0.43 ng/mL/mg (95% CI; 0.26-0.60, P < 0.0001). The greatest decrease occurred in the first 4 weeks of treatment, after which levels stabilized. The overall mean tacrolimus concentration was 4.8 ng/mL (±2.5). Two patients (3%) developed acute cellular rejection and two patients (3%) had graft loss and died.

CONCLUSION

From the start of treatment to 12 weeks post-DAA therapy, liver transplant recipients experienced a significant decrease in dose-normalized tacrolimus concentrations. In conclusion, close monitoring of tacrolimus concentrations is warranted during and following treatment with DAAs, as dose increases may be indicated in order to maintain therapeutic concentrations to prevent graft rejection.

Infectious Disease Transmission in Solid Organ Transplantation: Donor Evaluation, Recipient Risk, and Outcomes of Transmission

In 2016, the Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand, with the support of the Australian Government Organ and Tissue authority, commissioned a literature review on the topic of infectious disease transmission from deceased donors to recipients of solid organ transplants. The purpose of this review was to synthesize evidence on transmission risks, diagnostic test characteristics, and recipient management to inform best-practice clinical guidelines. The final review, presented as a special supplement in Transplantation Direct, collates case reports of transmission events and other peer-reviewed literature, and summarizes current (as of June 2017) international guidelines on donor screening and recipient management. Of particular interest at the time of writing was how to maximize utilization of donors at increased risk for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, given the recent developments, including the availability of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus and improvements in donor screening technologies. The review also covers emerging risks associated with recent epidemics (eg, Zika virus) and the risk of transmission of nonendemic pathogens related to donor travel history or country of origin. Lastly, the implications for recipient consent of expanded utilization of donors at increased risk of blood-borne viral disease transmission are considered.

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Immune-mediated graft dysfunction in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus treated with direct-acting antiviral therapy

Interferon treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) can result in immune-mediated graft dysfunction (IGD). The occurrence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of IGD with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy have not been reported. We conducted a multicenter study of HCV+LT recipients who did or did not develop DAA-IGD (1 case: 2 controls-33 vs 66). Among all treated between 2014 and 2016, DAA-IGD occurred in 3.4% (33/978). IGD occurred only after treatment completion (76.0 [IQR, 47.0;176]). Among those treated, 48% had plasma cell hepatitis, 36% acute cellular rejection, 6% chronic rejection, and 9% combined findings. Median time to liver enzyme resolution was 77.5 days (IQR, 31.5;126). After diagnosis, hospitalizations, steroid-induced hyperglycemia, and infection occurred in a higher percentage of cases vs controls (33% vs 7.5%, 21% vs 1.5%, 9% vs 0%; all P < .05). Only one IGD patient died and none required retransplant. A multivariate regression analysis found that liver enzyme elevations during and soon after DAA therapy completion correlated with subsequent IGD. In conclusion, while DAA-IGD is uncommon, liver enzyme elevations during or after DAA therapy may be a sign of impending IGD. These indicators should guide clinicians to diagnose and treat IGD early before the more deleterious later clinical presentation.

Pre-emptive Treatment of HCV after Living Donor Liver Transplantation with Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) universally recurs after liver transplantation (LT). Although the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of HCV infection, no optimal treatment for HCV recurrence after LT has been developed.

METHODS

This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of DAAs as a pre-emptive treatment for recurrent HCV infection after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). From January 2010 to December 2016, 70 patients received pegylated interferon (PegIFN) and 35 patients were treated with DAA-based regimens to treat recurrent HCV after LDLT. All antiviral treatments were pre-emptive.

RESULTS

Genotype 1b was the most common HCV type (61.9%). Twenty-two recipients in the DAA group were treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, nine received daclatasvir plus asunaprevir, three received sofosbuvir, and one received sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir. All 35 patients (100%) in the DAA group achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR), a percentage significantly higher than that (71.4%) in the PegIFN group (p < 0.001). In the PegIFN group, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates were 85.7, 73.9, and 70.7%, respectively, whereas those in the DAA group were 100, 100, and 100%, respectively (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

DAA-based regimens are an effective treatment for HCV recurrence after LDLT, resulting in an improved SVR and better graft survival than PegIFN.

Three renal failure cases successfully treated with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir for genotype 1b hepatitis C virus reinfection after liver transplantation

We report three cases of genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection after liver transplantation. When antiviral treatment was considered, all three patients had renal dysfunction and had been treated with immunosuppressive agents for a long time; one with tacrolimus (TAC) and the others with cyclosporine A (CyA). Therefore, the possible antiviral regimens among direct-acting antivirals (DAA) were limited and so we treated all three patients with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r). Because ritonavir is known to markedly increase the blood concentration of TAC and CyA through drug-drug interactions, close monitoring of blood concentrations of TAC or CyA and dose adjustments of immunosuppressive agents were needed. Sustained virus response was achieved in all the patients treated, and there were no adverse effects or transplant rejection. OBV/PTV/r might be a useful DAA regimen for patients with genotype 1 HCV reinfection in the setting of renal dysfunction.

Outcomes of antiviral treatment in hepatitis C virus liver transplant patients off immunosuppression in the direct acting antivirals era: A case series

BACKGROUND

Clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) under antiviral therapy, including direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), has been associated with higher risk of rejection. Whether patients who are not on immunosuppression (IS) during DAA therapy are at higher risk of rejection is unknown.

METHODS

Four transplant recipients who were off IS and treated with DAA therapy were identified.

RESULTS

All patients were genotype 1 infection and treated for 12 weeks with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir/ribavirin. At the time of DAA therapy, patients were off IS for a median of 9.5 years. Time from liver transplant (LT) to treatment was 12.9 years. Median baseline ALT was 70 IU/L, at follow-up week 12 was 18 IU/L. No signs of rejection were observed during DAA therapy or follow-up after the end of therapy. All 4 patients obtained sustained virological response.

CONCLUSION

Direct-acting antivirals therapy in HCV patients off IS post-LT can be successfully undertaken without the need to restart IS.

Treatment of hepatitis C in special populations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the primary causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In hemodialysis patients, the rate of HCV infection is high and is moreover associated with a poor prognosis. In liver transplantation patients with HCV infection, recurrent HCV infection is universal, and re-infected HCV causes rapid progression of liver fibrosis and graft loss. Additionally, in patients with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, liver fibrosis progresses rapidly. Thus, there is an acute need for prompt treatment of HCV infection in these special populations (i.e., hemodialysis, liver transplantation, HIV co-infection). However, until recently, the standard anti-HCV treatment involved the use of interferon-based therapy. In these special populations, interferon-based therapies could not achieve a high rate of sustained viral response and moreover were associated with a higher rate of adverse events. With the development of novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the landscape of anti-HCV therapy for special populations has changed dramatically. Indeed, in special populations treated with interferon-free DAAs, the sustained viral response rate was above 90%, with a lower incidence and severity of adverse events.

The New Era of Hepatitis C: Therapy in Liver Transplant Recipients

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of end-stage liver disease in both Europe and the United States and is the most common reason for liver transplant. In the absence of antiviral therapy, recurrent infection is the norm with subsequent graft hepatitis and impaired survival. Whether it may be better to postpone therapy in patients in whom higher risk of failure and toxicity is coupled with lower chance of liver function improvement likely depends on several factors, including waiting time, center allocation policy, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma and local prevalence of anti-HCV-positive donors.

The future of liver transplantation for viral hepatitis

In hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, transplantation can be justified by decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or both. During the last decade, HCV infection accounted for about 30% of the indications for transplantation in Europe and North America. Direct antiviral agents (DAAs) are highly effective at curing HCV, even in patients with end-stage cirrhosis. In the future, the incidence of HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis will continue to decrease. The incidence of HCC will also decrease, but a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis will still be at risk of developing HCC even after HCV has been cured. They will continue to represent potential candidates for transplantation. Overall, HCV will account for a significantly lower proportion of indications for transplantation in the future. However, generalization of DAAs is unlikely to affect the total transplantation volume as the gap between donors and potential recipients markedly exceeds 30%. In addition, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a rapidly growing indication for transplantation. The high barrier to resistance nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) have been used for several years to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Decompensated HBV cirrhosis now represents a very uncommon indication for transplantation. HCC remains the leading indication in HBV-infected patients awaiting transplantation. NUCs plus anti-HBs immune globulins or NUCs alone are highly effective at preventing post-transplant HBV recurrence. However, continuous prophylaxis is still needed as extrahepatic HBV particles persist with a potential for recurrence. Post-transplant immunosuppression facilitates recurrence. In the future, an important challenge will be to cure HBV by eliminating residual HBV particles.

Simeprevir or telaprevir with peginterferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after living-donor liver transplantation: A Japanese multicenter experience

AIM

This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of simeprevir, a second-generation NS3/4A inhibitor, with peginterferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of living-donor liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C with the hepatitis C virus genotype 1 treated with either simeprevir- or telaprevir-based triple therapy was carried out at eight Japanese liver transplant centers.

RESULTS

Simeprevir- and telaprevir-based triple therapies were given to 79 and 36 patients, respectively. Of the 79 patients treated with simeprevir-based triple therapy, 44 (56%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks (SVR12) after treatment ended, and there was no significant difference in the SVR12 between the simeprevir- and telaprevir-based triple therapy groups (69%). The rates of adverse events were not significantly different between the simeprevir- and telaprevir-based triple therapy groups, although the rate of patients who received blood cell transfusion and erythropoietin due to anemia and had renal insufficiency were significantly higher in the telaprevir group than in the simeprevir group. Three baseline factors, the presence of prior dual therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin (P = 0.001), a non-responder to the prior dual therapy (P < 0.001), and male sex (P = 0.040), were identified as significant predictive factors for non-SVR with simeprevir-based triple therapy.

CONCLUSION

Simeprevir-based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living-donor liver transplantation resulted in a high SVR rate and good tolerability, especially in treatment-naïve patients.

Concise review: Interferon-free treatment of hepatitis C virus-associated cirrhosis and liver graft infection

Chronic hepatitis C is a major reason for development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and a leading cause for liver transplantation. The development of direct-acting antiviral agents lead to (pegylated) interferon-alfa free antiviral therapy regimens with a remarkable increase in sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and opened therapeutic options for patients with advanced cirrhosis and liver graft recipients. This concise review gives an overview about most current prospective trials and cohort analyses for treatment of patients with liver cirrhosis and liver graft recipients. In patients with compensated cirrhosis Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CTP) class A, all approved agents are safe and SVR rates do not significantly differ from patients without cirrhosis in general. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis CTP class B or C, daclastasvir, ledipasvir, velpatasvir, and sofosbuvir are approved, and SVR rates higher than 90% can be achieved. Especially for patients with a model of end stage liver disease score higher than 15 and therefore eligible for liver transplantation, data is scarce. Reported SVR rates in patients with cirrhosis CTP class C are lower compared to patients with a less severe liver disease. In liver transplant recipients with a maximum of CTP class A, SVR rates are comparable to patients without LT. Patients with decompensated graft cirrhosis should be treated on an individual basis.

2016 Comprehensive Update of the Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology: Introduction of Antibody-Mediated Rejection

The Banff Working Group on Liver Allograft Pathology reviewed and discussed literature evidence regarding antibody-mediated liver allograft rejection at the 11th (Paris, France, June 5-10, 2011), 12th (Comandatuba, Brazil, August 19-23, 2013), and 13th (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, October 5-10, 2015) meetings of the Banff Conference on Allograft Pathology. Discussion continued online. The primary goal was to introduce guidelines and consensus criteria for the diagnosis of liver allograft antibody-mediated rejection and provide a comprehensive update of all Banff Schema recommendations. Included are new recommendations for complement component 4d tissue staining and interpretation, staging liver allograft fibrosis, and findings related to immunosuppression minimization. In an effort to create a single reference document, previous unchanged criteria are also included.

Early Predictors of Long-term Outcomes of HCV-negative Liver Transplant Recipients Having Survived the First Postoperative Year

BACKGROUND

The non-improvement in >1-year post-liver transplant (LT) survival and diminishing importance of hepatitis C (HCV) with modern antivirals justify identification of early factors predictive of long-term outcome post-LT in HCV-negative recipients.

METHODS

This nationwide study included all 631 HCV-negative adult patients transplanted in Finland 1982-2013 with at least 1-year graft survival (6311 person-year follow-up). We tested 37 variables, including immunosuppression, for their association with >1-year combined graft loss/mortality, late rejection, cancer, or infections.

RESULTS

Significant multivariate predictors of graft loss/mortality were male gender (HR 2.40, P = 0.001), pretransplant hepatocellular (HR 2.92, P = 0.001) or biliary cancer (HR 12.7, P < 0.001), glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.89, P = 0.002), hypertension (HR 0.44, P < 0.001), early posttransplant infections (HR 1.52-1.67, P = 0.007-0.03), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (HR 1.05, P < 0.001). Elevated ALP at 1 year, affecting 30% of patients, predicted both graft loss and rejection, independent of immunologic stability, etiology, and immunosuppression type. Area under the curve of ALP in predicting graft loss from rejection was 0.81 (95% CI 0.71-0.90) and 0.85 (95% CI 0.72-0.98, P = 0.001) among patients under 50. Among immunologically stable patients who underwent transplantation after 2000, antimetabolite use at 1 year was associated with improved survival (P = 0.04), specifically in the subgroup with native-liver hepatocellular or biliary cancer (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Easily measurable, widely available, and noninvasive factors known at 1 year post-LT can help stratify patients according to their long-term risk of death or graft loss, and thus facilitate a personalization of long-term follow-up. ALP deserves routine monitoring, and the cause for an elevated ALP should be sought.

Interferon-Free Therapy for Hepatitis C in Liver Transplant Recipients

Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is a major problem; it is characterized by high hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA, rapid progression, and cholestatic hepatitis. Treatment for HCV infection with peginterferon and ribavirin has been administered to prevent progression of hepatitis C after liver transplantation. However, it has low efficacy and causes many adverse events, including immune-mediated graft dysfunction. Interferon-containing regimens with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improve treatment efficacy but DAAs cause serious adverse events and drug-drug interactions. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of interferon-free therapy with DAAs before and after liver transplantation, which has ushered in a new era in the strategy for treating HCV in transplant recipients. Interferon-free therapies are safe and effective in patients before and after liver transplantation as well as in those with severe cholestatic hepatitis C. Several obstacles must be overcome before the widespread adoption of interferon-free therapy, including drug-drug interactions, DAA-resistant HCV, treatment for decompensated cirrhosis, and treatment for renal failure. These problems are expected to be solved in the near future, and the poor prognosis of HCV-positive recipients will improve.

Routine Laboratory Blood Tests May Diagnose Significant Fibrosis in Liver Transplant Recipients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A 10 Year Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aims of our study were to determine whether routine blood tests, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis 4 (Fib-4) scores, were associated with advanced fibrosis and to create a novel model in liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV).

METHODS

We performed a cross sectional study of patients at The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center who underwent liver transplantation for HCV. We used linear mixed effects models to analyze association between fibrosis severity and individual biochemical markers and mixed effects logistic regression to construct diagnostic models for advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3-4). Cross-validation was used to estimate a receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve for the prediction models and to estimate the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age of our cohort was 55 (±7.7) years, and almost three quarter were male. The mean (±SD) time from transplant to liver biopsy was 19.9 (±17.1) months. The mean (±SD) APRI and Fib-4 scores were 3 (±12) and 7 (±14), respectively. Increased fibrosis was associated with lower platelet count and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values and higher total bilirubin and Fib-4 scores. We developed a model that takes into account age, gender, platelet count, ALT, and total bilirubin, and this model outperformed APRI and Fib-4 with an AUC of 0.68 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel prediction model diagnosed the presence of advanced fibrosis more reliably than APRI and Fib-4 scores. This noninvasive calculation may be used clinically to identify liver transplant recipients with HCV with significant liver damage.

Curing Hepatitis C in Liver Transplant Recipients Is Associated with Changes in Immunosuppressant Use

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

All-oral interferon-free antivirals are highly effective in treating recurrent hepatitis C (HCV) infection in liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of the study was to assess immunosuppression needs after achieving a sustained viral response (SVR).

METHODS

We compared immunosuppression needs before and after achieving a SVR in adult LT recipients treated for recurrent HCV infection with all-oral direct acting agents.

RESULTS

We identified 52 liver LT treated recipients who achieved a SVR. The median (25th and 75th percentile interquartile range [IQR]) age was 62 years (57.75, 65). Most recipients received tacrolimus (TAC) for their immunosuppressant regimen. After achieving SVR, there was no statistically significant difference in daily dose of TAC unadjusted per weight (p > 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant decrease in daily dose of TAC adjusted per weight, serum levels of TAC, and the product of glomerular filtration rate and TAC. No statistically significant differences in cyclosporine unadjusted/adjusted per weight daily dose or serum levels were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppression needs were increased for those patients treated with TAC but not cyclosporine. LT recipients prescribed TAC require close monitoring after treatment completion to avoid potential risk of acute rejection.

De novo autoimmune hepatitis in liver transplant: State-of-the-art review

In the two past decades, a number of communications, case-control studies, and retrospective reports have appeared in the literature with concerns about the development of a complex set of clinical, laboratory and histological characteristics of a liver graft dysfunction that is compatible with autoimmune hepatitis. The de novo prefix was added to distinguish this entity from a pre-transplant primary autoimmune hepatitis, but the globally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis have been adopted in the diagnostic algorithm. Indeed, de novo autoimmune hepatitis is characterized by the typical liver necro-inflammation that is rich in plasma cells, the presence of interface hepatitis and the consequent laboratory findings of elevations in liver enzymes, increases in serum gamma globulin and the appearance of non-organ specific auto-antibodies. Still, the overall features of de novo autoimmune hepatitis appear not to be attributable to a univocal patho-physiological pathway because they can develop in the patients who have undergone liver transplantation due to different etiologies. Specifically, in subjects with hepatitis C virus recurrence, an interferon-containing antiviral treatment has been indicated as a potential inception of immune system derangement. Herein, we attempt to review the currently available knowledge about de novo liver autoimmunity and its clinical management.

Telaprevir versus simeprevir for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation

AIM

Our aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of telaprevir (TVR)- or simeprevir (SMV)-based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients received antiviral therapy, consisting of either TVR (n = 12) or SMV (n = 14) in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, plus cyclosporin.

RESULTS

More patients had a dose reduction of the direct-acting agent (36.3% vs 0.0%, P = 0.02) or required blood transfusion for anemia (58.3% vs 7.1%, P < 0.01) in the TVR group. The cyclosporin trough/dose ratio increased significantly from week 0 to week 4 in the TVR group (1.6 ± 0.4 to 5.1 ± 2.0, P < 0.01), but not in the SMV group (1.2 ± 0.3 to 1.3 ± 0.2, P = 0.68). The 24-week cumulative viral clearance rate was 91.7% and 85.7% in the TVR and in SMV groups, respectively. The early viral response and sustained viral response rates were 91.7% and 83.3%, respectively, in the TVR group, compared with 85.7% and 64.3%, respectively, in the SMV group. Interferon-mediated graft dysfunction occurred in four and five patients in the TVR and SMV groups, respectively; two patients were treated by oral steroids, five by steroid pulse and two by thymoglobulin, resulting in viral breakthrough in one case.

CONCLUSION

SMV-based triple therapy was associated with fewer adverse events and drug interactions with cyclosporin, and possibly less antiviral properties to TVR. Interferon-mediated graft dysfunction is a significant clinical problem that warrants particular caution following living donor liver transplantation.

Thymoglobulin for steroid-resistant immune-mediated graft dysfunction during simeprevir-based antiviral treatment for post-transplantation hepatitis C: case report

INTRODUCTION

Immune-mediated graft dysfunction (IGD), a recently established disease entity with unfavourable outcome, is an antigraft immune reaction during interferon-based antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT). We report a case having steroid-resistant acute cellular rejection (ACR) type IGD, which was successfully treated using thymoglobulin.

CASE REPORT

A 56-year-old woman with recurrent HCV after LT was commenced on antiviral treatment including simeprevir, pegylated-interferon (IFN) 2a, and ribavirin. A negative serum HCV-RNA was confirmed after 4 weeks. After 12 weeks of therapy, severe liver dysfunction developed, despite a constantly negative HCV-RNA. Liver biopsy revealed portal and periportal inflammatory infiltrates including numerous eosinophils, lymphocytes, and bile duct damages, indicating ACR. IFN therapy was ceased, and she was treated with steroid pulse treatment, followed by high-level immunosuppression maintenance. However, ACR was irremediable. Thereafter she was treated with thymoglobulin (75 mg/d for 5 days). Her serum alanine aminotransaminase and total bilirubin levels decreased immediately, and her liver biopsy specimen showed no activity. During these periods of the treatment, the HCV-RNA became positive and the liver enzyme elevated, but other liver function tests still remained within normal range.

CONCLUSION

Thymoglobulin could be the best choice in steroid-resistant IGD during antiviral treatment for post-transplantation recurrent hepatitis C.

Triple therapy using direct-acting agents for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C viral graft reinfection is almost a universal event after liver transplantation with consequent disease progression.

METHODS

We applied triple therapy (n = 21) with the use of telaprevir (TVR; n = 12) or simeprevir (SVR; n = 9).

RESULTS

TVR was given at the dose 1,500 mg daily (n = 11) with reduced dose of cyclosporine at 25% to 50%, and SVR was given at the dose 100 mg daily with unadjusted cyclosporine, followed by 12 weeks of dual therapy. The early viral response was achieved in 91.7% (n = 11), end of treatment response rate was 91.7% (n = 11), and sustained viral response rate was 83.3% (n = 10) in the TVR group, and respective rates were 88.9% (n = 8), 77.8% (n = 7), and 77.8% (n = 7) in the SVR group. Although granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was not given in the patients with triple therapy, blood transfusion was performed in 7 cases (58.3%) in the TVR group and 1 case (11.1%) in the SVR group. Interferon-mediated graft dysfunction was observed in 4 cases (33.3%) in the TVR group and 3 cases (33.3%) in the SVR group, respectively. The cumulative viral clearance rates in triple (n = 21) and dual (n = 105) therapy were 95.0% and 18.1% at 12 weeks, and 95.0% and 40.0%, respectively, at 24 weeks (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Although careful monitoring for possible adverse events is required during treatment, triple therapy with the use of direct-acting agents are very effective in treating hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

Timing of Antiviral Therapy in Candidates for Liver Transplant for Hepatitis C and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis C virus infection is the most common underlying reason for hepatocellular carcinoma and indication for liver transplant. The increased availability of non-interferon-based therapy has expanded the number of treatment-eligible patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a decision analysis model to compare 2 strategies of treating hepatitis C virus. Included patients were followed for 1 year after liver transplant. The probabilities and costs were obtained from a literature review, an expert panel, and our institution's experience. Sensitivity analyses were performed on all variables.

RESULTS

Our model demonstrated that it would be less costly to treat patients after liver transplant than to treat patients while they wait for transplant. When we compared baseline values, the cost difference between the 2 strategies was $25,011 per patient and $41,535 per sustained viral response. Overall survival was 60.1% for both strategies. Our model was robust across most of the variables tested in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that there is no substantial pharmacoeconomic or survival advantage of treating hepatitis C virus in patients with compensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma before liver transplant versus after transplant.

Sofosbuvir and simeprevir is effective for recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis C is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT). Recurrent infection is universal and can lead to progressive liver disease. Widespread use of interferon-based therapy has been limited by intolerability and adverse effects.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C in adult (age >18) LT recipients.

RESULTS

Seventy-six percent of the recipients were male and the mean age [±standard deviation (SD)] was 61 (±6.0) years. The mean time (±SD) from LT to treatment initiation was 71.8 (±77.1) months. Of the 26 patients with viral levels measured 4 weeks after starting antiviral therapy, 58% were undetectable. At the end of therapy, viral load was undetectable in all transplant recipients. The 12 week sustained viral response (SVR) was 93%. All recipients were able to complete therapy and no patients required growth factors of blood product transfusion during treatment. No patient required drug interruption of their immunosuppressant therapy.

CONCLUSION

The use of sofosbuvir and simeprevir is efficacious, safe, and tolerable and should be considered in LT recipients with recurrent HCV who are candidates for antiviral therapy.

Hepatitis C virus recurrence after liver transplantation: how to treat and when

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is an important cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and a common indication of liver transplantation (LT). Recurrence of hepatitis C occurs universally after LT with an accelerated course of the natural history of CHC in the graft. Treatment of hepatitis C before transplantation is the most effective strategy because it prevents graft reinfection, but applicability is low with pegylated interferon regimens. Treatment after LT is the strategy more frequently used. A sustained viral response (SVR) is achieved by one-third of those treated with dual therapy and is associated with better outcomes after LT. Triple therapy with protease inhibitors after LT has efficacy to 60%-70% of SVR but is associated with higher rates of secondary effects and drug-drug interactions that require an intensified and frequent monitoring of calcineurin inhibitors during treatment. In the near future, interferon-free regimens with new oral antiviral drugs will likely prevent viral reinfection before or after LT, and shorter treatment regimens and less toxicity are expected.

Reappraisal of the hepatitis C virus-positive donor in solid organ transplantation. Curr Opin Organ Transplant. 2015;20:267-275. [PMID: 25944236 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000000191]

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donor allografts may be considered for HCV-positive recipients, but are underutilized. With new effective antiviral treatments, we aim to review data on the use of HCV-positive allografts in solid organ transplantation and place them in the context of the changing HCV landscape.

RECENT FINDINGS

Hepatitis C is the most common indication for liver transplant in the USA and Europe and a significant comorbidity in patients on the waitlist for nonliver solid organ transplantation. Patients with HCV on the waitlist for nonliver solid organ transplantation have worse outcomes compared with those without HCV. However, survival after transplantation is improved compared with those who remain on the waitlist. There has been concern that use of HCV-positive allografts would lead to worse post-transplant outcomes. However, more recent data suggest that transplant outcomes for recipients who accept HCV-positive donor allografts may be comparable with those who receive HCV-negative allografts. Emerging treatments to eradicate HCV have further improved the course of HCV-positive individuals, with improved efficacy and reduced side-effects.

SUMMARY

In view of the changing landscape of hepatitis C treatment and reduced wait time on the transplant waiting lists for those accepting HCV-positive donors, future use of select HCV-positive donors in solid organ transplantation should be encouraged.

Immunological dysfunction during or after antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C reduces graft survival

INTRODUCTION

Pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEGIFN/RBV) therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with a lower sustained virological response (SVR) rate as well as more frequent side effects compared to non-transplant patients. We aimed to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of LT recipients with recurrent hepatitis C who developed immunological dysfunction (ID) during or after PEG-IFN/RBV therapy and to assess its impact on patient and graft survival.

METHODS

Seventy-four deceased donor LT recipients with histological recurrence of hepatitis C were treated with PEG-IFN/RBV from 1/00 to 12/08. ID was defined as biopsy-proven rejection or moderate plasma cell hepatitis. Patients were followed up until death, re-LT or 30 September 2011.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (16 %) had ID, 8 (10.7 %) had cholestasis without ID, while 54 had no ID/cholestasis during or after discontinuation of PEG-IFN/RBV therapy. Biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection prior to (hazard ratio = 4.87, p = 0.009) and type of immunosuppression at the time of initiation of PEG-IFN/RBV were the only independent predictors of ID. Patients who were on tacrolimus at the time of initiation of PEG-IFN/RBV had a significantly lower risk of ID compared to those who were on cyclosporine (HR 0.254, p = 0.023). Patients with ID had a trend toward a lower SVR rate (25 vs. 54 %, p = 0.18) and a significantly higher rate of graft failure (33 vs. 4 %, p = 0.004) compared to patients with no ID/cholestasis.

CONCLUSIONS

ID is common during or after PEG-IFN/RBV therapy for recurrent hepatitis C and frequently associated with decreased graft survival, trending toward low rates of SVR. Careful monitoring of liver biochemistries during or after PEG-IFN/RBV therapy with a low threshold to biopsy patients and particularly those receiving cyclosporine-based immunosuppression may improve outcomes in these patients.

Changing the face of hepatitis C management - the design and development of sofosbuvir

The availability of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has launched a new era in the management of chronic hepatitis C. Sofosbuvir, a uridine nucleotide analog that inhibits the hepatitis C RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, is the backbone of chronic hepatitis C therapy. Acting at the catalytic site of the polymerase, sofosbuvir is highly potent in suppressing viral replication and has a high genetic barrier to resistance. Sofosbuvir is effective across all hepatitis C genotypes, and is a mainstay of interferon-free combination therapy. In Phase II and III studies, genotype 1 patients who took sofosbuvir in combination with another DAA such as the NS3-4A protease inhibitor, simeprevir, or the NS5A replication complex inhibitors, ledipasvir or daclatasvir, achieved a sustained virologic response rate of over 90%. Harvoni^®, a combination tablet of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir, dosed once daily is recommended for 24 weeks for treatment-experienced genotype 1 patients with cirrhosis, but 12 weeks of therapy is sufficient for all other populations. While genotype 2 (12 weeks or 16 weeks) and treatment-naïve genotype 3 patients (24 weeks) have excellent response rates with sofosbuvir and ribavirin, treatment-experienced cirrhotic genotype 3 patients may need the addition of another DAA such as daclatasvir. Sofosbuvir is efficacious in special populations such as HIV–hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients and liver transplant recipients and has already made a profound impact in these groups. Since it is renally eliminated, patients with advanced kidney disease or on dialysis must await dosing recommendations. Sofosbuvir-based regimens appear to be well tolerated with headache and fatigue being the most common side effects. The opportunity to cure patients with hepatitis C with sofosbuvir combination therapy is likely to change the future for our patients, particularly if the emphasis shifts to identifying those patients unaware that they are infected and providing affordable access to treatment.

Reduced-dose telaprevir-based triple antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The feasibility of telaprevir-based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation (LT) has not been evaluated in Asian patients.

METHODS

Eleven Japanese patients received reduced-dose telaprevir (1500 mg) and adjusted-dose cyclosporine after LT. Six patients were nonresponders and three were transient responders to dual therapy.

RESULTS

Rapid viral response, early viral response, end of treatment response, and sustained viral response were achieved in 27.3%, 90.9%, 90.9%, and 81.8% of patients, respectively. One patient had viral breakthrough at week 8 with a T54A mutation in NS3. Deep sequence analysis showed that the T54A mutation reverted to wild-type after stopping telaprevir administration. Seven patients developed severe anemia, and six received blood transfusions (4-20 U). Their hemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate remained significantly lower than pretreatment values at 36 weeks after treatment. Four patients developed plasma cell hepatitis after completing telaprevir treatment, and it was treated by increasing the immunosuppressants. Although the cyclosporine level/dose ratio was 2.7 times higher at week 4 than before treatment, it was 0.7 times lower at week 36.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced-dosed telaprevir-based triple antiviral therapy achieved a high viral clearance rate in Japanese patients after LT. Major adverse events included severe anemia, renal dysfunction, and plasma cell hepatitis.

Sofosbuvir and ribavirin for treatment of compensated recurrent hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Interferon alfa-based regimens used to treat recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation are poorly tolerated, associated with generally modest efficacy, and can interact with immunosuppressive agents. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an interferon-free regimen of the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir combined with ribavirin for 24 weeks in treating post-transplantation HCV infection.

METHODS

In a prospective, multicenter, open-label pilot study, we enrolled patients with compensated recurrent HCV infection of any genotype after a primary or secondary liver transplantation. All patients received 24 weeks of sofosbuvir 400 mg daily and ribavirin starting at 400 mg daily, which was adjusted according to creatinine clearance and hemoglobin values. The primary end point was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients enrolled and treated, 78% were male, 85% were white, 83% had HCV genotype 1, 40% had cirrhosis (based on biopsy), and 88% had been previously treated with interferon. Sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment was achieved by 28 of 40 patients (70%; 90% confidence interval: 56%-82%). Relapse accounted for all cases of virologic failure. No patients had detectable viral resistance during or after treatment. The most common adverse events were fatigue (30%), diarrhea (28%), and headache (25%). In addition, 20% of the subjects experienced anemia. Two patients discontinued study treatment because of adverse events, which were considered unrelated to study treatment. No deaths, graft losses, or episodes of rejection occurred. No interactions with any concomitant immunosuppressive agents were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Sofosbuvir and ribavirin combination therapy for 24 weeks is an effective and well-tolerated interferon-free treatment for post-transplantation HCV infection. EudraCT, Number: 2012-002417-19; ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01687270.

Telaprevir drug monitoring during antiviral therapy of hepatitis C graft infection after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after orthotopical liver transplantation (OLT) is common and associated with reduced graft and patient survival. The protease inhibitor telaprevir may enhance virological response rates in patients after OLT in combination with pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown significant drug-drug interactions between telaprevir and immunosuppression (IS), but telaprevir pharmacokinetics in OLT patients with IS are unknown. Aim of the present study was to analyse telaprevir plasma concentrations in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection after OLT in comparison to patients without OLT and IS.

METHODS

Five patients with HCV genotype 1 infection after OLT and 37 HCV genotype 1-infected patients patients without prior OLT were treated with telaprevir 2250 mg daily, ribavirin 1000/1200 mg daily and pegylated interferon-alfa-2a 180 μg once weekly (triple therapy). Telaprevir plasma concentrations were analysed by liquid chromatography-electrospray-ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. HCV RNA was assessed by automatized reverse-transcription polymerase chain-reaction.

RESULTS

Median (range) telaprevir plasma concentrations of TW 4, 8 and 12 were 3970 (1980-4430) ng/ml and 2520 (1870-8730) ng/ml in patients after OLT and ciclosporin- or tacrolimus-based IS, respectively, as compared to 2790 (1870-3140) in non-OLT patients (P = 0.3). In one patient with tacrolimus-based IS, telaprevir dose had to be adjusted to achieve virological response. Telaprevir plasma concentrations were steady at treatment weeks 4, 8 and 12 in patients with and without IS.

CONCLUSIONS

Telaprevir drug monitoring may be necessary in patients with tacrolimus-based IS in patients with HCV graft infection after OLT.

An interferon-free antiviral regimen for HCV after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation worldwide, and interferon-containing regimens are associated with low response rates owing to treatment-limiting toxic effects in immunosuppressed liver-transplant recipients. We evaluated the interferon-free regimen of the NS5A inhibitor ombitasvir coformulated with the ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor ABT-450 (ABT-450/r), the nonnucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor dasabuvir, and ribavirin in liver-transplant recipients with recurrent HCV genotype 1 infection.

METHODS

We enrolled 34 liver-transplant recipients with no fibrosis or mild fibrosis, who received ombitasvir-ABT-450/r (at a once-daily dose of 25 mg of ombitasvir, 150 mg of ABT-450, and 100 mg of ritonavir), dasabuvir (250 mg twice daily), and ribavirin for 24 weeks. Selection of the initial ribavirin dose and subsequent dose modifications for anemia were at the investigator's discretion. The primary efficacy end point was a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 34 study participants, 33 had a sustained virologic response at post-treatment weeks 12 and 24, for a rate of 97% (95% confidence interval, 85 to 100). The most common adverse events were fatigue, headache, and cough. Five patients (15%) required erythropoietin; no patient required blood transfusion. One patient discontinued the study drugs owing to adverse events after week 18 but had a sustained virologic response. Blood levels of calcineurin inhibitors were monitored, and dosages were modified to maintain therapeutic levels; no episode of graft rejection was observed during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with the multitargeted regimen of ombitasvir-ABT-450/r and dasabuvir with ribavirin was associated with a low rate of serious adverse events and a high rate of sustained virologic response among liver-transplant recipients with recurrent HCV genotype 1 infection, a historically difficult-to-treat population. (Funded by AbbVie; CORAL-I ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01782495.).

Perspective of antiviral therapeutics for hepatitis C after liver transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) almost recurs after liver transplantation for HCV-related liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Management of HCV recurrence after liver transplantation is challenging because the traditional interferon-based therapy is often patient-intolerable and inducing cytopenia, and dose reduction is needed. The response rate in liver recipients is inferior to those of chronic HCV infection. About 5 percent of liver recipients receiving interferon-based therapy would develop immune-mediated graft injury and may need retransplantation. Recent advances of anti-HCV therapy for chronic HCV infection has evolutionary changing the schema from interferon-based, to interferon-free, and even to ribavirin -free, all oral combinations for pan-genotypes. Management of HCV recurrence after liver transplantation is currently evolving too and promising results will soon come to the stage. This “fast-track” concise review focuses on the issues relevant to HCV recurrence after liver transplantation and provides up-to-date information of the trend of the management. A real-world case demonstration of management was presented here to illustrate the potential complications of anti-HCV therapy after liver transplantation.

Plasma cell hepatitis induced by the termination of antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation

Plasma cell hepatitis (PCH) is an idiopathic disorder characterized by plasma cell infiltration in the allografts of patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Although an increasing number of cases of PCH have been reported in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C recurrence treated with interferon, it is unclear whether PCH is induced by interferon itself. Here, we describe the cases of two patients who developed PCH just after the termination of antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation. Liver dysfunction appeared at 1 month in one patient and 2 months in the other patient after pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy, and liver histology showed interface hepatitis with plasma cell-rich lymphoid aggregates. Both patients recovered after steroid therapy and achieved sustained virological response. These cases suggest that PCH could be induced by the alteration of the immune condition resulting from the termination of antiviral therapy. PCH should be considered when the transaminase levels increase after antiviral therapy, and it should be carefully distinguished from hepatitis C relapse.

Hepatitis C Recurrence after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: Mechanisms and Management

Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is the leading indication for orthotopic liver transplantation and recurrence is nearly universal. Chronic HCV infection is frequently established through evasion of the innate immune system. Priming of adaptive immune responses modulate the severity and rate of fibrosis progression. Those with demonstrable viremia entering the transplant period uniformly suffer recurrence post-transplant. Progression to cirrhosis is accelerated post-transplant secondary to systemic immunosuppression. In addition, a number of factors, including donor, host, and viral characteristics, influence severity and rate of fibrosis progression. Interferon-based therapy, the previous standard of care, in those with advanced cirrhosis or post-transplant has been limited by a number of issues. These include a relative lack of efficacy and poor tolerability with higher incidence of infection and anemia. Recently, approval of direct acting antivirals have ushered in a new era in HCV therapeutics and have applicability in these special populations. Their use immediately prior to or post-transplant is expected to improve both morbidity and mortality.

Recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplant

End stage liver disease from hepatitis C is the most common indication for liver transplantation in many parts of the world accounting for up to 40% of liver transplants. Antiviral therapy either before or after liver transplantation is challenging due to side effects and lower efficacy in patients with cirrhosis and liver transplant recipients, as well as from drug interactions with immunosuppressants. Factors that may affect recurrent hepatitis C include donor age, immunosuppression, IL28B genotype, cytomegalovirus infection, and metabolic syndrome. Older donor age has persistently been shown to have the greatest impact on recurrent hepatitis C. After liver transplantation, distinguishing recurrent hepatitis C from acute cellular rejection may be difficult, although the development of molecular markers may help in making the correct diagnosis. The advent of interferon free regimens with direct acting antiviral agents that include NS3/4A protease inhibitors, NS5B polymerase inhibitors and NS5A inhibitors holds great promise in improving outcomes for liver transplant candidates and recipients.

Antiviral activity and safety profile of silibinin in HCV patients with advanced fibrosis after liver transplantation: a randomized clinical trial

Response to interferon-based therapies in HCV recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) is unsatisfactory, and major safety issues aroused in preliminary experience with boceprevir and telaprevir. As transplant community identified HCV viral clearance as a critical matter, efficacious and safe anti-HCV therapies are awaited. The aim of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of intravenous silibinin monotherapy in patients with established HCV recurrence after LT, nonresponders to pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This is a single center, prospective, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial including 20 patients randomly assigned (3:1) to receive daily 20 mg/kg of intravenous silibinin or saline as placebo, for 14 consecutive days. On day 14 of treatment, viral load decreased by 2.30 ± 1.32 in silibinin group versus no change in the placebo group (P = 0.0002). Sixteen days after the end of the treatment, viral load mean values were similar to baseline. Treatment resulted well tolerated apart from a transient and reversible increase in bilirubin. Neither changes in immunosuppressant through levels nor dosage adjustments were necessary. Silibinin monotherapy has a significant antiviral activity in patients with established HCV recurrence on the graft not responding to standard therapy and confirms safety and tolerability without interaction with immunosuppressive drugs (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01518933).

Drug-drug interactions with oral anti-HCV agents and idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity in the liver transplant setting

Studies of boceprevir and telaprevir based antiviral therapy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with hepatitis C genotype 1 infection have demonstrated dramatic increases in tacrolimus, cyclosporine, and mTOR inhibitor exposure. In addition to empiric dose reductions, daily monitoring of immunosuppressant blood levels is required when initiating as well as discontinuing the protease inhibitors to maximize patient safety. Although improved suppression of HCV replication is anticipated, 20 to 40% of treated subjects have required early treatment discontinuation due to various adverse events including anemia (100%), infection (30%), nephrotoxicity (20%) and rejection (5 to 10%). Simeprevir and faldaprevir will likely have improved efficacy and safety profiles but potential drug interactions with other OATP1B1 substrates and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia are expected. In contrast, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir based antiviral therapy are not expected to lead to clinically significant drug-drug interactions in LT recipients but confirmatory studies are needed. Liver transplant recipients may also be at increased risk of developing drug induced liver injury (DILI). Establishing a diagnosis of DILI in the transplant setting is very difficult with the variable latency, laboratory features and histopathological manifestations of hepatotoxicity associated with a given drug, the need to exclude competing causes of allograft injury, and the lack of an objective and verifiable confirmatory test. Nonetheless, a heightened awareness of the possibility of DILI is warranted in light of the large number of medications used in LT recipients and the potential adverse impact that DILI may have on patient outcomes.